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2014 Speakers
Fahd Al-Rasheed
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, King Abdullah Economic City
Yousuf Lootah
Executive Director Tourism Development & Investments , Dubai's Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
Anita Mendiratta
Founder & Managing Director, CACHET Consulting
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz
President & Managing Director, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA)
Martin Ostermann
Director of Development, Melia Hotels
Hubert Viriot
Chief Investment Officer , IFA Hotels & Resorts
Ahmed Ramdan
Founder and Group CEO, Roya International
Michael Glennie
President & Chief Operating Officer, FRHI Hotels & Resorts
HE Dr. Lahcen Haddad
Tourism Minister, Kingdom of Morocco
Kees Hartzuiker
CEO, Roya International
Piers Brown
CEO, Boutique Hotel Media
Jean-Jacques Dessors
Chief Executive Officer Mediterranean, Middle-East and Africa , ACCOR
Amir Lababedi
Associate Director, HVS Dubai
Tom Hasker
UAE Country Director & Head of Project Management ME, Faithful + Gould
Rami Moukarzel
Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa , Fairmont Raffles Hotels International
Dr Badr Al Badr
Chief Executive Officer, SHARACO
Pascal Gauvin
Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Filippo Sona
Director | Head of Hotels (MENA Region), Colliers International
Vernon Page
Chief Executive Officer , Hotel Partners Africa
Aqeel Raees
Chief Executive Officer & Director, Gulf Hotels Group
Tariq Hameed
Managing Director, Capitas Group International Limited
Carlos Khneisser
Vice President Development - Middle East, Hilton Worldwide
HH Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Al Maktoum
Executive Chairman, SHUAA Capital and the Chairman of Dubai International Holding Company
Dr Salah Al-Bukayyet
Deputy Secretary General - Investments, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Gert F. Kopera
Senior Vice President RnB, Jumeirah Group
Jonathan Worsley
Chairman, Bench Events, Board Director, STR Global
Gordon Drake
Chief Financial Officer and Head of M&A, Kingdom Hotel Investments
Costas Verginis
Senior Director of Lodging Development, Marriott International Inc. & Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Geoffrey Lipman
President & Managing Director, ICTP (International Coalition of Tourism Partners
Frits van Paasschen
President and Chief Executive Officer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Nenad Pacek
Co-Founder, CEEMEA Business Group, President, Global Success Advisors
Mohamed Najia
Secretary General, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association
Andrew Briganti
Analyst, Meed Insight
Bob Puccini
Chief Executive Officer, Bob Puccini Group
Jim Palmer
Funding Advisor, IFA Hotel Investments
Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan
Immediate Past President, Maldives
Rui Barros
SVP & Managing Director Europe, Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group
Dr Martin Berlin
PwC Partner , PricewaterhouseCoopers
Gordon Campbell Gray
Chairman, Campbell Gray Hotels
Oliver Ebner
Executive Director at Project & Specialised Finance, National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud
Executive Vice President- Head of Hotels & Hospitality, Middle East & Africa, JLL
Nick van Marken
Global Head – Hospitality, Deloitte LLP
Gabriel Von Bonsdorff
Senior Manager – Hospitality & Leisure, Aldar Properties P.
Edmund O'Sullivan
Chairman, MEED
Selim El Zein
Head of Hotel Asset Management, MENA, Colliers International MENA Region
Bani Haddad
Regional Vice President – Middle East & Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group
Taras Ettl
Vice President Development - Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Andrew Clough
Senior Vice President Development Middle East & Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide
Andrew Sangster
Editorial Director, Hotel Analyst
Abdellah Essonni
CEO, ABJAR Hotels International LLC
Alexandre Sogno
President, Hospitality Asset Managers Association Asia Pacific (HAMA AP).
Sven Doliwa
VP Sales & Development, WorldHotels
Paul Lonergan
Vice President Asset Management Hotels, Jumeirah Group
Khalaf Al Habtoor
Chairman, Al Habtoor Group
Gerald Lawless
President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Jumeirah Group
Barry Curtis
Vice President - Global Strategic Accounts Buildings Business, Schneider Electric
Bernhard Bohnenberger
President, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
Alex Kyriakidis
President & Managing Director Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, Inc.
Amr Abdel Ghaffar
Regional Director - Middle East, UNWTO
Khalid Anib
Managing Director - Hotels Division, Al Hokair Group
Sumair Tariq
Managing Director, R Hotels
Amine Moukarzel
President, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA
Paul Macpherson
President & Managing Director, Whitbread Hotels & Restaurants International
Lo'ai Bataineh
DGM, Investment & Development, Head of Investment Management Group, Oman Arab Bank SAOC
Norman Forsyth
Regional Director, Design & Engineering, MEA, InterContinental Hotels Group Asia Middle East and Africa (IHG)
Mark Martinovic
Chief Executive Officer, Hotel Spec
Nicolas Mayer
Partner & Industry Leader - Lodging & Tourism Clients Group, Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Khatija Haque
Head of MENA Research, Emirates NBD
Neil George
Senior Vice President, Acquisitions & Development Middle East & Africa, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
James Innes
Partner, Chrystal Capital Partners LLP
Anil Bhardwaj
Director, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises
Paul Griffiths
Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports
Alain Debare
Chief Executive Officer, Action Hotels Co.
Ashley Scott
Principal, EMEA Leader for Leisure + Culture, AECOM
Trevor Ward
Managing Director, W Hospitality Group
Wolfgang M. Neumann
President & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group
Nicholas Clayton
Chief Executive Officer, Group Operations, Jumeirah Group
Simon Coombs
President & CEO, Shaza Hotels
Ziad El Chaar
Managing Director, DAMAC Holding Co. LLC
Christopher Lund
Senior Consultant, Hotels, MENA Region, Colliers International
Christoph Härle
Chief Executive Officer, Europe - Hotels & Hospitality Group, JLL
David Thomson
Chief Operating Officer, JA Resorts and Hotels
Catalin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain Hospitality Innovation (CHI)
Christopher R.J. Knable
Chief Operating Officer, Katara Hospitality
Mary Gostelow
, Gostelow Report
Muhammad Al-Amir
Founder and Managing Director, Riyada international Hotels & Resorts Co.
Fergal Harris
Head of Commercial Real Estate, MENA, Standard Chartered
Saahil Lalit
Associate Manager Hotels, MENA Region, Colliers International
Adrian Jossa
Co-Founder & Owner, Muse Hotels de Luxe
Kabir Mulchandani
Group CEO, SKAI Holdings
Margreet Papamichael
Director, AECOM Economics
Elizabeth Winkle
Managing Director, STR Global
Sameer Kazi
Head of Corporate Real Estate Investments, Sedco Holdings
Peter Greenberg
Travel Editor, CBS News
Greg Perry
Asset Manager, IFA Hotel Investments
Abraham Kamau
Head of Credit, Tourism Finance Corporation
Amro Attia Gomaa
Investments Principal, Holding Company for Tourism, Hotels & Cineama (HOTAC)
Ron Hilvert
Founder and Managing Director, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Khaldoun Rashid Tabari
Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Drake & Scull
H.E. Issa bin Mohammed Al Mohannadi
Chairman, Qatar Tourism Authority
Advisory Board 2015
2015 Advisory Board Members
For images of the 2015 Advisory Board meeting, please click here.
Muhammad Al-Amir
Founder and Managing Director, Riyada international Hotels & Resorts Co.
Muhammad Al-Amir
Founder and Managing Director, Riyada international Hotels & Resorts Co.
Muhammad Al-Amir is the Founder and Managing Director of Riyada International Hotel and Resorts Company Ltd.: the exclusive master developer and operator of the Wyndham Hotel Group's two prominent brands: Ramada and Days Inn in Saudi Arabia. He has previously held several executive roles in several distinguished organizations such as Saudi Aramco, Accor Group, SEDCO, and Elaf Hotels.
He is currently the chairman of Accommodation Advisory Board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), the president of Real Estate Committee of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and the vice president of the national real estate committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers.
A holder of Master of Science in Project Management and a Bachelor of Architecture with Honors from KFUPM, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Certification in Strategic Hospitality Management from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA; and an Alumni of the Entrepreneurs Development Executive Training, University of California at San Diego, California, USA.
Dr Badr Al Badr
Chief Executive Officer, SHARACO
Dr Badr Al Badr
Chief Executive Officer, SHARACO
Badr Al-Badr is a veteran business leader known for leading transformation and growing business. His leadership was recognized by awards including best manager and best work environment. He has a diverse experience spanning government, startups, business consulting, and multinational corporations.
Badr is now the CEO of Saudi Hotels & Resorts Company, managing a diversified portfolio of owned and operated properties in hospitality, retail, and housing in Saudi Arabia. Before assuming that role, he led Cisco's business and expansion in Saudi Arabia and the region and led the development of Cisco's Smart Connected Communities practice in the Middle East and Africa. Previously, he was the CEO of AwalNet (now part of STC) and the CEO of Al-Alamiah Internet & Communications before that.
Holding Ph.D. from the University of Washington (Seattle, USA), and B.Sc. in Computer Science from The University of Petroleum & Minerals (Dhahran, KSA), Dr. Badr is a regular speaker in events and provides expert-opinion to local and international entities.
