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- 1617docbadwrench,
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- 320docsnewswire,
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- 224visualization,
- 218funny,
- 217cool
"We are at the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. That victory did not usher in an era of universal peace. Rather, it introduced a new constellation of powers and a complex balance among them. Europe's great powers and empires declined, and the United States and the Soviet Union replaced them, performing an old dance to new musical instruments. Technology, geopolitics' companion, evolved dramatically as nuclear weapons, satellites and the microchip — among myriad wonders and horrors — changed not only the rules of war but also the circumstances under which war was possible. But one thing remained constant: Geopolitics, technology and war remained inseparable comrades."
The first thing that leaps to mind is the manner in which World War II began for the three great powers: the United States, the Soviet Union and the United Kingdom.
For all three, the war started with a shock that redefined their view of the world.
There was little doubt among American leaders that war with Japan was coming. The general public had forebodings, but not with the clarity of its leaders.
Neither the leaders nor the public thought the Japanese were nearly so competent.
Pearl Harbor intersected with another shock to the American psyche — the Great Depression. These two events shared common characteristics:
First, they seemed to come out of nowhere.
This introduced a new dimension into American culture.
The Great Depression and Pearl Harbor created a different sensibility that suspected that prosperity and security were an illusion, with disaster lurking behind them.
The two shocks created a dark sense of foreboding that undergirds American society to this day.
Catastrophe therefore might come at any moment. The American approach to the Cold War is symbolized by Colorado's Cheyenne Mountain.
The Americans analyzed their forced entry into World War II and identified what they took to be the root cause: the Munich Agreement allowing Nazi Germany to annex parts of Czechoslovakia.
If the origin of World War II was the failure to take pre-emptive action against the Germans in 1938, then it followed that the Pacific War might have been prevented by more aggressive actions early on.
Acting early and decisively remains the foundation of U.S. foreign policy to this day. The idea that not acting in a timely and forceful fashion led to World War II underlies much American discourse on Iran or Russia.
Pearl Harbor (and the 1929 crash) not only led to a sense of foreboding and a distrust in the wisdom of political and military leaders, but it also replaced a strategy of mobilization after war begins, with a strategy of permanent mobilization.
The Soviet Union had its own Pearl Harbor on June 22, 1941, when the Germans invaded in spite of the friendship treaty signed between them in 1939.
That treaty was struck for two reasons: First, the Russians couldn't persuade the British or French to sign an anti-Hitler pact. Second, a treaty with Hitler would allow the Soviets to move their border further west without firing a shot.
The Soviets made a single miscalculation: They assumed a German campaign in France would replay the previous Great War.
That the moment of attack was a surprise compounded the challenge, but the real problem was strategic miscalculation, not simply an intelligence or command failure.
The Soviet forces were not ready for an attack, and their strategy collapsed with France, so the decision for war was entirely Germany's.
What the Soviets took away from the June 1941 invasion was a conviction that political complexity could not substitute for a robust military. The United States ended World War II with the conviction that a core reason for that war was the failure of the United States. The Soviets ended World War II with the belief that their complex efforts at coalition building and maintaining the balance of power had left them utterly exposed by one miscalculation on France — one that defied the conventional wisdom.
The Warsaw Pact was less an alliance than a geopolitical reality. For the most part it consisted of states under the direct military, intelligence or political control of the Soviet Union. The military value of the block might be limited, and its room for maneuver was equally limited.
nuclear attack was not the Soviet's primordial fear, though the fear must not be minimized. The primordial fear in Moscow was an attack from the West. The Soviet Union's strategy was to position its own forces as far to the west as possible.
The Soviets were not ideologues. They were geopoliticians, and China represented a potential threat that the Soviets could not control. Ideology didn't matter. China would never serve the role that Poland had to. The Sino-Soviet relationship fell apart fairly quickly.
Beneath communist fervor, cynical indifference and dread of the Soviet secret police, the Russians found something new while the Americans found something old.
The collapse of France caused them to depend on only two things:
One was that the English Channel, combined with the fleet and the Royal Air Force, would hold the Germans at bay. The second was that in due course, the United States would be drawn into the war. Their two calculations proved correct.
The Americans did not take the British Empire. It was taken away by the shocking performance of the French. On paper, the French had an excellent army — superior to the Germans, in many ways. Yet they collapsed in weeks. If we were to summarize the British sensibility, after defiance came exhaustion and then resentment.
The Americans retain their dread even though World War II was in many ways good to the United States. It ended the Great Depression, and in the aftermath, between the G.I. Bill, VA loans and the Interstate Highway System, the war created the American professional middle class, with private homes for many and distance and space that could be accessed easily.
Rather than a Machiavellian genius, Putin is the heir to the German invasion on June 22, 1941. He seeks strategic depth controlled by his own military. And his public has rallied to him.
While we are celebrating the end of World War II, it is useful to examine its beginnings. So much of what constitutes the political-military culture, particularly of the Americans, was forged by the way that World War II began.
""Empire" is a dirty word. Considering the behavior of many empires, that is not unreasonable. But empire is also simply a description of a condition, many times unplanned and rarely intended. It is a condition that arises from a massive imbalance of power. Indeed, the empires created on purpose, such as Napoleonic France and Nazi Germany, have rarely lasted. Most empires do not plan to become one. They become one and then realize what they are. Sometimes they do not realize what they are for a long time, and that failure to see reality can have massive consequences."
"When a group of weary diplomats announced a framework for an Iranian nuclear accord last week in Lausanne, there was one diplomat in the mix whose feigned enthusiasm was hard to miss. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov left the talks at their most critical point March 30, much to the annoyance of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who apparently had to call him personally to persuade him to return. Even as Lavrov spoke positively to journalists about the negotiations throughout the week, he still seemed to have better things to do than pull all-nighters for a deal that effectively gives the United States one less problem to worry about in the Middle East and a greater capacity to focus on the Russian periphery."
"We are now in the early phases of selecting the president of the United States. Vast amounts of money are being raised, plans are being laid, opposition research is underway and the first significant scandal has broken with the discovery that Hillary Clinton used a non-government email account for government business. Ahead of us is an extended series of primaries, followed by an election and perhaps a dispute over some aspect of the election. In the United States, the presidential election process takes about two years, particularly when the sitting president cannot run for re-election."
This election process matters to the world for two reasons.
The United States sees itself as the City on the Hill, an example to the world. But along with any redemptive sensibility comes its counterpart: the apocalyptic.
Likely an archaic institution, the Electoral College still represents the founders' fear of the passions of the people — both the intensity of some, and the indifference of others.
They had two visions: that representatives would make the law, and that these representatives would not have politics as a profession.
The founders saw civil society — business, farms, churches and so on — as ultimately more important than the state, and they saw excessive political passion as misplaced.
First, it took away from the private pursuits they so valued, and it tended to make political life more important than it should be.
Second, they feared that ordinary men (women were excluded) might be elected as representatives at various levels.
They tried to shape representative democracy with standards they considered prudent — paralleling the values of their own social class, where private pursuits predominated and public affairs were a burdensome duty.
Of course it was the founders who created political parties soon after the founding. The property requirements dissolved fairly quickly, the idea that state houses would elect senators went away, and the ideological passions and love of scandal emerged.
Political parties were organized state by state, and within state by counties and cities. These parties emerged with two roles.
The first was to generate and offer potential leaders for election at all levels.
The second was to serve as a means of mediation between the public — for multiple classes, from the wealthy to the poor — and the state.
The party bosses did not have visions of redemption or apocalypse. They were what the founders didn't want: professional politicians, not necessarily holding office themselves but overseeing the selection of those who would.
This was a system made for corruption, of course, and it violated the founders' vision, but it also fulfilled that vision in a way. The party bosses' power resided in building coalitions that they could serve.
The system was corrupt, but it produced leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman and Dwight Eisenhower, as well as some less illustrious people.
Starting in 1972, following Richard Nixon's presidency, the United States shifted away from a system of political bosses. This was achieved by broadly expanding primaries at all levels. Rather than bosses selecting candidates and controlling them, direct democratic elections were used for candidate selection. Since the bosses didn't select candidates, the candidates were beholden to the voters rather than the bosses. Each election year, the voters would select the candidates and then select the officeholder. Over time, the power of the political machine was broken and replaced by a series of elections. The founders did not want this level of democracy, but neither did they explicitly want the party boss.
The first was that the importance of money in the political process surged.
This change had two unanticipated consequences.
Corruption moved from favors for bosses to special treatment of fundraisers, but it was still there.
Reformers tried to limit the amount of money that could be contributed, but they ignored two facts.
First, a primary system for the presidency is fiendishly expensive simply because delivering the message to the public in 50 states costs a fortune. Second, given the stakes, the desire to influence government is difficult to curb.
The second unintended consequence was that it institutionalized political polarization.
The founders designed politics to be less important than private life, and in the competition on Election Tuesday, private life tends to win, particularly in off-year elections and primaries.
in the primaries, only two types of candidates win. One is the extremely well funded — and the passion of the wings make funding for them even more important. The other is the ideologically committed.
All of this applies equally to elections to the House and Senate. It has been said that there has never been less bipartisanship than there is now. I don't know if that is true, but it is certainly the case that the penalties for collaboration with the other party, or for moving to the center, are extremely high.
This is not meant to romanticize the bosses. We are, on the whole, better off without them, and we can't resurrect them. I am trying to explain why our elections have become so long, why they cost so much money, and why the wings of the parties get to define agendas and legislative and executive behavior.
Geopolitics, as Stratfor uses the concept, argues that the wishes and idiosyncrasies of individual leaders make little difference in the long run. This is because leaders are constrained by global realities. It is also because internal political processes define what must be done to take and hold power. Those internal political processes have their own origins in impersonal forces.
There has been a long struggle between the founders' vision of how politics should work and the reality of the process.
The American Republic was invented and it is continually being reinvented on the same basic theme. Each reform creates a new form of corruption and a new challenge for governance. In the end, everyone is trapped by reality, but it is taking longer and longer to enter that trap.
The political parties emerged against the founders' intentions, because political organization beyond the elite followed from the logic of the government. The rise of political bosses followed from the system, and simultaneously stabilized and corrupted it. The post-Watergate reforms changed the nature of the corruption but also changed the texture of political life. The latter is the issue with which the United States is now struggling.
The problem endemic in American culture is the will to reform. It is both the virtue and vice of the U.S. government. It has geopolitical consequences.
"'Tis the season to make lists, and a list shall be made. We tend to see each year as extraordinary, and in some senses, each year is. But in a broader sense, 2014 was merely another year in a long chain of human triumph and misery. Wars have been waged, marvelous things have been invented, disease has broken out, and people have fallen in love. Nonetheless, lists are called for, and this is my list of the five most important events of 2014."
"Nuclear talks with Iran have failed to yield an agreement, but the deadline for a deal has been extended without a hitch. What would have been a significant crisis a year ago, replete with threats and anxiety, has been handled without drama or difficulty. This new response to yet another failure to reach an accord marks a shift in the relationship between the United States and Iran, a shift that can't be understood without first considering the massive geopolitical shifts that have taken place in the Middle East, redefining the urgency of the nuclear issue."
"The first winter took many of the English at Plymouth. By fall 1621, only 53 remained of the 132 who had arrived on the Mayflower. But those who had survived brought in a harvest. And so, in keeping with tradition, the governor called the living 53 together for a three-day harvest feast, joined by more than 90 locals from the Wampanoag tribe. The meal was a moment to recognize the English plantation's small step toward stability and, hopefully, profit. This was no small thing. A first, deadly year was common. Getting through it was an accomplishment. England's successful colony of Virginia had had a massive death toll — of the 8,000 arrivals between 1607 and 1625, only 15 percent lived."
"A bargain, forged in the fires of 2012's economic emergency, has defined the European Union for the past two years. It was an agreement made between two sides that can be defined in several terms — the center and the periphery, the north and the south, the producers and the consumers — but essentially one side, led by Germany, provided finance, while the other, fronted by Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Greece, promised change. In order to gauge this arrangement's chances of ultimately succeeding, it is important to understand what Germany was hoping to achieve with its conditional financing. The answer to that question lies in Germany's own history. "
"People make immediate judgments about images they are shown, which could impact on their decisions, even before their brains have had time to consciously process the information, a study of brainwaves led by The University Of Melbourne has found."
"Use this Take-Home-Pay Calculator to estimate how much you bring home after taxes and deductions from your salary. This calculator uses the tax brackets for 2014 and the tax rates based on the "American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012" (fiscal cliff relief) signed by President Obama on January 2, 2013. It also gives out the estimated take home payment amount before the "American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012" for comparison purpose."
"Twenty-five years ago, a crowd filled with an uneasy mixture of joy and rage tore down the Berlin Wall. There was joy for the end of Germany's partition and the end of tyranny. There was rage against generations of fear. One fear was of communist oppression. The other fear was of the threat of a war, which had loomed over Europe and Germany since 1945. One fear was moral and ideological, while the other was prudential and geopolitical. As in all defining political moments, fear and rage, ideology and geopolitics, blended together in an intoxicating mix."
"Europe is overcrowded with people and with nations. Six decades ago, the need to suppress the dangerous forces of nationalism led to the unprecedented political, economic and social experiment now known as the European Union."
The crisis is having an uneven effect on EU member states because the eurozone locks countries with different levels of economic development into the same currency union.
Europe's geography helps explain these differences: Countries in the south have traditionally dealt with high capital costs and low capital-generation capacity, while countries in the north have seen the opposite.
Merely moving people and goods from point to point on the Iberian Peninsula has always posed formidable challenges for governments and traders.
In contrast, most of Germany is flat.
The lack of any real physical borders to the east and west also helps explain Germany's historical conflict with its neighbors.
The same geography that made Germany a place of conflict also explains its economic power: Germany is the center of Europe from almost every possible point of view.
Greece is a rugged country with narrow coastal plains that swiftly give way to mountains.
