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Top Wine Farms in Cape Town
Stefan de ClerkCape Town is a favourite destination for wine connaisseurs from around the world, and some of the best and oldest wine farms in the region can be found right in the city's back yard.
10 Places Not To Miss On Bree Street in Cape Town
Thamar HoulistonBree Street is arguably Cape Town's hottest strip right now with plenty of spots to choose from. Here are 10 of our favourites.
Seven delicious eateries in Cape Town
Stefan de ClerkCape Town is known for its bustling food scene, and every year a myriad of new and exciting eateries open their doors to the city's eager foodies.
Five fun facts you didn't know about Groot Constantia
Rebekah KendalWhether you're after fine wine, good food, or a slice of history, Groot Constantia won't disappoint. Next time you visit the grand old estate, impress your friends with these fascinating titbits…
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Coffee Shops in Cape Town with a Twist
Cape Town has many amazing coffee shops. Head into the CBD and surrounding areas and you're bound to find one on every corner. So, naturally, it can be difficult for a coffee shop to set itself apart from the rest. Here are some that have done just that by offering customers more than just coffee.
Vineyard Hotel's Elgin Valley Festival
The Vineyard Hotel is a one of those Cape Town hidden gems. It's located in the leafy Newlands suburb and there is so much on offer here. It's also starting to become the go-to hotel in the area for all things food and wine related. For example, there's a delicious Burgundy Celebration Dinner and an Elgin Valley pinot noir festival coming up. Both of these form part of the hotel's Tastes of 2016 calendar.
Delicious Day Trip Idea: Groote Post Country Market
Drive one hour into any direction from Cape Town's CBD, and you are guaranteed to find magic in the countryside. You will stumble across charming towns, vineyards and orchards, scenic mountains, panoramic Atlantic ocean views, and of course, good old farm markets.
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to Hout Bay
Hout Bay, or the Republic of Hout Bay as it is affectionately known by locals, is a fantastic sea-side neighbourhood in Cape Town that offers something for everyone, any day of the week. Here's a deeper look at what this great Cape Town area has to offer.
Eikendal Lodge a home from home and then some
At Eikendal Lodge in Stellenbosch, like all hospitality establishments, they want you to relax and feel at home.
Take a City Sightseeing bus to Groot Constantia
Did you know that the City Sightseeing Bus goes to almost all of the Cape Town Big 7? So when you plan a trip to one of Cape Town's top attractions, why not get there with City Sightseeing? That's exactly what a group of local Igers were invited to do – take the bus to Cape Town's oldest wine producing farm, Groot Constantia. And here are some of the amazing images that came out of the day.
The Mother City is big on healthy living, with locals dedicated to feeding their bodies only the freshest foods and juices. We visited six of the best Juice Bars in the city and came back with our top choices.
Romantic Stellenbosch
Want to head out to the Winelands for a romantic weekend? Well, my better half and I recently spent some time in Stellenbosch and I can now provide you with the perfect itinerary for a weekend full of romance.
A Cellar in the City in Cape Town
Based at entrance 3 at the Watershed, it's easy to pass by this unassuming stall on your way to do some shopping. But we urge you not to. Cellar in the City offers visitors a taste of the winelands within the Waterfront. It's a fun and unique way to experience local wines without having to venture too far out.
50 reasons Cape Town is good for your health
Whether it's eating better, exercising more, being more present in the moment and less connected to your phone, or being a more responsible citizen of the world, there are various ways to be a better version of yourself. Here are 50 ways to do just that in Cape Town.
Wine, safaris and amazing views with Jordan Wine Estate
Jordan Wine Estate proves to be a wine farm that offers so much more than what meets the eye.
Where to eat this Christmas
Christmas lunch and dinner can sometimes be a mission to prepare. Don't feel like cooking? No worries. We've got you covered with this list of where to have Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas lunch in Cape Town.
Your Ultimate Summer Guide to Cape Town
The Mother City has shrugged off her winter coat and slipped into something a little sleeker as the summer months settle in. Get ready to kick off your shoes, sink your toes into the warm sands of the most beautiful city on earth and knock back a cocktail or two as we present your ultimate summer guide to Cape Town! It's where to go and what to do this summer in the Mother City.
Cape Town through the eyes of Masterchef Season 6 winner, Brent Owens
Season 6 Masterchef winner, Brent Owens, was recently in Cape Town to taste, live and love this city. Here's what he got up to during his stay here.
Top Braai Spots for Heritage Day
If there is one thing Capetonians are good at - other than socialising, of course - it's braaing. Whether it's meat or fish, you can be sure that on a spectacular summer's day (or even on a winter's day), you will find us gathered around the fire, enjoying each other's company, the tantalising aroma of meat on the grill and our breathtaking city views.
Hope on Hopkins adds more variety to the Cape Town gin scene
THE gin floodgates have been opened in Cape Town. Not only do we have at least three dedicated gin bars and at least two locally produced tonic waters, but it's becoming a popular spirit to distill with new brands emerging into the market all the time.
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to Green Point
Green Point is known to be the Soho of Cape Town thanks to its bustling nightlife, great restaurants and amazing coffee shops. But there is more to this neighbourhood than what meets the eye.
Dinner and a show in Cape Town
We all get a bit busy sometimes so we can't always go out to dinner and then see a show afterwards or vice-versa. So, it's really handy when you find a venue where you can do both at the same time! Here we've rounded up some of the best dinner-and-a-show venues in Cape Town.
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to Durbanville
Durbanville is not your average Cape Town neighbourhood. There is so much more going on than the daily school run. This is a neighbourhood filled with great experiences for everyone to enjoy.
D'Aria offers up rest, relaxation, great food and delicious wine
Just 30 minutes outside of the centre of Cape Town is a little farm called D'Aria. On this farm, you will find a place to eat, a place to drink and a place to lay your head.
Steenberg Farm is a destination with plenty on offer
Situated along the Constantia Wine Route, Steenberg Farm lies a mere stone's throw away form the centre of Cape Town and has so much to offer all who visit.
Hello weekend: An exciting look back at the weekend of 5 to 7 June 2015
Weekends in Cape Town are always something to get excited about. It was with this in mind that we launched our Hello Weekend campaign. Here's a look at how Johannesburg-based Heather Mason enjoyed her weekend in Cape Town.
Halaal restaurants in Cape Town
Is there anything more tempting than the smell of a delicious chicken curry or a plate of denningvleis, prepared in the traditional Cape Malay way? In Cape Town, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés that cater for visitors and residents who prefer their meals cooked according to Halaal standards.
Mother's Day Events 2015 in Cape Town: What to do in the Mother City
You know which important day it is on Sunday 10 May, 2015, right? The one day of the year that you get to honour the number one woman in your life – it's Mother Day, in beautiful Cape Town, the Mother City.
Travel like a local: Your neighbourhood guide to Muizenberg
Ok, so Surf rules in Muizenberg, or "Muizies" as it's affectionately known to locals. For many locals like me though, it's more than just a Summer destination where shallow waters offer great family fun and learning to surf has become the number one activity on the jam-packed beachfront. If you move away from the beach you will discover some quirky characters in this distinctly bohemian seaside village.
The Insider's Guide to the Top Wine Routes in Cape Town and Surrounds
Wine tasting is an utterly charming way to pass the weekend. When paired with some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth, century old architecture and awe-inspiring food, it becomes one of Cape Town's most beloved tourist activities.
5 Epic Images that will make you want to stay at the Southern Sun Waterfront
By now you all know I've got a thing for amazing mini-breakaways in #lovecapetown… if it's got a cool pool, delicious buffet, soft beds and breath-taking views, I'll stay there. That's exactly what the newly renovated Southern Sun Waterfront hotel on the Foreshore offers and it's amazing!
5 Top Bands You Can't Miss at the 2014/2015 Summer Sunset Concerts at Kirstenbosch
Woohoo, Mother City music lovers! The 2014/2015 Summer Sunset Concerts at the impressive Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden's programme has been announced and it's EPIC!
Your #lovecapetown weekend: What's on from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October, 2014
Woohoo, it's the weekend, baby!
6 Ways to Rock Your Year- End Party in Cape Town
Sure, the December break is two months away and you cringe every time someone sends out one of those annoying "Countdown to Christmas" emails but admit it, you're excited that your year-end party is just weeks away, right?


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From a gracefully curling wave and gently falling rain to grand seascapes and tranquil mountain lakes, the images in this free Windows theme represent water in its many forms, captured by our community of contributors.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Formula 1: Hamilton fastest in eventful first Monaco practice
Nico Rosberg was second behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton and was stopped in his tracks when he struck a drain cover in Monte Carlo. More »Omnisport - 2 hours 17 minutes ago
La Liga Leaks: Bellerin to replace Alves, Cristiano wants to stay & Griezmann to Man Utd?
'Senor Rumor' Andrew Gaffney rounds up the potential comings and goings from the Spanish top flight More »Andrew Gaffney - 2 hours 48 minutes ago
Premier League: Arsene Wenger's top 5 transfer targets for Arsenal
Alex Netherton has a look at Arsene Wenger's top five transfer targets for Arsenal's upcoming season. More »Alex Netherton - Wed, May 25, 2016 11:17 BST
Bundesliga: Bayern Munich chairman urges Liverpool target Götze to reconsider decision to stay
Bayern Munich Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that Mario Götze may still leave the club, despite the midfielder committing his future to the club earlier this week. More »90Min - 1 hour 58 minutes ago
Premier League: Mourinho's move to United stalls due to image rights
Jose Mourinho's move to Manchester United is being held up due to complications over image rights, according to top sports lawyer Jake Cohen. More »90Min - 23 hours ago


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Has anyone else had issues with the latest versions of FF behaving badly with zimbra?
I am getting more and more uses complaining of not being able to open their attachments with FF unless they fwd them to them selves but on other browsers or even other machines with FF it works fine.
Also now some are getting errors when trying to attach pdf's etc in FF... but again use another browser it doesn't happen.
I am very seriously considering dumping FF and going back to Ie or Chrome as the complaints just aren't stopping.. this has only happened since FF3, and or 5.0.9 of ZCO.
Uninstalling FF and reinstalling it doesn't fix it but a total reinstall of the PC does... odd.


