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Area: 270,500 sq. km.; about the size of Colorado.
Cities (June 2009): Capital--Wellington (393,400). Other cities--Auckland (1,377,200), Christchurch (348,400), Hamilton (206,400).
Terrain: Highly varied, from snowcapped mountains to lowland plains.
Climate: Temperate to subtropical.
Nationality: Noun--New Zealander(s). Adjective--New Zealand.
Population: 4.42 million.
Annual population growth rate (during year ending June 2010): 1.3%.
Ethnic groups: European 76.8%; Maori 14.9%; Asian 9.7%; other Polynesian Pacific peoples 7.2%; Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African 0.9%. (Note: People can choose to identify with more than one ethnic group.)
Religions: Christian 55.6%, no religion 34.7%, Hindu 1.5%, Buddhist 1.3%, Islam/Muslim 0.8%, Jewish 0.2%, Spiritualism/New Age 0.5%, other 0.6%.
Languages: English, Maori, New Zealand Sign Language.
Education: Years compulsory--ages 6-16. Attendance--100%. Literacy--99%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (December 2006)--5.1/1,000. Life expectancy (December 2006)--males 78.4 years, females 82.4 years.
Work force: As of March 2010, total labor force was 2.23 million and labor force participation rate was 68.1%. Services and government--59%; manufacturing and construction--32%; agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and mining--8.9%.
Type: Parliamentary.
Constitution: No formal, written constitution.
Independence: Declared a dominion in 1907.
Branches: Executive--Queen Elizabeth II (head of state, represented by a governor general), prime minister (head of government), cabinet. Legislative--unicameral House of Representatives, commonly called parliament. Judicial--four-level system: District Courts, High Courts, the Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court, which in 2004 replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London as New Zealand's highest court of appeal. There also are specialized courts, such as employment court, family courts, youth courts, and the Maori Land Court.
Administrative subdivisions: 16 regions.
Political parties: National, Labour, ACT, United Future, Maori Party, Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand First, Mana Party, several smaller parties not represented in parliament.
Suffrage: Universal at 18.
GDP (as of statistical year ending December 2010): U.S. $139 billion (NZ $182 billion).
Real annual GDP growth rate: (as of statistical year ending December 2010): 0.73%.
Per capita income (December 2010): U.S. $27,500.
Exchange rate (average for January to December 2010): U.S. $1 = NZ $1.38 (U.S. $0.72 = NZ $1).
Natural resources: Timber, natural gas, iron sand, coal.
Agriculture (4.9% of GDP): Products--dairy products, meat, forestry products.
Industry (goods-producing industries 20.5% of GDP, service industries 68.8% of GDP): Types--finance, insurance, and business services; manufacturing; personal and community services; transport and communication; wholesale trade; construction; government administration and defense; fishing, forestry, and mining; electricity, gas, and water.
Trade (year-end December 2010): Exports to U.S.--U.S. $2.86 billion: meat, dairy, wine, wood, and medical devices. Imports from U.S.--U.S. $3.34 billion: consisting primarily of machinery (including information and communication technologies equipment), aircraft, medical and veterinary instruments, motor vehicles (trucks), and plastic resins. Major trading partners (rank ordered as of June 2011)--Australia, People's Republic of China, United States, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Most of the 4 million New Zealanders are of British origin. About 15% claim descent from the indigenous Maori population, which is of Polynesian origin. Nearly 76% of the people, including a large majority of Maori, live on the North Island. In addition, 265,974 Pacific peoples live in New Zealand. During the late 1870s, natural increase permanently replaced immigration as the chief contributor to population growth and accounted for more than 75% of population growth in the 20th century. Nearly 85% of New Zealand's population lives in urban areas (with almost one-third in Auckland alone), where the service and manufacturing industries are growing rapidly. New Zealanders colloquially refer to themselves as "Kiwis," after the country's native bird.
Archaeological evidence indicates that New Zealand was populated by fishing and hunting people of East Polynesian ancestry perhaps 1,000 years before Europeans arrived. Known to some scholars as the Moa-hunters, they may have merged with later waves of Polynesians who, according to Maori tradition, arrived between 952 and 1150. Some of the Maori called their new homeland "Aotearoa," usually translated as "land of the long white cloud."
In 1642, Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator, made the first recorded European sighting of New Zealand and sketched sections of the two main islands' west coasts. English Captain James Cook thoroughly explored the coastline during three South Pacific voyages beginning in 1769. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, lumbering, seal hunting, and whaling attracted a few European settlers to New Zealand. In 1840, the United Kingdom established British sovereignty through the Treaty of Waitangi signed that year with Maori chiefs.
In the same year, selected groups from the United Kingdom began the colonization process. Expanding European settlement led to conflict with Maori, most notably in the Maori land wars of the 1860s. British and colonial forces eventually overcame determined Maori resistance. During this period, many Maori died from disease and warfare, much of it intertribal.
Constitutional government began to develop in the 1850s. In 1867, the Maori won the right to a certain number of reserved seats in parliament. During this period, the livestock industry began to expand, and the foundations of New Zealand's modern economy took shape. By the end of the 19th century, improved transportation facilities made possible a great overseas trade in wool, meat, and dairy products.
By the 1890s, parliamentary government along democratic lines was well-established, and New Zealand's social institutions assumed their present form. Women received the right to vote in national elections in 1893. The turn of the century brought sweeping social reforms that built the foundation for New Zealand's version of the welfare state.
The Maori gradually recovered from population decline and, through interaction and intermarriage with settlers and missionaries, adopted much of European culture. In recent decades, Maori have become increasingly urbanized and have become more politically active and culturally assertive.
New Zealand was declared a dominion by a royal proclamation in 1907. It achieved full internal and external autonomy by the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act in 1947, although this merely formalized a situation that had existed for many years.
New Zealand has a parliamentary system of government closely patterned on that of the United Kingdom and is a fully independent member of the Commonwealth. It has no written constitution. Executive authority is vested in a cabinet led by the prime minister, who is the leader of the political party or coalition of parties holding the majority of seats in parliament. All cabinet ministers must be members of parliament and are collectively responsible to it.
The unicameral parliament (House of Representatives) usually has 120 seats, seven of which currently are reserved for Maori elected on a separate Maori roll. However, Maori also may run for, and have been elected to, non-reserved seats. Parliaments are elected for a maximum term of 3 years, although elections can be called sooner.
The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Courts, and District Courts. New Zealand law has three principal sources--English common law, certain statutes of the U.K. Parliament enacted before 1947, and statutes of the New Zealand parliament. In interpreting common law, the courts have been concerned with preserving uniformity with common law as interpreted in the United Kingdom.
There are 16 regions of New Zealand, 11 of which are governed by a directly elected regional council. In the next tier there are 67 territorial authorities: 13 city councils, 53 district councils, and the Chatham Islands Council. Six territorial authorities (Auckland Council, Nelson City Council, Gisborne, Tasman, and Marlborough District Councils and the Chatham Islands Council) also perform the functions of a regional council. The Auckland Council is the largest council in Australasia. It began operating on November 1, 2010 and combines the functions of the existing regional council and the region's seven previous city and district councils into one "super council" or "super city" governed by a mayor, 20 members of the governing body, and 148 members of 21 local boards. There also are a number of community boards and special-purpose bodies with partially elected, partially appointed memberships. Local government in New Zealand has only the powers conferred upon it by parliament.
Principal Government Officials
Head of State--Queen Elizabeth II
Governor General--Jerry Mateparae
Prime Minister--John Key
Foreign Minister--Murray McCully
Ambassador to the United States--Michael (Mike) Moore
Ambassador to the United Nations--James (Jim) McLay
New Zealand maintains an embassy in the United States at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-328-4800, fax 202-667-5227). A consulate general is located in Los Angeles (tel. 310-207-1605, fax 310-207-3605). Tourism information is available through the New Zealand Tourism Board office in Santa Monica, California (toll-free tel. 800-388-5494) or through the following website: http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/.
The traditionally conservative National Party and left-leaning Labour Party have dominated New Zealand political life since a Labour government came to power in 1935. During its first 14 years in office, the Labour Party implemented a broad array of social and economic legislation, including comprehensive social security, a large-scale public works program, a 40-hour workweek, a minimum basic wage, and compulsory unionism. The National Party won control of the government in 1949 and adopted many welfare measures instituted by the Labour Party. Except for two brief periods of Labour governments in 1957-60 and 1972-75, National held power until 1984. After regaining control in 1984, the Labour government instituted a series of radical market-oriented reforms in response to New Zealand's mounting external debt. It also enacted anti-nuclear legislation that effectively brought about New Zealand's suspension from the ANZUS security alliance with the United States and Australia.
In October 1990, the National Party again formed the government, for the first of three 3-year terms. In 1996, New Zealand inaugurated a mixed-member proportional (MMP) system to elect its parliament. The system was designed to increase representation of smaller parties in parliament and appears to have done so in the MMP elections to date. Since 1996, neither the National nor the Labour Party has had an absolute majority in parliament, and for all but one of those years, the government has been a minority one. The Labour Party won elections in November 1999 and again in July 2002. In 2002 Labour formed a coalition, minority government with the Progressive Coalition, a left-wing party holding two seats in parliament. The government relied on support from the centrist United Future Party to pass legislation.
Following a narrow victory in the September 2005 general elections, Labour formed a coalition with the one-seat Progressive Party. The government also entered into limited support agreements with the United Future New Zealand and NZ First Parties, whose leaders were respectively given the Revenue and Foreign Affairs ministerial positions outside of the cabinet. This gave Labour an effective one-seat majority with which to pass legislation in parliament. Labour also secured an assurance from the Green Party that it would abstain from a vote of confidence against the government. The 2005 elections saw the new Maori Party win four out of the seven reserved Maori seats. The additional seat in the 121-member parliament was the result of an overhang from 2005 elections. There were two independent members of parliament (MPs): a former Labour Party MP and a former United Future New Zealand MP, both of whom left their respective parties in 2007.
The 2008 general election on November 8 was comfortably won by the John Key-led National Party. National won 45% of the popular vote (58 seats) to Labour's 34% (43 seats). The Green Party won nine seats; ACT won five; the Maori Party picked up an additional Maori seat to bring its total number of seats to five; the Progressives and United Future won one seat each. New Zealand First, the party of former foreign minister Winston Peters, did not win enough votes to return to parliament. On November 16, 2008, Key announced the formation of a new National-led center-right government in coalition with the right-leaning ACT and the centrist United Future party. National also entered into a limited support agreement with the Maori Party.
The government was sworn in on November 19, 2008, with Key becoming New Zealand's 38th prime minister. During her election night concession speech, outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that she would step down as Labour's leader after 15 years in charge. She was succeeded as party leader by Phil Goff. The Key-led government's main focus has been on economic growth following a period of recession and recovery from the devastating Christchurch earthquake of February 2011. Key presided over a stable governing arrangement with his support parties and his ruling National Party.
The 2011 general election on November 26 resulted in the re-election of Key's National Party with 48% of the total vote and 60 parliamentary seats. The opposition Labour Party received 27.1% of the vote and won 34 seats. After the election Phil Goff stepped down as Labour leader and was replaced by David Shearer. The Green Party returned to parliament with 14 seats after it recorded its highest-ever vote of 11.1%. New Zealand First returned to parliament with 8 seats and 6.8% of the vote after having been voted out in 2008. The Maori Party won 5 seats, and ACT and United Future and the Mana Party one seat each.
On December 5, 2011, National re-entered into agreements with ACT and United Future and with the Maori Party to form a minority government with a seven-seat majority (64 seats to 57). The government's priorities for this term are managing the government's finances, building a more productive and competitive economy, delivering better public services, and rebuilding Christchurch. The 50th New Zealand parliament was sworn in on December 20, 2011 with 121 members (120 seats plus one overhang seat).
New Zealand's economy historically has been based on a foundation of exports from its very efficient agricultural system. Leading agricultural exports include dairy products, meat, forest products, fruit and vegetables, fish, and wool.
The country has substantial hydroelectric power and reserves of natural gas. Based on recent natural gas exploration between Australia and New Zealand, natural gas production is projected to increase by 3.5% by 2020. Leading manufacturing sectors are food processing, wood and paper products, and metal fabrication. Service industries, particularly financial, insurance, and business services, form a significant part of New Zealand's economy. As of July 2011, the number of broadband subscribers continued to grow, and exceeded 1.5 million. The number of broadband subscribers made up 85% of all Internet subscribers.
Since 1984, government subsidies including for agriculture were eliminated; import regulations liberalized; tariffs unilaterally slashed; exchange rates freely floated; controls on interest rates, wages, and prices removed; and marginal rates of taxation reduced. Tight monetary policy and major efforts to reduce the government budget deficit brought the inflation rate down from an annual rate of more than 18% in 1987. The restructuring and sale of government-owned enterprises in the 1990s reduced government's role in the economy and permitted the retirement of some public debt. As a result, New Zealand is now one of the most open economies in the world.
After five consecutive quarters of economic retrenchment, the New Zealand economy ended its recession in the June 2009 quarter, growing by less than 0.1%. Another brief return to negative growth in September 2010 followed a first earthquake in the Canterbury region, and a sluggish recovery was further hampered by a second earthquake in February 2011. Economic growth is forecast to remain weak for the next 2 years as households go through a period of debt consolidation and government spending is further cut. New Zealand's AA+ foreign currency rating was downgraded to AA by Standard & Poor's in September 2011 as a result of increasing net foreign liabilities and household debt being an average 156% of disposable income. Economic activity has been increasing, with a rise in GDP of 1.8% recorded in September 2011. An export-led recovery is expected to lead to growth of around 2.7% in 2012, with partial sales of some state assets, reconstruction in Canterbury, and increased mineral exploitation. The hosting of the 2011 Rugby World Cup provided a short-term boost to the economy, but it has been difficult to quantify net benefits and long-term gains. New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 7.3% in the last 3 months of 2009, its highest level in more than 10 years. The country's unemployment rate as of June 2011 stood at approximately 6.5%. New Zealand's unemployment rate was lower than the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average of 8.6% and was ranked 12th of 27 OECD countries with standardized unemployment rates.
New Zealand experienced a net migration loss in 2011, through the highest-ever recorded net permanent and long-term (PLT) loss to Australia of 36,900 people. This was offset by 14,200 arrivals from Australia, and net gains were experienced from most other countries, led by the United Kingdom (5,500), India (4,900), and China (4,700). In late 2011 the United States saw gains in short-term visitors from New Zealand, up 1,500 over the previous year, an increase of 55%. Short-term visitors from the United States were down 2.6% in the year to December 2011, with 184,714 visitors over that period. The largest sources of visitors over the year to December 2011 were from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Japan, and Germany. The most popular destinations in the same year for New Zealanders were Australia, the United States, Fiji, the United Kingdom, China, the Cook Islands, and Samoa.
Traditionally, New Zealand's economy has been helped by strong economic relations with Australia. New Zealand and Australia are partners in "Closer Economic Relations" (CER), which allows for free trade in goods and most services. Since 1990, CER has created a single market of more than 22 million people, and this has provided new opportunities for New Zealand exporters. Australia is now the destination of 23% of New Zealand's exports, compared to 14% in 1983. Both sides also have agreed to consider extending CER to product standardization and taxation policy. New Zealand has had a free trade agreement with Singapore since 2001. In July 2005, both countries joined with Chile and Brunei to form a Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP), liberalizing trade in goods and services between them. On September 22, 2008, comprehensive negotiations for the U.S. to join the TPP were launched. In December 2009, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. was interested in re-engaging on TPP. The 11th round of talks took place in March 2012.
