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IMF Executive Board Concludes 2008 Article IV Consultation with ChadPublic Information Notice (PIN) No. 09/11
January 30, 2009
Public Information Notices (PINs) form part of the IMF's efforts to promote transparency of the IMF's views and analysis of economic developments and policies. With the consent of the country (or countries) concerned, PINs are issued after Executive Board discussions of Article IV consultations with member countries, of its surveillance of developments at the regional level, of post-program monitoring, and of ex post assessments of member countries with longer-term program engagements. PINs are also issued after Executive Board discussions of general policy matters, unless otherwise decided by the Executive Board in a particular case.
On January 28, 2009, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Chad.1
Chad is one of poorest countries in the world. It is landlocked and wracked by conflict and political instability. Its main economic challenge is to seize the opportunity offered by oil revenues to boost growth, diversify the economy and reduce poverty. The second poverty reduction strategy paper (PRSP) adopted in 2008, sets out an economic strategy through 2011 which includes good governance and an environment conducive to growth as its main objectives.
Economic developments since the late 1990s have been dominated by the lead up to, and onset of, oil production in 2003, with sharp fluctuations in overall growth related to the oil sector. Growth has been sluggish in 2007 and 2008 due to weak non-oil growth and declines in oil production. A very difficult security situation has weakened economic activity. Real GDP in 2008 is expected to decline by ½ percent because of a further drop in oil production and the impact of the 2008 February rebel attack on economic activity over the first half of the year. After falling prices in 2007, inflationary pressures picked up in the first half of 2008 owing to rising food prices, reaching 11¾ percent on a 12-month basis at end-November 2008. Steadily increasing oil prices through mid-2008 have helped strengthen the external current account and official reserves. Import cover is expected to rise to 10½ months of imports of non-oil goods and services in 2008, from 5¼ months in 2006. However, the global economic crisis will seriously affect Chad through lower oil prices, with major implications on the fiscal position.
The fiscal position has weakened significantly over the oil era. The non-oil primary deficit deteriorated from 4 percent of non-oil GDP in 2004—the onset of oil revenues—to an expected 28 percent (commitment basis) in 2008. This mainly derives from higher spending in all areas, but particularly in security and investment spending. Fiscal management has also been problematic, with weak budget control manifested as bypassing of budget procedures, extrabudgetary spending, and limited medium-term planning. Problems have also been highlighted over absorptive capacity in some sectors, and over the composition, cost, and quality of public spending.
As a member of the CFA franc zone, Chad has no independent monetary policy. Broad money and private sector credit have been growing rapidly in 2008, driven by the build up of reserves. The banking system is subject to some vulnerabilities, stemming from its lack of depth, some undercapitalization, and the need to strengthen supervision. The fixed exchange regime has provided an important nominal anchor for macroeconomic policies. However, the real exchange has appreciated significantly (25 percent) since 2000, even though it depreciated over 2007-08.
The 2005-2008 PRGF arrangement went off track due to widening non-oil fiscal deficits, inadequate poverty orientation of spending, and slow structural reform. The decision point under the HIPC Initiative was reached in May 2001, and significant interim debt relief has been provided since.
Executive Board Assessment
Directors emphasized the opportunities offered by Chad's oil revenue to address the country's widespread poverty. They noted, however, that non-oil sector activity remains weak, despite increased budgetary allocations to infrastructure and other priority sectors. Improvements in the security environment, infrastructure and human capital, and the business climate will be essential to lay the basis for sustainable growth. Directors noted that inflation is expected to decline with an unwinding of the food price shock, but called for vigilance to ensure a rapid return to the inflation target established by the Central African Economic and Monetary Community.
Directors expressed concern over the large recent increases in the non-oil fiscal deficit, and encouraged the authorities to improve long-run fiscal sustainability through a concerted medium-term fiscal adjustment effort. They strongly supported the authorities' fiscal strategy built on improving public financial management, raising non-oil revenues, and improving the targeting and efficiency of spending. A permanent income framework that relates fiscal policy to Chad's oil wealth, reducing the impact of short-term oil price volatility, will provide an appropriate anchor for Chad. At the same time, Directors recognized that the fiscal adjustment path should take into account the country's large investment needs while being consistent with absorptive capacity and financing constraints.
Directors commended the authorities for signaling their commitment to fiscal adjustment with the 2009 budget, but called for stronger efforts. The current budget is exposed to considerable risks, notably the optimistic oil price assumptions and dependence on large reductions in security spending, which could lead to financing gaps in the course of the year. Directors therefore noted the importance of issuing a revised budget premised on realistic oil revenues and entailing stronger efforts to begin streamlining non-security outlays—such as the wage bill and transfers to inefficient state-owned enterprises—that have grown rapidly over recent years.
Directors highlighted the critical importance of improving fiscal management to achieve medium-term fiscal policy objectives, improve the quality of public spending, and eliminate budgetary overruns. Efforts are also required to strengthen medium-term budgeting, cash management, and procurement, and to enhance the role of line ministries in budget formulation and execution—supported by further technical assistance. In this context, Directors commended the authorities for starting to clear domestic arrears.
Directors expected Chad's early participation in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, building on its transparent oil revenue collection regime. The authorities should work closely with the Fund and other partners in designing a new permanent oil revenue management mechanism.
Directors observed that, although the real exchange rate has appreciated significantly since the beginning of the decade, it does not appear inconsistent with external stability. As oil production becomes more established, it will be important to monitor developments in the prices of non-traded goods. Directors stressed the critical importance of improved infrastructure—particularly through reductions in transport and energy costs—as well as of strengthened governance, financial sector development, and other structural reforms in order to enhance productivity and competitiveness, and boost Chad's weak export performance.
Directors noted that the oil windfall combined with prudent debt management has improved the debt situation since the last Article IV consultation. Although the risk of debt distress is now moderate, lower exports and growth remain important risks. Directors therefore welcomed the intention to improve debt sustainability and take all actions to attain the HIPC Initiative completion point as soon as possible, including by strengthening Chad's relationship with key partners. Several Directors encouraged the authorities to refrain from non-concessional borrowing.
Directors noted the authorities' interest in a staff-monitored program. They encouraged the authorities to demonstrate the improvements in fiscal policy and management in 2009 to proceed towards such a program as quickly as possible.
Directors emphasized that the serious shortcomings in Chad's macroeconomic statistics undermine effective surveillance. The authorities should provide adequate resources to the National Statistics Institute, supported by further technical assistance in priority areas.


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After a tiring time predicting the world cup results Paul the Octopus takes a well earned vacation in Bali
This is his mate Fred the Angler fish. Hello Fred
Once again some nice finds in Mucky Pirates Bay.
The Captain
The Captain
The Pirates who Dive, A ship worth sailing on, that's more space than divers, small groups and personal service. Where safety is taken care of so you can just concentrate on the fun. Remember "Be Happy Dive Pirate!" Garr!... www.searovers.net

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Some huge news coming out of Brazil, as Italian captain Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed via his Twitter page that he has suffered an ankle injury and will be out of today's FIFA World Cup Group D clash against England.
Cesare Prandelli had confirmed on Friday that Buffon had sustained the injury, according to ESPN, but despite saying it wasn't serious, Buffon acknowledged that it was serious enough to miss today's game.
"Good day to everyone..." Buffon began on Twitter.
"Life is beautiful and I am still indebted to her... It won't be a missed game or another World Cup missed out to make me change my mind!!!
"Besides, there are many ways to be important, even if you're not a protagonist on the field... therefore... forza great Salvatore... forza magical lads... FORZA ITALIA, my great love!!!"
In place of Buffon will likely be reserve goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.


