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Effective public diplomacy advances our foreign and trade policy interests by shaping and influencing opinion overseas and promoting an accurate, contemporary and positive image of Australia. It builds long-term relationships with people in key countries and reinforces Australia's credibility and general standing in international affairs.
Public diplomacy has recently become the subject of more intense public and political attention, both in Australia and overseas. In our evidence to the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Inquiry into the nature and conduct of Australia's public diplomacy, we underlined the depth and breadth of the department's public diplomacy activities. We stressed that our public diplomacy activities are driven by clearly defined objectives, target clearly defined audiences and achieve concrete outcomes. We also underscored our work with a wide range of governmental and private sector partners to mount effective public diplomacy activities, providing examples of successful joint projects.
Our visit programs brought a wide range of opinion and decision-makers from priority countries to Australia, engendering a better understanding of our identity and values and establishing lasting relationships.
Media tools remained a vital public diplomacy resource. The department manages the Government's five-year contract with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (2006–11) to provide a television service to the Asia-Pacific region. Launched in August 2006, Australia Network now reaches 20 million homes in over 40 countries. It plays an important part in Australia's broad public diplomacy by promoting a better understanding of contemporary Australia and providing an independent source of news in Asia and the South Pacific.
International media coverage of Australia in 2006–07 remained broadly positive and factual. The department worked closely through its posts to manage international perceptions of high-profile issues such as Australia's response to climate change, Indigenous affairs, migration and our trade policies.
Adroit cultural diplomacy is an important component of our public diplomacy efforts. The department completed a major, successful cultural program in India, one of Australia's most important regional partners, among a large number of smaller cultural diplomacy initiatives around the world. In the 2007–08 Budget, the Government announced additional funding of $20.4 million for cultural diplomacy over the next four years. This new funding will be expended under the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC), an advisory body chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. It will enhance significantly Australia's cultural diplomacy program.
The department launched the preparations for Australia's involvement in World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Our participation in the Expo will reflect the importance of the bilateral relationship with China and showcase Australia's dynamic culture, economic strengths and scientific and technological capabilities, including in the areas of renewable energy and environmental management. We selected a Melbourne-based company to develop design options for Australia's Expo pavilion.
The department continued to provide opportunities for staff to hone their public diplomacy skills to ensure that Australia's public diplomacy remained flexible, creative and effective. We launched a new public diplomacy pre-posting training course, held a series of specialist advocacy courses for staff in Canberra, convened two regional public diplomacy workshops for posts in the Middle East, Africa and Europe, and recruited 11 media relations specialists.
International public diplomacy
Our posts conducted 4279 public diplomacy events and briefings and maintained a vigorous and proactive approach to media management through the placement of features and ministerial op-ed pieces in influential papers around the world. As a result, international media carried pieces on Australian Indigenous affairs, environment and climate change, migration, gender equality, social harmony in Australia, health and drugs policy, juvenile justice and sporting excellence.
The department conducted a comprehensive review of public diplomacy funding arrangements for posts. The review ensured resources were targeted to gain maximum impact from our programs. These programs were driven by a whole of government focus, implemented by posts and supported by biannual inter-agency meetings held in Canberra (with representatives from 18 government agencies).
Minister for Trade, Mr Warren Truss, with former and serving female employees of the department at the launch of the book Women with a Mission, 8 March 2007. Back row (L–R): The Secretary Mr Michael L'Estrange AO; Ms Denise Fisher; Ms Di Johnstone; Ms Rosaleen McGovern; Ms Sarah McCosker, (daughter of our current Ambassador to France, Ms Penny Wensley AO); Mr Truss; Ms Felicity Volk, co-editor, Images of Australia Branch. Front row (L–R): Ms Tonia Shand; Ms Sue Boyd; Ms Ruth Pearce; Ms Margaret Adamson; Dr Moreen Dee, co-editor, Information Resources Branch. Photo: Michael Jensen |
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We organised a diverse range of public advocacy activities. They involved our missions in:
- Jakarta organising a public affairs campaign against illegal fishing, which has complemented whole of government efforts to discourage illegal fishing in Australia's waters by Indonesian fishing communities
- Los Angeles and New York managing the highly successful G'day USA promotion of Australian exports, culture and education, with support from a number of Australian companies
- Pretoria coordinating Australian participation at Mining Indaba, Africa's most important mining event and one of the biggest of its kind globally. Australia's involvement at the forum highlighted the growing presence of Australian resource companies in Africa and showcased their expertise in the field
- Shanghai managing Celebrate Australia, a whole of government promotion of Australian lifestyle, fashion, cultural excellence (including the Australian ballet), cuisine and business
- Paris, in conjunction with public and private sector partners (including Austrade, Australian tourism agencies, major airlines and the Australian Rugby Union), promoting excellence in Australian education and tourism to 60 000 visitors to the Lorient Festival in August 2006. Australia was the 'country of honour' at Lorient, France's largest and Europe's second largest outdoor festival
- Phnom Penh developing and managing a program to commemorate bilateral cooperation over 55 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and Cambodia (this included an International Media Visit by a senior Khmer daily newspaper and a photo exhibition to celebrate the anniversary)
- Tehran promoting counter-radicalisation messages by publishing and distributing Farsi-translated material on Australia's cultural diversity and Australia's Muslim community
- Athens promoting Australia's disarmament agenda through a joint (Australia/Canada/Norway/Greece) week-long public awareness campaign comprising public seminars, the dissemination of educational materials and a photo exhibition
- Berlin hosting an exhibition promoting Australia's climate change policies and highlighting Australian innovations in energy efficiency and renewable and clean energy technologies
- Port Moresby hosting Australia Week—an inaugural promotion featuring an Indigenous art exhibition, the launch of a historical publication on the bilateral relationship (Documents on Australian Foreign Policy) and performances by Australian bands.
The department equipped posts with material to assist their advocacy efforts on key foreign and trade policy issues, and domestic developments. Issue-specific talking points and the weekly Key Messages Brief (KMB) continued to be core public diplomacy tools. The KMB featured 148 items on a range of issues, including: climate change, the Middle East and Iraq, counter-terrorism, East Timor, overseas aid, WTO negotiations, free trade agreements and Australia's trade record.
We helped posts integrate their public diplomacy programs more closely with Australia's broad international interests by holding regional public diplomacy workshops in Cairo and Berlin in May 2007. Seventy-four officers from 38 posts in the Middle East, Africa and Europe attended these workshops.
Acknowledging the crucial role officers at post play in promoting Australia to international audiences, the department instituted a new public diplomacy course for staff proceeding on posting. We conducted four such courses in the reporting period, extending participation to other agencies. In Australia, we organised six public advocacy workshops to help officers promote key foreign and trade policy initiatives to domestic audiences (in relation to free trade agreements, our engagement with Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea and Australia's role in the negotiation of the Convention on Biological Diversity).
Recognising women in Australian diplomacy
Women comprise more than half of the department's staff and almost a quarter of the Senior Executive Service—working in senior management in Australia and abroad. At 30 June 2007, twenty-three women were serving in a head of mission capacity overseas or as our Canberra-based ambassadors on certain issues.
Lyndall Sachs, as ambassador to Lebanon, managed the largest evacuation of Australian citizens in our diplomatic history during the 2006 crisis in Lebanon. Margaret Twomey, our ambassador to East Timor, has skilfully represented Australia's interests through periods of major political upheaval and civil unrest. Caroline Millar has been our ambassador to the United Nations and the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, at a time when the security environment presents new demands and international non-proliferation arrangements face serious challenges. Jan Adams has represented Australia as our Canberra-based ambassador for the environment. In June 2007, Ms Adams was awarded a public service medal for pursuit of Australia's international objectives on trade and environment, particularly through her work on the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate.
The department celebrates the role played by its female staff on International Women's Day in March each year. On this occasion in 2007, Mr Truss launched a departmental publication Women with a mission: personal perspectives. The book charts the progress of women in the department and their contribution to Australia's international agenda. It showcases the stories of nine women in particular who have served as heads of Australian diplomatic missions and posts around the world. The reflections of these women provide insight and inspiration as career opportunities for women in Australia's diplomatic service continue to broaden.
Public affairs material
Through its website and in print through posts, the department delivered a broad range of public affairs material to target audiences overseas. This included:
- the 48th edition of Australia in Brief, providing factual information about Australia's economy, society and way of life, with translations into 14 languages (Mandarin, Cantonese, Bahasa, Thai, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Bangla and Khmer)
- production of a short film promoting contemporary Australia
- Australia Fast Facts, a quick reference document.
The department launched a public diplomacy intranet site to improve the accessibility of departmental and other government material available to posts in planning and implementing public diplomacy activities.
Special Visits Program
The Special Visits Program (SVP) is the department's premier visits program. It is a carefully targeted program that brings to Australia influential or potentially influential people for meetings with key Australian government, business and community figures, and an introduction to Australian culture and society. On their return home, SVP visitors contribute to a better understanding of Australian society and policy. Through the program we build a network of international contacts relevant to our foreign and trade policy interests. During the year we organised 36 visits, including:
- an influential Chinese academic and a senior economic policy-maker, which enabled us to create greater awareness of Australia's foreign and energy policies in China
- a representative of a key Japanese industry body and an influential academic, to build Japanese support for the commencement of FTA negotiations
- visits from Malaysia, which fostered cultural and education linkages and a deeper understanding of Australia's foreign policy
- the editor of one of PNG's daily newspapers, to enhance understanding of contemporary Australia
- the Deputy Chair of Turkey's ruling party, which helped us advance our Anzac Cove and other bilateral interests.
International media visits program
The department's International Media Visits (IMV) program continued to deliver quality outcomes to enhance perceptions of Australia internationally. Under the flagship public diplomacy program, visits of senior media reporters from target regions encouraged informed international media coverage of Australia, the strength of the economy and our major foreign and trade policy objectives.
In cooperation with overseas posts, we organised 19 visits involving 44 media representatives. As there is strong competition for inclusion in the program, visitor nominations were closely assessed with participants selected on the basis of their capacity to influence and contribute to an improved understanding of Australia and our national interests.
Journalists visiting Australia from Africa under the department's International Media Visits program meeting the Chair of the Community Relations Commission for a Multicultural NSW, Mr Stepan Kerkyasharian AM (centre). The journalists are (left to right) Mr Kobina Ashmara (Ghana), Mr Peter Fabricius (South Africa), Mr Daniel Kaninda (South Africa) and Mr Laurent Chaburt (Mauritius). |
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Highlights of the program included: a visit by a group of eight journalists to participate in the Fifth World Conference of Science Journalists; a program for four ASEAN senior editors to report on cultural diversity, Islam in Australia and the strength of the economy; and an inaugural visit of four senior foreign affairs and economic editors from three African countries focusing on innovation, resources and Australia's expanding bilateral relations with Africa.
The department's International Media Centre (IMC) in Sydney played the leading role in providing assistance to international media visitors, offering advice on issues, story leads and contact referrals. The IMC delivered a useful service to members of the Foreign Correspondents' Association (FCA), including briefings by ministers and senior officials on key policy issues and travel assistance to Canberra for the Budget announcement.
International cultural visits
During the year, the department's long-running Cultural Awards Scheme (CAS) was renamed the International Cultural Visits (ICV) program. The new program has broader objectives more closely aligned with our foreign and trade policy priorities, reaches a larger pool of potential visitors, including patrons of the arts and senior arts officials, and targets particular regions. It seeks to build lasting professional relationships, engender a better understanding of our cultural sophistication and generate proposals for potential collaborations.
During 2006–07, the department brought 13 ICV visitors to Australia from 11 countries—Japan, Turkey, China, Thailand, South Korea, Singapore, Pakistan, Egypt, the United States, the United Kingdom and Belgium. These visitors included some of the world's foremost critics and curators of contemporary visual arts: the Editorial Director of The Arts newspaper, London; the editor and publisher of Art Asia Pacific magazine, based in New York; the Deputy Director of the Beijing Centre of Creativity; and an independent curator and critic from Istanbul. Since her visit, the curator has made preparations to feature Australian artists in the next Istanbul Biennial (2007). Two leading authorities on design also came to Australia under the program: the Director of the Design Singapore Council; and the Director of the Museum of Arts and Design, New York.