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Louisiana Homepage
Sulphur Homepage
Sulphur Information:
Auto Auctions
Auto Dealers
Auto Loans
Auto Sales
Car Loans
Buy Here Pay Here
Car Dealers
Bad Credit Car Loans
Car Sales
Cheap Car Sales
eBay Cars
Truck Sales
Used Cars
Cars and trucks offered for sale here, are offered by sellers
in the Sulphur Louisiana area. All representations are made by the seller and not
You should never make payment, in part, or in full, prior to a "hands on"
inspection of the vehicle. Always be aware of possible "scams" involving buyers
outside of the Sulphur Louisiana area, or payments offered exceeding the asking
price with some portion being returned to the buyer, or a "shipping agent".
Financing opportunities offered here are offered by Sulphur Louisiana area
lenders, dealers, and buy here pay here dealers.
UsedCarSale.com is a free online forum for those buying or selling a used
car, truck, van, or suv in the Sulphur Louisiana area. We invite both private
sellers, and Sulphur area used car and truck dealers to list here. There is
never a charge to either.
For our browsers, we offer a no nonsense, easy to navigate, forum to locate
and research new, and used, cars and trucks from local sellers and auto auctions
in the Sulphur Louisiana area.
In addition to our buy/sell forum, we offer assistance to those in need of a
car loan. Regardless of your prior credit history, UsedCarSale.com, through it's
lending partners, can secure the car loan you need to purchase the car or truck
you want and deserve. We can even secure a car loan needed to purchase a vehicle
at a Sulphur area auto dealer. Good credit, bad credit, and no credit are all
okay with proof of a steady source of income.
For those with the
most sever credit problems, purchasing a car or truck from a Sulphur area buy
here pay here car dealer may be the only option. For these folks, we can connect
you with area dealers who offer in house financing.
Although you may find quick approvals, and seemingly low payments, often
times the find print on a contract offered by a buy here pay here dealer in the
Sulphur area, may include fees, and terms, that could result in you paying much
more than the real value of the car. It is important to carefully read the
purchase agreement, and fully understand what you are being asked to
sign...before you sign it. Understand that, in most cases, buy here pay here car
dealers are quick to repossess, should you fall behind on your payments.
The Kill Switch
Posted October 6, 2014
In the attempt to lessen the risk to lenders, and bolster the available car
loan programs made available to those with a bad credit background, many
lenders, and used car dealers, are turning to the "Kill Switch; a device
that can render a vehicle inoperatable from a remote location.
What this does for lenders is remove the need for the "repo man". This may
sound drastic, especially for those that may have to accept one of these
devices being installed on their next used car purchase, but, in fact, this
is a device that only effects, in a negative way, those who become
delinquint in making payments, while, one the other hand, such devices make
lenders much more comfortable with approving car loans to those who they
might not otherwise approve.
Some reports claim that up to 30% of the vehicles purchased today, with the
help of an auto loan, have such devices installed. In any case, no
such device will ever be installed on a vehicle without the consent of the
buyer, and, for those buyers with a bad credit history, who have had a tough
time finding a dealer, or lender, willing to provide a needed car loan, this
device may be a "small price to pay" for the chance to once again qualify
for that loan.
Lower Used Car Prices Expected Later In 2014.
Posted Feb 23, 2014
If you're shopping for a used car, you can expect better deals this year. A large supply of trade-ins and cars
returning from leases will push
down overall used car prices by an estimated 2% in 2014, according to forecasters at
automotive web site Edmunds.com.
The popularity of leasing new cars, in recent years, plays into the expected lower used car prices. "The boom
in new car leases is leading to a higher number of lease returns, which adds to the growing inventory of used
cars, forcing their prices down," explains Philip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.
In turn, falling used car prices may also affect new car deals, especially low-payment lease offers. Lower used
car prices mean lower residual values -- what a car is worth at the end of a lease. That could result in higher
payments on new car leases, Reed explains. However, continuing low interest rates, especially early in the
year, will help hold down lease payments.
Buyer Beware When Shopping Craigslist Cars For Sale
Posted Sept 17, 2013
A meeting set up to sell a car that had been advertised on Craigslist turned
into a robbery when the would-be buyer pulled out a gun, authorities said.
The car, a 1999 Honda Accord, was recovered when the victim found it a short
parked near an apartment complex, but the robber wasn't there and hasn't
been arrested.
Police say it started when the 36-year-old victim arranged to meet a man who
wanted to buy the car and said his name was Bitor Romero.
The victim arrived at the meeting place, 8300 N. Rodney Parham Road, about 9
p.m., at which point a man on the lot pointed a gun at the victim's neck and
ordered him to leave while the man took off in the Accord west on Markham
Police responded and took a report. The victim then called investigators a
short time later and said he had found his car at 609 Brookside Drive, the
report said.
Officers searched the vehicle, finding a stolen handgun inside, the report
said. The weapon was dusted for fingerprints and taken as evidence.
The robber is described as a black man about 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds. He
wore a white tank top, yellow shorts and white shoes.
Cheap Leases For Electric Cars
Posted June 2, 2013
Auto companies are hoping cheaper lease prices can put a charge into
sluggish electric car sales. Honda announced Thursday that it's slashing the
monthly lease cost of its Fit EV by one-third, following similar moves by
other automakers. Honda also is
in other goodies, such as a free home charging station and unlimited
Electric vehicles once were billed as the answer to high gas prices and
dependence on foreign oil. But U.S. oil production is rising and gasoline
supplies are abundant. Pump prices have remained relatively stable the past
three years, while gas-powered cars have gotten more efficient, making
consumers reluctant to give them up. There's also the worry that an electric
car could run out of juice on longer trips.
As a result, electric car sales are only a tiny fraction of overall U.S.
auto sales. Automakers sold just over 12,000 pure-electric vehicles in the
U.S. through April. That's less than 1 percent of the 4.97 million cars and
trucks sold during the same period. Even a $7,500 tax credit from the U.S.
government couldn't persuade most car buyers.
Sluggish sales have dampened high expectations for electric car use.
President Barack Obama has said he wants to put 1 million plug-in electric
vehicles on the road by 2015, but with two years left, the nation is far
short of that goal.
Still, the cheap leases and a broader selection of models are giving
electric vehicles a boost. Sales for the first four months of this year
already are 80 percent of last year's total sales of about 15,000. The added
models, though, have multiple automakers competing for a small number of
Cheap Car Lease Programs - Bad Credit OK
Apply for a lease program with a bad credit history, or
even no credit history at all. Everyone with proof of a current income
A Smart Used Car Purchase Can Provide Many Years Of Good Service.
Posted May 15, 2013
While the appeal of owning new
vehicles is something that many people can't ignore, it is
not the only option available. There are plenty of reliable
and desirable used cars in the market. You don't have to
sacrifice an arm and a leg just so you can own a brand new
car. In order to increase your
chances of getting the best
ride, you should take your time while looking at what is
available in your local area.
There are
places you can start your search. You can look online,
search different classified ad sites, and visit your local
dealers. Before you start looking for the perfect vehicle,
you should make sure you have a good idea of what you want
and need from your vehicle. For example, if you are
concerned about getting the most mileage for your fuel, then
it doesn't make much sense for you to get a gas guzzling
truck. The same goes for if you need a vehicle that has a
ton of space, there is no need for you to get a compact size
vehicle. Grab a piece of paper and jot down what your
expectations are. Once you have completed that list, go
online and start searching for vehicles that meet your
Find out which used car lots are
closest to you. When it comes to vehicle shopping, you
should always consider shopping locally first. By supporting
your local car dealers and economy, you are improving the
selection of products the businesses supply for their
customers. You never know when you may want to purchase
another car in the future. Shop locally and you will
have an even better selection of vehicles to choose from the
next time you decide to go car shopping.
Once you have found several cars
that appeal to you online, the next step is for you to go
down to your local used cars dealer. Even though you may
have in mind what you are looking for, you should still take
a look at the other vehicles they have on the lot. Think
about what your price range is. Try not to look at vehicles
that are too far above your budget. It doesn't make much
sense for you to get excited about a vehicle that you can't
afford. Ask permission to take the vehicles you are
interested in for a test run. Keep in mind that a good time
frame for a test drive is twenty to thirty minutes. If you
have quite a few vehicles you want to test, consider doing
some the following day. Don't make any final decisions about
a vehicle purchase until you have had the chance to explore
all of your options. It is not unusual to spend several days
at a used car lot before purchasing anything. Remember, used cars
are just as great to own as new ones. You can still find a
vehicle that provides you with reliable transportation,
compliments your personal style, and helps you make a
New And Used Cars And Trucks For Sale **
Bad Credit Car Loan Programs ***


