text:
Debates of March 11th, 2011
House of Commons Hansard #144 of the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was child.
- Question Period
- Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
- Hockeyville
- Health Care
- St. Patrick's Day
- Japan
- Religious Freedom
- Evening of la Francophonie
- Seniors
- Quebec Film Industry
- Public Transit Operators
- Outstanding Cape Bretoner
- Paralympic Athletes
- Automotive Industry
- Aerospace Industry
- Japan
- Genie Awards
- Political Financing
- Japan
- Government Accountability
- Veterans
- National Defence
- Government Accountability
- National Defence
- Government Accountability
- Persons with Disabilities
- Aboriginal Affairs
- Political Financing
- Former Public Sector Integrity Commissioner
- Citizenship and Immigration
- Government Communications
- The Economy
- Shipbuilding Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Foreign Affairs
- International Trade
- International Co-operation
- Pensions
- Veterans Affairs
- Aerospace Industry
- Taxation
- Official Languages
- Government Priorities
- Persons with Disabilities
- Electricity
- Human Resources and Skills Development
- Retirement Congratulations
- Points of Order
- Export of Military Goods from Canada
- Committees of the House
- Purchase and Sale of Precious Metal Articles Act
- Income Tax Act
- Petitions
- Questions on the Order Paper
- Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
- Protecting Children from Sexual Predators Act
- Protection of Beneficiaries of Long Term Disability Benefits Plans Act
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Nicolas Dufour Repentigny, QC
Mr. Speaker, my colleague raised a very interesting point. The Conservatives are always at the ready for photo ops with the military and to say that they defend the military and that it is a priority for them. Now we see that veterans who return to Canada unfortunately are not a priority for the Conservatives. We must defend the veterans. The Conservatives are willing to spend almost $30 million to purchase F-35 fighter jets, but nothing on veterans.
I would like to know how my colleague feels about this hypocrisy.The Conservatives are willing to have their photos taken with the military, and they say they are pro-military and prepared to defend soldiers, but when the time comes to help them after they return home, they do nothing.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Nicole Demers Laval, QC
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the question. All of us appreciate the efforts of our troops on the front. When we oppose a measure that it wants to implement, this government says that we are against the troops. The opposite is true. That is a despicable response to questions about investments in Afghanistan and the F-35 fighter jets.
It is very nasty of the government to continue saying that we are against the soldiers because we want them to be treated better. It is not true.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Glenn Thibeault Sudbury, ON
Mr. Speaker, I thank my hon. colleague for her passionate speech and her support for the veterans in her riding.
I, too, have been a strong advocate for the veterans in my riding. I think of Joe, Tiny and Bill who all come into my office and talk to me about the issues they are having.
It is great that we are talking about Bill C-55 and getting that money out there. Once we get the bill passed, the money is there, but the problem they are having is getting the money. They are being denied claim after claim.
Is it not time that we actually find some way, through Bill C-55, to ensure our veterans get the money they deserve, rather than having to come and see us all the time and beg, plead and borrow to ensure they get the money they deserve and fought for?
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer
The hon. member has 30 seconds to reply.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Nicole Demers Laval, QC
Mr. Speaker, I will be brief. My colleague is quite right. It is time for us to choose to do things differently and to do more for our veterans. I repeat that we will be voting in favour of this bill because we believe it is a step in the right direction. However, it is not enough.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:45 a.m.
Peter Stoffer Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise on behalf of the NDP to debate the third reading of Bill C-55.
I want to say at the outset that when the bill first came to us in November, we looked at it very carefully and talked to various organizations and individuals, and we gave the minister our private and public support for Bill C-55, on the premise though, and this was a great big but, that the minister and department had told us and the House that further changes were coming.
We welcome this type of dialogue. It is for this reason that I want to personally congratulate the minister for what he surely recognizes, the ongoing concerns our veterans and their families, and RCMP members and their families are facing in this country.
The fact is that Bill C-55 is a short step forward, a minor step forward to be completely honest. We know where the difficulties lie within the Department of Veterans Affairs. We know that we can never ever have enough money to do everything that we wish to do.
However, we can streamline the process. We can make sure that veterans and their families, and RCMP members and their families do not have to go on television to plead their case before the nation, as Major Mark Campbell did just the other day on CTV in Calgary.
Let us think about that. Here is a hero of our country who lost both his legs in Afghanistan, who said very clearly, "I didn't end up this way just so I could earn 25 per cent less than I did before I lost my legs".
No veteran, especially a disabled veteran, either psychologically or physically, should have to do that. It should be a no-brainer. The department should have immediately sat down with him, assessed his needs and determined exactly what he required to carry on with his life.
On the new veterans charter, let me provide members with a little historical asterisk. I remember the great Jack Stagg, who was probably one of Canada's finest public servants. He helped negotiate the Marshall decision in 1999 regarding Donald Marshall, the aboriginal Canadian. He helped in the creation of Nunavut. Most importantly in my mind, Jack Stagg was instrumental in developing a new veterans charter.
I remember sitting with Jack Stagg, and rest his soul, as he is no longer with us, and the department. They were very clear that the veterans charter might have the odd flaw, but they wanted to change the paradigm of veterans' care from not just giving veterans money and keeping them at home for the rest of their natural lives, but providing them and their families with educational opportunities and providing rehabilitation services where they could become productively employed members of our society.
I say this because many of these veterans are quite young. In fact, if I am not mistaken, our youngest veteran in the country is about 19 years old. I believe our oldest, if I am not mistaken, is about 102 or 103 years old. There is a wide range of veterans in this particular regard.
It is true that it is a challenge within the department to recognize the needs of and assistance required by these various age groups and the various indications of disabilities, psychological, mental or physical they may have and what they require. There is not one policy that fits all.
When the four leaders at that time came back from Holland in 2005 they recognized that the charter was a good thing. It was then passed in this House on the premise that it was a living document, meaning a document that implied that when there were problems and anomalies and errors, they would be corrected and be corrected rather quickly.
Our challenge is that we are now five years into the charter, and Bill C-55 is the first opportunity for change. This opportunity for change is a small step. The government had every opportunity to make a huge step to improve the lives of veterans, RCMP members and their families, but it chose a smaller step.
I do not buy the argument of fiscal restraint. For example, the government can allocate, at the snap of its fingers in an untendered contract, $30 billion for new jet fighters. And do not get me wrong on this, because the CF-18s indeed need to be replaced, but we just do not know if the F-35 is the right type of aircraft. However, if the government can be that aggressive on that type of procurement, then surely to God it could be that aggressive when it comes to helping veterans. Surely to God, veterans should not have to wait years to get a hearing and then when they get to that hearing, their claim is denied. Why are they denied? It because of the Veterans Review and Appeal Board.
I say directly to the minister, and I am glad that he is here, that this is the problem in his department, not the staff. There are 4,000 wonderful people working in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and every day they get up and try to do the very best they can for Canada's heroes.
The problem is the politically appointed Veterans Review and Appeal Board. There are 24 people on that board, which has a budget of $11.5 million. It also has a director general for 24 people, and 19 of them are political appointees, and four of them have some form of military experience and one has some form of medical training, but I do not believe the person is a doctor.
Yet if the veteran, Steve Dornan, of Annapolis Valley has five different cases of medical evidence, and even the federal court has said that the Veterans Review and Appeal Board has no right to declare his medical evidence as not credible, how does a person, without being a doctor, without being trained, without military experience, without RCMP experience, adjudicate cases of veterans and their families?
Mr. Dornan and wife Roseann have been fighting for nine years. They have the medical evidence. The federal court ruled that the medical evidence was credible. Since when do unaccountable people in the VRAB make that decision?
Then we hear from the minister and the department on letter after letter that I have forwarded to them, and we see the benefit of the doubt not being applied in any of the over 600 veterans' cases I have worked on since 1997. That is despite section 39 of the legislation stating quite clearly that the benefit of the doubt has to be applied if there is evidence that the injury or psychological concern may have been caused by military or RCMP duty. I have yet to see that applied.
These people sit in that tower in Charlottetown and make decisions that frustrate the living hell out of these men and women. Steve Dornan should not have to go to the newspapers to get help. Major Campbell should not have had to go before the media to get help.
We all remember Brian Dyck, that great man from Ottawa who did a press conference with the former ombudsman, Pat Stogran. Just before he died from ALS, he said very clearly to all of us, not just to the government but to all Canadians: "My advice to the ministry is if you are not willing to stand behind the troops, feel free to stand in front of them". Unfortunately, he died.
However, I give the government top marks as it then immediately recognized that military veterans with ALS would then get the coverage they needed. The government did not have to move legislation for that; it was a regulatory change. The government did not need Bill C-55 or to bring something else before us, but it did it immediately. The government has the power and wherewithal to do this.
However, I will say again that veterans should not have to go public to get the help they need. They are our heroes.
We were told by a senior official in committee that Bill C-55 was going to help 3,500 people. That is not true. Research by the Library of Parliament shows that it will only help 500 people over five years. Where the additional veterans will get help is not from the legislated changes in Bill C-55, but in the regulatory changes. We do not need legislation to change regulations.
We heard from the minister, and god love him for it, that this is a $2 billion investment. Again, that is like telling a guy who makes $30,000 a year that he is going to make $1 million over 40 years. We cannot really do that.
I could go and on regarding veterans and their families, but I do thank the minister for moving Bill C-55 forward. However, I encourage the minister and the government to move much faster. If the government can give Christiane Ouimet a half million dollars for not doing her work, then it can turn around and give veterans the money and the programs they need to get back to a normal life.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:55 a.m.
Jean-Pierre Blackburn Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the member for Sackville—Eastern Shore for his support for modern-day and other veterans.
I would like to tell him right away that we are currently working on increasing the number of veterans who sit on the Veterans Review and Appeal Board and who work for the Department of Veterans Affairs. We believe that it would be beneficial and enriching to have more veterans among us.
With regard to the number of people who will receive the permanent monthly allowance, we know that when the new veterans charter was adopted, it contained an error. We verified the figures again and there are indeed 3,500 people who, in the next five years, will be able to receive this permanent monthly allowance, which is a little bit like the one granted under the old pension system. This amount will vary from $543 to $1,631 a month.
With regard to the board's decisions, I would like to remind the hon. member that we are trying to find out whether we can post them on the Internet so that everyone can have access to them.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:55 a.m.
Peter Stoffer Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS
Mr. Speaker, I want to say publicly that I know the minister is sincere, but in 2005 at the Conservative Party convention the Conservatives said that the Veterans Review and Appeal Board would be replaced with military, RCMP and medical personnel. We have yet to see that.
I do not believe we need a Veterans Review and Appeal Board in the Department of Veterans Affairs, but if there is a VRAB, we should at least make sure it is made up of military and RCMP personnel and doctors. That way when military personnel are being reviewed, they are being reviewed by their peers, not by political appointees by the political party of the day.
Enhanced New Veterans Charter Act
Government Orders
10:55 a.m.
The Deputy Speaker Andrew Scheer
There will be three minutes left for questions and comments for the hon. member for Sackville--Eastern Shore after question period. We will now move on to statements by members.
Statements By Members
10:55 a.m.
Gerald Keddy South Shore—St. Margaret's, NS
Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the well-known Antigonish arena on its position in the top ten in the Kraft Hockeyville contest on CBC. I would like to encourage all of my fellow MPs to go to the CBC website and cast a ballot for this storied hockey temple. It is Nova Scotia's only entry to crack the top ten and is fitting of that honour.
With an army of volunteers, the arena ices teams from Timbits to the Junior A Antigonish Bulldogs of the Maritime Junior Hockey League to the St. Francis Xavier X-Men. These teams and those of every age group imaginable call it home ice.
With our votes the Antigonish arena could be this year's Hockeyville and benefit from $100,000 from Kraft Canada dedicated to upgrading the arena. Then all of Nova Scotia could show Canada how much we truly are Hockeyville when the Antigonish arena hosts an NHL pre-season hockey game and a CBC Hockey Night in Canada broadcast. All Canadians will be proud.
Hockey began in Nova Scotia, and now I ask all hon. members to help bring it back.
Health Care
Statements By Members
March 11th, 2011 / 11 a.m.
Carolyn Bennett St. Paul's, ON
Mr. Speaker, last week doctors from across the country descended on the Hill to make a house call on parliamentarians.
Dr. Jeffrey Turnbull, the president of the Canadian Medical Association, hosted a breakfast for over 100 MPs, senators, members of the media and health care stakeholders. He brought with him an important call to action.
Today Canadians are saying that health care is as big a concern as the economy and they want action now.
I hope that the government will be inspired by this vision of the future of health care and that it will enthusiastically embrace the CMA's initiative to transform health care rather than pursuing its plans for prisons, fighter jets and tax breaks for businesses.
Imagine, that $30 billion for untendered fighter jets is equivalent to the total annual federal contribution to health care.
The doctors and nurses of Canada deserve better.
St. Patrick's Day
Statements By Members
11 a.m.
France Bonsant Compton—Stanstead, QC
Mr. Speaker, next week we will celebrate St. Patrick's Day, the national day of the Irish people.
Quebeckers of Irish descent make up the second-largest cultural community, after those of French descent. It is estimated that up to 40% of Quebeckers have Irish ancestors. The first Irish arrived in North America in the 16th century, but the majority immigrated in the 19th century, during the potato famine.
The oldest St. Patrick's Day parade in North America takes place each year in Montreal, Quebec. Year after year, hundreds of thousands of people join in the fun.
On behalf of the Bloc Québécois, as someone of Irish ancestry on my mother's side, I would like to wish all Quebeckers of Irish descent a happy St. Patrick's Day.
Statements By Members
11 a.m.
John Rafferty Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON
Mr. Speaker, like all Canadians, New Democrats were shocked and saddened this morning to hear of the devastating earthquake that hit Japan overnight. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan and to Canadians who are still trying to reach their loved ones.
As the tsunami makes its way across the Pacific, our thoughts are also on the safety of those living along coastal areas, including Canada's Pacific coast.
It will be days before we understand the full effects of this disaster, but we know Canadians stand ready and willing to help in the days ahead.
New Democrats will strongly support efforts by the government to provide aid and relief to those affected and do what we can to help people in their great time of need.
On behalf of all New Democrats, we send heartfelt condolences to the people of Japan and all those who have lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Religious Freedom
Statements By Members
11 a.m.
David Sweet Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, ON
Mr. Speaker, the world became a more dangerous place on March 2 when Pakistan's minister for minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, was brutally gunned down in his country's capital. Others in the House have risen to condemn the extremist assassins and our Prime Minister, on behalf of all Canadians, has expressed deep shock and sadness.
It is alarming enough that Minister Bhatti was the only Christian minister in Pakistan's government, but the ruthless ambush and murder is made all the more outrageous because he was killed for standing up for religious freedoms, standing up for those of all faiths in his country where, unlike our own, such freedoms can never be taken for granted.
Too often Pakistan's blasphemy laws are abused to restrict freedom of religion and expression. They have been used disproportionately to target religious minorities. Canada and the international community have called upon Pakistan for this to stop. After last Wednesday, the world is now watching more closely than ever.
Let us be mindful of Shahbaz Bhatti's great legacy. May his example strengthen our own resolve to challenge extremism wherever and whenever we may find it.
Evening of la Francophonie
Statements By Members
11:05 a.m.
Lise Zarac LaSalle—Émard, QC
Mr. Speaker, next Wednesday, March 16, the Club Richelieu LaSalle will present its fifth annual Soirée de la Francophonie, in co-operation with the borough of LaSalle.
This event has been gaining popularity since it began. It is always held as part of the Semaine de la Francophonie, with the goal of celebrating the French language and culture. The Club Richelieu LaSalle takes advantage of the opportunity to crown its "francophone personality of the year" and hand out awards to students in public speaking, dictation and poetry competitions.
I would like to take a moment to commend the magnificent work done by Gilles Dubien, chair of the organizing committee, who, for over five years now, has worked diligently to make each edition of the Soirée de la Francophonie a tremendous success.
On behalf of my constituents, I would like to sincerely congratulate him on this remarkable initiative, which helps to promote our beautiful French language.