Promotion of Australia through our cultural assets
Through our cultural expressions, the peoples of other nations learn—often in a more subtle way than other public diplomacy initiatives—about Australia's diversity, innovation and capacity for tolerance.
Australia International Cultural Council
The department continued to support the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) as the peak advisory body on cultural diplomacy. Chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the AICC meets biannually and includes senior figures from the arts community, business and government agencies. The AICC has developed a strong record of achievement showcasing Australian arts internationally, which project a positive image of Australia to advance our foreign and trade policy goals and promote exports of Australian cultural products.
In May 2007, the Government announced $20.4 million for Australia on the World Stage (see box on page 213). The additional funding will take the AICC's total budget to $24.4 million over four years.
From November 2006 to June 2007, the AICC presented the second and final year of AusArts India. Over 120 000 people attended Australian performances, film festivals and visual art exhibitions in eight of India's largest cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Chennai, Goa, Pune and Bangalore. The multi-arts program heightened awareness of Australia's cultural sophistication and diversity.
Australia on the world stage
Australia's capacity to deliver high-quality and effective cultural diplomacy programs was boosted by the Government's announcement in May 2007 of additional funding of $20.4 million over four years. The Australia on the World Stage initiative will significantly enhance Australia's international cultural profile and improve market access for our arts exports.
The additional funding will enable the Australia International Cultural Council (AICC) to achieve a powerful presence for Australia in priority regions.
Australia on the World Stage will foster better understanding of Australia in our region and further abroad by demonstrating our cultural excellence. The new funding will target Asia, the Middle East, and the South Pacific.
Programs will aim to project a sophisticated, diverse, tolerant and innovative image of Australia, boost our cultural exports, advance Australian tourism and education, and support the promotion of Indigenous art. The programs will include:
- major cultural promotions in key countries including China, Indonesia and the United States
- expanded promotion of Australia's world-class film industry through the Embassy Film Roadshow
- a new AICC grants program to enable artists and arts companies to tour internationally
- an enhanced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Program
- visits to Australia by international artists and cultural decision-makers
- development of multimedia content to promote Australian arts and culture including through online delivery and international television broadcasting.
The AICC and the Commission for International Cultural Promotion—the officials' group supporting the work of the AICC—remain Australia's key vehicles for cultural diplomacy. The Commission will have an increased role in helping to shape outcomes of AICC meetings and in coordinating cultural diplomacy efforts across government.
Embassy Film Roadshow
The Embassy Film Roadshow, delivered in conjunction with the AICC and the Australian Film Commission, continues to be one of the department's most popular and effective public diplomacy initiatives. Our overseas posts stage Australian film festivals at public venues, drawing on the Roadshow's stock of 56 contemporary feature films and documentaries and 30 short films. The Roadshow includes ten Spanish-subtitled films and six Arabic-subtitled films.
In 2006–07, the Roadshow travelled to Port Vila, Nairobi, Kathmandu, Manila, Cebu, Vientiane, Kuwait City, Malta, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and regional centres in Vietnam, Port Louis, Brussels, Bangkok, Moscow, and Seoul. These festivals showcased a wide range of Australian cinema to audiences unfamiliar with our film and helped promote other public diplomacy objectives.
Popular films recently screened from the collection were Peaches, Three Dollars, Somersault and Danny Deckchair as well as short films such as Danya and The Mysterious Explorations of Jasper Morello. Several new feature films that will be added to the collection in 2007 include: The Caterpillar Wish, Jindabyne and Look Both Ways. New short films will be Breathe and Academy award-nominated The Saviour. We have also created a new classic collection from the National Film and Sound Archive with films such as The Devil's Playground, Newsfront, My Brilliant Career and Storm Boy.
Supporting Australian artists overseas
The department continued to support contemporary Australian art overseas. The Cultural Relations Discretionary Grant (CRDG) program, the Australian Visual Arts Touring program and the Australian Fine Music Touring program, as well as funding under the auspices of the Australia International Cultural Council, were the primary vehicles for assisting Australian artists and performers to tour.
Major projects assisted under the CRDG program during the year included:
- a tour by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra to mark the centenary of its foundation, to Spain, France, Germany and Italy
- tours by avant-garde dance companies: Chunky Move to Poland; and the Australian Dance Theatre to Japan and Europe
- showcasing The Australian Ballet in Shanghai, China.
In addition to showcasing medium to large-size companies, we also assisted high-quality small groups and individuals to tour internationally. In 2006–07, the program provided funding for 16 projects in China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, Japan, South Africa, Ghana, the Philippines, Uganda, Tanzania, the Netherlands, Poland, France, Belgium, Austria, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, the United States and Italy.
The department continued to use the CRDG to promote a greater awareness of Australia's Indigenous cultures. Dynamic performance group Descendance toured South Africa and Ghana, on the occasion of that country's 50th anniversary of independence. The Nura Gili performance and art group from the University of New South Wales toured Uganda and Tanzania, and the Bardi Dancers were featured cultural performers at the G'Day USA Australia Week celebrations in New York and Los Angeles in January 2007.
Indigenous Australian culture
We continued to promote an accurate and positive image of contemporary Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures by: touring visual arts, through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program; supporting Indigenous performing arts, principally through the CRDG program; providing information and educational resources to posts and ensuring that our diplomatic missions were provided with expert advice on the protocols of presenting Indigenous cultures.
The department, through its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program, actively promotes a positive and accurate image of Australia's Indigenous peoples internationally. It does this through developing projects and initiatives that demonstrate the significant contributions Indigenous peoples make to the arts, business, industry and the professional fields. One of the key projects included the international touring of the Gelam Nguzu Kazi—Dugong My Son, Torres Strait Islander exhibition. The department supported one of the key artists, Mr Dennis Nona, to attend an exhibition opening and deliver master art classes in Vientiane, Laos, enabling audiences to experience first-hand the diversity of Indigenous art and culture. Torres Strait Islander artist Mr Dennis Nona (third from left standing) conducting master art classes with students from the School of Fine Arts, National University of Laos. |
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The exhibition component of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program was successful in reinforcing messages of tolerance and diversity in a range of countries. In 2006–07, three exhibitions were displayed in 10 cities across the South Pacific, Europe, Africa and Asia. Existing exhibitions, Kiripuranji and Kickin Up Dust, which have been touring internationally for three years, were retired in 2006–07. In July 2006, as part of the department's celebrations of NAIDOC week, we launched a new exhibition, Gelam Nguzu Kazi: Dugong My Son, featuring artistic works from the Torres Strait Islands. The exhibition toured through the South Pacific and Asia. In Laos, the exhibiting artist, Dennis Nona, conducted master classes on the meaning of and techniques employed in his works.
Sports outreach program
We reviewed the discretionary grants administered by the department in conjunction with the Australian Sports Commission under the Australian Sports Outreach program to strengthen governance arrangements.
The department's Pacific Sports Development Grants acknowledge the important contribution sport makes towards community development in the Pacific, as well as the integral role sports funding plays in Australia's public diplomacy efforts in the region. During the year, 23 grants were approved to support programs in Federated States of Micronesia, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, Kiribati and Solomon Islands. Projects focused on community sports development programs, coaching clinics, equipment and infrastructure construction.
Bilateral engagement: creating people-to-people links
The department provides secretariats for and works closely with nine bilateral foundations, councils and institutes to promote people-to-people links and accurate, contemporary images of Australia in support of the Government's foreign and trade policy goals.
Australia–China Council
The Australia–China Council (ACC) is tasked with broadening and deepening Australia–China people-to-people links and promoting an understanding of each other's culture and society.
To give young Australians firsthand experience of China's economy and society, the Council provided three scholarship programs for 18 participants to study in China for periods from four weeks to one year. A nationwide Chinese Speech Competition for Australian secondary students was sponsored by the Council to promote and recognise outstanding achievement in Chinese language. The Council also promoted Chinese understanding of Australia, its society, traditions and capabilities through continued support of Australian studies in Chinese universities that included the funding of 24 research and other projects and recognition of 11 Australian Studies Centres' outputs.
With a view to demonstrating Australia's expertise to a wide range of Chinese audiences, the ACC supported a residency program enabling 12 Australian artists, musicians, and performing artists to work with their counterparts in Beijing, Hong Kong, Taipei and elsewhere in China. The ACC also showcased Australian talent through the ACC's Asialink Fellowship, which enabled a jazz musician to live and perform in Shanghai for up to four months.
Under its grants program, the ACC provided grants for 36 Australia–China cultural projects. The Council exposed many Australians to Chinese art and culture, for example, by supporting the 5th Asia-Pacific Triennial at the Queensland Art Gallery and performances of the Hsiao His Yuan Puppet Theatre of Taiwan in Hobart and Melbourne; and enabling prominent Chinese filmmakers and writers to attend the Adelaide and Brisbane Film Festivals and Sydney Writers' Festival. Chinese were exposed to Australian art and culture through ACC-funded projects such as the Australian Children's Choir's 30th Anniversary Tour of China and Australia's National Institute for Circus Arts that won a bronze medal at the international acrobatics competition in Wuhan.
Australia–India Council
The Australia–India Council (AIC) continued to strengthen the people-to-people underpinnings of Australia's relationship with India. A partnership with the Australia International Cultural Council's AusArts:India promotion projected the themes of Australian cultural excellence and social diversity to a broad Indian audience. This program enabled tours of India by five Australian groups of cultural performers, including two Aboriginal performing groups, a number of eminent Australian authors and two design exhibitions.
Other highlights of the AIC's work included: a joint initiative of the Burnet Institute and the AIC that has now sent Australian doctors to train over 1000 Indian doctors on HIV/AIDS clinical management; the promotion of Australian studies in India, particularly through the Australian Studies Visiting Fellowship Scheme; funding for an Australia–India seminar for senior editors to enhance Indian opinion-shapers' understanding of Australia; and three prestigious lecture series—the Narayanan Oration, bringing eminent Indian economic figures to Australia, the Crawford Lecture which showcases Australian expertise in India and the Lowy–AIC 'Australia–India Strategic Lecture' series.
The AIC also supported a security roundtable to focus key strategic and defence thinkers on Australia–India relations, an artist-in-residency program which strengthened links between the countries' artistic communities, and the AIC-sponsored Border–Gavaskar Cricket Scholarship Program through which elite young Indian cricketers receive specialist coaching in Australia.
Australia–Indonesia Institute
The Australia–Indonesia Institute continued to support a range of diverse activities and events across a broad range of programs to promote positive images of Australia in Indonesia and of Indonesia in Australia. An event in Jakarta in early February 2007 marked the 25th anniversary of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Exchange Program (AIYEP), the Institute's longest-running program (see box on page 218).
The other major people-to-people exchange program run by the Institute, the Muslim Exchange program, marked its sixth anniversary with several exchanges of young Muslim professionals from Indonesia and one from Australia. During the year, the Institute also contributed to the successful visit to Australia by a group of Acehnese orphans who had been given post-tsunami assistance by AusAID and Australian charity organisations, including Youth Off the Streets.
A Senior Editors' Visit took place in March 2007. Five Indonesian editors from print and television organisations visited Sydney and Canberra. The editors met Mr Downer and a range of Australian politicians and officials, senior editors, other media representatives, representatives of various faiths, and the Indonesian community in Canberra.
Exchange programs can have a major impact on bilateral relations
A highlight of the 25th Anniversary event of the Australia–Indonesia Youth Exchange (AIYEP) held in Jakarta in February 2007 was the enthusiasm demonstrated by the alumni. They had gathered to discuss their experiences of the program and provide suggestions on its future for the next generation of participants. The Indonesian alumni told of how their experiences in Australia with counterparts, host families and work placement colleagues resulted in a deep and lasting affection for Australia. Over 200 of the nearly 700 alumni rekindled friendships over the two days of the reunion. Following their experiences of AIYEP, alumni have subsequently pursued careers in a range of areas, including government, business, law, and academia, with many maintaining strong links with the other country.