Greece's extremely fragmented geography and its strategic position on the eastern Mediterranean helps explain why it has struggled throughout history to get anything done.
Whenever I'm in a foreign country, I make an effort to visit bookstores because the books people read and write offer insights into the social mood.
In an Oporto bookstore, among the bestsellers was a book called We Are Not Germans, while a Rome bookstore had a book called It's Not Worth a Lira, a plea to leave the euro and return to Italy's old currency, that appeared to be quite popular.
Germany is seen as a country where everything works and governments are efficient. On the other hand, it is also seen as a hegemon that doesn't understand or care about the situation in the nations it is trying to lead.
While conservative forces are moving to the right and nationalist forces are gaining strength, the center-left is going through an identity crisis that is generating frictions within the parties and confusing their traditional voters
The irony is that the same process that is creating political and social tensions in Europe's core is helping to mitigate the negative effects of a demographic change.
Poland was a country confident about its economic strength but worried about its future. History has given the Poles a deep understanding of geopolitics and too many reasons to be worried about the events beyond their borders.
The Poles are proud of being members of the European Union, but they are not completely confident that Brussels will come to their rescue should the crisis with Russia escalate.
. The crisis has now reached a point where its two main players are under extreme pressure. Germany joined the eurozone under the assumption that no bailouts would be given to nations in distress and no monetization of debt would take place. France joined the eurozone under the assumption that it would remain the political leader of Europe. The crisis has put all the promises and agreements that supported the Franco-German unity in doubt.
Europeanists believe that things would be much better if the European Union became a true federation. They are probably right. The question is how to accomplish this.
"Nobody would mistake sugary soda for a health food, but a new study published in the American Journal of Public Health just found that a daily soda habit can age your immune cells almost two years."
""Here begins our tale: The empire, long divided, must unite; long united, must divide. Thus it has ever been." This opening adage of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, China's classic novel of war and strategy, best captures the essential dynamism of Chinese geopolitics. At its heart is the millennia-long struggle by China's would-be rulers to unite and govern the all-but-ungovernable geographic mass of China. It is a story of centrifugal forces and of insurmountable divisions rooted in geography and history -- but also, and perhaps more fundamentally, of centripetal forces toward eventual unity."
This dynamism is not limited to China. The Scottish referendum and waves of secession movements -- from Spain's Catalonia to Turkey and Iraq's ethnic Kurds -- are working in different directions.
in China, one of the most intractable issues in the struggle for unity -- the status of Tibet -- is poised for a possible reversal, or at least a major adjustment.
More important, a settlement between Beijing and the Dalai Lama could be a major step in lessening the physical and psychological estrangement between the Chinese heartland and the Tibetan Plateau.
The very existence of the Tibetan issue bespeaks several overlapping themes of Chinese geopolitics. Most fundamentally, it must be understood in the context of China's struggle to integrate and extend control over the often impassable but strategically significant borderlands militarily and demographically.
Perhaps no borderland is as fraught with as much consequence as Tibet under China's contemporary geopolitical circumstances. The Tibetan Plateau and its environs constitute roughly one-quarter of the Chinese landmass and are a major source of freshwater for China, the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia.
Starting in the 7th century, China made sporadic attempts to extend its reach into the Tibetan Plateau, but it wasn't until the Qing dynasty that the empire made a substantial effort to gain authority over Tibetan cultural and social structures through control of Tibetan Buddhist institutions.
It is the Dalai Lama who represents the Tibetan identity in foreign capitals and holds a fractious Tibetan movement together, holding sway over both indigenous Tibetans in the homeland and the old and new generations of Tibetan exiles.
Under the People's Republic, China has some of the clearest physical control and central authority over one of the largest and most secure states in China's dynastic history.
Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama's international prestige exposed the central power in Beijing to numerous international critics. Moreover, it offered New Delhi an opportunity to exploit Beijing's concerns by hosting the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile.
Beijing's strategy has been to try to undermine the Dalai Lama's international prestige, constrain interaction between the exile community and Tibetans at home and hope that when the spiritual leader dies, the absence of his strong personality will leave the Tibetan movement without a center and without someone who can draw the international attention the Dalai Lama does.
Central to Beijing's calculation is interference in the succession process whereby Beijing claims the right to designate the Dalai Lama's religious successor and, in doing so, exploit sectarian and factional divisions within Tibetan Buddhism.
Beijing insists the reincarnation process must follow the Tibetan religious tradition since the Qing dynasty, meaning that it must occur within Tibetan territory and with the central government's endorsement, a process that highlights Tibet's position as a part of China, not an independent entity.
the Dalai Lama has discussed the potential for succession through emanation rather than reincarnation. This would place his knowledge and authority in several individuals, each with a part of his spiritual legacy, but none as the single heir.
More concretely, the Dalai Lama has split the role of spiritual and political leadership of the Tibetan movement, nominally giving up the latter while retaining the former.
In doing so, he is attempting to create a sense of continuity to the Tibetan movement even though his spiritual successor has not been identified. However, it also separates the Dalai Lama from any Tibetan political movement, theoretically making it easier for the spiritual leader and Beijing to come to an accord about his possible return as a spiritual -- but not political -- leader.
But the maneuvering by the Dalai Lama reflects a deeper reality. The Tibetan movement is not homogenous. Tibetan Buddhism has several schools that remain in fragile coordination out of respect for the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan political movement is also fragmented, with the younger foreign-born Tibetans often more strongly pressing for independence for Tibet, while the older exiles take a more moderate tone and call for more autonomy. The peaceful path promoted by the Dalai Lama is respected, but not guaranteed forever, by the younger and more radical elements of the Tibetan movement, which have only temporarily renounced the use of violence to achieve their political goals.
At a minimum, the spiritual leader's fame means no successor will be able to exercise the same degree of influence or maintain internal coherence as he has done.
both Beijing and the Dalai Lama -- and by extension his mainstream followers -- understand how little time they have and how, without a resolution, the uncertainties surrounding the Tibet issue could become permanent after the spiritual leader's death.
Of course, many uncertainties surround the return of the Dalai Lama; it is even uncertain whether it could happen at all. Indeed, overcoming 55 years of hostile relations takes enormous effort, and even if the Dalai Lama is allowed to return to Tibet, it is only one of several steps in much broader negotiations between Beijing and the Tibetan exile community over how to reach a resolution, including the possible resettlement of 200,000 Tibetans in exile, the status of the government-in-exile, the authority of the Dalai Lama and, ultimately, the succession process for the spiritual leader.
Perhaps more important, even if there were signs of a resolution developing, the succession issue is likely to be a roadblock. Beijing is unlikely to give any concession in its authority to appoint a reincarnated spiritual leader, and the Dalai Lama shows little intention of allowing Beijing's unilateral move.
Again illustrating how an individual can play a role in geopolitics, the potential for reconciliation between Beijing and the Dalai Lama could affect the balance between China and India.
China has long viewed India's decision to host the Tibetan government-in-exile as a hostile gesture. However, India's ability to exploit China's concerns about Tibet has diminished along with the government-in-exile's influence and claim to represent Tibet as a legitimate entity.
a settlement would not eliminate the underlying geopolitical rivalry between India and China on other fronts -- from their 4,000-kilometer land border to the maritime competitions in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea and their competition for energy and other resources.
"As the United States begins its full assault against the Islamic State in Syria, backed by Arab allies, the absence of NATO ally Turkey is drawing attention and comment. Just days before the Sept. 22 beginning of U.S. airstrikes, Turkey managed to broker a deal with the Islamic State to return 49 diplomats held in Iraq for 101 days. Contrary to diplomatic and media speculation, however, Turkey is not supporting the transnational, Syria- and Iraq-based jihadist movement known as the Islamic State."
Rumors have long circulated that Turkey has been aiding Islamic State fighters.
Turkey's dealings with the Islamic State are much more nuanced than has generally been understood. Last year in July, Stratfor shed light on this dynamic, analyzing how the Turks were caught between two very threatening realities — both demanding simultaneous management — on their southern flank: jihadists of various stripes and Syrian Kurdish separatists.
Turkey is all too aware of how Pakistan even today, nearly two generations after it agreed to serve as the staging ground for the U.S.-led effort to counter Soviet military intervention in Afghanistan, continues to deal with the fallout of that war, which has not yet ended.
From the Turks' viewpoint, the Americans and their Western and regional allies (with the exception of Jordan) all have the option of walking away from the conflict in Syria.
Not only does Turkey feel that it will have to deal with the mess in Syria long after other stakeholders have moved on, it also knows that the United States expects Turkey to manage the Syrians as well as other regional matters.
Turkey has not forgotten how, during the days of President Turgut Ozal, Ankara cut Iraq's export pipeline in 1990 at the behest of the United States in the run-up to the 1991 Gulf War but was later left with the aftermath as promises of aid disappeared with the subsequent change of U.S. administrations.
This bitter experience informed Turkey's 2003 decision to refuse Washington access to Turkish territory for a northern invasion of Iraq. At the same time Turkey is deeply worried about being caught between Saudi Arabia and Iran, who are engaged in a vicious proxy sectarian war.
But in the real world, not only does the Islamic State exist, it is actually in competition with Turkey for influence among the Sunni Arabs to the south of the Turkish Republic.
Al-Hashimi is also very close to Turkey's main Arab partner, Qatar. Al-Hashimi periodically frequents Doha, which has significant influence among a range of jihadist groups and very likely played a key role in the release of the diplomats, which happened just days after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Qatar.
Clearly Erdogan is not worried about any fallout from a prisoner exchange, especially since the United States recently released five high-profile Afghan Taliban detainees from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for an American soldier, a deal also mediated by Qatar.
"It is a crisis of the elites. Scotland's push for independence is driven by a conviction — one not ungrounded in reality — that the British ruling class has blundered through the last couple of decades. The same discontent applies to varying degrees in the United States and, especially, the eurozone. It is, in many ways, a defining feature of our time."
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Term one featured resource: Close the Gap
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are dying 10–17 years younger than other Australians. Think about that ― a non-Indigenous child who started school this year may outlive an Indigenous student completing Year 12. Your school can do something to help change this.
Health equality is everyone's business, and we must continue to work together to ensure Indigenous health equality becomes a reality by 2030. Young people are at the forefront of this movement for change – they can see it's their generation that is critical to maintaining momentum and creating long-awaited change.
Students and teachers across Australia represent a large percentage of Australians supporting National Close the Gap Day (NCTGD).
Check out how your school can get involved with NCTGD below: from hosting events to using our curriculum-linked school resources.
How can my school take part?
Hold a National Close the Gap Day event
- Resources for hosting a National Close the Gap Day event
- Take the 30 for 2030 Challenge
- Join our Instagram student photo challenge
- Close the Gap classroom resources
- Australian Curriculum relevance
- Teaching resources from supporters
- Speakers at your school
Hold a National Close the Gap Day event
It could be a special school assembly, a lunchtime event, a class activity – anything you like! When you register, you can access free Close the Gap resources and materials including a How To Guide for Students which gives you all the information you need to run a successful event in your school.
Resources for hosting a National Close the Gap Day event:
- NCTGD How to Guide for Students. Our brand-new event guide supports students to become actively involved in planning and running their own NCTGD event.
- Downloadable Close the Gap posters, chatterboxes, pledge forms and more.
- Photo release form. We'd love to see any photos you take of your events! Send them, along with this form, to firstname.lastname@example.com
Take the 30 for 2030 Challenge
Take the 30 for 2030 Challenge and collect 30 signatures from family, friends, teachers, workmates and other community members via the 30 for 2030 Challenge pledge form, in support of the Close the Gap campaign.
By getting your school involved, you'll help increase the pressure on the government to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health programs are adequately prioritised and funded.
Download the '30 for 2030′ pledge form.Teachers: Please print/photocopy the forms and distribute them to the student body.
Send completed pledge forms by post to:
Close the Gap Campaign – Oxfam Australia
132 Leicester Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Alternatively, you can and email them to: email@example.com
Instagram student photo challenge
The Instagram Photo Challenge is currently closed for 2016, but is a great way for kids to engage with and explore Close the Gap themes in an easy, fun and creative way using ICT in schools.
Our 'no-faces' photo policy also means the privacy and identities of all students participating in the challenge are protected.
When the competition opens for 2017, you can join the Close the Gap Day Instagram Student Photo Challenge in four easy steps:
1. Follow @closethegapcampaign on Instagram
2. Check out the five themes listed on Page 11 in the 'How to Guide for students'
3. Once they've snapped their masterpiece it's time to show us! Students just upload the photo to Instagram, apply a fantastic filter, add a caption.
4. This next bit is super important: Tag #ctgstudents, @closethegapcampaign in photo caption, so we know the photo is part of the competition.
Accounts must be set to public, or you have to request us to follow you (or we can't see your photo). Students can use their personal accounts, or feel free to create a central account for your school/class and post their images from there.
School resources
Classroom resources:
- NEW! Live Strong: Close the Gap is a free, education resource inspired by the Close the Gap campaign, for Year 7–10 students studying the newly endorsed Australian Curriculum: Health and Physical Education. Created in collaboration ACHPER , the resource helps students explore issues surrounding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, promote inclusivity and plan health practices and strategies to enhance their own health and the well-being of their communities.
- Hands On Health – a free education resource, designed for for Yr 11 & 12 Health students, that includes various activities on Close the Gap and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues.
- Chatterboxes. Our chatterboxes are a fun way for students to discover facts about Close the Gap and health equality. The third chatterbox is designed to be used as a learning tool, to dig deeper into the 2016 Close the Gap video.
General Close the Gap resources:
- Close the Gap's YouTube playlist.
- Images that tell the Close the Gap story – Powerpoint Presentation or PDF
- Personal stories on Close the Gap issues
- Useful links related to Close the Gap
Australian Curriculum relevance
Our school resources have been produced to assist teachers integrate National Close the Gap Day in the classroom and address learning outcomes. Discover how these resources link to the Australian Curriculum:
- Cross-curricular priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
- Geography: Year 10
- History: Year 9
- History: Year 10
- Health and Physical Education: Years 7 & 8
- Health and Physical Education: Years 9 & 10
Our resources can also be used across subjects and learning areas such as English, Society and Environment, Health, Civics and Citizenship, History, Geography, Art, Social Justice and Indigenous Studies.
Teaching resources submitted by supporters
These great resources have been provided by supporters of the Close the Gap campaign.
- Close the Gap – a one size fits all lesson (Word 19kb)
- A Q&A on Indigenous life expectancy (PDF 61kb)
- Presentation – Stereotyping Aboriginal Australians (PPT 1MB)
- Presentation – the facts on Indigenous health exposed (PDF 1MB)
Want someone from Oxfam to come and speak to your students about the Close the Gap campaign? If so, please fill out this form and email Oxfam.
Please be aware that the Speaker's Bureau requires three weeks notice to find an available speaker. While we try and send a speaker to most requests, we are not always able to meet requests due to limited resources.

