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Labour and Trade Unions in the globalisation era
From KLAMediaWiki
Name of Event
Labour and Trade Unions in the globalisation era
ACLI institute for peace Development and Innovation
Number of Participants
Male 35 Female 32 Total 67
Key speakers profile
●�ACLI member of the presidency
●�Andria(FRom IPSA-ACLI for peace Devt and Innovations
●�Stephen Kanyari-Kenyan trade Unionist
●�Kenyanya - Kenyan Lawyer/Lecturer-catholic University
Summary of Issues covered
●�Gobalisation Ignores social implications and costs.Its is driven solely by profits.Kenyans have borne the brunt of globalisation through World Bank and International Monetary Fund instigations that forced legislation removing involvement of trade unions when declaring workers redundant.
●�There are issues such as outsourcing,an umbrella organisation that support Government and capital owners.
●�Changes have taken place in the production process that lead to loss of jobs whereby employers look for lower costs whereas workers lose out because they are localised.
●�Labour is the only factor of production that is not free to move from place to place.
●�Companies do not have a social responsibility as they answer to their shareholders who are interested in earnings per share(EPS) ●�To match the challenges,trade unions must globalise.
The interpretation gadgets failed to operate resulting in the non-understanding of the Italian presenters.Otherwise the activities and presentations were qualitative
●�Globalization is the way for trade unions if they have to win international legislation that hamper labour's movement while other factors of production can easily and in order to handle multinational corporations so as not to give them room to exploit the poor in developing countires through low pay while paying, for equivalent work,better pay in developed countries.
Full report here:
The meeting was organized by ACLI and facilitated by IPSIA Kenya office. The meeting brought together trade unionists from the North and the South to share their experiences and approaches. The main objective for the meeting however, was to expose the Kenyan trade unionists the world and create for them an opportunity to develop networks and collaborations in their trade unionism. The following speakers were invited for the seminar; 1. Mr. Stephen Kanyari, Kenyan trade unionist 2. Mr. Boaz Otieno, Secretary General –�Kenya Union of Employee in Voluntary and Charitable Organizations 3. Mr. Fred Kenyanya, Kenyan –�Labour laws lecturer at Catholic University of Eastern Africa 4. Ms. Anne Demelenne, Belgium –�FGB 5. Italian Trade Unionist from CISL
The attendance was quite good, both by Kenyans and Europeans as indicated by the list of participants at the last pages of the document.
Each of the speakers was given a minimum of 10 minutes to make a presentations and the audience were given some moments to ask any question or seek for clarification. The opening speech was however done by Soana Tortora from ACLI Presidency.
MAIN ISSUES HIGHLITED BY THE SPEAKERS Even though the speeches of the different speakers are contained in this document, here is just a summary of what each of them emphasized;
Mr. Stephen Kanyari His speech gave a picture of Kenya�s current labour movement situation. He briefly explained what Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) is and its relationship with the Kenyan workers. He pointed out also that COTU is one of the hindrances the Kenya n workers are facing and the fact that it is the only central trade union makes it highly vulnerable to exploitation by capital. He also mentioned about the leadership wrangles in the trade unions in Kenya and the main reason being that in Kenya, trade unions are seen as a source of income and everybody wants to be a leader so that he can loot from the workers deductions. The workers in Kenya on the other hand don�t have faith in trade unions and are least bothered to join any primarily because they are of no value. In Kenya for instance, there are only about 500,000 workers belonging to Unions in a country with more than 10 million unionisable workers. On the international scene, he called for support in terms of finances and ideas on how to face the many challenges that those trying to rejuvenate and reenergize trade unionism in this country are going through. He also mentioned on the urgent need for partnerships and collaborations between trade unionists from the south and from the North.
Mr. Fred Kenyanya His unwritten speech dealt with the issue of labour and trade union laws in Kenya. He informed the participants that for any meaningful reforms in trade unionisms and labour sector to be realized, certain amendments and changes have to be done on the Kenyan Labour and trade union laws. He said that, these laws are very archaic and the spirit behind them was to keep the workers as servants and the employers as Lords, just as it was during colonialism. This spirit and laws still exist today. He gave an example of laws governing strike, whereby the employee has to seek permission from the employer (government) to go on strike and also the procedure to be followed is just too bureaucratic and long. There is also the challenge of trade unions Act that allows only for the formation of one central trade union and the employer (government) chooses its officials. This is more explained by the speech of Mr. Kanyari. Mr. Kenyanya said it is only the workers who can push for the change of these laws because the trade union leaders have failed to negotiate and our political leaders are not interested in these issues. Instead, many want the status quo to remain because they are the owners of capital hence favored by the current legal setting. In his opinion he said, a lot of awareness creation is needed among the Kenyan workers to make them understand the need for them to be actors in their own struggle. He also singled out the challenge of poverty as being the main obstacle to any meaningful struggle among the Kenyan workers. Together with the very high levels of unemployment in Kenya, majority of the workers would rather persevere the many problems and rights abuses they go through during their employment than to engage in and confrontations or bargaining that may eventually lead to loss of the only source of living. In this regard, it would be best to encourage economic empowerment for the poor workers so that they get the confidence to participate actively in the struggle because they have a support mechanism. In his conclusion, he called upon the more developed trade unions to come to the rescue of the Kenyan poor workers by supporting them in whatever way possible especially in the areas of civic and economic empowerment.
Mr. Boaz Otieno; His long speech focused on the multinationals, multilateral organizations and global capitalism. He argued that big multinational companies are finding their way into the third world countries in the name foreign investment while they come to exploit the labour in these countries. For instance in Kenya, the EPZ (Export Processing Zones) arrangement which is build on cheap labour availability arrangements. In the name of industrializing the country, many Kenyans are suffering while working in these industries and factories. He also criticized the WTO (World Trade Organization) as an avenue used by the G8 in exploiting the Developing countries and by extension the workers in these countries. He also said that globalization is working in the favor of the powerful nations and individuals and described this as the new toll for neocolonialism. Multilaterals like World Bank, IMF and others are just but tools for exploitation. His speeches mooted for the rejection of these arrangements and instead, encouraged developing African mechanisms to develop our nations and liberate our people from yolks of poverty and suffering.
Ms Anne Demalenne Her sharing focused on what Belgium has done to empower their labour unions. She said that their labour unions have undergone a lot of changes which are ideological and also legal. For instance, they have it women�s participation in trade union activities is emphasized. They have also taken very seriously the concept of decent work and gender mainstreaming. There are also a lot of trainings and formations going on trying to update their workers and their trade union leaders on the changing concepts of labour and the need for workers rights to be respected and observed.
Mr. Gianni Aliotti (CISL) His emphasis was for global actions against labour exploitation. He also talked of economy of solidarity as a tool that can be useful in economic empowerment.
NAME ORGANIZATION CONTACT Wendy Pekeur Sikhula Sonke - Farmworker trade Union South Africa wendyewfp.org.za Kachero Fred Kenya Library Association email@example.com Gianni Aliotti FIM-CISL firstname.lastname@example.com Timothy Musikoyo OpenYouth Center email@example.com Samson Wanyoike The youth together Center email@example.com Njoroge Samson Youth Together Center email@example.com Murage E. Maina Youth Together Center email@example.com Kalumba Solange Youth Together Center firstname.lastname@example.com James T Marikio Youth Together Center email@example.com Angela Mutisya I.Y.M, Tangaza College Neola Antonio ACLI/BN Margaret Muthoni FMA firstname.lastname@example.com Sarah N. Ndung'u FMA firstname.lastname@example.com Van Lifnevier Eddy FGB Belgium Sr. Monica FMA firstname.lastname@example.com Sr. Regina FMA Allesadro Sgro COCIS email@example.com Fatuma Manyenze Kwale Human rights network email@example.com Hamisi A Mkungu Margaret Chege IBLM email@example.com Hellen Oluoch IBLM Maina James K FMA email@example.com V Shakira SAPI -South Acian People Initiatives - INDIA Nyaanga M Patrick Tangaza firstname.lastname@example.com Elena Gorganni CERAI firstname.lastname@example.com Gus Alleyne CWU U.K firstname.lastname@example.com Eddle Beese CWU U.K firstname.lastname@example.com Ian Ward CWU U.K firstname.lastname@example.com EmmieKemper Miss Koch, Kenya email@example.com Jael Amati Groots Kenya email@example.com Maurice Binoti D.R Congo email@example.com June Hartley Solidarity Center, South Africa firstname.lastname@example.com Manila Sihi AIDC South Africa email@example.com Aul Duafu Bloco de Esplude - Portugal aul.duafo@be James Okoth Kenya Workers Rights Network email@example.com James Bruce Christopher Savali One stop Youth Center Fausto Garduni UNA Swola Per La Vita Sareeda Cali UNA Swola Per La Vita Carlos Fennandez Jobs with justice GCJ firstname.lastname@example.com Marry Anne Bwinnett Aisha Lorgat University of Kwazulu Moses Were Kenya polytechinic Fl. S. Ceny defar LMA. Sri Lanka email@example.com Fred Kenyanya Labour laws lecturer Boaz Otieno Kenya Union of Employees of Voluntary email@example.com Stephen Kanyari Trade Unionist firstname.lastname@example.com Fredrick Otieno Sacred Heart Ronalo Calw Individual Masielo Matteo FIM-CISL firstname.lastname@example.com Corra Renzo FIM-CISL firstname.lastname@example.com Riva Renato CISL - Vilenza Italy email@example.com Antonio Zorzi FIM-CISL Sergio Marelli Ass ong it/ focsw Flore Dionnian Anicideibanbini Zacharie Arnaud CNCD firstname.lastname@example.com Richard Daniel FGTB Eric Venes CG - FGTB eric.nemes@accg-be Anne Demelenne FGTB firstname.lastname@example.com Marta Ruit Maria Benere Rotti Comboni Missionary Sisters Francesco Pierli Institute of Social Ministry Anna Hellstrom Swedish Transport Workers Union email@example.com Alessandro Marchetti CISL Bergamo, Italy firstname.lastname@example.com Jacques Toiser Altec Frill firstname.lastname@example.com Jorgen Hellstew LC - Sweedish Trade Union Cont. firstname.lastname@example.com Sandra Willson LC - Sweedish Trade Union Cont. South District email@example.com Illrika Oruegren LC - Sweedish Trade Union Cont. South District Henrik Tuarn LC - Sweedish Trade Union Cont. South District firstname.lastname@example.com Malin Suensson LC - Sweedish Trade Union Cont. South District Nomkhosi Xulu University of Kwazulu Natal - IOLS research Diallo Mussa Elizabeth Cordeaa El Manar Esslini
Ladies and gentle men, we in Africa in general and Kenya in particular feel enormously honored to host this very important global Forum and to share information and experiences of our lives with our sisters and brothers from various parts of the world with a view to adopting a common integrated approach in confronting the challenges facing the majority disadvantaged people of the world in pursuit of their social and economic needs and political empowerment.
In a globalized village which the world is fast becoming if it has not yet become, social injustice and economic hardships (fro the majority of people in the world) have transgressed almost all territorial boundaries, as the minority of the people who are economically empowered and capital owners world over continue, with impunity, to exploit world resources for their ungodly huge gains, to the detriment of the majority.
Inequitable distribution of the vast global wealth has lead to extreme and shameful material poverty and other forms of human deprivation for billions of people across the world and, therefore, denial of basic and social liberties. It is for this reason that all people and institutions of goodwill need to come together and face these challenges in a globalized manner.
World Social forum represents a global awakening to the afflictions visited on the majority by capitalism and God-inspired desire to redress the situation. For us in Kenya and in deed the whole of Africa, WSF is not just an event, but a blessing and a golden opportunity for us to take a critical re-look at our societies and make firm commitments towards abject-poverty eradication and total emancipation of the victims of the existing socio-economic imbalance.