text:
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Hotel on lake Garda, at Gardone Riviera
Hotel on Lake Garda Villa Florida, immersed in nature, opposite the most beautiful view of the large lake. Book in advance directly on our website!
Villa Florida is a beautiful hotel on Lake Garda, 4 star, situated on the western shore, Gardone Riviera to be precise, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful parts of the largest lake in Italy.
If you are still unsure and you haven't chosen the destination for your summer holidays, we suggest the Hotel on Lake Garda Villa Florida, an absolute jewel immersed in nature and colours of the Mediterranean vegetation. We have beautiful suites, with hand decorated walls and all the comforts possible, a large pool with a panoramic terrace and a solarium area….all at your service, and a beach for bathing just a few metres away. We offer cooking courses of typical dishes of the area, excursions organized in collaboration with the Molinari Travel Agency, mooring for boats at the Canottieri Salò 5 km away and much more.
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Eastern Inn
- Location:
- Address: No.72 Liaoning Road, Qingdao
- Tel: 0532-80916688 (Book this hotel, call 800-2682918)
- Hotel Name in Chinese: 逸羽连锁酒店(辽宁路店)
- Lowest Price: $27
Opened in 2006, Eastern Inn (Qingdao Liaoning Road) is located in the CBD of Qingdao; it is close to some Qingdao scenic spots such as Qingdao Railway Station, Zhongshan Road and Zhanqiao Pier.
Eastern Inn (Qingdao Liaoning Road) is a 9-storey building offering 188 various guestrooms, including luxury suites, luxury single rooms, business rooms and standard rooms. All rooms are freshly decorated and have complete set of appliances, such as central air conditioner, 24-hour hot water supply, drinking water supply, digital television, DDD and IDD service and tall-free broadband interface. The hotel also has meeting rooms and a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 100 people. The hotel's business center provides fax, typing, photocopying and ticket reservation service.
- Prices not include 18% service fee and tax.
- Payment Method: pay using our secure online payment service or pay at the hotel at some hotels.
- Triple/quad occupancy may require an extra bed at extra cost.
Hotel Amenities
|Hotel Services
|Wake Up Call, Fax Service
|Room Amenities
|Alarm clock, Color Television, Telephone, Bath and Shower
Hotel Amenities: Deposit Box at Front Desk
Dining Facilities: Chinese Restaurant, Western Restaurant, Cafe, Bar, Lounge Bar
Print the Taxi Directions
- Please drive me to Eastern Inn, thank you!
- 请送我到逸羽连锁酒店(辽宁路店),谢谢
- Address: No.72 Liaoning Road, Qingdao
- 地址: 青岛 市北区 辽宁路72号
- Tel: 0532-80916688
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text:
"Reach Within to Embrace Humanity" is this year's theme for Rotary International. Three area Rotary Clubs have succeeded in reaching within Gadsden State Community College for leadership.
Ed Clark, economics instructor, Luanne Hayes, director of governmental relations at Gadsden State Cherokee, and Kay Smith-Foster, public relations coordinator will lead their Rotary Club during the 2011-2012 year. They will each begin their reign as president July 1. Clark will preside over the Anniston Morning Club, Hayes will head the Centre Rotary and Smith-Foster will lead the Gadsden Rotary Club.
The three recently completed a President Elect Training Seminar, commonly known to Rotarians as PETS, in Nashville Tennessee. This was a seminar for the Mid South Area Rotarians including the District 6860, of which all three clubs are an active part. Over 400 Rotarians from Alabama, Tennessee and Kentucky attended the training and motivational workshops which prepared them for serving their communities and the world by assuming various leadership roles including presidency and assistant governors.
Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto "Service Above Self."
Clark stated, "One of the main goals I want to achieve during my year of presidency is to obtain a Future Vision Grant that will allow us to participate in an international service project." The Anniston Morning Club has a hugely successful Dancing with the Stars annual fund-raising event. Last year the club raised $58,000 with this one event.
The Centre Rotary Club provides a five-week summer camp for approximately 125 disadvantaged youth and participates in the Pennies for Polio program which provides money for the internationally sponsored Rotary goal. Hayes said, "I am looking forward to my year of service and to making a difference in our community."
Smith-Foster said that the Gadsden Rotary Club has a two-fold objective with their fund-raising events planned for the coming year. First of course is to raise money to implement various service projects in our community, and next would be to supplement funding for projects in our district, as well as some international projects. In addition to this goal she is hoping to build a stronger more unified club. The first event the Gadsden club plans to host will be a "Little Black Dress Affair" scheduled for August 25 at the Gadsden Country Club. The funds raised from this event will benefit the Children's Hospital Lifesaver Helicopter. In addition Gadsden Rotary is also working with the City of Gadsden to build a permanent outdoor stage that will be located on the Coosa and utilized by the community for various events.
The three leaders all agree that the year ahead will bring challenges in recruiting, retention and fundraising, but in spite of the obstacles all agree that they are looking forward to accomplishing goals and strengthening their respective clubs.
Gadsden State Host to Workshop
Twenty-two middle and high school teachers from Alabama and Georgia recently attended the 12th annual "Growing Fish in Recirculating Systems K -12 Teacher Workshop" at Gadsden State Community College. The purpose of the workshop is to educate teachers on ways to use aquatic biology/aquaculture as a vehicle to deliver math and science concepts to their students.
During the workshop participants built several types of systems, hatched catfish, dissected fish and learned about aquaponics and hormonal control of reproduction in fish for induced spawning. The five-day session is a team taught course sponsored by Gadsden State, Auburn University's Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, Auburn Marine Extension and Research Center, the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service and the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.
Dr. Hugh Hammer, aquaculture instructor at Gadsden State, said, "We have trained over 300 teachers nationwide since we began these workshops. It is a perfect fit for us to host the workshop because our facilities are designed for hands-on education." The workshop is highly regarded as the best of its type in the nation. Thanks to the current funding from the United States Department of Agriculture the workshop was free to the teachers. Since the program began, Gadsden State has shipped fish to high schools in Ohio, West Virginia, Nebraska, Montana, South Dakota and Connecticut for educational purposes.
For more information on future workshops contact Dr. Hugh Hammer at 256-549-8345 or email@example.com.