New Zealand concluded a Closer Economic Partnership (CEP) agreement with Thailand that entered into force on July 1, 2005. In April 2008 New Zealand concluded a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. In October 2009, negotiations concluded on an FTA with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC--made up of Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E., and Qatar). The New Zealand/Hong Kong, China CEP was concluded in November 2009, and the agreement came into force in January 2011. In December 2007, New Zealand and South Korea announced the beginning of a study group to explore the benefits of a bilateral free trade agreement. The first round of FTA negotiations between New Zealand and South Korea took place in Seoul in June 2009. In June 2008, New Zealand and Japan established an economic working group to review their bilateral economic relationship. New Zealand and India agreed to undertake a joint study into the implications of an FTA in 2007. That study was completed in February 2009, and in January 2010 the two governments announced that negotiations would commence between their countries. Following a visit to India by Prime Minister Key in June 2011, both countries expressed a desire for an early conclusion to the deal. In August 2010 an FTA came into force between New Zealand and Malaysia. New Zealand, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan began talks on an FTA in February 2011, with a second round in April 2011; they aimed to complete negotiations by the end of the year, although this did not occur.
New Zealand's top six trading partners (total trade) as of December 2011 included Australia, the People's Republic of China, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Korea. In 2011, Australia was New Zealand's principal export market, totaling U.S. $8.94 billion, and making up 23% of New Zealand's total exports. China continued its rapid growth as New Zealand's second-largest export market at 12.5% of total exports, up 22% from 2010 with a total of U.S. $4.87 billion. Despite having slipped to third place in 2010, the United States gained on previous years in 2011 with a 6.4% increase, totaling U.S. $3.31 billion, and making up 8.4% of New Zealand's total exports. As New Zealand's fourth-largest export destination, export trade with Japan was valued at U.S. $2.5 billion. China became New Zealand's largest source of imports in the year ended December 2011, with a value of U.S. $6.2 billion, or 16% of total imports. Australia slipped from first place as the largest source of merchandise imports in 2011, dropping 4.1% to U.S. $6.1 billion, accounting for 15.8% of total imports. The United States is the third-largest trading partner for New Zealand, with U.S. goods and services accounting for 10.2% of all imports, totaling U.S. $3.9 billion.
The New Zealand dollar reached a 24-year high of over U.S. $0.88 in August 2011 (the highest since the New Zealand dollar was floated), and has remained high for some months, which has seen added pressure on New Zealand exports. The market-led economy offers many benefits for U.S. exporters and investors. Investment opportunities exist in chemicals, food preparation, finance, tourism, and forest products, as well as in franchising. The best sales and investment prospects are for whole aircraft and aircraft parts, medical or veterinary instruments, motor vehicles, information technology, hotel and restaurant equipment, telecommunications, tourism, franchising, food processing and packaging, and medical equipment. On the agricultural side, the best prospects are for fresh fruit, snack foods, and soybean meal.
New Zealand screens foreign investment that falls within certain criteria. Under the auspices of the Overseas Investment Act 2005, New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office (OIO) screens foreign investments that would result in the acquisition of 25% or more ownership of, or a controlling interest in, "significant business assets" (significant business assets are defined as assets valued at more than NZ $100 million). Government approval also is required for purchases of land larger than 5 hectares (12.35 acres) and land in certain sensitive or protected areas, or fishing quotas. If the land or fishing quota to be purchased is owned by a company or other entity, approval will be required if the investor will be acquiring a 25% or more equity or controlling interest. Following a ministerial directive in December 2010, future bids to purchase sensitive or protected areas will come under even greater scrutiny to ensure that any investment is of economic benefit to New Zealand. Full remittance of profits and capital is permitted through normal banking channels.
A number of U.S. companies have subsidiary branches in New Zealand. Many operate through local agents, and some are in association in joint ventures. The American Chamber of Commerce is active in New Zealand, with its main office in Auckland.
New Zealand has three defense policy objectives--defend New Zealand against low-level threats, contribute to regional security, and play a part in global security efforts. New Zealand has considered its own national defense needs to be modest. Its defense budget generally has provided for selected upgrades in equipment. Shortly after winning the 1999 election, the Labour government canceled a lease-to-buy agreement with the U.S. for 28 F-16 aircraft. However, Labour did embark on a significant defense upgrade and acquisition plan. All three services have benefited from the upgrades/acquisitions. In 2001, the government contracted to purchase 105 LAVIIIs for U.S. $300 million, with delivery completed in 2005. The Army also purchased 321 Light Operational Vehicles to make its forces more mobile. In 2002, New Zealand announced planned upgrades of its P3 and C-130 Hercules aircraft, and purchased two Boeing 757 aircraft for U.S. $100 million. In 2006 New Zealand contracted with NH Industries to purchase eight NH-90 aircraft. In 2007 the country entered an agreement to purchase 12 A-109 light helicopters from Agosta (the number later was decreased to 6). The B-757s have received significant upgrades, including installation of a cargo door and a strengthened floor that allows various configurations of cargo/passengers. Upgrades and modifications to the P3s and C-130s encountered significant delays, severely limiting available aircraft for 2009 and 2010. In 2007, the Navy began accepting delivery of the Project Protector program, with an estimated value of U.S. $250 million, consisting of one multi-role vessel (MRV), two offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), and four inshore patrol vessels (IPVs), which concluded with the final ship delivery in May 2010. The Navy's two ANZAC frigates are receiving ship support systems upgrades (one is now complete), and the Navy is requesting additional funding for weapons systems upgrades for 2011-2012.
In May 2001, the government announced it was scrapping its combat air force. New Zealand states it maintains a "credible minimum force," although critics maintain that the country's defense forces have fallen below this standard. New Zealand still maintains, in a non-operational status, the fleet of A-4 Skyhawk jets and Aermacchi jets left over from the scrapping of its combat air force. Its attempts to sell the jets have thus far failed.
With a claimed area of direct strategic concern that extends from Australia to Southeast Asia to the South Pacific, New Zealand necessarily places substantial reliance on its defense relationship with other countries, in particular Australia. However, acknowledging the need to improve its defense capabilities, the government in 2005 announced the Defense Sustainability Initiative, allocating an additional NZ $4.6 billion (U.S. $3.19 billion) over 10 years to modernize the country's defense equipment and infrastructure and increase its military personnel. The funding represented a 51% increase in defense spending since the Labour government took office in 1999. However, the active duty component of the New Zealand Defense Force (NZDF) does not exceed 10,000 personnel and there have been no additional budget increases in recent years. The New Zealand Army is the largest service, with fewer than 5,000 personnel, the Air Force has approximately 2,700, and the Navy has approximately 2,300. There are approximately 2,200 territorial (reserve) forces and approximately 2,700 civilian defense employees.
New Zealand is an active participant in multilateral peacekeeping. It has taken a leading role in trying to bring peace, reconciliation, and reconstruction to the Solomon Islands and the neighboring island of Bougainville. New Zealand maintains a contingent in the Sinai Multinational Force and Observers and has contributed to UN peacekeeping operations in Angola, Cambodia, Somalia, and the former Yugoslavia. It also participated in the Multilateral Interception Force in the Persian Gulf. New Zealand's most recent peacekeeping operations experience has been in Timor-Leste, where it initially dispatched almost 10% of its entire defense force and continues to sustain a modest force. New Zealand participated in Operation Enduring Freedom and has fielded a Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) in Afghanistan's Bamyan province. It continues to sustain that PRT, and it deployed a frigate to the Gulf of Oman on three rotations as of spring 2008. New Zealand has also returned its Special Air Service (SAS) to Afghanistan for a three-rotation deployment (6 months each), due to conclude in April 2012.
New Zealand participates in sharing training facilities, personnel exchanges, and joint exercises with the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Brunei, Tonga, and South Pacific states. It also participates in exercises with its Five-Power Defense Arrangement partners--Australia, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Singapore. Due to New Zealand's anti-nuclear policy, defense cooperation with the U.S., including training exercises, has been significantly restricted since 1986, but in recent years engagement between the two militaries has grown.
The National Party-led government commissioned a defense review upon entering office in November 2008, which was completed on April 21, 2009. On November 2, 2010 a White Paper was released, presenting the government's plan to meet New Zealand's security needs over the next 25 years. The paper set out a program to progressively enhance defense capability and to allow the replacement of core capabilities in a planned way over the next 20 years. The New Zealand Defense Force will continue to conduct and lead missions in the South Pacific, and work to enable New Zealand to be a strong partner in regional and international security. The combat effectiveness of the NZDF land forces will be augmented, and air and sea transport capabilities will be maintained and improved. The major new direction to emerge from the White Paper was the priority given to enhancing the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability of the NZDF.
New Zealand's foreign policy is oriented chiefly toward developed democratic nations and emerging Pacific economies. The country's major political parties have generally agreed on the broad outlines of foreign policy, and the current coalition government has been active in multilateral fora on issues of recurring interest to New Zealand--trade liberalization, environment, and arms control.
New Zealand participates in the World Trade Organization (WTO); World Bank; International Monetary Fund (IMF); Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD); International Energy Agency; Asian Development Bank; Pacific Islands Forum; The Pacific Community; Colombo Plan; Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC); and the International Whaling Commission. New Zealand also is an active member of the Commonwealth. Despite the 1985 rupture in the ANZUS alliance, New Zealand has maintained good working relations with the United States and Australia on a broad array of international issues.
New Zealand values its long-term relationship with the United Nations and values the organization as a mechanism to promote and protect its interests. It is a vocal supporter of the principles of the UN Charter, is very active in UN fora, and regularly contributes to UN peacekeeping missions. New Zealand is a UN Security Council candidate for 2015-2016. Former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark became head of the UN Development Program in 2009.
In the past, New Zealand's geographic isolation and its agricultural economy's general prosperity tended to minimize public interest in world affairs. However, growing global trade and other international economic events have made New Zealanders more aware of their country's dependence on stable overseas markets.
New Zealand's economic involvement with Asia has become increasingly important through expanding trade with the growing economies of Asia. New Zealand is a "dialogue partner" with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and an active participant in APEC. On April 7, 2008 New Zealand signed a free trade agreement with China, the first OECD country to do so.
As a charter member of the Colombo Plan, New Zealand has provided Asian countries with technical assistance and capital. It also contributes through the Asian Development Bank and through UN programs and is a member of the UN Economic and Social Council for Asia and the Pacific.
New Zealand has focused its bilateral economic assistance resources on projects in the South Pacific island states, especially on Bougainville. The country's long association with Samoa (formerly known as Western Samoa), reflected in a treaty of friendship signed in 1962, and its close association with Tonga have resulted in a flow of immigrants and visitors under work permit schemes from both countries. New Zealand administers the Tokelau Islands and provides foreign policy and economic support when requested for the freely associated self-governing states of the Cook Islands and Niue. Inhabitants of these areas hold New Zealand citizenship.
In 1947, New Zealand joined Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the United States to form the South Pacific Commission, a regional body to promote the welfare of the Pacific region. New Zealand has been a leader in the organization. In 1971, New Zealand joined the other independent and self-governing states of the South Pacific to establish the South Pacific Forum (now known as the Pacific Islands Forum), which meets annually at the "heads of government" level. In 2011, New Zealand hosted the 42nd Pacific Islands Forum in Auckland and chairs the organization.
Bilateral relations are the best they have been in decades. The United States and New Zealand share common elements of history and culture and a commitment to democratic principles. Senior-level officials regularly consult with each other on issues of mutual importance. One of the landmarks in the improving relationship was Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's November 2010 visit to New Zealand when she signed the "Wellington Declaration" with New Zealand Foreign Minister Murray McCully. The Declaration is a bold statement reaffirming close ties between the two countries and outlining future practical cooperation in a number of specific areas. Bilateral relations were further deepened in July 2011 when President Obama hosted Prime Minister Key in Washington, DC.
The United States established consular representation in New Zealand in 1839 to represent and protect American shipping and whaling interests. Since the U.K. was responsible for New Zealand's foreign affairs, direct U.S.-New Zealand diplomatic ties were not established until 1942, when the Japanese threat encouraged close U.S.-New Zealand cooperation in the Pacific campaign. During the war, more than 400,000 American military personnel were stationed in New Zealand to prepare for crucial battles such as Tarawa and Guadalcanal.
New Zealand's relationship with the United States in the post-World War II period was closely associated with the Australia-New Zealand-United States (ANZUS) security treaty of 1951, under which signatories agreed to consult in case of an attack in the Pacific and to "act to meet the common danger." During the postwar period, access to New Zealand ports by U.S. vessels contributed to the flexibility and effectiveness of U.S. naval forces in the Pacific.
Growing concern about nuclear testing in the South Pacific and arms control issues contributed to the 1984 election of a Labour government committed to barring nuclear-armed and nuclear-powered warships from New Zealand ports. The government's nuclear-free policy proved incompatible with longstanding, worldwide U.S. policy of neither confirming nor denying the presence or absence of nuclear weapons onboard U.S. vessels.
Implementation of New Zealand's policy effectively prevented practical alliance cooperation under ANZUS, and after extensive efforts to resolve the issue proved unsuccessful, in August 1986 the United States suspended its ANZUS security obligations to New Zealand. Even after President George H.W. Bush's 1991 announcement that U.S. surface ships do not normally carry nuclear weapons, New Zealand's legislation prohibiting visits of nuclear-powered ships continues to preclude a bilateral security alliance with the U.S. The legislation enjoys broad public and political support in New Zealand. The United States would welcome New Zealand's reassessment of its legislation to permit that country's return to full ANZUS cooperation.
Despite suspension of U.S. security obligations, the New Zealand Government has reaffirmed the importance it attaches to continued close political, economic, and social ties with the United States and Australia. New Zealand actively engages in peacekeeping and international security efforts around the world. It has deployed both SAS and regular armed forces personnel to Afghanistan, together with naval and air assets to the Persian Gulf. New Zealand has worked closely with the U.S. to promote free trade in the WTO, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group, and other multilateral fora. It is also actively working to conclude a trade agreement with the United States through the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
The U.S. and New Zealand work together closely on scientific research in the Antarctic. Christchurch is the staging area for joint logistical support operations serving U.S. permanent bases at McMurdo Station and South Pole, and New Zealand's Scott base, (located just three kilometers from McMurdo Station in the Ross Sea region).
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--David Huebner
Deputy Chief of Mission--Marie Damour
Political and Economic Counselor--Peter G. Tinsley
Public Affairs Counselor--Joe Carroll (located in Australia)
Defense Attache--Col. Steve Johnson
Management Officer--Denver Herren
Consul General (Auckland)--Randy Berry
Consular Affairs (Auckland)--Dana Deree
Senior Commercial Officer (Sydney)--Joe Kaesshaefer (located in Australia)
The U.S. Embassy in New Zealand is located at 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 64-4-462-6000, fax 64-4-499-0490). The U.S. Consulate General in New Zealand is located on the 3rd Floor, Citibank Building, 23 Customs Street East, Auckland (tel. 64-9-303-2724, fax 64-9-366-0870). The website for the Embassy and Consulate General is http://newzealand.usembassy.gov/.
Short URL: http://m.state.gov/md197489.htm


