text:
Posted at 6:00 AM on May 27, 2010
by Dale Connelly
(39 Comments)
Filed under: Poetry
I've looked at animations and read through descriptions of the BP oil well jamming procedure now underway, injecting "heavy mud" into the feed pipes - a process known as "top kill". I understand the simplest explanations ("It's like trying to intentionally block up a toilet") and am baffled by much of the rest.
I've heard that if this doesn't work, the next step is to try to pack the leak with chunky debris - a "junk shot". I certainly get that. I know all about junk, having worked to accumulate tons of it through most of my life. In fact, I'm excited by the idea because it creates a rare opportunity in our throw-away culture - the chance to dispose of some useless things heroically.
To seal an oil well underwater
You will need some heavy fodder.
Start with thick and gooey mud
Then pack it full of extra crud.Softballs, chunks of worn out tire
Spools of unused speaker wire.
Costume jewelry, plated gold
and all the Chryslers still unsold.Every bit of spare debris
should come, enthusiastically
from anyone who rides in cars.
For this calamity is ours.DVD's you didn't watch.
Old tapes - video and Scotch.
Carpet scraps and mailing tubes.
Open board games. Rubik's Cubes.Empty out your basement clutter
Every golf club. That damn putter.
Piles of Christmas cookie tins.
We'll plug the gusher with our sins.From physicians - rubber hammers
Plus their awkward beside manners.
From the stoners - bongs and joints
And from spin doctors? Talking points.And still the void cries out for more.
We've never gone this deep before.
So to the hungry wellhead bring
Our excess wretched everything!Lawyers! Give us spite and greed!
(you've got extra, guaranteed).
TV stars could spare some vanity.
NASCAR drivers, their insanity.Commentators? All your scorn!
Webmasters! Unload your porn.
From farmers take redundant crops
From Lady Gaga? Unused props.Gather up each proud and smug
opinion for this oily plug.
Can written nonsense trigger clogs?
Try stupid, pointless rhyming blogs.Then pile it all into the sea
And with the profits from BP
We'll force this cocktail down the tube
To plug the hole that leaks the crude.
What sort of useless debris could you contribute to the cause?


text:
Assistant Professor
Department of Geological Sciences
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840-3902
Phone: 562 985-4198
Fax: 562 985-8638
E-mail: email@example.com
10/2010: PhD School of Geosciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
02/2006: M.S. (Dipl.-Geol.) Geological Institute, RWTH University, Aachen, Germany
My research focuses mainly on the multiple aspects of the dynamic carbon and water cycles. I am particularly interested in the fluvial transfer of inorganic carbon from continental reservoirs to the ocean and how urban and agricultural development can impact that transfer. In addition, I study silicate lithologies to recognize the mineralogical effects of chemical weathering that can sequester atmospheric CO2. I am also interested in the processes that control groundwater recharge and the interaction between groundwater and surface water reservoirs. I conduct my research at the watershed scale; that is, I perform geochemical surveys and collect and analyze stream, groundwater, rainfall, soil and bedrock samples in an effort to discern the geochemical evolution of carbon and water as they migrate through the watershed. By relating my results to ancillary datasets describing trends in rainfall, runoff, groundwater extraction, and land use, I evaluate the processes that control the temporal and spatial variability of carbon and water transport. I have worked on projects in Germany, Australia, South Africa, Hawaii, Korea and California and am excited to explore new regions for my research.
Journal Articles
Technical Reports
Conference Proceeding Abstracts Available Upon Request

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sejdinovic, D; Piechocki, RJ; Doufexi, A; Ismail, M; (2008) Rate adaptive binary erasure quantization with dual fountain codes. In: GLOBECOM 2008 - 2008 IEEE GLOBAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE. (pp. ? - ?). IEEE
Full text not available from this repository.
In this contribution, duals of fountain codes are introduced and their use for lossy source compression is investigated. It is shown both theoretically and experimentally that the source coding dual of the binary erasure channel coding problem, binary erasure quantization, is solved at a nearly optimal rate with application of duals of LT and raptor codes by a belief propagation-like algorithm which amounts to a graph pruning procedure. Furthermore, this quantizing scheme is rate adaptive, i.e., its rate can be modified on-the-fly in order to adapt to the source distribution, very much like LT and raptor codes are able to adapt their rate to the erasure probability of a channel.
Type: | Proceedings paper |
Title: | Rate adaptive binary erasure quantization with dual fountain codes |
Event: | IEEE Global Telecommunications Conference (GLOBECOM 08) |
Location: | New Orleans, LA |
Dates: | 2008-11-30 - 2008-12-04 |
Keywords: | SIDE INFORMATION, SATISFIABILITY |
UCL classification: | UCL > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Life Sciences > Gatsby Computational Neuroscience Unit |
Archive Staff Only: edit this record


text:
[ Stage Index | Metro Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]
Acting Out
The Ten-Minute Play Festival charms with a vastly original stack of one-act playsBy Joanne Eglash
THE ASSIGNMENT: create a 10-minute play. Seems like child's play, right? Well, did I mention that the task includes painting captivating personalities in mesmerizing situations within that tiny time limit? The Central Coast's most talented writers rose to the challenge--and proved that when the play's the thing, it's skill, not length, that makes an audience stand up and cheer.
"Eight 10s at 8" at the Actors' Theatre showcases more than just the talent of the local playwrights: Both the acting and direction excel in this fourth annual Ten-Minute Play Festival.
The festival's ultimate crowd-pleaser (deservedly so) is Barbies, written by Linnet C. Harlan and directed by Clifford Henderson and assistant Dixie Cox. Harlan toys with our society's mores and manners in a play that contains intriguing undertones of the dark side of our imagination. The three Barbies actresses (Mara Luthy, Terese Marie and Heather Hamil Young) brilliantly portray life-size dolls, complete with stilted movements and garish attire.
Also superbly performed is Anne Adams' cleverly crafted San Francisco Fever, directed by Leonard Maestas. Actresses Billie Harris and Jean Weisz deliver polished portraits of two aging friends who exchange memories and bombshells. Harris' elegant, wry enunciation and mannerisms echo Shirley MacLaine, enhancing Adams' skillful dialogue.
Weisz slipped off her actress' beret and tapped on a director's hat in another of the festival's highlights, As It Happened ..., written by David Sals. This wickedly witty playlet is a Dorothy Parker-esque tale of how a young man's version of a failed romance differs dramatically and hilariously from the young lady's. Call it the 10-minute rendition of Men Are From Mars ... Women Are From Venus.
There is one potential pratfall in producing a series of short plays: segueing from the end of one play to the beginning of the next skit. If well done, it requires a quick conclusion to the first play, a blink-of-an-eyelash scenery shift and a tidy transition to the next play.
The Actors' Theatre crew manages it nicely. Each play ends with the traditional "bow-bow-clap-clap" conclusion. Then there's a short blackout for the changing of the scenery, during which the audience is entertained with a musical selection that sets the mood for the following skit. A light Barbie ballad, for example, preceded that charming sketch, while stagehands swiftly and smoothly transformed the intimate setting into a Barbie-beautiful boutique.
It's a smooth kaleidoscope of action, for which credit must be given to artistic director Wilma Marcus Chandler, production and stage manager Lena Mason and set designer/technical director Mark Hopkins.
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German model-actress Claudia Ciesla, who featured in hit item number "Balma" in Akshay Kumar-starrer "Khiladi 786 - Made in Punjab", is open to do more such songs, but on a condition.
Released in December last year, action-comedy "Khiladi 786 - Made in Punjab" was directed by Ashish R. Mohan and Asin Thottumkal played the female lead in it.
"I don't mind doing item songs. After 'Balma', which got really popular and became a super hit, I got a lot of offers for item songs and Bollywood roles. But I will do item songs once I am really convinced. It should not be less than 'Balma', in which I danced with Akshay," she said here during a photo shoot.
"If I will get excited about a project...then I really won't mind doing an item song," she added.
Making her entry into Indian showbiz with third season of reality show "Bigg Boss", Claudia was recently seen doing stand-up comedy in Sony TV's show "Comedy Circus".
Do you like this article? |
Posted by: | India-Forums.com Staff |
User Rating | (2 Votes) |
ashly_english, AngeloScuro | |
Views | 2081 |
balma girl is claudia? i didnt recognise her..
What!! I had no idea it was her!!!! I guess its cos she dyed her hair lol... Wow she can move
Fans hire a crane to garland the poster of his movie. 16
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text:
25th October 2008 Under the Banyan Tree Why is the Banyan tree so important in Indian folklore ? Continue Reading 6
25th October 2008 The Infidelities of Zeus The stories of Zeus' infidelities and his wife Hera's reactions and efforts to curb his liecentious moves. Continue Reading 3
25th October 2008 From Earth, To Earth Sita - the epitome of an Indian daughter,wife,daughter-in-law,mother. Continue Reading 4
25th October 2008 Minos of Crete What is the myth surrounding the island of Crete? Continue Reading 0
25th October 2008 The Third Eye An insight into what Shiva's third eye stands for. Continue Reading 7
25th October 2008 Sacred Beasts Animals play a critical part in Hindu mythology. Some, serve as symbols to communicate metaphysical ideas. Continue Reading 6
18th October 2008 Rakshasas or Rakshaks? Just because someone's way of life differs from the normal,accepted,traditional one,does not make them into demons ! Continue Reading 1
18th October 2008 Liminal Beings Our failure to admit,that there is a grey between the black and the white,often leads us to our own downfall. Continue Reading 10
18th October 2008 God of War No matter,how much we vilify war;there is no escaping it at times. Continue Reading 3