text:
by Anton Shilov
HP and Oracle Corp. on Monday reaffirmed their long-term strategic partnership and the resolution of litigation regarding Mark V. Hurd's employment at Oracle. HP no longer has pretensions against Oracle and its ex-chief executive officer.
While the terms of the settlement are confidential, Mr. Hurd will adhere to his obligations to protect HP's confidential information while fulfilling his responsibilities at Oracle. The agreement also reaffirms HP and Oracle's commitment to delivering the best products and solutions to their more than 140 thousand shared customers.
"HP and Oracle have been important partners for more than 20 years and are committed to working together to provide exceptional products and service to our customers. We look forward to collaborating with Oracle in the future," said Cathie Lesjak, chief financial officer and interim chief executive officer at HP.
"Oracle and HP will continue to build and expand a partnership that has already lasted for over 25 years," said Larry Ellison, chief executive officer of Oracle.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ada Lucille Logan, 86, formerly of rural Cave-In-Rock, died 1:50 a.m. Dec. 6, 2012, in Carmi.
Services are 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at Hardin County Funeral Services, Cox Funeral Home. Visitation is 10 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.
She was the widow of Earl Logan.
She is survived by two sons, a daughter, eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephew.
Hardin County Funeral Services, Cox Funeral Home, is in charge of arrangements.
Location, ST | website.com


text:
NASCAR Ride Along Package
About this item
An Utimate thrill ride for any NASCAR fan!
Speeds up to 175 mph with NASCAR Racing Experience's professional racing instructor.
Experience 3 laps of pure heart-pounding speed from the passenger seat of a real NASCAR race car. Sit back and hold on tight as you ride shotgun in a real NASCAR race car that's actually been race driven by a NASCAR driver on a superspeedway! You're in good hands with one of the NASCAR Racing Experience's professional racing instructors driving at top speeds.
Talladega Superspeedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Auto Club Speedway Fontana CA, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway SC, Chicagoland Speedway, Kentucky Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Homestead Miami Speedway, Myrtle Beach Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, Richmond International Raceway
Don't know what date or racetrack they'll want? That's okay, gift giving is easy with NASCAR Ride Along Gift Card. Gift Cards are good for 2 years at any of the locations. Gift cards must be redeemed for a reservation. Reservations are required.
Member can view the current schedule on line at www.NascarRacingExperience.comor call a customer crew member at 877-RACE-LAP (722-3527) to inquire about dates and times available.
- NASCAR Racing Experience offers real NASCAR race cars and entertaining racing experiences. The NASCAR Ride Along is a thrill ride for race fans.NASCAR Ride Along Gift Cards is valued at $129.99
- Gift Cards are good for 2 years at any of the nationwide racetracks.
- Reservations are required
- Member can view the current schedule on line at www.NascarRacingExperience.com or call a customer crew member at 877-RACE-LAP (722-3527) to inquire about dates and times available
- Passengers must be at least 5ft tall and 100lbs
- Under 18 must have parental consent.
Assembled Country
Component Country


text: With Ellie Goulding's latest album, Halcyon, hitting stores on Tuesday, the British songstress' sophomore effort has managed to find its way online. Below, you can check out one of the tracks that will live on the iTunes version of the LP. "I Need Your Love" will also appear on Calvin's upcoming project, 18 Months, that's due out at the end of the month. Clearly, they were going for a very commercial sound with this one. Enjoy. I've included a link to a free download above.


text:
The Best Phoenix Wedding DJ and Party DJ, Starz Entertainment has a special offer for you. To thank our customers for voting us Best Wedding DJ in Arizona in the Elite Weddings 2012 Poll and Best of Brides on Wedding Wire for the 5th straight year we are offering you some Special Discounts!
Call us at 480-830-1308. Mention the BSP Special and get your choice of One Free Hour of Overtime or 50% off on a Ceremony System, Up-Lights Package, or Video Montage. Remember just mention the BSP Special!
Starz Entertainment 480-830-1308 Mailing: 2942 N 24th St #114 Phoenix, AZ 85016


text: Ron Guth: All 1802 Half Cents are overdates and all show a clear 0 undfer the 2. The first 1802 Half Cents were made with a reverse of 1800 (single leaves at the top of both branches in the wreath); later versions had a new reverse that was used from 1802 through the end of the Draped Bust type in 1808 (two leaves at the top of the right branch of the wreath). As a date, the 1802 is considered very scarce and no examples are known above Extremely Fine. In fact, this is the only date of the Draped Bust type that is unknown in Mint State. Some 1802 Half Cents were struck on cut-down, defective Large Cents and some show traces of the undertype from the host coin.