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Skip to comments.Hollywood Takes on the Left ["An American Carol" release Oct. 3]
Posted on 09/19/2008 2:23:13 PM PDT by La Enchiladita
Los Angeles
For anyone who has ever been on a movie set, the commotion inside Warner Brothers Studio 15 will be familiar: serious-faced actors and actresses quietly rehearsing their lines; the director of photography huddled with his assistants around two high-definition screens inside a small black tent reviewing the last scenes; extras lounging around the set trying both to stay out of the way and to get noticed; carpenters busily working to construct the set for the next scene; a frazzled first assistant director guzzling Red Bull and yelling instructions to anyone who will listen.
"Rolling," he shouts.
Others throughout the cavernous studio echo his call.
"Rolling! Quiet please!"
David Zucker is sitting in a high-backed director's chair with his name on it. (I'd always assumed they were just used for effect in movies, but here one was.) Zucker is looking at a monitor showing the inside of an empty New York City subway station. It's actually just a set--a stunning replica of a subway station--and it sits 15 feet to Zucker's right.
The first assistant director breaks the silence.
The set jumps to life. Two young men--both terrorists--enter the station. They are surprised to see a security checkpoint manned by two NYPD officers. "I'll need to see your bag, please," says one of the officers. The lead terrorist glances nervously at his friend and swings his backpack down from his shoulder to present it to the cops. Just as the officer pulls on the zipper, however, a small army of ACLU lawyers marches up to the policemen with a stop-search order. The cops look at each other and shrug their shoulders. "This says we can't search their bags."
The young men are relieved. They smile fiendishly as they walk toward the crowded platform. As the lead terrorist once again slips the backpack over his shoulder, he mutters his appreciation.
"Thank Allah for the ACLU."
David Zucker believes we are in a "new McCarthy era." Time magazine film writer Richard Corliss recently joked that conservative films are "almost illegal in Hollywood." Tom O'Malley, president of Vivendi Entertainment, though, dismisses claims that Hollywood is hostile to conservative ideas and suggests that conservatives simply haven't been as interested in making movies. "How come there aren't more socialists on Wall Street?"
But Zucker's film, together with a spike in attendance at events put on by "The Friends of Abe" (Lincoln, not Vigoda)--a group of right-leaning Hollywood types that has been meeting regularly for the past four years--is once again reviving hope that conservatives will have a battalion in this exceedingly influential battleground of the broader culture war.
Should be a great. Liberals give us so much to lampoon about.
I have this on my list as a must see.
Or in Michael Moore's case, harpoon.
I hope it's good but David Zucker hasn't made a funny movie in a long time.
This one looks legitimately funny though. I've marked the date.
The problem with that, as he says in the article, was trying to be too original. In this case, basing the movie on the premise of "A Christmas Carol," not so original. Some of the lines quoted in the article seem pretty funny to me, we'll see.
On one of the days I was on set, McEveety had invited Vivendi Entertainment president Tom O'Malley to meet Zucker. Vivendi had just agreed to distribute the film and had promised wide release--news that had the cast and crew of An American Carol in particularly good spirits.
Man, if you ever got a harpoon in that one, he'd sink your boat. Just pull it right down.
I don't know: Airplane, Top Secret!, Naked Gun, Ruthless People, ... I can give him a few passes if he made an occasional lemon or two (and I admit to my lowbrowedness - I even got laughs from the Scary Movie and High School High movies).
Grammer, who is friends with Ann Coulter, says he quoted her once to some of the young people who work for him.
"'Ann Coulter,'" he says, recalling their horror and assuming their voice. "'She's the antichrist.' And I said: 'What the f-- do you know about the antichrist? You don't even believe in Christ.'"
Awesome link, thank you.
Remember these names, everyone, and support their work:
Kelsey Grammer
Gary Sinise
Kevin Farley
David Zucker
Pat Boone
Jon Voight
Robert Davi
Thinkin' on his feet, that Kelsey! Glad he survived his little heart attack earlier this year.
All those were over 20 years ago.
So he's been on a wee bit of a cold streak...
When did you produce your latest masterpiece, hmm?
You don't even have a profile page...
Just sayin'...:-)
Not only line up, I hope the RNC sets up voter registration desks outside theaters in the purple states :>
Our own Hometown Boy, Kevin Farley, plays the Michael Moore character.
It's highly unlikely that this will be released in 'The People's Republik of Madistan,' though. All of the theaters are full up with bus loads of kids on forced field trips to view Algore's film. ;)
Just kiddin'. I'll go out of town to see it if necessary.
Criticism is an Artform all by itself!
honestly from the clips it looks rather stupid. The humor... slapstick only a nine year old would appreciate. My fear is this bombs, and they never make another liberal spoof. Maybe they should have gotten together with the guys from south park...
I can now see why its been so heavily advertised on conservative talk radio. Its on my to-watch list.
I see one of your fellow Critics is here to keep you company. Another producer of masterpieces, no doubt.
Borges thinks "War of the Worlds" is the greatest film ever made.
The Tom Cruise version.
Oh no.... ROFL.
Was the original by Orson Welles?
Orson Welles did a Radio version of it in 1938. The 1953 film was a George Pal production directed by Byron Haskin.
Zucker is one of the few good guys in Hollyweird. And Airplane remains one of the funniest movies ever and I am looking forward to seeing this. Kudos for a man with a spine willing to voice a differing opinion to a bunch of socialists who want none of it.
No need to ping you, I knew your rabbit ears would catch it.
There was a new trailer released today (I thought I saw it on FR) that was much more humorous than the items linked here.
Can anyone help?
The clip showed Michael and Rosie on a talk show...
I wanted to give the "critics" another example.
I do agree that the original trailer isn't very impressive.
Roger that !!
Well it was a terrific action film.
A BIG next day BUMP for this thread! :-)
Los Angeles
For anyone who has ever been on a movie set, the commotion inside Warner Brothers Studio 15 will be familiar: serious-faced actors and actresses quietly rehearsing their lines; the director of photography huddled with his assistants around two high-definition screens inside a small black tent reviewing the last scenes; extras lounging around the set trying both to stay out of the way and to get noticed; carpenters busily working to construct the set for the next scene; a frazzled first assistant director guzzling Red Bull and yelling instructions to anyone who will listen.
"Rolling," he shouts.
Others throughout the cavernous studio echo his call.
"Rolling! Quiet please!"
David Zucker is sitting in a high-backed director's chair with his name on it. (I'd always assumed they were just used for effect in movies, but here one was.) Zucker is looking at a monitor showing the inside of an empty New York City subway station. It's actually just a set--a stunning replica of a subway station--and it sits 15 feet to Zucker's right.
The first assistant director breaks the silence.
The set jumps to life. Two young men--both terrorists--enter the station. They are surprised to see a security checkpoint manned by two NYPD officers. "I'll need to see your bag, please," says one of the officers. The lead terrorist glances nervously at his friend and swings his backpack down from his shoulder to present it to the cops. Just as the officer pulls on the zipper, however, a small army of ACLU lawyers marches up to the policemen with a stop-search order. The cops look at each other and shrug their shoulders. "This says we can't search their bags."
The young men are relieved. They smile fiendishly as they walk toward the crowded platform. As the lead terrorist once again slips the backpack over his shoulder, he mutters his appreciation.
"Thank Allah for the ACLU."
Zucker's latest movie, An American Carol, is unlike anything that has ever come out of Hollywood. It is a frontal attack on the excesses of the American left from several prominent members of a growing class of Hollywood conservatives. Until now, conservatives in Hollywood have always been too few and too worried about a backlash to do anything serious to challenge the left-wing status quo.
David Zucker believes we are in a "new McCarthy era." Time magazine film writer Richard Corliss recently joked that conservative films are "almost illegal in Hollywood." Tom O'Malley, president of Vivendi Entertainment, though, dismisses claims that Hollywood is hostile to conservative ideas and suggests that conservatives simply haven't been as interested in making movies. "How come there aren't more socialists on Wall Street?"
But Zucker's film, together with a spike in attendance at events put on by "The Friends of Abe" (Lincoln, not Vigoda)--a group of right-leaning Hollywood types that has been meeting regularly for the past four years--is once again reviving hope that conservatives will have a battalion in this exceedingly influential battleground of the broader culture war.
Zucker has always been interested in politics. He was raised in Shorewood, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee, in a household where Franklin Delano Roosevelt was viewed as either a hero or a dangerous conservative. He was elected president of his senior class at the University of Wisconsin, and, when he addressed his classmates at commencement in the spring of 1970, his speech was serious--a friend describes it as "solemn" and political. Among other things, Zucker condemned the Kent State shootings and lamented the mistreatment of America's blacks. Two years later, he appeared on stage with lefty leading man Warren Beatty and Democratic presidential candidate George McGovern. Zucker says at the time he was "very liberal." (His brother Jerry remains an unreconstructed liberal and recently optioned a sympathetic movie about the life and times of serial fabulist Joe Wilson and his wife, Valerie Plame.)
David Zucker got his start in entertainment right after school. In 1971, he teamed up with his brother and two friends to create an irreverent revue called Kentucky Fried Theater. They drew large crowds to cafés and small theaters in Madison and soon outgrew the college town. They went to Hollywood to chase the dream, and, surprise, the show worked in Southern California, too.
They caught the attention of some of Hollywood's boldfaced names--the show would serve as one of Lorne Michaels's inspirations for Saturday Night Live--and in 1977 they released their first film, The Kentucky Fried Movie. It was the first of many classics: Airplane!, Top Secret!, The Naked Gun, BASEketball. Actually, BASEketball sucked, but by the time it was released in 1998, Zucker had put together enough of a streak that he was widely regarded as a comedic genius. Matt Stone, who together with Trey Parker created South Park, starred in BASEketball. He described Zucker's influence this way: "I used to sit at home with my friends in high school and watch Kentucky Fried Movie and Airplane! and vomit from laughing."
Although these films had some political jokes, the movies themselves did not carry overt political messages. Naked Gun 2 came closest with a vaguely pro-environment theme. (It opens with George H.W. Bush meeting with the heads of America's coal, oil, and nuclear industries: the representatives of the Society for More Coal Energy [pronounced SMOKE]; the Society of Petroleum Industry Leaders [SPIL]; and the Key Atomic Benefits Office of Mankind [KABOOM].) Zucker, who owns a Toyota Prius and derives a third of the energy for his house from photovoltaic cells, is still an environmentalist.
In 1984, one of Zucker's college friends, Rich Markey, suggested he listen to a local Los Angeles talk radio show, "Religion on the Line," hosted by Dennis Prager. Zucker took the advice and soon struck up a friendship with Prager, whose conservative views appealed to Zucker as common sense. Although his politics were evolving, Zucker remained supportive of California Democrats, giving $2,400 to Senator Barbara Boxer in the mid-1990s. He contributed another $600 to an outfit called the "Hollywood Women's Political Committee" which, with members like Jane Fonda, Bonnie Raitt, and Barbra Streisand, probably wasn't calling for low taxes and abstinence education.
Zucker was still nominally a Democrat when George W. Bush was elected in 2000. "Then 9/11 happened, and I couldn't take it anymore," he says. "The response to 9/11--the right was saying this is pure evil we're facing and the left was saying how are we at fault for this? I think I'd just had enough. And I said 'I quit.'"
He decided to write a letter to Boxer, sharing his disgust and telling her not to expect any more of his money. Having never done this before, he asked a friend with the Republican Jewish Committee for help. This friend recommended Zucker contact Myrna Sokoloff, a former paid staffer for Boxer, who had recently completed a similar ideological journey.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sokoloff had worked for several stars of the Democratic party's left wing. She served on the campaign staff of Mark Green, a close associate of Ralph Nader, when he ran for Senate in New York against Al D'Amato. She worked for Jerry Brown's 1992 presidential campaign and in 1998 was a fundraiser for Barbara Boxer's reelection effort.
Sokoloff had begun to sour on the Democratic party and the left generally during the impeachment of Bill Clinton. "As a feminist, I was outraged," she recalls. "If he had been a Republican president we would have demanded his resignation and marched on the White House." When she made this point to her Democratic friends, she says, they told her to keep quiet.
Although she didn't vote for George W. Bush in 2000, Sokoloff says she was glad that he won. Less than a year later, she understood why. "When 9/11 happened, I knew Democrats wouldn't be strong enough to fight this war."
Sokoloff and Zucker never did write the letter to Boxer, but their partnership would prove much more fruitful.
As the 2004 presidential election approached, Sokoloff and Zucker looked for a way to influence the debate. Their first effort was an ad mocking John Kerry for his flip-flops that the conservative Club for Growth paid to put on the air. In 2006, Sokoloff and Zucker followed that with a series of uproarious short spots mocking, in turn, the Iraq Study Group, Madeleine Albright and pro-appeasement foreign policy, and pro-tax congressional Democrats.
The Iraq Study Group ad was the most memorable. It opens with news footage of British prime minister Neville Chamberlain celebrating the signing of the Munich Agreement. A newspaper stand boasting "Peace with Honour" flashes across the screen.
Neville Chamberlain: "This morning, I had another talk with the German Chancellor, Herr Hitler. Here is the paper, which bears his name upon it, as well as mine."
The spot cuts to footage of German bombers over Warsaw. "Well," intones a narrator, "that negotiation went well. Fifty million dead worldwide. Nicely done, Mr. Chamberlain."
Then viewers are shown footage of imaginary negotiations between James Baker, Syria's Bashar Assad, and "Iranian madman" Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Baker's Iraq Study Group had formally recommended talks with Iran and Syria as part of its proposed solution to the problems in Iraq.
When Ahmadinejad asks Baker for permission to develop nuclear weapons so long as Iran promises not to use them, Baker agrees. Triumphant music plays loudly in the background and the diplomacy pauses for a celebration and some photos.
The music stops and Baker returns to the table with Ahmadinejad and Syria's Bashar Assad.
"Next item: You must agree to stop supplying the explosive devices that are killing our American soldiers in Iraq," Baker insists.
"We won't do that."
"Well, can you reduce the number?"
"Okay, how about 10 percent?" Assad proposes.
"Twenty percent," Baker responds.
The music starts again and Baker, like Chamberlain, triumphantly waves the signed agreement.
"Now, this thing about destroying Israel," he says to Ahmadinejad.
"We will do that," says the Iranian leader.
Baker shrugs. "That's fair," he says, affixing his signature to yet another agreement and once again waving it before the cameras.
Zucker says that the idea to do a feature film grew out of those ads, and several of the actors in the spots, including Turkish actor Serdar Kalsin, who plays Ahmadinejad, have speaking roles in the film.
If An American Carol grew out of Zucker's work on these commercials, the narrative device dates back to 1843. An American Carol is based loosely--very loosely--on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
"Why be original?" Zucker asks. "I've done that. It doesn't work, like BASEketball"--as he says this, he rolls his eyes and moves his right hand across his body to indicate a car going off a cliff.
