text:
(WUSA9) -- Mother Jones reports that two of three workers who appear in a new Ken Cuccinelli campaign ad didn't know their comments were going to be featured in it.
The commercial was released on Wednesday, and attacks Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe for investing in Global Crossing, a fiber optics company that filed for bankruptcy in 2002. Hundreds of workers were laid off, and many saw their 401K accounts and severance pay packages emptied. Cuccinelli's ad claims while workers suffered "political insider and investor Terry McAuliffe cashed in."
Two former workers told Mother Jones they were never told their comments would be used in a political attack ad in Virginia.
Mother Jones reports that Deb Goehring received a call "asking if she would appear in a documentary film about the human toll of the Global Crossing bankruptcy." Goehring spoke to a film crew and then signed a waiver allowing "the filmmakers to use her interview however they pleased,"according to Mother Jones.
See the full story here: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/09/ken-cuccinelli-virginia-attack-ad-duped-workers-mcauliffe
Even so, Goehring told Mother Jones the filmmakers never mentioned that her interview about being laid off might appear in a political ad. "If I had known that's what it was for, I never would've agreed to the interview," she told Mother Jones. "I know nothing whatsoever about Terry McAuliffe, and I don't have any feelings about him one way or the other."
Corey Darrow says she was also approached by a filmmaker and told that he wanted "to better publicize what happened at Global Crossing..." according to Mother Jones. Darrow agreed to speak to the filmmaker, who identified himself as James Abushar. Abushar later denied doing the ad, and didn't answer questions about his contact with people who appeared in the ad, according to Mother Jones.
Both Goehring and Darrow told Mother Jones that Cuccinelli's name never came up during their conversations with filmmakers but that they were asked repeatedly about McAuliffe. Darrow told Mother Jones she was okay with her story being out there "But I wish I would've known where it was going to be shown and when."
Mother Jones says it was unable to get comments from Gary Baron, the third former ex-employee, Cuccinelli adviser Chris LaCivita and a spokeswoman for Cuccinelli's campaign.


text:
This is fantastic!
i laughed. then laughed again. this one's the shiiiit!
if you made this a print and tee for sale here I would buy a tee for sure.
These are all great -- graphically, as a remediation of super-power culture -- and psychologically acute
this would make an awesome tee
Wow, I missed this one... :)
badass work!
Hilarious work!!!
Funny! Like it!
See More Comments

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Yep....this year I'm hunting ML too. The only thing I try to do is build enough points to hunt one of our local units (within 100 miles or so) that require a few points to draw. Not the 2nd or 3rd seasons which have OTC bull tags....too many hunters is right! I usually put in for points a my first choice and a ML cow tag as second or third.
Been here 12 years now since I retired and love it. I would have been here ( or Wyoming) sooner, but had to make a living which unfortunately in my field of work, would have been almost impossible.


text:
Wood's triple-double lifts Riverside girls past Elk Valley
Brittany Wood registered a triple-double with 21 points, 18 rebounds and 13 blocked shots to lead Riverside to a 70-44 win at Elk Valley Christian in girls basketball Friday.
Cassidy Farey added eight points and seven rebounds for the Warriors (2-2). Elk Valley's Chelsea Burdette finished with 21 points while McKenzie Young added 11.
Asis Petitte added 14 points for St. Joseph (2-0). For Wheeling Central (1-1), Colleen McCormick had 22 points and 18 rebounds.
Keely Fresh scored a game-best 26 points for Rockbridge County (2-3), followed by Chelsea Padgett with 13 and Lauren Rowsey with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
For the Redskins (0-1), Abby Watson led the team with 20 points to go with 11 rebounds and Tanesha Sturdivant had seven points and 13 rebounds.
Mara Rhoades scored 16 points, and Haeley Moore added 11 for the Generals (2-0). Kelli Poling had 12 to lead Ripley (0-2).
Tiffany Bailey led the Bison (4-1) with 23 points, Parkins added 20 and Paige Roush had 14.
Kenzie Hicks scored 11 to lead Calhoun County.
Kayla Kinney had a team-high eight points for Wirt County.
Samantha Fletcher netted 14 points for the Fighting Irish (1-1), while Anna Whalen posted 10.
Kennedy Cochran had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Patriots (0-1) and Emily Carte chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds. Hannah Legg scored 10 points for Midland Trail.
Tyra Mynes led the scoring with 18 points, Avery Pivont added 12 points and 10 rebounds, Brandy Morrison contributed 11 points and 14 rebounds and Hayley Shrewsbury had 10 points as Summers improved to 2-0.
Emily McKinney had 11 to lead James Monroe (0-2).
Rachel Brown and Bridget Carson scored 11 each, and Kate Waddell added 10 for New Life (2-0). Haileah Light had 11 points, and Paige Huffman added eight points and 11 rebounds for South Charleston (0-1).
Spencer McCoy scored 10 points to pace Pocahontas County.
Cody Brown added 13 points for the Skyhawks (2-0). Brandon Clark scored a team-high 16 points for the Rebels (0-1), and Morgan Stacey had 11.
Eric Peyatt scored 16 points and Jared Tharp 14 for the Grizzlies. John Bard led the Lumberjacks with 17, Zach Bennett added 14 and Levi Mowery and Ryan Bennett had 11 each.
It was the season opener for both teams.
Trey Suttle scored 24 points, Daniel Beverly pitched in with 14 and Jordan Elkins had 10 for Elk Valley (1-1).
Kade McCoy scored 10 to lead Hannan.
Kris Adkins tallied 11 points for Grace Christian (0-3) and Nathan Welch pitched in with 10.
Jace Heller scored 17 points for Calvary (5-0), and Mitchell Harmon chipped in 11. Nathan Waters and Ben Stafford had 10 points apiece for Regional (0-2).
Thursday's game


text:
|More changes in store for council, lifeguard wages
|Written by Kyle Arnoldy
Two weeks after agreeing to raises for city council members and setting a new incentive-based pay schedule for Holyoke lifeguards, wages once again returned to the forefront at the Tuesday, Jan. 21 council meeting.
Council member raises were initially agreed upon by council members at the Jan. 7 meeting, passing with a close 4-3 vote. Soon after, it became clear that an ordinance would have to be in place for the proposed wage increases.
When council members met Jan. 21, the proposed wage increase was defeated 4-3 with Steve Moore, David Churchwell, Brian Akey and J.C. Peckham voting against the ordinance. Mayor Orville Tonsing, Kevin Scott and Scott Murray voted in favor of the ordinance. Moore had voted in favor of the wage increase during the Jan. 7 meeting before helping defeat the proposal Tuesday.
Holyoke Swimming Pool lifeguard pay was also reworked at the Jan. 7 meeting to create different pay grades based on the level of certification attained. During Tuesday night's meeting, it was determined that the earlier draft for the wages would not work.
To read the full article, consider our e-Subscription. Call us at 970-854-2811 for details!


text:
We're feeling a little bit country today with the kickoff of the always-anticipated CMA Music Fest in Nashville. This year's amazing lineup includes Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, and so much more!
As one of the music festival's proud sponsors, Durango is definitely a go-to boot for any true country music fan! Check out our buyer's summer boot picks for the ladies:
1. Durango RD5516 in Dark Brown
2. Durango Crush 12" Embroidered Toe in Black
3. Durango Crush Slouch Boots in Distressed Sunset Brown
4. Durango Crush 12" Embroidered Toe in Chocolate
5. Durango Crush Heart in Light Taupe
6. Durango RD5512 in Saddle Tan
above: CMA Fest 2012 images courtesy of Durango.


text:
See All Contributors »
My buddies and I always debate about this. ESPN's Rachel Nichols: is she hot or not? Fellow Fanatics what say you?
I hear she is a big slut and sleeps around with quite a few professional athletes to get info out of them.
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
She looks hot in that photo, but on TV she absolutely revolts me. I hate her for some reason. Maybe it's the way she talks.
In real life: hot
In terms of women on television: not hot
Originally Posted by Clones21
I hear she is a big slut and sleeps around with quite a few professional athletes to get info out of them.
Originally Posted by PabloDiablo
I believe Brent Blum said something about this.
"If I've told you once, I've told you a million times - don't exaggerate!"
She's not unattractive, but in my opinion, not really "hot"
If it's this Rachel Nichols I can't believe there's any doubt:
Attachment 14958
I wouldn't look away if she was naked if that answers your question.
Of course though, I've never heard of her and in this picture you can't see her breasts
Originally Posted by MJ271
Of course though, I've never heard of her and in this picture you can't see her breasts
Her boobage is quite acceptable.
yes please
I would hit it.
Rachel Nichols needs some sleep - YouTube
This video is better to judge.
Forum Rules
All content owned by CycloneFanatic.com - All rights reserved 2005-09. By viewing this website you agree to the Terms of Service, Site Rules and Legal Disclaimer. The words, views, images and opinions expressed or provided by users do not reflect the opinions or views of CycloneFanatic.com or Iowa State University. The names, words, symbols, and graphics representing Iowa State University are trademarks and copyrights of the University protected by the trademark and copyright laws of the United States of America and other countries and are used on this web site under license from the University. Original site design, premise & construction by Jeremy Lind.


text:
The Blasius Boundary Layer
Application ID: 13911
The incompressible boundary layer on a flat plate in the absence of a pressure gradient is usually referred to as the Blasius boundary layer. The steady, laminar boundary layer developing downstream of the leading edge eventually becomes unstable to Tollmien-Schlichting waves and finally transitions to a fully turbulent boundary layer.
Due to its fundamental importance, this type of flow has become the subject of numerous studies on boundary-layer flow, stability, transition, and turbulence.
This model considers the first section of the plate where the boundary layer remains steady and laminar, and compares results from incompressible, two-dimensional, single-phase-flow simulations obtained in COMSOL Multiphysics to the Blasius similarity solution. The solutions converge ideally with respect to both mesh refinement and discretization order.