text:
Your Voice On Home Vote Will Be Heard Tuesday
Never let it be said your vote doesn't matter.
Look at Wednesday's 16-9 failed vote to sell the Chautauqua County Home as proof. It is the second time a deal to sell the home has fallen through because one more vote was needed to reach a supermajority of 17 legislators.
We harken back to 2011, when Tim Hoyer, D-Jamestown, earned election to the Chautauqua County Legislature by 16 votes over challenger Michael Haddad, in a district with 489 votes cast, and Bob Whitney, D-Jamestown, fended off a challenge by David Wilfong by 58 votes in a district in which 709 votes were cast. They are two of the three legislators on whom selling the Chautauqua County Home hinge.
Both were elected by slim margins. Both could have been the one vote needed to sell the home.
Nine legislators voted against the sale Wednesday – Bob Whitney, Lori Cornell and Tim Hoyer, all Jamestown Democrats; Keith Ahlstrom, D-Dunkirk; William Coughlin, D-Fredonia; Tom DeJoe, D-Brocton; Bob Duff, R-Sheridan; Shaun Heenan, D-Dunkirk; and Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia.
Ahlstrom's vote, judging from his public comments at Wednesday's meeting, had less to do with faith in county ownership in the home than in doing what his constituents ask of him. Ahlstrom admitted after the meeting there will come a time when legislators in favor of selling are correct in their belief continued county ownership of the home isn't sustainable.
North county legislators can fall back on listening to their constituents, though we say the concerns of north county residents are based on fear and ignorance rather than what is best for the home's residents. What about their south county counterparts?
Hoyer, who thankfully isn't running for re-election, says his vote against the sale comes from his belief society should take care of the elderly. He reasons selling the home goes against the idea of caring for our neighbors. We ask Mr. Hoyer how well the home will care for our neighbors when it is forced to close? It is a scenario for which he relies on flimsy logic and funhouse mirrors the likes of which don't deserve to be heard on the legislature floor. Good riddance.
As for the other Jamestown Democrats, their reasons are similarly flimsy.
Cornell didn't speak during Wednesday's meeting. She has never voted in favor of a sale offer for the home. Cornell didn't think Avi Rothner was a suitable buyer. Her silence after voting against VestraCare's purchase Wednesday, however, comes in comparison to rave reviews from legislators who have toured VestraCare's other facilities. Her silence comes in spite of VestraCare's investment in a nursing home it bought in Ulster County that was previously a county-owned facility. Her silence comes in spite of numerous awards and citations garnered by VestraCare's owners and operators. Her silence and nay vote come in spite of VestraCare's desire to add to the County Home more rehabilitation services, assisted living, independent living, apartments, adult day care and specific changes in care for people who are developmentally disabled.
Whitney, meanwhile, relied on politics – blaming Republicans who scheduled the vote so close to Election Day. His voting history suggests the vote had less to do with politics and timing of the vote than what the sale would do to the home's employees. That was his reasoning when questioned in August about a possible sale of the home to Richard Platschek, a deal whose failure led to VestraCare's offer.
We note, however, that Jamestown Democrats were the only ones bringing politics into the vote. Talk of changing votes after Election Day, which was intimated earlier this month by Charles Nazzaro, D-Jamestown, is incredibly disingenuous and makes one wonder for whom exactly the three Jamestown Democrats are really working. Now, they will have a chance to answer for their politics.
Those who are on the fence in the race for Chautauqua County Clerk, which deals heavily in revenues, may now have a purer choice in the election. Larry Barmore's vote on the home was about eliminating a deficit for the county, Cornell's was not. Cornell's is a vote she may pay for on Tuesday.
Whitney, meanwhile, is running for office on Tuesday against David Wilfong for the legislature. There are other differences between the candidates, but Wilfong and Whitney are diametrically opposed on the home. A vote for Wilfong is a vote for another legislator who will sell the home and make a solid financial decision for all taxpayers. Votes for Whitney are votes to keep the home and keep losing money on a facility that is unlikely to break even under county ownership.
The message to registered voters is clear – your vote matters.


text:
LINGUIST List 23.3400
Tue Aug 14 2012
Jobs: Mandarin Chinese; Applied Ling: Asst/Assoc Prof, The Hong Kong Polytechnic U
Editor for this issue: Amy Brunett <brunett
Angie Chow <hrstaff
Mandarin Chinese; Applied Linguistics: Assistant/Associate Professor, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
E-mail this message to a friend
University or Organization: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Department: Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies
Job Location: Kowloon, Hong Kong
Web Address:
Job Rank: Asst/Assoc Professor
Specialty Areas: Applied Linguistics
Required Language(s):
Chinese, Mandarin (cmn)
Associate Professor / Assistant Professor in Chinese Language Education
(with concurrent appointment as Director of Chinese Language Centre of the
Reporting to the Head of Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies, the
appointee will be offered a concurrent appointment as Director of the
Chinese Language Centre.
The appointee will be required to (a) oversee and manage all businesses of
the Centre including the delivery of subjects that it offers; (b) represent
the Centre to liaise with the Centre's stakeholders for the planning and
delivery of Chinese language subjects; (c) take a leading role in the
Centre's curricular-design and pedagogy functions, especially the
development of new subjects in the area of Discipline-specific Chinese; (d)
engage in teaching and related learning activities; (e) undertake research
relevant to the mandate of the Centre; and (f) help enhance the
international visibility and network of the Centre and the Department.
Applicants should have (a) a PhD degree in a relevant discipline; (b)
relevant experience in academic administration at tertiary level,
preferably with experience in or knowledge of curricular design and
development; (c) an excellent command of Chinese and English; (d) a track
record of research capability, including research-grant application; and
(e) a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research and
professional service.
Please visit the website at
for more
information about the Department.
Remuneration and Conditions of Service:
A highly competitive remuneration package will be offered. Initial
appointment for Assistant Professor will be on a fixed-term
gratuity-bearing contract. Re-engagement thereafter is subject to mutual
agreement. An appropriate term will be provided for appointment at
Associate Professor level. Applicants should state their current and
expected salary in the application.
Please submit application form via email to the address below; by fax at
(852) 2364 2166; or by mail to the application address below. If you would
like to provide a separate curriculum vitae, please still complete the
application form which will help speed up the recruitment process.
Application forms can be obtained via the above channels or downloaded from
. Recruitment will continue until the
position is filled. Initial consideration of applications will commence on
24 September 2012. Details of the University's Personal Information
Collection Statement for recruitment can be found at
Application Deadline: 24-Sep-2012 (Open until filled)
Mailing Address for Applications:
Ms. Angie Chau
Human Resources Office, 13/F,Li Ka Shing Tower
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Hong Kong
Email Address for Applications: hrstaff
Web Address for Applications:
Contact Information:
Ms. Angie Chow
Email: hrstaff
Fax: 852-2364-2166
Read more issues
LINGUIST home page
Top of issue
Page Updated: 14-Aug-2012
About LINGUIST
Contact Us
While the LINGUIST List makes every effort to ensure the linguistic relevance of sites listed on its pages, it cannot vouch for their contents.


text:
This is our second program on Reinhold Niebuhr's fascinating thought and legacy. And as I prepared to discuss Niebuhr again with David Brooks and E.J. Dionne — in a whole new era of American politics, foreign policy, and economics — I was stunned by how resonantly Niebuhr's writing speaks to our common present. These lines from his 1952 book, The Irony of American History, are a good example, "… we have thus far sought to solve all our problems by the expansion of our economy." Later on he elaborated:
"Yet the price which American culture has paid for this amelioration of social tensions through constantly expanding production has been considerable. It has created moral illusions about the ease with which the adjustment of interests to interests can be made in human society. These have imparted a quality of sentimentality to both our religious and our secular, social and political theories. It has also created a culture which makes "living standards" the final norm of the good life and which regards the perfection of techniques as the guarantor of every cultural as well as every social-moral value."
David Brooks was widely cited in the midst of the 2008 presidential campaign when he reported how a weary Barack Obama brightened at the invocation of the very name of Niebuhr, delivering a 20-minute, ad-lib summation of Niebuhr's complex view of politics, religion, and life. And as I delved into Niebuhr's words and Obama's words in tandem in preparation for this conversation, I was struck by the echoes. Consider, for example, this classic Niebuhrian injunction: "We take, and must continue to take, morally hazardous actions to preserve our civilization. We must exercise our power. But we ought neither to believe that a nation is capable of perfect disinterestedness in its exercise, nor become complacent about particular degrees of interest and passion which corrupt the justice by which the exercise of power is legitimatized [emphasis mine]." And hear then the concise, more pointed reasoning with which Obama has ended torture as a policy and promised to close Guantanamo and secret CIA prisons abroad: "We reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals," he said at his recent inaugural address. Later he said, "We intend to win this fight. We're going to win it on our own terms." Brooks, Dionne, and I discuss these parallels between Niebuhr and Obama, and others. My two guests are often set up to present contrasting points of view on NPR's All Things Considered, but this evening at Georgetown was not a point-counterpoint between a liberal and a conservative. It was more of a shared inquiry that ranged from politics and the new administration to the economy and even to recent events in Gaza. Niebuhr's way of thinking tends to deepen analysis and temper sectarian stridency. This evening was no exception. Brooks suggests that Niebuhr himself may have been unnerved by Obama's idealistic campaign catch words of "hope" and "change." Yet Dionne finds a Niebuhrian influence in Obama's careful distinction between "hope" and "optimism" — the one more focused, pragmatic, and theologically resonant; the other more soupy, idealistic, and culturally defined. And while Obama ran on hope, he has inherited calamity — a situation that embodies the kind of irony writ large that Niebuhr urged Americans of his day to expect. The humility that Obama invoked three times in his inaugural address is, like Niebuhr's, an active stance, not a passive one, in the face of vast and risk-filled challenges. Obama's pre-election and pre-recession paraphrase of Niebuhr, as reported by David Brooks, seems all the more poignant now. From Niebuhr, Obama said, "I take away … the compelling idea that there's serious evil in the world, and hardship and pain. And we should be humble and modest in our belief we can eliminate those things. But we shouldn't use that as an excuse for cynicism and inaction. I take away … the sense we have to make these efforts knowing they are hard, and not swinging from naive idealism to bitter realism."
I Recommend Viewing:
Brooks and Dionne, Live with Krista [video, 82:56] With one video camera remaining, we filmed my public conversation with David Brooks and E.J. Dionne, including the invocation by Jean Bethke Elshtain. You can stream or download the complete, unedited event at Georgetown University. For good introductions to Reinhold Niebuhr and his writings, I recommend Robert McAfee Brown's book, The Essential Reinhold Niebuhr: Selected Essays and Letters. It is an excellent place to begin exploring the breadth of Niebuhr's thought. And, The Irony of American History set a critique of communism against a critique of virtues of American culture which, untempered by realism about history and human nature, might be its triumph but also its undoing. Yet much of this analysis speaks with uncanny aptness to the economic ideology that has so calamitously hit its limits in 2009.