The holiday in An American Carol is not Christmas and the antagonist is not Ebenezer Scrooge. Instead, the film follows the exploits of a slovenly, anti-American filmmaker named Michael Malone, who has joined with a left-wing activist group (Moovealong.org) to ban the Fourth of July. Along the way, Malone is visited by the ghosts of three American heroes--George Washington, George S. Patton, and John F. Kennedy--who try to convince him he's got it all wrong. When terrorists from Afghanistan realize that they need to recruit more operatives to make up for the ever-diminishing supply of suicide bombers, they begin a search for just the right person to help produce a new propaganda video. "This will not be hard to find in Hollywood," says one. "They all hate America." When they settle on Malone, who is in need of work after his last film (Die You American Pigs) bombed at the box office, he unwittingly helps them with their plans to launch another attack on American soil.
The entire film is an extended rebuttal to the vacuous antiwar slogan that "War Is Not the Answer." Zucker's response, in effect: "It Depends on the Question."
Zucker had originally hoped to cast Dan Whitney (aka Larry the Cable Guy) as Malone, but a timing conflict kept him from getting it done. After briefly considering Frank Caliendo, a fellow Wisconsinite, a colleague passed him a reel from Kevin Farley, the younger brother of the late Chris Farley, and Zucker, who recalled seeing Kevin Farley in an episode of Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiasm, was interested.
Zucker and Sokoloff met Farley in April 2007. Zucker described his new film with words he had chosen carefully. "I figured he was like everyone else in Hollywood--a Democrat," Zucker recalls. "And we knew that this was not a Democrat movie." It would be a satirical look at the war on terror, he told Farley, and explained that he and Sokoloff were political "moderates."
Farley hadn't seen any of Zucker's ads and assumed he was like everyone else in Hollywood--a Democrat. So he answered with some strategic ambiguity of his own. "I consider myself a centrist," he said, worried that they might press him more about his political views.
Zucker gave Farley the script and, concerned that Farley's agent would advise him against accepting the role because of the film's politics, told the actor not to show it to anyone. Farley, best known for his recurring role in a series of Hertz commercials, read the script and called back the next day to accept.
When he met Zucker and Sokoloff on the set as shooting on the film began, he told them that he, too, had long considered himself a conservative. "I couldn't believe it," says Sokoloff. "We were afraid that he would not want to be involved in something that was so directly taking on the left and that he would not want to play the Michael Moore character."
Farley told me this story during a break in filming at the Daniel Webster Elementary School in Pasadena, last April, with Steve McEveety, the film's producer, listening in.
"I thought that the minute we started talking about politics that would be the end," Farley recalls. "There was this dance that we did--a dance familiar to conservative actors in Hollywood. Lots of actors have done it."
"All three of you," said McEveety.
"Yeah, all three of us."
Farley is not aggressive about his politics and has chosen simply to opt out of political discussions when they have arisen on other projects. "I usually just bite my tongue unless it gets too ridiculous," he says. "The only thing that really bothers me is when they go off about the president. It just gets annoying."
If Farley is nervous that his proverbial big break is coming in a film with politics that might make getting his next big role more difficult, he doesn't show it. "If it's the last movie I do, I'll go work for Steve's company," he says.
"If this doesn't work," McEveety deadpans, "I won't have a company."
Yes, he will. He founded the company, Mpower Pictures, two years ago with John Shepherd, a former child actor, and Todd Burns, who helped put himself through law school by working as an EMT. McEveety, whose producing credits include Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, and The Passion of the Christ, is far too well-established to live or die based on the success of one film. And he created Mpower in part because he wanted the freedom to take risks on film projects others in Hollywood wouldn't consider. One such film, The Fallen, will be out later this fall. The film, based on a powerful book by Iranian journalist Friedoune Sahebjam, tells the true story of a young Iranian woman who is framed by her husband on false charges of infidelity and persecuted under the strictures of sharia law. According to McEveety, the Iranian regime has already begun an effort to discredit the film.
McEveety is one of several big names that will make it hard for the Hollywood establishment to ignore An American Carol. Jon Voight plays George Washington. Dennis Hopper makes an appearance as a judge who defends his courthouse by gunning down ACLU lawyers trying to take down the Ten Commandments. James Woods plays Michael Malone's agent. And Kelsey Grammer plays General George S. Patton, Malone's guide to American history and the mouthpiece of the film's writers.
I chatted with Grammer on the set at Warner Brothers studios. "I'm glad some of the bigger guys jumped in--Dennis Hopper, Jon Voight, James Woods."
Grammer has been out as a conservative for several years and has publicly mused about running for office. His name comes up periodically when California Republicans are brainstorming about candidates to take on Barbara Boxer or Dianne Feinstein for their Senate seats. It's not hard to see why. He is passionate about the issues that matter most to conservatives and extraordinarily articulate.
"The accepted way to speak about America is in the voice that disrespects it. And the voice that's unacceptable is the one that loves America," he says, wearing the uniform of an Army general and sipping from a bottle of pomegranate juice. "How did we get here?"
Over the course of two hours, we are joined by several others working on the movie and talk about everything from taxes--"the rich in this country are being criminalized"--to Iraq. "Petraeus has to couch every bit of optimism in some convoluted formulation to avoid the promised rush of disrespect," Grammer says.
Eventually, the conversation turns from policy to punditry. Grammer, who is friends with Ann Coulter, says he quoted her once to some of the young people who work for him.
"'Ann Coulter,'" he says, recalling their horror and assuming their voice. "'She's the antichrist.' And I said: 'What the f-- do you know about the antichrist? You don't even believe in Christ.'"
Robert Davi, who plays the lead terrorist in the Zucker film, joins us as the discussion turns from policy to the cable pundit shows. Davi is one of those actors with an instantly recognizable face--he was the villain in the Bond film Licence to Kill--but whose name is unknown to most of the country.
"I can't stand Keith Olbermann," says Davi. "Jesus Christ, I want to slap that guy."
"I just sit there and watch these shows"--he picks up an imaginary remote from the table in front of him, points it at the imaginary television somewhere to the right of my head and begins clicking--"I watch them all. I cannot watch the murder shows anymore. Greta comes on and"--he changes the channel once more.
Our discussion continues over lunch and we are joined by Myrna Sokoloff, Kevin Farley, and Chriss Anglin, who plays JFK. Lunch lasts an hour, and we discuss marginal tax rates, the Democratic primary, whether John McCain will pick Condoleezza Rice as his running mate, the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, and whether the talk of closing Guantánamo is serious or just campaign rhetoric.
Eventually, the conversation turns to the war and the opposition to it--the subject of their current project. "No one on the left wants to admit that radical Islamists want to kill Americans, the Jews--everyone in the West," Davi says. "I try to talk to my friends on the left and they just don't get it. Most of them have never even heard of Sayyid Qutb. How can you have an intellectual discussion about the war we're in without knowing who Sayyid Qutb is?" he asks, raising his voice so that actors from other tables glance over to see what's causing the commotion. JFK concentrates on his food.
Later that same day, I spoke to Lee Reynolds, who plays the New York police officer whose efforts to search the terrorists are thwarted by the ACLU. Reynolds, too, is a conservative--something David Zucker did not know when he cast Reynolds in the anti-Kerry ad he produced in 2004. Reynolds was active duty military for 12 years and shortly after 9/11 worked as the chief media officer for detainee operations at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
When he returned, he took a job as a production assistant on a film--he asked me not to name it--shot in several locations across the United States. Reynolds worked hard and, he says, won the confidence of the film's directors, who gave him more responsibility. But just as he was making a name for himself, word began to spread that he had been in the military and, far worse, that he supported the efforts of his uniformed colleagues in the war on terror.
"Once they found out I was a Republican, unfortunately for some people it was a problem," he recalls. Several people who had talked to him regularly throughout the shoot simply stopped. And a trip that he was to have taken to participate in an offsite shoot across the country was abruptly cancelled. Another person was sent in his place. Reynolds says that he had only two colleagues who treated him the same way they had before, including "an anti-Bush lesbian" who was disgusted by the dogmatism of the others on the film. Reynolds, now a reservist, is scheduled to leave for Iraq in early 2009. The more Zucker is known as a conservative, the more frequently he has encounters with others who consider themselves conservative.
On one of the days I was on set, McEveety had invited Vivendi Entertainment president Tom O'Malley to meet Zucker. Vivendi had just agreed to distribute the film and had promised wide release--news that had the cast and crew of An American Carol in particularly good spirits.
O'Malley and Zucker chatted about the fact that O'Malley is the nephew of Candid Camera's Tom O'Malley and that they are both from the Midwest, among other things. Zucker thanked him for picking up the movie, which will be one of the first for Vivendi's new distribution arm. O'Malley told Zucker that he was particularly interested in this film in part because he, too, leans right.
Such revelations are common occurrences at the periodic meetings of the secret society of Hollywood conservatives known as the "Friends of Abe." The group, with no official membership list and no formal mission, has been meeting under the leadership of Gary Sinise (CSI New York, Forrest Gump) for four years. Zucker had spent a year working on a film with Christopher McDonald without learning anything about his politics. Shortly after the film wrapped, he ran into McDonald, best known as Shooter McGavin from Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore, at one of these informal meetings.
"It's almost like people who are gay, show up at the baths and say, 'Oh, I didn't know you were gay!' " Zucker says.
From the beginning, Zucker knew what the political message of An American Carol would be. His problem was how to make it funny.
The war on terror, of course, does not lend itself to hilarity. But Zucker knows comedy and has spent nearly four decades making people laugh. With his friend Lewis Friedman, a comedy writer, Zucker went looking for the absurd in the political left and found an abundance of material.
Zucker and Friedman poked fun of the know-nothing culture of antiwar protests. During a rally at Columbia University, students chant: "Peace Now, We Don't Care How!" Some of their protest signs are ones you'd find at any antiwar rally. Some are not. "9/11 Was an Inside Job," "Kick Army Recruiters Off Campus!" "End Violence--War Is Not the Answer!" "End Disease--Medicine Is Not the Answer!" "It's Too Dark Outside, The Sun Is Not the Answer!" "Overpopulation--Gay Marriage Is the Answer!"
Other claims were so absurd they didn't require exaggeration. "We really didn't have to do a lot of stretching," says Zucker.
When he heard Rosie O'Donnell claim that "radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have a separation of church and state," he knew he had several minutes of material.
In the film, a rotund comedian named Rosie O'Connell makes an appearance on The O'Reilly Factor to promote her documentary, The Truth About Radical Christians. O'Reilly shows a clip, which opens with a pair of priests walking through an airport--as seen from pre-hijacking surveillance video--before boarding the airplane. Once onboard, they storm the cockpit using crucifixes as their weapon of choice. Next the documentary looks at the growing phenomenon of nuns as suicide bombers, seeking 72 virgins in heaven. A dramatization shows two nuns, strapped with explosives, board a bus to the cries of the other passengers. "Oh, no! Not the Christians!" O'Connell's work ends with a warning about new threats and the particular menace of the "Episcopal suppository bomber."
Zucker is plainly not worried about offending anyone. David Alan Grier plays a slave in a scene designed to show Malone what might have happened if the United States had not fought the Civil War. As Patton explains to a dumbfounded Malone that the plantation they are visiting is his own, Grier thanks the documentarian for being such a humane owner. As they leave, another slave, played by Gary Coleman, finishes polishing a car and yells "Hey, Barack!" before tossing the sponge to someone off-camera.
It is one of just two references to the ongoing presidential campaign. (The other one, more cryptic, comes in a scene that's a throwback to the Iraq Study Group ad. Neville Chamberlain, after polishing Adolf Hitler's boots, signs the Munich Agreement, and declares: "We have hope now.") But Tom O'Malley, president of Vivendi, believes that the timing of the film's release--October 3--will give it special relevance to the current debates. And several of the film's leading figures have strong opinions about Barack Obama. "Obama is not qualified to be president, and it'll be a disaster," says Zucker, who then pauses as if he's said something he should have kept to himself. "Shouldn't I be allowed to say that?"
Zucker says that one of the major differences between the left and the right in America today is that leftists think of their political opponents as evil. "I don't think that Obama is an evil guy, I just think he's wrong. But I do think we face real evil in Ahmadinejad and the mullahs and all these crazy guys."
Does Obama understand that?
"I don't think so. I don't think so."
Zucker points to a National Journal study that found Obama to be the most liberal member of the U.S. Senate. "John Kerry was, and Obama is. Fortunately, Kerry was a stiff. But Obama isn't a stiff and he's really adaptable. He's like a really clever virus who adapts. Obama's the farthest left of all of these guys. And that's why he associated with all of those crazies--terrorists, preachers of hate."
Jon Voight, who says he was "duped" as a young man into rallying against the Vietnam war, is also troubled both by Obama's associations and his willingness to end them so abruptly. "When I look at the other side, when I look at Barack Obama, I see expediency," he says, pointing to Obama's relationship with the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, and assuming Obama's voice. "He's like family. I could never disown him. I didn't know him. I didn't hear those words in that church."
If those behind the film have similar views about Obama, many of them have opposing views about the long-term impact of a film like An American Carol on the movie industry.
"If this does well, it'll change everything," says Grammer.
"I think it would be pompous to say that," says Voight. "It's a movie. It's a satire. And it's a funny satire. I don't want to point to this thing, just because there are so few films from conservative sources, and make it a target. It's a movie. Let's not burden this little horse with additional weights."
David Zucker seems to be of two minds. When I ask him if he had an objective in making the film, he borrows a line from his friend and former partner, Jim Abrahams. "Avoid embarrassment."
He adds: "I don't have any desire to be taken seriously. Really, I really don't. But having said that, I really believe this stuff. Why can't I put it out there? And I'm scared to death of Obama. If I didn't do something about it I would feel--My kids would ask: 'What did you do in the war Daddy?'"
"I donated my career to stop this s--."
I'm really looking forward to this show.
Thank YOU, and thanks to everyone for stopping by.
I hope the movie is as good or better than this awesome article, reprinted in full a few posts above.
If you want a laugh like that again, check out the 1957 movie "Zero Hour." "Airplane" was based on "Zero Hour," with some lines lifted verbatim. (No theft involved, they bought the screenplay fair and square)
"Zero Hour" stars Dana Andrews, Sterling Hayden and Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsh. You'll thank me later.
From the Internet Archives. It's a public domain .mp3.
If you've never listened to it now is the time.
Have a great week!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The NCAA's board of directors has suspended four of the recruiting rules it passed in January and decided to keep the sliding scale for academic eligibility indefinitely.
The board also decided Thursday to recognize the reformed Big East Conference as a multi-sport league.
It was a day low on suspense. Most of the recruiting rules had already been put on hold because of school complaints. In January, the board approved measures that included eliminating limits on how recruits could be conacted and how often they could be contacted outside non-contact periods. That rule has now been suspended in all sports other than men's and women's basketball, which had abided by the policy since last summer.
The board also agreed to keep the overall academic requirements that take effect in 2016.