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Here is the meaning of life. Take a picture. You'll forget about it in ten minutes anyway.
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Why not right?
2008-05-18 00:10:28 by RTZ
Here's a new post to push the old one off my main account screen. Honestly, I'm tired of seeing my own old post, so just pretend it's still there if this one gives you the willies.
Recent Game Medals
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Medal Stats.
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Kill over 100 enemies.
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25 Points
Finish one third of the levels.
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Death By Slow Internet
10 Points
Get 1000 points on the Preloader game. YOU MONSTER
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25 Points
Beat the game!
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Two and a Half Miles
5 Points
Travel over 2.5 miles
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Unlock this medal to see it's details.
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I still can't see through her lies.
5 Points
But will she love me now that I can see at all?
Medal Stats.
I'll just have one
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Till Part 3...
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Complete the game
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Total Medals Earned: 176 (From 50 different games.)
Favorite Movies
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60 Deaths, 5 minutes, 1 man suffering over and over.
The Final Act
Rated 4.3063 Stars
A mime sets out to do one last act.
Comedy - Original
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Now with 20% more pixelated cleavage!
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this is what happens when my words get taken away
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Submachine3: the Loop
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Submachine 4: the Lab
Adventure - Point 'n Click


text:
January 30. 2009 Juche 98
DPRK to Scrap All Points Agreed with S. Korea over Political and Military Issues
Message of Sympathy to Indian President
Greetings to AU Ordinary Session
Earthen Walls and Road of Koguryo Discovered
Ever-Victorious Banner of Korean Revolution
Lee Myung Bak Group's Anti-DPRK "Human Rights" Racket under Fire
DPRK's Firm Stand to Defend Peace and Security in Northeast Asia Reiterated
Anniversary of Kim Jong Il' Work Observed
Lee's Intention to Appoint Anti-Reunification Element as Minister of "Unification" Accused
Bulletin Issued in Mexico to Mark Kim Jong Il's Birthday
Joint New Year Editorial Supported by Arab Organization
DPRK's Significant Days to Be Marked in France
Spanish-speaking People
CRPP anuncia anulacion de articulos acordados entre Norte y Sur
Halladas dos murallas de barro en alrededores del monte Jangsu
Rodong Sinmun comenta abstencion de Sur de Corea en votacion en ONU
Rodong Sinmun senala posicion de RPDC en paz de Nordeste Asiatico
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Re-use of any material on this home page without credit
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text: Student/Teen------Private Lessons Sunday Student Classes We Cater to Tight Schedules Two Classroom Locations 5824 Douglas Rd 4900 N. McCord Rd Corner of Corner of Douglas & Alexis Brint & McCord CALL--419-885-0909 toll free 1-877-843-3970 EMAIL- email@example.com COURSE COST FOR LOCAL STUDENTS IS $375 & THAT GIVES YOU 90 DAYS TO MAKE PAYMENTS. WE ARE CURRENTLY RUNNING A SPECIAL (*RESTRICTIONS APPLY- SEE BELOW) WHERE $325 IF YOU PAY IN FULL ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. *Students living in: Northwood, Genoa, Oregon, Rossford, Oak Harbor, Millbury, Martin, Graytown, Clay Center, Perrysburg, Elmore, Gibsonburg, Curtice, Woodville, etc... The cost is $375.* STAY CONNECTED WITH US ON FACEBOOK (click on link below) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toledo-Driving-School/223466114387361 Know what this logo means? We also have Operation Lifesaver do a presentation to the class www.oli.org. Our courses are engaging and make learning to drive a fun experience with an open classroom setting. We also have many hands on activities including DUI goggles to stress the seriousness of drinking and driving www.madd.org , interactive DVDs and other student activities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||


text:
Quest:Revered in the Field of Battle
102,694pages on
this wiki
this wiki
Revered in the Field of Battle | |
Start | Eldara Dawnrunner |
End | Eldara Dawnrunner |
Level | 70 Requires Level 70 |
Category | Isle of Quel'Danas |
Rewards | [Aldor Supplies Package] or [Scryer Supplies Package] |
Revered in the Field of Battle is the reward quest for reaching revered reputation with the Shattered Sun Offensive.
We couldn't have gotten where we are without you, <name>. The combined might of the Aldor and Scryers is not enough to crush the Legion and Kael. We are thankful to have allies of your caliber among us.
Patches and hotfixesEdit
Patch 2.4.0 (25-Mar-2008): Added


text: Get a Horse - Horse Tack and SuppliesAdded: September 06, 2008 06:00:00 AM | Views: 60 | Horse tack, saddles, bridles and trailers for sale. Horseback riding apparel, horse training aids, books and videos, horse nutrition and supplements. Buy and sell horses - free online listings, live horse supply auctions, horse lovers dating service and m More listings in this category: Shopping & Services: Shopping: Clothing Search this site in Google | |


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Product Information
- Spy Gear Field Agent Walkie Talkies from Spin Master
- Part of the Spy Gear brand
- We recommend this product for ages 6 and up
What It Is
When young spies are in the field, they need total spy communication. Keep in constant voice contact with the Spy Gear Field Agent Walkie Talkies. To transmit a message, press and hold the large button on the side and speak. Release the button when you are done speaking. When the coast isn't clear, use the Spy Code Key to transmit secret messages, such as "Abort mission", "Red alert", and "Mission successful", in a Morse Code style. The instructions provide a Secret Spy Code key so kids know how to send the coded messages.
Is It Fun?
The Spy Gear Field Agent Walkie Talkies let kids feel just like real spies as they play out imaginative spy adventures. The walkie talkies work from a pretty good distance. We got ours to transmit messages from about 20 feet away. However, no matter the distance, there was a lot of static, which did make it difficult to understand what the other person was saying. It was pretty easy to pick up the Secret Spy Code beeps, though.
Who It's For
The Field Agent Walkie Talkies are for ages 6 and up.
What To Be Aware Of
Two 9V batteries are required but not included.


text:
Reference Desk Phone: (518) 442-3691
Ask A Librarian Reference Service - e-mail questions answered by Dewey librarians
IM Reference Service - chat live with a University at Albany Librarian
Deborah Bernnard
Head of Dewey Library and Subject Librarian for Information Studies
(518) 442-3699; email@example.com
Richard Irving
Subject Librarian for Political Science, Public Administration & Policy, and Law
(518) 442-3698; firstname.lastname@example.com
Elaine M. Lasda Bergman
Subject Librarian for Reference, Social Welfare, and Gerontology
(518) 442-3695; firstname.lastname@example.com
The primary goal of reference service is to provide excellent services to assist users with their educational and research needs. To achieve this goal, reference librarians provide research assistance and answer reference questions, both to users in the library, and remotely through telephone and e-mail services.
The objectives of the service are:
The provision of high quality, individualized reference services to any library user who asks for assistance is central to our philosophy. In carrying out this philosophy, we adhere to the following principles:
Reference services are provided on a first-come-first-served basis. Users in the library take priority over telephone callers and e-mail queries. Telephone callers who ask for assistance when the librarian is busy will be called back as soon as possible. When a user's queries involve protracted in-depth assistance, the Reference Librarian may get the user started and then assist others, coming back to the first user as soon as possible. Users with in-depth research assistance are encouraged to make an appointment with a subject bibliographer for a consultation. Recognizing that many library users are now physically remote from the library when assistance is needed, it is our goal to provide, as much as possible, full reference service for questions received in the library, by telephone, and by e-mail.
It is sometimes necessary to refer library users to other collections or other librarians, both within the University or externally. When making referrals to other subject specialists within the University Libraries, the referring librarian will generally contact the specialist first, indicating the nature of the question and the sources that have been checked. When making referrals to other libraries, the referring librarian will, when possible, contact that library to ensure that the user will receive assistance there.


text:
At home by the Baye
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Do you sing your orders at the drive-through?
Check out Giorgio singing his Sonic order.
Not only funny, but an cool voice.
He has a few of his songs for sale on his Facebook page. You can get there here:
You can even use PayPal. I know that 'cuz I bought them. (And no, I don't know him, just appreciate a funny guy with a great voice and cheap songs;-})
1 comment:
Sandra :)
February 2, 2012 at 4:24 PM
I saw that video earlier today - what a fun guy - wouldn't he be a great teacher!
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text: Ingredients: 5 cups (5 ounces) baby spinach, washed and dried 2 oranges peeled, sectioned and cut into bite sized pieces or, 1 can (15 ounces) mandarin oranges drained 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries (about 15 berries), optional 1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced Instructions: Place spinach in shallow large bowl arranging outside leaves on edges to resemble edge or tutu. Place cucumber slices in the center of salad. Place orange pieces artistically around cucumber slices. In small bowl whisk together all ingredients. Pour 1/2 of dressing over salad, toss lightly when ready to serve. Add more dressing as needed for personal taste. Serve with crusty whole grain bread, if desired. For Main dish salad add strips of cooked chicken.