Together, we have to confront head-on governments'�policies and systems, local and international institutions which, in the name of economic development, encourage and even facilitate greedy accumulation of wealth by a few at the expense of the majority. With renewed vigor and purpose, we have to sit down capital owners and drive into them the sense that it is neither in their long-term interest nor in the interest of the entire humanity, for a few to live in a tiny island of affluence surrounded by a turbulent ocean of deprivation. Ultimately the island will sink.
As globalization takes shape and form as one global capitalistic economy driven only by scrabble for higher profits for the capital owners, almost ignoring social implications and costs, workers all over the world need each other in an independent Global Labour Movement. A globalized institutional movement free from governments', capital owners'�and capitalistic oriented international institutions'�control or influence. A movement that will articulate workers socio-economic aspirations from a global perspective.
In Kenya, workers and their families and dependants have borne the full brunt of globalization since the early 90�s when at the goading of the capital owners, and pressure from I.M.F and World Bank, the government introduced a piece of legislation in our statutes that effectively shut out Trade Unions from involvement in the process of declaring workers redundant. This law still exists in the statutes as section 16A of the Employment Act Cap 226 Laws of Kenya. The laws enables capital owners to lay-off workers however unjustified it might be, with no questions from any quarters.
Workers have therefore been declared redundant in their thousands in the name of restructuring, privatization, liberalization and downsizing thereby causing unmitigated suffering to these workers and the families they support.
Another distressing practice by employers in Kenya has been of lowly paid casual workers for jobs that are permanent in nature. This enables capital owners to deny these so called casual workers benefits such as medical covers, leave and leave allowances, housing and house allowances, maternity leave for women leave and pensions. The casual workers are also denied job security as their employment is terminated without any notice or payment in lieu of such a notice. To circumvent the law and fair labour practice, employers simply terminate employment of casual employees after just a few weeks of employment, just to employ others, also for a few weeks, from the bloated labour market, and then re-employ the previous or others.
It is now uncommon in Kenya for big companies to lay off workers who are covered by the collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in order to contract other firms to supply cheap labour for the same jobs. This practice is dubbed outsourcing. This practice is a cunning way by employers to escape honoring benefits to workers, as is provided for in the CBAs, without being seen to be violating the same. The big companies claim that these employees brought in by the contracted firms are not in their employer but are employed by the contracted firms, and therefore cannot enjoy the benefits in the CBA.
Victimization of workers for just joining Trade Unions is rampant in this country. Shop stewards very easily get fired for rightly agitating for the rights of their fellow workers. Freedom of association for the workers who seek to form other trade unions of their choice has been fought by a combined force of employers, the government and, believe it or not, the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). THE WINGS OF SOLIDARITY OF WORKERS have been clipped by capital owners thereby considerably undermining these workers ability to negotiate collectively for better terms of their employment. Purchasing power afforded by the wages employees have been diminishing. More and more workers and their families have been pushed by harsh economic conditions to live in the slums. With the connivance of the government, workers safety and health at their work places have been compromised by employers. Trade Unions have become weaker by the day as their membership dwindles.
Ladies and gentlemen, labour laws that were enacted during colonial era to consolidate and perpetuate colonial exploitation of Africans are largely still in place in Kenya. With such laws at the disposal of the capital owners to use against workers, coupled with only-rhetoric-and-no-action Central Organization of Trade Unions, and a government that is, at best, unresponsive to the plight of workers, the worker is left to the tender mercies of the capital owner.
Trade Unions in this country have been unable to rise to the myriad challenges facing workers in this era of globalization. The central problem incapacitating Trade Union Movement in this era, and even before, is non-other than the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU). COTU was formed and registered by the government in 1965 shortly after independence from the British rule. The capitalistic leaning government formed and registered COTU after dissolving two other labour movement centers namely, Kenya African Workers Congress (KAWC) and Kenya Federation of Labour (KFL) COTU was therefore not a workers idea of a labour movement confederation, but a capital owners'�and government dummy labour center to hoodwink the unsuspecting workers and to kill the vibrancy of Trade Union Movement in Kenya, which ironically, had been in the forefront in fighting for the country�s independence. To this day, COTU has remained loyal to its creators who are the government and the capital owners. That explains why the government has adamantly declined to register a truly worker driven labour movement confederation to rival COTU.
On occasions, particularly Labour Days, all COTU and the ministry of labour and human resource do issue empty warnings against employers who engage in unfair labour practices. Of course such warnings are issued as a public relations gimmick, as the unfair labour practices have continued unabated over the years.
Of late the bills on labour laws reform which have been gathering dust in the office of the Attorney General has become the song to be sung in seminars and public occasions by COTU and the government officials. When will these bills ever become law to stem the tide of unfair exploitation of labour resource? Only God knows.
Ladies and gentlemen, last year (2006) was the year of elections in COTU and all the trade unions in this country. It is widely known that by and large no elections took place. Instead the incumbent officials of COTU and most affiliate unions were registered by the government as having been �elected"�unopposed. The truth of the matter is that those who had wished to contest for various positions but was considered politically incorrect or �firebrands"�were barred from contesting. The import of that is the so called union officials in COTU and affiliate Trade Unions were not elected by the workers and therefore not their representatives but government appointees. Notably one union that is known to have carried out elections democratically is Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), which fortunately, is not an affiliate of COTU. This was an exception
Given the scenario, no one should expect COTU to serve the interest of workers. No wonder Kenyan workers have gone through all sorts of tribulations under its watch.
Ladies and gentlemen, workers rights are human rights. That being the case, Human Rights Organizations have been touched by the cries of the workers and have attempted to assist. However, COTU being a creature of capitalism has been stung by their involvement and has been calling on the government and capital owners to fight them off.
For workers in this country to rise to the challenge facing them in this era of globalization and capital owners dominance, a labour movement center other than COTU is needed and is overdue. A labour movement center that is socialistic in approach to the workers tribulations and challenges and opposed to the capitalistic oriented COTU
The government and COTU have to be forced to accept and embrace democratization of Trade Union Movement, freedom of association of workers and, their right to form trade unions of their choice without interference from capital owners, government or COTU
To realize their dream of a better world, which is possible, workers need the backing and support of civil society in general and Human Rights Organizations in particular.
Finally, ladies and gentlemen, I wish our visitors a comfortable and happy stay in our beautiful country Kenya. Thank you and God bless you all
Speech delivered by: STEPHEN KANYARI E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
THE STANDARD NEWSPAPER, TUESDAY 23, 007Industries on the spot for exploiting workers By Otsieno NamwayaThe World Social Forum shifted focus to the original issues that gave birth to the movement six years ago. Delegates took issue with employers and industries for what they said was a serious violation of international labour laws and environmental degradation. Kenyan delegates wondered why the long standing concerns over the violation of workers'�rights by Del Monte, a fruit processing company, and the EPZ companies, which have been in the news in the last few years, have not been taken seriously by the Government. They blamed the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) for sacrificing the interests of the workers and, instead, allowing itself to be compromised into protecting errant employers. "The freedom of association of workers who seek to form other trade unions of their choice has been fought by a combined force of employers, the Government and Cotu. To this day, Cotu has remained loyal only to its creators, who are the Government and owners of capital," said Mr Stephen Kanyari, who was delivering a paper. But Mr Janitor Boaz Otieno, the Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Employees of Voluntary and Charitable Organisations, argued that nearly all the instruments of labour and trade were not sufficiently designed to protect the workers. He said the challenges facing workers today were due to bad policies that have been pushed down the throats of mainly poor nations by the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation. "The composition of the WTO is singly Government and that is why all WTO agreements cannot contain the violation of workers'�rights," said Mr Boaz Otieno, who also dismissed the idea that the African Growth and Opportunities Act, a mainly American idea, can be of benefit to African economies and thus the workers. "In the textile and apparel industries, for example, the jobs created under Agoa and EPZs do not respect existing national labour legislations of the African countries, and they are characterised by poor working conditions and low pay," said Otieno, who pointed out that this was, in fact, a violation of the conditions that countries have to meet to access American markets under Agoa.The delegates, according to Mr Kibigo Chege, the co-ordinator of the conference on labour, were trying to establish areas of concerns that were similar for workers in both the poor and rich nations. "That is why this session has brought together trade unions from both the North and the South to discuss labour issues and examine shared concerns," he said. "It is very difficult for trade unions to address the needs of workers in the informal sector economy and thus difficult to get a common framework that will serve workers in both informal and formal sector," said Mr Luca Piazzi of the Italian Christian Workers'�Association. Piazzi singled out the rising problem of temporary jobs, which he said is being caused by the emerging new economy in which employers prefer to pay less taxes and terminal benefits. "This is affecting people�s lives around the world because they cannot afford to do what they would like to do for themselves," said Luca Piazzi. This, he said, presents a problem to the trade unions because they are used to dealing with the problems of permanent workers. He said the challenge they faced as the World Social Forum was that they do not offer direct answers to the problems that workers face. It is an issue that Cotu secretary general, Mr Francis Atwoli, on the first day of the World Social Forum, said would become their main agitation point this year. But delegates dismissed this as a public relations gimmick, because "the union has been so complicit to the misdeeds of the employers and Government." "On occasions, Cotu issues empty warnings against employers who engage in unfair labour practices. Of course such warnings are issued as a public relations gesture, as the unfair labour practices have continued unchecked over the years," said Kanyari. While the delegates blamed multinationals for perpetuating this culture of blatant violation of the workers'�rights, they also pointed out that it was not a problem only for the multi-nationals. "Even the mainly localised employers have taken cue and are doing the same," said Piazzi. The multi-nationals were criticised for causing environmental degradation, with delegates taking particular issue with America�s decision to undermine the Kyoto Protocol on gaseous emissions, saying it was merely a ploy to protect its big industries at the expense of humans.
Documentalist's name
Fred Kachero
Date and Time