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Let $W$ be a 7-dimensional space. Prove that for any 5-dimensional subspaces $W_1,W_2,W_3 \subset W$ the intersection $W_1 \cap W_2 \cap W_3$ is non-zero.
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Hint: $2+2+2<7$.
It might help to consider the complement.
Proof by contradiction. Suppose not, then $W_1$ and $W_2 \cap W_3$ are disjoint. Take a basis of each. Because they are disjoint you can combine these two bases to get a linearly independent set in $W$. This proves that:
$$\dim W_1 + \dim(W_2 \cap W_3) \leq \dim W$$
$$\dim(W_2 \cap W_3) \leq 2.$$
Is this possible if both $W_2$ and $W_3$ are $5$-dimensional? To see take a basis for $W_2 \cap W_3$ and then extend this to a basis for $W_2$ and a basis for $W_3$. These vectors are all linearly independent so there can't be more than $7$ of them. Count them up and see how many you actually get.


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Main Calendar
Workshops & Ongoing Class Calendar
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Murray's all-natural chickens are locally raised for those who purchase our chickens in the New York Tri State area. Your chicken has never traveled far, eliminating the need for preservatives to artificially extend its shelf-life. By partnering with a select number of family farms, Murray's strengthens the local economy and protects small farmers by allowing them to focus solely on the exceptional quality and taste of their Murray's Chickens. Many of the foods we eat travel a great distance to reach our dinner table. In comparison, Murray's transport distance is always under 300 miles for those who purchase our chickens in the New York Tri State area.
We have all counted calories on occasion, and Murray's is certainly an excellent fit for a healthy lifestyle. If your family is also committed to living a greener life, consider counting your "miles per calorie". In choosing local products, you help the environment by saving our precious natural resources and cutting back on carbon emission.


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The Whitecaps have signed Japanese attacking midfielder Daigo Kobayashi to an undisclosed deal, the club announced Monday. Kobayashi, the J-League veteran, arrived in Vancouver last week to go through some medicals. He recently had a hip injury the Whitecaps wanted … Continue reading
Shimizu S-Pulse RSS
Japanese midfielder Daigo Kobayashi to join Whitecaps
Daigo Kobayashi, a 29-year-old Japanese midfielder who has played in Norway and Greece as well as the J-League, is set to arrive in Vancouver this week to join the Whitecaps. (Getty Images)
Daigo Kobayashi, a 29-year-old Japanese attacking midfielder, is set to arrive in Vancouver on Wednesday for medicals with the Whitecaps, the Province can confirm. Sports Nippon first reported that Kobayashi was joining the MLS club. It's presumed that if all … Continue reading


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Jun 9, 2011 8:05 AM
Ke$ha accurately described our complexion when she so wisely stated "blah blah blah" in her monumental, earth shattering hit "Blah blah blah!" Now that she has been kidnapped by people who aren't tone deaf and removed from society, we wised up and started using Tarte Clean Slate ($30) to boost our skin's appearance and prep it for a day of tasteful makeup wear, unlike one Ms. Kesha Rose Sebert (holy crap that's really her name! We had to look it up!).
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


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Lee Morgan: Zambia
Lee Morgan (trumpet)
Delightfulee (Blue Note 92770)
Lee Morgan (trumpet), Joe Henderson (tenor sax), McCoy Tyner (piano), Bob Cranshaw (bass), Billy Higgins (drums).
Composed by Lee Morgan.
Recorded: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, May 27, 1966
Rating: 95/100 (learn more)
In a 2006 interview by Ethan Iverson, drummer Billy Hart mentions that he once asked Lee Morgan about "The Sidewinder," and Morgan replied, "Yeah, man, ain't that a bitch? I played all this hip music, and we threw this other shit together just to finish out the record, and that becomes the hit. My first hit had to be some dumb shit like that." Of course, that "dumb shit" (which was actually quite good) helped pay the bills and enabled Morgan to record such less commercial tracks as "Zambia." This was one of many tunes with African titles on 1960s jazz releases, each acknowledging the drive towards independence throughout Africa that coincided with the Civil Rights movement in the U.S. The rhythmic content, however, is anything but African, as the swaying call-and-response theme is played with a Latin-flavored beat before going to straight 4/4 once the solos begin. Henderson runs the gamut, with slithery, sometimes funky lines, vocalized phrases, and high-pitched, dissonant shrieks. Morgan hits the ground running, his exclamatory riffs and swirling passages played with an exceptional, piercing yet rounded tone. Tyner's compelling short statement, and energetic exchanges between Morgan and Higgins are the remaining highlights of this invigorating performance. (For a different take, hear the Oliver Nelson-arranged big band version on the same CD.)
Reviewer: Scott Albin
Tags: 1960s jazz · blue note · trumpet
Comments are closed.