text:
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#38903658 -
stacking coins
© jedi-master - See portfolioPricing
Author | jedi-masterSee portfolio |
Image reference | 38903658 |
Country | Japan |
Descriptive Category | Objects Printed Materials Money/Bank Notes/Credit Card |
Conceptual | Concepts Achievements Wealth |
Keywords |
["addition","cash","closeup","coin","concept","dollar","economic","finger","good","grow","growth","hand","money","pack","white background"]
addition cash closeup coin concept dollar economic finger good grow growth hand money pack white background
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text:
The Dragon's Path (Paperback)
Author: Daniel Abraham |
(Save 62%)
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Learn more about The Dragon's Path:
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Little Brown & Co
Sku: 217465825
Publish Date: 4/1/2011
(in Inches) 9H x 6L x 1.75T
See more in Fantasy / Epic
What should have been a small summer spat between gentlemen is spiraling out of control. Dark forces are at work, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon''s Path--the path of war. |
From the Publisher:
Summer is the season of war in the Free Cities. Marcus wants to get out before the fighting starts. His hero days are behind him and simple caravan duty is better than getting pressed into service by the local gentry. Even a small war can get you killed. But a captain needs men to lead -- and his have been summarily arrested and recruited for their swords. Cithrin has a job to do -- move the wealth of a nation across a war zone. An orphan raised by the bank, she is their last hope of keeping the bank's wealth out of the hands of the invaders. But she's just a girl and knows little of caravans, war, and danger. She knows money and she knows secrets, but will that be enough to save her in the coming months? Geder, the only son of a noble house is more interested in philosophy than swordplay. He is a poor excuse for a soldier and little more than a pawn in these games of war. But not even he knows what he will become of the fires of battle. Hero or villain? Small men have achieved greater things and Geder is no small man. Falling pebbles can start a landslide. What should have been a small summer spat between gentlemen is spiraling out of control. Dark forces are at work, fanning the flames that will sweep the entire region onto The Dragon's Path -- the path of war. |
"With a deft and light hand, Abraham questions and explores the fantasy-world assumptions that most authors take for granted, telling an enjoyable and genuinely innovative adventure story along the way." (starred review)
"[A]s the story progresses, it becomes obvious what Abraham's up to: In order to juggle so many characters, events, and races of unfamiliar humanoids (no easy elves here), he's hoping to err on the side of clarity. Which he does, brilliantly. As the plotlines take root and braid together, his stereotypes shed their stock skins and start taking big, deep breaths. Abraham's dialogue starts to pop, all while retaining a subtle economy that communicates far more than the words being spoken."
- Jason Heller


text:
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ugues and Nancy visited Mexico in October/November 1999 for el Dia de los Muertos. We spent the first part of our trip in Mexico City, visiting the Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the Museum of Anthropology, and several panteones--cemeteries. |
Hugues at the Museo de las Mommias, Guanajuato |
Nancy beside an antique hearse, Mexico City |
he second part of our journey took us to Guanajuato. There we spent hours in the Museo de las Mommias--the Mummy Museum--and the adjacent Municipal cemetery. In the town, Hugues bought a small coffin at one of the local coffin-maker shops. We also bought mummy candies, and a few sugar skulls. |
Here we are, in front of the smallest mummified fetus in the world!
he last part of our adventure took us to Oaxaca for the Day of the Dead. There, we viewed archeological ruins, and in the city of Oaxaca saw many Muertos altars, and visited several cemeteries. Hugues ordered a plate of grasshoppers, a mound of fried insects covered in a red-brown shake-and-bake coating--he ate them all. |
his pictorial history will hopefully convey some of what we experienced, the beauty of the darker side of Mexico. |
A typical gravesite showing the care taken with the ancestors.
E-mail us:


text:
On April 2, 2013, Members, Guests, and Prospective Members of the Woman's Department Club will gather at the Loretto Conference Center 1600 Somerset Lane at 1PM.for the April General Meeting.
The Program for the afternoon will be "Jacqueline Kennedy" presented by Leslie Goddard. This is a very special program and we invite you to join us.
After the Program and a brief Business Meeting we will gather for a Social Hour. If you would like to attend, please call Doris at 630-690-6508