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Purchasing Your First Stringed Instrument – Some Tips to Remember
The thought of learning to play a musical instrument is thrilling in itself. There are people all over the world attending all sorts of music lessons in playing instruments of all kinds. Particularly interesting are the stringed instruments, because of their versatility. You can play any kind of music on them and it will sound beautiful each time. If you've decided to purchase one of these instruments, giving the following points a well-considered thought before seeking out shops that put up violins or cellos for sale might be a good idea:
Before going out with proclamations of "take my money!" you may actually want to talk to a professional, like your teacher, for advice. They have been in this business for a long time to know where their students can find a value-for-money student violin. It is always best to take your teacher along with you for shopping. This way, they will be able to test-play the violin you choose, in order to make sure it is not a waste.
The next thing to consider before purchasing your first instrument would be the question of rent or purchase. You might want to try out learning on a rented piece for a few months to actually gauge your dedication to it. That way, it will make sense if you want to quit after a while, because then you would be thanking your own decision to rent one. In case where your commitment stays strong all the way through, you may start looking for student violins for sale.
Another very important factor to consider here would be the brand and price. If this is your first instrument, then a students' violin is your best option. Even so, there any many types, varieties and price ranges that you need to think about. Getting a professional's help will ease your troubles to a large extent. This is because they have good judgement when it comes to instruments, and will be able to help you purchase a decent piece without having to spend too much. This applies especially to those people who are looking to purchase a cello. These instruments are very costly, and only those that are highly dedicated towards playing them should invest time in finding a cello for sale. It will again be a very good idea to get your teacher along with you – that way he will certainly help you pick the best deal, if indeed you're serious about cello playing.
If you're living in a remote area, you can always buy a violin online. There are many trusted dealers who also facilitate online purchases.
It will be a tiresome affair if you go about searching for an instrument on your own. It is suggested to take professional help in locating trustworthy dealers first. There should be no stone left unturned before actually purchasing an instrument, because they come costly. Spending money on a mistake will bear down on you heavily while you're taking your lessons. Zaretandsonsviolins.com is the best place where you can buy a violin or cello for sale.
About The Author
Tony McWilliams is a stringed musical instrument expert who likes to share his immense knowledge about the topic through the many articles and blogs he writes. His recommendation for buying cellos and violins for sale would be from ZaretAndSonsViolins.com – the world renowned bass bar inventor company whose stringed instruments are considered to be top class by the music fraternity.