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Date: Mar 1st, 2013
Digital Magazines Now Available at Anoka County Library! Anoka County Library is pleased to announce the availability of Zinio for Libraries, a service for the digital delivery of magazines.
Through www.anokacountylibrary.org, Anoka County Library patrons will have unlimited simultaneous access to more than 125 complete digital magazines, which can easily be viewed on any Internet-enabled device inside or outside of the library. Zinio's unique technology digitally recreates a magazine page for page, including full color pictures, intuitive navigation, key word article search and interactive elements such as audio and video. Consumer Reports, Good Housekeeping, National Geographic, O, The Oprah Magazine and Readers Digest are just a few of the popular titles available. There is no limit to the number of titles that can be checked out, no due dates, and the titles are always available. The service is available free with a valid Anoka County or Columbia Heights Public Library card.
"The digital delivery of reading material is not only convenient but also offers expandable content that you can't get with a paper publication," said Anoka County Commissioner and Library Board liaison Julie Braastad. "This addition to our menu of services is just another way Anoka County Library is adapting to the digital way of life!"
"We are pleased to now offer digital magazines in addition to eBooks and eAudiobooks," said Library Board President Bob Thistle. "Maximize the use of your tablet or smartphone, and enjoy the resources the library has to offer whenever it is convenient for you."
The initial registration process requires creating two accounts - an Anoka County Library Zinio account to browse available magazines, and a free Zinio.com account for subscribing to and reading magazines. Registration instructions are at anokacountylibrary.org.
Zinio magazines may be read on a wide variety of free apps for computers and mobile devices, including apps for PC or Mac, iPhone or iPad, Android devices, Kindle Fire, and Blackberry Playbook. Patrons who use devices that don't have an app available can view magazines online in the device's web browser.
Please see your Anoka County Library librarian for more information on how to access this service. Zinio is sponsored by Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA).