subset: commoncrawl


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El Presidente
And the answer is Paulina Gretzky. I've always been torn on Paulina. Sometimes she seems too skinny for me. Other times she looks great. Regardless of what side of the fence you fall on you can't argue she is an inspiration to every girl whose had a kid. Looks just as good now as before getting knocked up.
It's crazy to me that The Great One is a grandfather now. Makes me feel old as shit
So inappropriate
She had a k!d, what's your excuse Davey?
Really outdid myself today. That blog earlier about heather I deep throat (heather Brooke) stirred up some old feelings. I fired up a vid of hers out in my car and my erection was nothing short of thick and throbbing. I aggressively stroked it and in hardly anytime I just unleashed an epic load of biblical proportions. My God. MY GOD. It looked as though I took a quart of pancake batter and just dumped it on my steering wheel. Peter North himself would have been speechless.
She's too skinny but Candice Swanepoel isnt?? Thats a Mizzou protest argument right there.
Could've done without the vampire pick but maybe that's just me
That's Ray Finkle, no denying it. And I'm not even mad – trannys need love too.
Wouldn't. I feel like if you drop your dick into that, it'd just melt off.
Word on the street is that she used a surrogate and wore a fake belly when she walked around.
Snorting coke is a great way to get that baby fat off.
Looks like Daniel tosh's ass
She would never think you were too skinny for her
Comments Are Closed
Property of Barstool Sports 2015