subset: commoncrawl


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Course Code: Neo4j Fundamentals
Duration: 8-hours/1 day
Skill Level: Beginner
Delivery Type: Classroom delivery with instructor
- Developers, Administrators, DevOps engineers, DBAs, Business Analysts and students.
- Executives and others who want an overview of the Neo4j technology.
Skills taught:
- An understanding of graph databases
- How to use graph databases
- Introduction to data modeling with Graph databases
- How to get started working with Neo4j
- Build confidence in building a graph enabled application
You don't need any previous experience with Neo4j, NOSQL databases or specific development languages
Course Description
This course helps build a good knowledge of graph databases. It also teaches the core functionality of the Neo4j graph database. With a mixture of theory and hands-on practice sessions, you will quickly learn how easy it is to work with a powerful graph database using Cypher as the query language
Course Outline
- Introduction to Graphs
- Introduction to Graph based Modeling
- Neo4j and Cypher
- Advanced Queries with Cypher
- Real-world implementation use cases with Neo4j
Instructor Ron van Weverwijk, Big Data Hacker, GoDataDriven
Ron van Weverwijk is an experienced software developer at Xebia. He has years of experience developing both back-end and front-end applications.
For the last few years he has been building applications for exploring and visualizing complex networked data using Neo4J and he has become an expert Neo4j developer and community member. Ron has given several Neo4j trainings and he has spoken about Neo4j at a number of recent conferences.
Technical requirements
You will need your own laptop. Please arrive early to quickly install the product and labs used in the class.
What should I bring to the event?
Please bring a laptop and power cord; If you are bringing a mac, an ethernet adaptor would be helpful. We will supply coffee and lunch.
Where can I contact the organizer with any questions?
For any questions about the event, e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com


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Sports boss Gideon Sam, who was taken to task for an alleged homophobic statement last week, has committed to building relations with the Federation of Gay Games.
After reading a Cape Argus news report last week, Mark Naimark, vice-president for external affairs at the Gay Games in Paris, wrote an open letter to Sam, president of the SA Sports Confederation and Olympics Committee (Sascoc).
The Cape Argus had reported on comments made by Sam at the Sports Industry Summit in Joburg. He allegedly said that Sascoc did not organise the Gay Games, and was only involved with "serious" sport.
Naimark said that he was "disturbed" by the comments, which were "derogatory" in his opinion.
Sam insisted he was misinterpreted and misquoted: "I was merely stating a fact – that Sascoc does not currently have an associate membership of any federation involved in the management and promotion of sport for gay people in the country… As Sascoc, we would be happy to engage with leaders of such a federation."
Naimark latched on to this, suggesting a strengthening of relations between his organisation and South Africa. Sam promptly responded by expressing Sascoc's willingness to build links with the Gay Games. – [email protected]


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Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Watzke, Dana Ann Author's Email Address firstname.lastname@example.com URN etd-09142004-151633 Title Short-Term Evolution of a Marsh Island System and the Importance of Cold Front Forcing, Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana Degree Master of Science (M.S.) Department Oceanography & Coastal Sciences Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Alexandru Sheremet Committee Member Gregory W. Stone Committee Member Harry H. Roberts Committee Member Irving Mendelssohn Committee Member Keywords
- erosion
- fringing marsh
- waves
Date of Defense 2004-06-30 Availability unrestricted AbstractShort-term, wave induced erosion along bay beaches in the northern Gulf of Mexico has been linked to the postfrontal phase of cold front passages. Not until recently has consideration been given to the importance of wave erosion on marshes fringing large bays during the entire cold front event. Two WAVCIS (Wave-Current-Surge-Information System) stations were established on the north and south flank of a small marsh island in Terrebonne Bay, Louisiana, to measure and elucidate the hydrodynamic response to these events. Data from WAVCIS stations, which includes wind speed and direction, air temperature, significant wave height and water level, were collected between June 1999 and January 2002. These data were coupled to measured shoreline change data obtained from a series of north/south repetitious profiles along the length of the island. Four high-resolution topographic surveys were conducted between April and June 1999 and a fifth in December 1999. These surveys were complimented by annual surveys conducted in spring from 2000 on with an additional survey in October 2003.
Data obtained from this effort allows the conclusion that low-energy fringing marshes undergo substantial geomorphological change from locally generated high-frequency waves developed by strong winds (12.99-14.14 m/s maximum wind speed) associated with cold fronts. On marsh islands, 80% to 90% percent of erosion occurs during the winter causing the island to thin in space 2.5 m/yr. Erosional patterns observed on the marsh edge include 1) neck and cleft formation, 2) neck cut off and 3) undercutting and marsh toppling. When compared to tropical storms, erosion associated with a season of cold fronts is equal to erosion from one tropical storm. This work underscores the significance of locally generated waves in marsh loss of coastal Louisiana over short time scales (years).
Filename Size Approximate Download Time (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
28.8 Modem 56K Modem ISDN (64 Kb) ISDN (128 Kb) Higher-speed Access Watzke_thesis.pdf 1.54 Mb 00:07:08 00:03:40 00:03:12 00:01:36 00:00:08


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Are Chris Brown And Karrueche Back Together?
Trying to keep up with Chris Brown's relationship status is like trying to keep up with your teen cousin's on Facebook. Only difference: his former flame's recent Instagram flick sure doesn't bring to mind an "undecided."
"My baby. Good luck today.❤," Karrueche Tran wrote under a photo of her and Breezy with a puppy face, posted before he graced the stage at the BET Awards.
While the "Don't Think They Know" singer claimed the single life on-record since his split with Rihanna, Brown has been spotted with his on-and-off-and-on-again beau Kae. The two were even seen together at the scene of the hit and run that prompted Brown to sound off on Twitter.
"I have a valid drivers license and I gave the woman the right info. She saw cameras and wanted to make a scene," he wrote. "She contacted the cops thinking of a payday from Chris Brown when I followed the proper procedures … My profile pic is the pic I took of the persons car after "the hit and run". NO damage. Just a dirty car.once again, I gotta clear my name."
When it comes to Karrueche saying his name, however, followers have found that an IG photo says a thousand words.


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Tattoo Designs
by: Gear&Bulb • 547
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by: Gear&Bulb • 547
An application useful for all tattoo lovers. Browse through the largest collection of Tattoo Designs (numbering almost 20 thousands). The tattoos are organized in categories/subcategories helping you find the ones closer to your interest. You can create a list of your favorite tattoos, you can save the tattoo designs on your SD card, or share them with your friends.
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Fresh off her huge victory at UFC Fight Night 105, Randa Markos returns to Sherdog for her second LIVE Q&A, FRIDAY at 3:00 PM EST. Check it out here.Dismiss Notice
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OK, as I promised, it's SOA Governance Monday. OK, it's Sunday, but I bet you're reading this on Monday, if you're not on vacation this week. Let's begin with the fundamentals.
I received a call from a recruiter this week. He was looking for an "SOA governance specialist," somebody who could work on a government project team. After a bit of grilling by me, I found that he was actually looking for a person that had deep skills in a particular SOA governance tool -- the "knowledge of SOA governance was optional." Are you seeing the issue here?
The fact of the matter is that SOA governance, and governance in general, is really a people and process thing, with technology only coming into play to automate the processes and support the people. If you don't establish that, you're going to fail at SOA governance and thus fail at SOA, no matter how much technology you "invest" in.
No one has done a better job at explaining this than Todd Biske, in his recent blog post:
"Good governance is necessary for success, and open communication and collaboration is necessary for good governance. My recommendation is that if you are an in a position of authority (a policy setter and/or enforcer), you must keep the lines of communication open with your constituents and help them to set policies, change policies that are doing more harm than good, and understand the reasons behind policies. If you are a constituent, you need to participate in the process. If a policy is causing more harm than good in your opinion, make it known to the authorities. Sometimes that may result in a policy change. Sometimes it may result in you changing your expectations and seeing the reasons why compliance is necessary."
While many approach governance as defined in the realm of enterprise architecture, or governance as defined in the realm of SOA (I think they should be one in the same, but they are not in the real world), the winning strategy around governance is the education of the people who are the "enforcers," or set policies, and the people who are have to follow those policies. In other words, those that establish the rules/policies should know how to explain their value, and those that follow the rules should have the ability to push back. This back and forth will produce a good collaboration that will provide for healthy environment to produce and maintain good architecture.
The fact of the matter is that in many instances, governance, especially in the realm of enterprise architecture, becomes a position of authority, not a position of education. Thus, the rank-and-file feel that they are being pushed, not convinced, and the governance process become somewhat dysfunctional. The objective here is to create a set of well thought-out set of processes and a group of people around those processes that understand them and who are able to refine them going forward.
Once you get the people issues solved, the supporting technology is a cake walk in comparison. We'll talk about that next time.
Don't forget to follow me on Twitter.