text:
College of Undergraduate Studies
Accepted Students Day
If you have been accepted to Immaculata, you and your family are invited to attend this event on either April 6 or 7, 2013.
Join us for a campus tour and presentations about residence life, student activities, clubs, and financial aid. Enjoy a Jersey Shore-style lunch, visit our student involvement fair, and learn about athletics, academic support services, honors programs, and new student orientation.
You will have the option to attend Mass in the Villa Maria Hall Chapel at 11 a.m.
For more information, or to register, please see our Accepted Students Day page.
Sunday, April 7, 2013 -
9:00am to 2:00pm


text:
A/I Eudora 5.x Configuration Howto
Note: the Eudora version (5.x) which this howto has been written for is obsolete, even if the manual is updated with connection parameters compatible with A/I current settings. If you use newer versions of Eudora and want to help us update this howto, write us. You would provide us with invaluable help if you could update this manual with us (even more if you send us your updated screenshots!).
WARNING: SSL support to encrypt your mail traffic requires you install A/I certificates. You can download it and install it from our Certification Autority website!
How to configure Eudora 5.x to download A/I mail
- Launch Eudora 5.x and open the Tools menu, choosing the Personalities tab
- Right-click in the panel and choose New to create a new identity. If you want to update an existing idenity right-click on the idenity and choose Properties, and then go to step 4
- If you are creating a new identity follow the New Account Wizard: choose Skip directly to advance account setup and insert your connection parameters
- In your Account Settings in the Generic Properties tab
fill in your connection parameters:
- Real Name: the name you want others to see when receiving mail from you
- Return Address: your e-mail address
- Login Name: your full e-mail address
- SMTP Server: smtp.autistici.org
- Mark the checkbox Secure Sockets, Required, Alternate Port
- In the Incoming Mail tab:
- Pop server: mail.autistici.org
- Mark the checkbox Secure Sockets, Required, Alternate Port.
- Now when you download or send emails you should see a lock icon visualized in your Eudora window. Enjoy!


text:
Friday, August 3, 2012 - Text by Aaron Wong | Badminton Photo - Yves Lacroix
Zhang Nan and Zhao Yunlei have stamped their authority on Mixed Doubles badminton, adding the Olympic gold medal to their coveted World Championships and All England titles.
This afternoon at Wembley Arena, the world No. 1 pair took the crown by defeating fellow Chinese, Xu Chen and Ma Jin (pictured right), to cement their place in history. It appeared inevitable from early that Zhang/Zhao would steamroll their opponents, given familiarity with their teammates' style of play.
Expertly moving Xu and Ma around the court during rallies, the top duo was able to capitalize by killing the shuttle in open areas. Another tactic was isolating and relentlessly smashing down either rival, with Xu Chen and Ma Jin equally targeted.
The best point of the match, however, belonged to Ma Jin. The score was 9-16 in the second game when Zhao Yunlei tried to speed up proceedings by going after Ma but the latter's cross-court smash returns were too astute and unplayable.
The final illustrated the tightness of the Zhang/Zhao partnership compared to Xu/Ma. It seemed only a matter of time as Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei inched closer to glory and they duly wrapped up the title in 45 minutes, 21-11 21-17.
"I was so happy to win my first Olympic gold medal. I immediately called my parents to thank them for their support and for not disturbing me this entire week so I could focus on my matches," said 25-year-old Zhao.
In the bronze play-off, the Danish pair of Joachim Fischer and Christinna Pedersen thwarted an all-Asian sweep of the medals. They beat Indonesia's Tontowi Ahmad and Lilyana Natsir (pictured left) for the last step on the podium. The world No. 4 pair executed their attack purposefully and, with the Indonesians unable to gain the ascendancy at any time, they took the match in straight games, surrendering 12 points in either.
"I promised Joachim, myself, and my coach that I'd do everything I could possibly do to win today's match," disclosed Pedersen afterwards.
For Fischer, winning an Olympic medal capped a successful return following two sports-related surgeries and spending six months recovering and not playing.
Meanwhile, Natsir confirmed that she and Ahmad will continue playing together until year-end and thereafter their coach will decide what happens.
Follow us on Twitter to get live updates and flash quotes of players at London 2012!
Chinese couple Zhang Nan (left) and Zhao Yunlei (right) in that moment of victory
Joachim Fischer and Christinna Pedersen picked up Denmark's first Olympic badminton medal since 2004
The London 2012 Badminton Mixed Doubles medal ceremony
« Back
» News archive
» Destination Dubai World Superseries Finals
» Tournament Calendar
» BWF World Ranking
» BWF Destination Dubai Rankings
» Head to Head
» Contact us
Tournament Calendar
BWF World Ranking
Rules and Regulations
Anti Doping Regulations
Unit 17.05 Level 17
Amoda Building
22 Jalan Imbi
55100 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +6-03-2141 7155
Fax: +6-03-2143 7155


text:
If you're looking for a new way to have refreshing ice whenever and wherever you need it, we suggest investing in a portable ice maker….
Discontinued Product
8.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator-Freezer-Microwave Combo
Sorry, the manufacturer is no longer producing this product.
Description & Highlights
Summit 8.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator-Freezer-Microwave Combo - White
Optimized for compact spaces, Summit 8.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator-Freezer-Microwave Combo (MRF882) gives you the most versatility in a slim design. This appliance combines Summit's two door 8.8 cu. ft. refrigerator/freezer with one of their large capacity microwaves, for all-in-one convenience. The fridge/freezer doors are reversible making it even more ideal for those tight, hard to access spaces. The interior features adjustable wire shelving and in-door storage shelves, compartments, and a crisper drawer, so you'll have a place for everything. With the dial thermostat and frost-free operation, the unit runs efficiently with minimum maintenance.
The 0.7 cu. ft. capacity microwave has variable power options and automatic cook settings, all of which can be set with the touchpad controls. The electrical allocator box, which can accommodate the refrigerator/freezer and a third appliance, limits total power consumption to 10 amps, for safe and efficient operation. Limited space doesn't have to mean you sacrifice the appliances you need, Summit's combination appliances are the perfect solution for tight living quarters.
Combination Appliance:This combination refrigerator/freezer/microwave serves all your kitchen needs in one slim and compact unit
Electrical Allocator:The included allocator protects the unit from circuit breaks by limiting its power usage to 10 amps
Slim Design:Designed to fit into limited spaces and offer you the most usability
- Model: MRF882Summit 8.8 Cu. Ft. Refrigerator-Freezer-Microwave Combo
- Brand: SummitTouchpad mid size microwave
- Thin-line designIn-door storage
- Designed for hard to fit spotsShips fully assembled
- 8.8 cu. ft. capacityInput voltage: 120 V/60 Hz
- Reversible doorsWeight: 195 lbs
- Allocator boxFreezer interior: 13.75" H x 18.75" W x 12.75" D
- Frost free operationRefrigerator interior: 35.25" H x 19.25" W x 17.25" D
- Warranty: 1 year, 5 years compressorExterior dimensions: 72" H x 23.5" W x 24" D
Exterior dimensions:
- Height: 72"
- Width: 23.5"
- Depth: 24"
- Height: 13.75"
- Width: 18.75"
- Depth: 12.75"
- Height: 35.25"
- Width: 19.25"
- Depth: 17.25"
Freezer interior:
Refrigerator interior:


text: With any holiday season comes many occasions that require you to dress up. Have an office holiday party coming up? Make a good impression with a smart look. Perhaps your girlfriend has invited you to a cocktail party on New Year's eve, and you know she wants you to dress nicely. Or maybe you are single, and just want to have some fun while looking classy. No matter what the occasion, having options is always a good idea. There are certain looks that will help you stand out in all the right ways during the holidays. (more…)


text:
Friday, April 5, 2013
Lockheed Martin to Install NextGen Sensors on C-130Js
The U.S. Air Force has issued a $7.3-million contract modification to Lockheed Martin to incorporate Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) NextGen Sensors on HC/MC-130J aircraft.
(C-130J Super Hercules. Photo, courtesy of Lockheed Martin.)
The modifications are scheduled for completion in 2015.
Additionally, Lockheed Martin announced the first delivery of a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft to an African country on Thursday. The Republic of Tunisia took delivery of its first C-130J, receiving the longer fuselage or "stretched" variant of the aircraft.
Resulting from a 2010 contract, Tunisia is scheduled to receive an additional C-130J from Lockheed by 2014.
Related: Military Avionics News


text:
Neoseeker : Millet : Collections : Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Owned on
Community feeds
- "had a darker feel to it than the first two movies. and interesting plot twist 9/10 HarryPotterandThePrisonerOfAzkaban"Legionare_23 May 27, 13 11:04am
- "great new set of spells, great new game play, great graphics! HarryPotterandThePrisonerOfAzkaban"Hoof-beat-melody May 20, 11 1:43pm
- "...I lie. I owned this once upon a time, then my mom decided to break the witchcraft with a hammer. And scissors. No joke. >> "Black Pikmin123 Aug 5, 10 5:11pm
- hprw96 Jul 31, 10 3:12pm
Screenshots (more screens)
Latest forum messages
- Who's Your Favorite Character?
Reply by jayjay1, posted on Dec 30, 12
- Harry Potter Riddles!!
Reply by catgirl97, posted on Mar 18, 12
- Goblet of Fire: Film Speculations
Reply by whoistheguyaboveme, posted on Feb 23, 12
- What's happened to this movie?????
Reply by whoistheguyaboveme, posted on Feb 23, 12
- Caption Contest
Reply by whoistheguyaboveme, posted on Jan 03, 12


text:
A/I Exodus Jabber Client Configuration
Install Exodus latest version and launch it.
The software will prompt you for your e-mail address (email@example.com). It would be better not to fill in your password at this stage (because it would be saved in your Preferences and thus in your filesystem): you can always type it every time you launch Exodus.
Click on the "Encryption" tab and mark the checkbox "All connections must be encrypted".
Now you can connect. The first time you do the software will prompt you for authorization of the SSL certificate: accept it and click on OK. You will then be able to chat with whoever you like using an SSL encrypted connection to our servers.