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Damn, this teen is tiny! Kacey is a little blond teen with such a tiny body, you almost want to take her out to have a cheeseburger before you give her your meat! She's serioously tiny with A cup tiny tits, tiny tight ass, and a really tight cunt but with pretty big outer lips. She's horny as they come too, and more than willing to dive into sucking this guys big cock before letting him fuck her cunt good and hard. Hot teen Kacey is totally into fucking, there is no faking it here this girl is cumming, cumming, cumming as the guy fucks her pussy from behind and from the front, really giving it to her like she's probably never had it before, hard enough that even her tiny tits are jiggling! He erupts all over her pretty face too, maybe all the protein in his cum will help her get bigger!
Cody is a cute blond teen who has intentions of being a pornstar. She's been practiving with her boyfriends and a cucumber, but she's not entirely ready for the camera. But the guys at Pure18 know exactly what to do with her to make her a star – put her in front of the game and give her a big cock to work ona nd see how she sucks and fucks! The natural teen cock sucker in her comes out, and soon this horny blond is fingering her twat for the camera, giving the guy a handjob, sucking his hard cock like a hooker, and finally letting him plow her juicy teen pussy until she cums repeatly. She goes full pro as the guy spins her around and unloads on her face, this horny teen looks so hot covered in cum! She certainly sucks and fucks like a pro!
Puffy Pussy Brandy Just Wants To Fuck
Here's a classic scene from Pure18, the type of stuff that made them famous. Brandy is hot and sweet and barely legal, shaving her puffy pussy for the first time as she gets fucked on camera and really loves it. Her puffy pussy looks so tasty!
so brandy came to us fresh from atl ready to get her porn on. this chick just turned legal during the summer, and could not wait to fuck on film for your jerking pleasure. her tight ass and firm perky tits are enough to make your cock hard and mouth water. plus her shaved camel toe pussy is enough to make you wish it was tightening on your dick. luckily for us, serg was there with his tree trunk cock to fuck her properly. it was an amazing shoot. enjoy this one fellas, i know you will
Nude Teen Model Ivana Ends Up Ass Fucked
Blonde and nubile Ivana responded to an ad in her college newspaper from an artist looking for a model to paint. She was not aware it would be in the nude but she soon found out. He asked her to strip down and she was very reluctant to do so at first. In the spirit of art she agreed and posed in her birthday suit. The artist wanted to make her feel comfortable so he too took off his clothes. The muse inspired both of them to really explore each other and with every passing glance and fixated gaze the grew more and more passionate. So filled with passion that Ivana even let the artist drill her in her ass – then her face ended up filled with his passionate contribution of cum, a massive ass to mouth facial that leaves this sexy teen covered in goo! She's totally satisfied with the picture and getting ass fucked too!
Candice Mia Licked Out and Fucked
Here's another hot and classic pure18 scene, this time featuring sexy tiny tits teen girl Candace Mia in a really hot hardcore scene. This teen girl has a remarkable tight body, small tits, and a juicy pussy. The lucky guy wastes no time getting down and dirty with her, spreading open her teen pussy and licking out her virgin ass and pussy from behind. The fucking is intense too, you can see Candace Mia is into his cock in a big way, and the really have a good time before he finally unloads all over her pretty face.
Get this scene and more from Reality Kings, get your best value super megapass here!
Cameron Camerons Picked Up and Fucked
Jmac certainly has a way with the girls, and when he gets one in his mind, he can't let go. He's seeing Cameron Camerons around the neighborhood, and after finding out that she had just turned 18 he decide to turn the heat on full and see if he could get into this little teen's pants. He picks her up on her way home from school one day and soon enough this little teen girl is sucking on his big cock and making him really happy! He fucks her solidly too, pounding her tight little teen cunt and giving this barely legal teen the orgasms she has never had before! She's never been fucked like this before and she's loving it!
Sexy Lilly Banks Licked Out On Social Media
Sexy blond Lilly Banks is a super hot blond with a killer body and an amazing ass, the sort of ass you can't resist. She's lying on her bed doing the social media thing on her laptop and trying to chat to someone when her brothers best friend comes in looking for her brother. He can see he isn't around, but he can also see Lilly Bank's sexy ass peeping out from her skirt. He can't help himself and soon he is rubbing her sexy ass and diving in to lick her out from behind! From there isn't not long before this lucky guy is stuffing his hard cock into her teen pussy from behind and giving her a good hard fucking, all while she's on her twitter account chatting! Fucking awesome!
Teen Poca Jones Posts Selfies and Sucks Cock
Poca Jones is one of those hot girls who loves to post selfies on Facebook and Twitter. When she posts this hot new selfie up, some friend of a friend hits her up and suggests they hook up. She's all for it, and when it turns out that this guys has got a huge cock, this horny 18 year old teen is in heaven! Totally hot action here, this girl loves to suck cock and she takes his meat in deep, she's a wildly hot fuck too and isn't shy why the cum starts to fly. You gotta love a horny teen that loves to fuck and take selfies!
Schoolgirl Shae Snow Licked Out and Fucked
I don't exactly know how this scene all comes together, but it's okay because it's hot anyway. Any time you walk into a room and find a sexy 18 year old schoolgirl with her pants puleld down and her ass in the air ready for some fun, you know it's going to be a good day. This guy wastes no time diving in to dine at the Y, licking out her sweet teen pussy and virgin ass from the back and making this horny schoolgirl quiver with joy. The fucking that follows is hot as hell, this girl takes his big cock balls deep and seems to be begging for more. When the time comes, she assumes the position and he blasts his load of cum all over this sexy schoolgirl's face, she really seem to love the feeling of sperm all over!
Naughty Stephanie Rose Fucks Her Brothers Best Friend
Stephanie Rose is all grown up now, and that crush she had on her older brothers best friend can finally be played out in full. She's hot for his big cock, she has heard he is huge, and he doesn't disappoint. She gets his pants off and starts sucking him good, that big cock is almost too much for her. He pushes all her buttons and even reaches around to finger her pussy and ass as she sucks him – she really gets into that. from there it's plenty of hot fucking, her small tits and pointy nipples are up and hard and she is loving the hard fucking, and he must love the feeling too because soon enough he is drizzling a big cumload all over her sex teen ass!


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Horsefaire is a unique riding program directed by Connecticut based
instructor Mary Waldau. Mary is a professional riding instructor with over25 years experience. Her unique method specializes in a Classical Education for both horse and rider. The ''Connection not Correction Challenge'' is achieved by Clicker Training and ''Ride With Your Mind''. Mary has devoted her entire life to the welfare of horses. This is evident in the happiness and longevity of her three thoroughbred horses.... (read more)
Beginner, Dressage, Intermediate, Jumping, Lesson, Sidesaddle, Riding Lessons, Summer Camp, Classical Training, Clicker Training, Pony Party, Dressage, Kids, Lessons, Camp, Equine, Party
If so, you can update this page by editing your company information.


text:
Devotion by Lenox
This romantic giftware collection was created to reflect the devotion shared by couples. Each piece is crafted of lustrous silver-plated metal and accented with shimmering crystals.See Devotion Individual Pieces
Individual Pieces
Devotion 2-pc Toasting Flute Set
$67.00 $39.95
*Offer valid on Lenox Exclusive items only. Offer excludes all Donna Karan, Marchesa, Reed & Barton, and kate spade new york merchandise.


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Shruti Hassan Photoshoot For Maxim India (May 2013)
Shruti Hassan Photoshoot For Maxim India (May 2013). Shruti Hassan is the cover girl for Maxim Magazine's Indian edition for the month of May 2013. She looks adorable in one of her hottest shoot in her career. She will soon feature in two hindi movies, Ramaiya Vastavaiya and D-Day, both the movies expected hit the silver screen in July 2013. Checkout Shruti Hassan Maxim Phtotoshoot.
Last 5 posts in Featured
- Parineeti Chopra Built That Way Photoshoot
- Taapsee Pannu Photoshoot For GQ India (November 2015)
- Kareena Kapoor At Shilpa Shetty Diwali Party
- Aishwarya Rai Promotes Jazbaa In New Delhi
- Priyanka Chopra - Quantico Promotion Extra TV Show in LA
Last 5 posts in Maxim Magazine
- Priyanka Chopra - Maxim India (June - July 2016)
- Richa Chadha - Maxim India (May 2016)
- Kangana Ranaut - Maxim India (April 2016)
- Anushka Manchanda - Maxim India (March 2016)
- Kalki Koechlin - Maxim India (February 2016)
Last 5 posts in Photoshoot
- Deepika Padukone Photoshoot For Filmfare Magazine (January 2016)
- Anushka Sharma Photoshoot For Harper's Bazaar India (December 2015)
- Alia Bhatt Photoshoot For Elle India (December 2015)
- Parineeti Chopra Built That Way Photoshoot
- Kangana Ranaut Photoshoot For Harper's Bazaar India (November 2015)


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by Elodie
August 3, 2015
I got the navy-red-white version and I tried it at the store: they only had the XS left and at first, I thought it was too small. Then I tried it on and it was actually running very big!
I usually order/buy a size M but it would have been definitely too big for me.
4 out of 4 people
found this review helpful.
by Kayla
October 12, 2013
I have this sweater in the navy/creme/red and in the blush/grey/navy. I love them both. I also have a grey, mint, and burgundy "normal" colored fishermen pullover. So much love so this piece. I always get compliments on them and they are comfy.
3 out of 7 people
found this review helpful.
by Mari
August 30, 2013
Words cannot even begin to describe my absolute love for this pullover. It's so comfy, I just wanna wear it all day every day!
I'm normally an AA small or xs, but I ordered a medium because I thought it'd look better baggier. But it fits me almost perfect, it's just slightly baggy on me, but I actually love it. I think it fits me like that because I'm tall and thin (5'8, 108 lbs). Anyway, hope this was helpful!
9 out of 11 people
found this review helpful.
by Alexandra
July 10, 2013
I have the California fleece pullover in a medium and have been in love with it for years. I ordered this sweater in a medium thinking that it would have a similar oversized/slouchy fit--nope! It definitely runs small. According to the Unisex size chart my size would be a Small, so ordering the Medium is already a size up. I have quite a curve in my back and this sweater sticks to my stomach and makes me look huge. My measurements are 34C-30.5-41. The colors (red, white, and blue) and collar are great, but it completely didn't work on my body type. Might have worked in a L, but I don't think it's worth the hassle of exchanging--returning it online is already going to be enough of a pain!
2 out of 5 people
found this review helpful.
by --
April 5, 2013
I have the zebra, oatmeal, and burgundy. I've been looking for a colorblock sweater, a quality one at that, and I found a lot of nice ones, but for much more expensive, and not as nice as this aa one! The other colorblocks all look kinda weird. The color combos are weird. I love this one because it combines all the colors I want but don't have in the fisherman's pullover! I got it in an S so I could wear it nice and slouchy. BUY it. It's beautiful and so are the solid colored ones!!
3 out of 4 people
found this review helpful.
by Mireille
March 17, 2013
I bought it in the store last week, the staff told me that the color block was the brand new Fisherman's jumper and they had just put it on the shelf. I fell for it immediately, tried on XS size and it fitted perfectly. Not pricey, good quality. Love the colours, so flattering.. Any chance to have it in a different colour block combo??
Not washed it yet.. will wash with a wool program.
Just ordered a navy blue size S because I want to wear it loose and longer with leggings.