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Downtown Alfama RIVER VIEW 5 Rooms 12pax
Maksimum Konuk Sayısı15
Yatak odası5
Boyut150 metrekare
Floor No.3
- Aile / Çocuk dostu
- İnternet/Kablosuz ağ
- Mutfak
- Evcil hayvan girebilir
- Çamaşır makinesi / Kurutma makinesi
- Etkinlikler için uygun
- Havlu
- Bulaşık makinası
|Rua São João da Praça, 1100 Lisboa, Portekiz
|Mülkiyet türü
|Referans kodu
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
Property Description
This beautiful apartment is located in the most traditional neighbourhood of Lisbon, Alfama. With a fantastic view over the Tagus river, you are within walking distance from all the main places to visit in Lisbon such as Rossio, Chiado, Bairro Alto and the City Castel. Also the famous 28 tram stops at your door. Located side by side with the Lisbon Cathedral, staying in this apartment is breathe the truly and authentic Lisbon
The apartment:
The 150 square meters (1614 square feet) apartment features 5 bedrooms, it's on the 3rd floor of a building without lift. It has one living and dining-room, 3 bathrooms (2 suites+1 independent), and a fully equipped kitchen. It has fine old wooden floors and the original ceiling stucco. All the rooms have window and are plenty of sunlight and all are equipped with excellent mattresses.
This apartment is totally prepared to receive from 1 to 12 people.
Room #1: 2 single beds and one more single bed under one of the single beds (sleep 2+1)
Room #2: 1 double bed (sleep 2)
Room #3: 2 single beds and one more single bed under one of the single beds (sleep 2+1)
Suite #4: 1 double bed (sleep 2) + Bathroom
Suite #5: 1 double bed (sleep 2) + Bathroom
The apartment perfectly suits families or groups that aim to spend some days in Lisbon with everything within walking distance. It has free wireless internet, all the rooms have window and the beds are equipped with excellent mattresses'. Excellent for It's hard to find a nicer and more spacious apartment able to host from 1 to 12 people in such a comfortable manner.
This apartment is located in a historical and residential building. Neighbours that live in this building are very sensible to noise, special after 10:00 pm. Is totally forbidden to make noise after 10:00 pm, parties are not allowed and noise in the stairs must be controlled. Definitely if you are looking for an apartment where you can make noise until late this is not an option. Fines will be applied (losing deposit) for those you don't act in conformity with this rules.
Alfama is Lisbon's most emblematic quarter, one that gives most tourists who like joy riding down and photographers because of the multitude of medieval streets and magnificent views.
Because it is built mostly of stone, managed to survive the 1755 earthquake and a walk through this neighborhood old-fashioned buildings equates to a return in time. Alfama is a kind of village in a big city, distinguishing himself through the narrow streets, small squares, churches and houses stained with wrought iron balconies decorated with flower pots, and dry clothes to put birds in cages.
Alfama has influenced poets and novelists, known as traditional fado (Portuguese music). Quarter is indescribable beauty, which must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The best way to do is let you conquer the small streets at random, enjoying the feeling that you've lost a bit in the huge city. Admire the landscape worthy of cameras everywhere and climb up the castle to enjoy the beautiful panorama.
The apartment is at 500m from the "Terreiro do Paço" subway station. The apartment is also served by buses and you can walk to the railway or boat stations that can take you to the beaches around Lisbon, or to other nice places such as Belem, Sintra or Cascais.
Check Out: 11h
Flexible check in and check out, available under request.
This apartment is located in a historical and residential building. Neighbours that live in this building are very sensible to noise, special after 10:00 pm. Is totally forbidden to make noise after 10:00 pm, parties are not allowed and noise in the stairs must be controlled. Definitely if you are looking for an apartment where you can make noise until late this is not an option. Fines will be applied (losing deposit) for those you don't act in conformity with this rules.
|> 7 misafir için ücret
|TRY 64 misafir başına/ekstra gece
|Check-in Saati (Sonrası)
|Check-in before
|Check-out Saati (Öncesi)
|İptal Koşulları
The appartement is as beautiful as in the pictures! It is clean, cozy and nicely decorated and has it original ceilings, which gives the appartement an authentic sphere! The kitchen has everything you can wish for: a dishwasher, a washing machine, an oven, a microwave, enough plates, glasses to have a nice dinner with a large group. The beds are comfortable and luxurious with a lot of pillows to sleep on and the bathrooms are modern and well equipped.
The appartement is situated in the neighborhood called Alfama. Alfama is a very nice district in the city center of Lissabon in which many cute restaurants and bars are situated. Across the street you find a lovely bar and next to that there is a delicious Italian. In that same street you also can find a wine shop and a small grocery store. Me and my friends had a lovely time here!
No hot water, toilet flushing constantly for 4 days, dishwasher not functioning. Owner came 3 times to fix things, with many apologies. During and short after his visits hot water was flowing for a short time. After our stay the owner offered to compensate but, at first, forgot to do so and the second time again: no action.
Not recommended! Fam Seinen
We enjoyed out stay at this appartment. "What you see is what you get". It was exactly as shown in the pictures. We were here with our children and their freinds, In total 8 persons. Room and space enough. Also near to the river and near to a lot of nice places in Lissabon. To everybody who is looking for an appartment in Lisboa for about 10 persons we can say: Do it!
We are very thankful to Joao who was very helpful and answered our questions quickly and correct, as well as before our stay as during our stay in Lisboa.
The apartment was exactly as in the pictures and my family and I enjoyed staying here very much. Since there are five bedrooms you can easily stay here with 10 people and if necessary with more. It is on the third floor without elevator, so the 77 steps will give you a small work out. The location is perfect for sight seeing, but parking can be challenging, I would recommend using public transportation instead. Joao took good care of us, and was able to assist us when we locked ourselves out of the apartment on the last day.
The apartment is ideally located opposite the cathedral and near the square Terreiro do Paco, is very nice and very well equipped, everything clean.
David the host was very friendly, greeted us with a welcome gift.
Recommended 100%
This apartment had great location! We had good contact with host - David- without any problems, he was very friendly. The apartment was large, for 7 people perfect. One small minus - no ventilation in bathrooms, so smell was very unpleasant. There were many dishes in the kitchen, but no tea, dishwasher tablets. Fortunately the market was very closed and was well-stocked. We had transport from the airport - I recommend it.
This is a great apartment which is exactly how it looks in the pictures. Location is great and the apartment has all the facilities you would need.
The apartment was clean and modern as in the pictures , very spacious and welcoming . Great location near restaurants bars and bakeries within easy reach of the center . We were very well received and highly recommend this apartment .
Great apartment, nice touch leaving our party a bottle of Port on our arrival
Beautiful Lisboa, nice area, nice apartment...thank you Martha and Joao!
- Kalite güvenceli konaklama
- Her ev sahibi telefonla doğrulanmıştır
- SSL şifrelemesi ile güvenli ödeme


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Welcome to the personalized online shop for
Downingtown West High School
Deadline for orders is Tuesday, May 15th. Orders will be delivered to Downingtown Middle School the first week of June.
Orders are non-returnable due to customization. Minimum orders are required on some items, if minimums are not met, we will refund your money.
You must hit PLACE YOUR ORDER for your order to be processed. You will receive an email confirmation once your order is placed. If you do not receive an email confirmation, there is a chance your order did not process, please contact Jeanne Reith, firstname.lastname@example.com or 610-430-7432 if you are unsure.


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Tarheel Plastics of Lexington to add 48 jobs in Mocksville
Published: Monday, March 4, 2013 at 3:32 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 4, 2013 at 3:32 p.m.
Tarheel Plastics of Lexington announced Monday it would expand into Davie County and create 48 new jobs and invest $2.5 to $3.5 million, according to a press release from the Davie County Economic Development Commission.
Tarheel Plastics will start new work in April in a facility in the former MTP warehouse at 163 Industrial Blvd. in Mocksville.
Tarheel Plastics provides injection molding, contract manufacturing, assembly and logistics solutions to OEM's and serves a wide variety of markets utilizing state-of-art engineering and plastics resins to produce custom molded products.
New jobs will include positions in human resources, accounting, quality control, customer service, material handling, machine operator, maintenance technician and other manufacturing related jobs. Recruiting is already under way, and applications are being accepted online at tarheelplastics.applicantpro.com/jobs.
Craig Ward, vice president of operations for Tarheel Plastics, said recently awarded contracts are requiring the need for additional equipment and employees. The new facility is needed because the company's 110,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Lexington is at capacity with 62 full-time and eight part-time employees. The new location in Mocksville will also allow for additional expansion as necessary.
A $480,000 Building Reuse Grant from the North Carolina Rural Center will transform the vacant building from a warehouse facility to a manufacturing facility.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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By BARBARA?E. RILEY, Ohio Department of Aging DirectorIt has been said that every time a child is born, a grandparent is born as well. These days, the role grandparents play is becoming increasingly significant. Instead of occasional visits from their grandchildren, many grandparents have taken on the role of primary parents. Sometimes referred to as kinship caregivers, these grandparents take in and raise children who can no longer live with their parents for a variety of reasons, including substance abuse, domestic violence, poverty and teenage pregnancy.
Older relatives often are the glue that holds families together. This is truer in Ohio than nationwide. According to a 2005 U.S. census estimate, 88,000 Ohio grandparents are the primary caregivers to their grandchildren - accounting for an estimated 10 percent of all households with children. The national average is six percent.
The average age of a grandparent raising a grandchild is 55, though nearly one in six is 65 or older. Half of these grandparents provide care for more than one grandchild. More than half of the children cared for by grandparents are age six or younger, according to the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force Report.
Experts agree that kinship care represents the most desirable out-of-home placement option for children who cannot live with their parents. It reduces the pain of not being able to live with their parents, while allowing children to maintain their sense of belonging. Being cared for by a grandparent helps to preserve the family and enhance children's ability to identify with their family's culture and traditions, while being a very rewarding and bonding experience for grandparents.
However, grandparents can face formidable challenges. In addition to the ongoing stress and responsibility of raising young children, these grandparents must cope with modest retirement incomes and lack of access to public assistance. A report to the Ohio General Assembly found that while grandparents express some concern about their own health and finances, the overwhelming majority are far more concerned with the health and overall well-being of their grandchildren.
Assistance, both financially and supportive, for kinship caregivers does exist.
Kinship Navigator programs are state initiatives that help caregivers find their way through state and local support systems. They provide information, referral and follow-up services to grandparents raising children to link them to the benefits and services that they or the children need, such as low-cost child care, respite care, training related to caring for special needs children and legal services.
For more information about the Kinship Navigator Program, contact your county department of job and family services office.
More than half (51 percent) of Ohio grandparents live in households with incomes less than $30,000. The Kinship Permanency Incentive Program offers financial support for minor children in the custody of grandparents or other kinship caregivers, providing up to $2,000 per child in incentive money over three years to income-eligible guardians after they have received legal custody or guardianship of a child. Eligible families will receive an initial payment of $500 per child to defray the costs of initial placement and may receive $300 per child every six months for 36 months. These incentive payments are in addition to Child Only TANF benefits the families may receive. To qualify, the family's gross income may not exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. For more information, contact your local public children services agency or call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services toll-free help line at 1-866-886-3537.
Grandparents are vital resources for children, allowing them to live in familiar surroundings with people they love. Helping these grandparents by lessening their financial hardship and emotional stress makes sense.