text:
NAME: Reebie Associates |
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Stamford, CT 06905
Phone: E-mail: Date Established: |
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2500 volumes; 500 subject and statistical files; annual reports; 100
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text:
No Sleep, No Problem For Roger
Paris, France
by ATP Staff
Roger Federer shared Sunday that he didn't have the best sleep coming into his first BNP Paribas Masters final, and it wasn't just because he was anxious about winning the title at this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournament. The Swiss, a father to two-year-old twins, was given a 4am wake-up call by his daughter.
"It happened many times that she wakes me up in the night this year, but I was not 25 times in the final," he said. "I was hoping that during the night it would go well, but suddenly I was running with Mirka in the room to see if everything was okay. And she said, 'Let's take her in our bed.' I said, 'Okay, let's do that.' I didn't even question this. I just said okay. I can't have a fight at 4:00 in the morning with her."
All was forgiven after Federer went onto defeat Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 7-6(3) to win his second title in as many weeks. "In the end, it was all right. I am happy," he said with a laugh. "It happened several times this week, so maybe it's a good sign."
Federer also managed to find the strength to lift the heavy BNP Paribas Masters trophy.
"Almost cramped in my biceps," he joked. "I have had like two or three other ones that have been very, very heavy. One was in Gstaad. I got a rock there. I could hardly lift it. I don't know where else, but there was some other place I could barely not lift the trophy. But this one I could. This is steel, so you can imagine how strong I am. (Laughter.)"
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Traian Băsescu | |
President of Romania | |
In office 23 May 2007 – 10 July 2012 |
Prime Minister | Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu Emil Boc Cătălin Predoiu Mihai Răzvan Ungureanu Victor Ponta |
Preceded by | Nicolae Văcăroiu (Acting) |
Succeeded by | Crin Antonescu (Acting) |
In office 20 December 2004 – 20 April 2007 |
Prime Minister | Eugen Bejinariu Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu |
Preceded by | Ion Iliescu |
Succeeded by | Nicolae Văcăroiu (Acting) |
Mayor of Bucharest | |
In office 26 June 2000 – 20 December 2004 |
Preceded by | Viorel Lis |
Succeeded by | Adriean Videanu |
Personal details | |
Born | Basarabi, Romania (now Murfatlar) |
4 November 1951
Political party | Communist Party (Before 1989) National Salvation Front (1989–1992) Democratic Party (1992–2004) Independent (2004–present) |
Spouse(s) | Maria Băsescu |
Alma mater | Mircea the Elder Naval Academy |
Religion | Romanian Orthodox |
Signature |
Traian Băsescu (Romanian pronunciation: [traˈjan bəˈsesku]; born 4 November 1951) is the president of Romania, serving since 2004 but currently suspended. Mayor of Bucharest from 2000 to 2004, he was elected president in 2004, suspended from office in 2007 but reconfirmed a month later in a plebiscite. He was re-elected president for a second 5-year term in 2009, amidst allegations of electoral fraud that were ultimately dismissed by the Constitutional Court of Romania. On 6 July 2012 he was again suspended from office and currently awaits the popular vote on his dismissal on 29 July.
Băsescu was born in Basarabi, (renamed Murfatlar in 2007), near the port city of Constanţa, the largest Romanian port on the Black Sea. Băsescu's father, Dumitru (d. 2002), was an army officer; his mother's first name is Elena (d. 2010). He has a brother, Mircea (b. 1953). Traian Băsescu and his wife Maria have two daughters: Ioana (b.1977), a notary, and Elena (b.1980), a romanian MEP.
Băsescu graduated from the Naval Institute of Constanţa in 1976 and became a merchant marine deck officer at Navrom, the Romanian state-owned shipping company. Between 1981 and 1987 he served as Captain on Romanian commercial ships. Throughout his career, questions have been raised about Basescu's links to the Securitate, the security services of the communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu.[1] But Basescu has said his links with the former Securitate were minimal, though some contact was obligatory at the time for somebody working abroad in a senior position.[2] In 1984 he was promoted to Captain of the oil tanker Biruinţa, the largest ship of the then Romanian commercial fleet. In 1989, Băsescu moved to Belgium to head the Navrom Agency in Antwerp.[2]
Băsescu was a member of the Communist Party (PCR). After the downfall of Communism, he claimed that he joined the PCR only in order to promote his career in the merchant marine.[citation needed] In a letter published in Romanian newspapers, former president Emil Constantinescu alleged that Basescu was in the second tier of the Communist Party leadership during the brutal regime of former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, but had managed to falsely portray himself as anti-communist.[2]
Traian Băsescu entered politics after the 1989 Romanian Revolution, as a member of the large National Salvation Front (FSN) party. In April 1991, he became Minister of Transport in Petre Roman's Cabinet, and continued to hold this position during Theodor Stolojan's "Cabinet of technocrats" in September 1991 – November 1992. In 1992, after the FSN split in two factions—the Social Democratic Party of Romania (PDSR, later PSD), led by Ion Iliescu, and the Democratic Party (PD), led by Petre Roman, Băsescu joined the PD faction. In 1992, he was elected to the lower house of the Romanian Parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, then re-elected for the 1996–2000 term.
Concurrently with his second term in Parliament, from November 1996 to June 2000, Băsescu also served as Minister of Transport in the center-right governments of Victor Ciorbea, Radu Vasile, and Mugur Isărescu.
In December 1997, he gave an interview to Claudiu Săftoiu of the newspaper Evenimentul Zilei, in which he accused Prime-Minister Victor Ciorbea of not implementing enough reforms, although Ciorbea was accused by the Socialist opposition of being excessively reformist. This became the first episode in an open dispute within the ruling center-right coalition, a dispute that eventually led to Democratic Party ministers, including Băsescu, resigning from the cabinet, which, in turn, led to Ciorbea's resignation. Subsequently (1998), Băsescu resumed his previous ministerial position in the new cabinet headed by Radu Vasile.
During his tenure as Minister of Transportation, Băsescu oversaw privatization of Romania's merchant fleet.[citation needed] While some argued that the aging ships at the time were of minimal value,[citation needed] many Romanians believed the compensation received for the ships was artificially low.[citation needed] The "scandal" of the fleet sale became known in Romania as The Fleet File (Dosarul Flota) Affair. Prosecutors brought charges against Băsescu,[citation needed] but it was not proven that he was involved in any malfeasances. In 1996, Băsescu was the first Romanian parliamentarian to renounce his parliamentary immunity, in order to allow judicial procedures related to the Fleet File Affair to continue against him (Romanian MPs were, by default, granted immunity from prosecution of any kind).[citation needed] Although the case against him was closed at the time for lack of evidence,[citation needed] it was reopened in early 2004, in what some considered a political maneuver against him sponsored by the then PSD government.[citation needed] In 2004, the case was brought before the High Court of Cassation and Justice, however the judges decided to send it back to the Prosecutor's Office citing procedural errors (the signature of a prosecutor was missing). In December 2007, the Romanian National Anti-corruption Directorate (Direcţia Naţională Anticorupţie), a subdivision of the General Prosecutor Office, ruled to end the investigation, based on the financial expertise that there was not prejudice from the association of Romanian NM Petromin SA Constanţa Norwegian Torvald Klaveness group (April 1991 – August 2000). However the case is still opened as this is only the latest expertise published and the only one who serves as evidence in favor of Băsescu. Some have seen this as a political maneuver destined to prove his innocence. In total 136 people were investigated, 80 of which, including Băsescu, were retained for the investigation of this case, while the facts pertaining to 51 others were separated for independent investigations.[3]
In 2000, Băsescu was elected Mayor of Bucharest, winning the run-off against PDSR candidate Sorin Oprescu by a slim margin (50.69% to 49.31%), despite trailing 24% behind him in the first round.
As Mayor, he was credited with a reduction in the number of stray dogs (although he sometimes used measures such as large-scale euthanasia) roaming freely through the streets of the city from approximately 200,000–300,000 in 2000 to 25,000 in 2004, and thus in the number of dog bite injuries from 1500/month to under 200/month.[4][verification needed] This campaign was controversial, as many opposed mass dog euthanasia.[5] On the other hand, there were also numerous cases of people asking the authorities to take the stray dogs away, but after this was done, neighbors, who had been feeding the dogs, would show up at the shelter to take them back to their neighborhoods.[6] The campaign resulted in nearly 48,000 dogs being put down just in 2001, with fewer numbers in the following years.[7][8] In 2004, Băsescu presented the situation as a success.[citation needed]
Băsescu also claimed success in improvements to the water and lighting systems of the city, which prior to that were in a very bad state;[9] as well as in modernisation of the public transportation system in the city.
His tenure was however marked by constant conflicts with the governing PSD-controlled institutions. Citing the need for decentralisation, the central government led by Adrian Năstase passed several ordinances transferring powers from the city Mayor to Mayors of the city's six sectors and to the city council. Băsescu accused council members of corruption and obstruction; he also successfully challenged several council resolutions in Administrative Courts. As a consequence, on 10 January 2002, the central government decided to dissolve the council, yet it annulled that decision later on. These conflicts led to the blocking or delay of several infrastructure loans, financed by BEI, for municipal heating and road networks, and to blocking city's ability to borrow and finance reconstruction.[citation needed]
In February 2003, Băsescu bought from the state a 369 m² apartment in a nationalised house downtown Bucharest for the equivalent of US$19,000. A scandal broke, as the request to buy the house was approved by the Mayor's Office, at a time when Băsescu was mayor. He explained that he had filed in October 2002 an application to the specialized state agency (not to the Mayor's office, which was not the owner of the building)[citation needed] for the apartment to be sold to him on the basis of the Romanian Law 10 of 2001, which he claimed "gives priority to existing tenants to buy previously nationalized houses, no matter whether they already owned other houses", and that only the price was calculated based on a 1995 law. However, the press noted that, according to the contract, the sale was based on Law 112 of 1995, and that Law 10/2001 had no provisions about selling anything. The 1995 law prevents, with the provisions of Art. 9, sale to tenants that already owned or sold a house after January 1, 1990, Băsescu already having bought a villa near Bucharest in October 2002, donated to his daughter shortly after. Furthermore, the same law gave the right to buy the nationalised houses only to those who were tenants at the time of its coming into force (i.e. second half of 1996), while Băsescu had only lived in that house since August 2002. According to the press, these facts made it impossible for Băsescu to legally buy the apartment. When the scandal broke again in early 2005, Băsescu first stated that he would give up the apartment, but changed his mind later, announcing that he would renounce it only if the Prosecutor's Office decided he had broken the law.[10][11] The prosecutors investigating the matter concluded that, according to the provisions of the law, Băsescu did not breach it when he bought the apartment.[citation needed]
In 2004, Băsescu was elected for a second term in office, winning 54.9% of the votes directly in the first round; the runner-up, Mircea Geoană of the PSD, at that time the Foreign Minister of Romania, received 29.7%. Băsescu resigned as Mayor later that year, after winning the presidency of Romania.
In 2001, Băsescu was elected chairman of the PD, defeating Petre Roman, who had previously led the party for nine years, after Roman managed to get only 2% of the vote at the 2000 presidential elections.[12] At the time the PD had a social-democrat ideology.[13] That same year, Basescu's party and Iliescu's PDSR both attempted to join the Socialist International. Băsescu tried to present his party as more democratically-oriented stating that "PDSR is far from modern social-democracy". He also negotiated a merger with Virgil Măgureanu's PNR, a party that had many former Securitate employees.[14]
In 2003, Băsescu negotiated an electoral alliance for the PD with the National Liberal Party (PNL) in order to create a cohesive opposition against the then-ruling PSD. The new pact, called the Justice and Truth Alliance (Alianţa DA), ran common candidates in local and national elections, and agreed to vote as a bloc in Parliament. As chairman of PD, he became a co-chairman of the DA alliance alongside the then PNL chairman Theodor Stolojan. In 2003, Stolojan, who was the Justice and Truth candidate for president of Romania in 2004, stepped down as PNL chairman and DA co-chairman, being replaced in these positions by Călin Popescu-Tăriceanu. Although Stolojan announced to have withdrawn because of health concerns, Băsescu claimed to the press that the reason behind this decision was blackmail from political opponents (Stolojan did not confirm this).[15] This sudden change in leadership of the DA alliance transformed the 2004 presidential election in a race between two leaders of parties affiliated with the Socialist International. Editorialist Dan Pavel decried the development as a "marginalization of the right", and the presidential race as a choice between two former "FSN cadres".[12] Nevertheless, there were significant differences in the economic programs of the DA alliance and PSD in 2004. The DA alliance leaned towards economic liberalism, with the introduction of a 16% flat tax that replaced the progressive personal income tax of up to 40%, and the 25% corporate tax.[citation needed] In January 2005, Financial Times described the DA alliance as "centrist".[16]
Băsescu's party would not officially abandon social-democrat ideals until 2005, after PD's leadership was discontent with the support given by the Socialist International to the PDSR during the 2004 elections, and by the fact that the Socialist International admitted the PDSR's successor, PSD, with full membership rights, while the PD remained only an associate member.[17] In a 2006 interview, Băsescu stated that his party's exit from the Socialist International was a "huge concession" he made to PNL after discussions of a merger of PD and PNL began in 2004. Change in the leadership of PNL prevented the merger; according to Băsescu, most of the PNL leaders that negotiated the joint governance with Băsescu in 2004 had been marginalized by 2006, making collaboration difficult.[18] In December 2006, those members of the PNL that favored closer ties with Băsescu formed their own party, the Liberal Democratic Party, which eventually merged with the PD in January 2008. After December 2006, the remainder of the PNL became hostile to Băsescu and formed a minority government supported by the PSD, effectively marking the end of the DA alliance. (See Conflict with Prime Minister Tăriceanu below for further details.)
Following Theodor Stolojan's surprise withdrawal from the 2004 presidential elections, Băsescu entered the presidential race on behalf of the Justice and Truth Alliance. His main opponent was then Prime Minister and PSD president Adrian Năstase. Like Băsescu, Năstase was a former Communist Party member. Although Năstase came out ahead in the first round by 7%, Băsescu achieved a surprise comeback and won the December 12 run-off election by a 2.46% margin, receiving 51.23% of the vote. Băsescu won the Presidential election by using an anti-communist and anti-corruption rhetoric. In the live TV debate with Adrian Năstase before the 2004 run-off presidential election, Băsescu caught his opponent off-guard with a rhetorical remark: "You know what Romania's greatest curse is right now? It's that Romanians have to choose between two former Communist Party members."
During the 2004 presidential campaign, before a TV interview with PSD counter-candidate Adrian Năstase, Băsescu gave the latter a paper and told him: "Put it in your pocket and read it when you are away!"[19] Similarly, in June 2006, at the oath-taking ceremony of Radu Stroe as the new secretary general of the Government, Băsescu gave him a sheet of paper as a "gift". After seeing it, Stroe went pale and refused to make its content public. When asked, Băsescu said its content was not classified.[20] Both Adrian Năstase and Radu Stroe were previously involved in corruption scandals.[21]
Presidential styles of Traian Băsescu |
Reference style | Preşedintele (President) |
Spoken style | Preşedintele (President) |
Alternative style | Domnia Sa/Excelenţa Sa (His Excellency) |
Running on a strong reform and anti-corruption platform, Băsescu's victory was characterized in the media as Romania's "Orange Revolution", in reference to the reformists' perceived victory in neighboring Ukraine during the same period, and in reference to the orange color used by the winning Justice and Truth Alliance.[22] In line with an agreement between the PD and PNL, he appointed PNL leader Popescu-Tăriceanu as Prime Minister. In order to form a majority, PNL and PD formed a coalition with the Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania and the Humanist Party, which later changed its name to the Conservative Party (PC). While the platform of the former has been generally in line with that of the Justice and Truth Alliance, the latter (PC) was needed in the coalition in order to obtain more than 50% of the seats in Parliament, due to the fact that apart from the opposition Social-Democrat Party, many seats were held also by the ultra-nationalist Greater Romania Party.
In late 2006, the PC withdrew from the cabinet, a move at least partially related to conflicts between Băsescu and PC leader Dan Voiculescu. The withdrawal of the PC left the coalition without a majority in the Parliament.
This section requires expansion. (July 2009) |
In domestic politics, Băsescu often has claimed he fights against high-level corruption. In spring 2005, Romania resolved a hostage crisis in Iraq involving three Romanian journalists and their guide. In 2005, he also focused on pressing the government to provide relief to thousands of Romanians left homeless by widespread flooding throughout the spring and summer.
On 18 December 2006, Băsescu delivered a speech to Parliament (broadcast live on TV) in which he condemned Romania's pre-1989 communist regime. Some members of the opposition, mainly of the ultra-nationalist Greater Romania Party (PRM), and some members of the mainstream Social Democratic Party, tried to disturb the speech. Particularly vocal was the ultra-nationalist PRM leader Corneliu Vadim Tudor, who walked with posters throughout the Parliament floor, whistled and interrupted Băsescu speech several times.
Băsescu repeatedly stated that Romania's accession to the European Union remained a top priority, and he was president when the country acceded on January 1, 2007. Both the president and the government of Prime Minister Popescu-Tăriceanu focused on Romania's planned accession to the EU, which remained a central component in Romania's foreign policy.
In addition, Băsescu has focused on a strong strategic partnership with the United States, a relationship which during the 2004 presidential campaign he called the "Bucharest-London-Washington axis". In real terms, this meant a continued commitment to maintain Romanian troops in Afghanistan and a smaller contingent in Iraq; and an agreement signed in December 2005 between Romania and the U.S. to allow U.S. troops to use a Romanian military facility (Mihail Kogălniceanu International Airport). Băsescu is singled out in a report by an investigator of the Council of Europe on illegal activities of the US secret service CIA in Europe, Dick Marty, as one of the persons who authorized or at least knew about and must stand accountable for the black site at the Mihail Kogălniceanu military base from 2003 to 2005.[23] Băsescu made strong ties with the President of the United States, who in return called him a friend: "The President and I are friends. Romania and the United States are friends, and we're allies".
In June 2006, Băsescu came into open conflict with Popescu-Tăriceanu after the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister announced that they and the PNL sought to withdraw Romania's troops from Iraq. However, the troops stayed in Iraq, after Băsescu called a meeting of the Supreme Defense Council, which voted that the troops should stay.[24]
, before NATO summit, in Bucharest, on 4 April 2008.]
Băsescu has been vocal in calling for a regional approach to security in the Black Sea basin, which he noted remained susceptible to trans-border security threats such as drug and human trafficking. Băsescu alleged "that Russia might have been involved in his suspension", citing his pro-Western foreign policy as a reason.[25]
Băsescu has tried to improve Romania's relations with Moldova, with which Romania shares a common language and culture. Furthermore, he has expressed several times his belief in the future unification of the two countries, either politically or in the framework of the European Union. His player attitude has brought some practical success, but also an increase in anti-Romanian rhetoric from the Communist government of Moldova, led by Vladimir Voronin. A divisive issue remains to this day the opening of two Romanian consulates outside the capital of Moldova, as well as 900,000 Moldovans applying for Romanian citizenship. In both cases, Băsescu strongly supported moves at strengthening relations with Moldova, while the Moldovan Communist leadership sought to cool down Băsescu's energy.
Băsescu stated that Romania regards Kosovo as an integral part of Serbia as an outcome of Kosovo status process and that Romania will not recognize any unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.[26][27]
Romania formally terminated its mission in Iraq on June 4, 2009, and pulled out its troops. On July 23 the last Romanian soldiers left Iraq.[28] Three Romanian soldiers had been killed during their mission, and at least eight were wounded.
Băsescu continued to be popular due to his open style and hands-on approach. In his electoral campaign, Băsescu promised to be a preşedinte jucător (Romanian), "player-president", in contrast to a more withdrawn president who would be just a mediator among political forces (thus creating in the eyes of some a juridical conflict of a constitutional nature). After he became president, as legally required, he resigned from the Democratic Party. However, he remained very involved in day-to-day politics of Romania, often being accused by other political leaders of overstepping constitutional boundaries on the role of the President. During the course of his presidency, his relations with Popescu-Tăriceanu gradually soured, particularly following the Prime Minister's reversal of course in July 2005 after Tăriceanu initially announced he would resign and prompt early parliamentary elections,[29] which some hoped would have resulted in the Justice and Truth Alliance governing alone. The ensuing poor relations between the President and the Prime Minister have become one of the primary themes of Romanian post-2004 politics,[30] with many unrelated disputes converging to this dichotomy. Under the Romanian Constitution, the president appoints the prime minister, but does not have the authority to dismiss him.