text:
What: Accelerate with ATS: XIV Storage System Update
Join this webinar for an update on the latest enhancements to the IBM XIV Storage System.
You will get an opportunity to ask questions of our panel of experts following the presentation.
Feb. 28th 12:00 Eastern
DURATION: 1.5 hours
Who: Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/496614976
We recommend that you register at least two days in advance.
ATS Accelerate Education Webinars
with Tags: update X
Accelerate with ATS: XIV Storage System Update
Keith Thuerk 110000F2GW email@example.com Tags:  xiv gen ver ssd scaling tiering update 3 1,156 Visits


text:
Atelier Tekuto's Earth Brick House is the Epitome of Efficient, Local Design
Atelier Tekuto's goal for the project was to utilize an environmentally friendly building material that was not limited or hindered by the economy. They focused their attention on soil and researched methods and techniques that improved its strength. By adding
Read more >


text:
Princess Yachts V52By Capt. Patrick Sciacca
At-Sea Royalty
This across-the-pond import is the very definition of performance and elegance.
I sit on the starboard-side black leather helm seat, one of two on this sleek 52-foot express cruiser from British-builder Princess, and gaze at Lake Worth's buoy-dotted route in front of me. The view reminds me of a giant slalom course where skiers take their performance to the ragged edge at seriously fast speeds, cutting, dodging, and turning in impressive fashion. Listening to the rumble of the standard 715-hp Caterpillar C12 ACERTs in the Princess V52's belly, I engage the single-lever Cat throttles in the palm of my right hand as my test boat moderately lifts her bow and then sprints through the course. I only need to give the leather-clad wheel minimal input and her standard Hypro power steering does the rest as she effortlessly carves the water. I sense that if this V52 could smile, she'd be grinning ear-to-ear right now, just like I am.
I note an average top speed of 38 mph and a comfortable cruise of 31.3 (see PMY's Numbers for the full data), which comes in a leisurely 21.5 seconds from a 650-rpm idle. Her ride across this protected fairway is super smooth, which I attribute to her Bernard Olesinski-designed deep-V hull form. It features 21 degrees of transom deadrise, which is about two degrees deeper than Princess' flying-bridge boats. Her hull bottom is solid fiberglass and resin-infused to maximize the glass-to-resin ratio and provide plenty of strength without adding excessive weight. PVC coring is used in the topsides to further stiffen the vessel while reducing weight aloft.
Despite the fact that there's a solid 15-knot northeast breeze blowing outside Lake Worth Inlet, Princess' marketing rep James Nobel and I want to see how this vessel runs in a seaway. I'm taking notes as Nobel, now at the wheel, throws the controls forward to WOT, and sans trim tabs, the 52 barrels headlong into the steepening swells, dispatching them as a horse would shoo flies with its tail.
Nobel is putting the 52 through some hardover two-and-a-half to three boat-length turns at cruise speed, during which the boat displays only moderate heel, which briefly reduces visibility to the inside. However, whether she's running upsea, in the troughs, or head-on, she executes everything with aplomb. And surprisingly, no water reaches the Delta anchor, the 27-inch-high side rails, the foredeck sunpad, or the wickedly raked windshield.
As taken in by the 52's performance as I am, I can't overlook her well-appointed open layout. Nobel tells me that many Princess V Series owners and fans like the idea of the openness of an express cruiser yet also want to have the feeling of a secure indoor space, especially in adverse weather. To that end, Princess fits the 52 with a house-wide sliding-glass door between the cockpit and saloon.
The standard teak-covered cockpit sports a port-side U-shape alfresco dining area with a table that can be dropped and covered to double as a sunpad station; the cushion for it is under the seat. Another interesting piece of gear back here is the optional Splendide washer-dryer combo, which is also under the seating area. (If an owner doesn't want the washer-dryer, this compartment becomes dedicated stowage.) For those who want to carry a tender, the V52 features a standard hydraulically lowered, teak-covered swim platform that can easily accommodate a 9'3" Williams jet RIB. Princess has traditionally offered tender garages on its vessels, but the feeling for the 52 was that the platform was a more convenient, space-efficient solution.
Walking up a few steps and through the sliding door into the saloon is like being transported from the beach to an upscale Manhattan apartment. The warm dark-wenge sole is in striking contrast to the satin-finish light oak joinery that provides a contemporary accent. The dining and seating area is to port, directly across from the optional retractable 32-inch Samsung LED TV.
Checking the overhead I find halogen lighting (I'd prefer to see cooler, less power-hungry LEDs), which is superfluous during the day as the main deck features virtually 360-degree glass. A flood of natural light bathes both the saloon and the galley down, which also benefits from those large raked front windows. The galley, also to port, is equipped with a Sharp convection oven and Euro Kera electric cooktop, quite suitable for making meals at sea. There's also a third dining area across from this space. The lower-deck dining setup could be configured as an over-under bunk-equipped stateroom with the addition of a bulkhead, but I think my test boat's two-stateroom plan with a full-beam master aft and forepeak VIP with scissor berth is ideal. The addition of the bulkhead would compartmentalize what is a great, open entertainment area. Besides, the dining table here is already equipped to convert to a berth for two.
The aft master, which is three steps down from the galley, is the crowning achievement of the below-deck space. Like the saloon, it's filled with natural light thanks to six oval portholes (three per side) that measure 29 inches high by nine inches across. In addition, the berth is big—five feet wide and 6'4" long. The oak interior and beige carpet add to the feeling of openness here, and the port-side seating area looks like a particularly inviting place to read a seafaring novel while anchored in some protected cove.
All too soon I exit this at-sea sanctuary to face the reality of a flight back to New York where winter's grip has already started and the buoy-dotted waterways will lie dormant until spring. I sit at the helm one last time and try hard to burn the memory of my earlier run with this long-legged cruiser into my brain's archives. The V52 will soon be in my past, but for any of you who enjoy performance cruising in a highly finished, well-executed express yacht, she may be in your future. PMY
Princess (877) 846-9874.
This article originally appeared in the January 2011 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


text:
Francis Marion University is one of South Carolina's 13 public, coeducational universities. As one of the state's six comprehensive institutions, FMU prides itself on providing a strong liberal arts education.
The University offers a broad range of undergraduate degrees and a select number of graduate programs in serving the needs of communities, businesses and industries of the Pee Dee region. Francis Marion is the only state university located in the Pee Dee region, and many of its students are the first in their families to go to college.
FMU offers an excellent learning environment, small enough to afford students personalized attention from faculty and staff, and large enough to let students expand their horizons. All faculty members have advanced degrees, and 81 percent of the full-time faculty hold doctoral or terminal degrees.
While 95 percent of its students come from South Carolina, the University enrolls students from 36 states and 16 foreign countries, allowing students to experience the diversity of people from other cultures. The student-faculty ratio is 15 to 1, and the average class size is 21. The average age of undergraduates is 21, while the average age of graduate students is 36.
Located about seven miles east of Florence, the 400-acre campus is known for its beautiful foliage and landscaping. The campus includes 100 acres of mixed pine-hardwood and bottomland forests accessed by a series of trails. Several acres have been set aside as an arboretum that is being developed into a resource with many of the native species of the area.
The University's modern classroom buildings, laboratories, and residence facilities provide a safe, comfortable learning environment for students. The campus also features a number of recreational facilities that are available for use by students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and for use in intramural and intercollegiate athletic competition.
Most buildings have been constructed or renovated since 1970. Facilities are equipped with ramps, and those of more than one story are equipped with elevators. Though each building has its own unique design, all are planned for architectural harmony.
One of the busiest places on campus is James A. Rogers Library, the state's sixth largest academic library and the largest library in northeastern South Carolina. It serves as a valuable resource for individual citizens, businesses, and industries in the entire region.
The Pee Dee Education Center is located on the south end of the FMU campus. The Center is a regional educational consortium serving 19 area school districts, 72,000 students and 5,000 teachers. FMU works closely with the Pee Dee Education Center to provide resources and services to school districts in the Pee Dee, such as the Pee Dee Mathematics and Science Regional Center which is housed in the facility. Additionally, the Center provides early childhood services to schools and services to low incidence disabled students through Project SHARE. The building also provides space for the FMU School of Education's Center of Excellence. For more information, contact the Pee Dee Education Center at 843-669-3391.
The University offers to the community programs and services in continuing education, technical and professional assistance, industrial and economic development, and artistic and cultural enrichment. Many cultural activities (concerts, lectures, plays, art exhibits, planetarium and observatory shows, and film series) are offered free to the public.
The University has an outstanding NCAA athletic program with six sports each for men and women. The University's school colors are red, white, and blue, and the mascot is a patriot.


text:
Congresswoman McCarthy won't run again
(Page 2 of 2)
McCarthy's serves on the Financial Services Committee, and is currently a member of the Insurance and Housing Subcommittee, as well as the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit. She previously served as the Ranking Member of the International Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittee.
"Carolyn McCarthy is not only a colleague, but also a dear friend and fellow Long Islander," said Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington)."She is a shining example of how one can translate tragedy into meaningful public service. Carolyn leaves a legacy of standing up for Long Island families, advocating for the safety of our children and fighting for critical gun safety legislation. She will be deeply missed."
"I congratulate Carolyn McCarthy for a rewarding career in Congress," said Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray."[and} offer prayers for a full and speedy recovery in her battle against cancer ... and wish her happiness as she embarks upon a new chapter in her life."
"I am very proud of the many accomplishments my colleagues and I have achieved, and am grateful to my family, my staff and all the countless volunteers and supporters with whom I have worked during my time in office," McCarthy said. "The most important goal for any elected official is to help make residents' lives better than they were, and as I enter my last year in office, I hope that together we continue to achieve that goal."
Andrew Hackmack contributed to this story.
KeywordsMcCarthy, Congress, Congresswoman, Carolyn McCarthy, Politics, Washington D.C.
6 comments on this story | Please log in to comment by clicking here
God Bless you and keep you in His Care! Thanks for trying to make this a better place to live. Some people just don't have a way with words. I'll say a prayer for your speedy recovery.
While I am sympathetic to Ms. McCarthy's illness and wish her the best, I've long felt that her constituents have been without Congressional representation...and when I called her office to explore the fact that she hadn't voted on anything in ages, the intern functionary explained: Well, she's been excused! Not by me...sorry...it's long overdue...and I wish her well...but I need representation.
I just did.
Maybe now Long Island will have a voice we so desperately need instead of just another Washington rubber stamp
I thank Carolyn McCarthy for her years of service. We need more courageous people willing to stand up to the gun lobby. All the other political hacks can think of is their own political parties. She had one issue, and she fought for it - and all of us who believe the same way. Thanks, Ms. McCarthy.
Thursday, January 9, 2014 | Report this
Carolyn McCarthy is a nothing. A one trick pony that exploited the tragedy in her life for political purposes. What specifically has she done for anyone in 18 years? Zero, nothing.
This extremist liberal hack did attempt one thing: she wanted to take away our 2nd Amendment rights. Yes, our RIGHTS, which she tried to trample on instead of what we really need: criminal control.
And like most extremist liberals, she is too stupid to actually even have basic knowledge of a subject. Don't believe me? See for yourself. Watch this YouTube video where she thinks a "barrel shroud" is the "shoulder thing that goes up." http://youtu.be/UmZZVTEz4RQ
This dumb wench does not even know what she is trying to ban!
And further proof that this lying hag is out for herself is the lawsuit she just filed. She wants $70 million for the cancer she had due to asbestos from 40 years ago! Of course, the lawsuit conveniently ignores the 4 packs of cigarettes this lush has been toking on for decades.
But Carolyn McCarthy is not the most stupid person. That honor goes to all of YOU, who continued to vote for this absolute nothing for all these years. How about shutting off the reality shows for a while and actually investigate who you put in office next time.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014 | Report this