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The presence of some birds actually helps support the program. Six resident red-tailed hawk pairs occupy their own niche on airport property. These raptors keep other species of birds away and many of them are savvy enough to thrive in the busy airport environment. A few hawks have been documented living at the airport for over 14 years. The wildlife management team also traps and relocates hundreds of raptors and performs nest interventions when needed. Since 1999, over 1,200 red-tailed hawks have been relocated to 25 different sites. Captured fledglings are sent to the Audubon Society of Portland's flight cages on Sauvie Island, where they learn to fly and hunt before they are released back into the wild, away from PDX.
The team conducts research to help manage prey on airport property and determine the best methods for keeping their populations in check. The most prolific sources of food are grasshoppers, grey-tailed voles and earthworms. The team conducts grasshopper surveys and recently began testing a new type of turf grass that requires less frequent mowing. Grasshoppers are often stirred up during mowing, attracting predators and requiring careful coordination with flight activity.
Though bird strikes do still occur at PDX, the wildlife management team carefully investigates and tracks data to continuously improve the program. For the most challenging investigations, the program relies on the prestigious Smithsonian Institute's Feather Identification Lab, which offers precise DNA matching.
Tags: birds, red-tailed hawk, wildlife management, wildlife hazard management, pacific flyway, flight safety, nest interventions, bird hazing, prey management
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Port Currents is our online newsletter for community and environmental news. Check back often for the latest on Port projects, aviation and marine activities, and listings of tours and events.
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Texas ShowdownWritten by on February 1, 2008 Contributors: Joseph Dowling
This time around was the fifth year for the Texas Showdown. The Showdown is a two-day overnight event that draws some of the best vehicles from all around the Lone Star state. It takes place at the Sam Houston Race Park, which is just a stone's throw from Yosemite Sam's Houston-Style Bar-B-Q ribs. For the folks that like do more than just sit in a chair and listen to show spectators talk smack about their trucks, the show featured a BMX bike show, a burnout competition and, of course, the obligatory wet T-shirt contest.
In past years, the Showdown has been known for being held during extremely hot weather. In contrast, the 2007 Showdown was plagued by unusual amounts of heavy rain and abnormally large bugs with yellow antennas. The rain was bearable, but the bugs were very disturbing.
The inaugural morning of the show started as usual with the sun glaring down from above, but by mid-afternoon the rains came and stayed for the rest of the weekend. In spite of it though, the rainy weather could not dampen the spirits of the attendees. There were over 450 registered vehicles that entered the grounds over the weekend, and once the dust was settled there were over 8,000 folks that went through the gates.
For more information about next year's Texas Showdown, Google the event's name combined with large yellow bugs and a myriad of information will appear.
More Photos From This Article View Slideshow
In front of the black '63 Imapala with Intro Twisted-Vistas was an old Harley Shovelhead, with forks crafted from a pair of '38 Inernational Harvester mirrors.
Bicycle safety is always a concern at a public event. Here we see a young lad who got his pantleg caught in the chain and is about to land on his head. Maybe next time he'll leave the chainguard on.


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Bond ® Steel Hay Hooks
Chrome-plated D-handle for long-lasting durability
Hay hooks simplify the moving or "bucking" of small square hay bales
and more. Available in 11", 13" and 18" lengths, depending on your application. D-handle is 4"W to accommodate gloved hands. Imported. Select length from the drop down box above.


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M101AR Receiver Unit - Audio/Video Reader (code 33130)
The M101AR is a receiving unit for underwater video cameras. The unit
connects to the "Mic" port of an underwater video camera to record
conversations among divers and/or with the surface.
The M101AR cable (1m/3ft) must be connected to the audio/video port of the video camera housing while
the receive unit is attached to a Neptune mask, in order to control the quality of
the recorded audio. The M101AR may hang on the camera housing or BC jacket.


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Please join us for our next quarterly portfolio manager conference call:
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
U.S. Dial-In: TBD
Non-U.S. Dial-In: TBD
This conference call is reserved for licensed financial advisers and registered investment professionals.
The Fund's investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The Prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment companies. A hard copy may be obtained by calling (800) 531-5142. Read the Prospectus carefully before investing.
Each of the investment products or services referred to on this site may be offered only to investors residing in the United States. This site should not be considered a solicitation or offering of any investment products or services to investors residing outside the United States.
The information provided on this site is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to certain laws or regulations. Because of the global nature of the Internet, all persons and entities accessing this site do so on their own initiative and agree to comply with all applicable local laws and regulations.
Mutual fund investing involves risk; loss of principal is possible.
Pacific Heights Asset Management, LLC is the investment adviser to Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, Inc. The Fund is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC, a member of FINRA.
Permanent Portfolio®, The Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds®, A Fund for All Seasons® and The Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds logo are registered trademarks of Pacific Heights Asset Management, LLC. Copyright © 2016 Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds, Inc. All rights reserved.


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Drilling Leads to Record Hotel Tax Collections
March 3, 2013
WHEELING — Walking through the hallways of the historic downtown McLure Hotel these days, one is almost certain to run into oil and gas workers preparing to spend the night....
Agreed, Ragnar, sometimes I think the government types think there's a Tax Fairy that leaves the money under their pillows. But then again, if it was under their pillows I doubt it would make it into the tax office.
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and the politicians will still say that there ain't any money.it'll disappear with the rest.
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So, the CVB claims it uses no tax dollars yet, it collected nearly $800,000 in hotel/motel tax revenue last year?
"Oh, that's money that comes out of tax revenues. It does not come from taxpayers." ********E!
Whether by taking the money directly OR by diverting the funds for other uses, taxpayers are funding the White Elephant known as the Capitol.
Remember when the Boy Mayor and Herron became angry and stated that not one tax dollar would go to fund the Capitol? Well, money that is collected by the city, on behalf of city residents, is going to a "non-profit" to fund a money loser for no other purpose than to keep a few well connected union goons employed.
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Harrisonburg, VA (Sports Network) - Rayshawn Goins registered a double-double
with 23 points and a game-high 11 rebounds as he helped guide the James
Madison Dukes to an 85-73 win over the Spartans of UNC Greensboro in non-
conference action at the Convocation Center.
Also filling his stat line for the Dukes (4-6), as the team won for the third
time in the last four outings, was Devon Moore with 22 points, nine rebounds,
seven assists and three steals. Andrey Semenov and Ron Curry chipped in with
14 and 13 points, respectively, the latter accounting for six dishes as well.
The Spartans (2-6) were paced by Trevis Simpson who tallied 24 points, while
Nicholas Paulos turned his 5-of-6 shooting behind the three-point line into 15
points off the bench for a squad that has now bowed in five of the last six
JMU scored the first points of the day and never looked back, converting an
impressive 56.3 percent from the floor in the first half, including 6-of-12
behind the three-point line, en route to a 49-29 advantage at the break. UNCG
connected on only 25.8 percent from the floor and 2-of-9 on the perimeter over
the first 20 minutes of action.
The Spartans closed the gap by opening the second half on a 15-3 run, but
again the Dukes were rather precise with their field goal attempts, connecting
on 57.1 percent, in order to capture the 12-point win.
Despite allowing 18 offensive rebounds to the Spartans, it was James Madison
which produced a 40-24 scoring advantage in the paint.
The Sports Network


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The Frenchies made good at Marseille this week, with 3 of the 4 semifinalists coming from the host country and and two making it through to the final. Jo-Willy captured his fourth career title and second this year (Johannesburg) defeating Michael Llodra in a tight two set battle 7-5, 7-6(3) and raising his record to an ATP World Tour best 19-3. He also leads the Tour in the ace category with 235.
Along with a few other readers, I'm excited to see Jo-Willy showing real consistency in his big game and displaying real confidence in the key moments of his matches. His serve is becoming a big weapon and helped him keep his foes down and out this week. However, along with those same readers, I'm still cautiously optimistic with regards to his injury issues. The Frenchie's been injury free during his last two title runs so let's hope he finds the right balance in his schedule, doesn't overplay, and rests when required. I mean, who else would do the crazy thumb dance?
Todo def owns the South American swing on the ATP World Tour so far capturing his second title in as many weeks (Costa do Sauipe) after edging out homeboy Juan Monaco 7-5, 2-6, 7-6(5) in the Argentinean capital. It was his ninth ATP title and the first time he won back-to-back titles in his career. However, if I were Todo I'd be very careful making out with that trophy. Just sayin'.
In all the hubbub and brouhaha that was the UAE/Israeli controversy this week, some pretty good tennis was actually being played by two lady ballers in particular: Venus Williams + Virginie Razzano. V reached her first final here by knocking sister Serena from her perch in the semifinals while the Frenchie ousted Russian top tenners Dinara Safina + Vera Zvonareva.
Virginie won her last meeting with V at the '07 Japan Open but there would be no final surprise here as the 7-time Grand Slammer easily dismissed her foe 6-4, 6-2 for her 40th career title. The 28-year old re-enters the Top 5 for the first time since 2003 and, with the exception of the major blip at the Aussie Open, has been playing perhaps the best ball out there. Will this form continue when she *gasp* hits the clay in Acapulco next week (no, I didn't stutter)? Who knows but let's just hope she finds something new to wear. Anything but THAT dress. Ugh.
In a minor upset, Vika earned her second title of the season (Brisbane) when she subdued top seed Caroline Wozniacki 6-1, 6-3 in a 70 minute blowout. The Belarusian made it 2 for 2 as she teamed up with Wozzi to capture the doubles crown over Michaella Krajicek + Yuliana Fedak.
I don't know about you, but my sense is Vika is on the cusp of something big - a career run at Indian Wells, Miami, or even at one of the remaining Grand Slams this season. In my mind, the 19-year old seems ready to take that next step. She enjoys the big stage and relishes the fight. It wouldn't surprise me if it happens sooner than later.
M. José won her first career singles title upsetting third seeded Gisela Dulko 6-3, 6-2 in Colombian capital. She also joined Vika this weekend going 2-for-2 in winning the doubles crown with Nuria Llagostera Vives.
(images via AP, Luis Ramírez for Colpressphotos)