subset: commoncrawl


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I am diving off of Capetown in July. I have a 5mm wetsuit and need to purchase a hooded vest for extra warmth. First, is it best to wear the wetsuit underneath the hooded vest or vica versa? How should each piece fit depending on the way it is layered? The wetsuit I have is too large because I have lost weight (40 pounds less). Depending on your recommendation, I may need to buy a new wetsuit as well.
Hello Gina, when it comes to wearing the hooded vest it is all diver choice. Some divers like to wear it on the outside of the suit or some like to wear it on the inside. If you do not buy a new suit for the trip since its to big for you. You could wear this on the inside to take up some added space. But with this certain vest most people wear it on the outside of the suit because of the zipper.
Has this vest ever been used. Can I get size large. Please elaborate on the condition of vest.
hi i am looking to get a 1 piece 5mm wetsuit to snorkel in the moderate waters in the atlantic off cape breton, ns during the summer and fall also i would like to purchase a hooded vest to put over this wet suit during the winter spring months. my biggest concern would be ensuring i keep my head warm during the colder periods... as i am on a budget i figure the wetsuit/vest would be the best option. what hooded vest would you reccomend? would the 5mm of neoprene on my arms and legs suffice for the colder periods?
Good morning, this is a great vest/hood combo. A 5mm suit would be enough for snorkeling since you are on the warmer surface and exerting energy keeping you even warmer. Also when you have a vest attached to the hood there are less gaps for water to enter in and out, cooling you down.
A progressive-stretch vest, which layers perfectly with a 7 or 5mm full suit, that provides additional warmth.
THE RIGHT STRETCH IN THE RIGHT PLACE. Progressive stretch is a concept only available in the Velocity series. It all starts with BARE-Fit, which is the foundation of every BARE suit. BARE-Fit uses ergonomic suit design involving complex shaped patterns with articulated arms and legs. From there, zones associated with performance within the suit are selected. Then, proven fabrics are chosen from various prototypes that have been tested for years. By placing the different fabrics in particular panels of the suit, the VElOCITY series delivers exceptional fit, feel and performance.
Layers perfectly with the 7/6 or 5/4 Velocity Full
Attached 5mm vented hood with 3mm skin-in face seal
Skin-in seals around the shoulders
Heavy-duty front zipper
Double glued with SECURE-LOCK construction
5mm Neoprene
Sizing Chart
Sizes: S, MShort, M, MLTall, MLShort, ML, MTall, LShort, L, LTall, XLShort, XL, XLTall, 2XLShort, 2XL, 3XL
FULL-STRETCH DONE RIGHT. Full-stretch suits are not new. However, a full-stretch suit that combines legendary anatomically correct patterning for a 3D shape, premium components like a colormatched G-lock zipper and superior construction and graphics, stops the press. The BARE ELASTEK wetsuit line utilizes the latest in neoprene laminates that provide uninhibited fl exibility and stretch with a silky-soft feel that won't be felt in any other suit. Place the BARE ELASTEK side by side any competing wetsuit and you will not only be able to feel the diff erence, you'll see it too.
Our suit has a 3D shape that demonstrates our dedication to craftsmanship, while the competition will look quite flat. This shaping is key in elevating your comfort and keeping stress loads on seams to a minimum. Take a closer look at the detailing of the ELASTEK: color-accented seams, glossy 3D inks, sublimated graphics, stainless-steel zipper pull, new and more flexible FORMTEK kneepads.the list goes on. If you are a diver that appreciates the details in design and desires unbelievable stretch, this is your next suit.


text: Webexclusive Heart Shaped Table Lamp Item #: 127521 $39.99 $19.97 Qty: Sorry, this item is currently unavailable online. Ship to Home Ship to Store (FREE) You'll fall in love with this Heart-Shaped Table Lamp! The hot pink shade and shining white finish make will make this lamp a bright addition to any room. Lamp measures 22.5H in. Crafted of metal White finish Heart-shaped base Softback bell shade in pink linen with pink feathers Shade measures 8.5H x 10 in. in diameter (at widest) Socket accommodates a 60-watt bulb Features a clear plug-in cord Care: Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Do not exceed specified wattage. This item is available at Kirklands.com only, not available in stores. Sorry, this item is currently unavailable online.


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May 24, 2016
Tallahassee, FL - Chase Thomason and Thomas Barton have been located and are unharmed.
Tallahassee, FL - The Tallahassee Police Department Special Victims Unit is seeking the whereabouts of 15 year old Chance "Hunter" Thomason and 15 year old Thomas Barton.
Thomason and Barton were last seen on November 4, 2012 in the area of Old Bainbridge and High Rd. Thomason is about 5 feet 7 inches tall and weight about 140 pounds.
Barton is about 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. It is beleived that the youths are together and may be enroute to South Georgia.
Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to call the Tallahassee Police Department at (850)891-4200.
*Pictured is Chance "Hunter" Thomason; Thomas Barton's photo to come.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Cyclones Fall in Spring Finale to Nebraska
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State wrapped up its spring volleyball season against Nebraska in front of an enthusiastic Hilton Coliseum crowd Saturday afternoon. The Huskers picked up the match with 3-0 (27-25, 25-21, 25-22). The two teams played a fourth set, and the Huskers took that, too at 25-22.
Even First Set
The two rivals showed that this was going to be a competitive match right away in the first set as neither team could pull ahead by more than two points in the early proceedings. Down 11-10, the Huskers then ripped off four straight points capped off by a kill from Amber Rolfzen to get a 14-11 lead and force ISU into its first timeout.
The Cyclones responded well as the Cyclones used a pair of 3-0 runs to tie the match back up at 18-18. The back-and-forth continued and ISU got the first chance at a set point at 24-23, but a Kadie Rolfzen kill kept the set alive. A Morgan Kuhrt kill held off Nebraska's first set point, but NU was eventually able to close out the set as Victoria Hurtt's attack was blocked by Mary Pollmiller and Melanie Keil to give Nebraska the first set at 27-25.
Mid-Set Run for Nebraska in the Second
The second set went much like the first set as both teams kept the score close or tied. With it tied 11-11, the Huskers made the breakthrough with a 6-1 run to get ahead 17-12. The Cyclones were able to reduce the Nebraska lead to 22-21 on back-to-back kills from Natalie Vondrak and Hurtt. However, Nebraska ripped off the final three points of the set. Like the first set, the second set ended on a Hurtt attack that was blocked by Pollmiller and Keil to give NU the set 25-21.
Third-Set Rally Falls Short
Nebraska got ahead quickly in the third, forcing ISU into an early timeout at 6-2 Huskers. A 5-1 run put the Nebraska lead at 9-8 and the set began to play out in a similar fashion to the other sets. ISU was able to tie the sets, but never able to take the lead in the third frame. Nebraska put together a 5-1 run to get ahead 21-17.
Again, Iowa State rallied, this time behind strong serving from Ciara Capezio to reduce the NU advantage to 23-22. However, an ISU rotation error and an ace from Brenna Lyles gave Nebraska the third set 25-22 and the match 3-0.
Iowa State Gets Off to a Quick Start in Set Four
For the first time all match it was Iowa State who got off to the quick start as a 4-0 run got ISU out to its largest lead of the day at 8-4. The Huskers battled back and once again the teams played a back-and-forth frame. With Iowa State ahead 18-17, Nebraska got its big breakthrough as the Huskers ripped off a 4-0 run to move ahead 21-18. An A. Rolfzen service error gave ISU a chance to hold off a second Nebraska set point, but a failed dump over by Suzanne Horner gave Nebraska the set at 25-22.
Iowa State Match Leaders
Mackenzie Bigbee, playing on a sprained ankle, led the ISU attack with 11 kills. Hurtt and Vondrak each recorded 10 kills, Vondrak getting hers at a .333 hitting percentage. ISU and Nebraska each finished with 51 digs, with Caitlin Nolan leading the Cyclones with 18 digs. Horner guided the ISU offense with 41 assists.
Up Next
Follow Iowa State volleyball on cyclones.com and on its Twitter and Facebook accounts for updates on the upcoming 2014 season.