text:
Hello Kitty Sterling Silver Ring: Flower Size 3
Item # 49084-201206
Nothing could be cuter than this little ring with Hello Kitty wearing her pink flower. Size... more details
Nothing could be cuter than this little ring with Hello Kitty wearing her pink flower. Size 3.
- Ring diameter: 0.6"
- face measures: 0.25"H x 0.25"W
- Sterling Silver
Please review our terms of use for posting.
Displaying 1-2 of 2
Perfect for 3-5 year-old !!! *LOVE*
I ordered this for my very tiny 3 year-old granddaughter. With a little tape wrapping, it fits her index finger, therefore I am guessing you'll find it to fit anywhere from a 3-5 year-old, & maybe even a tiny 6 year-old. A DARLING ring, especially if it is her very first 'real' ring.
Are you kidding me?
I got this ring as an anniversary gift for my girlfriend not realizing that it was meant for the finger of a 2-year-old (because for some reason 2-year-olds need to be wearing rings?!) First of all, for what looks a nice and cute ring for a decent price, it is actually an outlandish price considering that its apparently meant for anyone under 9 and the person I bought it for can't even wear it (she's VERY skinny btw, so the fact that she can't even get it on her pinky is just sad.) Second, the size specification is not very good since most people don't know off the top of their heads how big ".6" inches is, I am much more used to specific ring sizes rather then the diameter, as is my girlfriend. If you are planning on buying this ring, don't, unless its for a tiny little girl under the age of 9.


text:
my email server only use qmail for just pop service without imap and address book use ldap. how to migrate this account, address book and inbox to zimbra the easiest way.
and about dawn can it be use to directly read into mail server address book .because i don't really know what each user address book have. i only want to migrate from qmail to zimbra.
thx in advance


text:
Live Twitter Q&A with Mark Kenber, CEO, The Climate Group
- Starts
- 2:30PM, 24 April 2014
- Ends
- 3:30PM, 24 April 2014
- Location
- Twitter @ClimateGroup #CleanRevolution
On the eve of The Climate Group's 10th anniversary event in London on April 28, our CEO Mark Kenber will take part in a live Twitter Q&A on @ClimateGroup and @MarkKenber, looking back at some of the organization's successes, as well as our future priorities - and what the world needs to build a low carbon future.
Speaking about The Climate Group's progress over the last 10 years, Mark Kenber comments: "The world has indeed changed a great deal in 10 years. China is the biggest emitter and will soon be the biggest economy. Global economic growth is largely being driven by emerging economies. The world's geo-political centre has shifted - the grand power bargains to deliver agreement at international level don't work anymore, the world is a much more complex place. Transnational climate change governance – which we have been at the heart of – is now as important as government regulation.
"The next 12-24 months are critical. New reports from the IPCC and major events around the world in 2014 are pushing climate back up the political and media agenda. World leaders are now starting to focus very seriously on global climate talks in 2015. This is a pivotal moment for us and the entire climate and clean economy agenda.
"One of the things we will be doing is giving our partners a powerful, unified voice that can be heard in that process. Our message is a clear and simple one: the choice we face is between an uncertain future of risk, volatility and insecurity - or a thriving one of opportunity, prosperity, and security. The evidence of the success of the clean economy is there. I believe our vision of a vibrant low carbon future of prosperity and growth is one which resonates. We will now continue to work to convince key decision makers of the necessity and feasibility of an urgent shift to a low carbon economy, by setting out the compelling case for this transition, the pathway towards it, and the evidence that this opportunity presents."
You can ask Mark Kenber your questions from 2.30pm GMT on April 24, using hashtag #CleanRevolution. You can also ask questions early on Twitter, or post lengthier questions or discussion in our new Google+ Community. Just don't forget the #CleanRevolution hashtag or we may miss them.
On April 28, The Climate Group will mark its 10th anniversary with an event in London with a difference: we invite you to take part by watching the event live online from 2:30pm GMT, sharing your thoughts, and by adding your voice to our mass-automated tweet to leaders which calls for an urgent #CleanRevolution.
This year The Climate Group is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a series of activities that highlight our past achievements, as well as drive forward our work to secure a thriving low carbon future for all.
The fast-growing clean energy and technology market has the potential to not only future-proof, but kick-start our stagnant economy. Today's leaders and innovators must unlock a Clean Revolution that builds resilience, creates value and grows prosperity. And The Climate Group provides that opportunity.
Over the last decade, The Climate Group has led large-scale change through our events, partnerships, campaigns and transformative projects. You can see our top 10 achievements here.
Throughout 2014 we will be launching activities around the world to celebrate our 10 years of climate leadership and innovation, and call for urgent action to keep the momentum going to 2015.
And you can be part of our leadership and innovation legacy. If you are a business, sub-national government or organization that wants to help build a low carbon economy of opportunity and prosperity, join us.


text:
Looking at this pack in cabelas and looks to be a good one. says its only 4700 cubic inches and i seen a lot of people posting that 5000 should be a minimum....anyone use this pack or one close to it?
Looking at this pack in cabelas and looks to be a good one. says its only 4700 cubic inches and i seen a lot of people posting that 5000 should be a minimum....anyone use this pack or one close to it?
Minimum for what exactly? It really depends on your style of hunting. I consider myself minimalist. I can do 5 days comfortably out of 3500.
I have not heard of that pack.
I have one of the packs and it is amazingly comfortable. Tons of room. I put a bag of sand in it that weighs 50 pounds and use it for training.
I haven't packed in anywhere with it but I walk three or four miles with no issues.
I have this pack & frame. It's OK. Depending on the situation and how much gear I need sometimes I wish the bag was bigger. I used the frame to pack out a bull elk last year and it worked well. If you can get it on sale like I did it's tough to beat for the money, but I suspect if you're willing to spend more there are better quality pack & frame combos out there.
Something also to think about-Cabelas customer service was great when my buddy had a problem with his pack (we both got them at the same time). We left our packs stashed out in the mountains and some kind of little critter got into his and chewed up part of the pack. he called Cabelas to find out the replacement cost; didn't hear much for awhile and was ready to write it off as a loss and then a whole new pack bag showed up in the mail...tough to beat that for customer service.
That is solid customer service. Even badlands makes you send in the front teeth of the critter that chews up your pack! I've been considering buying just the frame, since it can usually be had at a fairly decent price. A friend took the pack to Colorado on our hunt this fall. While it does haul massive loads, he said it was slightly uncomfortable
I have just the frame and have hauled loads of over 100 pounds with it relatively comfortable considering, I think its great as a meat hauler and always keep mine in the truck for a second or third trip. It is way to squeeky to hunt with though.
I would imagine I have a dozen posts on this pack frame and I'll gladly pitch this product again. I don't think think there is a better value on the market. One small complaint is as mentioned the squeak, but I wouldn't give it that bad. And after about 20 heavy loads, mine just about disappeared. For heavy loads, 50 plus pounds, it's flat impressive and VERY comfortable. Last year, I had to use my buddies high end pack for a boned out deer, I was excited to have the chance to compare the 2. It did not even come close. The advantage of have the heavy load up tight against your back has immense value. Then there are 2 values of this pack that no one ever mentions:
1) when you have that heavy load and you need some sort of break, you can reach underneath your frame and lift up on the bottom of the bars with your hands. This transfer 20 plus pounds to give your back a break. This year I packed out my deer 2 1/2 miles and only had to take 1 break to rest with this combo.
2) by far the biggest value of this pack on a daily basis is being able to sling your rifle over the top bar of this pack to carry the load of the rifle distributed over the frame vs. over one shoulder. This small thing is wonderful over a few days span. I'll try and find a pic to reference what I am talking about.
Love this pack and can confidently say the best pack on the market. And to address the 5,000 cu in... It's way too much. I dont use that bag I had it modified to about 3-3500. You cant have more than this if you are going into the back country on a hunt. Now days with better gear, more light weight, you just don't need a bag that big.
Montana brings up a good point about being able to hang your rifle on the bar of pack, forgot about that. Seems like a small thing but, does make a difference. I used mine this year while hunting over night with my badlands 2200 strapped to it, while hunting through out the day away from camp I would just carry the badlands with me, worked pretty well. I wish mine would stop squeaking as yours Montana , mine has a lot of miles on it and squeaks even with heavy breathing just standing still. Still a great pack for the money.
I have had the same freighter pack with a large single compartment bag for over 20 years. It has 2 large pockets on the sides. It has the draw string top with the pull over top cover. I bought one of the expandable packs with all the pockets and it lasted for one scouting trip and it is in the back of the closet with memories of my sore back and shoulders. I can pack enough food for 10 days with my freighter pack in combination with my hunting day pack and the whole assembly was only 42lbs. Note that this included a full liter of water and my camera gear that probably weighs about 2 lbs or more. As Homegrown noted, I strap my daypack to the top bar and I have access to my water bottles, my camera, and other quicky items with very little effort. I have strapped my gun to the side of it before, but I usually just carry it. I agree with the earlier observation about holding up on the bottom of the frame for awhile to change up the load. I carried over 80 lbs boned elk this year for over 4 miles and only the legs hurt. I have hunted into an area with this "squeaky" frame pack loaded, but I found that if you are truly hunting slow, the squeaks pretty much go away. I will post a picture of my pack loaded up next time and share. I think we buy these fancy packs because of all the gizmos and pockets, but don't discount these super light freighter frames and the daypack combo.