The anniversary events were not only successful in eliciting constructive suggestions about AIYEP and other exchange programs run by the Australia–Indonesia Institute but were an excellent forum in delivering positive messages about the bilateral relationship to a broad audience. This demonstrates the effectiveness, not only of the program and the related public diplomacy activities, but also the significant contribution that exchange programs like this and other people-to-people links have on strengthening bilateral relationships.
Under the Saraswati sub-program of the Arts and Culture program, the Institute provided assistance to 19 organisations including the Australia–Indonesia Arts Alliance, which brought the exuberant percussion band, Samba Sunda, on a visit to Australia to coincide with WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance) in Adelaide. Under the Civil Society program, the Institute partially funded a visit by two officers from the Australian Council of National Trusts to assist with a workshop on the management of community-based heritage organisations attended by more than 12 Indonesian heritage organisations from many parts of the country.
Australia–Japan Foundation
The Australia–Japan Foundation (AJF), established in 1976, aims to promote mutual awareness and enhance longer-term contact between Australia and Japan and their respective peoples. In December 2006, the AJF was re-established within the department.
An example of AJF efforts to enhance longer-term contact is the Australia–Japan Young Professionals' Exchange Network. This program was established in November 2006 and links Australian and Japanese architects, engineers, town planners and allied health professionals. It promotes discussions on a range of cross-professional issues and has generated a number of joint research proposals, further exchange visits and other forms of academic collaboration.
The AJF supported a highly successful Australia–Japan Arts Forum at the National Centre for Art in Tokyo. Senior curators from each country developed a strategic plan that aims to increase collaboration in the arts and promote a broader understanding of Australia's excellence in the arts.
In October 2006, Deputy Prime Minister and then Trade Minister Mr Vaile delivered the inaugural AJF address to senior Japanese and Australian business leaders. The address focused on the significance of the bilateral relationship and the continuing importance of Japan as an economic and strategic partner.
Australia–Korea Foundation
The Australia–Korea Foundation (AKF) helped broaden and deepen relations with the Republic of Korea (ROK). It supported or conducted a range of activities in commerce and industry, science and technology, education and the arts.
The AKF's third Australia–Korea and New Zealand Broadband Summit was held in Adelaide in December 2006. The Summit provided a venue for business and research interests to discuss technology and market developments, and an opportunity for individual firms and institutions to forge business alliances and collaborative research projects. Prior to the Summit, the AKF led a Digital Content Industry Delegation to Seoul. It also supported a one-day conference in Melbourne on Digital Natives in Australia and Korea.
The AKF is the major supporter of an Australia–Korea Early Career Scientist Exchange Program (ECRP), which aims to strengthen Australia–Korea complementarities in science. Through the program, we embedded up to five postdoctoral scientists in key research projects—alternatively from Korea to Australia and from Australia–for approximately three months. It links the AKF, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation.
Under the AKF's education program, we have developed an internet-based study kit, Investigating Australia, aimed at Korean students and available at www.auskorea.info. The Foundation provides financial and operational support for the Australia–Korea Teachers' Exchange program, and flow-on school and student exchange visits in both directions. We developed a new project, the Australia–Korea Talkback Classroom, which links the AKF, the National Museum of Australia and Korea's EBS Television. In the 2006 classroom exercise, we sponsored the visit to Korea by two Australian senior high school students to meet two Korean students to investigate the prospects for peace and reunification of the Korean peninsula. We assisted the students with their preparatory research, including by arranging interviews with Mr Downer and the ROK Ambassador. At the conclusion of their learning journey, the students participated in a forum discussion with leading Korean policy adviser Professor Moon Chung-in. The forum discussion and the students' interview with Mr Downer was subsequently broadcast on Korean television.
Council on Australia Latin America Relations
The Council on Australia Latin America Relations (COALAR) continued to support Australia's diplomatic and economic objectives in the Latin American region across its four priority areas of business, education, tourism and culture. COALAR worked in partnership with Austrade and the Australia Latin America Business Council to promote opportunities for Australian businesses in Latin America by providing support for the 2006 Australia Latin America Business Awards and the 2007 Australia Festivals in Buenos Aires, Lima and Mexico City.
COALAR collaborated with the Department of Education, Science and Training to support the visit to Australia of a Colombian Ministry of Education delegation, further strengthening government-to-government links in the education sector. COALAR funded a media visit to Australia by five journalists from Latin American APEC member economies, Mexico, Peru and Chile to coincide with APEC 2007 events. The visit provided an opportunity to highlight trade and investment linkages between Australia and Latin America in the lead-up to APEC in Peru in 2008. Two members of the COALAR Executive Council visited the region to talk with decision-makers of five Latin American countries on a wide range of issues, including tourism and agribusiness.
Australia–Malaysia Institute
Following its establishment in 2005, the Australia–Malaysia Institute (AMI) continued to develop a program of activities aimed at strengthening people-to-people and institutional links with Malaysia. The AMI arranged a visit to Malaysia by a group of Australian journalists, and two visits by groups of Malaysian journalists to Australia, one focusing on Australia's cultural and religious diversity and the other on sport as a means of obtaining a deeper insight into the Australian way of life. The visits resulted in a range of positive reports on Australia in the Malaysian press.
Two-way visits under the Young Leaders and Muslim Exchange programs enhanced understanding between future leaders and opinion-makers in both countries. The Australia–Malaysia Fellowships Scheme continued to attract a significant number of high-quality applications, with eight fellowships awarded in 2006–07 in Australian studies, Malaysian studies and research excellence. The AMI's Cultural Understanding program increased in both size and scope, with six diverse cultural projects supported. Three AMI projects were associated with the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Malaysian independence in 2007.
The AMI Executive Committee made a successful visit to Malaysia in September 2006, meeting with a range of government officials and discussing strategic partnerships with Malaysian business and academic groups.
Council for Australian–Arab Relations
The Council for Australian–Arab Relations (CAAR) continued to promote people-to-people links and greater understanding between the peoples of Australia and the Arab world. Council member Dr Glen Simpson was appointed as the new Chairman in May 2007. Key highlights during the year included the establishment of a postgraduate scholarships program that will bring students to Australia to study and to promote awareness of the country, and the Young Professionals' Exchange Program that brings selected young business people from Arab countries to Australia for work-experience placements. In addition, and to assist recovery following the 2006 Israeli–Hezbollah conflict, CAAR and the Australian Government have identified and commenced funding of a rural irrigation reconstruction project in Lebanon.
Australia–Thailand Institute
Since its establishment in mid-2005, the Australia–Thailand Institute (ATI) has continued to expand institutional, cultural and people-to-people links between Australia and Thailand, focusing on projects in public policy, health and science, and culture and the arts.
In its second year—and in addition to a substantial grants program—the Institute developed further its support for visits to Australia by young Muslims from southern Thailand. Thai participants enjoyed a substantive exchange of views about Islam in Australia with a broad range of government and non-government interlocutors.
Advocacy of Australian perspectives on environmental and scientific developments was also advanced through the Institute's Media Visits Program. The Institute sponsored Thai participation at the Melbourne World Conference of Science Journalists, in addition to organising an extensive and individual program in Australia for one of Thailand's most prominent news anchors and radio hosts. The Institute contributed to the popular Thai Culture and Food Festival and supported the Australian National University's 'Thailand Up-date Conference'.
Direct Aid Program
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants scheme that aims to lessen humanitarian hardship while supporting the Government's international relations and public diplomacy goals. In 2006–07, the department disbursed over $4 million in DAP funds through 51 posts to projects in over 73 countries including providing disaster relief following severe floods in Uruguay. The DAP was expanded to include a new program in Afghanistan, administered by our embassy in Kabul. A decision was also made to establish a new DAP program for Northern Cyprus through the high commission in Nicosia, commencing in July 2007.
Some examples of the wide range of community development projects funded during the year include:
- in Afghanistan, the construction and fit-out of an eye ward at a hospital, which will give poor communities access to eye surgery and ophthalmic treatments
- in southern Vietnam, rebuilding of housing destroyed by typhoons
- in Zimbabwe, the provision of textbooks and basic school equipment to primary schools
- in Solomon Islands, the supply of essential clean water to several outlying island communities.
Direct aid program provides education infrastructure in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone is the second poorest country in the world. After ten years of civil war, its government has committed to a peaceful future and is striving to address the development needs of the people. The Direct Aid Program (DAP), through our high commission in Accra, Ghana has helped one community in Sierra Leone to start rebuilding their lives.
DAP funded the construction and fit-out of a library and resource centre for a remote community in which virtually every building was destroyed during the war. The building will be used as a library by the local primary school during the school week and, after hours, will serve as a community library and a safe meeting place for villagers.
As many young adults in Sierra Leone were denied basic education during the war, the library will give this group access to materials that will improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Reinforcing the Australian commitment to development through education in Sierra Leone, staff of the New South Wales Education Service and members of the Sierra Leonean community in Australia have joined forces with the DAP and donated books for the library.
Asia–Pacific regional television service
Australia's Asia-Pacific regional television service was officially launched by Mr Downer in August 2006 with a new brand, Australia Network. The service, with a footprint covering over 40 countries and available in 20 million households, will be provided by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for a five-year period (2006–11).
Australia Network provided programming in three zones—Pacific, East Asia and India—with a strong emphasis on regional coverage of news and current affairs. The service far exceeded the minimum requirement of 70 per cent Australian content in overall programming. Improved regional news and current affairs coverage has been achieved by the selection and placement of dedicated network correspondents reporting from New Delhi, Beijing, Jakarta and the Pacific. A team of two reporters is also based in Canberra to cover national political issues.
Australia Network has achieved significant growth in a number of important markets, including India, Hong Kong and Taiwan. In India, audience growth measured by survey data and assisted by wide cable distribution has now reached two million viewers a week.
A companion website, australianetwork.com, has also achieved strong growth since the launch of the new brand, with online unique user-views averaging 59 000 per week. Education content accounts for 26 per cent of website traffic.
Australian participation in the 2010 World Expo—Shanghai
The department made substantial progress in planning for Australia's participation in World Expo 2010. Detailed design and budget options are being developed for Australia's presence at the Expo, which will include a showcase pavilion and associated cultural and business programs. We completed negotiations for the location of the Australian pavilion, situated in the sought-after central zone of the Expo site, alongside South-East Asian and Pacific countries.
The scale of World Expo 2010 requires a coordinated federal—state and public—private approach. The department convened a range of consultative meetings with Commonwealth agencies, state and territory representatives and the private sector to establish an effective partnership and ensure a coordinated effort. The private sector is an enthusiastic player in Australia's Expo presence, as commercial providers, participants in the associated cultural and business programs, and as sponsors.
The department created a new website at www.expo2010.org.au. It contains general information about Australia's Expo presence and specific information relating to associated commercial opportunities. It includes details of the first of six major tenders to be conducted relating to design work for the Australian pavilion.
The department will continue to deliver high-quality and innovative public and cultural diplomacy programs to advance Australia's foreign and trade policies.
We will coordinate the response of federal government agencies to the recommendations contained in the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade's report into the nature and conduct of Australian public diplomacy.
The staging of the APEC 2007 Economic Leaders' Meeting in Sydney from 8—9 September will be a major opportunity to project Australia to the region. With more than 1500 media representatives expected to cover the meeting, it will provide not only excellent media coverage of Australia's leadership in APEC, but will also showcase Australia's economic and social successes.
We will work with the design company to prepare detailed design options for our pavilion at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, put in place arrangements for the construction and operation of the pavilion, and develop business and cultural programs.
The department will work closely with the members of the AICC, especially the Australia Council, to ensure that the new cultural diplomacy funds are expended efficiently and effectively. We will ensure that the AICC's expanded programs are underpinned by robust and flexible structures. We will deliver AICC country programs in France and Malaysia in the second half of 2007 and launch a major promotion in Indonesia in 2008.
We will continue to work with Australia Network to ensure that our television service to Asia and the Pacific remains of high quality.