Badr has also actively participated in starting up and funding a number of businesses, and sits on their boards. Additionally, he is on the board of the leading Saudi newspaper, Al Watan, and a member of several associations such as Young Arab Leaders and executive board of Prince Salman Entrepreneurship Award. Interested in personal development, Badr in avid reader and has been in many executive leadership programs at University of Oxford, Cornell, the George Washington University and others. He is active in spreading this knowledge on social networks.
Dr Salah Al-Bukayyet
Deputy Secretary General - Investments, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Dr Salah Al-Bukayyet
Deputy Secretary General - Investments, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
Dr. Salah Al-Bukhayyet is the Vise President for Investment in the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA).
Dr. Al-Bukhayyet received his Masters of Professional Accounting from the University of Miami in 1991 followed by a Ph.D in Accountancy from George Washington University in addition to the CPA, CMA, CFM, CFC, CIA, CBM, CRA, CCSA, and CGAP.
Dr. Al-Bukhayyet is a member of several renowned associations in the United States of America and Saudi Arabia and has received some distinguishing awards as he was recognized as a member of the University of Miami Alumni for Excellence 1998-1999, he did also receive HRH Prince Bandar Bin Sultan Excellence Award for excellent academic performance in his Master Program 1991. Furthermore, he was selected for membership in Beta Gamma Sigma – The Honorary Society for Collegiate Schools of Business (USA) 1991 in recognition of his high scholastic achievement in his Master Program; he was also qualified and elected as a student member of the National Association of Accountants (USA) 1990.
Dr. Salah Al-Bukhayyet, as the Vise President for Investment in the SCTA, is directing one of the most important sectors in the SCTA that is responsible for organizing, regulating, and monitoring tourism investment and accommodation sectors in Saudi Arabia. Dr. Al-Bukhayyet is considered one of the pioneers in the tourism accommodation sector as he has monitored the criteria for classifying and licensing hotels and furnished units in Saudi Arabia, participated in several local and international travel and tourism forums, presented various presentations and work papers in national and international tourism accommodation conferences and attended numerous meetings on the development of the tourism accommodation sector worldwide.
It is worth mentioning that Dr. Salah Al-Bukhayyet is currently managing key tourism projects in Saudi Arabia such as Aluqair Tourism Destination, Licensing Timeshare Units, Tour Guides and Tour Operators in addition to several other projects some of which are introduced to the Saudi Market for the first time.
Lo'ai Bataineh
DGM, Investment & Development, Head of Investment Management Group, Oman Arab Bank SAOC
Lo'ai Bataineh
DGM, Investment & Development, Head of Investment Management Group, Oman Arab Bank SAOC
Lo'ai B. Bataineh founded the Investment Management Group (IMG) of Oman Arab Bank SAOC (a member of Arab Bank Group) in 1998. Lo'ai is an accomplished banker having played instrumental role in development of key services like asset management, brokerage, corporate finance & advisory, custody, wealth management, research and back office operations.Through his vision and passion,Lo'ai helped IMG to develop into one of the most comprehensive investing banking service provider in the Sultanate.
Lo'ai has extensive experience of over 24 years and knowledge of the global and regional markets and the way they interact, not only geographically, but also within each sector. His involvement in portfolio management and risk assessment, including the volatility of markets and products has been critical to IMG success. He has been selected as one of the Most Influential
Under his leadership IMG is also providing state of the art M&A Transaction Advisory, Custodian Services, Asset & Fund Management,Financial AdvisoryServices and Brokerage Services, for local and regional clients.
His guidance has led IMG Asset Management to consistently surpass benchmarks for all the portfolios managed by them. Asset Management Division has currently 25 portfolios having asset value of more than US$ 950 million. His efforts have enabled IMG to launch its flagship mutual fund by the name of Oman Al Arabi Fund. He is also responsible to manage the biggest equity fund in the Sultanate, Investment Stabilization Fund, promoted by the Government. Also he was one of the team whom launched the first AB MENA Mutual fund established by Arab Bank plc. Also he is part of the investment committee of these funds.
Lo'ai outstanding technical management has resulted in development of one of the largest Brokerage houses in Oman. After initiating Brokerage services in September 2002, it is currently among the top 5 brokerage houses. The clientele for this service is around 12,000. His efforts for value added services was fulfilled in the shape of first 'electronic trading' platform for the Muscat Securities Market in Oman. He led the Brokerage team to won 'Best Brokerage Award' for 5 consecutive years.
Lo'ai has been a pioneer in introducing Corporate Finance & Advisory services in Oman. His unrivalled knowledge of the local, regional, and global equity market have ensured success for various capital issues in Oman. He led IMG to successfully manage capital issues exceeding US$ 5 billion since the inception of Investment Banking services. His philosophy of getting involved in each step of equity issue undertaking, has benefited clients in various ways like appropriate offering price, immaculate timing, focused marketing efforts and speedy approval from regulatory authorities are few to be mentioned here.
Lo'ai initiatives in the area of Research have resulted in most comprehensive coverage of Omani Equity Market as compared to any other financial service provider in the Sultanate. Research reports ranging from daily, weekly, monthly analysis, mid-day highlights, and sector-wise coverage is recognized by all readers across industry. His coverage on periodical issues like Budget, Economy and Trade are published in major newspapers of Oman. Ha also speaks and writes about constant developments in the market frequently in renowned TV Channels and Financial Papers respectively. Being an active speaker, his presence in imperative conferences related to industry and economy is inevitable.
Lo'ai exceptional client management skills have enabled IMG to develop Wealth Management and Custodian services. His knowledge of investment markets around the globe have profited many High Net Worth clients.
Lo'ai also enjoys memberships in various Boards/Committees resulted in instant which is by far He is an active member of all of OAB's committees responsible for investment and policy related affairs. In addition he is a board member of National Bureau Commercial Information SAOC. He was an Investment Committee Member (IC) in the largest open Ended fund in Oman Investment Stabilization Fund (ISF) as well as the Fund Manager of this Fund. He is also an investment committee member in Oman Arab Bank's flagship mutual fund Oman Al Arabi Fund. He was a board member in the first Board of Directors of Oman Securities Association in Muscat-Oman, when it was established in year 2004. Also he was a board member in Oman United Insurance Co. SAOC in year 2003 and AB Mena Fund.
Between 1990 and 1998 Lo'ai worked in Arab Bank's Amman office. In 1998 he was seconded to Oman Arab Bank in order to setup the Investment Management Group (IMG).
Lo'ai B. Bataineh is a key figure in investment banking in Oman and is one of the pioneers in IPO market in the Region. He is also a well-known equity market participant and has raised more than US$ 5 billion for various companies including, Bank Nizwa, Al Sharqyia Desalination, Galfar Engineering, Bank Sohar, Muscat Finance, United Power, and Voltamp Energy through Issue Management in the last 12 years.
He has seen the market develop to its present state. He has been actively engaged by authorities to help create an investor friendly structure. He remains engaged in performing an active role in developing issue management process in Oman in coordination with the Capital Market Authority (CMA).
He led the IMG in winning several awards including Best Brokerage for the last consecutive 6 years, Oman Web Awards, and recently Best Investment Bank Oman 2010, 2011, and 2013 from World Finance Magazine together with Best Banking Group Oman 2011.
Also the Best Investment Bank in Oman from BIZZ 2013. Also The Best Regional Mutual Fund from the Bankers' Magazine for 2013. Also the Best Research House in Oman for 2013 by The European Magazine, Also, The Most Sustainable Banking Group by the European Magazine for 2013,this is the Awards which has been awarded to OAB-IMG under the leadership of Lo'ai:
1. OAB-IMG has been awarded the 'Best Research House in Oman for 2013' by The European Magazine
2. OAB has been awarded the 'The Most Sustainable Banking Group in Oman' by the European Magazine for 2013.
3. OAB-IMG has been awarded 'BIZZ Award' for excellence in business practices by WORLDCOBat BIZZ Arabic Awards 2013 Dubai
4. OAB-IMG has been awarded by World Finance as the Best Investment Bank in Oman
5. Oman Al Arabi Fund was awarded Best Regional Investment Fund at the Banker Middle East Product Awards 2013
6. OAB-IMG was awarded the 'Platinum Technology Award for Quality and Best Trade Name'and also accredited with the 'T.Q.M. -Total Quality Management Aptitude Sealfor High Quality Performance & Best Customer Satisfaction' from France's Association Other ways Management & Consulting
7. OAB-IMG received the 'Corporate Governance Excellence Award' from the Capital Market Authority's –Oman Centre for Corporate Governance
8. OAB-IMG was awarded the39thInternational Trophy for Quality by the Trade Leaders' Club
9. OAB-IMG was awarded the Best Banking Group in Oman by World Finance Magazine
10. OAB-IMG has been awarded by World Finance as the Best Investment Bank in Oman for two consecutive years
11. OAB-IMG has been honored by the MSM as one of the best brokerage houses in Oman in all areas including services offered, organizational structure and volume for 6 consecutive years
12. OAB-IMG's website (www.oabinvest.com) was awarded by Oman Web Awards 2009 in the 'Banking & Finance' category.
13. OABwas ranked as the "No. 1 Bank" of Oman for the year 2008by Business Today -Ernst & Young Banking & NBFC Survey
He is also a well-known speaker on media and writes regularly on issues related to economy, investment and the financial markets. Masters and BSc degrees in Money & Banking, High Diploma in Investment Analysis & Credited Analysis from reputed universities.He has also finished his Professional Investment School from Cambridge University.
Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud
Executive Vice President- Head of Hotels & Hospitality, Middle East & Africa, JLL
Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud
Executive Vice President- Head of Hotels & Hospitality, Middle East & Africa, JLL
As Head of JLL's Hotels & Hospitality team for Africa & the Middle East, Chiheb leads the delivery of JLL's services to the regional Clients, in coordination with the firm's teams in JLL's offices across the globe. Chiheb's areas of expertise include: Hotel Development Advisory and Finance, Strategic Partnerships, Asset Management, Management Contracts and Negotiations, Investment Analysis and Due Diligence.
Since joining Jones Lang LaSalle' Hotels & Hospitality Group in 2007, Chiheb led over 100 key advisory assignments on behalf of a large number of leading hotel investors, owners, operators and financiers, totalling more than 100,000 rooms and total investment value of more than US$ 35 billion.
Prior to joining Jones Lang LaSalle, Chiheb was Regional Director of Finance for the Middle East with Marriott Ownership Resorts Inc. / Marriott Vacation Club International.
Chiheb had also spearheaded the development and led the Asset Management of high profile hotel and leisure assets in North Africa in coordination with leading world players in the hospitality and tourism industry, as Deputy Managing Director of the Hotels division of a large private group in Tunisia.
He led several critical hotel asset related negotiations and conducted various public studies and research initiatives. Chiheb has an in-depth knowledge of the hotel real estate markets in the Middle East and Africa region, having worked on several large and high profile hotels as well as mixed-use developments several countries.
Chiheb is holder of
- Certificate of Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management from Cornell University (USA);
- Masters of Science in Strategic Tourism Management from SKEMA/CERAM Sophia Antipolis (France) and a
- Master of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.
Chiheb speaks English, Arabic and French.
Dr Martin Berlin
PwC Partner , PricewaterhouseCoopers
Dr Martin Berlin
PwC Partner , PricewaterhouseCoopers
Martin is a partner within the PwC Deals Strategy team in the Middle East based in Dubai. He has over 10 years of experience working in senior strategy and operational positions at real estate development companies in the Middle East.
While his core expertise is in strategy, he also gained experience in business development, deal making, marketing and operations.
With his experience in McKinsey & Company, he combines a consulting advisor perspective with a operational expertise that he acquired working for Procter & Gamble and Dubai Holding.
Anil Bhardwaj
Director, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises
Anil Bhardwaj
Director, A.A. Al Moosa Enterprises
Anil Bhardwaj, a Chartered Accountant by profession, is a director with A.A. Almoosa Enterprises LLC, Dubai (The Arenco Group) for several years. The Group is a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, hotels, manufacturing, services and trade. As one of the largest landlords of Dubai it has, inter alia, several hotel and hotel apartment ownerships, with the hotels being managed by internationally renowned operators. The Group pioneered the hotel apartment concept in Dubai almost 25 years ago. Anil sits on the board of the group company that regularly interacts with the hotel operators and their management.
Hala Matar Choufany
Regional Managing Director, HVS Dubai
Hala Matar Choufany
Regional Managing Director, HVS Dubai
Hala Matar Choufany, MRICS is the Regional Managing Director of HVS Dubai and is responsible for the firm's valuation and consulting work in the Middle East and Africa.
Since joining HVS, she has worked on several mid and large scale mixed use developments and conducted numerous valuations, feasibility studies, operator search, contract negotiations, operational assessments, strategy advice, return on investment and market studies in Europe, MENA and Asia. Hala has in-depth expertise in regional hotel markets and a broad exposure to international markets and maintains excellent contacts with developers, owners, operators, investment institutions and government entities.
Hala holds an MPhil from Leeds University, U.K., an MBA in Finance and Strategy from IMHI (Essec- Cornell) University, Paris, France and a BA in Hospitality Management from Notre Dame University, Lebanon. Hala is fluent in English, French and Arabic.
Catalin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain Hospitality Innovation (CHI)
Catalin Cighi
Managing Partner, Cain Hospitality Innovation (CHI)
Catalin works to reinvent hospitality. He advocates a distinctive approach to decision-making for the development of better tourism destinations and hospitality concepts.
He leads a team organized for intensive research and solving of problems related to the development of tourism destinations and hospitality assets - hotels, resorts, and mixed-use properties.
Roughly 80% of their time is dedicated to advance knowledge in the field of hospitality development, creating tools and step-by-step methods that improve the decision-making of asset owners, developers, and tourism authorities. The remaining 10% is dedicated to consulting work that generates the revenues needed to fund their ongoing research.
He started his career with PwC in Europe, joined HVS in Boston, and then Dubai. His last position with HVS Dubai was Associate Director. In 2011, while acting as Senior Advisor to HVS and Senior Consultant to The Economist Group, he founded CHI.
His experience in consulting covers Europe, North America, North Africa and the Middle East. Since 2008, he delivered over 40 strategy and innovation assignments related to MENA mixed-use developments valued in excess of US$ 47 billion.
Oliver Ebner
Executive Director at Project & Specialised Finance, National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
Oliver Ebner
Executive Director at Project & Specialised Finance, National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD)
Oliver Ebner has 16 years of work experience in arranging and advising on transactions in Project Finance and Asset Finance for projects mainly in Europe and Asia. In his current position as Senior Manager in Project & Specialised Finance at National Bank of Abu Dhabi he leads the arrangement of large scale project as well as corporate financings for local and regional projects and sponsors. Prior to NBAD he spent most of his time with WestLB and SEB in London on a wide range of limited recourse transactions, with a particular focus on the leisure sector. His Project Finance experience also includes transactions in the energy, telecom, infrastructure, oil & gas and other sectors. He started his career with Merger & Acquisitions before moving to the Project Finance arena.
Oliver is a German national with a degree in Business Administration & Economics from Augsburg University. He now lives in Abu Dhabi with his wife and daughter.
Abdellah Essonni
CEO, ABJAR Hotels International LLC
Abdellah Essonni
CEO, ABJAR Hotels International LLC
An all-round hotelier with over 25 years of managerial experience spanning four continents and encompassing the industry's various facets, including the oversight of several hotel openings with residential and commercial components.
Before his current role, Abdellah was managing director-asset management for Actif Invest, a Casablanca-based hospitality investment fund. Prior to that, he was head of hospitality for Sama Dubai, the government owned master developer.
Abdellah had also held several executive positions with major hotel chains such as Hyatt, Four Seasons, Jumeirah and Kempinski.
Abdellah lives in Dubai with his wife and two children. He's originally from Morocco.
Taras Ettl
Vice President Development - Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Taras Ettl
Vice President Development - Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)
Taras Ettl is Vice-President Development of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for the Middle East and Africa. He is responsible for the group's expansion program in those two key emerging market regions.
Prior to joining IHG, Taras worked for eight years as Vice-President Acquisitions & Development at Kingdom Hotel Investments (KHI), a dedicated hotel investment vehicle headed by Saudi investor HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal where he was overseeing the assessment of deal flows ranging from acquisitions to green field developments with a particular focus on Africa. Before joining KHI, Mr. Ettl worked for Movenpick Hotels & Resorts in the capacity of Corporate Development Director with base in Zurich. He began his career at Arthur Andersen where he undertook feasibility work and valuation assignments at the firm's practices in Frankfurt and Bahrain.
Taras has an intricate knowledge of all hotel markets across the Middle East and Africa as well as extensive experience of transaction closings across a variety of different
jurisdictions and markets. His particular strength is his ability to work within emerging countries known for their high barriers of entry.
Henning Fries
Managing Director – Hospitality, Al Habtoor Group
Henning Fries
Managing Director – Hospitality, Al Habtoor Group
Henning Fries oversees the global hotel assets of the Dubai-based conglomerate - Al Habtoor Group. He took up his position in early 2013 and has been instrumental in driving growth.
The Al Habtoor Group's hotel business has expanded fast over the past few years and the Group has ambitious plans in the pipeline, as part Fries' remit. He recently oversaw the successful opening of the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the latest addition to the Al Habtoor Group's growing portfolio.
The Group currently runs and operates hotels in the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Hungary. In 2011 the Al Habtoor Group expanded its footprint in Europe, following the purchase of the landmark Le Méridien Budapest on the famous River Danube.
Fries started his career in the hospitality industry over 20 years ago. Before joining the Al Habtoor Group he oversaw operations for several top brands including Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, IHG, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. He has worked in Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.
The Al Habtoor Group is currently developing 'Al Habtoor City' - a new landmark in Dubai. The multi-use development will incorporate three five star hotels (WESTIN, W Hotel, St. Regis) as well as three high-residential towers. The hotel complex will include a provincial style garden, a tennis academy, a European boulevard and a permanent water-themed Las Vegas style production by Franco Dragone, a marina and multiple restaurants and bars, operated in part by internationally acclaimed 3rd parties.
Olivier Granet
Director of Development Middle East, ACCOR
Olivier Granet
Director of Development Middle East, ACCOR
Olivier Granet began his career with Deloitte & Touche, initially as an auditor and later as a Manager in Corporate Finance, holding positions in France and abroad.
He joined Accor as Chief Financial Officer for Central Europe, based in Budapest and then was appointed Vice President, Corporate Finance, in charge of several assignments including the integration of the German hotel chain Dorint. He served as Accor Executive Committee General Secretary.
After 10 years working for Accor, Olivier Granet was appointed in 2009 Senior Vice President Strategy for Accor Group. He then took in 2011, the responsibility for development in Middle East, a strategic region for Accor and is based in Dubai.