text:
May 31, 2016
Emelle, Ala. Investigators confirm that charges will be filed in a weekend murder in west Alabama.
The shooting happened Saturday at a house on Highway 17 in Emelle.
Sumter County Sheriff Tyrone Clarke says it resulted from an argument among relatives over a set of car keys.
One man was killed, and the alleged gunman is still hospitalized at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
Sheriff Clarke says his condition has been upgraded to stable.
Investigators expect to question the suspect within the next two days.
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 email@example.com.


text:
Plus Blog
December 3, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Vaccination is an emotive business. The furore around the MMR vaccine and autism has shown that vaccination health scares can cause considerable damage: stop vaccinating, and epidemics are sure to follow. But how do scientists decide whether a vaccine and a vaccination strategy are effective and safe? We talk to Paddy Farrington, Professor of Statistics at the Open University. You can also read the accompanying article.
Labels: epidemiology, Health and medicine, podcast
posted by Plus @ 12:43 PM
0 Comments:
December 3, 2009
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Infectious diseases hardly ever disappear from the headlines. If it's not the disease itself that hits the news, then it's the vaccines with their potential side effects. It can be hard to tell the difference between scare mongering and responsible reporting, because media coverage rarely provides a look behind the scenes. How do scientists reach the conclusions they do? How do they predict how a particular disease will spread, and whether it is likely to mutate into a more dangerous strand? And how do they assess the impact of an intervention like vaccination, and make sure that a vaccine is safe?
Two answer these questions, we have put together a package of five articles, a podcast, and a classroom activity.
Labels: epidemiology, Health and medicine, Latest news
posted by Plus @ 12:50 PM
0 Comments:
November 25, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
An amateur fractal programmer has discovered a new 3D version of the Mandelbrot set. Daniel White's new creation is based on similar mathematics as the original 2D Mandelbrot set, but its infinite intricacy extends into all three dimensions, revealing fractal worlds of amazing complexity and beauty at every level of magnification.
Labels: Latest news
posted by Plus @ 9:45 AM
6 Comments:
November 19, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
LHC set for restart
After over a year of repair works the Large Hadron Collider at CERN may be restarted within the next few days. Scientists will gently prod the giant particle collider back into action, starting by circulating beams of protons at low energies and generating low energy collisions, before slowly firing it up to its full power. It is hoped that eventually the high energy collisions will generate conditions similar to those right after the Big Bang and shed light on some of the biggest mysteries of the Universe.
To remind yourself of what the LHC is all about, read the Plus articles:
Or, for a quick fix, here's the LHC rap:
posted by Plus @ 10:28 AM
0 Comments:
News from the world of maths: Happy 150th birthday to the Riemann Hypothesis - the most famous unsolved problem in mathematics
November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Happy 150th birthday to the Riemann Hypothesis - the most famous unsolved problem in mathematics
It has been 150 years since the mathematician Bernhard Riemann published the conjecture which is now one of the most important unsolved problems in mathematics. The Riemann hypothesis encapsulates humankind's attempt to understand the mysteries of the primes: why there is no apparent pattern in the way the primes are distributed on the number line. The hypothesis is one of the Clay Mathematics Institute's Millennium Prize Problems — anyone who proves (or disproves) it will receive one million dollars.
If you'd like to have a go at solving the Riemann hypothesis yourself, then learn more about it in the Plus articles A whirlpool of numbers, The prime number lottery, and The music of the primes. To find out more about the Clay Institute Millennium Prize Problems, read How maths can make you rich and famous, Part I and Part II.
posted by Plus @ 11:38 AM
1 Comments:
November 12, 2009
Thursday, November 12, 2009
What are the chances of winning the lottery? How much of a football team's league position is due to luck and how much is due to skill? What are the chances of a false positive test result in security or medical screening? Which newspaper headlines are telling the truth? Can you spot a scam before you fall for it?
Probability and statistics help to provide answers to questions like these, but they are often misunderstood. The Millennium Mathematics Project (the home of Plus) and Winton Programme for the Public Understanding of Risk are addressing this with a new schools outreach project entitled What are the Odds? The Hands-On Risk and Probability Show...
Labels: Latest news
posted by Plus @ 1:02 PM
0 Comments:


text:
Parks Canada
Home > National Marine Conservation Areas > Fathom Five National Marine Park > Activities > Visitor Centre > Hours & Fees
Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday: 9:00am to 5:00pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
8:00 am - 8:00 pm, daily
Thursday to Monday: 9:00am – 5:00pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday After Thanksgiving, the Visitor Centre will be closed for the winter.
Permit is valid for 24 hours and also covers entry to Flowerpot Island (does not include boat transportation). Annual passes are available.
Note: fee does not include parking permit for Bruce Peninsula National Park
Note: To read the PDF version you need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your system.
If the Adobe download site is not accessible to you, you can download Acrobat Reader from an accessible page.
If you choose not to use Acrobat Reader you can have the PDF file converted to HTML or ASCII text by using one of the conversion services offered by Adobe.


text:
College Park, MD (Sports Network) - Seth Allen calmly drained two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining to lift the Maryland Terrapins to a stunning 83-81 victory over second-ranked Duke at the Comcast Center.
Alex Len had 19 points and eight rebounds for Maryland (18-7, 6-6 ACC), which had saw Duke erase a 10-point deficit late in the second half.
The Sports Network


text:
Baton Rouge, LA (Sports Network) - Shavon Coleman scored a game-high 18 points
as the LSU Tigers overcame a 16-point second-half deficit to claim 72-67
victory over the Seton Hall Pirates as part of the Big East/SEC Challenge at
the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
Johnny O'Bryant III contributed a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds
for LSU (5-0), which is off to its best start since the 2008-09 season.
Anthony Hickey and Andre Stringer scored 10 points each, while Charles
Carmouche tallied eight points, seven assists, and four steals. Hickey swiped
a game-high total of six steals as well.
The Pirates (5-2) were led by Brandon Mobley, who came off the bench to go 6-
of-13 from the field for 17 points. Eugene Teague chipped in 14 points while
Aaron Cosby and Brian Oliver netted 13 points each. Oliver also pulled down a
team-high seven rebounds.
The Tigers were unable to get into a rhythm on the offensive end early on and
finished the first half with a 32.4 field goal percentage. Seton Hall shot
46.4 percent from the floor and made all five of its attempts at the charity
stripe to take a 35-27 lead into the intermission.
The Pirates opened up the second half on an 11-3 run to go ahead 46-30 with
just over 17 minutes remaining. LSU responded with a 22-6 run to even the
score at 52. Seton Hall answered with five straight points courtesy of a
three-pointer by Oliver and a put-back by Fuquan Edwin, but LSU came right
back with an 11-1 run. Coleman knocked down a shot to give the Tigers a
65-64 lead in the closing minutes. The Pirates were unable to answer back as
they turned the ball over on four straight possessions.
Seton Hall's starting five combined to make 24 turnovers. The Tigers scored 26
points off of turnovers and received 36 points off their bench in the contest.
The Sports Network


text:
I have always (since reading Tolkien, of course) been interested in creating languages; but, not being a linguist, nor having a particularly strong work ethics, I haven't ever been able to proceed very far. The most developed language I have created only has an incomplete simple grammar and ~240 words.
Not having any training as a linguist, I did not proceed in any systematic way to create it, and I don't even know the right words to describe what I've done (not in English, to be sure). However, back in high school (~15 years ago) I had created an alphabet for a previous version of this language, and I had even thought about the way in which letters could have developed as to be easy written with simple instruments.
Snippets of the language are visible in many names on my maps, though sometimes finding names I like means breaking some rules (which may be ok, as real languages change and evolve... or may be just another sign that I am not a linguist by any means).


text:
|Contestants sought for new Pickup Derby event at Co. Fair
|Written by Holyoke Enterprise
Making its first appearance on the Phillips County Fair schedule of events in 2009 is the Pickup Derby, scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at 8 p.m.
A significant amount of interest has been shown toward the event, according to Fair Board president Sherry Mari, but entries are still being sought. Those interested are encouraged to pick up an entry form at the Phillips County Extension Office. There is no deadline for sign-up.
The idea for the pickup derby came up during a meeting of the Fair Board, during which one of its members said he/she had attended one in another location. The event is very similar to the Combine Demo Derby, which was added to the fair's schedule in 2007 and will be featured in its third year as part of the Phillips County Fair on Saturday, July 25 at 12 noon.
Tom Andersen will be head judge of the Pickup Derby. There is an entry fee and a small general admission fee to attend.
"It's going to be a lot of fun," said Mari. " I encourage people to come watch or participate."
Rules for the pickup and combine demolition derbies are listed as follows:
Driving rules
—All drivers must wear a helmet and a seat belt.
—Three tires over the berm and you are disqualified.
—If disqualified in your heat, that means only for that heat and not the entire event. If you are in your heat and get disqualified, you may come back for the consolation heat. However, if you're disqualified in the consolation heat, you may not return to the main event unless the judges decide otherwise.
—You may not hit the driver's door at any time unless you're pushed into it and your brakes are locked. This is at the judge's discretion.
—You must make contact at least every two minutes.
—No head-on hits. These are when the vehicles hit headlight to headlight, right to left, left to right or anything between that.
—All judges' decisions are final. It doesn't matter if somebody in the grandstands or the pit crew saw something different. The call that was made stands as called and can only be over-ruled by the head judge.
—Last, but not least, this event is for everyone to enjoy. The younger generation is encouraged to compete. If under the age of 16, you must have a notarized letter from a parent or guardian stating you have permission to compete in this event.
Body preparation
—All interior must be removed. If it will burn, remove it. The only burnable object that can remain is the seat.
—All glass but the dash must be removed. If it will fall off during the derby, take it off at home or you will have to take it off before you are allowed to compete.
—The doors and hoods must be bolted, welded or chained. Only one of the three methods are allowed.
—A pipe may be welded across the dash board space if it is removed, but it can only be two inches outside diameter.
—The battery must be moved to the passenger side floor at least six inches away from the passenger door. It must be covered on all sides and securely bolted down.
—The gas tank (six gallons maximum capacity) must be moved directly behind the cab and in the center of the box and securely fastened. If there is a tank behind the driver it must be removed, such as in the older Chevys.
—The box must be welded or bolted to the frame (welding is suggested), but if you weld it you may not use a filler other than what it takes to achieve a bead. The filler will be solely at the judge's discretion. The box may also be welded to the cab.
—There must be a hole in the hood directly above the carburetor, at least 12x12 inches, in case of a fire.
—It is suggested an unwedded chain be run from the hood to the bumper to keep it from falling off. This may not be in front of the radiator. This goes for the back bumper as well.
—Radiators must be automotive type.
—4x4s are allowed but one driveshaft must be removed, either the front or rear.
—A roll cage may be used but only on the driver side of the pickup, meaning the cage can only go to the center of the cab. The center is determined by the drive shaft tunnel. You may use as much metal as you see fit to keep the box from coming into the cab.
—Any tire may be used as long as it does not exceed 16-inch rims.
—The tail gate may be welded to the body. The bumpers may also be welded to the frame, but any added metal will not be allowed. Automotive bumpers only.
—Any automotive engine is allowed and it doesn't have to match the brand.
For more rules or information, call the Extension Office at 854-3616 or Sherry Mari at 520-2833.