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UK Immigration Law
Have UK Immigration Law Questions? Get Answers Now.
He has a British Jamaican passport that was issued in 1961 a few months before he left there and traveled to the UK.The passport does not state right of abode but is stamped British subject Citizwen of the United Kingdom and colonies.
No I have checked it on the inside of the cover it gives a statement from the governor in charge of the island. It then goes onto say "Request and require in the name of her majesty all those who it may concern to allow the bearer to pass freely without let or hindrance and to afford him every assistance and protection of which he may stand in need". No where does it state about the right of abode.
Page 5 is empty. I understand what you are saying about the post office but my concern is that if we apply directly and it is not adequate information will they advise us what information we will need? Also what happens if they say they need proof of citizenship? Have you come across this situation before please advise
I understand. You might want to apply for a certificate confirming right of abode.
Please see the following page:
You will find the following text:
If you were a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies and were ordinarily resident in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years before 1 January 1983, and were settled in the UK at the end of that period
You should send evidence of:
your citizenship of the United Kingdom and Colonies, such as a passport, or certificate of naturalisation or registration; and
your settlement and 5 years of ordinary residence in the UK before 1983, such as your passport, P60 tax forms, details of National Insurance contributions, social security claims or employers' letters.
This would seem to suggest that if right of abode is not indicated in the passport then a certificate confirming this can be obtained if he was a CUKC (he was) and he had lived in the UK for at least 5 years prior to January 1983 (he had). It might be worth applying for right of abode confirmation before applying for the passport.
Sorry to use rather vague terminology but these situations are never as clear as we would like them to be.
Can you advise how I get a right to abode confirmation?


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Intermediate Hall Tickets 2012 Update | Contact College Principals for Admit Cards | Inter 1st year Hall tickets | Inter 2nd year hall ticket
Hyderabad, February 13: It was observed that many intermediate 1st year and 2nd year students are eagerly searching for the Intermediate hall tickets download facility. But, Intermediate board has not provided the hall ticket download facility for unknown reasons, but sent the to the respective colleges.
Students, looking for Intermediate Hall Ticket 2012 here by advised to contact their college principal immediately and take the admit card. Don't try on any website for hall tickets, since it is not available on Internet. Searching for Intermediate Hall Tickets 2012 is time waste and better approach the college principal, where the student is studying his inter 1st or 2nd year without any delay.
Though Intermediate Hall Tickets are not available, Inter Board has provided to check the roll number and other student related data for verification of accuracy at http://bieap.cgg.gov.in/


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|Home > National News > Article
|Sunday May 5, 2002
One of the country's most ambitious projects, Federation Square is $266 million over budget.
It has been lampooned for being late, criticised for being expensive and teased by some for being ugly.
But those at Federation Square Management, who will own and operate the square, are unconcerned. They say if people have a low opinion now, it will only rise when the square is opened. They are confident the public will be pleased and intrigued.
"It's the most complex structure being built in Australia today," said Mr Seamer, of the three-and-a-half-hectare site with at least eight significant structures on multiple levels.
And aside from these structures, there is the Roman-inspired underground passive cooling system, 1.2 kilometres of concrete tunnel like a labyrinth underneath the square that will draw cold air off the Yarra at night to cool the huge glass atrium during the day.
"It's a very green system . . . It's like money in the bank because we'll be saving money every year in electricity," Mr Seamer said.
Federation Square sits above the Flinders Street railway lines on a deck measuring 3.2 hectares, a remarkable engineering feat and another reason the complex has been almost five years in the making.
The visitors centre, below ground level, is alongside platform 14. Mr Seamer likes these kinds of "little secrets".
"Fed Square is complicated, which is good," says the man most taken by the atrium and the interior of the gallery.
"Nothing's worse than just something that's bland and open with no complexity or levels and different shapes."
Mr Seamer said the project was "fast-track" - meaning the details weren't finished when the plans were approved.
"The original plans were broad-based; they were never detailed," he said. "It's when you get into the complexity of it (that) people experience more and more difficulty."
Mr Seamer, who joined the project two years ago, said: "We get criticism because some people said it would be open by May (last year); well, that was never really on.
"Our problem is public expectation . . . but for me I'm more concerned with getting it right long term."
Marketing assistant Emma Moore said tenants were chosen "very carefully", needing to be leading-edge and funky, without being alienating; a combination of being sophisticated but reasonably priced.
But most of all the operators want the square to be a well-used public space.
Mr Seamer imagines "hippies playing their guitars on the steps" and the complex being a hub of activity as the square becomes a central part of Melbourne, connecting the river, the Tennis Centre, the MCG and the city's newest park, Birrarung Marr, to Southbank, Flinders Street and the city.
"This has always been the centre of Melbourne but it's always been fairly poky," he said.
"We've actually made Melbourne bigger by building a new city block . . . this is the start of Northbank."
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Mystic Mountains' gruesome secret
Beginnings of a faith
Crime Stoppers is feeling the strain, a victim of its own success
DNA tests to screen migrants
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AN OVERTON author is celebrating after having his 14th children's book published called Wicked Tales Five: The Grimm Selection.
Ed Wicke has lived in Overton for over 30 years and was also a senior lecturer at Cricklade College and a lecturer at BCOT.
Ed said: "On 20 December 2012, Google's "doodle" celebrated the 200th anniversary of the publication of the Grimm Brothers' "Household Tales" and that started me thinking.
"Some of these tales are rather grim and for many years the audiences of 7-12 year olds I present to have expressed a desire for some scary stories. Therefore I set myself a 12-month target to produce a book of stories based on some of the grimmer Grimm tales.
"Wicked Tales Five: The Grimm Selection" was published on 20 December 2013, a year to the day.
"Like my other books of Wicked Tales, it has eight wickedly funny stories.
And this time there are scary bits!
"There's a range of novels – highwaymen in the 1840s, pirates seeking treasure, goblins who make a boy their king, a boy's adventures with a talking cat, children who fall up a tree into another world, a school of magic and a crazy and wonderful book about dealing with bullies."


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Pirates pitchers told to hold runners better this season
BRADENTON, Fla. — Pirates catchers took a lot of heat last season for the team's inability to control the running game. Opposing base-stealers had an 89 percent success rate, making the Pirates by far the easiest team in the majors to run against.
However, manager Clint Hurdle doesn't point a finger at the guys behind the plate.
"It's never all on the catcher," Hurdle said. "It's more on the pitcher. There were times when our catchers had no chance."
That's why Pirates pitchers have been working from the first day of spring training on ways to keep runners in check. Being quicker to home plate is a good place to start.
"If you can unload at 1.3 (seconds), we should have a chance to throw them out," Hurdle said. "When you go 1.4 (seconds), you've really decreased your odds. When you're over that, you really have no chance."
There are other ways to frustrate a baserunner. Holds, slide steps, throws to the bag and varied tempo can cause shorter leads and poorer jumps.
"It's about paying attention to it, understanding why it's important and then going out and actually executing it," general manager Neal Huntington said. "That is going to be a focus for us this year."
Although Hurdle stresses the pitchers are most responsible for any improvement, the addition of catcher Russell Martin also should help. Over seven seasons, Martin has thrown out 30 percent of baserunners.
"It's done as a team," Martin said. "If the pitchers hold runners, vary their times and are quicker to the plate, we're going to have a better chance of throwing guys out. It helps if you have a catcher who can catch and throw, as well."
When right-hander James McDonald was on the mound last year, opponents were successful in 12 of 16 steal attempts. So far this spring, he's put a lot of effort into controlling runners, even when he's not on the mound.
"If I'm playing catch or doing a PFP (pitchers fielding drill), I'll hold, hold, hold so I feel comfortable doing it," McDonald said. "That way, when I'm on the mound, it doesn't feel awkward. It's really helped."
So far, the results have been mixed. McDonald has at times struggled with his command when pitching out of the stretch.
"Controlling the running game is good," McDonald said. "But I think there are some situations when you've got to make (executing) pitches the key focus."
Hurdle disagreed.
"They're not always going to hit their spots or make that wipeout pitch," Hurdle said. "That's what we've seen in the second half of the past two seasons. We had a lot of situations in the first half when things could've gotten complicated, but we made pitches to get out of it. We didn't make those same pitches later.
"It is a touch and a feel. It's part of the package that they're trying ... no, not trying — they're going to improve. There will be times when they get no sign, and we sell out to the pitch. We'll do that when it's appropriate."
But, more often than not, keeping the runner grounded will come first.
Rob Biertempfel is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at email@example.com or via Twitter @BiertempfelTrib.