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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Marcus Kruger and Niklas Hjalmarsson each had a
goal and an assist as the Chicago Blackhawks kept up their early-season
success with a 4-1 pasting of the slumping San Jose Sharks at the United
Dave Bolland and Andrew Shaw also registered goals, while Ray Emery turned
aside 27-of-28 shots to help Chicago (11-0-3) earn a point for the 14th
consecutive game to begin the campaign, tying the 1943-44 Montreal Canadiens
for the third-longest season-opening streak in NHL history.
Tim Kennedy accounted for the lone goal for San Jose, now 0-4-3 since
beginning the season with seven consecutive victories, with former Blackhawk
Antti Niemi making 33 saves in the Sharks' latest setback.
The Sports Network


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May 31, 2016
Police in Demopolis have identified and arrested two women who were wanted for allegedly stealing from Wal-Mart.
Tina Denise McNealey and Latonya Rena Campbell are both from Demopolis.
Campbell, 28, is charged with two counts of burglary in the third degree. The 30-year-old McNealey is charged with one count of theft of property in the third degree.
Both women are now being held in the Marengo County jail on $10,000 bond each.
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|Many contribute to completed renovation of Villa East Apts.
|Written by Holyoke Enterprise
Following several years of fund raising and rehabilitation work, the renovation of the Villa East Apartments in Haxtun is finally complete.
To mark this significant improvement, all who were directly or indirectly involved in making it happen—over 40 county individuals, local and neighboring businesses—were invited to join in a group picture on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Unfortunately, the picture had to be canceled due to inclement weather. Acknowledgement of those people can be found in an ad on page 2 of this week's Enterprise.
The Villa East apartments have a rich and productive 30-year history.
In March of 1977, the Haxtun Housing Authority board members purchased three lots in the original Town of Haxtun. This action was taken for the purpose of building affordable housing for low-income elderly and handicapped persons.
Ten multi-family units were completed on Feb. 28, 1978, and opened to the public. Since then, the Villa East units have been fully occupied and currently have a waiting list.
As in human history, so in the history of institutions and buildings: few create their tales alone. This is true of Villa East's 30-year story.
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka (FHLB), through its Rural Technical Assistance Program (RTAP), directed and funded a Housing Profile and Needs Assessment of Phillips County, completed in May 2004. The RTAP manager and the Phillips County Economic Development housing committee regarded the rehabilitation of Villa East as a high priority.
Although there has been consistent maintenance from the time of original construction, major exterior and interior repairs were needed.
This priority was presented to the Haxtun Housing Authority Board Commissioners. After deliberation, the board agreed to apply for a grant from FHLB of Topeka, and directed the executive director to make an application for the Villa East rehab project. Melissa Miller Atwood, Community Programs Specialist of FHLB, assisted local grant writers Julie Angleton and Dorothy Ortner, and was the project's spirit and motivator.
In order to receive a grant, local funding and in-kind services were a prerequisite—matching not in amount, but in the intention of support and good will. First Pioneer National Bank provided the bridge loan throughout the interim of reimbursement by the FHLB of Topeka. The Heginbotham Trust committed $5,000.
Housing Authority employees, as well as the Senior Service Coordinator, pledged volunteer services to the residents or service toward the completion of the rehab project. Haxtun Housing Authority board members oversaw the finances and the progressing rehab work.
The entire board has a calendar of compliance reporting dates and will be finally responsible for implementation.
The story moved towards "happily ever after" when FHLB of Topeka informed the Haxtun Housing Authority and First Pioneer National Bank that a grant of $88,892 had been awarded by the board of directors on Dec. 16, 2005. The FHLB board of directors made 22 such awards during the second round of the 2005 granting period, of which eight were in the state of Colorado.
Most of the rehab work was done in the interior of the apartments. New windows, appliances and safer showers were installed. The carpets and floors were updated as well. On the exterior, the building has new roof tiles, and concrete walking spaces have replaced overgrown bushes.
The executive director of the Haxtun Housing Authority can give a contented and well-deserved sigh of relief: the renovation of Villa East Apartments is now complete.


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It's free to attend. Your technical questions will be answered directly from the IBM experts themselves, no middleman! You may ask as many questions as you'd like. You can learn more about your products and gain a competitive edge for yourself and your company. Keep up with the next generation technology, and get the scoop on new product release dates and the improvements being made.


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Sea Rescue
Meet the Animals
SeaWorld Kids
Are You a Quiz Whiz?
The Wildlife Docs
The Shamu Store
The Busch Gardens Store
The Sesame Place Shop
Animal Information
Behind-the-scenes tours
Spring Break and Summer Camps
Educational video resources
Animal interactions
SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
Caring for our Killer Whales
Animal Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Return
View All Favorites
Edit Cart
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All Rides
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All Busch Gardens Stars
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All Upcoming Events
Visit Myombe Reserve® for an up-close look into the lush forest home of Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay's gorillas and chimpanzees. Here, you'll see the great ape's natural behaviors like how gorillas construct "beds" of vegetation to sleep on at day's end.
Just like humans, gorillas have 32 teeth, individualized fingerprints and toe prints, opposing thumbs and even nails instead of claws!
Q: How did the Gorilla's get the name silver backs?
BG: Grown males develop silver-gray saddles across their backs and upper thighs, earning them the name silver back.
Q: What do Gorilla's eat?
BG: Gorillas eat mainly plants including their leaves, stems and roots. Since vegetation has relatively low nutritional quality they must consume a large quantity. An adult male gorilla may consume more than 18 kg (40 lb) of vegetation per day.
Q: How long do Gorilla's live?
BG: Gorillas live an average lifespan of about 35 years in the wild but, in controlled habitats like Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay they may live up to 50 years.


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In a run-of-the-mill methamphetamine case tried in Oregon in October 2007, defense attorneys argued there was insufficient evidence because the prosecution didn't test a crack pipe for DNA. The prosecutor, Clatsop County, Ore., District Attorney Joshua Marquis, ultimately convinced jurors that DNA evidence wasn't necessary to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. But the fact that the defense played the forensic evidence card at all is a sign of the times.
It's become common for jurors to request forensic evidence in cases that were once thought routine. Defense attorneys also are challenging the prosecution if forensic evidence is absent, even in cases where it's not applicable.
The trend is a product of what jurors see on TV. Legal professionals call it the CSI Effect, and debate rages over its impact on the criminal justice system. The theory is that a proliferation of crime-scene television series, such as CBS stalwart CSI plants unrealistic expectations in the minds of jurors about how evidence is collected and processed.
If jurors believe what they see on TV, they might expect real-life investigators to collect and process evidence during the span of a TV commercial break: DNA test results in 15 minutes, fingerprints matched to a shady perpetrator, a mold of a knife wound poured with caulk.
Case Closed. Sort of.
CSI and similar shows create the false perception that there's always plenty of physical evidence at a crime scene, and that technology exists to infallibly provide conclusive results on that evidence. The reality is altogether different. Crime scenes are messy, and most crime labs resemble high-school science labs, sometimes staffed with forensic technicians who possess high-school educations.
Most people in the criminal justice field agree that television crime shows affect real-life cases, but opinions differ on whether the impact is good or bad. The consensus is that jurors' heightened technological expectations prompt more evidence to be sent to labs for testing, which can unnecessarily slow the pace of trials and increase the cost of criminal investigations. On the other hand, the popularity of high-tech crime programs on TV has spurred nationwide interest in forensics, which could eventually cause life to imitate television.
Unreal Expectations
CSI is one of the highest-rated TV shows, right up there with Dancing With the Stars and Desperate Housewives. Viewers are fascinated by beautiful-but-brainy, do-it-all cops who carry guns, question suspects, work with the district attorney, and use a battery of fancy tests that exclude the innocent and prove the guilt of the defendant.
To those who actually prosecute and defend criminal cases for a living, the image bears little resemblance to reality.
"I call them investigators in miniskirts," said Marquis, who is also a National District Attorneys Association vice president. "I mean, the formula is pretty clear. You always have an older male and a female lead who are kind of hot, and then a younger male and female who are very hot. It's done for dramatic license, and of course, they have CSI people doing arrests and investigations, which they never do [in real life]."
Real analysts do their work in the lab - they don't venture onto a crime scene, said Dan Krane, CEO and DNA specialist at Forensic Bioinformatics in Fairborn, Ohio.
"Going to a crime scene, collecting evidence and then performing tests upon it -and then coming to court and testifying about it - that's just not done by one person," he said. "It's a real production-line sort of approach."
And although at least some of the technology on TV is authentic, it's often portrayed as more agile and foolproof than it really is.
Marquis pointed to a CSI episode featuring a


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He was born January 10, 1930 to Frederick K. and Zona Velma Shepard Elder in Pratt, Kansas, where he spent his childhood. As a young man Fred moved to Anderson, Indiana. He worked at the Anderson Plant for General Motors until his retirement. He lived for a number of years in Anderson then moved to Muncie, Indiana. In his later years he lived in Runge and as his health declined he resided in Karnes City.
His parents, sisters Rosalyn Elder and Jessie Covey Wood preceded him in death.
Survivors include nieces and nephews: Katy West (husband Clarence); Forrest Covey (wife Linda); Johnny Covey (wife Emma); Betty Plant; and Cherry McCarrell (husband Ronnie). He also has several great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held by Rhodes Funeral Home, Inc. Internment is in the Caraway Cemetery in Leesville at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home.


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Posted on Thursday, May 10th, 2012 by Germain Lussier
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'Game of Thrones' – The 10 Most Important Moments in "Blood of My Blood"
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This item ships directly from our manufacturer. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. This also applies to monogrammed and gift-wrapped items.