He is graduated from 'Sciences-Po Grenoble' in France and has also an Executive MBA from Essec Business School in Paris.
Ron Hilvert
Founder and Managing Director, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Ron Hilvert
Founder and Managing Director, The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management
Ron Hilvert, a graduate of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne, is the Founder and Managing Director of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management.
Ron has over 40 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry and is recognized as the most experienced Human Resources Executive in the industry worldwide. He has had professional and educational contact with all the major hotel schools and universities in North America, Europe, Asia and Australasia for over 40 years.
Ron has held the worldwide Corporate Human Resources position for Hyatt International, Hilton International and Jumeirah Group, and was an opening General Manager with Hyatt International Hotels. Ron has lectured at several major schools and universities, and has regularly been invited to speak at international conferences.
A fellow of the Institute of Hospitality, he is fluent in four European languages.
Sameer Kazi
Head of Corporate Real Estate Investments, Sedco Holdings
Sameer Kazi
Head of Corporate Real Estate Investments, Sedco Holdings
Sameer Kazi is the Head of Real Estate Investments at SEDCO Holding. SEDCO is a multi-billion dollar Family Office of Bin Mahfouz family based out of Jeddah that has several billion dollars invested in real estate assets globally. SEDCO also owns the Elaf hotel brand which is a leading Saudi hotel chain with strong presence in Jeddah, Makkah and Madinah. In his role, Sameer is responsible for driving the strategic direction and performance of the real estate portfolio through investments, asset management, workouts, development projects and divestitures. The real estate portfolio is globally diversified across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. The assets include residential, office, retail, development project, land bank, hotel, logistics, light industrial, funds and REITS.
Amine Moukarzel
President, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA
Amine Moukarzel
President, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA
A veteran hotelier for over three decades, Amine E. Moukarzel has vast experience in managing and leading international hotel chains and managing companies with his thorough knowledge in the MENA region having developed and operated leading hotels in the marketplace.
Having worked as the Hotel Operator, General Manager and Director of Operations of hotel owning companies in the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates property Investment Company, who have built the most successful hotels in Dubai & Abu Dhabi in the early and mid 90's. Amine established the momentum of being awarded the top operator having won the top 10 torchbearer award in Europe and the MENA region of Holiday Inn Chain at the time.
A certified trainer on the models for management, Amine has contributed to the development of many hoteliers who have become leaders in the Middle East and Africa and has seen those who have emigrated from the region to the world packed with his training and knowledge, has formed the management program of USEK (University of Saint Esprit Kaslik-Lebanon) and has been lecturing around Europe and the MENA region for many years in several leading institutes.
Carried out several training workshops as a trainer, has contributed for several years to be a key note speaker and moderator for Arab ministers in AHIC (Arabian Hotel Investment Conference) and other leading trade shows and conferences. Member of several committees and boards, and won several awards, latest Tatweej , for his contribution in the Hospitality Industry, to be selected also from UNTWO to give a lecture on the latest hospitality trends in the region.
Amine E. Moukarzel, the founder of Flamingo Hotel Management Company 12 years ago that started with 3 people is currently operating from the regional head office based in the UAE with 22 executives and 6000 employees around the region having more than 70 hotels under the Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts in the MENA region as President of the Group and Partner with Louvre Hotels Group and Starwood Capital in the MENA region.
The success story goes on with the Human resources development, seeing executives joining the company, getting married and having children, thus growing their family within the family of Flamingo Hotel Management and Golden Tulip MENA especially with loyal employees and executives who have been in employment since its inception.
He was nominated among the top 20 Arab Hoteliers and in 2009, in 2013 he was ranked number 9 among the top 50 hoteliers in the Middle east and Number 2 in the top 10 Arab Hoteliers in the Middle east. Amine E. Moukarzel was the recipient of the famous HORECA Lebanon & Levant award that is a prestigious award and a selection of top 5 leaders in hospitality and tourism who have contributed to the Middle East & North Africa.
In 2011 Amine was nominated as "Man of the Year" by the General Managers Magazine and received the prestigious award in Lebanon.
In 2012 he was awarded the Platinum award from Louvre Hotels and Starwood Capital for his contribution in the MENA region in the company worldwide portfolio.
Currently heading the fastest expanding hotel management company in the MENA region, the Golden Tulip has grown from 43 hotels at the end of 2011 to reach 60 hotels at the end of 2012, having in its portfolio Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts and Louvre Hotels, making the group the 2nd largest European group and the 8th largest worldwide with its brands: Royal Tulip, Golden Tulip, Tulip Inn, Kyriad, Campanile and Premiere Classe.
This shall capitalize on the success factor of Golden Tulip's achievements in the region as Amine E. Moukarzel believes that building up such success with close relationships is related to respecting owners and driving hotel developments and delivering the promises to the highest return on investments to shareholders and to be the employer of choice and of reference.
The plan is to open one Golden Tulip hotel every month and at the forefront, develop Louvre Hotels, capitalizing on the success of Golden Tulip as both will provide synergy management with an excellent platform for development, owners' relation, human resources etc.
Mohamed Najia
Secretary General, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association
Mohamed Najia
Secretary General, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association
Mohamed have over 30 years experience in the Hospitality Industry.
He made his career with various International Operators in the region and reached the position of Vice President for Kuwait Hotels Group.
In 2003 Mohamed was appointed Tourism Advisor to the Kuwait Government and played an important role in the preparation of Tourism Strategy for the State of Kuwait.
Mohamed is Hospitality Arbitrator of G.C.C. Arbitration Center in Bahrain and Fellow of Institute of Hospitality – UK.
Mohamed is co-author of several publications on Hospitality and Tourism.
Mohamed received many Hospitality awards.
Martin Ostermann
Director of Development, Melia Hotels
Martin Ostermann
Director of Development, Melia Hotels
Based in Dubai for nine years
Martin leads the development efforts of Melia Hotels International in the Middle East Region.
With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and related industries, Martin acquired strong knowledge in hotel sales, marketing, public relations, hotel management in Europe, the US and Middle East, both in operations,hospi tality real estate advisory and development, as well as capital markets.
Martin holds a degree in Hospitality Management from the Conrad N. Hilton College at the University of Houston in Texas, USA.
He frequently travels to all GCC countries and abroad and leads top level client negotiations, participates in industry expert panels, conferences and exhibitions and has acquired a strong level
of market knowledge, client network and recognition. Strong market and subject knowledge as well as close owners and investors relations are essential to success in the
region and abroad ,which Martin masters.
Russel Sharpe
Chief Operating Officer, Citymax Hotels - Landmark Group
Russel Sharpe
Chief Operating Officer, Citymax Hotels - Landmark Group
Russel Sharpe graduated from Surrey University intent on developing a career within the hotel and catering industry. Starting in the kitchens he moved into management initially as a Food & Beverage Manager, then Rooms Division Manager before becoming a General Manager of a five star hotel. His broad experience coupled with his impressive track record enabled him to hold various senior regional posts with Holiday Inns, Accor and Le Meridien Hotels and Resorts. With over thirty years extensive experience in the Middle East and Asia, his comprehensive knowledge base and strategic sales and marketing skills, provides him with a platform to manage a hotel concept from inception to launch, providing full feasibility studies and revenue projections. In his most recent vote as COO for Citymax Hotels, he has managed to hone his management skills and bring his vast hospitality knowledge to focus on filling and operating over 1500 rooms in the UAE with another 1200 rooms being built. Russel has managed to create a home grown mid-market brand of hotels that is now a household name.
Sanjay Tanna
Senior Director - Commercial and Investments, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Sanjay Tanna
Senior Director - Commercial and Investments, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Sanjay has been with Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) for over 7 years and is based in the United Arab Emirates. He reviews ADNEC's portfolio of Real Estate Investments, including Hotels in the Middle East and Europe, representing a combined value of more than US$ 2 billion and over 2,000 hotel rooms.
Sanjay is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience in Development, Investments and Corporate / Commercial Finance within the Real Estate and Hospitality sectors.
Within the hospitality spectrum, his experience ranges from luxury single assets through to select service and portfolio of budget hotels.
His prime focus is within strategic planning, investments, acquisitions, development, branding, market reviews, financial feasibilities, performance & asset management.
Sanjay has a wealth of experience which has added to his commercial repertoire and has gained experience, from FTSE listed entities, Financial Institutions to Owner - Managed businesses, both in the UK and in UAE, and it is this that makes him not only financially observant but, more importantly, a commercially focused individual with an eye for latest market trends.
Sumair Tariq
Managing Director, R Hotels
Sumair Tariq
Managing Director, R Hotels
Sumair Tariq (BA. CPA. MCSE)
Sumair started his career with Ernst and Young LLP (E&Y) in the assurance and business consulting services. He has over thirteen years of business management and consulting experience and has served several Fortune 500 companies in the US and MENA region. Having gathered experience in various industries such as real estate, hospitality, manufacturing and oil & gas, he joined R Holding group in the year 2007 and was promoted to Managing Director of R Hotels in 2010. He also serves on the board of R Holding group with focus on education, construction, property development, and hotels.
Sumair is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in the states of Texas and Wisconsin. He completed his Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Accounting and Information Technology from the University of Wisconsin, USA.