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Authorities in Haiti say the deadly cholera epidemic there is slowing down, but many people are still at risk, report aid groups working in the area.
"The situation is beginning to stabilize," Health Ministry Director Gabriel Timothee said at a news conference Monday. "Since yesterday we have registered only six new deaths."
To date, the cholera outbreak has killed more than 250 people and infected over 3,000. The bacterial infection that causes cholera reportedly contaminated the water supply in north and central Haiti. more >>
The standard of living in Haiti had not progressed much for decades and the earthquake just made life "exponentially worse," said a mission leader who had lived in Port-au-Prince for two years.
"It is one of those nations where the level of human suffering and deprivation is just constant," said John Boyd, president of Mission Aviation Fellowship. "Let me put it for you this way, the average Haitian who lived in a shack before the earthquake, now lives under plastic sheeting. It is not even a tent."
MAF has served in Haiti since 1986 and is the sole operator that offers flights within the country. After the Jan. 12 earthquake, MAF was the first to provide flights to transport emergency responders, medical teams, supplies, and victims. more >>
International relief organization Samaritan's Purse has committed to construct 7,500 shelters for victims still without homes, six months after the massive earthquake in Haiti.
Already, the Christian organization, led by evangelist Franklin Graham, has completed 2,360 transitional shelters, more than any other relief agency in Haiti.
"Months have passed since the quake, but the suffering continues for the people of Haiti," said Graham, in a statement Tuesday. "This is the largest disaster response in the history of Samaritan's Purse and we are working as fast as we can to build thousands of shelters for those families still living outdoors." more >>
Habitat for Humanity received this week its largest single donation by a faith community for its Haiti earthquake-recovery efforts.
The African-American Baptist Mission Collaboration, composed of five African-American Baptist groups, gave a $500,000 check to Habitat on Tuesday. The check is the coalition's first toward its five-year, $50 million commitment for the Haiti rebuilding effort.
"We are inspired to invest in this ministry for housing solutions, because we are following the teachings of Jesus who said that when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and give shelter to those without shelter that we do this for him," said Dr. Stephen John Thurston, president of the National Baptist Convention of America. "We do this for Jesus, and we do this for those who suffer in Haiti." more >>
Laura Silsby, the leader of the 10 U.S. volunteers accused of illegally taking dozens of children out of Haiti, was convicted Monday but then freed to return to the United States.
The judge said she had already served her time in prison and was subsequently released. Silsby, the last of the 10 Christian volunteers to be freed, was scheduled to board a flight back to the United States Monday evening, her attorney Chiller Roy told CNN.
In April, the judge dropped the charges of kidnapping minors and criminal association against all 10 volunteers. However, Silsby faced and was convicted Monday of arranging irregular travel. more >>
A U.S. Christian who was arrested for trying to take dozens of children out of Haiti stood trial Thursday.
Laura Silsby testified that she only wanted to help the Haitian children.
"One week after the earthquake I left my family and my home to help children that had been orphaned in the earthquake," she said on the first day of her trial, according to The Associated Press. "We came here with a heart to help." more >>


text:
2016 SCEMSEA Officers:
President - William Tatum
Vice President - Crystal Youmans
Treasurer/Secretary - Wendy Lee
Executive Chair - Daniel White
IST Software
Membership Info
Agenda for the Future
Active Members
About Us
Contact Us
The South Carolina EMS Educator's Association is a member-oriented association organized to provide resources to individuals and organizations that will foster excellence in EMS education and training. The vision of SCEMSEA is to be the foremost resource within South Carolina's EMS educational community.
Want to become a member or renew your membership?
This site was last updated: April 29, 2016
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Training Opportunity !
What: Multi-Lead Medics - 12 Lead ECG for Acute Care Providers
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Where: Beaufort Memorial Administrative Offices
990 Ribaut Road ,4th Floor Room 426
Beaufort, SC 29902
Cost: $ 40
Description: Join Bob Page as he presents his Multi-Lead Medics course. Proceeds from this course will provide the "seed" money to establish the Julie A. Williams Memorial Scholarship Fund. Julie passed away in July of 2015. She was the former President of the South Carolina EMS Educators Association as well as the training officer for Beaufort County EMS. Bob and Julie were longtime friends and he is offering this training as a memorial to her. He will be
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For more information and to register, contact William Tatum at firstname.lastname@example.com or 864-505-5826 !
Seating is limited to register TODAY! Thanks for your support
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Fleming College provides a unique and supportive environment for Aboriginal learners. Through many years of collaboration with Aboriginal communities and our team of experts in Aboriginal education, Fleming College provides strong support for Aboriginal students, right from orientation through to graduation.
What is Aboriginal Student Support Services?
Fleming College recognizes that Aboriginal students come from diverse cultures and traditions and have varying perspectives, needs and goals. No matter what path you come from, Fleming Aboriginal Student Support Services will help make your transition to the college environment easier.
Fleming Aboriginal Student Support Services offers culturally appropriate counseling support, provides information and resources, and acts as a link to the college and to the wider community. Together with the Aboriginal Education Council, and the Aboriginal Student Council "Mino Bimaadiziwin" (The way of a good life), we form a large community within the college.
We are committed to the recruitment, retention, and success of First Nation, Inuit and Métis students and honour the worldview of our people by respecting and supporting you to the best of our abilities. If you have any questions regarding the services we have to offer, please do not hesitate to ask, and we always welcome suggestions on how we can improve our services.
Miigwetch, Nia:wen, and we look forward to seeing you in the lounge!
Aboriginal Student Lounges
The Aboriginal student lounge at both the Sutherland Campus and at the Frost Campus, provide a quiet gathering or study space for students. Each lounge is equipped with couches, chairs, workstations, and resources to support Aboriginal learners.
Aboriginal Student Lounges are located in:
- Room C2 129 at the Sutherland Campus:
go down the first set of stairs towards Tim Hortons, it is located at the bottom of the stairs on your left
- Room 180A at Frost Campus
go downstairs, pass the Cafeteria, when the hallway splits, it is the first door on your right
In the News
- Aboriginal Canada Portal
- CBC News-Aboriginal Canadians
- Canadian Aboriginal News
- Nation Talk
- Turtle Island Native Network
- Red Wire
- Media INDIGENA
- First Perspective News
- Aboriginal Voices
- APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network)
- Grassroots News
- Nunatsiaq News
- Windspeaker, Alberta Sweetgrass, Saskatchewan Sage, Ontario Birchbark, Raven's Eye, Buffalo Spirit, and Business Quarerly
- Anishinabek News
- Tekawennake
Aboriginal student support services, upcoming events and programming
We provide specialized services for FNMI (First Nation, Métis or Inuit) students:
- Academic support
- Liaises with external Aboriginal community including Chief & Band Councils
- Career advising
- Cultural programming & Traditional Knowledge exchange
- Counseling support (Aboriginal Counselor on site)
- Student advocacy, assistance & referral dealing with professors & the college system
- Visiting Elders program
- Access to Ceremony
- Culturally safe spaces including an Aboriginal Student Lounge & Tipi on campus
- Indian Status Application / Band Membership assistance
- Laptop loan program
- Financial aid workshops (assistance with both internal & external Aboriginal bursary & scholarship applications)
visit the Neechee Community Calendar:
Related Pages:
Revised: January 13, 2016


text:
Blog Entry# 427230
Posted: May 16 2012 (7:59PM)
1 Responses
Last Response: May 16 2012 (8:05PM)
May 16 2012 (7:59PM) 17234/Bhagyanagar Express
Guest: 346d06bb show all posts
Entry# 427230 Tags Past Edits
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Mother: seetu dhorikinaadhi koduka bhagyanagar la koosoniki?.
Son: asalu train ekkaneeki jaga dhoruka leka train poinaaka platfarm meeda koosoneeki bench dhorikindhavva!.
Mother: ee bhagyanagar eppudinthe gaani jaldhi station bayatikochi eadhana lorry pattukoni jaldhi po!!.
May 16 2012 (8:05PM)
MJ*^ 8471 blog posts 11417 correct pred (68% accurate)
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Rent Principles and Practice of Surgery for the Colon, Rectum, and Anus, Third Edition 3rd edition today, or search our site for other textbooks by Philip H. Gordon. Every textbook comes with a 21-day "Any Reason" guarantee. Published by CRC Press.
Need help ASAP? We have you covered with 24/7 instant online tutoring. Connect with one of our Neurological-Surgery tutors now.