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Sweet crochet and soft crinkled chiffon come together in this beautiful top that revels in carefree sunny days. Pair it with destroyed denim and fringed accessories for a boho look that's right on trend.
• Square neckline. Sleeveless with elasticized straps.
• Crinkled chiffon with crochet trim. Peplum hem with drawstring. Gold-tone logo charm at left strap.
• Four button closures at front placket
• 100% Viscose. Crochet: 100% Cotton.
• Hand wash
Shipping Options:
Orders are shipped via UPS using the following rate scale:
Standard 5-7 Business Days - $8.95
Second Business Day - $14.95
Next Business Day - $26.95
NOTE: No Saturday or Sunday deliveries.
No shipping to P.O.Boxes. A.P.O and F.P.O addresses are automatically shipped via
USPS Ground.
Orders placed during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST) are typically processed and shipped within one business day.
We do not offer international shipping at this time.
For complete details, click here.
Easy Return Options:
Take it back to your local GUESS store for FREE or ship it back to us.
GUESS gladly accepts unworn, unwashed or defective full-priced merchandise for up to thirty days after purchase date. Original receipt, hygiene strip and tags must be attached. Unfortunately, pierced jewelry, innerwear, fragrances, lotions and items marked "final sale" are not returnable. Sale merchandise may only be returned to a store for an exchange. Shipping charges are not refundable.
For complete details, click here.
Contact Us By Email:
Use our online contact form for quick, personalized assistance. Click here.
Contact Us By Phone:
Toll Free: 1-877-44-GUESS (48377).
Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. (PT)