On January 11, 2007, Băsescu presided over the first half of the meeting of the Consiliul Suprem al Magistraturii (CSM; Superior Council of the Magistracy) at which the election of a new President of CSM took place. Before the candidacies were announced, Băsescu publicly said to judge Anton Pandrea: "I heard you have announced your candidacy, Mr. Pandrea. I wish you great success". His former counsellor Renate Weber later claimed that if Băsescu hadn't said those words, Pandrea might not have been elected: "If the President hadn't said that, it would have been another candidacy, if not another President." When asked by the press, Băsescu responded to this criticism with: "I did wrong, I did wrong"[31]
A public scandal broke out when Elena Udrea, a presidential adviser, revealed to the press that the then Prime Minister Tăriceanu passed to Băsescu a "scandalous" written note. When the matter became public debate, Băsescu stated about the note: "Prime Minister offered me a partnership, but, unfortunately, with our oligarchies"[32] The note, written by the hand of the Prime-Minister, was attached on top of a report from the Petromidia company, then under investigation by Prosecutors, and asked the President to "talk about it" during a scheduled visit at the Prosecutor Office. Băsescu stated: "Such type of partnership was unacceptable for me (...) it would have meant that nothing has changed in Romania after the elections."[33] On the subsequent reaction of the Prime-Minister, Băsescu said: "Prime-Minister was consequent. and absolutely not naive." According to Băsescu, Tăriceanu phoned the Prosecutor General of Romania, then tried to put further pressure in a specially dedicated speech to the Parliament on November 8, 2006, and tried "the same thing" with Justice Minister Monica Macovei, arranging a meeting with a businessman at the Government Palace.[34]
In response, the Prime Minister declared that the matter was just an attempt to hide "what is going on in Cotroceni and around it" and publicly accused Băsescu of facilitating contracts to companies "close to him". According to the prime-minister, the newly appointed PD Transportation Minister told a businessman "The President sent me to take care of you". He also stated the Băsescu wanted to put the Department for Administration of the State Heritage and Protocol under the control of the family of Elena Udrea. Băsescu immediately counteracted, publicly requesting Tăriceanu to produce evidence to support his claims, to send them to the Prosecutor's Office, and to revoke the ministers allegedly involved. "In case the Prime-Minister does not produce such proof, the President considers that the statements made by are without substance and are of such a nature as to distract the public attention from his own deed", a Presidential communique stated.[35]
Dinu Patriciu, an influential businessman and PNL member, stated on a public TV station that, in his opinion, Tăriceanu's note was a "friendly gesture, a sign of normality". Patriciu also said that in October 2005 discussion with Băsescu, the latter has advised him to invest in any country in the Black Sea basin except Russia. According to Patriciu, Băsescu said "(...) because we must do so that Russians invest in Romania, in order to have them hostages, because we certainly will have a conflict with Russia".[35]
Furthermore, now opposition member Dan Voiculescu accused the president of influence peddling, producing a note by Băsescu to a Minister, which as Voiculescu claimed, was a request to support selling cheap energy to the ALRO company, where Democratic Liberal Party (PDL) leader Theodor Stolojan was a stockholder. The note said: "Minister Seres, I ask you to analyse this letter and take measures according to Government's interests and, if possible with the interest of national economy in mind."[36]
Daily newspaper Adevărul published another note, in which the President requested the PD Transport Minister to analyze and find a "legal solution" to a petition from a company close to Băsescu. The newspaper claimed that this was outside the legal prerogatives of the President, accused Băsescu of sending the note directly to the Minister instead of following the usual administrative procedures, and furthermore noted that the matter was a commercial dispute that neither the president nor the Transport Minister had the legal means to solve.[37]
In the spring of 2007, when Foreign Minister Mihai-Răzvan Ungureanu resigned, Băsescu refused to accept Prime-Minister Tăriceanu's nomination of Adrian Cioroianu as the country's new Minister of Foreign Affairs, claiming that Cioroianu did not have enough experience. On April 5, 2007, the Constitutional Court decided that "The Romanian President doesn't have veto power, but, if he observes that the proposed person does not correspond to the legal conditions required to be a member of Government, he can ask the Prime Minister to renounce his proposal". On the same day (two months after Ungureanu announced his resignation and 17 days after Ungureanu's resignation was accepted by the president), Băsescu accepted Cioroianu and the latter assumed office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In early 2007, Băsescu was proposed for impeachment by the members of the opposition parties for allegedly unconstitutional conduct.[38] Allegedly, one of the major issues in the confrontation was the activity of Justice Minister Monica Macovei, who supported prosecutors' efforts to follow up on cases of corruption, especially those involving politically connected individuals.[39] Among the main reasons given in the proposal to suspend Băsescu were:
Băsescu and his supporters denied the accusations, stating that his actions and statements were ways of fighting against corruption in the political and judicial systems, and against "circles of business interests" with unlawful purposes.
The Constitutional Court of Romania found no clear evidence of his breach of the Constitution in the sense required by the fundamental law.[40] However, the court ruling was only consultative and the two chambers of the Romanian Parliament voted in favor of Băsescu's impeachment on April 19, 2007, with 322 votes for the impeachment proposal, 108 against and 8 abstentions (the minimum number of votes needed was 233).[41] Băsescu contested the decision, but the Constitutional Court rejected his appeal as inadmissible, and upheld the vote.
In the meantime, the independent Macovei and the PD ministers had been dismissed by Prime Minister Popescu-Tăriceanu, while the European election had been postponed to the fall of 2007. Pro-Băsescu politicians have characterized the anti-Băsescu coalition that formed as "the black alliance", as it contained a broad spectrum of political parties and interests: Social-Democrats favoring heavy state involvement in the economy, National-Liberals and Conservatives favoring business interests, Hungarian minority MPs, and anti-Hungarian ultra-nationalists.[42]
In 2007, when Traian Băsescu was temporarily suspended from Presidency, he said in a meeting: "It seems [former] President Ion Iliescu turned to more modern means [of removing political opponents], this time without calling the miners to "defend the country", but used 322 Members of Parliament for my impeachment."[43]
As a result of the impeachment vote by the Parliament, Băsescu was suspended from his function as president on April 19, 2007,[44] and a national referendum was held on May 19, 2007[45][46] to decide by popular vote whether to dismiss the President. According to the electoral law (article 5(2) of the Referendum Law), an absolute majority of all Romanians with the right to vote is required for a positive result in a dismissal referendum, which means that almost 9 million people would have had to vote against Băsescu.[47] After the impeachment vote, several public rallies to support Băsescu in the referendum and protest against his suspension were organized by PD and PLD both in Romania (Bucharest, Iaşi, etc.), as well as abroad (e.g. in Madrid).
On April 17, Băsescu stated that if Parliament voted for his impeachment, he would resign "five minutes" after the vote, avoiding a referendum for dismissal and triggering early presidential elections. However, on April 20 he decided not to resign, claiming he wished to limit the period of political instability.[48][49]
Băsescu and his supporters in the Democratic Party also suggested that his political opponents would try to modify the electoral law in order to obstruct a previously suspended president to run in the elections again,[50] following a Rolandas Paksas scenario.
On April 25, the Constitutional Court approved the modifications brought by parliament to the Referendum Law. The new article 10 (regarding the presidential impeachment process) considers that the impeachment process "will be approved through the majority of votes for the participants at the referendum, and article 5(2) does not apply to this type of referendum". Therefore, the 19 May referendum remained valid, despite the participation of less than 40% of eligible Romanians.[51] However, since only a 25% minority of voters voted in the affirmative, Băsescu regained full prerogatives on May 24, after the referendum results were confirmed.
In December 2008, in the aftermath of legislative elections which gave PDL and PSD, similar scores, the two joined forces to form a coalition, under a PDL prime minister. After one of its ministers was expelled from the government by the prime minister against the will of the party, the PSD decided to leave the government in early October. Soon afterwards, the government fell following the adoption of a motion of no confidence in Parliament. Băsescu nominated Lucian Croitoru as a new prime minister, against the will of the Parliament majority, which supported Klaus Iohannis as prime minister. After Croitoru was voted down, Băsescu nominated as prime minister PDL member Liviu Negoiţă, ignoring again the proposal of the Parliament majority.[52] A caretaker government remained in office. The ongoing political crisis prevented Romania from getting two instalments of a 20-billion-euro loan from the International Monetary Fund and the European Union.[53]
Băsescu ran for a second term in the 2009 presidential elections. Incumbent Băsescu and his Social-Democrat opponent Mircea Geoană offered different ways to tackle the economic crisis. Băsescu pledged to cut public spending and promised "more equity" to people living in the countryside.[53]
Băsescu tried to portray himself as the champion of the people against what he called the "corrupt political elite". A widely-used election poster carried the text: "They cannot avoid what they are afraid of". Băsescu's opponents countered that he is part of that elite, simply with different backers. In a Cluj-Napoca meeting with his supporters he claimed that he "was the one to stop doubtful privatisations," implicitly accusing rival Social-Democrats of underhand practices while in power. He vowed to fight against the Parliament, which blocked his bid to install the Croitoru cabinet, and the "media moguls".[53] In the campaign for the first round, his favourite campaign theme was reducing the number of lawmakers.[53] This theme proved popular, with the majority of the electorate voting for the reduction of the number of lawmakers from current 471 to a maximum of 300, and in favour of a transition from the current bicameral Parliament to an a unicameral one in a referendum held simultaneously with the first round of elections.
In the first round held on November 22, Băsescu came first with 32.44% of the votes, and Geoană second with 31.15%.[54] Although Băsescu claimed the results of the first round as "a significant vote for the right" because he and Crin Antonescu together received over 50% of the vote, the next day Antonescu refused to back Băsescu in the runoff, and shortly thereafter announced an alliance with Geoană. Subsequently Băsescu reproached Antonescu to "have thrown himself in the arms of the Social-Democrat party, a party opposed to reforms", and added "This alliance will bring us back to 20 years ago when the PSD was controlling all state institutions".[55] Antonescu in turn called Băsescu "a demagogue and a populist", and vowed to support Geoană as "the lesser of two evils".[56]
On November 26, 2009, footage from the 2004 election campaign showing Băsescu apparently hitting or pushing a 10-year-old boy at a campaign rally was broadcast. The press unfavourable to Băsescu interpreted the footage as "hitting with his fist", whereas the press favorable to Băsescu either interpreted it as a push, or called the footage fake. Asked in a talk show about the incident, the President stated that he does not recall it, but did not outright deny it either, saying that perhaps the child uttered profanity. Later, he made a public declaration that "never in his life has he hit a child", but he refused to comment on whether the footage was video manipulated or not. PDL member Roberta Anastase, who had accompanied Băsescu during the rally, declared the child uttered profanity and that Băsescu pushed the child aside. The footage was released within 24 hours of a declaration of Dinu Patriciu, also present at the rally, who claimed that he saw Băsescu hitting a child in 2004.[57][58] The boy has been identified, and was interviewed later in the night. He acknowledged that Băsescu had hit him after he chanted a slogan favourable to Ion Iliescu and Adrian Năstase, but said he was not physically hurt. He also said that on the moment he was happy that Băsescu had paid attention to him, and they smiled at each other, but later he felt disappointed. He added "it was a hit as if he wanted to say: go away!"[59] On November 27, Băsescu told a Mediafax journalist that he saw the footage "de-mounted on computer", suggesting it was manipulated.[60] Cecilia Gheorghe, the boy's aunt, declared that the child now refuses to give further details because he is now "afraid for his life and that of his mother".[61]
In the second round of the presidential election Basescu won against Geoana by 50.3% to 49.7%. Opposition legal objections to their narrow defeat were dismissed.
Băsescu is a major target of criticism by the press, and in turn he used controversial language to describe some of the journalists that have been critical of him.
In October 2006, Traian Băsescu referred to journalist Ovidiu Zara, of Curentul newspaper, using the Romanian word "găozar" (roughly "faggot").[62][63][64][65] In 2009, the president's brother, Mircea Băsescu, also used the word "găozar" to refer to Gândul journalist Robert Veress. In protest, leading Romanian journalist Cristian Tudor Popescu, the editor in chief of the Gândul newspaper, showed up on his TV show Cap și Pajură holding a sign reading "gazetar găozar" (roughly "faggot journalist").[66][67]
On May 19, 2007, the day of the suspension referendum, Băsescu took the mobile phone of Antena 1 journalist Andreea Pană, who was filming him while he was shopping with his wife, despite being asked to leave him alone. Forgetting to turn it off, he was recorded referring to Pană as a stinking gypsy during a conversation with his wife in his car.[68][69] The recording was made public by the Antena 1 TV station after the phone was returned to Pană the next day. After public outcry, Băsescu's spokesman expressed regret over the fact that "an inappropriate expression in a private discussion became public".[70] The president of the Commission for Human Rights, Cults and Minorities in the Chamber of Deputies, Nicolae Păun, who is himself part of the Roma community, stated that President Băsescu is not a racist and cannot be condemned for a statement made in private.[71] Romani CRISS, on the other hand, issued a letter of protest, saying "Romani Criss consider unacceptable for the Romanian President to use such language, sexist and racist alike."[72] Other criticism came from the International Federation of Journalists,[65] Agenţia de Monitorizare a Presei, and Clubul Român de Presă.[73] Romania's National Council for Combating Discrimination decided that the expression "stinking gypsy" was discriminatory and sanctioned Traian Băsescu with a warning.[74]
In 2008, Băsescu referred to journalist Victor Ciutacu, the editor in chief of Jurnalul Național, which was highly critical of him, as "jukebox on euros" (Romanian: "tonomat cu euro"),[75] a meme that Ciutacu later used repeatedly in his TV show Vorbe grele, even in the show's logo.
During the 2009 presidential election, Băsescu released two video clips starring himself and actors that were parodying his Antena 3 critics: Mircea Badea, a TV Host, well known for his critical stance of Băsescu, as well as Mihai Gâdea and Valentin Stan, the host and respectively a frequent guest of the TV political talk show Sinteza Zilei.[76][77]
Băsescu had a good relationship with journalists that praised him, in particular TV host Radu Moraru, of the B1 TV show Nașul, who described Băsescu as "the greatest president of Romania in the last 20 years" in the opening of an interview with him.[78]
In 2006, after the Steaua Bucureşti football team qualified in the UEFA Cup semifinals, Traian Băsescu, president of Romania at the time, invited the team to a Bucharest restaurant to celebrate the victory. During the festivities he was filmed drinking a glass of champagne alongside Gigi Becali, the controversial owner of the team, yet after the celebration he drove his own car home. The media accused him of defying the Romanian legislation, which considers driving under the influence either a summary or a criminal offense, depending on blood alcohol levels.[79] Asked about the events, Băsescu declined a direct answer, accused the media of exaggerating and refused further comment on the incident.[80]
In the summer of 2009, Băsescu was criticized in an editorial in Gândul for remaining silent for a long time regarding the corruption scandal surrounding Monica Iacob Ridzi, the PD-L Youth Minister, in contrast to the harsh criticism he had expressed against ministers from other parties when they were accused of corruption (Tudor Chiuariu, Codruţ Şereş).[81] Similarly, Tom Gallagher, a Romania specialist at Bradford University, wrote that Băsescu's public image suffered after his daughter, Elena Băsescu, became a MEP through "purely byzantine maneuvers" with the help of Ridzi, and after Băsescu "appeared to express solidarity" with Ridzi against the media that was reporting on the scandal.[82]
In June 2011, during a televised talk-show, president Băsescu made a somewhat disputed remark about former King Michael I of Romania saying that "he was a slave to the Russians" and calling his 1947 abdication "an act of treason".[83] The president noted that King Michael was the official head of state at the time of the events in question – both during the alliance with Nazi Germany, and during the Soviet occupation. This triggered a wave of criticism from the opposition parties and their sympathizers, who expressed their disapproval of such an interpretation of Romanian history and the perceived lack of respect towards the former king.[84] Some letters requesting the president's immediate resignation came from the members of the opposition parties and their sympathizers.[85]
President Băsescu added that if he was in Marshal Antonescu's position, he too would have ordered the Romanian troops to cross the Prut river and attack the USSR, with the purpose of regaining Bessarabia, lost in 1940. In response to this, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a press statement asking for the immediate response of "civilized Europe to this justification of Nazi aggression against USSR and dishonor to the memory of millions lost during World War II" and called Băsescu's declarations a "shameless bravado".[86]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Traian Băsescu |
Wikinews has related news: Traian Băsescu |
Political offices | ||
Preceded by Viorel Lis |
Mayor of Bucharest 2000–2004 |
Succeeded by Adriean Videanu |
Preceded by Ion Iliescu |
President of Romania 2004–2007 |
Succeeded by Nicolae Văcăroiu Acting |
Preceded by Nicolae Văcăroiu Acting |
President of Romania 2007–2012 |
Succeeded by Crin Antonescu Acting |
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Lettris is a curious tetris-clone game where all the bricks have the same square shape but different content. Each square carries a letter. To make squares disappear and save space for other squares you have to assemble English words (left, right, up, down) from the falling squares.
Boggle gives you 3 minutes to find as many words (3 letters or more) as you can in a grid of 16 letters. You can also try the grid of 16 letters. Letters must be adjacent and longer words score better. See if you can get into the grid Hall of Fame !
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OBX Vacation Pics!
by WooWoo
posted Jul 14 2009 8:42AM
OK - I will be honest. I ain't to happy right now with this computer or this freakin' service I use to up-load a blog. IT'S AWFUL! And it just froze up and crashed on me - - AGAIN! I was literally 5 words away from completing today's blog - but then the computer froze, shut down and I lost EVERYTHING!!! UGH! Deep breath in...Deep breath out. So let me just cut to the chase - I took off last Thursday & Friday for a little R&R in the OBX with my family. It was very relaxing, I got a great tan and gained about 5LBS from all the JUNK I ate. But it was worth it. Enjoy the pics. PS - We stayed on the Sound Side in Nags Head. Mile Post 12.5 behind Jockey's Ridge. LOVED IT!
Our cottage - called SUNSETS!
My nephew Aiden - not sure of he wants to play in the BIG waves...
My brother Michael (L) & McCoy (R) with their Boogie Boards!
McCoy & I on the beach...in my Target bikini! Love me some Target!!
My sister Melissa with our nephew Evan.
The family (plus my BFF Lindsay in pink) outside of The Collington Cafe. PS - My other brother/Michael's twin Matthew moved with his wife and 3 kids to Memphis, so they were'nt able to join us. BOO!!
My mom & dad. Peggy/Joe - married for 37 years. WOW!
Back at the cottage playing SCRABBLE!
Late night Scrabble at the cottage with my BFF Lindsay, McCoy & I.
My brother Michael & his wife Heather...battling over Scrabble!
And the best of all - the reason the cottage was called SUNSETS... this was our nightly porch view!! EVRY NIGHT. WOW!!
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Further strengthening the feeling of empowerment among the aam aadmi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday invited a 60-year-old thela (cart) rickshaw-puller to inaugurate an upgraded maternal hospital in Lodhi Colony.
Vijay Baba, who carries goods to and from shops in the Connaught Place area, inaugurated the upgraded facilities at the hospital by unveiling the plaque in the presence of Mr. Kejriwal.
Baba said to The Hindu: "I feel immensely happy inaugurating the upgraded hospital. I am very thankful to Kejriwal ji."
Baba has been a hardcore supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the past two years. "I travelled to almost every area of Delhi with my rickshaw in support of the AAP," he said. He lives in a makeshift tent built with tarpaulin outside Aulia Masjid in the posh Connaught Place with his 14-year-old son, Suraj.
"About five days ago, some AAP workers came to me and said the Chief Minister wanted me to inaugurate the hospital. I wondered how a Chief Minister could ask a thela rickshaw-wala to do the honour which he is entitled to do," a visibly jubilant Baba told The Hindu.
He said Mr. Kejriwal called him on Friday and requested to be ready for the inauguration.