text:
Need Help? Call 1.866.472.4001
Sam Bradford, Fathead
- Overview
Our life-size wall graphics let you get up close and personal with your favorite NFL stars. St. Louis Rams fans will get fired up by this in-your-face action shot of quarterback Sam Bradford taking aim in high definition.
- 4' wide x 6' 6" high
- Made of vinyl.
- Our peel-and-stick decals are easy to apply, reposition and remove.
- Self-adhesive backing removes without any surface damage.
- Dimensions + Care
- Prior to applying your decal, make sure the surface is smooth, free of dust or dirt, and completely dry.
- Decal is not recommended for use on "orange peel" walls or other heavily textured or overly porous surfaces.
- Clean the surface using a soft sponge and lukewarm water with mild soap or detergent.
- Shipping Info
This item ships directly from our manufacturer. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. This also applies to monogrammed and gift-wrapped items.


text:
Republic of Cameroon
Area: 475,000 sq. km. (184,000) sq. mi.), about the size of California.
Cities (2003 Census Bureau estimates): Capital--Yaounde (pop. 1,111,641). Other major cities--Douala (1.3 million), Garoua (424,312), Maroua (409,546), Bafoussam (319,457), Bamenda (321,490), Nkongsamba (166,262), and Ngaoundere (216,300).
Terrain: Northern plains, central and western highlands, southern and coastal tropical forests. Mt. Cameroon (13,353 ft.) in the southwest is the highest peak in West Africa and the sixth in Africa.
Climate: Northern plains, the Sahel region--semiarid and hot (7-month dry season); central and western highlands where Yaounde is located--cooler, shorter dry season; southern tropical forest--warm, 4-month dry season; coastal tropical forest, where Douala is located--warm, humid year-round.
Nationality: English noun and adjective--Cameroonian(s); French noun and adjective--Camerounais(e).
Population (2003 est.): 16.5 million (52% in rural areas).
Annual growth rate: 2.9%.
Ethnic groups: About 250.
Religions: Christian 53%, Muslim 22%, indigenous African 25%.
Languages: French and English (both official) and about 270 African languages and dialects, including pidgin, Fulfulde, and Ewondo.
Education: Compulsory between ages 6 and 14. Attendance--65%. Literacy--75%.
Health: Infant mortality rate (1999)--9.5%. Life expectancy (1999)--50 yrs.
Work force: Agriculture--70%. Industry and commerce--13%.
Type: Republic; strong central government dominated by president.
Independence: January 1, 1960 (for areas formerly ruled by France) and October 1, 1961 (for territory formerly ruled by Britain).
Constitution: June 2, 1972, last amended in January 1996.
Branches: Executive--president (chief of state), 7-yr. term, renewable once; appointed prime minister (head of government). Legislative--unicameral National Assembly (180 members, 5-yr. terms; meets briefly three times a year--March, June, November); a new Senate is called for under constitutional changes made in early 1996. Judicial--falls under the executive's Ministry of Justice.
Administrative subdivisions: 10 provinces, 58 departments or divisions, 349 subprefectures or subdivisions.
Political parties: Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) or its predecessor parties have ruled since independence. Major opposition parties: the Social Democratic Front (SDF), the National Union for Democracy and Progress (NUDP), and the Cameroon Democratic Union (CDU).
Suffrage: Universal at 20.
GDP (2002): $10.1 billion.
Annual growth rate (2002): 4.0%.
Natural resources: Oil, timber, hydroelectric power, natural gas, cobalt, nickel.
Agriculture (2002): 27% of GDP. Products--timber, coffee, tea, bananas, cocoa, rubber, palm oil, pineapples, cotton. Arable land (2003 Agricultural Ministry estimate)--30%.
Manufacturing (2002): 30% of GDP.
Services (2002): 43% of GDP.
Trade (2002): Exports--$1.8 billion (2002): crude oil, timber and finished wood products, cotton, cocoa, aluminum and aluminum products, coffee, rubber, bananas. Major markets--European Union, CEMAC, China, U.S., Nigeria (informal). Imports--$1.9 billion (2002): crude oil, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, aluminum oxide, rubber, foodstuffs and grains, agricultural inputs, lubricants, used clothing. Major suppliers--France, Nigeria, Italy, U.S., Germany, Belgium, Japan.
Cameroon's estimated 250 ethnic groups form five large regional-cultural groups: western highlanders (or grassfielders), including the Bamileke, Bamoun, and many smaller entities in the northwest (est. 38% of population); coastal tropical forest peoples, including the Bassa, Douala, and many smaller entities in the Southwest (12%); southern tropical forest peoples, including the Ewondo, Bulu, and Fang (all Beti subgroups), Maka and Pygmies (officially called Bakas) (18%); predominantly Islamic peoples of the northern semi-arid regions (the Sahel) and central highlands, including the Fulani, also known as Peuhl in French (14%); and the "Kirdi", non-Islamic or recently Islamic peoples of the northern desert and central highlands (18%).
The people concentrated in the southwest and northwest provinces--around Buea and Bamenda--use standard English and "pidgin," as well as their local languages. In the three northern provinces--Adamaoua, North, and Far North--French and Fulfulde, the language of the Fulani, are widely spoken. Elsewhere, French is the principal language, although pidgin and some local languages such as Ewondo, the dialect of a Beti clan from the Yaounde area, also are widely spoken. Although Yaounde is Cameroon's capital, Douala is the largest city, main seaport, and main industrial and commercial center.
The western highlands are the most fertile in Cameroon and have a relatively healthy environment in higher altitudes. This region is densely populated and has intensive agriculture, commerce, cohesive communities, and historical emigration pressures. From here, Bantu migrations into eastern, southern, and central Africa are believed to have originated about 2,000 years ago. Bamileke people from this area have in recent years migrated to towns elsewhere in Cameroon, such as the coastal provinces, where they form much of the business community. About 20,000 non-Africans, including more than 6,000 French and 2,400 U. S. citizens, reside in Cameroon.
The earliest inhabitants of Cameroon were probably the Bakas (Pygmies). They still inhabit the forests of the south and east provinces. Bantu speakers originating in the Cameroonian highlands were among the first groups to move out before other invaders. During the late 1770s and early 1800s, the Fulani, a pastoral Islamic people of the western Sahel, conquered most of what is now northern Cameroon, subjugating or displacing its largely non-Muslim inhabitants.
Although the Portuguese arrived on Cameroon's coast in the 1500s, malaria prevented significant European settlement and conquest of the interior until the late 1870s, when large supplies of the malaria suppressant, quinine, became available. The early European presence in Cameroon was primarily devoted to coastal trade and the acquisition of slaves. The northern part of Cameroon was an important part of the Muslim slave trade network. The slave trade was largely suppressed by the mid-19th century. Christian missions established a presence in the late 19th century and continue to play a role in Cameroonian life.
Beginning in 1884, all of present-day Cameroon and parts of several of its neighbors became the German colony of Kamerun, with a capital first at Buea and later at Yaounde. After World War I, this colony was partitioned between Britain and France under a June 28, 1919 League of Nations mandate. France gained the larger geographical share, transferred outlying regions to neighboring French colonies, and ruled the rest from Yaounde. Britain's territory--a strip bordering Nigeria from the sea to Lake Chad, with an equal population--was ruled from Lagos.
In 1955, the outlawed Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC), based largely among the Bamileke and Bassa ethnic groups, began an armed struggle for independence in French Cameroon. This rebellion continued, with diminishing intensity, even after independence. Estimates of death from this conflict vary from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands.
French Cameroon achieved independence in 1960 as the Republic of Cameroon. The following year the largely Muslim northern two-thirds of British Cameroon voted to join Nigeria; the largely Christian southern third voted to join with the Republic of Cameroon to form the Federal Republic of Cameroon. The formerly French and British regions each maintained substantial autonomy. Ahmadou Ahidjo, a French-educated Fulani, was chosen President of the federation in 1961. Ahidjo, relying on a pervasive internal security apparatus, outlawed all political parties but his own in 1966. He successfully suppressed the UPC rebellion, capturing the last important rebel leader in 1970. In 1972, a new constitution replaced the federation with a unitary state.
Ahidjo resigned as President in 1982 and was constitutionally succeeded by his Prime Minister, Paul Biya, a career official from the Bulu-Beti ethnic group. Ahidjo later regretted his choice of successors, but his supporters failed to overthrow Biya in a 1984 coup. Biya won single-candidate elections in 1984 and 1988 and flawed multiparty elections in 1992 and 1997. His Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) party holds a sizeable majority in the legislature following 2002 elections--149 deputies out of a total of 180.
The 1972 constitution as modified by 1996 reforms provides for a strong central government dominated by the executive. The president is empowered to name and dismiss cabinet members, judges, generals, provincial governors, prefects, sub-prefects, and heads of Cameroon's parastatal (about 100 state-controlled) firms, obligate or disburse expenditures, approve or veto regulations, declare states of emergency, and appropriate and spend profits of parastatal firms. The president is not required to consult the National Assembly.
The judiciary is subordinate to the executive branch's Ministry of Justice. The Supreme Court may review the constitutionality of a law only at the president's request.
The 180-member National Assembly meets in ordinary session three times a year (March-April, June-July, and November-December), and has seldom, until recently, made major changes in legislation proposed by the executive. Laws are adopted by majority vote of members present or, if the president demands a second reading, of a total membership.
Following government pledges to reform the strongly centralized 1972 constitution, the National Assembly adopted a number of amendments in December 1995, which were promulgated in a new constitution in January 1996. The amendments call for the establishment of a 100-member Senate as part of a bicameral legislature, the creation of regional councils, and the fixing of the presidential term to 7 years, renewable once. One-third of senators are to be appointed by the president, and the remaining two-thirds are to be chosen by indirect elections. As of September 2005, the government had not established the Senate or regional councils.
All local government officials are employees of the central government's Ministry of Territorial Administration, from which local governments also get most of their budgets.
While the president, the minister of justice, and the president's judicial advisers (the Supreme Court) top the judicial hierarchy, traditional rulers, courts, and councils also exercise functions of government. Traditional courts still play a major role in domestic, property, and probate law. Tribal laws and customs are honored in the formal court system when not in conflict with national law. Traditional rulers receive stipends from the national government.