subset: commoncrawl


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Updated: October 5, 2013 6:28AM
Man offers plea deal in molestation case
VALPARAISO — A Portage man has pleaded guilty to molesting a girl from 1988 to 1998, from her preteens until she was about 16.
Roger L. Tanner, 49, faces up to 10 years in prison and 10 years on probation when sentenced Oct. 11.
Tanner originally had faced 20 to 50 years in prison on a class A felony child molesting charge before he offered a plea bargain on Friday.
Court documents said repressed memories came back when the victim tried to re-establish a relationship with another relative, and the molestation continued during weekend visitations even though he wasn't a biological parent.
Charges dropped in disorderly conduct case
VALPARAISO — The Porter County Prosecutor dropped charges against a Portage woman who took a beer from a neighbor's outside refrigerator and drank it on his porch until she resisted arrest, attempting to kick and bite an officer.
Crystal L. Patrick, 35, faced Class D felony theft, misdemeanor resisting arrest and misdemeanor disorderly conduct from the May 31 incident and Class D felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor trespass for an Oct. 15 incident where she vandalized a neighbor's vehicles.
Deputy Prosecutor Rebecca Buitendorp said that a court appointed guardian determined that Patrick's parents had secured their home to deal with her special needs and it was safe again.
The charges were dismissed without prejudice, so the prosecutor's office could reinstate them again.
Two charge in check-stealing scheme
VALPARAISO — Two LaPorte residents have been charged with Class D felony theft for allegedly stealing for checks from a Porter County residence and cashing them for $700.
Keith A. King, 29, and Krystle M. Catlin, 29, each face up to three years in prison on Class D felony theft charges.
According to court documents, the theft occurred before Aug. 18, although those documents didn't provide details of the theft or motive.
Neither King nor Catlin was listed as being in custody at Porter County Jail, but King's bail bond is set at $1,500, while Catlin will be held without bail bond because she was already out on bond in another crime at the time of the latest incident.


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Toll Free (U.S. Only): 1-888-471-2827 International: 1-801-225-7554
If there is not an above balance designation on the assembly #, then the kit comes unbalanced but is a full kit which includes Crank, Rods, Pistons, Rings & Bearings.
= Compression Ratios
Internal, External Balanced Flexplate Included - 1-PC Rear Seal - Series 9000 Cast Cranks, Pro Stock I-Beam Connecting Rods with 3/8" Cap Screws, Hypereutectic Pistons, Rod Bearings, Main Bearings & Rings
Our policies are here if you would like to view before checking out.
You must specify Piston Bore Size at checkout.


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Today Google (GOOG) announced that it would acquire Motorola Mobility Inc (MMI). The move has two components for Google. It is a move into the consumer goods business where it will compete now directly with companies like Apple, Samsung, etc. . MMI is currently a shadow of its former glory. Nevertheless it gives Google a spot in the material world with lots of growth potential. It also shows that the future of entertainment will be in the mobile sector.
The other motivating factor, according to Larry Page on his blog, for paying 12.5 billion USD for a money loosing business seems to be protection from patent litigation. Marc Cuban just recently wrote an interesting article about this nonsensical Patent Arms Race that goes on due to the unquantifiable risks through the thousands of software and process patents. The only way companies can try to protect themselves from litigation, by patent trolls, is to build up their own arsenal of patents which they can use to counter sue.


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The Home Builders Association of Tennessee's "Home Show!"
If you're considering remodeling or redecorating your home, or would just like to see what's new in home improvement, the HBAMT's Home Show is a great place to get started! "The Home Show is designed to offer consumers all sorts of product information," says Jennifer Earnest, Home Show Chairman. "That means you don't have to own a home to benefit - those living in houses, apartments, condominiums, or any type of home, will get some good ideas at the Show."
WHERE: the Williamson County AgEXPOPark ADMISSION: $10.00 per person - children 12 and under are freePARKING: Convenient and free


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Innovative Team
Strong Track record
Groundbreaking Technology
Renewable and Affordable
Our co-founder, Dr. Jing Ning, was a
professor at NYU and a clean energy
expert. CEO Shawn Ning combines
visionary entrepreneurship with Wall
Street and online marketing experience
to head the marketing and sales team.
Affordable, low-maintenance, durable,
and requiring little to no water, Skara is
the clear choice both for developing
communities that lack sanitation
services and large cities whose
infrastructure is unsustainable.
Skara, our electric, self-contained toilet is breaking ground in the field of sustainable sanitation solutions. Its research and development has earned attention and funding from for-profit and non-profit organizations alike.
With experience in managing highly
toxic wastes including nuclear wastes,
our research team is composed of top
electrical and mechanical engineers
with more than 60 years of combined
waste management experience.
About Sunnybreeze
The Sunnybreeze brand represents practical and innovative solutions to universal problems. Our Beijing research team of top electrical and mechanical engineers uses creativity and expertise to make safe sanitation available to the millions of people living without it. Sunnybreeze International Group, our marketing branch, aspires to bring the next-generation toilet to developed markets around the globe.
Helping the ones that need it the most
Once our products are commercially available, Sunnybreeze International Group will reinvest part of the profits into the team's efforts to provide energy and cost-efficient toilets to developing countries. This effort is also supported by the Gates Foundation and will help to further establish our brand as one of humanitarianism and progress.
Skara Research & Development
Sunnybreeze R&D team has won a series of competitions and the accompanying grants funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Skara's affordable and low-maintenance design not only distinguishes it from any competing products in the industry, but also presents the opportunity for global environmental and social change.
Science strikes back
The introduction of our portable toilet, Skara, exemplifies the advances we are already making in the field of sustainable waste management. This electric model uses little to no water to treat waste on-site and convert it to a powdered organic fertilizer. This revolutionary process treats waste at ten times the rate of traditional systems by exposing it to hot air and temperature, sanitizing and converting it to powdered organic fertilizer.
Sunnybreeze International Group is a start-up company
specializing in the design and manufacture of clean technologies.
Introducing an electric, self-contained toilet breaking new ground in the field of sustainable sanitation solutions.
Affordable, low-maintenance, durable, and requiring little to no water, Skara is the clear choice both for developing communities that lack sanitation services and large cities whose infrastructure is unsustainable.
Co-Founder Dr. Jing Ning
Co-Founder and CEO Yuxiao (Shawn) Ning
Dr. Jing Ning is a brilliant inventor, professor and engineer. Prior to co-founding Sunnybreeze International Group, Dr. Ning was the founder at Beijing Sunnybreeze Technology, the Research and Technology backbone for the Sunnybreeze brand. Before this, he served as a visiting professor at NYU, Stevens and Beijing University of Technology. After his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Ning served as the technology expert for fortune 500 energy companies. Prior to his Ph.D. studies, Dr. Ning had 10 years of industry experience in electrical engineering including 6 years of experience in managing highly toxic wastes such as nuclear wastes. He earned his Ph.D. in Geophysics at China University of Mining Technology.
A visionary entrepreneur, prior co-founding Sunnybreeze International Group, Shawn worked in Wall Street, multinational private equity groups and elite real estate buy-side firms. He assumed the fund-raising and marketing roles for Beijing Sunnybreeze Technology and he is bringing the Sunnybreeze brand to the next level. Shawn earned his M.Eng. in Operations Research from Cornell University and B.A. in Mathematics from New York University.
If you have any questions, suggestions or ideas
we'd love to hear them so let's get creative
Copyright - © Sunnybreeze 2014.
Web & Graphic Design by:


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I really enjoy this eyeshadow. I have hit pan, and will most certainly buy more when I run out. I have not experienced fallout with it, and I think the shimmer is perfect; not chunky or too glittery at all.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
the product is ok, i agree with the other girl that the color is too sheer in color and i found it fades a bit to easily. I've only used it twice so far, so maybe i'll give a better review (or worse) once i've used it up.
Beautiful color! It was a toss up between this color & ricepaper (which I know is another popular color esp in the brow bone area) but I decided to go with this one, it looked better to me. When I tried it out I did a glittery gold look using Retrospeck on the lid to brow bone, saddle in the crease, handwritten on the outer corner & reflects gold on the lid with show orchid on the lips & I must say it turned out amazing!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I really like this color. It has become an everyday lid color for me. It can be kind of a pain, being a lustre, but I don't get any fallout from this. It looks absolutely beautiful over bare study paint pot. If you're willing to work with it a little and pack on a little extra eyeshadow, it's totally worth it. It's really a nice color!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I don't like it... I got the caviar dreams quad, from the cham pale collection, but now I regret buying it! :S I din't like this ES.
This is a VERY sheer shade.. so much glitter! No color in it, a lot of fall out!.. makes me look weird.. I don't know.. maybe I have to use it with a darker base underneath it.
Reference: mac nc20
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
More reviews by alyssabombshell
LOVE this color! :) I have blue eyes and fair skin, and I'm always looking for a color that will make my eyes pop but won't look too drastic. This is perfection. This shimmery gold really makes my eyes look bright blue. I use it on my inner corner and lid over "vintage selection" or "painterly" paint pots, and it looks great. You really won't get a great application if you don't use a paint pot or base. Simply beautiful.
Retrospeck is one of the MAC shadows I've considered buying for ages now but I never ended up getting it - there was always something I wanted or liked more. I recently got this in the Caviar Dreams Quad, which represented really good value, price-wise.
I'm pretty much on the fence about Retrospeck, however. It's quite nice applied as a lid colour and I didn't have any fallout but as soon as I tried to bring the shadow into my inner corner/tear duct area, that is when it started to show a rough, harsh, almost scaly texture which is weird since on my lids (which are certain less smooth than the area beside my nose, where I was trying to bring some "light") it looked very nice indeed.
I haven't tried this as a highlight colour yet....just on my lids with Wedge blended into the crease. I've worn it to work this way and it has looked nice and quite subtle. And I've had no fall-out, something I was concerned about. But I don't think I'd repurchase this as I feel I've got other light, "brightening" shadows that work much better for me. And I can't see myself using this one up any time soon, though I will certainly continue to use it. So, all in all, it's pretty good, applies without fall-out, but it's not great.
More reviews by MakeupAffair89
This has to be one of my favorite MAC eye shadows that I own! I use it way too often haha. I don't have a problem with pigmentation at all, really. I was afraid when I bought this because people use the word "glittery" to describe it. I was expecting the Urban Decay Midnight Cowboy Rides Again type of huge chunks of glitter that get all over your face. But that's not the case at all. It does have more glittery than, say, a satin finish, but it's such a finely cut glitter that it doesn't get all over my face. I don't find I have a problem with fallout at all. I use this on my lid, Soba in the crease, Satin Taupe in the outer corner and Dazzlelight as a highlight/inner corner color. It goes perfectly with these shades. I'm not sure how to explain the color though. It's not really gold, but not a champagne either. It's more of a yellow-er toned eyeshadow, I find on me at least. This an amazing eyeshadow and will most definitely repurchase, as well as try out some other Lustres!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
When I wear this on the lid (with teddy smut into lash line for example) I feel the most gorgeous! I love the shimmer it gives my lids and opens up my eyes. I look polished and festive without having to have a dark smoky eye.


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How to choose crystals.
By Shirley O'Donoghue buy her book all about crystals
Choosing crystals is an intuitive process and the best way to do it is simply to allow your eye to be drawn to a particular stone.
Choosing crystals is an intuitive process and the best way to do it is simply to allow your eye to be drawn to a particular stone. Some people use a pendulum to dowse crystals, some "scan" with their hands to feel the crystals' energies, and others like to handle them. Whatever method you employ, it's best not to spend too much time on the process. Making a quick choice allows you to listen to the right, intuitive side of your brain before the left, logical side of your brain starts to interfere with rational thoughts, such as "But I don't like blue!" or "Why do I want that one?" .
Colour plays an important part in choosing crystals, not only because it can cause you to be visually attracted to a particular stone, but also because colour conveys vital information about the crystal's energetic qualities to you on a subconscious level.
When choosing crystals it is also a good idea to focus on your intended purpose for them – for example, whether you want to use them to attract love or the release stress. The core crystal directory will help you with this. If you are choosing crystals for someone else, try visualizing the person during the selection process. Always trust your instinct and choose the crystals to which you are drawn.
However, if you discover that you really dislike a certain crystal, it is worth finding out more about this crystal and its qualities and potentially working with it. This is because an aversion to a certain crystal can be an indication that your energy flow in the certain area related to that specific colour or crystal is impaired and needs rebalancing or healing.
By now, we know that crystals transmit and are able to absorb and transmute electromagnetic energy. Their colour and vibration affects us physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually by rebalancing our body's vital energy flow or chi, thus restoring us to our natural state of well-being.
In this chapter, we look more closely at how this comes about. We start by learning how to recognize our own chi, and go on to explore the subtle energy system in greater depth, discovering more about the chakras – the spinning wheels of energy that connects the physical body to the subtle body. Next, we learn how to assess which chakra we need to focus on, and which crystals and chakras work best together. By gauging whether our chakras have deficient, excess or balanced energy, or by picking crystals of a certain colour.
We then go on to consider how to make crystals work more effectively, such as through approaching them with a positive intent, harnessing deep breathing and employing visualizations. And finally, we look at some of the more advanced techniques of working with crystals, such as using placements and making gem essences


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Homeopathy Kits
Natural Health Supply has created a wide range of Homeopathic remedy kits for beginners, families, students, travelers, and practitioners, in various strengths and sizes. You can order your kits online and have them sent by UPS. Many of the kits come with a list of remedies and their common uses. We also have books (see BOOKS) that you can reference for the use of homeopathic remedies in particular situations.These kits all have glass vials and must be shipped UPS for domestic delivery, or Priority Mail International for orders outside the US.
Click on the name of any kit to see complete details and to order.
- Pharmacy Package
- All four of the Professional Kits (100 unique remedies each) in a selected potency for a total of 400 remedies instantly available to you. All remedies hand sucussed. Can be used dry or easily mixed in water. Other potencies available. We recommed having a good Repertory and Materia Medica for reference.
- First Aid Emergency Remedy Kit
This kit contains fifty remedies chosen for acute and emergency situations, on #10 sugar pellets in 1/2 dram amber glass vials. The plastic case measures 5.5 x 2.75 x 1.75 in., and fits easily into handbags, luggage bags, back packs, glove compartments, etc. It also contains a list of some common uses of each remedy.
- Emergency Remedy Kit - B
- Upgrade your Emergency Remedy Kit by adding these 50 additional commonly used remedies. Available in 1/2 dram vials only in 30C and 200C only. The case has spaces for 100 1/2 drams vials, if you choose to include the 50 remedies from the Emergency Kit. Together they comprise all the remedies in the Pro Kit I.
- Professional Kit I
- This kit contains 100 remedies in 1/2 dram glass vials of #10 pellets in a protective plastic case. It contains the 50 remedies included in the Emergency Kit (see above list) plus fifty of the next most widely used clinical and polycrest remedies. The additional 50 remedies are also available separately as an add-on kit to the First Aid Emergency Kit in 30C & 200C (order Emergency Kit Part B).
- Professional Kit II
- This kit contains another 100 remedies in 1/2 dram glass bottles of #10 pellets in a protective plastic case. The remedies have been chosen from the Materia Medicas of Hering, Kent, Vithoulkas, Gibson, and Murphy.
- Professional Kit III
- This kit contains another 100 remedies in 1/2 dram glass bottles of #10 pellets in a protective plastic case. The remedies have been chosen from the Materia Medicas of Boericke, Hering, Kent, Murphy, Vermeullen and Vithoulkas.
- Professional Kit IV
- A continuation of our professionals kit series in a similar configuration: 100 remedies, in 1/2 dram amber glass vials, packaged in a sturdy polypro case for safety; very compact with easy storage and transport; Pro Kits 1-4 comprise 400 different remedies with no duplicates and are available as a set in a 30C and 200C and 1M potency.
- Cold & Flu Kit
Be prepared for any cold or flu that comes around this year!
- Disaster Aid & Safety
- These are a timely and appropriate complement to the Emergency Remedy KitTM and Household Kit. The remedies come in a semi-hard plastic case and includes all of the remedies listed.
These remedies are meant to be used for the temporary treatment of acute symptoms of self limiting conditions and should not be construed to be used for the treatment of serious medical conditions.
- Influenza Kit
- This kit has 16 remedies that have been effective in treating flu symptoms. They are packaged in 1/4 oz (2 dram) vials with a smaller #20 pellet in a poly-pro box with a tight fitting flip lid. The kit is available in a 30C or 200C potency for your preference. We suggest checking the NCH website, the CDC website and others for further information and updates.
- Household Kit
- This is a twenty-five remedy kit of the most frequently used remedies in two dram amber vials. It includes a booklet explaining the most common uses of each remedy. It is an excellent starter kit for the person just beginning to use homeopathic remedies. Ideal as a gift for a friend, relative, or part-time parent. A wonderful item for all pre-schools, day care centers, and school nurse's offices.
- Professional Vet Kit
- This kit consists of a total of seventy-five remedies chosen specifically by veterinarians for professional use. The kit is modular in packaging. Each module contains twenty five remedies in 2 dram containers in a plastic case measuring 4x4x3 inches. LM's are packaged in 1/2 dram vials in a tough plastic case.
- Tissue Salts Kit
- The Twelve Biochemic Remedies of Schuessler
The tissue cell salt remedies were pioneered by the physician Dr. W H Schuessler who postulated that illness arises when there is a deficiency in the mineral salts that make up the body's cells. The cell salts are among the gentlest, most supportive remedies in homeopathy and can aid in preventing and alleviating illness.