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UG Community @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com
Profile History
Lost Pilot
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Coming Down, Cleveland Avenue
Coronation Day
Coronation Day
i. New Years Day, 1981 - BE HAPPY
In beauty it begins,
you startle from sickness,
guess at the month,
say, where did all my loved ones go?
and they call out from the dark
which orients you
until you begin to respond to the light,
notice the blinking machine,
1,2,3, and the voices again
from their tape, 1, 2,
the recording of your parents
you made to get through
those last years where every breath
held a landscape most thought incapable
of life, when every phonecall after dark
gave you the shakes
and now always will--
a death on christmas, a second on new years
eve, and everything went up in flame
so the world could be made new again.
ii. When The Town You Came From Finally Dies
I wind through you across the threaded yard,
through nighttime, unfinished
letters in the grass grown
ankle-high, the storm flickers in the distance
that quivers with the wind,
low under the heat it whispers
drive or fly or just make it north,
to you, to her, depending
on who's there and who hears,
and through the grass towards the porch light
incandescent through white rain
you find me soaked in paper strips
and begging endlessly, footprints
feathered deep in mud,
grounded by thunderstorms
we'll leave so far behind
rattling the weakened roof
until the light trickles dead in the lightning,
the body too shamed to walk upright,
so bare as the bulb and it's threads in the night.
iii. Plagiarism, part 2
If I took off all my clothes
and went to the desert
I could walk into the dreaming.
These words belong to everybody
and the world becomes your body
and side by side the sky would spin us
like sparks on the fourth of july
where the sounds of celebration
float over the far hills.
It's July and the Earth cools in the darkness
beneath us. Stay awake now
and forever belong here, speak
these words with me and deny
that every night needs a day
that we are even awake
that death has ever entered the world-
how could it? Speak these words
to forget the life you wanted
for the one you have now.
Here, take this crown; I'll find a sword.
When I wake up just don't leave me alone.
Anatomy Anatomy
Whale Blue Review
Park that car
Drop that phone
Sleep on the floor
Dream about me
Last edited by jiminizzle : 03-04-2013 at 01:11 PM.
|Thread Tools


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|Attitude key in developing better habits
More and more people have come to the conclusion that New Year's resolutions aren't worth making. I took interest in a comment I read that we shouldn't be as concerned about the food we eat between Christmas and New
Years as much as that eaten between New Years and Christmas.
Isn't that the truth. What counts are the habits we work on all year long, not just during a short-lived period.
If a New Year's resolution starts on Jan. 1 and you mess up by the 2nd, it's too easy to consider it blown. So much for that thought. Guess I'll wait another year to make it a resolution again.
Goals and habit changes need to be ongoing day after day after day, possibly hour after hour. The challenging times create more strength. And when you fall off, you need to climb right back on.
If we take just one time a year to analyze how we can make life better, here is too much to tackle at once. What would I like to work on in my life?
1. Lose weight.
2. Exercise.
3. Eliminate clutter.
4. Do good deeds.
5. Love and laugh.
So if I truly feel that these changes would make my life better, then why not just do all of them? Good question. Why not?
I have lost weight (many times). I've been in the exercise habit (many times). I've eliminated clutter (many times). I've done good deeds and I've loved and laughed. Obviously none of them are impossible. But no matter how many times I'm reminded how great it feels to accomplish even one of these victories, I slip. I stray. I fall away and wish I were back, wish it would happen again and stick.
What are your goals and wants? Do you ever stray? Sometimes we look at bad habits of others and think, why can't they conquer that? Or we get older and wonder why our bodies, metabolism and energy can't be like they were. We've got to realize that everyone has different challenges and the challenges change.
That's why there are counselors, pastors, health care professionals, financial planners, personal trainers, self-help books, parents, caring relatives and good friends who are there to help guide us.
Some people have better genes than others to maintain a lean physique without having to work at it. Others have the genes that make it harder to control alcohol addiction or depression when their friends find no challenge in the same environment.
Even when something isn't natural, we can train ourselves. Athletes who don't have real natural ability but have desire and a hard work ethic sometimes
prevail. Students who have to study numerous hours more than others in order to get good grades BUT they have the desire and hard work ethic to make it happen definitely have a chance.
Some children grow up eating healthy, keeping active, enjoying learning, helping with chores and believing in God. They definitely have a head start over other youngsters who haven't felt loved or nourished. But a bad attitude mixed in with a positive upbringing can tear down opportunity, just as a can-do attitude of children raised in unfortunate circumstances can carry them through.
Call them resolutions, goals or wants. I am reminded of what simple changes could make me happier. I am going to work at finding the right attitude to make life better each day. When I fall, I'll get up again. And I'll focus on what I might do for someone else. Doing a good deed is bound to feel good.


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|Smith recognized
|Written by Holyoke Enterprise
Colorado State University's athletic department honored athletes for their hard work in the classroom, alongside their chosen most influential faculty members.
The Ram Scholar-Athlete Brunch, which was held Sunday, Oct. 7 at the Lory Student Center in the West Ballroom, recognized student-athletes with a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.
What makes the brunch so unique is the athletes have the opportunity to invite a faculty member that has had a significant influence on their academic experience at CSU.
Along with chosen faculty, endowment donors were present with their assigned student-athletes, many of whom received special awards to recognize their outstanding work within their sport as well as the classroom.
Marissa Smith was recognized at the special event for her outstanding work in the classroom and contribution to the track team, sustaining a 3.6 cumulative GPA. She invited, and was accompanied, by her professor, Kellie Walters. Also joining her for the event were her parents, David and Rhonda Smith of Holyoke.
Smith is a junior at CSU and a sprinter for the CSU varsity track and field team. She is majoring in health and exercise science and minoring in business administration.
Holyoke Enterprise November 8, 2012


text: How do most of you prefer to hunt mule deer in open country (SE Montana)? Alone? With a partner? A group of people? We had three of us last year and in open country one can cover a lot of territory. We all walked together which I am starting to think was not a good idea. Do you think each person should just pick a location several miles away from each other and hunt. I just think too many people might be bad. If you all hunt together, then everyone shouldn't plan on shooting a deer since it may take you a couple days to get one that you spotted. Just curious what you think and your style. Thanks,


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A couple of days ago the deferred queue started to grow.
Checking the /var/log/zimbra.log I found several records like this:
*All domain names and public ips replaced for privacyCode:
mail postfix/smtp[14875]: D15641A802A4: to=<firstname.lastname@example.com>, relay=none, delay=1198, delays=1198/0.02/0/0, dsn=4.4.1, status=deferred (connect to mail.server.com[127.0.0.1]: Connection refused)
mail postfix/qmgr[8273]: EE5371A80297: to=<email@example.com>, relay=none, delay=1200, delays=1199/0.48/0/0, dsn=4.3.0, status=deferred (mail transport unavailable)
I know these mails origins from another box with smtp mail function sent using a standard form.
I made sure I can telnet to port 25 on localhost and send mail and I've read others posts for hours and hours and I cant locate the problem.
10.10.10.64 is not the servers IP but instead the networks broadcast.Code:
postconf mynetworks
mynetworks = 127.0.0.0/8 10.10.10.64/26
10.10.10.119 is the mail servers IP. I'm also running BIND and named is up and running.Code:
cat /etc/resolv.conf
options rotate
options timeout:3
search mail.server.com
nameserver 10.10.10.119
cat /etc/hosts
127.0.0.1 localhost.localdomain localhost
10.10.10.119 mail.server.com mail
Also, when viewing the tooltip information in Zimbra Webinterface I see this in the deferred mail row.Code:
zmcontrol status
Host mail.server.com
antispam Running
antivirus Running
ldap Running
logger Running
mailbox Running
mta Running
snmp Running
stats Running
Sender: email@example.com
From host: localhost.localdomain
From domain: hotmail.com
From IP: 127.0.0.1
Recipients: email@example.com
To domain: domain.tld
Content filter: undefined
Size: 4404
Reason: connect to mail.server.com[127.0.0.1]: connection refused


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1969 Dodge Charger Project 50 - Front EndWritten by on January 22, 2014 Contributors: Bill Chandler Time to focus on the front end
We're back again this month, working on Project 50. In case you're new to this project, Project 50 is a '69 Charger that we plan to make 50-state compliant. Yes, we realize that the year of the car will make it exempt from many states that require emissions, but the premise is still the same--build an environmentally safe hot rod. Over the last several issues (Starting in September 2013), we have been in the throes of rebuilding the Charger's body. It's taken a lot of work, but we're nearing the end of the metal replacement phase. Most recently, we finished rebuilding the back half of our Charger by replacing the quarter panels, inner and outer wheel houses, tail panel, and Dutchman panel. We're far from finished, so this month, as much as we wanted to be done, we had to focus on the front end. To put it simply, the car was built in 1969, and over the years, it has developed some damage and rust issues that need some attention. To make it right, we need to cut out the bad metal and replace it.
Just like the rest of the metal replacement, this is a fairly involved job, but since the car is on a frame jig, it does tend to make things a little easier. Like we've said before, the body of our Charger needed a lot of work, and that's why we ended up having the guys at the AMD Installation Center handle the job of replacing the metal. We could have done it ourselves, but it would have taken us twice as long, and these guys really know what they're doing.