Nigel Teasdale
Senior Asset Manager, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Nigel Teasdale
Senior Asset Manager, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Following 10 years in hotel operations and sales & marketing, Nigel joined PKF's hotel consultancy team in 1996 where he undertook a wide range of feasibility studies throughout EMEA. He then moved to a role in PKF's broking team, where he advises owners in their sale, lease and management contract negotiations. After 9 years with PKF Nigel joined Vision Asset Management where he was asset manager for various Hilton and Marriott UK portfolios, before opening Vision's Dubai office in 2008. In 2010 Nigel joined TDIC (Tourism Development & Investment Company), the master developer of some of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious hospitality projects, where he is asset manager for TDIC's three Anantara operated hotels, with two further properties under construction, and for TDIC's two Troon operated golf courses.
David Thomson
Chief Operating Officer, JA Resorts and Hotels
David Thomson
Chief Operating Officer, JA Resorts and Hotels
David Grant Thomson, who describes himself as a Scot with an outrageous English accent, originally moved to the Middle East in 1984. He joined JA Resorts & Hotels in 2001, then Dutco Hotels part of the huge Dutco Group of companies, after a successful career in marketing and hospitality with some of the world's largest agencies and world-class hotels.
David started with the company as Director of Sales and Marketing where he implemented the rebranding of the company to Jebel Ali International Hotels. Over the next few years David focused on developing opportunities for expansion, incorporating new venues, expanding product ranges and renovating the existing properties. Bateaux Dubai, her sister vessel Divaz , the Centre of Excellence, Al Sahra Desert Resort and the Oasis Beach Tower have all been added to the portfolio on David's watch.
After six years with the company David became General Manger of JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Bateaux Dubai, a role he had for two years before being appointed Regional General Manager in January 2010.
In 2012 David was promoted to Chief Operating Officer for the newly rebranded JA Resorts & Hotels, a year which also saw the flagship property, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort extend one of its two hotels, JA Palm Tree Court, by 74 junior suites and suites and the addition of the JA Ocean View Hotel to the portfolio, a Dubai property owned and managed by JA Resorts & Hotels.
In December 2013, the company opened its first international property, Enchanted Island Resort located within Seychelles. A secluded five-star boutique island hideaway featuring just ten luxury pool villas, the resort is situated in the middle of a designated National Marine Park.
David enjoys the challenge of working in an industry that is constantly changing and reinventing itself and where better to be based than in the fast paced environment of Dubai, which continues to lead the global hospitality sector in development, innovation and product enhancements.
Very much a family man, as well as trained councilor and coach, David and his wife Deborah have six children aged 13 to 20.
Costas Verginis
Senior Director of Lodging Development, Marriott International Inc. & Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Costas Verginis
Senior Director of Lodging Development, Marriott International Inc. & Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC
Dr Costas Verginis – Senior Director Lodging Development, Marriott International
Costas is a hospitality professional with 20+ years experience in the hospitality industry. Costas has served the hospitality industry in various capacities, namely hotel operations, hospitality education, hospitality consultancy and since January 2013 hotel development.
Costas started his education in a traditional Swiss Hotel School, followed by Master and Doctoral degrees in the UK. His PhD thesis is in the area of real estate finance and specifically on hotel feasibilities and valuations.
Costas held various operational roles in hotels in Switzerland, Cyprus and the UK, and taught hospitality related courses in the UK, Greece and the UAE.
Between 2006 and 2012 Costas led Deloitte's hospitality and real estate Middle East consulting team, and in this capacity he has advised many developers and hotel owners across the Middle East in areas of strategic growth, business planning, growth strategy, asset management, hotel operator selection, feasibility studies, and market trend analysis.
Since January 2013, Costas joined the Marriott International lodging development team, with focus on the markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Gabriel Von Bonsdorff
Senior Manager – Hospitality & Leisure, Aldar Properties P.
Gabriel Von Bonsdorff
Senior Manager – Hospitality & Leisure, Aldar Properties P.
Gabriel Von Bonsdorff, Senior Manager – Hospitality Asset Management – Aldar Properties
Gabriel joined Aldar from IFA Hotels & Resorts in 2014 with the responsibility of managing the company's hotel portfolio as well as third party asset management mandates across the region. The current portfolio consists of 13 hospitality assets with an excess of 2,500 rooms and 40 restaurants across 6 different operators.
With over 13 years' experience in hotel investment, asset management, management consulting and development across South East Asia, Middle East, Europe and the US, Gabriel brings extensive experience to his role with Aldar. He is a graduate of both the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne and the London Business School.
Name | Job Title | Company |
Munir Ahmed | Director Hospitality | Naseel Holding |
Naif Saleh Al Hamden | VP - Investments and Business Development | Al Rajhi Investments Co |
Eng. Omar Almubarak | GD of Licensing | Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) |
Hamad Alshaikh | VP, Marketing & Programs | Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) |
Aboudi Asali | SVP Development MEASA | Jumeirah Group |
Paul Bell | Managing Director | Pro-invest Group |
Selim El Zein | Head of Hotel Asset Management, MENA | Colliers International |
Rabih Feghali | Roya International | |
Manav Fernandez | COO | INSIGNIA FZ LLC |
Simon Hasdell | CEO | IFA Hotel Investments |
Philipp Krause | Director Strategy | Dubai Holding |
Abu-Bakr Makhlouf | Commercial Director | Egyptian Resorts Company |
Elie Milky | Director Business Development Middle East and Africa | The Rezidor Hotel Group |
Simon Newberry | Aecom | |
Siegfried Nierhaus | Managing Director | Atlas Group Middle East |
Krish Sundaresan | Group CFO | Abu Dhabi Capital Group |


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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Rumored: The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT Final Edition is not the last SLS
Which reminds us: What would Mercedes call the true final version of the SLS? The Last One Forever And Ever Edition? Whatever name they land on, it'd be nice if we didn't have to say goodbye to the spectacular SLS just yet. Even if we did feel a little duped.


text:
From time to time, Zeedman has posted about rabbit damage to his beans. That did not seem to be a problem here. I had a realistic looking plastic owl on a post overlooking the garden and last winter it broke in a storm. A week ago, the rabbits discovered my garden. They did not care about peas, cabbage or broccoli but they went after the beans which had one set of true leaves and a small growing tip. They would eat the true leaves and sometimes the growing tip. They took out a trellis of Hazard Fall beans leaving only two intact. They also took out a couple of Red Eye Greasy plants and several of other types. I put out traps baited with apples and carrots with no success so far. I also bought a new owl and this morning there were a couple rabbits frolicking around the base of its pole. So far, shooting them is the only option that seems to work. There has been no more damage in the last few days and many of the damaged plants are valiantly trying to grow their second set of true leaves on otherwise bare stalks. I do not hold out much hope for those. - Dick |
Follow-Up Postings:
Most folks around here use Milorgonite to repel deer and also as a fertilizer As much as it stinks it ought to repel rabbts also I would think spraying the ajoining area with ammnia would also work I spray my yard with 10 percent ammonia before I plant to kill off slugs It turns to a soluable nitrogen source in a few days. Charlie |
This post was edited by hementia8 on Tue, Jun 4, 13 at 14:40
Thank you Charlie. There seems to be a lot of evidence for both remedies. - Dick |
Nylon tulle is another method other than DOGS, GUNS, TRAPS, CHASING AND YELLING....d: Or: How about setting up a nice table for them with some fresh carrots? They also love Fenugreek. Seriously , on FENUGREEK, it can be co-planted in the spaces between the beans. So that you use some and the rabbits eat some and the soil gets some free nitrogen too. |
Thank you seysonn. Fenugreek sounds better than the nuclear device I was considering! :-D |
I finally settled on Milorganite and bird scare tape streamers. The plants that were missing the first true leaves but still had the growing tip appear to be recovering some. The second true leaves are actually larger on some plants than those on the plants that were not damaged. |
DH finally rigged up a chicken wire fence around the beans. It makes them somewhat hard to reach ( have to climb over it , and watch where I step to work the middle of the bed ), but it seems to be the only thing to keep the rabbits out. The only other thing they like to eat is the Swiss Chard, but they hide in the potatoes and have the plants beaten down in the center of the bed. That stupid dog of ours likes to chase them,but she hasn't caught one yet. . Saw several baby rabbits out there now, so we may have to get more chicken wire . A few years ago DH got some "rabbit proof" plastic fencing and put it around the whole garden, then I watched out my kitchen window as a rabbit stood on it's hind legs and chewed a hole in it. I was so mad, I got out the air gun. Missed the rabbit but put a hole in the shed. |
Our cat catches and eats the smaller ones but the adults are too fast. It looks like the bird scare tape and Milorganite may be working. Or maybe it was the air rifle. Even the Hazard Fall beans may recover. |
I mentioned that the rabbits ate the first true leaves off of an entire trellis of Hazard Fall beans leaving only two plants intact. The rest were very sad looking bare stalks with a tiny bud at the tip. Fourteen feet of disaster. As of today the damaged plants are climbing fine and look very similar to the two that were not damaged. - Dick |
The year that I had the most damage to my beans, I attributed it to rabbits, because I often saw a couple fat rabbits leaving my rural garden (or visible nearby) when I arrived. It turned out that most of the damage was done by this fellow: My gardens are now fenced high for deer, and with chicken wire low to keep out the rabbits. Occasionally a rabbit gets in late in the season (usually to have a brood), but except for soybeans - which they will destroy - the damage is generally minor. At the first sign of major damage, I break out the live trap... I've caught two ground hogs so far. |