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Wed, Apr 29, 09 at 8:39
How do I vaccuum between my seats in the front of the car? The vaccuum nozzle won't fit. Is there any tool that is used to get the debris out? I have 2 bucket seats in the front, and I've run out of ideas. I don't want to pay an audto detailing place $120 just to do this. |
Follow-Up Postings:
It is a tight fit. Believe it or not, but I had taped the tube that comes on a gas can to the end of my vacuum nozzle. It was long enough and skinny enough to reach down into those tight areas. But I am sure you would be able to buy something were you able to find it. I will look around and see if I can find something. |
- Posted by airforceguy (My Page) on Wed, Apr 29, 09 at 14:50
Believe it is called a "crevice" tool, Most vacuums come with one,it is just an attachment that fits onto ur hose, it is just long and thin, and gets into the hard to reach places. My shop vac came with one, even my Dyson home vacuum has 1. |
The "easy" way is to simply unbolt the seat and move it out of the way. You will find that's only four bolts/nuts, and depending on the car one to a few wiring connectors that may or may not even need to be disconnected if you don't move the seat too far. |
- Posted by airforceguy (My Page) on Sun, May 3, 09 at 8:09
lol, I don't call that easy john,lol Of course I'm mechanically challenged!! One can find "crevice" tools at most Sears or Canadian Tires,home depots, just need to know the diameter of your hose. |
- Posted by arkansas_girl (My Page) on Tue, May 5, 09 at 9:09
What I always do is use a crevice tool and then I put the seat all the way back(then vacuum) and then all the way forward(then vacuum). I can get to everything that way. |
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Customer Reviews for On Sale Eco-Friendly Bathroom White / Off-White
By Batnip from Kansas
Great roller shade. The easy down feature is a must for atrium door applications. makes controlling them very ease.
View this product"Quick Process Start to Finish"
By Home Decor Fanatic from Euless
The blinds arrived in a reasonable time frame securely packaged with easy to understand instructions. All the necessary parts were enclosed. The blinds fit the windows perfectly. We are very happy with the appearance and the experience.
View this product


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Original Price: $99.99 Special Price: $59.99
Express your love by wearing your names and birthstones together on this beautiful round necklace, custom crafted in solid Sterling Silver! Necklace features inlaid stones and a sophisticated calligraphic font. A petite heart separates the two names giving this classic design a fresh new look. The necklace is suspended on a 20" rope chain with a secure, spring ring clasp. Personalize with 2 names up to 8 letters per name and corresponding synthetic birthstones. Disc is 23mm in diameter (approx. 15/16").
Item ships in 3-7 days.
Birthstone Chart


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My Profile
Keller, Texas
Member since Dec 2006
Flag This ProfileFlag as Inappropriate
Reviewed Greek Taco!
Feb 5, 2012 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"My daughter took this to high school for a class project on Greece, and living in Texas we know our taco's. In one word... Unbelievable! The instructor asked for the recipe, and other students who had never eaten lamb before, because they are used to petting them at the fair, were amazed by the flavor. She put the mixtures into mini pitas cut ..."


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| Home | Advertise with Us | Circulation | Contact Us | About Us | Send a Letter to the Editor |
Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors will hold their regular monthly board meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 9, at the Ag Service Center in Lewiston.
May 10
The Hiawatha Valley Civil War Round Table will meet on Thursday, May 10, at 7:00 p.m., on the second floor of the Winona County History Center, 160 Johnson Street, Winona. Our speaker will be David Spriegel, whose topic is: Some previously unknown documents by Abraham Lincoln, which were recently discovered. In addition, members of the First Minnesota Film Organization will be appearing. All are invited, and refreshments will be served. Any questions, phone (507) 452-0568.
The Winona Area Apron Group will be meeting at the HyVee Store Deli at 10:00 a.m.,Thursday, May 10. This is an open meeting to old and new members. We will discuss the Mothers Day Tea at the Winona Friendship Center on Friday, May 11 from 1:00-3:00 p.m., our annual membership drive, and an all member craft & garage sale with a portion of the proceeds going towards our Breast Cancer Awareness fund. Questions or membership contact Sandy Erdman at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 507-474-0261.
May 14
The Stockton, Rollingstone, Minnesota City Watershed District meeting will be held May 14, at 8:00 p.m. at the Stockton Community Center, 600 D Street, Stockton.
The Chautauqua Club will be meeting on Monday, May 14, at noon at Jefferson Pub and Grill. Members are reminded to contact Peg Zehren if they are unable to attend.
May 16
Harvest House, a non-profit, non-denominational organization for 50 and getting better, will hold their monthly meeting Wednesday, May 16, in St. Stanislaus Hall. Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. with Father Paul Breza as celebrant, for those wishing to attend. There will be a business meeting, followed with music for our entertainment. Bring a non-perishable food item for a needy family. Lunch will be served.
May 17
The Whitewater Joint Powers Board will meet on Thursday, May 17, at 8:30 a.m. in the Community Room, St. Charles City Hall. 830 Whitewater Avenue, St. Charles.
Alcoholics Anonymous- we can help. 507-452-2348.
Overeaters Anonymous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. at 1717 Service Drive ( Faith Lutheran Church).
Al-Anon Family Group Thursdays, 7-8 p.m., St. Augustine Room, Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 360 Main Street. A 12-step fellowship for families of problem drinkers. 452-4445 for more information.
TOPS MN #263 Winona- New members welcome. Learn how to lose weight and keep it off. Wednesdays. Weigh-in between 8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m. Meeting/program 9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. Callista Court, 1455 W. Broadway.
Addicted? Set Free! is a twelve week program to help you achieve victory over your addicting behaviors. New members are welcome any time. We meet weekly at Calvary Baptist Church, 676 W. Sarnia St., Winona, at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. For more information call 452-6850.
Celebrate Recovery meets Friday nights at Pleasant Valley Church, 1363 Homer Road, Winona. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery program. If you are looking for encouragement, strength and hope in your life please join us. Our evenings begin at 6:00 with dinner followed by worship, large group and small group discussions. Child care is provided, please call Joyce 429-3046. For further information please call Mary Jo 608-863-3143.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of Minnesota sponsors free support groups for families who have a relative with a mental illness. Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences. A family support group meets in Winona at 7:00 p.m., on the second Monday of the month, at Winona Health, in the Parkview conference room, 855 Mankato Ave. For information, call Helen at 507-494-0905.
Widowed Meet and Eat meets on Mondays at 11 a.m., at Perkins in May. Please call 452-1555, for information.
The Widowed Persons Social Group meets for breakfast every Tuesday at 8 a.m. at the Country Kitchen. Dinners every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Ground Round (except 3rd Thursday). Special dinner Thursday, May 17, at Golden Harvest in Utica. Carpooling from old Econo Foods parking lot at 4:30 p.m., leaving at 4:40 p.m. Special noon lunch May 23, at Bonnie Raes Cafe in Rollingstone. Carpooling from old Econo Foods lot at 11 a.m., leaving at 11:15 a.m. All widowed people welcome. For information or if a ride is needed call Gen at 507-452-8334
NAMI Connection: A Mental Illness Support Group meets every Monday evening from 7:00 8:30 p.m. at the PSN Building, 122 W. 2nd St., (next to Sammys Pizza). There is no fee, just walk in and join us. For more information call facilitators, Judy McCormick (507) 459-3475, Richard Iverson (507) 454-5472 or Helen Newell at (507) 494-0905. Cosponsored by (NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness, Winona Affiliate and Project COMPASS.
Caregiver support group for adults age 55 and better first Wednesday of the month, 2-3 p.m. First meeting April 4, 1756 Kraemer Drive, Suite 110, Winona. Contact Renee Kreter 507-452-0580 for information.
TOPS MN #608 welcomes new members, come lose with us. Wednesdays weigh-in 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., doors lock at 6:00, meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. Valley View Towers, 165 E 4th St. 12th Floor Skyroom. For information call 454-3289
TOPS MN #823 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meets Fridays at 7:30 a.m. at St. Casimirs, 626 West Broadway. For information call 452-5535.