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December 6, 2012 | 1 comment | 6518 views
Bay Park Sewage Plant operational
Some residents skeptical
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The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant is back to being fully operational, according to Nassau County Department of Public Works spokesman Mike Martino, after being severely damaged from Hurricane Sandy in late October and being shut down for more than two days, spilling 200 million gallons in the local waterways.
The plant began fully processing sewage on Nov. 21 after partially treating sewage with chlorine beginning on Nov. 1. Hurricane Sandy hit the area on Oct. 29, sending a nine-foot tidal surge into the plant at the height of the storm, devastating its infrastructure. "The seawater inundated many parts of the plant, and submerged critical pieces of equipment in saltwater, rendering them inoperable," Martino said. "As a result, normal operation of the plant ceased." The damage from the hurricane set back the County even further after its $70 million investment to upgrade the plant.
Martino added that the costs of repairing the damage at the plant remain undetermined. "When a full assessment is complete plans will be put in place to address the issues caused by the historic tidal surge brought by Hurricane Sandy," he said.
When normal operation at the plant, which processes 65 million gallons of sewage per day —40 percent of the county's sewage — was interrupted, residents near the plant had partially treated sewage bubbling up into their homes and streets. This led to the declaration of a state of emergency by Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein on Nov. 15 to "help eliminate threats to public health and safety for those residents affected by sewage main ruptures."
According to Mary Ellen Laurain, spokeswoman for the Nassau County Health Department, the state of emergency provided for, "homes that were in need of remediation to have a contractor available to them at no cost." Laurain added that the health department did not advise people to remain in their homes if sewage was found, and to her knowledge, most people did not.
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KeywordsBay park sewage plant, east Rockaway,
1 comment on this story | Please log in to comment by clicking here
Now, let's see....does this mean they have reverted back to dumping treated sewage into Reynolds Channel as they have for a few years now? BTW.....the gulls are eating well at the cement block, how gross!!! This rag should get some real reporters to ask the real questions!!!!
Saturday, December 8, 2012 | Report this


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To prevent the rice from sticking to the foil, spray foil with cooking spray before using. Or, use nonstick foil.
If the chicken breasts in your market are larger than 1/4 lb. each, they will take longer to cook. Be sure to cook them long enough so that they are no longer pink in the centers and the juices run clear (165°F).
Substitute 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen corn, thawed, for the broccoli.
The broccoli and red peppers in this low-calorie, low-fat and low-sodium meal not only team up to provide vitamin A, but they're also rich in vitamin C.
* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
Perhaps there should be a video. It is fairly simple, but it wasn't tasty. This is the first time I have made something from this website that didn't taste delicious. I'm going to try again, but I will SEASON EVERYTHING! The cook time for my brand new oven was not long enough. I had to cook this an entire hour before it was even ready to eat.
This was easy to make, but I didn't think it had good flavor. Probalby won't make again.


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While facials at the spa or beauty salon offer the full skin treatment from exfoliation to peels, Gly Derm Masks are an at-home treatment with similar results. It is not a facial, but it does leave your skin feeling invigorated and smooth with a dewy healthy glow. This skin care product is enriched with rare earth minerals and glycolic acid that invigorates the skin with exfoliation while promoting the growth of healthy new cells. Gly Derm masks act as primer for make-up, a perfect addition to your Gly Derm skin care routine. Gly Derm , masks will lessen the dry feeling on the face and it will even soften the skin around your eyes. It's known to have positive results for people suffering with acne and oily skin. The effect will last a full 24 hours if necessary.
With good quality skin care products from masks to cleansers and moisturizers, you'll see a marked difference in your complexion and your skin will look younger and healthier. Gly Derm offers a full range of skin care products, and they all work together for great results.
There are many skin types, skin tones, and skin problems. Most people do have problem areas, or a combination of dry and oily skin. Gly Derm masks are great for all skin types.
Gly Derm Gly Masque 3% will balance the dry and oily areas and ensure your skin is smooth and even. The rare earth minerals in Gly Derm masks make this a great product for aging skin as it hydrates, detoxifies and firms the epidermis while stimulating cell growth.
When the mask is used in conjunction with Gly Derm Gentle Face Cleanser, your complexion will brighten up and look rejuvenated. Add Gly Derm Hydrating Cream to your eye area and eliminate the dryness around your eyes as well as the dark circles.
Begin by washing your face with Gly Derm Gentle Face Cleanser. Apply the Gly Derm masks with clean hands and smooth it over your face. Relax and close your eyes for 20 minutes to half an hour before rinsing it off with warm water. Pat your face dry and feel how soft and renewed it is. You can add, or add your make-up directly after you've used the mask.
Gly Derm Masque 3% will liven up a dull complexion caused by clogged pores, oily skin and dead skin cells. It works to invigorate the skin, and has good results on all skin types, including acne-prone or blemished skin. After a few uses your complexion will radiate health and youthfulness. The mask will actually allow your moisturizers and treatment products to penetrate and work better.


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Free Harley Earrings with purchases above GBP 100*
Unfortunately this product is currently unavailable.
This powerful men's watch impresses with its modern, sporty silhouette. Water resistant to 200m, it comes with a date indicator and rotating bezel in faceted black ceramic. Specifications: case - matt and polished stainless steel, 44mm; dial - matt white; numbers - applied white LumiNova® index markers; strap - black rubber with two black ceramic elements; movement - Swiss automatic.


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Underworld: Awakening
|Release Date: January 20, 2012
|Running Time: 95 mins.
|MPAA Rating: R
|Box Office: $62,321,039.00
|Genre: Action, Fantasy, Horror, Sequel
Kate Beckinsale
Stephen Rea
Michael Ealy
Theo James
All Cast & Crew >>
Summary:Vampire warrioress Selene escapes imprisonment to find herself in a world where humans have discovered the existence of both Vampire and Lycan clans, and are conducting an all-out war to eradicate both immortal species. Now Selene must battle the humans and a frightening new breed of super Lycans to ensure the death dealers' survival.


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A 58-year-old Stuttgart man was injured in a two-vehicle accident Tuesday in Stuttgart, while the driver of the second vehicle denied medical treatment.
Yuchai Weng was traveling east on Michigan Avenue on the inside lane at 1:24 p.m. Mark Morava, 23, of Sheridan was turning east from N. College Street onto Michigan Avenue. Weng's Toyota struck the Ford Morava was driving in the driver side doors, according to the Stuttgart Police Department Arkansas motor vehicle crash report.
Weng was transported to Baptist Health Medical Center-Stuttgart by Southern Ambulance Services for injuries he sustained in the accident.
Morava denied medical attention at the scene, according to SPD Ptl. William Basore.
No citations were issued.
Location, ST | website.com


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BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — A year after Whitney Houston's death, music executive Clive Davis remembered her in words — and video.
Houston died last year just hours before the annual Clive Davis Gala was to start. On Saturday, Davis said his world continues "to be so shattered by her passing" and that Houston's death still feels "unreal."
Davis then played what he called a rare performance of Houston belting "All The Man That I Need" on Saturday the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
He called Houston the "greatest, greatest singer of our lifetime."
Houston's brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Pat Houston, attended the gala Saturday night. Davis thanked them "for being here tonight."
Dutch electronic artist Afrojack kicked off the performances with a DJ set, and he was followed by Patti Smith, Gladys Knight, Miguel, Lumineers, Usher, Emeli Sande and Jennifer Hudson.
Follow Mesfin Fekadu on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MusicMesfin


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Goldsmiths University's Thought-Provoking 'Making Believe' Exhibition at the Lon...
Wee Siong Quek's Soup for Thought is a book of photographs of the designer's experience of planting tomatoes, making oil from sunflowers seeds, growing basil and garlic, creating wooden utensils and finally eating the soup.
Snail and Sellotape. Zhen
Read more >


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The home values for addresses on Brookshire Ct Elizabethtown, KY 42701 may have been calculated from sold prices, public records of assessed value, and other real estate information for Elizabethtown, KY. While the estimates for homes on Brookshire Ct can help planning a real estate purchase or sale, you should always consult with a Elizabethtown, KY Realtor® or real estate broker. Need more help? We can also assist when searching for Elizabethtown, KY houses for sale, Elizabethtown, KY apartments for rent, or with finding Elizabethtown, KY mortgage rates


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Today, we all know SOREL as the boot brand that changed the game when it comes to slushy-weather style. But where did it all begin? How did SOREL make its boots essential at the first sign of snowflake? Here's the breakdown.
1962: It's cold in Canada (like, really cold). This is the year SOREL is founded by Ontario-based Kaufman Rubber Co. to do something about it.
1985: The brand builds its reputation on boots that can handle everything from drizzle to snowpocalypse.
2000: After declaring bankruptcy, SOREL is acquired and revitalized by Columbia Sportswear Co.
2010: This is a breakout year. The brand steps up its fashion game with ads in Vogue and boot styles with names like "Joan of Arctic."
Today: SOREL is now firmly cemented as the go-to for those who aren't afraid to get their boots dirty.
Our SOREL Boutique opens Friday, January 17, at 11AM ET.
By Chrissy Makkas, Staff Writer
Not a Member and like The (Style) Guide? You'll love Rue La La. Join now.