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|Thread Tools
Also, I haven't posted 15 yet .
5/28 Pentagram/King Woman
7/15 Dragged Into Sunlight/Primitive Man
8/10-12 Migration Fest
3/12 Pentagram
15) Moonsorrow - Varjoina Kuljemme Kuolleiden Maassa
This album is epic. No, not in the 15-year-old OMG this is so EPIC, lol way, but in the true meaning of the word. Moonsorrow are a blackened folk metal band from Finland. Unlike many foreign bands metal bands, they dont bother making their album titles or writing the lyrics in English, which I think is pretty cool, even if it makes it hard to pronounce the track titles. The music does feel like folk music, as it is paced on the slower side of the spectrum. With that being, said, the music never feels empty. It is always full, with guitars that play big chords, drums that are always pounding often using double bass, and keyboard supplying chords when it isnt being used for melody. Its is very dark and cold music, which also really helps with the epic aspect of the music. Even though it feels rather barren, the pieces always kind of end on a high note, which makes you feel like you just completed and epic quest. There are only 4 real tracks on this album, but all surpass the ten minute mark, so even without the 3 filler/transition tracks, you still get a little under an hour of epic music.
14) Deafheaven Roads to Judah
Most always when a band tries to create an atmospheric sound, they tend to keep things on the slower side of things, and let the ambiance of slow music do the job for them. Not Deafheaven. Throughout the majority of Roads to Judah, these sharp-dressed gentlemen are blasting their way through intense black metal passages. But while these guys are tremolo picking away, theyre still creating a huge, atmospheric sound that beautifully blossoms through your speakers and takes you to a place of bliss and harmony, but also reeks of pain and sorrow. How is this accomplished? Its the song-writing. Like most black metal bands, Deafheaven rely a lot on minor chords, to get a really sinister, evil sound. But what really helps bring the atmospheric element to the music is that these guys utilize the grim tools used for black metal, and use them in creating pieces that are very post-rock in nature. They often sit on one idea or chord progression for a long time and allow it to build up, and create an awesome crescendo, then let the song explode and come to a nice end. Of course, thats an oversimplification of whats going on, because there are also plenty of other things these guys do like change keys, layer guitar harmonies and such, but by essentially making post-rock songs out of black metal, they get the melancholic and sad aspect of black metal, but also the feel good vibes of post-rock. This is truly an awesome album.
13) Obscura Omnivium
Going into 2011, I knew that Obscura were coming out with a new album, and expected it to be Top 10 material. Not too far off, but there was a time this album was very low on the list. And it was for a pretty stupid reason, but well get back to that later. So, progressive/tech-death metallers Obscura created my favorite technical metal piece with Cosmogenesis, so they had some pretty big shoes to fill with Omnivium. And they came pretty close to filling those shoes. This album has everything that I loved about its predecessor: Tons of great musicianship, awesome guitar melodies that overlap in a very baroque way when theyre not harmonizing, fantastic fretless bass lines, great solos, remarkable drum work and balls out heavy riffs. I feel on this album they get a little slower at times and get really heavy, but its not too noticeable. The vocals are more often low and guttural, which is my preference in death metal, and they also use clean vocals more often, like on Prismal Dawn. Now, back to my main gripe that I have with this record and really bothered me at first. The snare. Listen to it; it sounds horrid. Ii is a constant click-click sound that can really bother you if you pay too much attention to it. But, even with that, the matter at hand here are the songs. And the songs are awesome. They may not reach the material on Cosmogenesis, but they come close.
Euclidean Elements
12) Fen Epoch
Fen enter the new epoch that is the 2010s decade with their sophomore album, Epoch. Like most groups in the post-black metal game, Fen combines the serenity or post-rock and combines it with the raw aggression of black metal. But like many of the favorite blackgaze bands, they do more than just that. Fen also adds elements of progressive metal and folk. On many of these songs, we hear odd time signatures being toyed around with, as well as guitar solos and very innovative bass parts, which is cool because bass never really gets a chance to shine in this genre. We hear acoustic guitars being faintly strummed in the background. Occasionally, we also here some strings like violin and cello. One thing I really love about this record is that we dont only get the feeling of melancholy from their music. Sometimes, the music just feels very nostalgic, much like Alcest. The album varies a lot, and throughout the whole thing, I get vibes that remind me of Agalloch, Enslaved, Alcest, and Lantlos. This album takes influence in all that is good about black metal and post-black metal and spreads it across 8 beautifully sculpted songs, and that makes for the best post-black metal album of 2011. Fen have started this new Epoch with an incredible album, and Im sure they have plenty more to come.
Carrier of Echoes
11) Loss Despond
Funeral Doom is another genre of heavy music that is quickly becoming a favorite of mine. While I was listening to Ahab first, Loss are the band that really sparked my interest in the genre. You could say Ive always liked melancholic music, but the stuff on Despond is a completely different animal. Loss takes the essence of pain and puts it in a sonic environment with this record. The music they create seeps sadness, depression, and even suicidal tendencies, and they use these negative feelings to create really epic, strong, and beautiful doom metal that is majestic, while still keeping the overall vibe very depressing and lonely. The music is also very creepy. The guitars and bass feed off really slow, minor chords and the drums follow the same slow, eerie vibe that the rest of the band is producing. The band also throws in organs, and even some of the interludes haunting pieces. Also, I cant remember who said it, but somebody on here said that the vocals sounded like a tomb being opened, and thats extremely true. Its hard to believe that these sounds are being emitted from a human being. The lyrics on this album only drive the overall depressing, suicidal vibe over the top. What I think is so great about this album, is the fact that the guys in Loss take the most dreaded feeling humans are capable of, pain, and turn it into something really extravagant, majestic, and beautiful. One might think that listening to music such as this would make you depressed, but it doesnt really. I think the music almost kind of works like a flu vaccine does. It gives your body a dose of the flu, in this case depression, then your body builds immunity and then can fight the real thing off. So fear not people, this slab of epic funeral doom wont make you depressed, but itll keep you from it. Fans of the slow, the melancholic, and the heavy, pick up Loss Despond if have not already.
Cut Up, Depressed and Alon
5/28 Pentagram/King Woman
7/15 Dragged Into Sunlight/Primitive Man
8/10-12 Migration Fest
9/2 Chelsea Wolfe
10/16 Kylesa / Inter Arma / Indian Handcrafts / Irata
11/13 Windhand / Monolord
12/30 Clutch
Last edited by Natrlhi; 02-06-2012 at 09:22 AM.
It's great to see my top metal album of the year getting some love.
When I first listened to it, as soon as I got to Open Veins To A Curtain Closed, I thought it was going to be an impenetrable monster of an album I'd wear myself out getting through. But as time passed I found it so easy to listen to. (Which might say more about me than the album, I'm not sure). But I've listened to it so much it's like "easy listening" to me at this point.
The last 2:45 of Silent And Completely Overcome is so damn emotional words can't even describe it. And Brett's vocals in the last 1:00 are just icing on the cake.
Phenomenal record.
3/12 Pentagram
Top 10 Live Acts of 2011
Honorable Mentions
Giant Squid
Red Fang
10. Yob w/Dark Castle, Dispirit, Worm Ouroboros. @ 924 Gilman
The main reason I went to this show were for the openers, but I left digging Yob the most. What can I say? They're the heaviest band I've seen since Sleep. The absolutley destroyed the place with their awesome riffs.
Original review
9. Ozzy Osbourne w/Slash @ HP Pavilion
Ozzy is a mad man. He's extremely entertaining to watch, and he still sounds great. Along with an awesome band, and a good sense of what the people want to hear, Ozzy was a great time.
Sorry, no original review available
8. Soundgarden w/The Mars Volta @ Bill Graham Center
I wasn't really all too excited so see Soundgarden at first, but after being blown away by The Mars Volta after being so sure they'd just suck again, I had nothing but good feelings about Soundgarden. And for good reason too. They played all of my favorites tunes, and plenty of other really heavy material to accompany that. Cornell sounded great, and the rest of the band ripped it up.
Original review
7. Protest the Hero w/Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Tesseract @ Slim's
After putting out another awesome record, I was really excited to see Protest the Hero. They were an amazingly energetic band. Once they started, the crowd erupted. They played a lot of my favorite tunes and Rody was hilarious as usual. Wish they played longer than an hour though...
Original review
6. Cormorant w/ In Virtue, Solaria, other local bands @ The Phoenix Theater
Cormorant at my all time favorite venue. How was I not going to absolutley love this? While they may have played longer when I saw them earlier in the year with Giant Squid, I actually recognized the some of the songs they played this time around. With a set that included at least one song off each of their releases, they blazed through some of the best 30 minutes of 2011.
Original review
5. Symphony X w/Powerglove, Blackguard @ Regency Ballroom
The main reason I went to this show was so see Powerglove, a band I had been dying to see for 4 years. And while their set was awesome, Symphony X was much, much better. Michael Romeo and Russell Allen are incredible, as is the rest of the group. Hearing them rip threw the Odyssey was also magnificent
Original review
4. Foo Fighters w/Cage the Elephant, Mariachi El Bronx @ Oracle Arena
Foo Fighters were just incredibley fun. They played almost 3 hours, blasting through extremely catchy rock tunes and had everybody in the crowd singing along. Dave Grohl is a great showman.
Original review
3. Between the Buried and Me w/Animals as Leaders, Tesseract @ The Fillmore
Between the Buried and Me are put on a extremely captivating show. Running threw 10 minute + songs left and right, they showcased both great musicianship and showman ship. Hearing Viridian/White Walls live was just awesome.
Original review
2. Judas Priest w/BLS, Thin Lizzy @ Concord Pavilion
It was sad that this would be the only time that I get to see Judas Priest, but the show was intense. The band can still play as good as ever, and Rob Halford is just a something other than human. His voice is still incredible. They covered material from their whole discography, had a great stage show, and a great set-list. I will remember this night forever.
Original review
1. Mastodon w/DEP and Red Fang @ The Warfield
It shouldn't come as much of a surprise that my favorite band was my favorite performance from 2011. They played a great set that covered all of their full-lenghts and this was probably the best I've heard them. Something that made this special was I didn't know the setlist before hand, so it was great to be surprised by songs like I Am Ahab. Phenomenal performance!
Original review
5/28 Pentagram/King Woman
7/15 Dragged Into Sunlight/Primitive Man
8/10-12 Migration Fest
10) Symphony X Iconoclast