text:
The JDK documentation for java.lang.String.hashCode()
famously says:
The hash code for a String object is computed as
s[0]*31^(n-1) + s[1]*31^(n-2) + ... + s[n-1]
arithmetic, wheres[i]
is thei
th character of the string,n
is the length of the string, and^
indicates exponentiation.
The standard implementation of this expression is:
int hash = 0;
for (int i = 0; i < length; i++)
hash = 31*hash + value[i];
return hash;
Looking at this makes me feel like I was sleeping through my algorithms course. How does that mathematical expression translate into the code above?


text:
If Cablevision brass is considering Devils' GM Lou Lamoriello as a replacement for Rangers boss Neil Smith, as some dailies have reported, then Lou's firing of Robbie Ftorek and the Devils' fortunes this spring may hold more than passing interest to Rangers fans. Ftorek's dismissal was very unlike Lamoriello, an old-time hockey type known for keeping salaries down and supporting his coaches against mutinous playersincluding Lyle Odelein (traded to Phoenix March 7), who certainly could have stabilized Jersey's depleted defense. Other recent Lamoriello deals seem equally uncharacteristic, such as trading for occasional malcontents Vladimir Malakhov and Alexander Mogilny, two inconsistent, pricey talents. The Devils' recent slump and their annual playoff failures (only one series victory since 1995) may have brought on the New Lou, but amid rumors of his departure once John McMullen sells the Devs at season's end to YankeeNets, do these moves perhaps constitute an audition for a job elsewhere?
Meanwhile Ftorek's replacement, Larry Robinson, inherits a wobbly first-place team that tuned out his predecessor long ago. Robinson encountered a similar problem as the head man in Los Angeles, but his tactics diverged greatly from Ftorek's, whose hollering and petty indignities marked his tenure. A man of great integrity, Robinson told writers last year, "For the life of me, I can't understand why I should have to yell and scream, rant and rave at a grown man earning millions of dollars because he isn't working hard enough. I mean, there are people in this world making $4 to $5 an hour, scraping and clawing to make ends meet, to feed their families, and I have to go into the room and chew people out 'cause they're not putting in enough effort? Call me old-fashioned, but that boggles my mind." When he was fired last April, some Kings players lamented Robinson just wasn't tough enough.
Shooting the Rock
Basketball has been called a ballet, a theatrical drama, a hip-hop beat. Now it's an avant-garde video installation.
In fact, it's two of them. At P.S.1's Greater New York Show, a postcard-sized monitor juts out from the gallery wall on a metal postjust like a backboard. On the screen, there's a continous loop of a moving basketball. Always dead center, it fills the framea blur brought into focus. Have you ever really seen the ball? It's an orange sphere hurtling through spacewhirling, mesmerizing, beautiful. It spins like a planet. It could almost have a life of its own.
The piece, by Paul Pfeiffer, is called John 3:16, a reference not to Starks, or the time remaining, but to that verse from the Bible that's so frequently invoked by those camera-hungry, sign-waving fanatics at televised sporting events: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Pfeiffer culled his images from old Knicks-Bulls highlight footage. He pored through tapes, zooming in on the ball's most photogenic moments, and assembled 1500 frames, one by one. "It's looking at the figure in sports or in the game and relating it back to the history of painting," Pfeiffer says of his work. "In painting you usually find the figure at the center and oftentimes that figure might be Jesus. That's one way to look at the John 3:16 reference. There is this replacement that happensthe players are moved to the side and the ball becomes the thing in the center."
Well, whatever. Let's just say the meanings are manyjust as they are in Pfeiffer's other basketball video, now at the Whitney Biennial. It's even more provocative, fixating as it does on a well-muscled black basketball player, edited into isolation and anonymity and trapped in an unending digital loop. Distant flashbulbs pop like stars as he steps again and again through a tight circle, fists clenched at his side, mouth frozen open in an enormous, soundless scream. It's called Fragment of a Crucifixion (After Francis Bacon). The figure at the center is a man with his own critique of race and the gamethat "restless slave," Larry Johnson, back in his days with the Charlotte Hornets.
NCAA Haiku
Jersey in koi pond
Nike check on white pillow
Moon ebbs, Coach K sleeps
Silence in lockers
Sake and beer, a sad spilled
Contributors: Stu Hackel, Karen Cook, Brian Parks
Sports Editor: Miles D. Seligman