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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Landon Donovan and Brek Shea have both been
ruled out of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the United States, with
head coach Jurgen Klinsmann adding no immediate replacements.
Donovan sustained a knee injury in the Los Angeles Galaxy's 2-1 defeat to Real
Salt Lake on Saturday and has returned to Los Angeles to be further evaluated
by the team's doctors.
Shea has been struggling with an abdominal strain that has kept him out of the
FC Dallas lineup, and he will continue his recovery in Dallas.
"It's unfortunate for Landon and Brek that they won't be able to play," said
Klinsmann. "Landon was very optimistic over the weekend when his knee was
feeling much better, but now he needs time to recover. We knew Brek was a
question mark coming in, and now we have a clear picture of where he stands.
We feel confident that the group we have will get the job done."
The United States will face Antigua and Barbuda on Friday before finishing up
this round of qualifying with a home match against Guatemala on Oct. 16.
Klinsmann's team is tied atop its group with Guatemala and Jamaica on seven
points, and the top two sides will advance to the final round of CONCACAF
The Sports Network


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When she's not schooling Sharon Stone on how to not look mangled, Sweetie is appearing in Off Broadway's THE ULTIMATE DRAG OFF every Saturday night at The Times Square Arts Center in NYC . You should go to www.DragOff.com for info and tickets, because it is excellent. And, without further ado, here are Miss Sweetie's picks:
Oscar Fashion With Drag Queens And A Dude: Sweetie's Picks
- 5 years ago by The Gloss Staff
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|Drag Queen Oscars: Sweetie's Picks


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Relax, its probably just an oversight. Obviously there was every intention to launch it, but from what another user posted earlier it looks like they couldn't get the ink on the contracts in time.
In large companies - and I work at one - it is not uncommon that stuff like this happens. Is it dumb? yeah, it isn't the smartest move to update the site when the info isn't correct.... is it understandable? Sure it is.
For all we know, ION launch was intended to move forward until last night. If someone updating the website didn't read all of his dozens of emails yet, he might not have gotten the memo not to launch that update.
Also, the update could have been queued days ago for auto-launch on the 15th.
just didn't like someone telling me if I work in a large company and if I know how things work..I didn't just move here from bubblefk....that's why I said what I said....


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Cooking Academy 2: World Cuisine
by Fugazo
Welcome to the World Culinary Workshop! Cooking Academy 2 will put you in the kitchens of restaurants from all corners of the globe. From Chinese BBQ Pork Buns, to Mexican Tamales, to Japanese Sushi, make your way through 60 different recipes from eight different countries! Learn interesting trivia about food while mastering all new skills and mini-games including food processors, mixers, raiding the fridge and much more!
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Dumonde Tech Original Bicycle Chain Lube is more concentrated than the Lite and excels in the most challenging conditions. We use it on our mountain bikes and for the road bike when the road and weather conditions promise to be poor. Not to worry if you normally use one or the other, the two Dumonde Tech Lube formulas are compatible and may be used interchangeably.
As you ride, Dumonde Tech forms a low-friction plastic plating which bonds to the chain and drivetrain components. This allows them to last longer and run quieter than what you'd get from any other lubricant. It comes in two concentrations. This Dumonde Tech Original is more viscous than the Lite, even though they have the same formulation. A coating of the thicker Original is more durable than the Lite, so it generally requires less frequent applications.
To get the best results from Dumonde Tech Lubes, first degrease your chain and dry it thoroughly prior to the first application. This effectively primes the surface for the "plating" effect that makes the lube so successful. For the first application, we recommend putting one drop on each link to really aid the plating effect, wiping the excess from the chain after it has had time to work itself into the pins. When your chain begins to get noisy, it's time to reapply. Use soap and water to clean the chain prior to re-application -- strong solvents and degreasers will remove the protective plastic plating from the chain, putting you back at square one.
This Dumonde Tech Original Bicycle Chain Lube comes in a 2oz bottle that should last for 20 or so applications.
- Reviews
What do you think about this product?
Have questions about this product?
Great all-weather lube
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I was turned on to Dumonde Tech products by one of the head mechanics at a shop I was wrenching at a few years back. My go to is the Dumonde Tech Lite lube, but the Original Lube has a slightly higher viscosity which keeps the chain lubed in less than ideal weather. If you are living somewhere where it never rains, the lite is the way to go. Otherwise, the original works great.
Chain lube
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
It seems thicker than most lube. I have not used it for long enough to really say yet. Only a couple of weeks. It seems to last longer than most lube and keeps the chain very quiet. But it did seem to attract more dirt than tri-flow.
Make sure you don't over apply. Follow direction for the best results.
Repeat, follow the directions.
The only reason your attracting dirt is lube on the exterior of the chain. Wipe wipe wipe with a rag. then listen for a bit of noise before you re-apply. You will be super surprised how long it lasts.
Favorite lube, thick but not too sticky
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
Great stuff, lasts forever, stays quiet, doesn't attract too much dirt(compared to others), and even smells good!
I keep getting other lubes as race schwag and keep on buying Dumonde.
Love it.


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WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- Temperatures in the 90s are nothing unusual in D.C., but the intense heat has been baking us for four straight days now.
The intense sunshine makes it even worse, because it can heat surfaces to much higher temperatures than the air, which means it might be too hot to sit in your favorite spot.
Even the Metro, usually a cool respite in the summer, isn't bringing much relief right now. Metro travelers said it only felt about 10 degrees cooler down there, and it was just as humid.
The heat is more intense in the city because of all of the pavement we have here. The heat from the sun stays in the pavement during the overnight hours, preventing us from cooling down, too.
We used an infrared heat-sensing gun to find out just how hot it can get on some common surfaces.
- The granite at Freedom Plaza, where people frequently sit to have lunch, was about 127 degrees. The metal hand railing was much cooler, at about 105 degrees.
- The black painted benches lining the National Mall were an astounding 167 degrees.
- The sidewalk at Dupont Circle was 141 degrees. The asphalt was about the same, at 143 degrees.
- Some playground equipment at Eaton Elementary School in Northwest D.C. was 154 degrees.
All these measurements were taken at midday in the sunshine. So keep in mind, during a sunny heat wave... objects might be much hotter than they appear.


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Use the form below to search the Health Library.
Principal Proposed Natural Treatments
Other Proposed Natural Treatments
1 Billigmann P. Enzyme therapy—an alternative in treatment of herpes zoster. A controlled study of 192 patients [translated from German]. Fortschr Med . 1995;113:43–48.
2 Kleine MW, Stauder GM, Beese EW. The intestinal absorption of orally administered hydrolytic enzymes and their effects in the treatment of acute herpes zoster as compared with those of oral acyclovir therapy. Phytomedicine. 1995;2:7–15.
4 Sklar SH, Blue WT, Alexander EJ, et al. Herpes zoster—the treatment and prevention of neuralgia with adenosine monophosphate. JAMA . 1985;253:1427–1430.
5 Ayres S Jr, Mihan R. Post-herpes zoster neuralgia: response to vitamin E therapy [letter]. Arch Dermatol . 1973;108:855–856.
6 Cochrane T. Post-herpes zoster neuralgia: response to vitamin E therapy [letter]. ArchDermatol. 1975;111:396.
7 Heyblon R. Vitamin B12 in herpes zoster. JAMA . 1951;146:1338.
8 Lewith GT, Field J, Machin D. Acupuncture compared with placebo in post-herpetic pain. Pain . 1983;17:361–368.
9 Watson CP, Evans RJ, Watt VR. Post-herpetic neuralgia and topical capsaicin. Pain .1988;33:333-340.
10 Watson CP, Tyler KL, Bickers DR, et al. A randomized vehicle-controlled trial of topical capsaicin in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia. Clin Ther . 1993;15:510-526.
11 Alper BS, Lewis PR. Treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a systematic review of the literature. J Fam Pract . 2002;51:121-128.
12 Backonja M, Wallace MS, Blonsky ER, et al. NGX-4010, a high-concentration capsaicin patch, for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia: a randomised, double-blind study. Lancet Neurol. 2008;7:1106-1112.
13 Irving G, Backonja M, et al. NGX-4010, a capsaicin 8% dermal patch, administered alone or in combination with systemic neuropathic pain medications, reduces pain in patients with postherpetic neuralgia. Clin J Pain . 2012;28(2):101-107.