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Lea Michele attended Nickelodeon's 27th Annual Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday night wearing one of the hottest celebrity hairstyles, the faux bob. Frank Barbosa, celebrity stylist, has shared his hair care secrets on how to recreate this latest hair trend, which has also been seen on A-listers such as Taylor Swift, Nicole Richie and Kerry Washington.
"Glee" star Leah Michele stunned at the Kids' Choice Awards held at the USC Galen Center on March 29, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. The 27-year-old wore a faux bob with choppy bangs accented by ombré tips. The celebrity hairstyle has gained in popularity with more starlets now opting for this latest hair trend because of its versatility. It can be loose and playful as Leah Michele wore for the KCAs or molded and elegant as Taylor Swift had worn at a formal engagement in December of 2013.
Frank Barbosa is a renowned celebrity hairstylist who has worked on movies with stars such as Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner, and Sarah Jessica Parker. He shared his hair care secrets with the Hair and Nails Examiner to create the faux bob, otherwise known as "tucking." Barbosa explained that a faux bob is a great way to alter one's look without drastic measures.
Tucking gives the illusion of shorter hair without cutting your locks off. Simply take the ends of the hair rolling them under or even over. Worn curly or straight, it's an easy way to re-invent your image and try out any length temporarily.
Leah Michele opted for an "asymmetrical or A-line tuck" at the 2014 Kids' Choice Awards with long tendrils, which framed her face.
- To achieve a faux bob like Leah Michele at the KCAs, the hair must have some length, at least to the shoulders, just enough to roll under or over.
- To start, use a great working hair spray like IT&LY Pure Definition, which allows you to create a smooth finish or enhance texture as the hairstyling tool imparts shine and a natural hold.
- To begin, have your foundation ready to go. This means having elements like your part, texture choice or fringe already in place.
- Then, loosely gather the bottom portion of your ends and tuck under into a roll and secure with bobby pins. This is when you can also decide how short or long you would like to go.
- TIP: Remember, for straight hair; opt for a paddle brush to mold a smoother, sleeker "tuck." For a wavy look, use your fingers to arrange the curls in place, as brushing will only disturb the texture.
- Once tucked, work the style with your fingers to fan out the sides.
- For added volume and tendrils, use the tail end of your comb to lift or pull out shorter pieces.
- Finish with more IT&LY Pure Definition Hair Spray for shine and endurance.
Barbosa suggests to add an accessory, a headband or to slide the hair behind one ear for various looks suitable for events that are formal or fun, as Leah Michele wore at the 2014 Kids' Choice Awards.
©Deirdre Haggerty, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this article may be reproduced without prior written permission and consent from the author or Clarity Digital Group LLC, DBA Examiner.com.
For more Hair & Nails information from the author, click subscribe or follow Deirdre on Twitter, like her on Facebook, read her blog or email her any comments or questions to email@example.com.
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- Kim Vo wins favorite celebrity hairstylist at 2014 Stylist Choice Awards
- Spring 2014 hair trends: Braids, texture and side parts


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Dragon Age: Origins is massive. Of course, you knew that already. Doing a guide that covers every sidequest, item location, and available dialogue option for every class, race, and gender combination would be tantamount to creating an encyclopedia. But what if you%26rsquo;re just stuck at a particular point in the main story and you don%26rsquo;t want to sift through the mountains of text covering every little side detail? Read our guide. We%26rsquo;ll see you through the rough bits. And if you're just looking for love, head over to our DAOromance and recruitment guide.
Table of Contents
Becoming a Grey Warden
The Circle of Magi
The Arl of Redcliffe
Nature of the Beast
A Paragon of Her Kind
The Landsmeet
The Landsmeet, revisited
The Final Battle
Becoming a Grey Warden
Depending on the race and class you choose when you build your character, you%26rsquo;ll experience a unique Origin Story. They%26rsquo;re pretty straightforward %26ndash; just follow any quest markers the game gives you and get comfortable with the basic battle mechanics. Our guide will begin once your Origin Story is complete, i.e., you%26rsquo;ve started your quest to become a Grey Warden.
NEW AREA: Ostagar
You%26rsquo;ll arrive in Ostagar and immediately be given the option to engage in a number of sidequests. Our guide will keep you on the main story path as much as possible, unless the reward for completing a sidequest is particularly useful. For now, talk to Alistair.
RECRUIT: Alistair
He%26rsquo;ll be marked with a quest icon, and you%26rsquo;ll have to talk to him to continue. He%26rsquo;ll join you automatically, but be nice to him %26ndash; %26ldquo;I look forward to traveling with you%26rdquo; is a good, positive response.
RECRUIT: Jory, Daveth
Also automatic when you talk to Duncan.
RECRUIT: Dog
There%26rsquo;s a dog that%26rsquo;s sick in the Kennels. First, put on his muzzle, and you%26rsquo;ll get a sidequest to find a healing flower. It%26rsquo;s in the Korcari Wilds. Heal the Dog, and he%26rsquo;ll be yours to keep after the Tower of Ishal mission. He%26rsquo;ll appreciate any bones you find.
Make your way through the Korcari Wilds and meet Morrigan. You%26rsquo;ll join the Grey Wardens officially through the Joining, and go through a couple cutscenes before beginning the Tower of Ishal mission.
NEW AREA: Tower of Ishal
RECRUIT: Tower Guard/Soldier
You%26rsquo;ll have your first real taste of battle here in the Tower of Ishal. There%26rsquo;s not much good loot, but keep in mind that you can%26rsquo;t return here once the battle is over.
BOSS: Ogre
On the top floor of the tower, you%26rsquo;ll face your first real boss encounter with an Ogre. When he crouches down, he%26rsquo;s preparing a charge move, so get out of the way. His shockwave will knock you down, so if you%26rsquo;re playing a Mage, it may be in your best interest to stay back and let your comrades soak up more of the damage. Otherwise, let loose on him and heal as needed.
Above: Order your party to spread out when the Ogre gets ready to charge
RECRUIT: Morrigan
Automatically recruited, but try not to get involved in the conflict between Alistair and Morrigan. They never get a long, and you%26rsquo;ll lose points with whomever you side against.
NEW AREA: Lothering
RECRUIT: Sten / Leliana
Sten, a Qunari criminal, waits in a cage near the edge of town. Tell Sten you%26rsquo;re a Grey Warden and he%26rsquo;ll recommend talking to the Reverend Mother to get the key to his cage. You%26rsquo;re not going to convince the Reverend Mother to give you Sten%26rsquo;s key without threatening her, though. Threatening a priest will severely hurt your approval rating with Alistair, but will raise your approval with Morrigan.
Better to first go into Dane%26rsquo;s Refuge and fight the guards. You%26rsquo;ll be able to pick up Leliana automatically when you talk to her. Talk to the Reverend Mother with Leliana in your party, and you%26rsquo;ll automatically get the key to pick up Sten.
NOTE: The sidequests in both Lothering and Ostagar are one-time only. Whether you complete them or not is up to you. But you won%26rsquo;t be able to go back and complete them later if you skip them.
NEW AREA: Camp
Head north in Lothering, and move on. After meeting some friendly dwarves, you%26rsquo;ll wind up at night in camp. Talking to Alistair at camp can make him drop hints about an amulet you%26rsquo;ll find in the Arl Study in Redcliffe a little later. While traveling to Redcliffe, Alistair will reveal a secret about his royal heritage. Being understanding is a good move. He%26rsquo;ll also appreciate it if you avoid telling him that you think of him differently. You can also buy a Golden rope Necklace from the Dwarf here %26ndash; Morrigan will love it.
Congratulations! You%26rsquo;ve become a Grey Warden, assembled a party, and set out on your quest to save Ferelden. Now the real game begins.


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Erratic Driver Arrested for Possession of a Firearm, Drugs
Posted on 05/11/2013 1:00 pm
- West 4th and North Orange Streets, Wilmington, Delaware
Date of Occurrence:
- Friday, May 10, 2013, approximately 11:00 p.m.
Kasha Allen, 21, 2400 block Olden Drive, Newark, Delaware
- Disregarding a Police Officer's Signal
- Carry a Concealed Deadly Weapon (Firearm)
- Possession of Marijuana
- Resisting Arrest
- Numerous Traffic Offenses
A vehicle stop for erratic driving ended in the arrest of Kasha Allen for weapons and drug charges.
Corporals Marc Henry and Bart Muziol were on uniformed patrol when they observed Kasha Allen operating a black Chrysler 200 east on West 4th Street. Allen suddenly crossed the double yellow line nearly striking the officers. The officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop but Allen refused to yield for approximately four and a half blocks before finally pulling over. Assisting Corporal Steven Cancila observed a round of ammunition inside the passenger compartment in plain view and ordered Allen to exit the vehicle. Allen refused and had to be physically removed after a brief struggle. Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and recovered a loaded .380 semi-automatic handgun and 1.2 grams of marijuana.
Allen was transported to Wilmington Police Headquarters and arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 20. She was committed to Delores J Baylor Correctional Institution for Women in lieu of a $4,200 cash bail.