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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/4/2013 (1579 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The RCMP have issued an alert for a suspect wanted for an armed robbery and theft of a taxi in Portage la Prairie March 6.
RCMP said Francis Markus Beaulieu, 23, is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.
Anyone with information about Beaulieu's whereabouts is asked to contact Central Plains RCMP, 204-875-4445, their local police agency, or Manitoba Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.


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Jackie's Always Ready for Guests
by Sandy Bond
Jackie Schmidt walks more than three miles a day at a rate of 4 to 5 mph to really burn up the miles with her best friend Amanda Overbey.
With her talent as a hair stylist and fingernail stylist she could have become a cosmetologist or a manicurist. She chose a much more important career as a stay-at-home mom and community volunteer helping those less fortunate.
Her e-mail address identifies her other avocation, "stepmom2many," as a surrogate mom, providing a home away from home for those who otherwise may have fallen through the cracks during those traumatic teen years.
The middle daughter of Roger and Sandra Daly, Jackie and her two sisters and one brother grew up in beautiful rural upstate New York.
"My folks simply got tired of the cold," she said, "and Arizona sounded promising. (They moved) in 1975 when I was 8 years old."
After graduating from Chandler (Ariz.) High School in 1985, she met and fell in love with Dale Schmidt. Dale was a house painter, but yearned to start his own construction company. They had three children, Ernie, Leah, and Adam. Chandler was growing quickly, even then, and Jackie and Dale did not want to raise their young family in a large city. They moved to Mobridge in 1995 and found a home with huge potential and acres of land on the east side of town. The kids loved Mobridge and pretty soon their friends started showing up at their door at all times of the day and night for Jackie's legendary Monkey Bread and other goodies. There was always room for one or two more at the dinner table.
By this time Dale had started Schmidt Construction. Even as his fledgling business grew, he was able to find the time to add on to their home. His mom, Betty Schmidt, lives in a house adjacent to their home.
Jackie's eldest, Ernie, 20, is in the U.S. Army at Ft. Huachuca and has just completed training that will allow him to become an intelligence analyzer. He and his wife, Melissa, live in Vermillion where she is attending the university, majoring in English. Leah, 18, is a senior at Mobridge-Pollock High School.
"She is my best friend," Jackie said.
Adam, 14, is the fun-loving one, she said.
"He aspires to be just like his big brother," she said.
A big guy, he plays tackle for the Mobridge-Pollock Tigers.
They also have two dogs and a large aquarium with an aquatic frog and shark and also many different Beta fish tanks.
Always thrifty and a self-described garage sale junkie, Jackie checked out the Mobridge Ministerial Association Thrift Store one Thursday, which just happened to be bag day, when you can get everything you can stuff into a paper sack for $2.50. She ended up "nearly getting trampled to death," she said.
Children grow like weeds, and Jackie found the best buys on quality duds for the kids and adorable accents for her home. She was hooked and soon became a regular.
"One of the clerks asked if I would like to join them and volunteer," she said. "We have five volunteers and three paid employees."
Jackie is one of the unsung workers behind the scenes, sorting through mountains of donations of furniture, toys, housewares, and clothing.
Money raised by MMA goes toward several charities including the food pantry.
"We just finished putting away all our winter inventory and decorating and displaying items for spring in the last two days," she said. "It was exhausting but fun! The transformation is amazing!"
Her other love is volunteering at Scarecrow Hollow, a haunted house through which a group of volunteers raise money for nonprofit organizations in the area. This haunted house has the distinction of being held in an actual former funeral home, the old Miles Funeral Home and more recently the J.D. Kesling Funeral Home.
"Each year we plan a different theme," she said, "and each year we hope to make it the worst of the worst."
With the help of approximately 50 people and with the use of animatronics, special effects and special sound effects, they frighten more than 1,500 visitors each year.
She has portrayed several Goth characters including one of the green ladies from Tim Burton's film "Beetlejuice."
"It's incredibly awesome and it's fun for the young and young at heart," she said, "and its not only kids that end up so scared they exit through the chicken door."
With Jackie always on the run and no idea of how many will appear at her dinner table, she enjoys fast and easy recipes.
"My only culinary catastrophe was when I was cooking my very first Thanksgiving turkey," she said. "How did I know that the giblets were in a paper sack stuffed in the turkey's cavity?"
With the Mobridge-Pollock High School prom just around the corner, she always does the hair and makeup and nails of many of Leah's friends and captures everything on her digital camera.


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I would place the beginning of our Colonial period from the time that Spaniards establish an administrative structure on the island of Trinidad. Our first revolt against colonialism was the Carib revolt of December 1699. There may have been tension and conflicts before this time.
However the Carib revolt is planned, it embraces both the secular and the religious arms of Spanish power and the Caribs seek allies. The revolt comes at a time when the nature of Spanish colonisation is changing partly through the pressure of Spanish colonists anxious to expand, partly through the Portuguese and partly through the pressure of English, French and Dutch. In 1580 English sailors claimed Tobago nearby. All four countries are slave holding and slave selling and mix European American settlement with plantations and commerce.
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U.N. experts trace recent seized arms to Iran, violating embargo
UNITED NATIONS — A United Nations expert panel has concluded that a shipment of rockets and other weapons seized by Israel came from Iran and represents a violation of the arms embargo on Tehran, according to a confidential report obtained by Reuters.
The next round of negotiations in Vienna between Iran and six world powers this week will be aimed at securing a deal that would gradually lift international sanctions on Tehran, including the arms embargo, in exchange for curbs on the controversial Iranian nuclear program.
Despite Israel's public statements that the seized arms were destined for Gaza — an allegation that Gaza's governing Islamist militant group Hamas dismissed as a fabrication — the experts said the weapons were being sent to Sudan.
The experts do not speculate in the report, viewed on Friday, about why the arms were being sent to Sudan, a country which Western diplomatic and intelligence sources have told Reuters has in the past been a conduit for Iranian arms shipments to other locations in Africa, as well as the Gaza Strip.
The experts said the Israeli U.N. mission wrote to the U.N. Iran Sanctions Committee on March 13 about "the transfer of rockets, mortars and related materiel from Iran to Sudan."
The 14-page report on the incident by the U.N. Security Council's Panel of Experts on Iran makes no mention of the Gaza Strip as a possible destination for the arms, which were concealed in 20 containers on the Panamanian-flagged vessel Klos C. The weaponry was seized by Israeli authorities in March.
The U.N. experts reached their conclusion after investigating the case and inspecting the seized cargo and documentation related to the shipment, which traveled from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas to the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr, and from there in the direction of Port Sudan.
The vessel was intercepted by the Israeli navy in the Red Sea before it reached Sudan.
"The Panel finds that the manner of concealment in this case is consistent with several other cases reported to the (Security Council's Iran Sanctions) Committee and investigated by the Panel," the experts said.
"The Panel concludes that the shipment of arms and related materiel found aboard the Klos C is a violation of Iran's obligations under paragraph 5 of resolution 1747," they added, referring to the U.N. arms embargo on Tehran.
Despite Iranian denials, the experts said official seals from Iranian customs authorities on containers that held some of the arms "substantiates the Iranian origin of those containers." Further evidence on the Iranian origin came from the Iranian bill of lading, cargo manifest and the container stowage plan.
Iran's U.N. mission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The report includes details on the arms, which were concealed in a shipment of cement: 40 M302 rockets and fuses, including four different variations of the rockets; 181 120 mm mortar shells; roughly 400,000 pieces of 7.62-caliber ammunition.
The experts could not confirm the Israeli allegation that some of the weapons were made in Syria.
"According to Israeli officials, the rockets were produced in Syria by the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC)," they said. "No markings were identified on the rockets during the Panel's inspection that would have allowed confirmation of the Syrian origin of the rockets."
"One expert notes that the Syrian origin of the rockets cannot be independently established and neither can the movement of the rockets from Syria to Iran," the report added.
It was not clear from the report what, if any, role Iraq could have played in the smuggling of weaponry. The 20 containers that held the illicit arms were part of the 100-container shipment loaded onto the Klos C at Bandar Abbas, Iran.
The 50 containers of cement loaded onto the ship at Umm Qasr in Iraq did not contain weapons, the report said, citing information the experts had received from Israeli authorities.
The experts said the concealment techniques were similar to other cases of alleged sanctions violations by Iran they have investigated — in Nigeria, arms were shipped amid crates of marble; in other cases reported by Israel arms were hidden in containers with polyethylene pellets, lentils and cotton.