text:
RARE HERMANN STERLING,ENAMEL POLO PLAYER & HORSE PIN. browse these categories for related items... All Items: Estate Jewelry: Silver: Edwardian: Pre 1920: item # 634815
Doris Frohnsdorff Gaithersburg Maryland 301-869-1256 Guest Book $150.00 |
$150.00 A rare sterling silver and enamel pin formed as a POLO PLAYER ASTRIDE HIS HORSE. Melrose Highlands, Mass.: F.A. HERMANN CO. Stamped on the back with the maker's mark and STERLING. It has a hinged straight pin on the back with a C clasp. The pin is finished in black, white, blue, brown, and yellow enamel. The seated rider wears a blue shirt, white cap and pants and a pair of brown boots. In excellent condition. A rare piece. It measures 1 inch in height by 7.8 inches across. The F.A. Hermann Co., founded in 1908, is known for the quality of their enamel work. |


text:
'Scandal' not uncommon, but ...
Updated: August 2, 2012, 8:28 AM ET
Jim Caple | ESPN.com
LONDON -- We have breaking news on the badminton scandal. After a long and very intense night of negotiations, the Badminton World Federation, the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese team reached a compromise. The Chinese players still can no longer compete in these Olympics, but they will be able to have Andrew Luck on their team in 2016.
Public and private outrage swiftly reached world-record heights over the eight badminton players who intentionally lost games in an ...
Read full story
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Mining restriction proposal filed for Michigan's 2010 ballot
From Ballotpedia
October 15, 2009
LANSING, Michigan: A mining restriction proposal has been filed and accepted by the state election board. The proposal calls for tougher laws on mining in order to protect the Great Lakes as well as local inland lakes, rivers and the overall environment from contamination. The petition was filed by the Michigan Save Our Water Committee. In order to place the measure on the November 2010 ballot supporters must collect a minimum of 300,000 valid signatures by May 2010.[1]
The measure proposes:[2]
- prohibiting uranium mining and processing until new rules are established
- requiring that sulfide and other types of mines be located 2,000 feet from lakes, streams and rivers
See also