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Ambitech has been an active participant in the global petroleum refining industry since the company was established in 1982. Because of our deep involvement in every aspect of refinery development, the accumulated depth and breadth of our knowledge and experience is unmatched in the industry. Our staff has worked closely with their client counterparts to create innovative solutions to some of the toughest and most demanding engineering and design problems encountered – most of which have been successfully managed and completed within highly restrictive space, budget, and scheduling constraints.
Because of the dedication and commitment of our talented staff to the petroleum refining industry, we're able to offer extensive expertise in every major area of refinery work. From an initial business evaluation study to a complete turnkey grassroots project, Ambitech has the proven ability to bring a strategic vision to business reality. Our company resume includes experience in many different refineries and our personnel have valuable knowledge of the overall process as it affects each of their individual disciplines. We have provided our expertise in every phase of the project execution including FEL, FEED, Detailed Engineering, Procurement and Construction Management.


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Available for Adoption:
8 Years
Est. 40 lbs.
Basenji Mix
Pet ID Number: C25816
How to adopt
All pets over 12 weeks are spayed or neutered.
We give a free spay/neuter certificate to those adopting kittens or puppies.
| Amelia gets along with other dogs, both male and female. She is a calm, older dog that wants someone to love her and a place to live out her life. Amelia is housebroken with a little "brush up" class.


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Video Industry News Video Company News Technology Industry News Technology Company News Novelty Industry News Novelty Company News Gay Industry News Gay Company News Legal Industry News All Company News
Released: Mar 02nd, 2011
Running Time: 96 Min.
Director: Barrett Blade
Company: Wicked Pictures
DVD Extras: Bonus Scenes, Still Gallery(ies), Trailer(s)
Cast: Anthony Rosano, Derrick Pierce, Danny Mountain, Dale DaBone, Sascha, Victoria White, Chris Johnson (I), Eric Masterson, Tessa Taylor, Alektra Blue, Danny Wylde, Lizz Tayler
Non-sex Roles: Barrett Blade
Critical Rating: AAAA 1/2
Genre: Feature
Alektra, the out of control, sex-crazed rocker ... If only the walls could talk ... fortunately for us, the cameras are there to capture every naughty encounter ... from sucking off her male fans, screwing her entire band or convincing a starstruck security guard to forget about the trashed hotel room with her hot licks, Alektra satisfies everyone! Get ready for a little anarchy, Alektra style!
If anyone was destined to play a hard-living, hard-loving, hardcore rocker chick, it's Alektra Blue. The hot brunette plays a sex-crazed rocker in the vein of Joan Jett or Lita Ford who wants to play hard in every way imaginable. A nice treat is that the plot of Anarchy draws viewers into the story and character right off the bat: After the cameras capture Alektra performing at a club, the scene shifts to show her in a prison-issued orange jumpsuit in a jail cell, wondering aloud just what the fuck happened the night before.
The audience witnesses her piece together the debauchery, which includes a paparazzi camera capturing her in a blowbang with three of her fans (Eric Masterson, Danny Mountain and Chris Johnson); watching female fan Tessa Taylor and Dane Cross fuck wildly after getting her autograph backstage; coercing journalist Lizz Tayler to blow and then fuck Danny Wylde and Sascha before granting an exclusive interview; celebrating going platinum by deep throating band members Dale DaBone and Anthony Rosano before they bookend her mouth and pussy with their cocks; and trashing a hotel room with Victoria White, then pairing up with her and using their oral skills and sexual prowess to convince security guard Derrick Pierce to not turn them in.
While the hot action will definitely appeal to a male audience, women might easily identify with the bad girl/riot grrrl character Alektra brings to life. There's something to be said for a girl who can rock it out and party just as hard as the boys, then turn around and fuck them with a combination of sensuality and raw sexuality that can't be denied.
And while we're used to seeing Barrett Blade perform in front of the camera, he takes on a cameo role as Alektra's bass player this time out in order to turn his attention to directing, and though he's only helmed a handful of movies for Wicked to date, if Anarchy is reflective of his style and vision, we look forward to much more from him in this capacity.
On another note, this being a movie about a rock star, the music is key, and the bass-pounding, rocking soundtrack not only serves as the perfect background for all the hardcore action, it also treats audiences to the vocal stylings of former adult star Monica Mayhem, who wrote and performed two original songs for the movie.


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A Texas furniture store's owner followed the state's mantra and went big, big time. Weeks after losing nearly $700K to his customers on a bet regarding the outcome of the AFC and NFC Championship games, Jim McIngvale, from Gallery Furniture, placed a whopper of a bet, and lost an enormous sum.
According to Fox Sports on Monday, Houston-based Gallery Furniture owner Jim McIngvale, known as "Mattress Mack" to his customers, rolled out a "Pigskin Promotion," betting that the Denver Broncos would defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII. If Seattle won, McIngvale would issue refunds to over 1,000 of his customers.
When the Seahawks took home the championship trophy Sunday, McIngvale estimates he's going to have to refund over $7 million dollars worth of furniture. According to the terms of the promotion, any customer who spent more than $6,000 at Gallery Furniture by 5 p.m. Saturday would be given a full refund.
Sales spiked, but now McIngvale has to make good on his promise and give it all back.
"The accountant is pulling his hair out this morning, but the customers are happy and that's what's most important," McIngvale said, adding that the average refund will be $7,000 per customer.
The zany business owner, who is known for his extravagant promotions, either must have a huge bankroll, or perhaps is still in shock, but he claims he's more than happy to return the money.
"I feel great," he said. "My objective in this whole exercise is what can we do that delights and thrills our customers. Certainly they were thrilled last night when the Seattle team won the big game."
McIngvale said he did not take out an insurance policy for the potential loss, so the hit is coming straight from his pocketbook.
"It's all about branding, it's all about being authentic with our customers," he said. "It's all about making it fun and exciting for our customers and bringing out millennial customers who are affluent, and that's exactly who the audience was for this promotion. The promotion was a tremendous success, and we delighted lots of customers."
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Brandon Cornell Jones
Position: WR
Height: 6-1 Weight: 208 lbs.
Born: October 6, 1982 in Texarkana, TX
High School: Liberty-Eylau
College: Oklahoma (school history) (Jones college stats)
Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the 3rd round (96th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Weighted Career AV (100-95-...): 12 (6581st overall since 1950)
Other SR Links: College Football at Sports-Reference.com
Promote your website or business by sponsoring this page for $5 on Pro-Football-Reference.com. Your message will replace this ad.
Output includes all games from 1920 to 2015.


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What? You're approving of SUBSIDIES???
I thought subsidies in a Free Market was a dirty word with you chaps? Evidently not.
One of the more controversial design features of the Government's proposed Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is the free allocation of New Zealand Units (NZUs) to 'at-risk' industries.
The latest proposal suggests gifting such industries an amount up to 90% of 2005 emissions levels, before phasing out these free allocations between 2018 and 2030.
In some quarters, however, the free allocation mechanism has been criticized as being a subsidy and therefore economically inefficient. It has also been labelled unfair, as it contradicts the polluter pays principle and transfers wealth from households to polluters.
But when these criticisms are considered within the global context of climate change policy they do not stack up.
Strictly speaking, free allocation is indeed a kind of subsidy. It provides firms with relief from the tax-like effects of the ETS.
If we assumed a closed economy, free allocation would provide firms receiving it with a competitive advantage over other industries not receiving free allocation.
But we don't live in a closed economy.
The government's proposal is to offer free allocation to 'at-risk' firms in import-competing or export markets. In this case, free allocation would not provide a competitive advantage to New Zealand firms unless all other countries were also pricing carbon.
Thus while it might meet the textbook definition of a subsidy, free allocation doesn't provide a competitive advantage, which is perhaps a more practical definition (indeed, the WTO definition requires that a subsidy 'confer a benefit').
The efficiency of free allocation can also be defended given that the ETS is supposed to encourage emission-efficient production. In many of our key international and import-competing markets the rest of the world has not implemented any form of carbon pricing.
When New Zealand leads the way with the ETS, our firms lose competitiveness, and production is moved from New Zealand to elsewhere in the world. In cases such as agriculture this means moving production to less emissions-efficient locations, and an increase in total global emissions.
But by protecting the international competitiveness of New Zealand's firms, free allocation reduces the chance of such an inefficient outcome. In a second best world, relief from a tax is not inefficient if the tax is inefficient. Just as we exempt exporters from GST (a domestic tax), free allocation would exempt New Zealand firms from a cost that international competitors are not facing.
The final argument against free allocation is based on fairness. It is claimed that free allocation is a wealth transfer from households to industry, and therefore unfair.
The problem with this simple analysis is that it draws a line in the sand between business and households. In reality, firms have employees and owners; if firms contract, there are flow on effects to households.
NZIER has done some modelling, using a Computable General Equilibrium model that captures interdependencies of agents within the economy, which suggests that free allocation can actually be beneficial for households.
Why? Because if firms are hit hard by an ETS then households feel the pain of lower wages. In short, without wealth creation, there's no wealth to transfer.
The arguments against free allocation forget that climate change and emissions are a global problem, not simply a New Zealand problem. Their perspective is wrong.
The rest of the world has signalled and in some places acted already to impose a price on carbon. But in the key international markets that New Zealand firms compete in, such as agricultural markets, no one else in the world has, or is likely to, include agricultural emissions within carbon pricing.
If they do, free allocation is indeed likely to be an inefficient and unfair cross-subsidy, but until then it is neither.
Chris Schilling is a research economist at the NZIER.
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