The government adopted legislation in 1990 to authorize the formation of multiple political parties and ease restrictions on forming civil associations and private newspapers. Cameroon' s first multiparty legislative and presidential elections were held in 1992 followed by municipal elections in 1996 and another round of legislative and presidential elections in 1997. Because the government refused to consider opposition demands for an independent election commission, the three major opposition parties boycotted the October 1997 presidential election, which Biya easily won. All of these elections were marred by severe irregularities. In December 2000, the National Assembly passed legislation creating the National Elections Observatory (NEO), an election watchdog body. NEO played an active role in supervising the conduct of local and legislative elections in June 2002, which demonstrated some progress but were still hampered by irregularities. The NEO also supervised the conduct of the presidential election in October 2004 as did many diplomatic missions, including the US Embassy. NEO reported that it was satisfied with the conduct of the election but noted some irregularities and problems with voter registration. The US Embassy also noted these issues with the election, as well as reports of non-indelible ink, but concluded that the irregularities were not severe enough to impact the final result. The incumbent, Paul Biya, was re-elected with 70.92 per cent of the vote. Cameroon has a number of independent newspapers. Censorship was abolished in 1996, but the government sometimes seizes or suspends newspapers. Mutation, the only private daily newspaper in Cameroon, was seized on April 14, 2003 after the paper published articles on "Life after Biya." Occasionally the government arrests journalists. Radio and television continue to be a virtual monopoly of the state-owned broadcaster, the Cameroon Radio-Television Corporation (CRTV), despite the effective liberalization of radio and television in 2000. Since the issuance of the decree authorizing the creation of private radio and television on April 3, 2000, not a single station has received a license from the government, though many have applied and are currently operating while their applications are pending. There are some 15 such private radio stations broadcasting in Yaounde, Douala, Bafoussam, Bamenda, and Limbe; their existence is tolerated by the government. Magic FM, a private radio station in Yaounde, and a Voice of America (VOA) affiliate, was shut down in 2003 after carrying controversial reports and critical commentaries on the regime, but was later reopened. There are a dozen community radio stations supported by the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) which are exempted from licenses and have no political content. Radio coverage extends to about 80% of the country, while television covers 60% of the territory. The sole private television station--TV Max--broadcasts only in the economic capital of Douala.
The Cameroonian Government's human rights record has been improving over the years but remains flawed. There continue to be reported abuses, including beatings of detainees, arbitrary arrests, and illegal searches. The judiciary is frequently corrupt, inefficient, and subject to political influence.
Principal Government Officials
President--Paul Biya
President of the National Assembly--Djibril Cavaye Yeguie
Prime Minister--Ephraim Inoni
Ambassador to the United States--Jerome Mendouga
Ambassador to the United Nations--Martin Belinga
Cameroon maintains an embassy in the United States at 2349 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel.: 202-265-8790).
For a quarter-century following independence, Cameroon was one of the most prosperous countries in Africa. The drop in commodity prices for its principal exports--oil, cocoa, coffee, and cotton--in the mid-1980s, combined with an overvalued currency and economic mismanagement, led to a decade-long recession. Real per capita gross domestic product (GDP) fell by more than 60% from 1986 to 1994. The current account and fiscal deficits widened, and foreign debt grew.
The government embarked upon a series of economic reform programs supported by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) beginning in the late 1980s. Many of these measures have been painful; the government slashed civil service salaries by 65% in 1993. The CFA franc--the common currency of Cameroon and 13 other African states--was devalued by 50% in January 1994. The government failed to meet the conditions of the first four IMF programs.
In December 2000, the IMF approved a 3-year Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility (ESAF) program worth $133.7 million to reduce poverty and improve social services. The successful completion of the program will allow Cameroon to receive $2 billion in debt relief under the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative. Pursuant to the initiative, the IMF is requiring the Cameroonian Government to enhance its macroeconomic planning and financial accountability; continue efforts to privatize the remaining non-financial parastatal enterprises; increase price competition in the banking sector; improve the judicial system; and implement good governance practices.
In late August 2003, the Board of Directors of both the IMF and World Bank approved Cameroon's Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) with high marks. The paper integrated the main points of the Millennium Development Goal, which outlined Cameroon's priorities in alleviating poverty and undertaking strong macroeconomic commitments in the short and long term. By late summer 2004 Cameroon had met most of its PRGF targets. A lackluster performance in the fiscal arena, however, led the country off track and resulted in Cameroon not achieving the HIPC completion point. Negotiations are currently underway to create a new program so Cameroon can eventually qualify for HIPC debt forgiveness. The privatization program has lagged because of legal and political obstacles; difficult negotiations with the government on issues such as sale price, financial disclosure, tax arrears, and overlapping debts; and in some cases, a lack of willing buyers.
France is Cameroon's main trading partner and source of private investment and foreign aid. Cameroon has a bilateral investment treaty with the United States. In addition to existing investment in the oil sector, U.S. investment in Cameroon, estimated at over $1 million, is progressively growing due primarily to both construction of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline and cobalt and nickel mining.
For further information on Cameroon's economic trends, trade, or investment climate, contact the International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230 and/or the Commerce Department district office in any local federal building.
The Cameroonian military generally has been an apolitical force dominated by civilian control. Traditional dependence on the French defense capability, although reduced, continues. French military advisers remain closely involved in preparing the Cameroonian forces for deployment to the Bakassi Peninsula, where there is a contested border with Nigeria. The armed forces number approximately 28,000 personnel in ground, air, and naval forces, the majority being the army and naval ground forces.
Cameroon's noncontentious, low-profile approach to foreign relations puts it squarely in the middle of other African and developing country states on major issues. It supports the principles of noninterference in the affairs of third countries and increased assistance to underdeveloped countries. Cameroon is an active participant in the United Nations, where its voting record demonstrates its commitment to causes that include international peacekeeping, the rule of law, environmental protection, and Third World economic development. In the UN and other human rights fora, Cameroon's nonconfrontational approach has generally led it to avoid criticizing other countries. Cameroon's position on the UN Security Council, in the Africa rotational seat since January 2002, ended December 2003.
Cameroon enjoys good relations with the United States and other developed countries. It has particularly close ties with France, with whom it has numerous military, economic, and cultural agreements. China has a number of health and infrastructure projects underway in Cameroon. Cameroon enjoys generally good relations with its African neighbors. Cameroon has repeatedly demonstrated its preference for resolving its border dispute with Nigeria in the oil-rich Bakassi Peninsula through peaceful legal means after having submitted the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). With the support of the UN, both countries are working closely to peacefully implement the ICJ ruling. Cameroon is a member of CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) and supports UN peacekeeping activities in Central Africa.
U.S.-Cameroonian relations are close, although from time to time they have been affected by concerns over human rights abuses and the pace of political and economic liberalization. The bilateral U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) program in Cameroon closed for budgetary reasons in 1994. However, approximately 140 Peace Corps volunteers continue to work successfully in agroforestry, community development, education, and health. The Public Affairs section of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde organizes and funds diverse cultural, educational, and information exchanges. It maintains a library and helps foster the development of Cameroon's independent press by providing information in a number of areas, including U.S. human rights and democratization policies. The Embassy's Self-help and Democracy and Human Rights Funds are some of the largest in Africa. Through several State Department and USAID regional funds, the Embassy also provides funds for: refugees, HIV/AIDS, democratization and girl's scholarships. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provided a commodity grant valued at $6 million in 2003 to fund agricultural development projects in the North and Far North provinces. A similar program for $4 million was approved in 2004. The program will fund an agricultural development and nutrition enhancement project in the East and Adamawa provinces.
The United States and Cameroon work together in the United Nations and a number of other multilateral organizations. While in the UN Security Council in 2002, Cameroon worked closely with the United States on a number of initiatives. The U.S. Government continues to provide substantial funding for international financial institutions, such as the World Bank, IMF, and African Development Bank, that provide financial and other assistance to Cameroon.
Principal U.S. Officials
Ambassador--R. Niels Marquardt
Deputy Chief of Mission--Richard Nelson
Management Officer--Jeffrey Spence
Public Affairs Officer--Dan Whitman
Political/Economic/Commercial Officer --Katherine Brucker
Defense Attach?--Col. Ross Clemmons
Peace Corps Director--Robert Strauss
Consular Officer (Acting)--Joe Torres
The U.S. Embassy in Cameroon has moved from its previous downtown Yaounde location to a New Embassy Compound adjacent to the golf course at the base of the Mont F�b�. The new Embassy Chancery contacts are: Tel: (237) 220 15 00/Fax: (237) 220 16 20 while the Consular Section can be reached directly at Tel: (237) 220 16 03/Fax: (237) 220 1752. The mailing address is: B.P. 817, Yaounde, Cameroon. The U.S. mailing address is American Embassy Yaounde, Department of State, Washington, DC 20521-2520.