text:
$1,330 2 bed 12080 Pigeon Pass Rd, Moreno Valley CA, 92557
$1,330 2 bed
12080 Pigeon Pass Rd, Moreno Valley, 92557
Commute to Downtown Moreno Valley
This apartment is in Moreno Valley. Nearby parks include Towngate Memorial Park, Westbluff Park and Westbluff Park.
Highland Meadows has a Walk Score of 52 out of 100. This location is Somewhat Walkable so some errands can be accomplished on foot.
2BR 2Ba, 905ft2 An exceptional living experience awaits you at Meadows. Enjoy our well designed one and two bedroom apartment homes with dual patios or balconies each with master suite access with spectacular views of the surrounding s and mountains. Amazing amenities, outstanding service and resident activities make Meadows the right choice for you, Mirrored closet doors Low VOC paint 4HCJA3 Tropical landscape Flexible move in deposits Paperless leases, work orders, and on-line rent payment Spectacular views of s Two refreshing pools and spas Smart irrigation rain sensors 24 hour maintenance Resident clubhouse with fireside lounge and multi-media center High speed internet available BBQ area.
Owner/manager tools | Report bad listing | From rentjungle.com
Moreno Valley, California, 92557
Some errands can be accomplished on foot.
A few nearby public transportation options.
About your score
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from Highland Meadows.
Highland Meadows has some transit which means a few nearby public transportation options.
Bus lines:
11 MoValleyMall/MarchJPA
0.1 mi
18 SunnymeadRanch/MoValleyCollege
0.1 mi
19 MoValleyMall/PerrisTrnstCntr
0.5 mi
35 MoValleyMall/Banning/SunLakes
0.5 mi
View all Moreno Valley apartments on a map.
Popular apartment searches include pool, fireplace and fitness.
Search for homes in Moreno Valley or find a Moreno Valley real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
Highland Meadows is in the city of Moreno Valley, CA. Moreno Valley has an average Walk Score of 30 and has 193,365 residents.Learn More About Moreno Valley


text:
Plume: 04001 by handmade-crownWatch
©2012-2016 handmade-crown
dlvjdrlbjrlgjrlgjrlg SO exciting already. And the last panel.... god, what a beauty!!
Well, I wasn't expecting this...
Oh no! ;A;
Waaa~ I love red hair and green eyes - she's so beautiful! And wow, this is a definite change to everything before, I can't wait to see what's going on!
I'm already liking this gal.
yes new character (:
so excited
happy new year!
so excited
happy new year!
Ooh someone is undercover ;D
Ooh. I'm already interested in this new character/setting/plot thread.
In medias res? Interesting. Can't wait to see where this goes.
And she's not wearing the necklace anymore!
Aah... Okay few! I was getting a brothel feel from this page, so I was slightly worried! Now I'm really looking forward to the next page!
Not Vesper.
Oohhhhhhh already interesting
What what?! D:


text:
They call it the dress rehearsal.
If that's the case, the Browns might need another casting call—at least based on the first half.
The Browns played the Eagles in the rain without at least six players who were projected to be starters as the Browns dropped to 1-2 in the preseason with a 24-14 loss.
The Browns committed three turnovers, which resulted in 17 of the Eagle points.
The Browns scored both of their touchdowns late in the game as Seneca Wallace and Jarrett Brown each threw a touchdown pass.
The Browns only scoring opportunity for Colt McCoy resulted in a Phil Dawson field goal being blocked from 33 yards out.
McCoy and the offense moved from their own 25 to the 40 on their first possession. McCoy hit Greg Little on the first play on a quick out for three yards. Peyton Hillis ran up the middle for eight yards and a first down before the offense stalled.
Phil Taylor made an impact on the first series for the Eagles as Taylor bull rushed up the middle and sacked Michael Vick and stripped the ball which was picked up by Jayme Mitchell at the Eagles' 18.
However, the Browns couldn't convert as the offense stalled at the 15 and Dawson's field goal attempt was blocked as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie raced in and got his hands on the ball.
The Eagles scored first after taking over on the Browns' 13 after Jordan Norwood was tripped by Sheldon Brown and the ball went off Norwood's leg and the Eagles recovered on the 13. Ronnie Brown went in from the 13 around left end on the second play and the Eagles took a 7-0 lead with 4:53 left in the first quarter.
The Eagles took advantage of another turnover as Alex Henery kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it 10-0 with 11:57 to play in the second quarter. The score was set up on an interception thrown by McCoy to Assante Samuel, who returned the ball to the Browns' 41. It was McCoy's first interception of the preseason.
The Eagles extended their lead to 17-0 with 4:52 to play in the second quarter as Vick ran in from 8-yards out. The Eagles moved 62 yards in 10 plays taking 5:28 off the clock.
A key play in the drive was when it appeared that Mike Adams had intercepted a pass, but a penalty on D'Qwell Jackson took the interception away. Jackson flew up the middle and hit Vick as he released the ball in which Adams intercepted the pass. However, the referee called a helmet-to-helmet infraction on Jackson to give the Eagles the ball back. Replays didn't show the infraction.
The Eagles pushed their lead to 24-0 with 4:06 to play in the third quarter as Vince Young ran in untouched from 10-yards out. The score was set up after James Dockery muffed a punt at the Browns' 17.
The Browns scored with 14:16 to play in as Alex Smith caught a 17-yard pass in the end zone after it deflected off Demetrius Williams on a third-and-12 pass from Seneca Wallace. The Browns moved 81 yards in 11 plays, taking 4:50 off the clock.
On the drive, Pat Shurmur elected to go for the first down on fourth-and-one at the Br owns' 39. Tyler Clutts picked up the first down. A 25-yard pass from Wallace to rookie tight end Jordan Cameron moved the ball to the the Eagles' 33. A couple of runs by Quinn Porter for 18- and 5-yards set up Wallace's touchdown pass.
Late in the game, Jarrett Brown hit rookie Kris Matthews from four yards out with 1:57 to play to make the final 24-14. The score was set up when Auston English sacked Young and Travis Ivey recovered at the Browns' 29.
Brown engineered a drive that spanned 71 yards in 9 plays and took 5:47. Brown was 4-of-4 for 35 yards on the drive and had a run for 16 yards on the drive. He hit L.J. Castile for 12 yards and Rod Windsor for 14 yards to set up the score.
Phil Shows Up: No. 1 draft pick DL Phil Taylor sacked QB Michael Vick on the first possession and pressured him on three other occasions. Taylor was credited with the Browns only sack of the half for a loss of 14 yards, as well as a forced fumble. DL Auston English sacked QB Vince Young in the fourth quarter, forcing a fumble for the Browns other sack. DL Travis Ivey recovered.
"I thought I did pretty well," Taylor said. "We put pressure on (Vick) and made some progress."
Colt's Game: After coming into the game with a 132 QB rating in the first two games, QB Colt McCoy was 9-of-18 for 89 yards in the first half and a rating of just 41.2. McCoy was intercepted for the first time of the preseason and he was sacked three times. The Browns put up just 103 yards in the first half. Both QB Seneca Wallace (120.1) and QB Jarrett Brown (142.7) had their best games. Wallace was 3-of-6 for 53 yards, while Brown was 4-of-4 for 35 yards. Each had a touchdown pass.
Top Runner: Rookie RB Quinn Porter led the Browns in rushing with four carries for 32 yards, including a run of 18 yards.
Cameron Play: Rookie TE Jordan Cameron made a nice leaping 25-yard catch from QB Seneca Wallace in the third quarter.
Tough Break: LB D'Qwell Jackson flew up the middle and hit QB Michael Vick as he released the ball in which S Mike Adams intercepted the pass. However, the referee called a helmet-to-helmet infraction on Jackson, but replays didn't show it.
Hardesty Debut: RB Montario Hardesty carried the ball for no gain on his first appearance in the preseason with 4:53 to play in the first quarter. On his next carry, Hardesty picked up five yards. He picked up a first down on a 3-yard run. He finished with five carries for 15 yards.
Peyton's Play: RB Peyton Hillis started after missing a couple days of practice last week and rushed three times for 18 yards. He also caught two passes for 35 yards.
Little Play: WR Greg Little caught three passes in the first half for 23 yards, including a three-yard play on the game's first play.
Robo Show: WR Brian Robiskie, who had just one catch in the preseason, caught two passes on the team's third drive against two of the better cornerbacks in the NFL in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha. Robiskie caught a 46-yard pass that went inside the five, but he was flagged for pushing off Asomugha. Robiskie finished with three catches for 23 yards.
Injury Update: LB Titus Brown and OL Shawn Lauvao were injured in the first half, but there was no more information.
Stoppers: CB Joe Haden and DB D'Angelo Smith led the Browns with four tackles.
Rookies Chance: As many as five of this year's draft choices are slated to start against the Eagles. First and second-round draft choices DL Phil Taylor and DL Jabaal Sheard have started the first two games and are expected to start against Philadelphia. The team's second, second-round pick, WR Greg Little is expected to start at wide receiver and OL Jason Pinkston is expected to start at left guard for Steinbach. Pinkston was taken in the fifth-round. FB Owen Marecic, who was taken in the fourth-round has been the starter at fullback since the first game. The only three draft picks that won't start are TE Jordan Cameron, DB Buster Skrine and DB Eric Hagg, who is injured. Skrine is expected to be the starting nickel cornerback.
Inactive: The Browns have 12 not active for the game: WR Josh Cribbs (hamstring), WR Mohamed Massaquoi (foot), WR Carlton Mitchell (finger), DB Dmitri Patterson (undisclosed), DB Eric Hagg (leg), DB Usama Young (hamstring), RB Brandon Jackson (toe), LB Chris Gocong (stinger), OL Eric Steinbach (back), DL Jabari Fletcher (knee), DB T.J. Ward (hamstring) and LB Steve Octavien (back). LB Kaluka Maiava started in place of Gocong. DB Mike Adams and DB Ray Ventrone started at the safety spots.