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From Jennifer Lopez and Chelsea Clinton to your cousins Jennifer and Chelsea, millions of brides have said "I do" in a Vera Wang wedding gown. A New York City native and former competitive figure skater, Wang had spent 15 years honing her discerning eye as an accessories editor at <i>Vogue</i> before launching her household-name brand of understated bridalwear in the late 1980s. Her dresses and gowns are for women who adore classic, minimalist style — think draping fabrics and flattering shapes that derive their glamour from texture and stitching instead of sequins and sparkles. Wang applies the same simple aesthetic to her ultra-feminine couture line and ready-to-wear label Vera Wang Lavender. Awash in elegant, muted colors, rich fabrics, and luxe details, Wang's coveted collections are consistently chic; her thoughtful silhouettes are romantic, thoughtful, and slightly whimsical all at once. Aside from clothing, Wang's creations include perfume, fine jewelry, stationery, bedding, and hotel room décor. She's also created the collaborative labels Simply Vera (with Kohl's), Vera Wang for Hartmann (luggage), and White by Vera Wang (with David's Bridal) to bring her inimitable style to the mass market.
Exquisitely crafted dresses and separates to take you from the office to after-hours.
Impeccably constructed pieces that achieve elegance with ease.
The designer's sophisticated signatures served up with a right-now point of view
Gorgeous, statement-making looks for especially elegant affairs.


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AndreaVB | Forum | News | Downloads | Register | Help | Member List | Statistics | Search | PM | Profile
Here is a simple tutorial to help pick six non-repeating numbers or any non-repeating elements you want to use. i.e. the Alphabet. As always we start with the Dim statements


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Madam C.J. Walker
Sarah Breedlove was born in Delta, La., on December 23, 1867. She was the daughter of Owen and Minerva Anderson Breedlove. Both had formerly been enslaved. She was an orphan by the age of seven and moved in with her older sister. At the age of 14, Sarah married Moses McWilliams. She maintained that she married young because of early hardships and in order to get a home of her own. In 1885, they had a daughter named Lelia, who later changed her name to A'Lelia and became a central figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Sarah's husband died in 1887, leaving her to care for their daughter on her own.
Sarah then moved to St. Louis where three of her brothers lived and worked as barbers. She worked as a laundress and attended night school. Around this time, she started to lose her hair and noticed a lot of other black women had the same problem. Poor hygiene and diet as well as scalp diseases like dandruff, led to brittle hair and hair loss. She experimented with many ingredients and finally came up with a secret formula to stimulate hair growth. Her "secret formula" included sulfur and a more frequent cleansing of the hair and scalp.
Sarah started out selling her products door-to-door in black neighborhoods in St. Louis. Then she moved to Denver in 1905 and married Charles J. Walker. With her business becoming more successful, Sarah decided to adopt a new name – Madam C.J. Walker.
In 1910, Madam C.J. Walker set up a laboratory and beauty school in Indianapolis. At the height of her career, between 1911 and her death in 1919, her annual sales increased. Madam Walker was repeatedly referred to as a millionaire during the last few years of her life. However, in a New York Times magazine article and later in a letter to F. B. Ransom dated March 4, 1918, she specifically denied this. Certainly, by the end of her life, with total ownership of the company and with her holdings in real estate, her wealth could be measured in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
She had several thousand agents around the country to sell her full line of products for growing and beautifying hair. These included Wonderful Hair Grower, Temple Grower, shampoo, Glossine (pressing oil) and Tetter Salve, a remedy for the scalp.
Madam Walker was very generous and gave back to her community by contributing to African-American organizations in Indianapolis, such as the Senate Avenue Young Men's Christian Association, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Flanner House. She did not limit her generosity to Indiana, however, and also gave money to the Tuskegee Institute and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Both Walker and her only child, A'Lelia enjoyed many genres of music including opera, classical, ragtime and blues. A major patron of the arts, Madam Walker supported African American musicians, actors, and artists.
Though most of her activities on behalf of blacks were aimed toward education and the building of personal and racial pride, Madam Walker fought against prejudice. In 1915, she began a lawsuit to protest discrimination at a theater in Indianapolis. She encouraged her agents to develop their political muscle and advocate for civil and human rights. In 1917, she urged the group to decry lynchings in the South. During World War I she was a member of a delegation to Washington to protest the War Department's segregationist policies to President Woodrow Wilson.
Madam Walker worked hard throughout her life, which took a toll on her health. Between traveling constantly, managing her business and speaking at many functions, she developed health problems, including high blood pressure and kidney failure. She became very ill while on a trip to St. Louis in April 1919. She did not recover and died on May 25, 1919, at her Irvington-on-Hudson, New York estate, Villa Lewaro.
The Walker legacy lives on through Madam C.J. Walker's original manufacturing company, which still exists and is doing business as Madame C.J. Walker Enterprises, Inc. The company manufactures Madam C.J. Walker's original hair care products, and has expanded the original hair care line with new all natural Vegetable Shampoo and Conditioners. The name "Madame C.J. Walker" is the registered trademark of Madame C.J. Walker Enterprise (in the category of hair/cosmetics). The official website of the MCJW Company is www.madamewalker.net and the toll free number is 866-552-2838. Walker hair products are also available for purchase in the Indiana Historical Society's gift shop.
Madam Walker's legacy as an entrepreneur, social activist and patron of the arts is celebrated at Indianapolis' Madame Walker Theater Center (www.walkertheater.com). Constructed in 1927, the building is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a National Historic Landmark. Walker family members remain involved in the preservation of her legacy through the Madame Walker Theater Center as well as through support of Villa Lewaro (www.madamwalkerestate.com). They share her story through books, lectures and the Madam Walker Family Archives (www.madamwalkerfamilyarchives.wordpress.com), a collection of Walker photos, business records, clothing, furniture and personal artifacts. Madam Walker's descendants retain rights of publicity and registered trademarks associated with certain intellectual property. The official Walker biography website, which is maintained by her great-great-granddaughter and biographer, is www.madamcjwalker.com.
Significant research can be accomplished through materials found in the William Henry Smith Library at the Indiana Historical Society.
Selected Bibliography:
M0399 Madam C. J. Walker Papers, Indiana Historical Society.
Bundles, A'Lelia Perry, Madam C. J. Walker: Entrepreneur. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1991/revised 2008.
Bundles, A'Lelia Perry, "Madam C.J. Walker Cosmetics, Tycoon" Ms Magazine, July 1983, pp. 91-94.
Bundles, A'Lelia Perry, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C.J. Walker. New York: Scribner, 2001.
Koehn, Nancy F. Madam C.J. Walker: entrepreneur, leader, and philanthropist. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Pub., 2007.
Lewis, David Levering. When Harlem was in Vogue. New York: Vintage Books, 1982.
McKay, Claude. Harlem: Negro Metropolis. New York: E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc., 1940.
Nelson, Stanley, producer, Two Dollars and a Dream DVD. New York, N.Y.: Filmmakers Library, [200?].
Pleiss, Kathy. Hope in a Jar: The Making of America's Beauty Culture. New York: Metropolitan Books, 1998.
Price, Nelson. Indiana Legends: Famous Hoosiers from Johnny Appleseed to David Letterman. Carmel, Indiana: Guild Press of Indiana, 1997.
Reynolds, Violet Cornelia Davis. The Story of a Remarkable Woman. Indianapolis: Universal Printing Co., 1973.
Rooks, Noliwe M. Hair Raising: beauty, culture, and African American women. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1996.
Susannah Walker. Style & Status: Selling Beauty to African American women, 1920-1975. Lexington: University of Kentucky Press, 2007.
Additional Resources:
Official website of Madam Walker's original hair care company: www.madamewalker.net
Student-oriented website created by Madam Walker's biographer and authorized by Walker family: http://www.madamcjwalker.com
Website for the Madam Walker Family Archives: www.madamwalkerfamilyarchives.wordpress.com
Website for the Madam Walker Theater Center: www.walkertheatre.com
Website for Villa Lewaro: www.madamwalkerestate.com


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Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival...Outdoor Wednesday...
We were lucky enough to experience the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival this month so join me for a quick peak at some amazing flowers and topiary.
35 comments:
This is bringing back some great memories of our week in Disney world! We stayed right near Epcot and it ended up being our favourite park...the gardens are spectacular but we were addicted to the ride Test track! I wish I could go back after seeing these gorgeous pictures!
Hope you have a very Happy Easter Joyce and best wishes until next time!
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