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In "Amazing Grace," a Tapestry of Faith program
Ask members of your group to swap stories of times they thought they were doing something right and it turned out wrong and times they thought they were doing something wrong and it turned out right.
Lead the way with a story of your own. Model telling a story that is true and interesting without revealing names and other details that youth might not wish to hear or share.
For more information contact web @ uua.org.
This work is made possible by the generosity of individual donors and congregations. Please consider making a donation today.
Last updated on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
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PARIS - French unions called another nationwide strike Thursday against reforms to the nation's retirement system passed by the National Assembly earlier this week. The protests are a last-ditch effort to convince French President Nicholas Sarkozy not to sign the measure raising the retirement age from 60 to 62.
However, it appears the strikes are losing steam. Turnout was noticeably weaker this time around - a sign that the French are losing their appetite for the kind of violence and confrontation seen last week.
The people have been bearing the brunt of fuel shortages, rail strikes and mountains and mountains of uncollected garbage.
The growing mountains of trash are a symbol of the growing social unrest, the growing threat to the French government and the growing crisis of the French welfare state.
Sarkozy was elected in part to fix the system, but he has been seen by the people as being abrasive and uncaring, and his popularity is now at all time lows.
"What this really is, is a referendum against Sarkozy, that they don't like him," London Telegraph columnist Anne Elisabeth Moutet explained. "They don't like his style, that he's asking them to make sacrifices that he's not making himself."
Nevertheless, the National Assembly has passed the retirement measure, and Sarkozy is expected sign it into law next month.
So, while it appears Sarkozy has won this round, it remains to be seen if it will cost him his political career or if adding two more years in the retirement age can save France's expensive pension system.
French Gov't Not Backing Down on Pension Protests
French Protests Take Violent TurnFrench Labor Strikes, Student Protests ContinueStrikes Over French Pension Reform Begin
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Lexham English Bible (LEB) | New International Version (NIV) |
1 Better a dry morsel and quiet with it than a house filled [with] feasts of strife. | 1 Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife. |
2 A slave who deals wisely will rule over a child who acts shamefully, and in the midst of brothers he will share his inheritance. | 2 A wise servant will rule over a disgraceful son, and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers. |
3 A crucible [is] for the silver, and a furnace [is] for the gold, but Yahweh will test hearts. | 3 The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests the heart. |
4 He who does evil listens to lips of wickedness, [and] the liar gives heed to the tongue of mischief. | 4 A wicked man listens to evil lips; a liar pays attention to a malicious tongue. |
5 He who mocks the poor insults him who made him; he who rejoices at calamity will not go unpunished. | 5 He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished. |
6 The crown of the elderly [are] {grandchildren}, and the glory of children [is] their fathers. | 6 Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. |
7 {Fine speech} [is] not becoming a fool, {still less} [is] {false speech} for a ruler. | 7 Arrogant lips are unsuited to a fool-- how much worse lying lips to a ruler! |
8 The bribe [is] a stone of magic in the eyes of its owner; {everywhere} he will turn, he will prosper. | 8 A bribe is a charm to the one who gives it; wherever he turns, he succeeds. |
9 He who forgives an affront fosters love, but he who waits on a matter will alienate a friend. | 9 He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends. |
10 A rebuke strikes him who understands deeper than one hundred blows to a fool. | 10 A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool. |
11 An evil person will seek only rebellion, and a cruel messenger will be sent against him. | 11 An evil man is bent only on rebellion; a merciless official will be sent against him. |
12 [May] a man meet a she-bear robbed of offspring and not a fool in his folly. | 12 Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly. |
13 [For] he who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. | 13 If a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house. |
14 [Like] the release of water [is] the beginning of strife; before it breaks out, stop the quarrel. | 14 Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out. |
15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, the two of them [are] both abominations of Yahweh. | 15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent-- the LORD detests them both. |
16 Why [is] this? A price in the hand of a fool, [in order] to buy wisdom where there is no {sense}. | 16 Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? |
17 The friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for adversity. | 17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. |
18 A person who lacks {sense} {pledges}; he becomes security before his neighbor. | 18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor. |
19 He who loves transgression loves strife; he who builds his high thresholds seeks destruction. | 19 He who loves a quarrel loves sin; he who builds a high gate invites destruction. |
20 He who is crooked of heart will not find goodness, and he who is perverse, by his tongue he will fall into calamity. | 20 A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble. |
21 He who begets a fool, [there is] trouble for him; the father of a fool will not rejoice. | 21 To have a fool for a son brings grief; there is no joy for the father of a fool. |
22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a downcast spirit will dry out bones. | 22 A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. |
23 The wicked will accept a bribe from the lap, [in order] to pervert the ways of justice. | 23 A wicked man accepts a bribe in secret to pervert the course of justice. |
24 He who understands sets [his] face [toward] wisdom, but the eyes of a fool, to the end of the earth. | 24 A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth. |
25 A grief to his father [is] the child of a fool, and bitterness to her who bore him. | 25 A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him. |
26 Also, imposing a fine on the righteous is not good, [nor] to flog nobles for uprightness. | 26 It is not good to punish an innocent man, or to flog officials for their integrity. |
27 He who spares his sayings knows knowledge, and a cool spirit is a man of understanding. | 27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. |
28 Even a fool who keeps silent {shall be considered wise}; he who closes his lips [is] intelligent. | 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. |
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software. (Lexham English Bible) | Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |


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Color Zen Review
Okay, so I'm a sucker for any game that's well conceived, easy to pick up and play, and full of lots of colors and great music. That's pretty much exactly what Color Zen gives you. The game is nothing I haven't seen here and there in other titles, but it's very focused and well executed in what it wants to do.
The point of Color Zen is to change the color of the screen to match the color of the border. That's it. But in order to do this, you have to combine shapes of different colors in an increasingly layered and complex series of puzzles.
Whenever you bring two shapes of the same color together, it will change the whole screen to that color in a nice, smooth animation that feels satisfying every time you do it. At first, the levels are really basic to get you on board with the concept. But as you continue, the shapes will multiply and arrange themselves all over the place.
After you've carved your way in a decent amount, you will have to plan your way through a level in order to eventually have the final pieces on the screen that will lead to the right color matching the border.
Some levels, even ones that seem really dense with patterns and colors, will come together easier than you might think at first glance and you will get in a rhythm of solving levels that feels like you're kind of a puzzle orchestra conductor. But there are roadblocks as well, where all of a sudden that retry screen will pop up out of nowhere. The trickier levels will take some chess-like planning ahead in order to get through to the next one.
Color Zen is divided up into six different chunks, each with 20 levels to solve your way through. The different stages will introduce new puzzle challenges, beyond the basic border matching premise that the game is based around. Things get tougher as you move along, but nothing gets too crazy.
The puzzle solving in Color Zen is more about calmly zoning out, rather than really pushing your synapses. The game is equal parts mood setting as it is puzzle solving. Personally, I really enjoyed this blending together. But some hardcore puzzle gaming enthusiasts might not be so high on this casual aspect.
Added to that is the fact that the game finishes up rather quickly. But to anyone that blows through it and then derides it because of that, I would say that you wouldn't have plowed through everything if you didn't like it in the first place. I don't want to knock it too much for that fact and it seems like the kind of game that can easily be added to, with new levels and other gameplay elements. For instance, a mode that incorporated some more geometry and fitting together of shapes could be a lot of fun.
Any kind of game can come to mobile and work, more or less. Even for titles that were designed for other systems, most can be ported over and there are ways to get them to work. While some games will turn out better than others, there's no hard and fast rules for what kind of game works best in mobile gaming.
In terms of a pure experience that defines the idea of mobile gaming, I'm often drawn to titles that try to make it as simple as possible. There are a number of artful indie puzzle games out there with this philosophy, such as Hexagon, Eliss, ColorShift and Hundreds to name a few. The latest title that belongs in this company is the super slick puzzler Color Zen, which offers a unique and relaxing new look at the mobile puzzle game.
App Store Link: Color Zen for iPhone & iPad | By Large Animal Games| Price: $0.99 | Version: 1.0.0 | 32.9 MB | Rating 4+


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Women's Center for Pelvic Medicine IC Support Group
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is sometimes called Painful Bladder Syndrome or Pelvic Pain. It is a chronic bladder condition that can cause physical and emotional difficulties ranging from urinary urgency and frequency to sexual dysfunction or social isolation. Please join us to learn more and meet others who may share a similar story.
Meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm in the Heart Hospital conference room on the main floor.
Please note: This support group is for patients that have been diagnosed with IC and/or pelvic pain.
For more information please call 630.527.5120.
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Gorilla Zoe - Zoe Amazing
Zoe Amazing Gorilla Zoe
Editor Rating: HOTTTTT
User Rating:
Give Zoe Amazing a spin - it's the latest release from Gorilla Zoe, having dropped on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010.
Bump Zoe Amazing, the latest cut from Gorilla Zoe. It was released on Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010. Things are improving for Gorilla Zoe with each new offering, and Zoe Amazing is certainly no exception. It's a worthy addition to the Gorilla Zoe's catalogue, which has seen much evolution as of late. We're definitely anticipating the next step.
Hear more of Gorilla Zoe on Oh No. Check out Gorilla Zoe's profile page for the most recent info, news, songs, and mixtapes.
How does this compare to Gorilla Zoe's previous work?


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Currency exchange also plays a role in how much goes in which direction, McDaniel said.
"That has had an effect in previous years, and I'm assuming that will continue to play a role in determining what is exported to the U.S. when you compare the U.S. dollar vs. the peso in the exchange rate," he said.
The exchange rate likely won't be a factor this year, McDaniel said.
The peso was trading at about 510 pesos to $1 as of Sept. 1. A year earlier, it was about 480 to 1.
"I'm not aware that that is a big issue at the moment," McDaniel said.
European sales also have a say in how much Chilean volume makes its way to the U.S., and Europe will compete for that product this year, Ochagavía said.
"We are looking at the recuperation of the economies like the U.S. and Europe, so our expectation is that we will have a good demand from both," he said.