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Ganges wedding dress from Manuel Mota Follow
Featured in 9 Stunning Manuel Mota Wedding Dresses.
spring 2013 wedding dress manuel mota bridal gowns Ganges.
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Images: Indiana National Guard Soldiers utilize simulation technology in support of Bold Quest 14.2 [Image 10 of 11]
Photo by Timothy Sproles
Sgt. Skylar Freeman of the Indiana National Guard's 1-151 Infantry Battalion leads his squad on a patrol utilizing the Dismounted Soldier Training System at Atterbury-Muscatatuck in Edinburgh, Ind., in support of Bold Quest 14.2 May 13. Bold Quest 14.2 is a multinational capability demonstration and assessment event involving over 700 military and civilian personnel from the U.S. and 12 partner nations taking place primarily at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Hundreds of other personnel will operate systems or provide distributed support from their home stations across twelve U.S. states.
This work, Indiana National Guard Soldiers utilize simulation technology in support of Bold Quest 14.2 [Image 1 of 11], by Timothy Sproles, identified by DVIDS, is free of known copyright restrictions under U.S. copyright law.
Date Taken:05.13.2014
Date Posted:05.14.2014 09:44
Photo ID:1339026
Size:11.99 MB
Location:EDINBURGH, IN, US


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May 31, 2016
A measure on the ballot Tuesday for Alabama voters
seeks to amend the state constitution to allow the transfer of $437.4 million from the Alabama Trust Fund to be used for Medicaid, prisons and other state services.
Some legislators and tea party groups have spoken out against it.
A new political action committee headed by Montgomery businessmen Guice Slawson and Guice Slawson, Jr., has run radio ads against it, but proponents have raised far more money for their campaign.
Supporters say passage of the amendment will not bankrupt the fund and that opponents are being misleading.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Best Gyms In Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City is the capitol of Oklahoma and is known for its top livestock market. Oklahoma City is the largest city in Oklahoma with a population of almost 600,000. The metropolitan area population is just over 1.2 million people and it is the eighth largest city in the nation by land area.
Oklahoma City has a humid subtropical climate and the average yearly temperature is around 60 degrees. Fitness in the midwest isn't as booming as fitness on the coasts, but Oklahoma City does have plenty of elite exercise facilities. Check out the best gyms in Oklahoma City below!
Best Gyms in Oklahoma City:
- Shape Fitness: With six premier locations, you have no excuse not to check out this amazing facility today. This facility offers state of the art fitness equipment, MMA (mixed-martial arts) training facility, open twenty-four hours a day, huge kids play area, and low monthly membership rates. Check out Shape Fitness today!
Read Full Post >


text: I have been using my current pair of boots for 5 years and I absolutely love how they handle rough terrain. During this years elk hunt they were very noisy and am wondering if anyone else has had this problem. If you have had noisy boots and were able to fix the problem I'd like to hear what worked. Thanks.


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This sponsored supplement was produced by Focus Reports.
Project Director: Andrey Muntyan
Project Coordinator: Isabella Romeo GomezProject Assistant: Alina Manac
Project Publisher: Julie Avena
Cover Photo: Andrey Muntyan
Barry O'Leary, head of the IDA, Ireland's inward investment agency, reels off a long list of investments into the country.
O'Leary notes that these announcements came in the first six months of the 2012 fiscal year alone.
According to a report by the Irish Times, 2012 was Ireland's best year for foreign direct investment in more than a decade. It seems that Ireland—the country that Prime Minister Enda Kenny promises will be the best small country to do business in by 2016—has become more attractive for foreign direct investment (FDI) in the wake of an economic crisis that has ravaged its domestic economy.
From what he has seen along his globetrotting route, Smith believes, "Ireland has never been more competitive around the world. The Irish have a clear vision of who they are: their brand, their identity, and their fit in the value chain. I am confident that any manager in the country will have roughly the same impression of what Ireland can offer their business; in other markets, you will find that opinions differ on the country's positioning in the chain. Some of the emerging markets, in particular, don't really know who they are yet—and if you are competing without a clear vision of your value, you will get beat by a country like Ireland any day of the week."
As Colin Kavanagh, Partner and Head of Life Sciences at local law firm Arthur Cox, puts it, if a company is a player of scale in this industry, then they have likely already invested in Ireland—"and if they haven't, they're thinking about it, or they have a good reason not to." Many of those that have already invested are now diversifying their operations away from what has classically been a pure manufacturing base to include more complex value-added activities like product and process development.
Yet as multinational investment in infrastructure reaches new heights and indigenous players ramp up overseas expansion, some industry actors face a more uncertain scenario. On the local market, innovator sales operations have been challenged by recession-driven austerity. A new price-cutting agreement has sent a clear message that the government will increasingly delink its approach between courting investment from the industry and supporting an unsustainable drugs bill. For generics marketers, long-expected regulations should open up new possibilities—but the full ramifications of prospective legislation are as yet unclear. According to Anne Nolan, head of the local innovator group Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), companies looking to reach the 4.5 million-patient Irish market must contend with a health system that has changed as much in the last four-five years as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) has changed in the last 40.


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BZPower Q&A Contest #1: Answer Questioned, Topic ClosedWelcome to BZPower's first ever Q&A contest! As usual, the members will be the one asking the questions, and the staff will be providing the answers. So, how can this be any different than the usual day-to-day, you ask? Well, to turn things into a contest, there's a little twist: we provide you with the answers first, and you get to come up with the best possible question to match one of them. Here are the answers from which you can choose:
- [*]"I'm not sure what that has to do with it, but in MOST cases, the answer is maybe."[*]"There is a precedent, but we don't talk about that - so, yes, as long as it's not too large."[*]"He was joking. The rules clearly state that it is allowed in most cases; this one is uncertain."[/list]We have made the answers intentionally ambiguous, so let your imagination run wild. Just please try to keep your entry questions BZPower related - this is BZPower Q&A, after all.Please pick only one answer to which to respond. Entries will therefore be separated into three "categories," and one winner will be announced from each.Entry Period:Entries will be accepted from April 1st until April 8th at 11:59 PM Eastern.Entry Form:Please fill out this form and post it in this topic to enter.Member Name:Answer/Entry Category:Entry Question:Example:Member Name: -Windrider-Answer/Entry Category: 2Entry Question: Are there maximum dimensions for Flash files in posts? (Really boring and not witty at all, but you get the idea.)Entry Requirements:Entry questions must be BZPower-related. That means no "nonsense" questions may be entered. The answers provided may be ambiguous, but that doesn't mean your questions should be utterly random. Be creative! Be witty!There is no minimum or maximum length but please be reasonable. Brevity may be the key to an entry question's success, so I would advise against making your entry, say, a paragraph long. On the other end of things, sentence fragments are always no fun.General Rules:You may submit up to one entry per day in any category.Unauthorized edits made to your entry are not allowed once you have submitted it. Please check your question over for any errors before making that post!Entries are to be posted in this topic, and in this topic only. That is, no entry topics are allowed. You may use your sig and/or your blog to advertise your entry, but I do not want this forum to become cluttered, since it will still serve its purpose as a Q&A forum for the duration of the contest.No mass-advertising your entry through PM or other means. PMs amongst you and your friends are fine, but nothing more. If you receive an unsolicited advertisement PM, please report it.No cheating! We will catch you if you modify your entry question after you have submitted it, and we will disqualify you.Voting:Voting will take place in polls. The number of rounds will depend on the amount of entries we receive. If there are, say two rounds, here is the predicted schedule schedule:Semifinal voting should begin on April 9th and end on April 11th.Final voting should begin on April 12th and end on April 14th.Prizes:What are the prizes, you ask? Well, that is...a good question.Hosts, Assistants, and Conduct:Your hosts are -Windrider- and Velox.Your assistant is 55555.This topic will be left open for contest discussion, and while discussion is indeed encouraged, we expect everyone to conduct him or herself professionally. That means no spamming, no flaming, no whining, etc. It could hurt your standing in the contest! In addition, please do not try to "play moderator." If you have issues with someone's behavior, someone's entry, or anything, please do not post about it. You can PM any of the four of us, and we can sort things out privately.If you have any questions, feel free to PM any of the three of us, or simply post it in this topic.Now go get questioning!
Edited by -Windrider-, Apr 08 2012 - 08:36 PM.


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WINTERSVILLE-Union Local's girls basketball team gave first-year coach Kelley Hanlon an early Christmas gift Thursday.
Cori Medley and Abby Collins combined for 33 points as the Jets stunned Indian Creek 47-34 in Buckeye 8 action. The loss snapped a five-game Creek winning streak.
"We have been looking forward to this game since the season started," Hanlon said. "We knew this was one was coming and it feels really good to have pulled it off."
As Creek coach Erin DeSantis pointed out: "Union Local did a great job. They came ready to play and we didn't."
The Jets (6-2) were down 10-9 after the opening quarter. Bre Berryman and Bethany Davis accounted for eight of the Redskins' total. Medley scored five for UL.
After Berryman scored from the paint to put Creek (5-2) up 16-14 late in the second, the Jets went on a 7-0 run to take the lead for good. Collins and Kaitlynn Clark-Patterson started the spurt and Kylie Russell finished it when she hit a 3. Hanlon's crew led 21-19 at the break.
Union Local, which double-teamed Berryman all evening (Medley, Collins and Clark-Patterson did most of the defensive work) extended its lead to 10 (32-22) at the 3:45 mark of the third quarter on a Collins bucket. A free throw by Alli Delaney sent the Jets into the final frame with a 37-26 advantage.
"I brought in a 6-7 boy the last few practices, so we could work on how to do it," Hanlon explained when talking about her defensive strategy. "We knew what we had to stop."
Berryman, who scored 11 in the first half, was held scoreless during a decisive third period.
Five fourth-quarter points from Medley allowed the Jets to outscore the Redskins 10-9.
"It was ugly," DeSantis pointed out. "We had no life, no enthusiasm, no nothing. I didn't have them mentally prepared. I'm at a loss for words.
"We tried to get them to understand the need to be patient offensively but we panicked (the Redskins were charted with 15 turnovers).
"They (Union Local) were patient; they waited on the screens and came off the screens hard. It seemed like we were stuck in second or third gear all night."
Medley took game-scoring honors with 22 points (she connected three times from behind the arc). She also grabbed eight rebounds as did Mikayla Patton and dished out a half dozen assists.
"She always produces like that especially in the clutch when we need her," Hanlon said of Medley. "She is just an all-around great player."
Collins contributed 11 for the Jets. Union Local had an outstanding night when it came to handling the basketball, committing just six turnovers.
Berryman recorded a double-double for the Redskins. Davis finished with nine. Creek tried 14 free throws but connected on just five.
"We have to regroup and find five people who understand if we are going to be successful, we have to do the little things correctly," DeSantis said "I know have kids out and kids hurt but it seemed like we just went through the motions tonight."