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Posted by ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert
Dane Looker is hoping to be the next Chad Ochocinco, at least in one regard. Looker, a receiver who spent the past seven seasons in St. Louis, worked as Detroit's placekicker Tuesday in practice. The event occurred less than a week after Ochocinco kicked an extra point and also kicked off in a preseason game for Cincinnati.
According to Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press, Looker converted all four attempts -- including a 43-yarder into the wind. Lions coach Jim Schwartz threw Looker into the mix when kicker Swayze Waters reported a sore hamstring. Regular kicker Jason Hanson is recovering from what has been described as minor knee surgery.
During the regular season, punters often serve as the emergency placekicker. But Looker has been working on kicks in practice for most of his career and said he once converted a 56-yarder during pregame warm-ups.
Continuing around the NFC North:
Tom Kowalski of Mlive.com looks at the potential contributions of the Lions' rookie class this season.Great headline on Bob McGinn's story about Green Bay linebacker Brady Poppinga and outside linebackers coach Kevin Greene in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "Loony Tune."Packers defensive lineman Justin Harrell, who thought he might have to retire last week, now believes he will play again, writes Tom Pelissero of the Green Bay Press-Gazette.Chicago re-signed special-teams ace Darrell McGlover for linebacker depth, notes Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times.Dan Pompei of the Chicago Tribune notes six things we've learned about new Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Among them: He has a great arm but will throw interceptions.It's still not clear if Minnesota receiver Bernard Berrian (hamstring) will play next Monday at Houston, writes Judd Zulgad of the Star Tribune.The Vikings did get quarterback Sage Rosenfels (ankle) and defensive end Jared Allen (foot) back on the practice field Tuesday, writes Sean Jensen of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.


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Columns and struts modelled on tree trunks and branches frame this extension to a home in Ghent, designed by Atelier Vens Vanbelle to feel like a continuation of the garden. More »
Tag: Atelier Vens Vanbelle
Mirror-clad office extension by Atelier Vens Vanbelle offers reflections of brickwork and trees
Atelier Vens Vanbelle has extended a notary's office it completed five years ago in the Belgian village of Horebeke, adding mirrored walls that reflect both the original building and its pastoral setting (+ slideshow). More »
Atelier Vens Vanbelle adds "retro-futuristic
capsule" to a Belgian home
Gewad apartment block by Atelier Vens Vanbelle
features brick walls and a mirrored atrium
Mirrored walls and projecting staircases create optical illusions inside the brick-lined atrium of this apartment complex in Ghent, Belgium, by local office Atelier Vens Vanbelle. More »
Notariaat by Atelier Vens Vanbelle
This office building in the Belgian hills by architects Atelier Vens Vanbelle has a brick facade broken by huge windows overlooking the surrounding farmland. More »
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Skip to comments.France's Le Pen To Strike a Deal With Muslims
Posted on 02/18/2006 8:53:19 PM PST by dervish
It looks like a political oxymoron, but Jean-Marie Le Pen's National Front is poised to strike an alliance with France's large immigrant Muslim community.
A generation after France's right-wing party began its surge with a tough anti-immigration campaign tinged with both racism and anti-Semitism, three factors are coming into play that could spell a strategic realignment.
These factors, which are still little grasped outside political circles in France but will have an enormous impact, include:
* The Islamicization of France is largely a fait accompli. It is assumed that 6 to 8 million citizens or residents of France, 10% to 13% out of a global population of 62 million, are Muslim by now. And that the Muslim community, being more prolific, is much younger than the rest of the population: As much as 25% of French citizens or residents under 20 is Muslim, with the number reaching 40% or 50% in the big cities.
* The National Front is surprisingly popular among Muslim immigrants or second-generation Muslim citizens. For all its campaigning about immigration, Mr. Le Pen's party has always extended support to Arab and Islamic causes abroad, from Saddam's Iraq to Arafat's or Hamas Palestine, and from Al Qaeda to Iran. And it is as firmly anti-American and anti-Jewish as the Muslim community itself tends to be.
* The attraction of the French far left, which accounts for another 20% of the national vote, toward Islam, rabid anti-Americanism, and even anti-Semitism, a phenomenon underscored by the emergence of Dieudonne, a former liberal music-hall humorist who has turned into an enormously popular French equivalent of Louis Farrakhan.
(Excerpt) Read more at nysun.com ...
From post #47
"No decent or sane people are going to persecute JewsHow do you excuse/explain Le Pen's current alliance?" Convenient proviso which doesn't apply to Le Pen and his followers.
As I said before your brand of realist politics bites you in the rear. Your suggestion is just the Conservative version of useful idiots.
I will have to study Le Pen's "current alliance" carefully before I can pass judgement on it. If Le Pen really does accept a Muslim takeover of France as an inevitability, this will be a complete reversal of his former position, which, to use one of his own colorful descriptions, was that of "Sitting Bull."
The point of the FN seems to me national survival and recrudescence. I do not see how either will be in the cards for an Islamicized France. If the old Le Pen had not been demonized and opposition to Islamic immigration had not been marginalized, France's very future existence would not be in such doubt.
How, may I ask you, is Islamist bellicosity to be dealt with now in France?
Also, how you can imply that the National Front in France is really no different from Stormfront is beyond me.
I stand corrected. Thanks for the information.
It's hard to take anything he writes or says seriously.
He's the French equivalent of Vladimir Zhironovsky, or Pat Buchanan, and will say whatever he thinks will earn him the most publicity.
Le Ping! :)
Do you think that some Front National leaders will begin defecting to Villiers under the thinking that Le Pen is getting long in the tooth?
Also do you think chauvanistic La France is ready for Madame Royale to be President, or do you think she is a flash in the political pan???
Having read the entire article (thanks), I must now eat some crow. If this article on Le Pen is at all accurate, then I must conclude this man has truly gone over the deep end.
Still, I maintain something should have been done about the Islamic immigration flood early on, and it is a fact that, of the major political figures in France, only Le Pen at the time was opposing it. I would have voted for him a few years ago, but today he is on the side of the enemies of France and Europe, it would appear. How sad.
No crow. We are all here to learn.
And this is bad...why, exactly? ;)
Count me in as one of those evil, real (i.e. monarchist) European-style right-wingers, who wants nothing to do with the American so-called "right." I wonder if Goetz, Kjvail and I are the only ones left on FR? (Time to summon the "Crown Crew"?)
I am terribly disappointed in Le Pen. But I shouldn't be surprised. What France needs is a King, not a President. The French Republic is an abomination built on the murder of Their Most Christian Majesties King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette, always has been, and always will be.
Vive le roi! Down with Democracy and Republicanism! Out with the Muslims! And long live France--not the phony secular multiculturalist republican France which is hated by the neocons for all the wrong reasons, but the Catholic and Royal France of the ages!
Oh dear!
Well, certainly there is nothing wrong with a properly functioning monarchy. Most of Northern Europe have retained theirs, and they are generally quiet and nice places.
However, European-style right wingers are not monarchists, not anymore. Mostly, they are fascists, not even Bonapartists (there being none of them that have even a modicum of Buonaparte's indisputable genius).
You think France needs a King?
Certainly a monarchy in the modern model, which provides great continuity in ceremonial affairs of state and particularly in philanthropy and patronage is a boon to any nation. But you seem to actually desire a monarch who not only reigns, but rules.
It is difficult to imagine the Duc d'Orleans in this role, and even more difficult to imagine the French ever taking him seriously. And what would the enforcement mechanism be for a King nobody respected or believed in?
France, like America, is past that. There is too much water under the bridge for a restoration.
Besides, the most dramatic difference between a monarchy and a republic is not the head of state, who is ever-powerful no matter the system, but the next tier. Monarchy entails nobility. A restoration of the rule of the nobility would be exceedingly pleasant, for the nobility. I would imagine that the chiefs of grand enterprises, and private landowners, might have a different view of this.
For if we are to restore Catholic and Royal France, we will not be installing Russia and an absolute despotism, but nor will we be retaining a free market. We will, rather, be reinstalling a system of hereditary ownership of the land, one in which you yourself will be a vassal of someone.
We might all serve the King, but you will also serve me.
The idea of serving the King may sound pleasant.
The idea of also serving me as your Lord you might find considerably more disagreeable.
"Do you think that some Front National leaders will begin defecting to Villiers under the thinking that Le Pen is getting long in the tooth?"
I don't think Le Pen brooks any rivals, and that there are no FN leaders other than Le Pen.
"Also do you think chauvinistic La France is ready for Madame Royal to be President, or do you think she is a flash in the political pan???"
Difficult to say.
I think she is a greater threat to Sarkozy than to Villepin, but the right have been so incompetent in general that it is difficult to see the people not throwing them out if the left has a candidate.
She could win, if she moves to the head of her party.
However, French politics is not so partisan as it is personal. For her to get to the head of her party, her rivals would have to stand aside for the good of the party. The last Frenchman who ever did anything truly altruistic for the good of the Republic was Charles de Gaulle. There being no American primary system in France. I would say that Mme. Royal will need to be more than popular with the people: she will need to have a base of authority within her party. Her husband helps with this.
Royal/Villepin may be the challenge in 2007.
Right now, Royal would win that.
I am aware, and I agree that a constitutional monarchy such as the Dutch, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and Japanese enjoy is the best system of government for the peace and tranquility of people in the world.
This is a very interesting topic. I hope others will join and contribute.
I will make a few points:
I think that whether republic or monarchy is better is depends on the changing character of the society.
So it would be inappropriate and harmful to try to introduce monarchy in Rome of 2nd century BC or in XIX century USA. And it would not be a good idea to try to introduce republic in the same Rome of 3rd/4th century after Christ (at the time of Diocletian) or in XV century England.
For each system there is good time and place.
"Going back" to the previous system is usually impossible. BUT IT IS POSSIBLE to get it again in a NEW (often disguised) form by going toward future.
Roman Republic started same way as United State - by revolution against the monarchy. Romans were very passionate about their republic and did not take kindly any talk about return of the king.
But after several centuries they got monarchy through the BACK DOOR. When their republic become powerful and dominated other Mediterranean societies it became necessary to develop monarchical practices in order to manage the Empire (what was the ancient name for the International Community or system of alliances with Rome being the hegemon).
Still it was not perceived by the majority of Romans - long time after Caesar they believed that they are free citizens and that they have the republican system.
Some of the first emperors tried to restore the republic but they could not go against the needs of the time. They could not overcome the natural law that for each society at specific time there is a natural system or state of equilibrium.
Of course, when the given system is firmly established the general public is convinced that it it the best and universal system for everybody and for ever. People usually cannot imagine different world than the one in which they live and they take appearances for reality.
It is likely that the only way to preserve the American republic is to reduce foreign involvements. I think that Buchanan is very aware of this dynamic and he is a true republican. But if the history is to be repeated he will fail like Cato and Brutus did.
See my tagline.
When you speak of "The Needs of the Time", I would say that, in truth, there is nothing about republicanism per se that makes it unsuited for times when monarchy has held sway, or vice versa. Rather, government's success or failure is determined almost entirely by the personal qualities of the leaders who run it.
Are you saying that brilliant emperor of the 2nd after Christ century could have restored the Roman republic or that brilliant consul of the 2nd century BC could have become king? I doubt it.
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
(Ecclesiastes 3)
Ecclesiastes had his opinion, to be sure.
Could a brilliant emperor of the 100s restored the Republic?
Probably he could have restored a republic, but it would have had to have greater suffrage.
Could a consul of the 100s BC have restored the monarchy? Probably not.
I don't think these things are like a reversible chemical reaction. People definitely prefer republicanism over monarchy, and democracy over republicanism. Once people get a taste for power, it is very difficult to take away power and privilege from a large group of people. But the converse is not true. A particular powerful ruler willing to sacrifice power CAN give it up - nothing stops him but himeslf.
Individual men only very rarely do that, but some do. George Washington comes to mind (Buonaparte's sneering astonishment "They want me to be Washington" is more typical). On the other hand, bodies of men don't just give up their liberties.
In some epochs they do prefer republican system. Especially when their is a large, affluent and independent (family farming, small business) middle class. (democracy undermines republicanism and does not last long)
When people are less secure and when there is a significant stratification of wealth they might like king more.
Republic requires certain discipline, coldness and formality (rule of law) and distance between people.
Monarchy is more personal and family like. I would think that monarchy is more fitting to the human nature and emotions and that is why in most of the places and times the monarchies prevailed.
(BTW, When people unite around the leader like GWB and get offended when he is criticized or denied loyalty it is a monarchical sentiment.)
I've always maintained that the political spectrum is circular. Whether the extreme left and extreme right in a given country get along or hate each other at any given time is irrelevant. What makes the right way to look at this circular is that one extreme, where the right and left "join," represents minimal freedom for the individual, while the other extreme, "the center" represents maximal freedom. I'd say no country today is much closer than 90 degrees to center on the circular scale (ohhhh... maybe 60). A lot of utopians would take us close to the full 180.
I wonder if Goetz, Kjvail and I are the only ones left on FR? (Time to summon the "Crown Crew"?)
A long underused ping list lol. I don't even have the list anymore, its on my old computer.
It's just too tedious debating with the Jacobins on FR. Traditional American conservatives (ie palecons) may at least listen to the arguments for monarchy and legitimism but these neo-cons are almost as dense about it as your average marxist (coincidence? I don't think so)
No, monarchy as a serious way of running modern countries went out of fashion because it did not work well, and too many of the members of the various royal families of Europe were at best incompetent, if well-meaning.
Even the less impressive royals could hardly do worse than the current crop of European politicians.
Assuming that Europe's rejection of monarchy refutes monarchism is as illogical as it would be to assume that Europe's rejection of Christianity refutes Christianity.
Maybe the West can have a look at what happened to each Chinese dynasty: each time a dynasty replaced the next, it had always been an overthrowing as the successor claimed each previous dynasty had "lost the mandate of heaven". You can have:
1) Vassal state overthrowing the previous dyansty: Shang Tang overthrrew Xia dynasty and founded the Shang dynasty in 1751 BC. In Chinese history texts they are called "Nobility revolutions".
2) Peasant rebellion and taking the throne himself: Liu Bang did this to the Qin dynasty in 206 BC and founded the Han dynasty (one of the most glorious Chinese dynasties), and Zhu Yuanzhang over threw the Mongol Yuan dynasty in AD 1386 and founded the Ming dynasty. They are called "Peasant revolutions" in Chinese history.
3) In-laws taking over the thronw: Yang Jian overthrew his son-in-law's throne in Northern Zhou and founded the Sui dyansty in AD 581.
4) Generals taking over the emperor in a coup: Li Yuan did this to Sui dynasty in 618 AD and founded the Tang dyansty, Zhu Wen did this to the Tang in AD 907, Zhao Kuangyin plotted a coup and became the first emperor of the Sung dynasty in 960 AD.
5) Foreign invasion: the Yuan and Qing dynasties conquered China.
It may give a better chance of getting a competent ruler on the throne, because you get to throw the bums out once every 200 to 300 years. How about allowing this in Europe?
well put.
I think of it similarly - the extremes of right and left are totalitarianism.
Unfortunately, restrictive immigration policies have been tarred with the extremist brush, and thus Europe is in its pickle. Enoch Powell was considered a terrible influence, but he has been proven right, as events show us more every day.
Four possible outcomes in England and France come to mind: 1) Civil war, 2) Mass deportations and repatriations, 3) Compomise and eventual capitulation to the Muslims, 4) Eventual assimilation by the Muslims.
Eventual assimilation, ostensibly, is what the so-called representatives of the people have chosen as the only possible outcome, but it seems increasingly unlikely.
So a restrictionism along the lines of what Enoch Powell favored would have avoided this juncture, and the cost would have been far less than what the British will have to pay in the future. I won't talk about Le Pen, other than to say, I think those who feared him but favored immigration policy changes should have rallied to someone else, but they should not have left the issue to Le Pen. We can all run, but eventually reality catches up with us.
I'm not sure I'd say that I am actually "left on FR." I really have neither the time nor the inclination to argue with these people.
Invincible ignorance really is -- well -- invincible.
a Blast from the (recent) Past...
France's Le Pen To Strike a Deal With Muslims-(La France to Al Frankistan)
ny sun | February 17, 2006 | MICHEL GURFINKIEL
Posted on 02/17/2006 6:52:11 PM EST by Flavius
"All the best battles are always fought against overwhelming odds."
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Daily devotional & motivational speakers emphasize character traits critical to individual and team development.
7th Annual Holiday Hoops Camp
December 22nd & 23rd (2016), 9am-3pm
Dobbs Creek Recreation Center
Pour everything you've got into competing for camp/division records!
Everyone gets in the action with fast paced half court and full court competition.