No rabbit damage so far but something is pulling up bean plants. They/it only does the ones in peat pots. It pulls them up and leaves them lying there peat pot and all. - Dick |
If you guys think rabbits are a problem you should have a few hundred of my squirrels. They shell cowpeas faster than a machine can. They also love lima beans, tomatoes or any vegetables. We are not allowed to discharge a fire arm where I live and they are to smart to go into a trap. They also won't eat rat poison. I'm desperate. Luther |
"No rabbit damage so far but something is pulling up bean plants. They/it only does the ones in peat pots. It pulls them up and leaves them lying there peat pot and all. - Dick" Squirrels and chipmunks do that here... and only to the transplants placed in pots, never those in the ground. Never could figure out why, it almost seems like a territorial thing, that they smell recently disturbed soil & feel compelled to investigate. To judge by their reaction times, they must be checking all of my pots daily. ;-) Don't know why plants put into the garden don't get the same reaction. I put a small chicken wire cage around the pot after planting to discourage that behavior. Once established, I can remove the cage, and the plants will not be disturbed. Maybe eaten by deer, but not dug up by squirrels. |
This post was edited by zeedman on Wed, Jul 16, 14 at 0:00
Hmm. Our bird feeders do attract large numbers of squirrels... |
I had rabbits eating my English Peas this year. Got a spray product called "Liquid Fence" from my garden supply store. Spray it directly on the plant and the little rodents will not come anywhere near. Karl |
Are you sure you are supposed to spray the Liquid Fence on the plants. I had a rabbit problem last year and bought either liquid fence or that other popular spray. I e-mailed the manufacturer asking how long after spraying could you harvest vegetables. I received a reply that stated it was not intended to be sprayed on the plant. ???? But not positive it was liquid fence (could have been the other popular spray and the name escapes this old brain right now). |
- Posted by Summer_Squash none (My Page) on Wed, Jun 25, 14 at 3:17
This is a very unconventional way to look at it... but... I have a dog. She sheds quite a bit. I brush her quite a bit. About a month ago I decided to take the fur and put it in a bag rather than let it sprawl all over my yard and look like some sort of weird fungus once it gets wet. I was just going to throw out the bag, but I guess I never did (it can't be that I couldn't possibly throw away such a soft, oh my god, soft bag of fluff). I had put a fence up around my garden to keep the rabbits away from my cauliflower, which they were going all out on. Wasn't working. The baby rabbits were leaping through holes in the fence, even though they were 2''x1'' holes... gosh. I heard that rabbits smell very well, and of course, seeing as my dog has killed multiple rabbits, they are terrified of her. So... rather desperately... I put dog hair around the cauliflower. Oh my gosh. It WORKED! Just a thought. |
I have 2x4" welded wire fence around my vegetable beds to keep deer out, and once I spooked an adult rabbit and it was stuck anterior to its hind legs in the fence, I was nice and pulled the wire apart to let it out. So it seems to be very young rabbits that succeed in getting through the wire unless I leave the gate open. It's only happened a couple of years, but is happening now, I saw the small rabbit. I have only a small amount of some heirloom seeds so they are in danger of not reproducing so I wouldn't have any seed stock for next year.:-( Anyway I put plastic mesh and chicken wire around one bed, they were still getting through, I'm adding more chicken wire, and one bed I put plastic sheet around the entire bed a couple of feet high and weighed down with branches, that bed seems not to be suffering any more damage. As for heaving plants out of the ground, voles or possibly moles seem to resent my planting stuff where they want to make a surface tunnel so sometimes heave the plant out of the ground from below, a compact rootbound plant usually. I've trapped squirrels, both tree and ground types, many times in a havahart trap, I use peanut butter on bread for bait. I planted a lot of nut trees here and don't get any nuts, but it keeps them busy so they haven't bothered anything but apples in late fall after all the nuts are gone, and they try to jump on our suet bird feeders. I'm trying to catch the rabbit, I've been using apple which disappears but the trap has not sprung. It's not my usual trap, maybe it is not sensitive enough. |
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Cheap and simple hostel. We had 2 private rooms with shared badrooms. Bedrooms were as dormitories. Hostel is well located. Breakfast was very poor just crakers, jam and dulche... nothing to eat really.
Argentina >
Patagonia >
Province of Chubut >
Puerto Madryn
Number of rooms: 14
- Reservation Options:
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text: E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Please note that the admission process for the graduate certificate program is separate from admission to the MSW Program. Download an Admission Application, and contact Chad for an advising appointment. Additional information regarding specific program requirements can be found on the following pages Graduate Certificate in Social Work Management School of Social Work 3211 Providence Drive Gordon Hartlieb Hall, Suite 106 Anchorage, Alaska 99508 (907) 786-6900 firstname.lastname@example.com |


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Duncan James, The Apprentice's James Hill and others strip for Attitude's #GetNakedBeSafe campaignCeleb News
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Entertainment Who killed EastEnders' Lucy Beale? We've done more digging and we think we know the answer!
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Masala Bhindi (Spicy Lady's Finger/Okra Fry)
Bhindi (okara/Lady's Finger)
Cumin seeds (Zeera) – 1/2 tsp
Bharwa masala – 2-3 tsp
Salt to taste
Cooking oil
- Wash and dry bhindi properly otherwise it would become sticky while frying.
- Cut bhindi length wise. If you want you can even split them.
- Heat enough oil in pan and splutter zeera.
- Deep fry bhindi . Take care that you don't break them while frying.
- Add bharwa masala and salt to fried bhindi. Stir bhindi for few minutes.
- Serve hot with roti and fried dal.
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Serves 6 to 8
- 3 dozen prunes (pitted, extra-large variety)
- 4 cups good red port
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 piece vanilla bean
- Whipped cream
- Macaroons
- Candied violets
Soak prunes for 24 hours in 2 cups port. Then add 2 more cups port, the sugar, and vanilla bean. Cook gently for about 1/2 hour. Cool and refrigerate for 3 days.
To serve, put in a decorative bowl and cover with whipped cream. Sprinkle whipped cream with a thick layer of powdered macaroons and garnish with candied violets.


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In the Know: Virtual Styling Sites
Here at TWF, we love a good disruptive model. Several particularly interesting and relevant ones currently on the rise are in the virtual styling category – whether the styling is a service provided or an opportunity for the users to access their closets and style (and share) themselves using a mobile app. Here are some
Read more →


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When Walt Whitman self-published Leaves of Grass in 1855 it was a slim volume of twelve poems and he was a journalist and poet from Long Island, little-known but full of ambition and poetic fire. To give a new voice to the new nation shaken by civil war, he spent his entire life revising and adding to the work, but his initial act of bravado in answering Ralph Waldo Emerson's call for a national poet has made Whitman the quintessential American writer. This rich cross-section of his work includes poems from throughout Whitman's lifetime as published on his deathbed edition of 1891, short stories, his prefaces to the many editions of Leaves of Grass, and a variety of prose selections, including Democratic Vistas, Specimen Days, and Slang in America.
About the Author
Walt Whitman (1819-1892) was born on Long Island and educated in Brooklyn, New York. He served as a printer's devil, journeyman compositor, itinerant schoolteacher, editor, and unofficial nurse to Northern and Southern soldiers.
Michael Warner is professor of English at Rutgers University. His most recent works include American Sermons: The Pilgrims to Martin Luther King, and his essays and journalism have appeared in the Village Voice, the Nation, and other magazines.


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Antunes has accepted an invitation from Mourinho to travel to Madrid from December 3-9 and get some insight into his coaching methods ahead of Cape Verde's Nations Cup opener against Bafana Bafana on January 19.
CLICK HERE for more Afcon news.
Mourinho is reportedly a friend of the president of the Cape Verde islands, Jose Carlos Fonseca, and has taken a special interest in the footballing fortunes of the tiny African nation.
He made a personal congratulatory phone call to Antunes after he guided Cape Verde to their first ever Nations Cup finals appearance and has now gone a step further to offer his assistance and give some private tuition to the coach.
"It is a great satisfaction that the best coach in the world, 'the Special One' has an interest in a small team like ours," Antunes says. "We are looking forward to our time in Madrid. It's a great feeling."
Aside from South Africa, Cape Verde will also take on Morocco and Angola in Group A at the Nations Cup.


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Things I Have Eaten
Editor's Note: This is a humorous piece and in no way purports to provide genuine information on blood sugar management.
People without diabetes completely miss the real difficulties of being diabetic. For one thing, it's not so much about what I can't eat as what I have to eat.
Allow me to outline a situation in which I have found myself more than once. I am out and about, I have again forgotten my wallet, and signs of a low blood sugar are beginning to approach. A quick search of my pockets reveals thirteen lifesavers that have gone through the washer along with my cargo shorts. They are fuzzy with lint, and dryer heat has welded them into a rainbow-colored blob. In fact, they are not readily identifiable as candies.
So here's my choice: Assume that pocket lint will cause no lasting damage when digested (it was washed, so it's clean, right?), or pick a direction and hope to reach one of my numerous emergency sugar stores. The choice is obvious: do both. Don't they call them lifesavers with diabetics in mind?