text:
Basel II & Basel III Regulations
What are the Basel Regulatory Frameworks?
Basel III is a global regulatory standard on bank capital adequacy, stress testing and market liquidity risk agreed upon by the members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The third installment of the Basel Accords was developed in response to the deficiencies in financial regulation revealed by the late-2000s financial crisis. Basel III strengthens bank capital requirements and introduces new regulatory requirements on bank liquidity and bank leverage. In Basel III, a more formal scenario analysis is applied.
Basel II is the second of the Basel Accords, (now extended and effectively superseded by Basel III), which are recommendations on banking laws and regulations issued by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. Basel II, published in June 2004, was intended to create an international standard for banking regulators to control how much capital banks need to put aside to guard against the types of financial and operational risks banks face.
Who is impacted by the Basel II and Basel III Accords?
All financial institutions, but the impact may differ by jurisdiction, types and size. Global Systemic Important Banks (G-SIBs) will be subject to higher core tier 1 capital requirements. There are currently 29 G-SIBs.
How do the Basel III Accords impact financial institutions in the United States?
The Basel Regulatory Framework will be implemented in the United States beginning on January 1, 2014 with the largest financial institutions, and then it will be phased in beginning January 1, 2015 for all other financial institutions. The rule will implement in the United States the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.
Under the final rule, minimum requirements will increase for both the quantity and quality of capital held by banking organizations. Consistent with the international Basel framework, the rule includes a new minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5 percent and a common equity tier 1 capital conservation buffer of 2.5 percent of risk-weighted assets that will apply to all supervised financial institutions. The rule also raises the minimum ratio of tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets from 4 percent to 6 percent and includes a minimum leverage ratio of 4 percent for all banking organizations. In addition, for the largest, most internationally active banking organizations, the final rule includes a new minimum supplementary leverage ratio that takes into account off-balance sheet exposures. On the quality of capital side, the final rule emphasizes common equity tier 1 capital, and implements strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments. The final rule also changes the methodology for calculating risk-weighted assets to enhance risk sensitivity.
How Can Experian help my financial institution with Basel II and III?
Experian can review and assess the bank's portfolio(s) and provide a gap analysis and project design that meets Basel III requirements, followed by data prep, development, integration, and validation of loss projections using the following models:
- Probability of Default (PD)
- Loss Given Default (LGD)
- Exposure at Default (EAD)
Additionally, evaluate strategic initiatives to help offset the potential impact by optimizing risk-weighted assets (RWA) strategies and capital usage.
Stress Testing and Capital Assessment
Experian understands the importance of measuring capital adequacy, stress testing and loss reserve estimation reporting and brings an extensive background in modeling, banking, risk management and simulation to our clients. Click the button below to learn more about our stress testing and capital assessment services and analytics.
Get More Information
Would you like to talk to someone at Experian about consulting services? Please submit the form below and we'll be in touch with you soon.


text:
Under-The-Sea Mobile
- Overview
She'll drift off to the sweetest of dreams when you help her transition to sleep with this charming mobile. Cotton percale seahorses and starfish float in slow circles to soothing music.
- Mobile comes with music box that plays Hush Little Baby and arm that attaches to the crib.
- Mobile arm (sold separately) comes in White or Espresso.
- Sewn of a medley of fabrics, including printed cotton percale and felt.
- Seahorse and starfish hang from cotton cords.
- Hoop is covered with grosgrain ribbon.
- Dimensions & Care
- Overall: 8" diameter, 16" high
- Seahorse (yellow/white stripe): 3.5" wide x 5" high x 1" thick
- Seahorse (pink/white dot): 3.25" wide x 4.5" high x 1" thick
- Starfish (orange/white stripe): 4.5" wide x 3.25" high x 1.25" thick
- Starfish (yellow/white dot): 3.75" wide x 3.25" high x 1.25" thick
- Surface is washable with warm water and mild soap.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.


text:
Nick Clegg denies rift with Vince Cable
Next video starts in : 7 Play
Nick Clegg denies rift with Vince Cable
Video Shows 'El Chapo' Arrive in New York
1:35Now watching Up next
Nick Clegg denies rift with Vince Cable
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg insists there is no rift between himself and Vince Cable, saying the two work very closely together.
1:59Now watching Up next
Video Shows 'El Chapo' Arrive in New York
Video obtained by The Associated Press shows infamous Mexican drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman getting off a plane in Long Island, New York. Guzman was extradited from Mexico to face drug trafficking and other charges. (Jan. 20)
1:59Now watching Up next
Jon Voight speaks for Trump at concert
Hollywood star Jon Voight criticizes 'propaganda' against Donald Trump at a Trump inaugral concert in Washington, D.C. (Jan. 20)
2:13Now watching Up next
Stars demonstrate outside Trump building
Robert DeNiro, Cher and Mark Ruffalo were among some of the celebrities demonstrating against Donald Trump in New York. (Jan. 20)
2:15Now watching Up next
De Niro, Baldwin Headline NY Anti-Trump Rally
De Niro, Baldwin Headline NY Anti-Trump Rally
2:14Now watching Up next
Memorable Moments, Mishaps in U.S. Presidential Inauguration History
At President Obama's inauguration in 2009, the chief justice botched the oath and many wondered if Beyoncé was singing live.
5:22Now watching Up next
Ivanka Trump Says She Will Not Fill in as First Lady
President-elect Trump's eldest daughter spoke about her father's transition into the White House and her family's move to Washington.
8:28Now watching Up next
Jackie Evancho Preps for Inauguration, Transgender Sister Preps for Gender Confirmation Surgery
Opera prodigy Jackie Evancho volunteered to perform at Trump's inauguration as Juliet Evancho undergoes her own life-changing event.
2:51Now watching Up next
Dreamers Reunite with Families in Mexico
More than two dozen young immigrants made a trip to Mexico over the holidays to reunite with long-lost family. The trip was made possible under an Obama administration program that is now in jeopardy under new President Donald Trump. (Jan. 20)
1:44Now watching Up next
Today in History for January 20th
Highlights of Today in History: Iran releases American hostages; Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy innaugurated as President. (Jan. 20)


text:
by Anton Shilov
Elsa of Japan, a leading supplier of various professional solutions, has quietly added an expansion box for PCI Express add-in cards with Thunderbolt interconnection. The device is designed for special-purpose cards, but it can potentially be used to connect graphics cards to PCs using Thunderbolt interface.
Elsa Magma ExpressBox 3T has three slots - two PCI Express 2.0 x8 and one PCI Express 2.0 x4 - and 220W internal power supply unit. The expansion box is primarily designed for video-capture, media transcoding/encoding, audio processing add-in cards or high-end solid-state drives with PCI Express interface. The expansion box fully supports daisy-chaining and other advanced functionality that Thunderbolt has to offer. The box is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS X.
The main aim of the Magma ExpressBox 3T is to add functionality (e.g., professional audio card or video-capture capability) to notebooks and all-in-one desktops with Thunderbolt interface, such as Apple MacBook Pro and iMac, which are used for professional purposes. Nonetheless, in some cases it may be possible to install a graphics card into the expansion box - provided that internal power supply can handle significant load and there is a driver available - in order to boost graphics processing performance.
While it is clear that external graphics cards have a lot of potential as a lot of people want to play modern video games or use professional applications on their portable PCs on external displays that support high-resolutions, Thunderbolt as it is now may not be the most efficient technology to connect graphics cards to notebooks. Current version of Thunderbolt only supports 10Gb/s (1.25GB/s) bidirectional bandwidth, whereas modern high-end graphics cards require much higher transfer speeds provided by PCI Express 2.0 x16 (8GB/s) or even PCI Express 3.0 x16 (12.8GB/s) slots.


text:
In the Olympics the medals come in bronze, silver, and gold, and the Girl Scouts Highest Awards are no different. Except these three awards represent a girl doing good things in the world, helping people who need it most, protecting animals that can't speak for themselves, and treating the environment with respect. Girls have ideas that can make a big impact in their world and a lasting difference for good. Girl Scouts Highest Awards are for those girls who are ready to put their ideas into action and become leaders by planning, dedication and follow through.
Age appropriate standards have been set by Girl Scouts of the USA for the three award levels.
Girl Scout Bronze Award
Girl Scout Silver Award
Girl Scout Gold Award
To be recognized and included in Young Women of Distinction in June, please complete the Girl Scout Gold Award Final Report Form and Girl Scout Gold Award Questionnaire and return them by April 1 to a leadership learning specialist-GSLE.