After being blown away by their live set and falling in love with their 1997 masterpiece, The Divine Wings of Tragedy, I had at lot to look forward to with Symphony Xs Iconoclast. And did it deliver! I love the amazing musicianship that Symphony X showcases in Iconoclast. Michael Romeo is a freak of nature who writes awesome riffs in many different forms, whether its heavy traditional metal like in Dehumanized, prog/tech riffs that melt the brain in Iconoclast, or catch power metal lines in The End Of Innocence, hes got it all down pat. And the man is can play a guitar solo like no other. Every solo is memorable and drops my jaw. Russell Allens voice really shines in a lot of the music. His voice is as majestic as ever and fits every mood the album goes through. Michael Pinnella solidified his spot as my favorite keyboard player in metal with his work on this album. He does a great job with adding symphonic elements in the music, providing harmonies and his solos are incredible. Mike and Jason make an incredible rhythm section, as each create very intriquite parts and allow their technique to shine while getting the job done of keeping the songs tight. But overall, I think my favorite thing about this album is that its just plain heavier than the rest of the material Ive heard from Symphony X. With a combination of incredible musicianship, catchy tunes and relentless heaviness, Symphony X achieved something really incredible here.
9) Yob Atma
My interest in Yob was another result of an awesome live performance. As stated previously, their set was the heaviest Ive seen since Sleep. I had started to listen to them before the show, and was impressed with what they had to offer. Really heavy, slow stoner doom metal that rocks, rolls, and melts your face. Atma is another great installment in Yobs discography that provides that and sum. Mike Scheidts riffs are absolutely pulverizing, and his vocals are quite unique and have some range. They range from a low growl to a very Ozzy-like sound, and those two styles fit perfectly with such heavy music. And what really puts the icing on the cake for the monolithic riffs, is an awesome rhythm section. The bass adds an awesome low end and the drums just pound along with the riffs so effortlessly, its amazing. So, the combination of heavy-as-fuck riffs, great vocal work and a thumping rhythm sections makes Atma a force to reckoned with, and the heaviest record of 2011.
8) Grayceon All We Destroy
Grayceon are a very unique band, not just sonically, but as a whole. First of all, theres a female member . Also, instead of a bassist, Grayceon uses cello as the low end. That being the case, two out of the three members sit while playing. And, the guitarist doesnt use a pick. So like most recent Bay Area metal bands, this group is a bit on the quirky side, and theyre also an extremely talented band.
Grayceon are classical metal, not in the sense that they play the kind of music that was first considered metal, but their music is very much like classical music. Thats not to say they sound completely like classical, but theres an obvious Baroque influence with the intertwining melodies that the guitar/cello trade off. Along with this Baroque feel, they band incorporates elements of progressive and sludge metal, to create a sound that cant be heard from any other band. Jackies cello playing is just out of this world and she uses her extremely versatile voice on this record, ranging from high vocals, mid vocals and growls. The guitar playing is also quite marvelous, is it ranges from plucking out chords, ravaging through riffs, and much more. The drumming on this album is really cool, and you hear everything from blastbeats to very doom metal-esque drumming. Songwriting is also very key with this band, as they write very long pieces, the longest being the 16 minute, We Can. Many of the songs feel like theyre written in different movements, which again shows influence from classical music. Even though most arent super long, they feel quite epic. The music here is kick ass and I recommend it for anybody who takes interest in prog, sludge, and classical.
7) Mastodon The Hunter
Who is ready for a little essay?
Ages ago, in the year 2010, a good friend of ours, WolverineKills, posted on his now defunct blog that Mastodon were in the works of a new album, using many excess riffs from the Blood Mountain session. Later down the road when the album was closer to being released, Mastodon would compare the new album to Leviathan, seeing as it is more stripped down, but the former would be the truest in the end. But both stories imply that there was change going on in Camp Dong. This was seen at the very beginning of announcing the new album, with the album artwork. They ditched prior artist Paul Romano, and went with a very different style with AJ Fosik for the album cover. Then was the announcement that The Hunter wasnt a concept album. The next step was the release of the track titles. Blasteroid, Stargasm, Bedazzled Fingenails. These arent names of Mastodon track titles; these are names of scenecore track titles. Finally, the release of the official single, Curl of the Burl, was an obvious sign of change. Unlike Black Tongue which was just a heavier CTS feel, Curl of the Burl is a catchy, radio rock song. Yeah, its stripped down, but that aint no Leviathan like they said. When this was released, I started to have my doubts. Had Mastodon reached their artistic peak on Crack the Skye? Was The Hunter going to be their equivalent to Metallicas Black Album? Fortunately, when the full album was released and I was able to listen to the whole thing, my doubts vanished and I was a happy camper.
So, yes The Hunter is definitely a more stripped down version of Mastodon. They abandon the 10+ minute songs we hear on Crack the Skye, and trade it in for short songs. In my opinion, the majority of the material on this album most resembles Blood Mountain, but there are elements of all their past works here. Songs like Spectrelight ooze of the heavy sludge that we heard on Remission/Leviathan, and tracks like Black Tongue still has the heavy, atmospheric sound that a lot of Crack the Skye has. Also, tracks like The Hunter and The Sparrow are very similar to the odes to Joseph Merrick we found on their first three full lengths. But it in full, I think the bulk of this is like Blood Mountain. Blasteroid and the main riff in Octopus Has No Friends have the same spastic vibe of Bladecatcher; Stargasm has the really spacey feel of Sleeping Giant; and All the Heavy Lifting has the similar constant 16th note riffs that are on Crystal Skull. But even with the album being most similar to Blood Mountain, its not like it much. Blood Mountain overall has a really reckless, untamed vibe, but The Hunter is a lot more tame and simpler. Over all, The Hunter isnt a very complex and highly imaginative record. Its simple to the point and a little poppy for Mastodon. Its like the guys kind of pushed these songs out with out much effort and just used very similar molds for each song. The Hunter is Mastodon on auto-pilot.
But with that said, a lot of this stuff is fantastic. Specrelight is the heaviest Mastodon have been in half a decade; Stargasm is a perfect mesh of spacey prog rock and heavy sludge; the opening riff in Octopus is one of the craziest riffs Brent has written in his career, Thickenings intro sees Mastodon writing something oceanic for the first time since Leviathan, All The Heavy Lifting showcases the heaviness or Remission and proggy goodness of Blood Mountain; Curl of the Burl is catchy as a motherfucker, and The Sparrow is on par with the beauty of the rest of the closing tracks of their discography. Sure, Mastodon may have been on auto-pilot on The Hunter, but Mastodon on auto-pilot is better than most bands going full speed, completely concentrated on the road.
6) Subrosa No Help For The Mighty Ones
Hailing from a land where unorthodox is probably a dirty word, its interesting to see band create such an unorthodox form of sludge/doom metal. Much like Grayceon, Subrosa have a very unique line-up. 3/5 members are female , all three of which we hear both instrumentally and vocally, two of the girls play violin, which act as lead as the rest of the band is kept as a rhythm section.
What really makes this album is unique and incorporates many things into their music not only make the music heavy, but sinister and abstract. The easiest to point out is the use of violins. Not only are they used for melodies, but theyre also used to create evil shrieking sounds that help create a really creep atmosphere in a lot of the music. Also, the violins vary a lot in sound. The violinists switch between bowing their violins and sometimes going pizzicato, plucking the strings to create twisted melodies. Also, I dont know if its distortion that helps, but there are times where violins sound like horns. Now we focus on the rhythm section. The guitar and bass are for the most part uniform in what they do, but it helps create a thicker, heavier sound, because thered be too much going on if guitar and bass acted like the violins and played different parts. The guitar and bass are what really makes this album so heavy. The riffs alone are awesome, but the tones these guys get are just filthy and gritty, which really compliment down-tuned guitars. The drumming on this album is amazingly executed. They pummeling and heavy, and the drummer doesnt play the same beat twice, which isnt something were used to in doom metal. Now to the vocal department. Subrosa has a lead vocalist, but there are obviously 3 members that contribute a lot vocally. The two violinist provide sweet vocal harmonies, and that is best showcased on the a cappella piece House Carpenter. So, with soaring violins that are extremely versatile, fine vocalists, the guitars tuned down low and the tempos kept slow, Subrosa create one of the heaviest, sinister and abstract albums that even the mighty ones would have a hard time competing with.
Beneath the Crown
5/28 Pentagram/King Woman
7/15 Dragged Into Sunlight/Primitive Man
8/10-12 Migration Fest
SX are absurdly good live.
"So yeah, monkey prostitution has happened."
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On January 10 this year, President Putin signed into law new regulations on NGOs that increase government oversight of the registration, financing and activities of NGOs, with particularly onerous requirements for foreign NGOs.
Russia's NGO law follows moves in other countries in the region to restrict or more tightly regulate civil society, which in turn have come in the wake of the 'colored revolutions' in the region. Many now wonder what impact the Russian law will have in practice. I would like to first offer a glimpse of how similar regulations have been put into practice in one of these countries, Uzbekistan, where it was used to silence civil society. The law also should be set in the broader Russian context, so I will then look at the how the law is the latest piece of the Kremlin's agenda to dismantle or control all institutions that check or balance the government's power.
The Future?
Although the new Russian NGO law does not come into effect until April 10, we don't have to look far to see the possible implications of such restrictions on NGOs. I come to Human Rights Watch's Moscow office after two years in Uzbekistan where I fear my experience will be all too relevant to the situation now developing for Russia's civil society. Uzbekistan bears the dubious distinction of being at the vanguard of efforts to stifle civil society in the region.
To be sure, there are important differences between Uzbekistan and Russia, their governments, the level of repression, their civil societies. But the Uzbek experience offers us specific and relevant examples of how an NGO law that purports to merely regulate NGOs is in fact used to punish and control them. Whereas the Kremlin's moves to remove checks and balances to its power are rather recent, in Uzbekistan, the government has a long record of formal and informal censorship of the media, intimidating independent civil society activists, severely restricting public demonstrations, and banning political parties that are not loyal to the government.