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Get an overview of this hotelFamily-friendly hideaway above Nuevo Vallarta beach
Popular property highlights
Located in Punta Mita, Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive is by the sea and close to Playa Punta De Mita and Destiladeras Beach.
This 4-star resort is within the region of Pacifico Golf Course and La Cruz Square.
Make yourself at home in one of the 422 individually furnished guestrooms, featuring iPod docking stations and minibars. Rooms have private balconies. Flat-screen televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have jetted bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.
Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. After dipping into one of the 3 outdoor swimming pools, you can spend some time at the private beach. Additional amenities at this resort include complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the area shuttle (surcharge).
This resort is all inclusive. Rates include meals and beverages at onsite dining establishments. Charges may be applied for dining at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, some beverages, and other amenities.
Enjoy a meal at one of the resort's dining establishments, which include 6 restaurants and a coffee shop/café. From your room, you can also access room service (during limited hours). Relax with a refreshing drink from a poolside bar or one of the 7 bars/lounges.
Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and a 24-hour front desk. Event facilities at this resort consist of a conference center and meeting rooms. Free self parking is available onsite.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us!Opens in a new window
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
Resort Amenities
All-Inclusive Details
This resort is all-inclusive. Onsite food and beverages are included in the room price (some restrictions may apply).
Gratuities and taxes
Gratuities and taxes are included. Additional gratuities at guests' discretion are accepted.
Food and beverages
- All buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, and beverages included
- Room service during certain hours
- In-room minibar (all beverages included)
Activities and facilities/equipment
All non-motorized water sports are included.
Water activities
- Kayaking
Land activities
- Fitness facilities
- Soccer
- Tennis
- Tennis lessons
- Volleyball
- Aerobics
- Dancing
- Water fitness
- Yoga
Kids' club
- Supervised activities for children between 4 and 12 years old
- Onsite entertainment and activities
- Access to onsite clubs
- Onsite live performances
- Theme parties
Not included
- Golf green fees
- Use of golf cart
- Use of golf equipment
- Miniature golf
- Motorized water sports
- Snorkeling gear
- Tennis lessons
- Bottled wine
- Airport transfers
- Childcare
- Laundry/dry cleaning services
- Spa/beauty facilities and services
- Activities and services offered by independent operators
- Offsite tours
- Transportation to offsite activities
Resort Amenities
Vividly colored in blue, pink, champagne, and white and accented with red-tile and thatched roofs, this Nuevo Vallarta resort is surrounded by jungle and contains dense botanical gardens. Activities begin in the morning with stretching and aerobics, continue with dance classes, games, and athletic contests, and culminate with shows by the staff in an open-air theater. On Saturdays there's a beach party. Other nights the disco nightclub remains open for dancing and drinks until 2 AM.
Each side of the Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa - All Inclusive includes a hammock area, and there's open-air massage near the adult pool. Under a conical palapa near 2 tennis courts is a fully equipped, mirrored fitness center. All Inclusive is adjacent to an 18-hole golf course. Children have their own air-conditioned club flanked by both sand and lawn playgrounds.
The property offers complimentary high-speed Internet access. Additional amenities include a conference center, concierge services, and garden. Public areas are air conditioned. Fines apply for smoking outside of designated smoking areas.
- Designated smoking areas
- Number of restaurants - 6
- Designated smoking areas (fines apply)
- Conference center
- Outdoor tennis courts - 2
- Snack bar/deli
- Turkish bath/Hammam
- Rooftop terrace
- Luggage storage
- Beach umbrellas
- Beach sun loungers
- Beach towels
- Spa treatment room(s)
- Express check-in
- Porter/bellhop
- ATM/banking
- Concierge services
- Arcade/game room
- Garden
- 24-hour front desk
- Children's pool
- Spa tub
- Hair salon
- Multilingual staff
- Spa services on site
- Babysitting or childcare (surcharge)
- Children's club (free)
- Supervised childcare/activities (free)
- Nightclub
- Laundry facilities
- Gift shops or newsstand
- Poolside bar
- Tennis on site
- Number of bars/lounges - 7
- Barbecue grill(s)
- Business center
- Coffee shop or café
- Conference space
- Fitness facilities
- Full-service spa
- Billiards or pool table
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Waterslide
- Number of outdoor pools - 3
- Pool umbrellas
- Total number of rooms - 422
- Children's club
- Number of floors - 3
- Meeting rooms 2
- On private beach
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Free self parking
- Sauna
- Shopping on site
- Swim-up bar
- Wedding services
- Free breakfast
- Free WiFi
- Year Built 1999
- Number of buildings/towers - 3
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking
Room Amenities
- iPod docking station
- Down comforter
- Daily housekeeping
- Phone
- Premium TV channels
- Hair dryer
- Air conditioning
- In-room safe
- Balcony
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Private bathroom
- Free toiletries
- Jetted bathtub
- Bathtub or shower
- Iron/ironing board
- Desk
- Blackout drapes/curtains
- Satellite TV service
- Flat-panel TV
- Free WiFi
- Room service (limited hours)
- Individually furnished
Where to Eat
El Bosque - The resort's main restaurant, El Bosque is divided into two sections, each under an enormous, soaring, thatch-roof palapa and furnished with carved, dark-wood chairs and colorful chair cushions and table linens. Bountiful breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are served, with lunches and dinners featuring theme foods such as Italian or Mexican. After dinner closes at 11 PM, fast foods such as pizza, hamburgers, and nachos are available until 1 AM.
Viva Mexico - Reached by a staircase ascending from the center of El Bosque, this dinner restaurant has its own palapa; features rustic decor such as wood-paddle ceiling fans, leather-and-wood furniture, and junk-metal sculptures; provides a sweeping ocean view; and serves à la carte Mexican fare. Reservations and casual resortwear required.
Portofino - Located on a bluff overlooking the ocean and graced by a conical palapa, Portofino serves Mediterranean-accented, à la carte dinners. Reservations and casual resortwear required.
Las Terrazas - By the main pool, Las Terrazas serves buffet-style snacks. Hours are 11 AM to 6 PM.
Bambú - On El Bosque's second floor, Bambú features Oriental cuisine a la carte.
Ribs & More - specializes in a la cart Steak House Grill meals. At night it's joined by Las Terrazas.
Sports activities and entertainment at the pool and beach are offered daily. Guests can enjoy nightly shows at the theatre, live music, and dancing classes.
In addition to daily entertainment and a nightly show for children, the resort offers a club for children 4 - 12 years old. Open daily, the club features a playground, an arts-and-crafts room, ecological activities, indoor and outdoor play areas, a home-theatre system, and video games.
Nearby Things to Do
The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.
- Beach volleyball on site
- Golf lessons available nearby
- Golfing nearby
- Fitness classes on site
- Basketball on site
- Miniature golf on site
- Kayaking on site
- Playground on site
- Snorkeling on site
- Volleyball on site
- Windsurfing on site
Spa Services
The Zentropia spa offers a variety of treatments and services, including vapor baths; facial and body treatments; waxing; massages (offered in a treatment room or on the beach); and aromatherapy with oils, herbs, and natural extracts. There is a spa tub, sauna and Turkish bath, which are free for all Royal Suites guests. A beauty salon provides services for both men and women. Guests can enjoy a view of the garden. Open daily; reservations required for all services. Guests under 18 aren't allowed in the spa.
- Massages on beach
- Manicures and pedicures
- Body scrubs
- Sauna in spa
- Spa tub in spa
- Massages
- Minimum age to access spa is 18
- Body treatments
- Facial treatments
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Resort Policies
Minimum check-in age is 18
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Kids stay free! One child 2 years old or younger stays free when using existing bedding.
- Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed (service animals welcome)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Facilities fee: USD 30 per person, per day and includes use of:
Resort Name
- Grand Palladium Vallarta Punta Mita
- Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort All Inclusive Punta Mita
- Grand Palladium Vallarta
We should mention
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments. Reservations can be made by contacting the resort prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation. One child 2 years old or younger stays free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.