text: I see a flurry of activity in the language forum, from what I have been able to gather you are required to change the language setting on your browser for this to work. While this is a no brainer for folks in Spain wanting spanish, it's not a good solution for us here in the US. Is there a plan in the works to offer a user setting for language options or a drop down menu in the login page?


text:
Free Shipping for Orders over $75!
Some exclusions apply. See our shipping policies for more information.
Your cart is empty.
Out of stock.
Other products you may like:
Gluten Free Gnocchi Pasta
Weight: 1.1 lbs$6.95
Out of stock.
Classic gnocchi prepared with potatoes and rice.
Classic gnocchi prepared with potatoes and rice.
If you have an account with us, please log in to submit a review.View a Listing of All Product Reviews
There are no reviews for this product.


text:
May 31, 2016
Ten lucky people will have the chance to win $100,000.
Names were drawn Thursday from those who registered for a shoot-out during the EMBDC Golf Classic.
Each golfer will have an opportunity to shoot a hole in one Friday at 5:30 p.m. at Briarwood Country Club's hole #5.
Benefits Management Group is offering the ten potential $100,000 prizes.
"This is one of our promotional events for the East Mississippi Business Development golf tournament. This is our 16th year," said golf tournament committee member Scott Gray. "It's an opportunity for local business members, whether they are a member of the EMBDC or not to participate in our golf tournament, get a chance to socialize and highlight what they can do for each other."
The people who have the chance to win $100,000 are: Chip Sorrels, Ben Thompson, Scotty Elliott, Skip Eastham, Joel Payne, Sid Barnett, Johnny Stevens, Benji Ford, David Sorrels, and Chad Miller. Four alternates were also chosen in case of no-shows:Robert Trout, Scott Stevens, Trey Cooper and Ray Stone.
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 email@example.com.


text:
Kevin Winter, Getty Images
I love to read stories like this when famous people like Dave Grohl meet their Idols! This is from Jeff Giles from the website "Ultimate Classic Rock" It's a great read.
No matter how successful a person might be in his chosen field, he can still have heroes who make him feel like a kid again. Just ask Dave Grohl, who had what sounds like a deeply emotional experience when meeting up with the members of Rush for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Speaking with the Pulse of Radio, Grohl admitted that inducting Rush into the Hall — and later performing with them on stage for a version of '2112′ — was "one of the most special nights of my life."
Calling the performance "terrifying" and "amazing" in equal measure, Grohl recalled, "When I got '2112′ when I was eight years old, it f—ing changed the direction of my life. I heard the drums. It made me want to become a drummer." Naturally, all that history meant meeting Rush drummer Neil Peart proved particularly special; as Grohl put it, "This man was as influential as any religion or any hero or any person in someone's life. He said, 'So nice to meet you. Can I make you a coffee?' And he made me a coffee, man. And later on that night, I went to dinner and had a couple glasses of wine and I started f—ing crying because my hero made me a f—ing coffee."
A conversation about Dave Grohl inducting Rush into the Rock Hall seemed like as good a time as any to point out that his former band Nirvana will be eligible for that honor next year. "Wow. I didn't even know that. Interesting," he responded. "Well, hopefully they make us wait as long as Rush did, because did you see all their f—ing fans out there tonight?"


text:
'Dabblers' Gladwell and Bissinger debate college football with Green and Whitlock, unevenly
When Malcolm Gladwell authored a New Yorker article three years ago comparing football to dogfighting, it seemed a bit out there.
The idea is decidedly less so now.
"I have no problem with grown men … choosing to participate in a potentially lethal profession," he said last night, at a debate forum on college football sponsored by Slate and Intelligence Squared at N.Y.U.'s Skirball Center.
But colleges "are charged with a sacred trust. And nowhere in that social contract does it say that it's OK to encourage young men and women to hit themselves over and over in the head in the name of entertainment."
Gladwell repeated a point that he made in his original article: that the problem isn't the knockout blows the N.F.L. has been attempting to fine out of existence, but rather the "sub-concussive" contact that occurs on countless plays, in games and practices.
The debate pitted Gladwell and author Buzz Bissinger, making the case for banning college football, against talking-head lawyer and former N.F.L. player Tim Green and FoxSports.com columnist and former college player Jason Whitlock.
Bissinger and Gladwell came at their position from different angles.
Gladwell told the story, rehashed from his article, of a University of North Carolina player who sustained a concussion in practice after glancing contact to his head. Based on sensors hooked up to the player's head by the school's Sports Concussion Research Program, the force of the hit that gave him the concussion measured a "moderate" 64 g. But it was immediately preceded by two harder but still routine-seeming hits measuring 80 and 98 g, the latter of which is roughly the equivalent of driving a car into a brick wall at 25 m.p.h. and having your head smack against the windshield.
Gladwell's point: It was just an average practice, but the player had sustained three car accidents' worth of head trauma.
In the case of Junior Seau, the former star linebacker who committed suicide last week, or Dave Duerson, a safety who committed suicide last year and was found to have advanced brain damage, the number of car-accident-level hits to the head they had sustained, during their entire college careers, was 4,000.
BISSINGER, WHOSE SIGNATURE BOOK, FRIDAY NIGHT Lights, exposed the tragic consequences of an unhealthy overemphasis on athletics in a West Texas town, and who dominated last night's debate with his characteristically colorful displays of indignation, said the intense focus on football on college campuses was similarly out of proportion and deleterious.
His point was that, similar to the depressed oil town of Odessa, Texas that he chronicled in his book, the country was going down the tubes, and football was nothing but a mass cultural distraction that diverts money and priorities from more important pursuits.
He came to the debate armed with numbers:
At Football Bowl Subdivision schools (the 125 "major" college programs) spending per student averages $13,000; for athletes, that figure is $91,000, or 6.8 times as much.
In the past several decades, while the average salary of a tenured professor has gone up 30 percent and that of a college president has gone up 100 percent, the average salary of a football coach has gone up 500 percent, to an average of $1.47 million per year.
Bissinger, citing a statistic that mitigates the claim that football programs are big moneymakers for their schools, said that only 57 percent of FBS football programs reported being profitable.
"I believe that at the top of what has become the 'distracted university' is football," he said. "It sucks all the air out of the room. The amount of money that coaches make is insulting."
All of this has happened during what Bissinger described last night as "the most competitive global economy we've ever faced."
And how are our universities preparing our students for this? Not well, Bissinger said.
He cited a statistic that the average study time for college students has gone from more than 40 hours per week in the 1960s, to 20 in the 1980s, to 13 today. Another study of University of Oregon students found that when the football team was doing well, men's grades went down by the equivalent of 27 SAT points, and students drank 50 percent more.
"So that's what football does: It makes you fat and stupid," he said, to laughs.
TIM GREEN, THE FORMER N.F.L. DEFENSIVE END AND COLLEGE FOOTBALL Hall of Famer, a man who has written 26 books, practices law, coaches high school football, and has found time to serve as an N.F.L. analyst on Fox, has a different take on the matter.
Football enabled Green to get a formal education and provided its own lessons, ones especially applicable to the ruthless global economy Bissinger described.
He allowed that football is a brutal game, but said its brutality provides a lesson in itself.
"It's how much you can take," he said. "It's how much you can take and keep going. And that's one of the great lessons in this game ... It teaches kids that life is tough."
While Bissinger mocked what he saw as the narcotic jingoism in football, which causes people to "bury our head in the sand and sing the national anthem," Green was far less cynical. To him, football is a unifier on college campuses unlike anything else.
A football game, said Green, "is the only place where a community comes together and respects the national anthem."
Just like Gladwell and Bissinger, Green had statistics.


text: This guy(or gal, disputable) is obnoxious. He always calls assault STYLE rifles automatic and states they fire 100 rounds a minute. I heard him debate a guy about "Then why should everybody who was in the theater in Colo. who chooses be able to carry an AR-15 inside the theater?" Has anyone seen someone walking to any place of business with an AR-15, besides a gun shop or gun show? It's not just that, be won't shut up to let others finish what they are saying. IMO, this cat is right up there with Rush Limbaugh and a bad representative to the press. I hate that guy, and my middle finger goes up every time I hear CNN when his voice comes up. This is not merely a gun issue, he is an a$$hole! sid


text:
We are pleased to announce: The Zimbra Collaboration Suite version 5.0.9
Key Enhancements:
29547 - Show the IM buddy list in the overview In folder tree (collapsed) instead of floating list.
28717 - 'Edit as New' Right-click Context Menu on Messages 'message templates'
19509 - ability to remove attachments from notebook documents 'Browse' button/menu option (sub-folder behavior 30747)
29978 - remove zimbraPublicServiceHostname dependency on zimbraServer objects REST URL composed via zimbraPublicService[Protocol + Hostname + Port]
29749 - iPhone 2.0 should be able to sync multiple calendars
29401 - version string on banners zimbra[Lmtp, Pop3, Imap]ExposeVersionOnBanner default off for security. For all connects set TRUE, if FALSE you can still issue the standard A001 ID NIL command after telnet as desired.
29395 - Postfix needs to use proxymaps Dedicated process (proxymap) that handles LDAP lookups instead of Postfix subprocesses.
Additional Builds:
Open Source Edition - Ubuntu 8.04 LTS x86 & x86_64
Network Edition Beta- Ubuntu 8.04 LTS x86 & x86_64
*Support assistance will be provided for migration & testing purposes - we ask that you not run it on critical production systems during the Beta.
Notable Fixes:
29379 - printing from Firefox 3 issues
30609 - max process limits too low on OSX (Limits are 2048 for 10.5 & 10.4 - 1000 for 10.4 Server unless you wish to edit /etc/rc.server higher)
26213 - Organizer does not recieve appointment reply for instances
29328 - Folders mounted from different boxes are not setting effective permissions correctly.
29330 - Zimlets don't work when enabled for the account but disabled in COS
30601 - Importing large messages via IMAP causes jetty/work to grow without limit until a restart
Proxy Updates:
30126 - Nginx: add more to capability list (+ AUTH=PLAIN, IDLE, & NAMESPACE)
29138 - mailbox does not load with zimbraPublicServiceHostname and reverse proxy enabled
29458 - Enabling http proxy creates sharing issue
29204 - WRONG_HOST error while viewing a public shared doc using http proxy
29479 - Remove hostname argument from zmproxyinit (run this command on the actual store)
Best practice is to make a backup before preforming any server maintenance: Backup and Restore Articles - Zimbra :: Wiki
5.0.9 Network Edition Release Notes
5.0.9 Network Edition Downloads
5.0.9 Open Source Edition: Release Notes & Downloads
Enjoy this release, and have a Happy Zimbra Day!
-The Zimbra Team