Over the past two years, the environment for Uzbekistan's fledgling civil society has grown even more hostile: the government tightened restrictions on local and international nongovernmental organizations, constantly harasses and arbitrarily detains human rights defenders and breaks up peaceful demonstrations. It has been particularly harsh with organizations whose work is designed to promote government transparency and accountability, such as local human rights organizations and international organizations such as the International Crisis Group and the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, whose staff were denied visas or accreditation necessary to work in Uzbekistan.
In late 2003, the government announced sweeping changes to the system of registration and oversight of international NGOs operating in Uzbekistan. The new regulations shifted authority over international NGOs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which had performed a ministerial, administrative function, to the Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The regulations granted the MOJ broad authority to make registration decisions and gave the Ministry sole power to decide whether an organization's activities correspond to the goals outlined in the organization's own charter, giving the Ministry an effective veto over activities it finds undesirable.
Other regulations require international NGOs to receive advance permission for all their activities from the Ministry and allow Ministry officials to attend all events. In addition, the government imposed complicated regulations for banking and financial operations and gave oversight of grants from international NGOs to local partners to a closed, or what is in effect secret government commission.
The Uzbek government made assurances that these regulations would not affect INGO operations but instead were designed to help Uzbekistan comply with its international obligations to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorist organizations. These assurances were proven empty. I will highlight just a few examples of how administrative regulations that could appear benign on their face were used as the backbone of a government campaign to silence the NGO sector in Uzbekistan.
The first test after the new regulations came into effect happened in March 2004, several months after the Rose Revolution. At that time the Uzbek government refused to re-register the Open Society Institute for, among other things, renting office in a space without the proper zoning permits and damaging the country's image. Since then, the government has conducted extensive, time-consuming audits of most major international organizations operating in the country. After the completion of each audit, the MOJ issues findings of all violations of the laws and, if the government is unhappy with the organization's efforts to correct the violations, it can sue for suspension or liquidation of the organization. The audits demand significant time and resources in order to prepare and respond adequately; they can also drag on for months, leaving organizations unsure of their fate, complicating decisions about staffing and whether to invest further program resources; and paralyzing the organization's substantive work.
Although the regulations, on their face, appear to be benign administrative rules that should not affect NGOs' substantive work, their arbitrary, punitive implementation has produced a stranglehold on civil society. Never mind that the government's venue of choice, the civil court, has no jurisdiction over these disputes or that in some cases the government prepares its court case before receiving a response from the organization about its efforts to correct any violations. In a system where checks and balances have been dismantled or indeed never existed and in an atmosphere of clear government animosity toward civil society, the government wins every time.
In the past year in Uzbekistan, the government liquidated Internews Network, a media support organization for, among other reasons, failure to have the appropriate licenses for some of its programs and a failure to register a change in its logo. Two local staff members were also convicted of related criminal charges. On the basis of MOJ complaints Uzbek courts also ordered the suspension of IREX, an educational exchange organization and Freedom House, a human rights organization, for providing internet services without a license and failure to receive permission from the MOJ for conducting meetings and trainings. The MOJ requested the prosecutor's office to open criminal investigations against staff at both these organizations.
Where the MOJ cannot or chooses not to use the audit procedures to stop a foreign NGO's activities, they can also deny visas and work accreditation to international staff, as has happened with IRI, ACCELS and the Eurasia Foundation.
The picture for local organizations is at once more simple and even more dire. The government denies registration to groups it finds threatening, such as all but two human rights organizations, or forces registered groups to close. Local groups are also subject to requirements of receiving permission from the MOJ before conducting any activities, getting approval for participant lists and to intrusive audits.
I would like to emphasize that in Uzbekistan, the regulations for the most part read well on paper and thorough formal safeguards are in place: the MOJ must provide written explanations for its decisions within reasonable time periods; organizations are granted 30 days to correct violations after receiving warnings and the Ministry's decisions to deny registration or take other action against an organization may be appealed in the courts. However, in a system of unchecked government power, these safeguards are rendered meaningless.
In this atmosphere, local staff are frightened and become blacklisted after working with certain organizations. NGOs expend enormous time and resources simply to comply with the government's reporting requirements, audits and allegations of violations, preventing them from conducting their substantive work. This robs NGOs of their crucial function of promoting government transparency and accountability and reduces the civil society sector to simply fighting to survive.
The Russian Context
While the situation in Russia is perhaps not as dire as that in Uzbekistan, the trend in Russia is profoundly negative. Many have viewed the new NGO law as a measure to prevent a 'colored revolution' in 2008. That may be the case, but it is important to bear in mind that the law's antecedents predate the colored revolutions. The law represents only the latest assault on civil society in Russia. Since coming to power in 2000, President Putin has pursued a policy of a gradual but systematic crackdown to remove checks and balances on government's power. Before Putin, Russia had a messy, flawed democracy to be sure, but a vibrant civil society had emerged and Russia had made real achievements in the areas of civic freedoms and human rights. The Putin government has systematically undermined all checks and balances on government power, and these achievements are now lost.
As soon as Putin took office, the government aggressively sought to assert control over the media. By 2003, Putin had achieved effective government control over all television and radio stations with a national reach, severely limiting critical debate in the country.
Putin has also reigned in regional leaders, first appointing "super governors" creating new super administrative districts led by presidential appointees to sidestep regional governors and then backing legislation to strip governors of their seats in the Federation Council of parliament. After the Beslan massacre, direct elections of governors were scrapped altogether, giving Putin the power to nominate candidates.
Putin has also worked to create a compliant Duma and to undermine the independence of the judiciary.
It is in this context of government control over most aspects civil society and political life that we must view the new law on NGOs. Against this background, NGOs appear to be the latest target in the government's efforts to remove checks and balances on its power.
NGOs working on human rights issues, particularly the war in Chechnya, have long faced official interference that often keeps them from doing their substantive work. Such interference has only increased over the last year. These groups, the activists who lead them, and the people they work with increasingly face administrative and judicial harassment, and, in the most severe cases, persecution, threats, and physical attacks.
The working environment for other NGOs has continued to deteriorate significantly. Government officials at both the federal and regional level stepped up their verbal attacks on these groups. In a few cases, officials used legislation that prohibits extremism to shut down NGOs while in others they selectively used registration procedures or audits to harass groups of which they disapproved.
I will highlight two especially troubling aspect of the new law.
First, the law requires all NGOs to submit reports on their activities to the government registration agency, but the specifics of this requirement will be defined only later in the implementing regulations. It is not as of yet clear whether NGOs will be required to report on their planned activities or only those they have already conducted or the degree of detail that will be required.
Next, the new law has particularly onerous implications for international NGOs. It requires offices of foreign NGOs to inform the government registration office about their projects for the upcoming year, and about the money allotted for every specific project. Russian government officials will now have an unprecedented level of discretion in deciding what projects, or even parts of NGO projects, comply with Russia's national interests, as required by the law. Officials from the registration office could prohibit foreign NGOs from implementing projects unless they have "the aim of defending the constitutional system, morals, public health, rights and lawful interest of other people, guaranteeing defense capacity and security of the state." If a foreign NGO implements a banned project, the registration office could close its offices in Russia.
Defenders of the law argue that it is a series of benign administrative regulations and point to. However, when viewed in context, the law gives rise to concern that the law restricts the abilities of NGOs to operate freely and can be implemented arbitrarily to silence NGOs and civil society activities the government finds undesirable.
Recent developments
Recent developments in Russia highlight the worsening atmosphere for NGOs and perhaps give the flavor of the climate in which the new NGO law will be implemented. The law itself together with Putin's statements questioning whose interests are served by NGOs, send a clear message to the security forces and other government agencies that NGOs should be regarded with suspicion rather than protected.
At the end of January, the Russian Ministry of Justice (MOJ) filed a lawsuit to liquidate the Russian Research Center on Human Rights, an umbrella organization of twelve Russian human rights groups, including the Moscow Helsinki Group and the Union of Soldiers Mothers Committees. The MOJ claims that the group had failed to file reports of its activities for the past five years, a claim disputed by the group.
Last week, a court in Nizhni Novgorod convicted Dmitrievskii Stanislav Dmitrievsky, executive director of the Russian-Chechen Friendship Society and editor of the organization's newspaper on charges of "inciting racial hatred," and gave him a two-year suspended sentence. The charges stem from the publication in the organization's of two statements by Chechen rebel leaders Aslan Maskhadov calling for a negotiated end to the conflict and Akhmed Zakaev who called on Russian voters not to re-elect President Putin.
The Russian-Chechen Friendship Society, which raises awareness about human rights abuses in Chechnya and helps victims seek justice, had previously faced pressure last year, when the Nizhny Novgorod department of justice tried unsuccessfully to liquidate it. The Nizhny Novgorod tax inspectorate has claimed that the organization owed one million rubles (about U.S. $35,000) in back taxes on a grant, which the inspectorate designated as "profit." The organization is challenging the charges.


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