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Back in April, Amazon took the wraps off the hideously…
The Tech-pert: Get a Barnes and Noble Nook Color for Less than $200
In recent weeks I've talked a lot about the Amazon Kindle, but let's not overlook that "other" e-reader: the Barnes & Noble Nook. Specifically, the Nook Color is one of the unexpected gadget success stories of 2011–and for a limited time, there's a rare deal to be had on one.
Barnes & Noble is offering the "certified pre-owned" Nook Color tablet for $199, shipping included. Normally it sells for $249. "Certified pre-owned" is another term for "refurbished," but don't let that stop you. B&N's refurbs arrive in like-new condition (I've seen them firsthand), and they're covered by a full one-year warranty, same as new Nooks. To my thinking, you have absolutely nothing to lost by going the pre-owned route. Rather, you have $50 to gain.
Notice, too, that I called this a tablet, not an e-reader. Although it began life as the latter, it has more recently evolved into the former: the Nook Color runs a modified version of the Android operating system, and can now run a limited selection of apps–just like a real tablet.
In fact, if you're a tech-savvy user, you can install the full-blown Android OS and turn this into one of the best deals anywhere on a color tablet. Not tech-savvy? A cool new product called Nook2Android makes this a plug-and-play process: just pop a memory card into the Nook's expansion slot and presto: you've got an Android tablet. Pop it out again and your Nook Color is restored.
Besides offering color to the Kindle's monochrome, the Nook Color supports the Epub book format–meaning you can check out free e-books from your local library. Amazon plans to add that option to Kindles sometime this summer–but exactly when is anybody's guess.
The Nook Color also excels at displaying magazines and children's books–something to consider if you're a fan of periodicals or, well, children.
Personally, my Kindle's been collecting dust ever since my Nook Color arrived. Although Amazon is expected to offer a color e-reader/tablet any day now, a Nook Color for $199 out the door is just about impossible to beat–whatever the competition brings.
Consequently, I suspect B&N will sell out quickly. If you've been waiting for a price drop to pull the trigger on a Nook Color, don't wait any longer!
Self-proclaimed cheapskate Rick Broida has been a technology writer for over 20 years. He has authored over a dozen books, including, most recently, "How to Do Everything: Palm Pre." Currently he writes the Cheapskate blog.


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Where's the real Mac advertising?
Unlike the mothership's groundbreaking and still rib tickling funny "Get a Mac" campaign, the company's current crop of TV advertising for "computers" is, to say the least, uninspiring. Whereas the product still sizzles — hitting harder than mere specs can convey — Apple's advertising is, nonetheless, somewhat less brilliant.
Is there anything more formulaic than the current MacBook Air TV spot? I'm sure it's effective, like the company's equally unremarkable palette of iPhone 4 ads, but that's hardly the point.
Oddly, I don't hate their current video collateral because it's so nicely done and perfectly in character with the perfectly manicured side of the company — I'm sure their satisfied shareholders appreciate it warmly. Thereupon, to have a guttural disdain for these ads would be like screwing up my face at a neighbor's new sports car or handsomely manicured lawn, saying more about my lack of grace than the quality of the goods.
Do they still fly the flag?
After Apple came back to its senses in '97, there was Think Different, an instant classic. Then came the the original iPod ad, which was followed by the silhouette campaign.
These ads blew minds and helped slay competitors by the score.
There was panache, irreverence and Ellen Feiss…
The company's timeless John Hodgman and Justin Long Get a Mac campaign was loaded with edginess and biting sarcasm, inflicting stinging wounds on Windows that Redmond's still licking. And, no one will ever forget how groundbreaking the very first Macintosh TV spot was.
The problem with the MacBook Air ad isn't that it's poorly done. The real issue is that Apple's current TV commercials have no balls whatsoever…
What's your take?