text:
Patrick Sung, DPhil
Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and of Therapeutic Radiology
Research Interests
Biochemistry; Biophysics; DNA Repair; Radiation Oncology; Homologous Recombination; DNA End-Joining Repair
Research Organizations
Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry: DNA Replication and Repair | Sung Lab
Therapeutic Radiology: Radiobiology
Cancer Center: Radiobiology & Radiotherapy
Research Summary
Endogenous free radicals and environmental agents such as ionizing radiation induce DNA double-strand breaks. The repair of these breaks is crucial for the maintenance of genome stability. Two distinct pathways help eliminate DNA double-strand breaks. In homologous recombination, the repair of a broken DNA molecule requires an intact homologous duplex to direct the process. Alternatively, a pathway known as non-homologous DNA end joining (NHEJ) simply rejoins the ends of the broken DNA molecule. Our research efforts focus on delineating the mechanisms of these two DNA repair pathway.
Repair by homologous recombination
The recombinational repair of DNA double-strand breaks is mediated by a group of genes called the RAD52 epistasis group. In mammals, the efficiency of recombinational DNA repair is modulated by the tumour suppressors BRCA1 and BRCA2, providing compelling evidence that this repair pathway functions to suppress cancer formation. Importantly, recombinational DNA repair is also required for the removal of interstrand DNA crosslinks induced by bifunctional crosslinking agents, which are commonly used to treat various malignancies. In 1994, we identified the yeast Rad51 protein, a key member of the RAD52 group, as the recombinase that mediates the "homologous DNA pairing and strand exchange "reaction central to all recombination-dependent processes, including the repair of DNA double-strand breaks. This finding marked the beginning of studies on recombination enzymology in eukaryotic organisms and has created a much-needed experimental framework for dissecting the role of the other RAD52 group members in the recombination reaction.
Specialized Terms: Repair of DNA double-strand breaks; Repair by homologous recombination; Repair by DNA end-joining
Selected Publications
- Dray E, Etchin J, Wiese C, Saro D, Williams GJ, Hammel M, Yu X, Galkin VE, Liu D, Tsai MS, Sy SM, Schild D, Egelman E, Chen J, Sung P.Enhancement of RAD51 recombinase activity by the tumor suppressor PALB2. Nat Struct Mol Biol. 2010 Oct;17(10):1255-9.
- Niu H, Chung WH, Zhu Z, Kwon Y, Zhao W, Chi P, Prakash R, Seong C, Liu D, Lu L, Ira G, Sung P.Mechanism of the ATP-dependent DNA end-resection machinery from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Nature. 2010 Sep 2;467(7311):108-11.
- Longerich S, San Filippo J, Liu D, Sung P. FANCI binds branched DNA and is mono-ubiquitinated by UBE2T-FANCL. J Biol Chem. 2009 Jul 18.
- Prakash R, Satory D, Dray E, Papusha A, Scheller J, Kramer W, Krejci L, Klein H, Haber JE, Sung P, Ira G. Yeast Mph1 helicase dissociates Rad51-made D-loops: implications for crossover control in mitotic recombination. Genes Dev. 2009 Jan 123(1):67-79.
- Raynard, S., Bussen, W., and Sung, P. (2006). A double Holliday junction dissolvasome comprising BLM, topoisomerase IIIalpha, and BLAP75. J. Biol. Chem. 281:13861-13864.
- Sehorn, M.G., Sigurdsson, S., Bussen, W., Unger, V.M., and Sung, P. (2004). Human meiotic recombinase Dmc1 promotes ATP-dependent homologous DNA strand exchange. Nature 429:433-437.


text:
MCA gymnasts floor Trojans
WELCOME – Rebecca Steen literally took a giant step in her recovery from an ankle injury on Tuesday night.
Steen swept all four individual events to capture the all-around crown with a season-high 36.975 points to pace the Martin County Area Magic's 134.275-132.8 triumph over the Worthington Trojans during non-league gymnastics action in Welcome.
The Magic also registered a season's-best team total, topping their prior high score of 132.875 established during a season-opening victory over Luverne on Dec. 6.
"We did a better job of staying on the beam tonight, and we landed both Tsuks," Martin County Area mentor LeeAnn Steen said.
In fact, Rebecca Steen and Martha Olson tightly rotated and firmly planted their Tsukaharas to claim the top two spots on the vault with marks of 9.3 and 9.25, respectively.
Paige Kinley, who collected runner-up accolades in the all-around competition with a 35.475, and Trojan teammate Maria Contreras pocketed third and fourth place off the vault table with a 9.1 and an 8.8, respectively. Contreras placed third in the all-around with a total of 32.6.
While Steen and Olson packed a lethal 1-2 scoring punch out of the final two spots in the Magic's vault rotation, the trio of Mackenzie Betts (8.775), Sydney Leichtnam (8.625) and Maggie Bachenberg (8.325) added solid depth on the judges' scorecards to help pace the team's 35.95-34.775 edge over Worthington on the piece of equipment.
Steen then hit a toe-shoot transitional maneuver, a pair of giants and a toe-front dismount to chalk up a first-place score of 8.9 on the uneven parallel bars.
Kinley (8.75), Contreras (7.7) and teammate Stephanie Jaycox (7.65) rounded out the event's top four finishers.
Steen and Bachenberg then produced bookend top-four showings on both the balance beam and floor exercise to help power the Magic to the team triumph.
Steen netted a 9.25 to claim top honors on the 4 inch-wide apparatus, while Bachenberg transformed a pair of back handsprings into a fourth-place mark of 8.225.
Bachenberg then served as Martin County Area's catalyst on the floor by meriting an eventual fourth-place total of 8.625 out of the No. 2 spot in the rotation.
Olson tallied an 8.3 out of the No. 3 spot, Lexy Ringnell contributed an 8.5 next, before Steen coasted to the first-place showing with a 9.525 on floor. Steen twisted a perfect double-full to cap her opening tumbling sequence to highlight the highest individual score of the dual meet.
Martin County Area (4-0, 1-0 South Central) plays host to St. Peter on Thursday night in a conference dual meet in Welcome.
Worthington 132.8
All-Around: 1. Rebecca Steen (MCA) 36.975; 2. Paige Kinley (Wor) 35.475; 3. Maria Contreras (Wor) 32.6; 4. Liz Hayenga (Wor) 31.45.
Vault: 1. Steen (MCA) 9.3; 2. Martha Olson (MCA) 9.25; 3. Kinley (Wor) 9.1; 4. Contreras (Wor) 8.8.
Other MCA scores: Mackenzie Betts 8.775; Sydney Leichtnam 8.625; Maggie Bachenberg 8.325.
Uneven Parallel Bars: 1. Steen (MCA) 8.9; 2. Kinley (Wor) 8.75; 3. Contreras (Wor) 7.7; 4. Stephanie Jaycox (Wor) 7.65.
Other MCA scores: S. Leichtnam 7.5; Andrea Thate 7.45; Michaela Twitchell 7.3; Lexy Ringnell 7.0.
Balance Beam: 1. Steen (MCA) 9.25; 2. Kinley (Wor) 8.875; 3. Hayenga (Wor) 8.5; 4. Bachenberg (MCA) 8.225.
Other MCA scores: Betts 7.4; S. Leichtnam 7.35; Brielle Meade 7.3.
Floor Exercise: 1. Steen (MCA) 9.525; 2. Anna Koepsell (Wor) 8.925; 3. Kinley (Wor) 8.75; 4. Bachenberg (MCA) 8.625.
Other MCA scores: Ringnell 8.5; Olson 8.3; Kersten Shantz 7.7.
Martin Co. Area 120.8;
Worthington 115.7
All-Around: 1. Kayla Shantz (MCA) 29.1; 2. Kara Honius (Wor) 29.0; 3. Alyssa Williams (Wor) 28.8; 4. Carsen Wetzel (Wor) 28.0.
Other MCA score: Jenna Steele 27.5.
Vault: 1. Williams (Wor) 8.35; 2. Lexy Ringnell (MCA) 8.3; 3. (tie) Kourtney Bauman (Wor) and Rachel Spartz (Wor) 8.25s; 4. Andrea Thate (MCA) 8.1.
Other MCA scores: Kersten Shantz 8.05; Brielle Meade 8.0; Steele 8.0; Kayla Shantz 7.9; Cara Behrends 7.9; Morgan Wolter 7.6.
Uneven Bars: 1. Maggie Bachenberg (MCA) 7.75; 2. Mackenzie Betts (MCA) 7.7; 3. (tie) Kayla Shantz (MCA) and Martha Olson (MCA) 7.1s; 4. Wetzel (Wor) 7.05.
Other MCA scores: Kersten Shantz 5.7; Steele 5.5; Meade 4.9; Wolter 3.9.
Balance Beam: 1. Brooklyn Leichtnam (MCA) 8.15; 2. Honius (Wor) 6.8; 3. (tie) Bauman (Wor) and Thate (MCA) 6.75s; 4. Williams (Wor) 6.4.
Other MCA scores: Steele 6.3; Kayla Shantz 6.05; Kersten Shantz 6.0; Ringnell 6.0; Behrends 5.9; Grace Mayo 5.3.
Floor Exercise: 1. Kayla Shantz (MCA) 8.05; 2. Meade (MCA) 8.0; 3. (tie) Steele (MCA) and Behrends (MCA) 7.7s; 4. Honius (Wor) 7.5.
Other MCA scores: Sydney Leichtnam 7.4; Thate 7.3; Wolter 6.6; Mayo 6.0.


text:
It's finally October. As the summer rain subsides and cooler breezes take hold, another cultural season arrives in Palm Beach County. This month, many museums are welcoming new exhibitions and theatres are kicking off new seasons. Here is a guide to productions and exhibits you'll want to mark on your calendar.
- If you've picked up a copy of our October issue, then you're aware Rosenbaum Contemporary opened an exhibition by the German artist Thomas Hartmann on October 3. Entitled "Immediate Geographies," this exhibit features a handful of Hartmann's paintings, all of which play with perspective and are full of surprises. With Hartmann's work, viewers can walk up to a piece and study it for hours, slowly noticing a hidden figure or discovering a new landscape saturated in grey tones.
|Flohmarket (Flea Market), Thomas Hartmann
- This October is a busy one for the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach. On October 8, the museum will open two exhibits steeped in modern Japanese culture. "Contemporary Kogei Styles in Japan" features more than 90 pieces of Japanese arts and crafts, while "Breaking Boundaries: Contemporary Street Fashion in Japan" explores the sartorial milieu of current Japanese fashion, with actual outfits, accessories and photos depicting the myriad fashion trends currently sweeping the country. Oh, and you won't want to miss the Lantern Festival: In the Spirit of Obon on October 19. Read our write up to learn more.
- Also on October 8, the Boca Museum of Art welcomes three new exhibitions all exploring unique segments of American life. "Southwestern Allure: The Art of the Santa Fe Art Colony" illustrates the different genres to emerge within this unique locale between the years 1915 and 1940 and includes more than 40 pieces from artists like Carlos Vierra, Edward Hopper and Marsden Hartley. "Nancy Davidson: Let'er Buck" transports viewers to the center ring of the rodeo through mediums such as sculptures, photos, videos and sound. Finally, photographer Dulce Pinzón skews perceptions of superheroes with "The Real Story of the Superheroes." Pinzón photographed 20 workers—Mexican and Latino immigrants in Manhattan—dressed in superhero garb and within their work environments; these images highlight the sacrifice these immigrants have made to give their families better lives.
|Master of Ceremonies, Gerald Cassidy, part of "Southwestern Allure"
- The theatre department at Palm Beach Atlantic University begins its season on October 9 with Reeling, a musical by Barry Kornhauser and set in 1920s Hollywood. Learn more about the production and enter to win tickets here!
- The Lake Worth Playhouse's sixty-first season has been in full swing for a few months now and continues on October 10 with All Shook Up. This Elvis jukebox musical is a contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night with a familiar and addicting soundtrack.
- Last month, the Norton Museum of Art welcomed a new lobby mural. On October 10, it welcomes Vernet's The Fishermen as part of its Masterpiece Rediscovered series. Learn more about the piece, which will be on display through December 8, here!
- From October 10 to 27, the Plaza Theatre in Manalapan will stage Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs. As one of Simon's more autobiographical pieces, the play delves into familial relationships during the Great Depression. Learn more and enter to win tickets here!
- Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach is one of the best theatres in the county, due to its stellar productions and commitment to produce theatre to think about. Be sure to catch all of PBD's 2013-14 season, which kicks off on October 11 with Of Mice and Men, a theatrical interpretation of John Steinbeck's American literary classic.
- Henry Morrison Flagler's influence in Palm Beach County is well documented. Beginning October 15, the Flagler Museum will bring the history of Flagler to life with "Man of the Century: The Incomparable Legacy of Henry Morrison Flagler." Museum visitors can view photos, artifacts and archival documents that reinforce Flagler's legacy in the fields of business, development and philanthropy.
Step inside a new artistic point of view informed by a Cuban identity with "Cuban Art and Identity: 1900 to 1950," on display at the Vero Beach Museum of Art beginning October 19. This collection of colorful works illustrates three themes within
Dial M for Murder
- This summer, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre has been hard at work remodeling both the lower lobby and a new upper lobby; pick up a copy of our November issue in late October for all the details on the additions! On October 28, you can see it all for yourself when the Maltz hosts a public open house from 10 am to 2 pm. Then, attend the season opener Dial M for Murder through November 10, because nothing says Halloween quite like a Hitchcockian thriller.