I have a squirrel-like tendency to collect and store various forms of quick sugar. If a promotional event is handing out free cans of soda pop, two or three will find their way into my gym bag, book bag, under the car seat, under the pillow, etc. However, secreting root beer into all manner of crevices can lead to difficulties. For one, you'd think an aluminum can filled with carbonated syrup has a half-life comparable to plutonium, but it ain't so. That pop and the hissing noise that emits after you've sat on your bag can ruin your day.
Generally I'm not too fussy about what I eat. (I watch what I eat, but only from the plate to the fork to the mouth.) Thankfully, this dietetic leniency has saved me from many a close call. While attending a high school competition, a shaky feeling found me with my pockets empty of lint-covered lifesavers. The refreshment supplies were dwindling, but fate was smiling on me: there were two cookies and a cup of juice left over. I started to make my shaky way to the 34 carbs like a lost desert wanderer toward an oasis.
Then, like that same wanderer discovering a mirage, I watched my lifeline disappear as a rotund fellow student grabbed my prey. I doubt that Chubby ever realized that his very life was in peril at that moment. It's a good thing I wasn't feeling better, or I might have bit him. Thankfully, my pottery teacher had a stale onion bagel in her pocket. Carbs are carbs. It took a long time to get working (clay probably slows digestion), but it did work. I still harbor resentment against the kid who stole my cookies, though.
During high school, I discovered that chugging a whole quart of juice right before running drills made a miserable experience into something downright agonizing. I clearly needed to cut down on the volume, so I switched to pure juice concentrate. Once again, my training in consuming gross stuff came in handy. And when someone asked to partake of my "juice," I would happily hand him the bottle and watch as he gagged and choked. Misery loves company.
In college, I joined the crew team and began buying concentrated juice in bulk. In typical student style, however, I quickly lost track of which bottles contained fresh concentrate and which had been sitting around awhile. One fine morning, sitting in the rowboat, I needed some sugar and grabbed my bottle of concentrate. When I opened it, it exploded. Thus did I discover the basic process of fermentation. But what choice did I have? Bottoms up. It made for some interesting rowing.
I've gotten much better about monitoring my sugar sources, and most of what I eat now would be considered edible by even a fussy personality. Recently I discovered that Fruit Leathers contain a reasonable amount of quick-acting sugar, can withstand storage (measured in years), and are slim enough to fit anywhere. So I am quite efficiently stocked up. Oh sure, on occasion you'll find me inspecting my pocket contents with a hungry glint in my eye, but on the whole, I have to tap into my emergency supplies with less frequency. Of course, this could pose a problem: When the time comes…what will I find?
Click Here To View Or Post CommentsCategories: Blood Sugar, Diabetes, Diabetes, Personal Stories, Type 1 Issues


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mrshumphreys wrote:frrostedman wrote:If my wife believed these things, I would have to question in my mind--how does she know she truly loves me? It would eat away at me. I don't mind having guy friends like this because at the end of the day we go home. But if someone like this were someone I had to count on for love? That would be impossible.
You are a very silly man, sometimes.
Are you ignoring your pms, or just not checking them.
I'm hurt, I said "hi" to you last week.
I guess pop-ups are turned off? HI! I'll check now.


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Ocean encourages Trina to look honestly at her life and her options. Uncle Bo has his first job interview in years while Peggy feels the brunt of Ocean's frustration. Peggy seeks help from Lou but doesn't get the advice she wanted to hear. Dessa deems Lupe her angel, though Lupe feels like anything but.
Season Three: Episode 5
The Gift of Rosary
35 Responses
Very good episode… hope Uncle Bo comes back. I've caught up on all the episodes, and I hope that they keep coming. I'm sharing with friends.
Keep up the Excellent Work, all!!!!!! God Bless you all.
this is my quiet time, for those who dnt pick this up its ok! We will keep the series as our lil secret. To the writers directors, cast & crew, you keep your head up, Because each day in each episode, someone is being blessed. Thank you for your hard work. maybe we can get it in an audio book.
This show is so good. I will watch it faithfully. Thanks for creating such a quality show.
As always great show. I wonder why they have Trina wearing a wig this season?? I hope she's ok in real life. Loved this episode. And I LOVE Mike's character. So gentle and GOOD. We need to see these images of black men, to counter the overwhelming negative ones. Thank you…Leon you're doing a beautiful job.
Trina cut all her hair off and has gone natural. I read an article a couple of months ago.
I really hope TV1 picks this up as a series. Excellent writing. There's nothing like it on TV (for us). SN: Leon could take care of me any time!
Those are my sentiments also Cecillia……………Leon is "the man", I can't WAIT to see him on Monique……..wish I could be in that audience.
I am so in love with this series…It's the best show anywhere!!! Well done Mr. Townsend! I love it, I love it, I love it!!!
can't wait until next week's episode……great show…..spread the word so this can get onto network tv…..
I love this epsiode, Ocean is doing a good job, of talking to trinia about the cause and effects of having unprotected sex. she should listen to her, although I think that something did happen bewteen her and senior, and she's afraid to say so. Lupe is really trying to be strong, and she's lucky to have met dessa. I think they can understand each other better, because only they know what their going through. I hope uncle Bo comes back safely, the family really needs him!!! this is a great show somebody please pick it up!!!!!! also I think mike and ocean would make a nice couple, although she does need more time.
Just great! Wish it was longer; can't wait to see what happens next week. Hope Uncle Bo comes back sober. Robert Townsend continue the great work. LOL!
I was just looking around on the net, seeking help for single mothers that need help and facing eviction and came across this. Robert T. I was wondering where you've been lately and here you are with a touching show on the net. Hello have you heard of commercials advertise dude, now you have hooked like a crackhead and I thank you. I will pass the word about this just in case the people I know don't know anything about this. I identify with Peggy but under different circumstances and also with Ocean. Lupe I guess you can say I"m her also minus the cancer (hiding hurt through relationships.
I just want to say excellent work as always.-
I heard that, when I first came across this show it was the 2nd season. I sat and watched the whole first and second season in one sitting. Can you say hooked like that. I was actually going thru withdrawl waiting for season 3.
If your on facebook, there is a facebook fan page you can like and also inform all your friends at the same time. They also post information and contests that you can participate. I love this series and I try to delay watching an episode so it's not too long before the next one but that doesn't work…I still want more
Great show tonite, unfortunately too short..Though Mike is fine and seems compassionate, I feel that Ocean has too many issues to solve before getting romantically involved with Mike. Maybe they can be friends. It would be difficult for me personally to get involved with a neighbor's ex.
Monica Calhoun please correct resume to say..
Her film credits include The Best Man, Park Day, The Players Club, Sister Act II :Back in the Habit, Love and Basketball, Jack the Bear, The Salon, Justice, Gang of Roses, Love Chronicles, Pandora's Box, Civil Brand, Final Breakdown, Faux Pas, Awarding winning Bagdad Cafe.
On television, she appeared in numerous made-for-TV films including, The Jacksons: An American Dream, The Ditch Digger's Daughters, Rebound: The Legend of Earl 'The Goat' Manigault, The Ernest Green Story, Intimate Betrayal, Nature Boy, CBS School Break Specials (What About Your Friends, Different Worlds: A Story of Interracial Love, 15 and Getting Straight), She Stood Alone, Heart and Soul, Out of Rosenheim was renamed Bagdad Cafe, and Children of the Night.
A television favorite, Calhoun has appeared as a special guest on Cold Case Files, Everybody Hates Chris, Grey's Anatomy, Strong Medicine, NYPD Blue, Malcolm & Eddie, the Jamie Foxx Show, the Wayans Bros Show, A Different World and Bagdad Cafe series Starring Monica Calhoun.
Great show. Are the episodes normally 15mins or less OR is this just for the web?
I love this show. Just like every episode this one brought tears to my eyes. Robert Townsend you are the man!
I have fallen so in love with Mike that I don't know what to do GOOD WORK LEON!!!
he is so sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awwwwwww! It is sooooooooooooooo beautiful! Man, the waiting just kills. Thanks so much for this Series… good job!
This is a great episode, story line is on key. Mothers please have this conversation with your daughters, they are getting some bad info out there. Mr Townsend please keep up the good work. The players did a wounderful job. I throughly enjoyed this show. Thank You.
After listening to Mr. Townsend on the TJMS about a month ago…I went online to pic.tv and started to watch the very first episode of session one…now I am all caught up…OMG I am telling everyone that I know this is a need to see…Keep up the good work Crew…
I can't believe that this show is sooooo good, I look forward to each and every episode. I am a single mom also, my children are now young adult but I could definately use a Mike in my life.
Great job Robert, keep up the great work.
it just so happen i came aross this i love it so you know i had to catch up right i works nites so i watch all them at one time i hope someone do pick it up this so is real so real love it
What a wonderful show! This speaks to so many issues that families experience when there is violence in the home. PTSD, learning development and growth development issues, depression, and much more. I was a child victim of domestic violence and experienced much of the anger that I see in Sammy. A lot of times we see kids today who act out like Sammy and Trina and the first thing we want to do is say, "they need a whooping" or "they are bad!". Honestly, 9 times out of 10 there's something much deeper going on, and kids can turn around. My younger sister grew up in our home and acted out in similar ways, it took a lot of work,but she is now a growing, well-balanced, focused young woman of 16. I couldn't be prouder of her. It was a gradual process though and honestly we had to pride her on the small things, which is something we don't see Ocean doing a lot of. Anywho, enough of my rambling. I just wanted to say that the show is wonderful and I will continue to support!