text:
I have recently returned from a two-week stay in the Republic of Georgia, where my primary task was to obtain religious periodical literature, in part to augment what I had collected in October 2002. I was able to collect more than forty titles, mainly available for sale on the main streets of Tbilisi.
In the several years of its independence the new Republic of Georgia has experienced a series of conflicts. Political battles [including the removal of two sitting presidents], ethnic strife [particularly in South Ossetia and Abkhazia], severe economic hardships, and interference by imperial powers have beset the Georgian nation. Despite these conflicts many have worked for the establishment of a civil society and a democratic state in which basic human rights, including the freedom of religion, are recognized and encouraged.
During this time period religious freedom has been a concept that has sometimes been more a matter of lip service than reality. The dominant Georgian Orthodox Church is still working to fix its place in the new definition of nation; a striving that has been complicated by internal dissention, schisms, and the variety of other religions and Christian denominations, some historical present in Georgia and some not.
At the present time one must also ask what the new government, born of the Rose Revolution in November 2003, and headed by President Mikheil Saakashvili, Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania, and Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze, means for the development of human rights, and specifically for the principles and practice of religious freedom.
The new government has given some mixed signals. The arrest and detention of Fr. Basil Mkalavishvili in March, defrocked priest relating to schismatic Greek Old Calendarists, was a sure sign of progress. His campaign of physical violence and intimidation against non-Orthodox, especially Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostals, and Baptists and his impunity during Shevardnadze's presidency was sure evidence that Georgian society had some way to go to match its self-claims of tolerance. If it were only the schismatic followers of Fr. Basil who promoted violence with their actions and rhetoric, we would be looking now more hopefully for a time of peaceful religious co-existence. Priests of the Georgian Orthodox Church, however, have sometimes participated in violent activity and such an incident occurred during the first week of my visit in Georgia after some Orthodox Christians had called on the Patriarch and the Church to move out of its isolation into a broader participation in the ecumenical movement. At the same time, I was encouraged by Mother Theodora, Abbess of the convent at the Cathedral of Bodbe in Kakhetia [East Georgia], that I not consider the fanatics as representative of the Georgian Church.
Saakashvili, in his inaugural speech and elsewhere, has promoted the idea that Georgia's primary identity as a Christian nation makes it a part of Europe and European civilization. "...at the same time let the return to our rightful place, lost several centuries ago, to the European family, to European civilization, not be forgotten. As a country of a very old Christian civilization we will most certainly return to this place." Two flags fly now in the Republic of Georgia: the new explicitly Christian five-cross flag and the multi-starred flag of the European Union. Saakashvili makes reference to the European flag in his inaugural address. This new Georgian flag already leaves out Jews and Muslims. Significantly, Saakashvili does not refer specifically to Orthodox Christianity when he speaks of the ancient Christian civilization to which Georgia belongs, in a sense finessing the issue as to how "European" Orthodox Christian nations have been or are now.
Among the hopeful signs under the new government is the creation of a Human Rights Council announced by Saakashvili on 19 July to monitor human rights violations in Georgia and to report to him directly in a monthly meeting. The jury is really still out on whether the practice of the Saakashvili government can meets its talk in the area of human rights, including religious freedom. Perhaps we will learn more if the Georgian Parliament works on legislation concerning religion.
The rehabilitation of Georgia's first president, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, in which Saakashvili has participated, also has implications for the practice of religious tolerance in the Republic of Georgia. Gamsakhurdia, although his self-proclaimed Orthodoxy was overlaid with the anthroposophy of Rudolf Steiner, promoted a distinct program of Orthodox Church-Georgian State cooperation in such spheres as education. It is interesting that "Steinerism" has come under attack in Madli [Grace], the monthly newspaper of the Georgian Patriarchate. In any event, Gamsakhurdia's "Georgia for the Georgians" ideology included, for the most part, an insistence on Orthodoxy as a part of Georgian identity.
Baptist Bishop Malkhaz Songhulashvili, with whom I talked while in Georgia, expressed his concern over Gamsakhurdia's rehabilitation. He is quite convinced that the current government's profession of democratic principles and the upholding of human rights are contradicted by Gamsakhurdia's rehabilitation.
The most intolerant strains of Orthodoxy claim Zviad Gamsakhurdia as their own. One small religious magazine, in particular, called Metexi, has articles by and about Gamsakhurdia, and also articles on the Jewish-Masonic conspiracy that runs the world. It is likely that this magazine represents a small number of people. One could also have made the same claim for Fr. Basil and his thugs, yet it always appeared that this small number of people must have been representing some very powerful people. Gamsakhurdia himself was a lesson in how we should have paid closer attention to some of the more "offbeat" religious ideas of a would be national leader. It should also be noted that such "conspiracies" against Orthodoxy and true religion are not just in the unsanctioned publications. Eldar Nadiradze, whose book "Who are the Jehovah's Witnesses and How Do They Do Battle Against Orthodoxy" puts the Jehovah's Witnesses in the context of a Masonic conspiracy, has the imprimatur of Metropolitan Anania Japaridze, the house historian among the hierarchs of the Georgian.
Attention to the internal debates within the Georgian Orthodox Church itself are also important as the future of religious tolerance in the Republic of Georgia is assessed. The current Patriarch, Ilia II, has continually lobbied for the preeminence of the Georgian Orthodox Church within the country. The Concordat of October 2002 is testimony to this.
Ilia has been pressured, and has sometimes given into the pressure, of conservatives within the Church. The exit of the Georgian Orthodox Church from various ecumenical bodies in 1997 is an example of the latter. Some have given him the benefit of the doubt on this and related matters. A reading of Ilia's writings, however, would indicate that he is perhaps more on the side of the conservatives and not completely comfortable with the norms of "western" democratic freedoms. He is fearful of the moral and ethical implications of what he considers to be unbridled freedoms. The Patriarchate openly urges suppression of those "sects" and movements that are not "historical" to Georgia. [The historical list in Georgia: Orthodoxy, Armenian Church, Islam, Judaism, Baptists, Lutherans, and Roman Catholics.] This is done, to some extent, on theological grounds, but also on the premise that non-Orthodox [whether historically Georgian, or not] put the identity of the Georgian nation at risk. This is especially true when the Jehovah's Witnesses are under consideration; this criticism is also to be kept in mind when the difficult relations between the Georgian Orthodox Church and Roman Catholicism are under consideration. The Patriarch has also been quite outspoken in support of the idea that Abkhazia is historically an "inseparable" part of Georgia.
The Church as a repository of nationalism is something that is quite noticeable these days. Nowhere was it more visible that in the Church of St. Tamar, under construction on Dolidze St. in Tbilisi. While the fresco program awaits its execution, there are several icons with collections of national saints: most notable were the icon of Georgian ruler-saints [mep'eni] and the icon of Georgian queen-saints [dedisup'alni]. Copies of these icons are found in other churches as well.
I made two other observations in the context of religion and nationality while in Tbilisi this year: 1. The Polish inscription is no longer on the cornerstone on the Roman Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity; 2. The sign on the Baptist Church in four languages [Georgian, Armenian, Ossetian, and Russian] is no longer there. My assumption is that these churches do not want to advertise their "foreign" connections.
The struggle for the soul of the Georgian Church between those who desire a more open church and those who want to continue and strengthen its isolation will likely become more intense in the near future. The Patriarch's age means that people will be handicapping the election for his successor. While the contest for the Bishopric of Rome cautions us not to make too many assumptions about the longevity of the incumbent, the jockeying for position can still be instructive. Those who have been described as "fundamentalists" [a term used by Baptist Bishop Malkhaz] would promote less tolerance and would take it upon themselves in the future, as they have in the past, to suppress, sometimes violently, other religions. Others such as Archpriest Basil Kobakhidze are outspoken in their calls for more discussion and promotion from within the church of such issues as religious freedom and a democratic and pluralist society.
Conclusions: Saakashvili wants Georgia to appear tolerant to the West. He knows that this is necessary for both political and financial reasons. Fr. Basil's detention is certainly in support of this. Does he believe other matters are off the "radar screen?" Perhaps. It is too early to give a firm answer. More important, I believe, is the struggle within the Georgian Orthodox Church itself and among its future leaders and this in the context of how the Church continues to insist that it is a primary denominator of national identity.


text:
For the Mexican poet, Javier Sicilia, on his March for Peace and Justice
following the assassination of his son. And for the healing of Casa Mexico.
The poet leads the demonstration,
silently, on his feet.
Three days they walked together
in a solitude of hundreds,
who gave words between shudders
– ni uno mas-of grief.
From the high green mountains
to the valley of volcanoes
hundreds became millions walking,
walking as pilgrims in a labyrinth
through Mexico's streets.
There, in the great plaza,
the poet opened his voice to Casa Mexico
as a father at bedtime prayers
with his only child.
His rosary dangled on his chest.
So much weight, so much on a string of beads.
A heart placed in its crux hears and holds,
with room for our crimes, our petty altruisms
and our interims of beauty.
The poet walks.
Several million are walking,
and with our footsteps, words sway,
as our pendulum over the earth:
– paz y justica con dignidad,
Peace and Justice with Dignity.
[Translations: ni uno mas: not one more.
paz, justica y dignidad: peace, justice and dignity.]


text:
Interested in Australia?
We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Australia each week.
| Australia Accommodation
Australia Hotels by Category
| Australia Holiday Packages
| Australia Attractions
| Australia Attractions by Type
| Australia Restaurants
| Holiday Rentals
| Flights
| TripAdvisor pages
Up one level: South Pacific