text:
22 Day Imperial China, Tibet & Hong Kong (2015)
Featured Accommodations
Yangtze Cruise
Guilin-Hong Kong
|Please note that we closely monitor all the hotels we use, reading our customer's feedback about their experience with the hotels listed below. Based on this feedback, if any of these hotels does not live up to China Spree's standards, we will change them immediately. Sometimes this may be a last-minute decision. Customer satisfaction is always our priority.
Victoria Anna
Inaugurated in 2006 and renovated in 2010, the Victoria Anna sets the standard for fine luxury river cruising, not just in China, but throughout the world. Upon completion in spring 2013 after the scheduled rebuilt, Victoria Anna will lead the Yangtze cruise being the first boutique ship on the river, offering a luxury cruise experience.
Recognized as the leader of the Yangtze River cruise, Victoria Cruises, the only American cruise company on the River, distinguishes itself from all other Chinese cruise lines with its superlative services, top dining experience, enrichment lectures, shipboard activities and shore excursions.
While all other cruise lines on the Yangtze are competing by building bigger ships, Victoria Cruises reinvented the river cruise with its philosophy of small ship, boutique ship, enhanced by its exclusive Executive Deck Program.
Over the past few years, China Spree has been working with all major cruise lines on the Yangtze for our China cruise tour programs. Forming the strategic partnership with Victoria Cruises for our 2013 sailing season, China Spree cruise tours 2013 feature quality boutique ship cruise experiences with improved onboard services, food and shore excursions, enhanced by the included Executive Deck Program, with full privileges at Executive Lounge. These Executive Deck Program features includes A La Carte dinning, complimentary beverage package, free laundry, complimentary WiFi, and other privileges that were initially designed exclusively for travelers on suite accommodations. Now, however, these excellent comforts are available for China Spree travelers as well.
Book selected China Spree Cruise Tours by the promotion deadline as specified on our website to
receive Victoria Anna's Executive Deck Program.
The most elegant and special vessel in Victoria Cruises fleet, Victoria Anna encompasses five decks of sheer elegance highlighted by a rich tapestry of colors, gleaming woods, sparkling chandeliers, and American and European influences with Asian accents. The ship is also one of the most technologically advanced river cruise ships in the world.
Victoria Anna is the first Victoria Cruises' vessel to feature two separate kitchens and an à la carte dining room with western menus introduced by Chef Walter Staib. The five-star cruise line introduced its Executive Deck program and its goal–in addition to providing a refreshing new look and enhanced amenities such as concierge service–is a major leap forward for its culinary program.
Passengers aboard the Victoria Anna enjoy the most elaborate culinary program on the Yangtze, as the ship's chefs are trained by award-winning Philadelphia-based Concepts By Staib, to prepare high-quality Western dishes in addition to authentic Chinese delicacies. The Dynasty Dining Room offers the most seating, while the upper deck VIP Club restaurant offers a la carte dining, as well as omelet & egg stations for breakfast, noodle and sandwiching stations for lunch, and Carving and Peking Duck stations for lunch or dinner (varies by day).
The Victoria Anna also features a lecture room, library/reading room, cocktail lounge, beauty parlor and mini-spa, gift shop, spacious observation deck, business center, health clinic, lavish atrium lobby and two elevators for guests' convenience. In addition to onboard activities such as Tai Chi lessons, the Yangtze Club offers a host of invigorating nightly entertainment options as well as computer terminals for Internet access. Passengers traveling with their own laptops can also rent Wireless 3G USB modems through which they can use to access the internet from most areas of the ship.
The scheduled Victoria Anna ship refurbishments in spring 2013 will include upgraded interiors and enticing enhancements that include a new lobby and public areas.
Elegant in design and style, Victoria Anna is setting new standards in service, food, and comfort of boutique ship river cruise. Discover China's greatest river and savor the ambience usually found only on small boutique ships. Read more >>
Marriott Beijing City Wall
This stunning landmark hotel in the center of Beijing is the largest Marriott Hotel outside the U.S. with 1312 rooms that are elegantly decorated, featuring the Marriott's trademark "New Bedding".
All rooms are luxuriously appointed with amenities that ensure a comfortable stay and equipped with 37" LCD TV, safe, IDD, high-speed Internet access and a spacious work desk, and bathroom with separate bathtubs & standing shower. Its spacious room size is 460 square feet on average.
Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall features 7 distinctive restaurants, bars and entertainment venues full of gastronomic delights. The hotel's various facilities and services including Quan SPA, a fitness center, an indoor-heated swimming pool, 24-hour room service, laundry, high-end shops, gold key service, private chamberlain and a stay to remember.
The hotel is only 5-minute walk to the famous Chang An Avenue, 2-minute walk to the subway station, and within walking distance (about 20 minutes) to the Tiananmen Square and the Silk Alley.
Visit hotel e-brochure.
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview
Situated in the heart of Zhabei District, neighboring the Daning Lingshi Park - the largest central greens in downtown, Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview provides a tranquil environment surrounded by nature trails and surprisingly close to the People Square.
Immerse into the comforts of contemporary-designed guest rooms which gracefully combine style and elegance. Each guest room, poised to provide a memorable stay and exceed your expectations feature high-speed internet, multi-media player, plush Simmons Mattresses, and tasteful decor. Enjoy stunning views of the largest central greens in downtown, ample work space, 46-inch LCD TVs, In-room safes, mini-bars, coffee / tea service and iPod docking stations.
Enjoy a delectable dining experience at any of our three restaurants, premier amenities include an outdoor golf practice facilities and tennis court.
After a day of meetings or sightseeing, take a dip in our indoor pool, visit our fully equipped gym or just drop-by for classic afternoon tea or late-night drinks at The Lounge. Other amenities include business center, 24-hour room service, and concierge.
Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel
Overlooking the spectacular Victoria Harbour, the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel is located along Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, at the heart of the city's busiest commercial, shopping and business hub. The Star Ferry and Hong Kong's cruise terminal are at your footstep, while shopping is right next door with the hotel forming part of Harbour City – Hong Kong's largest shopping complex. Guests enjoy easy access to the area's major tourist attractions like Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
After an exciting day of sightseeing or business meetings, settle into one of the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel's 665 guestrooms and suites while staying connected via the free Wi-Fi Internet service, which is now fully up and running throughout the hotel, or catch up with the latest blockbuster from the wide selection of movies while enjoying the hotel's 24-hour private dining service.
For guests preferring the exclusive comfort and personalised service of The Continental Club, our designated guest floors come with unparalleled benefits that have become hallmarks of the Marco Polo hospitality.
In a city known as the 'Culinary Capital of Asia', the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel features three of Hong Kong's most renowned restaurants and bars, to include Cucina which features Italian open kitchen all-day international cuisine at Cafe Marco, and the Rum Bar at Lobby Lounge – conferred the Guinness World Record for "Bar with the World's Largest Selection of Commercially Available Rums."
Whether you are looking to plan that dream wedding or the perfect corporate meeting, our seven state-of-the-art function rooms will meet your every need. The classic decor and built-in audio-visual facilities of the function rooms on sixth level provide the ideal setting for small- to medium-sized events. The Centenary Ballroom at lobby level is the perfect balance between elegance and intelligent architecture, where clients can transfer even the biggest display materials easily due to the ballroom's unique lobby level access.
Stay connected with family, friends, and workplace from our Business Centre. Take a dip in our pool to unwind after a long day out, or do a quick workout at the gym in the adjacent building. You can even visit the Aveda Salon at Harbour City and pamper yourself while enjoying a special discount on hair, beauty and massage treatments. Better still, indulge in some retail therapy at the adjacent Harbour City shopping mall which is the ultimate destination for shopping, dining and entertainment with over 450 shops that feature the world's leading brands.
Staying at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel gives you the perfect blend of warm Asian hospitality and a central location with its convenient access to Kowloon and Hong Kong.
There are three Marco Polo hotels in Hong Kong (Marco Polo Hong Kong, Marco Polo Gateway, Marco Polo Prince), and only Marco Polo Hong Kong is 5-star.
At Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, guests can enjoy the spectacular show of A Symphony of Lights, awarded the world's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show by Guinness World Records, a nightly spectacle which combines interactive lights of 33 key buildings on both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with musical effects to showcase the enchanting night view of the Victoria Harbor.
Please visit hotel website.
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa
Four Points by Sheraton Lhasa is located in the center of Lhasa, with easy access to tourist attractions.
Known as the "Roof of the World", Lhasa is the capital of Tibet, and its political, economic, and cultural center. With a rich history spanning 1300 years, magnificent natural scenery and pleasant weather—earning it the nickname "Sunshine City"—the city offers visitors a veritable treasure trove of sites and experiences.
You'll find a bevy of attractions within a ten minute walk from our front door. Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Street offer a great introduction to the country's long history and diverse cultures. Potala Palace is a magnificent structure where you can observe masses of devout pilgrims at worship. If you want to go shopping, the biggest supermarket in Lhasa—Baiyi—is just next to the Potala Palace. And don't miss Norbulingka, the imperial garden.
Our hotel offers great rooms, comfortable beds, and extras you'll love. Designed with each guest's comfort in mind, our 102 rooms and suites feature a warm and contemporary design. The style is uncomplicated and comfortable, a feeling of home coupled with luxurious touches. Each room features 32-inch LCD TV with cable and satellite stations, and free High Speed Internet Access. Also, our 24-hour room service will ensure you have everything you need.
Visit hotel presentation.
Sheraton Xian North City
Opened in November 2011, Sheraton Xian North City is a new luxurious hotel in the historical Xian. Steps away from Xian's new subway and across the road to a big local shopping mall, the hotel is an ideal base for exploring Xian's myriad attractions.
A sophisticated retreat from the crowds and hectic pace of the city, Sheraton Xian North City Hotel is well equipped to keep you refreshed and in touch. During your busy schedule of travel, work, and exploration, our hotel remains your haven.
Settle down after a busy day and have a fully relaxing experience in one of our 490 beautifully-appointed guest rooms, including 29 upscale service apartment suites, ranging from 39 to 573 square meters. Warm earth tones enhance their modern decor.
Deluxe Rooms are spacious, with stylish furnishings. Each rooms contains The Sheraton Sweet Sleeper™ Bed, a 40" LCD Flat Screen Television, a mini-bar, direct-dial telephones with voicemail, complimentary High Speed Internet Access and WiFi, and a personal safe that can store a laptop.
Executive Club Rooms and Suites feature stunning Daminggong Palace and city views, king or twin beds, and separate bathtubs and showers in bathrooms. Executive Club guests also have special access to the Executive Club Lounge. A relaxing, upscale space, the Club Lounge offers coffee, tea, a breakfast area, light snacks throughout the day, and evening cocktails. Connect with friends via complimentary wireless High Speed Internet Access, work with your team in a meeting room, or simply catch your favorite TV show.
You'll find a variety of places to gather for food and drinks, all under one roof at Sheraton Xian North City Hotel. Our stunning Lobby Lounge is a relaxing place to connect with business associates and fellow travelers over a cocktail.
Yue, our Chinese restaurant, offers a delectable assortment of authentic Cantonese cuisine, while our fine-dining steakhouse has imported cuts and world-class service. Feast, an all-day dining restaurant, brings you mouth-watering flavors from the East to the West, with a buffet and an à la carte menu.
We offer a full range of recreational facilities and services. Wind down with a soothing massage from an experienced therapist without leaving the comfort of the hotel. Our signature treatments are influenced by our region's history and are designed to brighten your look and your mood.
Be at your peak at all times and let our fitness center be your solution to a healthy lifestyle while traveling. Our facilities feature state-of-the-art equipment, an aerobics studio, an indoor temperature-controlled swimming pool, and a sauna.
On the 4th floor, the fully-equipped Business Center is open 24 hours a day. Take care of all your business needs, including printing, photocopying, High Speed Internet Access, equipment rental, and mobile phone charging, as well as secretarial, translation, and courier services.
Stay in touch at The Link@Sheraton Experienced with Microsoft® in the heart of our lobby, designed for you to socialize with friends old and new. Feel free to use our computer terminals, or bring your laptop for complimentary wireless High Speed Internet Access. Check your e-mail, search for information, review local attractions, and even print boarding passes.
There are two Sheraton hotels in Xian and Sheraton Xian North City is a new property built in 2011.
Visit Hotel Power Point Presentation.
Chengdu Minshan Hotel
Remodeled in 2010, Chengdu Minshan Hotel is a new deluxe hotel located in the center of Chengdu, the largest city in Southwest China.
Unlike hotels in Beijing and Shanghai,which cater mainly to tourists, hotels in Chengdu rely more on the more lucrative Chinese Conferences and Business meetings. The hotel star-ratings in Chengdu are skewed by the focus on local Chinese market. While the prices are high, hotels in Chengdu generally fall short of the international standard expected by tourists.
Finding the right hotel in Chengdu for China Spree clients was not an easy choice. The advantage of Chengdu Minshan Hotel is its premium location, with new rooms and facilities. This hotel features a fine breakfast with variety and local flavors. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Chengdu, near major tourist attractions, fine restaurants and shopping centers. The convenience of this location gives you a luxury of free exploration during your off time.
Mingshan Hotel features 305 rooms, elegantly decorated and provide a haven of comfort and relaxation amidst the bustling city life of Chengdu. All rooms are equipped with individually-controlled air-conditioning, broadband internet access, cable TV with in-house movie, mini-bar, complimentary tea and coffee, electronic lock and international long-distance direct dial (IDD) telephone. The en suite bathroom is well-stocked with toiletries and has a hairdryer.
Visit hotel e-brochure.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Hotel Guilin is ideally located along the Li River in the heart of the enchanting city of Guilin. Guilin (literally "Osmanthus Forrest") has been an inspiration to Chinese poets and artists for centuries, thanks to its breathtaking scenery rich in limestone crags, deep caves, and lush paddy fields. Now, with the completion of a full renovation, the hotel is as beautiful as the landscape it calls home. In front of the hotel is Guilin's scenic Binjiang Road (riverside avenue) lined with sweet-scented cassia trees, from which Guilin gets its name. Sheraton Guilin offers a perfect escape for China Spree travelers. Click Hotel Link
Dedicated to complete guest satisfaction, the Sheraton Guilin offers exceptional service including 24-hour room service, same day laundry and dry cleaning. The Business Center also offers fast Internet connection, postal, and other secretarial facilities. All rooms feature individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, IDD telephone, personal computer outlets, electronic door locks, combination of bath and shower with vanity and toilet, and more. Swim laps in the outdoor swimming pool or head to the gymnasium where you'll find all the gear for your cardiovascular training, bodybuilding, or simply toning your muscles. Sauna and massage facilities are also available, as well as poolside snacks and drinks in the summer.
Retreat to one of our 430 newly renovated guest rooms, including our 17 suites. Relax and unwind while you watch your favorite shows on flat-screen satellite TV, order in dinner, or surf the web online with our High Speed Internet Access. And get a great night's sleep on our famously comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper (SM) Bed.
Visit hotel e-brochure.