The show is so great! I start watching one episode and then before I know is I have watch the whole season. I can watch this everyday! I especially like how you provide resources for the viewer after each episode. Job welled done.
Great show, very relatable. Would love to see it on television!
Mr. Townsend, last weeks contest winner won a dvd set of seasons 1 & 2. Can you please provide this so that the rest of us can buy it? I love this series and it is something I would definitely like to own.
Cough and phlegm expectorate chest pain…
History: cough and phlegm expectorate chest pain physicians see patients with acute bronchitis is like sex: male age: 30 patients with this disease and duration: 10 days…
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Your blog is so usefull … keep up the good work!!!!…
I loved the series. All the stories seem so real and with great actors. I am looking foreward to more series for 2011.
Thank you so much for feeling our pain, our struggles, our day to day thoughts. Sometimes seeing what you feel in others brings reality to the forefront. Truly heaven sent, never doubt that you are letting your fans down, you have done so much for those you dont know, are we are thankful.
lig tv canli yayin…
I wish getting over a broken heart can be so easy as following a few steps.. but its not… …
I hate it I'm just now catching back up with this series. Enjoying every minute of it. Would be a series for OWN. See Oprah needs all the help she can get for that network. Great job.


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Home Congregations About Us Bookstore Press Room Giving
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Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica
On October 1, 2002, 18 people met to form a new Peace Task Force. Discussion centered on the impending war in Iraq and its implications, but the group's focus has since widened to include many peace-related and civil liberties issues. In November 2002, they drafted a Statement of Conscience that was ratified by the congregation at a special meeting.
This Statement of Conscience was adapted by the Peace Committee of the Faith in Action Program, from a Statement of Conscience written by the minister and members of our church. It was approved by our Board of Directors, and was accepted as our church's public position on the issue at a special congregational vote held on November 10, 2002.
We believe it is in the best interests of our country and of world peace for us to act in concert with the United Nations, and not unilaterally, to bring about Iraq's compliance with United Nations resolutions concerning weapons of mass destruction and respect for human rights.
We believe that seeking unilaterally to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein, especially through force of arms, will incite further hatred and violence between the Muslim and non-Muslim worlds and will impede efforts to suppress terrorism, restore stability in Afghanistan, and end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
We believe that the idea of preemptive military action is both against international law and accepted standards of national sovereignty.
We believe that both compassion and prudence dictate that military force should be used only when every other option has been found wanting and when the threat posed by inaction can be convincingly shown to be greater than the destruction and loss of life inherent in military action.
Because of these beliefs, the Congregation of the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica urges the government of the United States of America to refrain from military action against Iraq without United Nations approval. Instead, we urge our government to work diligently within the framework of the United Nations to pressure Iraq to dismantle its capacity to make, deploy, and use weapons of mass destruction and comply with all United Nations resolutions in the most immediate future.
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 Monday, August 29, 2011.
Sidebar Content, Page Navigation
More Ways to Search
Taking Action as a Congregation: Guide for Congregational Resolutions & Social Justice Statements
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Read or subscribe to UUA.org Updates for the latest additions to our site.
Learn more about the Beliefs & Principles of Unitarian Universalism, or read our online magazine, UU World, for features on today's Unitarian Universalists. Visit an online UU church, or find a congregation near you.


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Crypt of the NecroDancer is out
The game I've been pixel'ing and animating, Crypt of the NecroDancer, is out on Steam Early Access! It's a hardcore, roguelike rhythm game with an awesome soundtrack by Danny Baranowsky that you can play with a keyboard, controller or dance pad. I've had a ton of fun working on it with Ryan Clark, Jesse Turner, Danny B, Kevin Regamey, and Oliver Trujillo! Hope you enjoy it!
FZ: Side Z – FEZ remix album
FZ: Side Z is out! It's part 2 of a remix album based on Disasterpeace's incredible, dynamic soundtrack for FEZ. I'm honored to have drawn the album cover artwork, inspired by the visually stunning world made by Phil Fish and the dimensional mess-with-your-head programming by Renaud Bédard. Give it a listen – it's sooo good!
I drew the cover art with a grid-based art program called Hexels that I co-created with my friend Ken Kopecky. Here's a hi-res version of it. By the way, FEZ is finally out on Steam! If you haven't already seen the majesty of FEZ, watch the trailer on Polytron's site.
I'm turning 30!
It's my birthday on Sunday, and I'm turning 30! I thought I'd celebrate by putting Pixel Fireplace on sale, so all day on Jan 13th it will be $0.99 instead of $2.99. And thanks for all the PF love, photos, and cameos by the way! I'm really happy that people are enjoying it :)
Pixel Fireplace v1.2 Colors
I've been working on an interactive fireplace application for a few years that has big pixels, realistic sound, and uses type-commands for interaction. It just got updated to version 1.2 this month which adds a bunch of color commands. You can check it out here.
I've gotten a lot of great photos from people and I'm collecting them in an album on Flickr. If you have any you'd like to show me, send them my way! Happy Holidays :)
Photo by Adam Robezzoli
Photo by Ross Martens (my bro)
SEGAZINE – deadline Nov 30th
Holy smokes, SEGAZINE has had a steady stream of incredible entries! There is a lotta SEGA love out there <3
The deadline is fast-approaching with 4 days left to submit an entry by end of the day November 30th, so draw/write/photograph/etc. your own SEGA tribute and send it to segazine [at] gmail [dot] com (guidelines and rules here). If you want to submit something but you're out of ideas, take a look at this list of SEGA games and consoles.
All artists featured in the zine will get a their own copy, and it will be sold at printing+shipping cost. More info here.
SEGAZINE – open for submissions
I'm working on a new zine with Ashley Davis, Corey Lewis, and Paul Veer about the characters, games, and consoles from SEGA's legacy and we need your help! Below is the gist of what it's all about, and you can go to the website to see the rules in detail.
SEGAZINE is a black & white zine about the SEGAverse. It's about characters and games from a magical time when SEGA stood for hip and fresh games. A kind of attitude sorely missing in today's games industry.
Celebrate these times with us! Show us what the SEGAverse means to you. Has it inspired you in any way? Changed you as a person? Do you have any good stories related to SEGA to tell us? Or do you just like drawing SEGA things? It's all good! We'd love to see it!
Submissions are open until November 1st (2012), so get to it! We will be accepting anything as long as it can exist on paper. That means drawings, 3D renders, photos, written stories, comics, poetry. Anything you can think of.
Though we are taking all submissions, we won't be able to put them all into the zine. After we print the zine, the remaining entries will be posted daily on this tumblr page (artist name, site and twitter included), so everyone will get a chance to be seen!
Have fun and spread some SEGA love, we can't wait to see what you guys send us.
I haven't had a chance to chime in yet and say hi. HI! I'm glad to have Attract Mode back and I'm pumped to be part of it. Here's a piece I made in Hexels (bigger version here). Looking forward to contributing, making artwork for the shop, and filling my work desk with Spelunky minis <3


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The Impact Equation Preview
Thanks so much to Chris Brogan and Julian Smith for sending me a review copy of their latest work 'The Impact Equation".
I've read the first few pages and have already found ideas relating to blogging and my career. Seriously, I can't wait to read this book. I must make a mental note to restock highlighters and sticky notes.


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Sat, Dec 24, 11 at 22:39
Does anyone have a mature Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia Virginiania) growing in NOVA, Zone 7A? If so, is it evergreen here and how tall is it? All reports state the evergreen-ness (not a word, I know) and the height vary with the hardiness zone. Thank you. Mia |
Follow-Up Postings:
Both questions depend on the particular cultivar of M. virginiana that you have. The cultivar 'australis' is supposedly taller and evergreen and cultivars more common in the North are shorter and deciduous or semi-evergreen. I guess this species is as genetically diverse as M. grandiflora, which has dozens of cultivars and varying size proportions. |
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Ebi Tahasoni specialises in one-on-one and group training for IELTS exam skills and consultation. He is one of the few in Iran to hold an academic band score of 9.0 in both speaking and writing as well as a merit-grade TESOL certificate from Sussex Downs College.
With an academic IELTS overall band score of 9.0, a Level 3 Certificate in English (CPE) from Cambridge University, an IELTS Teaching Certificate from Sussex Downs College (the largest IELTS test centre in the UK), 20 years of extensive language learning and 10 years of teaching experience, he offers a complete range of courses and resources to improve your command of English language skills and help you aim for a much higher exam score than you ever anticipated.
Ebi Tahasoni also teaches public classes at the Language Academy in Mashhad, Iran. Based on his own successful approach to IELTS which brought him the highly coveted academic 9, he has trained and assisted hundreds of students from different educational and linguistic backgrounds to achieve their target band scores -or even higher! He has also been an active teacher trainer for various language schools as well as a recognised and trusted source of assistance to language teachers and ESOL professionals nationwide.
If you are serious about your IELTS, Academic or General Training, then Ebi Tahasoni is the right tutor for you. Aim for the moon, and with the right support, you will land there.
Ebi is also a correspondent and feature writer for the EL Gazette, the newspaper of the English language industry. Read his latest articles here and here or on the Gazette's website at www.elgazettedigital.com.
Public Summer
IELTS CoursesLanguage Academy (LA) is where I teach public courses along with a team of highly competent and professional IELTS instructors.
Details on their courses are available at www.myLA.ir. For contact details and address, visit their Contact Us page.
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