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Mirage Stripe Pouf
Overview & Details
- Cotton pouf cover.
- Bold stripes provide a fresh, seasonal update to our popular square poufs.
- Pouf inserts sold separately.
- Pouf is perfect as impromptu extra seating, as an ottoman, side table and more.
- 24 x 24 x 13"H.
- Designed to coordinate with our Mirage Solid and Mirage Border rugs (sold separately).
- Spot clean.
- Exclusively ours.
Form meets function in our go-anywhere square pouf. A multi-purpose home accent, it works overtime as ottoman, comfy extra seating, side table and playing surface in your kid's room. These colorful pouf covers provide a fresh update to this go-anywhere essential. Woven of cotton in fresh, two-toned stripes. Pouf insert sold separately. Available exclusively at The Company Store®.
Due to the size and weight of our larger items, special care and handling is required. Therefore, an additional shipping charge of $50 will be added to the pouf insert.


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Displaying articles 31 - 40
Once the gold standard of business communication on mobile devices, the BlackBerry could be approaching its expiration date. In the last two years, BlackBerry's market share among users in the United States has dropped from 44 percent to 12 percent, according to market research firm ComScore. With ... Full Article »
Flipboard is being particularly cautious about its Android roll out, choosing to go with just one device for its initial Android debut, the Samsung Galaxy S III. The reason behind this tactic was to create a consistent experience that would live up to the Flipboard brand. The popular iPad app has av ... Full Article »
Samsung has updated its Music Hub app for Android, and with it, the electronics company has introduced a new streaming music and scan-and-match service not unlike Apple's iTunes in the Cloud. The announcement for the service came down earlier this month, and Samsung has made the update to its Mus ... Full Article »
It's no shocker the Samsung Galaxy S III launch has been the talk of the town this week. Officially hitting stores May 29th, device pre-orders have taken off on Amazon and other retailers. The arrival of the Galaxy S III may have deterred other manufacturers from launching smartphones this week, b ... Full Article »
Just a few days ago, we learned that new HTC One X and EVO 4G LTE smartphones, for use on AT&T and Sprint respectively, were held up in U.S. customs for infringing Apple's patents. Back in December, Apple won an exclusion order from the International Trade Commision (ITC) because Android's mes ... Full Article »
Things might get rough for Samsung in its U.S. patent fight against Apple. In a ruling earlier this week, Apple won an appeal in its district court fight against Samsung to move for a preliminary injunction against the sale of Samsung's Galaxy Tab 10.1 and some of the Korean device maker's smar ... Full Article »
Flipboard appeared on its first Android device last week, with an exclusive launch on the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S III. But an .APK leak from a demo phone at Samsung's Galaxy event has gifted Flipboard to all Android users. An XDA-Developer forum user, thought to use the name Valcho, nabbed the . ... Full Article »
We've heard that Samsung is planning a cloud service for its Android devices that will rival Apple's iCloud, and now Samsung has announced that it is working on a "scan and match" feature for users' music collections. Fierce Mobile Content has the story, which details Samsung's announce ... Full Article »
After weeks of speculation, Samsung finally revealed the Galaxy S III at its London event yesterday. Measuring just 8.6mm thick and weighing in at only 133 grams, the Galaxy S III has a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED PenTile display and is powered by an Exynos 4 Quad processor. The Galaxy S III is the lat ... Full Article »
Any moment now we'll hear from Samsung's London event their plans for the latest Galaxy device, expected to be the S III. Speculation has been rampant, with high hopes for a 4.8-inch screen boasting a 720p Super AMOLED panel, likely a non-pentile Super AMOLED HD+ at that. A quad-core processor f ... Full Article »


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Zulugrass Sport Bracelet
Roll over image above to zoom in
Designed with the girl-on-the-go in mind, this sporty bracelet is awash with natural beauty. Add a splash of dynamic color to your wrist while playing soccer, tennis, or out dancing. Wear alone or pair with other bangle bracelets for a dynamic range of vibrant color options.
- Choose from Cranberry, Orange, Green, Blue, Pink, Black, Tan, or Purple.
- Dyed grass and glass beads
- Wear as a bracelet or as a hair tie
- 3" dia (7.6 cm) but stretches to fit most writsts
- Handmade in and fairly traded from Kenya
Designed by Philip and Katy Leakey in the bush country region of Kenya, Zulugrass jewelry provides work opportunities for their Maasai neighbors without adversely impacting the Maasai culture. Native long grasses are harvested one blade at a time, dried, cut to size, then dyed lovely hues. Using a tradition of superlative beadwork dating back generations, Maasai women string the the grass beads together with brilliant Czech crystals, creating attractive jewelry for you -- while bringing much-needed income and opportunity to themselves, their families, and their community.
Created to help women worldwide gain economic security for themselves and their families by earning fair wages for their handiwork, Global Girlfriend sources women-made, fair-trade imported, eco-friendly products. By supporting long-term partnerships with the artisans, it fosters equal employment opportunities, healthy and safe working conditions, technical assistance, and development strategies to help reduce poverty, one community at a time. Become a "Global Girlfriend" and help build a brighter future for girlfriends around the globe!
For bulk pricing on these and other items, please contact our Customer Service department at firstname.lastname@example.com.
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Recent reviews:
November 11, 2015 - These bracelets are awesome! Lightweight, fit well, look good. I've been wearing two of them for almost a year and I'm very active but they are holding their own. I'm ordering more!
February 27, 2015 - I love this bracelet. I have a 7 inch wrist so this is not too big for me! It holds up to whatever I am doing. I love them for me & for gifts!
February 27, 2015 - I love these bracelets - I bought them in several colors. They are beautiful and really light, so they are really comfortable to wear. I have received several compliments on them. I also love purchasing items that help people. I highly recommend to buy them fr yourself or as gifts for others. :)
February 8, 2015 - I bought 15 of these as gifts and love them. It's amazing to me that they are made from grass, what talent! I love to buy from here because the gifts have meaning and help support others. They are beautiful bracelets.
January 19, 2014 - Light weight and so comfortable to wear that you forget you have it on. I love the cranberry color and hope to order more soon. It makes me feel very special when I wear it knowing that it was made by hand by a woman of another culture.
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Northern California Hotels Make Holiday Travel More Affordable
It's true there's no place like home for the holidays...but sometimes you just want to get away from it all before the chaos ensues (or rather family togetherness--or in-laws--becomes just too much to bear). The current state on the economy has put a damper on many people's travel plans, but hotels are beginning to take note of this by significantly lowering their rates to an affordable level and creating packages that allow you more bang for your buck this holiday season. Check out these amazing opportunities before it's too late.


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At Vaillancourt Folk Art in Sutton, MA we've been hand-painting our chalkware collection since 1984. We are of the firm belief that art is art and the process to create such a highly detailed collectable is necessary to ensure every piece captures the essence of tradition. Our retail gallery and Christmas museum is open seven days a week throughout the year where you can watch our team of artists painting each Chalkware Santa during the week. For more information, please call us toll-free at 877-665-2244.
Combining Judi Vaillancourt's illustration of the Father Christmas with Julenissen along with a retro floral background pattern, this prototype is printed on a textured surface with a gloss finish.
The print is made from lightweight foam ready to display with hanging holes on the backside,
with sleek black edges (3/4" deep) creating a modern wall display with the focus all on Judi's illustration.


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See the top 20 most helpful scuba gear reviews
Average Customer Review: based on 24 reviews.Rating: Med Sole Dive Boots
My husband wears 10.5 and you guys only carry whole sizes. What size to you recommend? Thanks and best regards, Sheila
I am looking at scuba boots like the the Neosport medium sole type. What are the advantages/disadvantages to also ordering the socks?
What is the advantage or difference of getting a short dive boot versus a taller dive boot?? I was comparing the neosport by henderson 3mm zipper dive boot $39.95 versus the shorter one $29.95..........
I have very flat feet, but high arches hurt worse that flat shoes. Example = I can only wear Asics tennis with little arch. Are these boots comfortable for problem feet? Or, do you recommend another.
Product Description
A top choice among active divers, these tough zip-up boots provide maximum thermal protection and foot support. Whether navigating wet boat decks or sandy shores, the high-traction sole provides real stability, especially under the heavy load of scuba gear. The beefy #10 zipper is backed up by a special Water Entry Barrier that prevents water exchange and helps keep feet toasty warm.
Find a Dealer
Sizing / Materials
4 - 16
Durable traction sole, glued & sewn, WEB – "Water Entry Barrier", #10 heavy duty zipper


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Twelve years ago, Raixa, a country estate nestling in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, was acquired as a cultural heritage site by the Mallorca Council and National Parks Foundation. The Spanish Ministry for the Environment was to oversee the project and an ambitious refurbishment programme was announced.
With much fanfare Raixa recently re-opened and in great anticipation I drove to the old possesió, a stone's throw from the mountain town of Bunyola in the north-west of the island. Admittedly it was a bleak and rainy day and perhaps my expectations were running on overdrive but nothing could have prepared me for what I can only describe as the brutal disembowelling of a once historic and emblematic period property.
In Moorish times the 130 acre estate was known as Araixa and occupied a highly prized fertile strip of land, abundant with water. In… Read more