text:
At the Arab summit
Doha, Qatar
30 March 2009
(Translated from Arabic)
In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Compassionate,
Prayers and peace be upon our Master Mohammad.
Your Majesties,
Your Royal Highnesses,
Your Excellencies,
Your Excellency, the Secretary-General of the Arab League,
Dear Guests,
Peace, God's mercy and His blessings be upon you.
This summit convenes as our nation faces several challenges prompted by developments and transformations in the world and the Middle East. These threaten Arab security and are pushing the region towards greater tension and instability, warranting a united, strategic vision of how to deal with current - and future - developments in order to protect our national interests and our ability to influence the course of events.
The first rule of our strategic vision should be this: the air among us must be clear, our differences must be overcome, our positions united and our Arab solidarity strengthened. In this regard, I commend the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' sincere, continued efforts to achieve Arab reconciliation and unite the Arab ranks. Arab solidarity is not a slogan to be raised. It is action and work according to institutionalised relations. It is not about harming each other.
The Palestinian issue is the key issue for the Arab nation, and there can be no peace or stability for the region's people until it is justly and comprehensively resolved in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. The initiative stresses that any solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict must ensure the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian land, with Jerusalem as its capital. This solution should also ensure Israel's withdrawal from all Arab land occupied since 1967, including the Syrian Golan and the Shabaa Farms.
It is important to emphasise here the urgent need for an agreed Arab plan of action to protect Jerusalem from attempts to change its Arab identity and empty the city of its Arab residents. For this reason it is important to adhere to the Arab Peace Initiative which has won international acceptance as one of the basic references for the resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict. It is also important to refuse any attempt to change already agreed upon international references concerning the settlement of the Palestinian issue.
The Arab states should project a clear message to the world and to Israel that emphasises that Israel's security is tied to achieving peace with the Arab states, and this cannot happen until Israel accepts the Arab Peace Initiative and commits to its articles.
Your Majesties,
Royal Highnesses, Excellencies,
Continued external interference in Palestinian affairs is the main cause of persistent Palestinian division. In the end, Palestinian division will result in a regression in international support for the Palestinian issue and will serve Israeli plans to exploit the geographic and political separation of Gaza and the West Bank. Therefore, external interference in Palestinian affairs must be confronted robustly. We must support Egypt's efforts to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and achieve national reconciliation among Palestinian factions, in accordance with Arab League resolutions, in order to ensure the unity of the Palestinian decision and enable the Palestinian leadership to realise the rights of the Palestinian people - the foremost of which is their right to establish an independent Palestinian state. Hence, the Palestinian National Authority must be supported, and the international community called upon to provide all forms of support to the Palestinian people in order to empower them on their land, politically and economically.
We stress here, at this summit, the need to call on the international community, especially the US administration, to pressure Israel to stop its policies of aggression, siege, closure, settlement building and expulsion that are practiced on the Palestinian people. We also must urge the international community to require Israel to demonstrate its will for peace and to enter into serious negotiations to reach a peace that will provide it with security and guarantee the Palestinian people's rights, in accordance with the two-state solution that enjoys the support of the international community.
Your Majesties,
Your Royal Highnesses and Excellencies,
External interference in key Arab affairs and issues has taken several forms. Therefore, we are required now, more than ever before, to overcome our differences and unite our positions and efforts to confront regional and international interference in the internal affairs of some Arab countries.
Therefore, we stress our full support for the political process in Iraq, for the strengthening of inclusive national reconciliation and for the preservation of Iraq's unity, sovereignty and independence.
We must stand firmly and strongly by any Arab country subject to external interference in its internal affairs, the casting of aspersions on its Arab identity, sovereignty and independence, or attacks against its territory. We must also confront any attempt to tamper with the security and stability of the Arab Gulf.
As for Sudan, we must deal with the crisis in Darfur and the International Criminal Court with the utmost sense of awareness and responsibility to ensure Sudan's security, unity, independence and sovereignty.
In conclusion, I must thank His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani for hosting this summit and I express my appreciation to His Excellency President Bashar Assad for his commendable efforts during his presidency of the Arab summit. I also wish to thank the Arab League and its secretary-general and staff for their efforts in preparation for this summit.
Peace, God's mercy and His blessings be upon you.