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New Amsterdam was abuzz with news on Tuesday when Topaz, a unique restaurant in the heart of the town was officially opened for business.
Owned and operated by Canadians Ryan and Surya Rambarran, Topaz is located on the western half of the ground floor of Dave's Building, an incomplete edifice at 12 Chapel Street, New Amsterdam. The building which was designed by Dwayne Ferdinand and constructed by Home Designs and Engineering Associates is owned by the Rambarrans. Construction started on June 1st 2011, but due to financial constraints, the building is still to be completed. Nevertheless, the ground floor houses Topaz and three other units which are available for rent. While the first floor consists of four self-contained apartments; the second floor has a conference/reception hall which when completed will also be available for rent; and the top floor is a roof garden.
The Rambarrans are a household name in Berbice, owning and operating a portrait studio and television station for decades. Founder of Dave's Portrait Studio David Rambarran was considered a pioneer in still photography in the ancient county, and since his passing his children have maintained his legacy of service to the public. Thus, the family's new business venture was well received.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of Topaz, Paulette Henry, wife of New Amsterdam Mayor Claude Henry (who was unavoidably absent), commended the Rambarrans for embarking on yet another business venture which will create employment opportunities for the populace and bodes well for the development of the town. "It is really good to see them [Rambarrans] branching off to another area of business. This is a family that gives to the community and I would like to encourage us all to support them" Henry said, adding that "It's beautiful to see New Amsterdam grow in different ways and this is another area of growth for us".
Also in attendance at the opening was PPP/C MP Faizal Jaffarally, who said "the new restaurant is another indication of the Rambarrans' commitment to Guyana. A restaurant of this nature is certainly an asset…in New Amsterdam there is a shortage of places people can go as a family to dine and be provided with quality food. Knowing the Rambarran family and their background, I'm certain persons can expect quality service".
While there are several eateries in New Amsterdam, what is unique about Topaz is that it boasts of having two kitchens to cater for the needs of both vegetarians and meat lovers without the risk of cross-contamination during the preparation of the meals. Co-proprietor of Wattsan's Catering and Restaurant (one of the main eateries in New Amsterdam) Anna Seepaul in congratulating the Rambarrans said she was very impressed with the double kitchens. "Everyone will know that I'm at Wattsan's Catering, but there is no competition; it's just that when another restaurant comes on board, you who would have already been in business would improve from what you would have seen. I like the idea of the vegetarian dishes being prepared separately. That's very impressive".
Topaz is the brainchild of Ryan Rambarran, one of the directors of Dave's Television Channel 8 Incorporated, who always dreamed of opening a restaurant. And despite migrating to Canada and becoming a citizen, there was never a doubt he would return to the country of his birth to fulfill his lifelong dream. He and his wife Surya are the two main chefs at the restaurant. They are offering unique daily menus reflective of the North American experience, blended with Creole cuisine to suit the Guyanese taste.
Topaz is open on Mondays to Saturdays between 11:00hrs and 17:00hrs. However, according to the owners, while they are currently only providing lunch to the public, eventually they will cater for the breakfast and evening diners as well.
Anglican Archdeacon Randolph Reynolds did the blessing for the business, while the ribbon was symbolically cut by the off-springs of Ryan and Surya Rambarran, David and Rachael.
UK hoped for more progress on constitutional reform – Quinn
British High Commissioner to Guyana Greg Quinn yesterday said that it was hoped that more would have been done to push the constitutional reform process forward.
West Coast Berbice man dies after reportedly setting house afire
A West Coast Berbice man died after he reportedly set his one-storey house ablaze sometime around 11.20 am yesterday.
Miner charged with fatal Potaro Backdam beating
A Yarrowkabra miner was yesterday charged with the murder of a co-worker, whom he allegedly beat to death during an alcohol-fuelled clash last Saturday at a dredge site in the Potaro Backdam.
Court action filed over Granger directive to Police Service Commission
A court action was yesterday filed challenging a directive issued in the name of President David Granger to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for a hold to be placed on planned promotions this year.
UK security expert to address prison system in reform plan, envoy says
UK security expert Lt Col (rtd) Russell Combe, who is working closely with the Guyana government to resuscitate the Security Sector Reform Action Plan (SSRAP), will be broadening his mandate to assess the country's prison situation.


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Hoyer Discusses the Fiscal Cliff on WUSA Channel 9
December 12, 2012
Katie Grant, 202-225-3130
Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. I thank my friend for yielding. I want to thank the Chairman of the Rules Committee for his efforts as well. Ladies and gentlemen of this House, we talk a lot, correctly, about creating certainty, alleviating uncertainty – alleviating angst among our people and among our economy. We have an opportunity to bring certainty to a large segment of America that they will not receive a tax increase on January 1.
"Everything's on the table. That doesn't mean we're for what's going to be on the table, but we need to have a full consideration of the whole gamut of things that are creating this issue and that can solve this issue. We need to not go over the fiscal cliff. We need to come to an agreement, and the President, I think, is working hard to get there."
December 11, 2012
Over the weekend, more Republicans joined with lawmakers like Senator Tom Coburn and Congressman Steve LaTourette in saying that higher tax rates for the top 2 percent of incomes will be part of any balanced agreement to avert the fiscal cliff. Senator Bob Corker said on Fox News Sunday:
More and more Republicans are joining the chorus calling for a balanced, bipartisan solution to the fiscal cliff that protects middle-class families while asking the wealthiest to pay their fair share through higher tax rates. As Dana Milibank says in his Washington Post column:
December 5, 2012
When I say everything needs to be on the table… I want everybody to put their cards on the table and tell me what they're going to do. … Now there's some things we are absolutely not going to do… we're not going to voucherize Medicare, we are not going to privatize Social Security. We believe very strongly that we need additional revenues if we're going to get our country on a fiscally sound basis.
House of Representatives | Contact Us | Site Map | Privacy Policy
Mailing Address: 1705 Longworth House Office Building, Washington DC 20515 | Office: (202) 225-4131 Fax: (202) 225-4300
© 2013 Steny Hoyer. All rights reserved.


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While the Call of Duty franchise has always juggled the realistic with the bombastic and over-the-top, in recent years the series has also taken on a completely new personality. With the advent of features like Riley the Dog and plenty of clever downloadable content, the latest COD entry, Call of Duty: Ghosts, has proven that the billion dollar franchise still has a sense of humor. It started with the addition of Michael Myers to the Onslaught DLC, continued with the Predator crossover for the Devastation DLC, and now things are getting even crazier with the introduction of voice packs.
Although voice packs are nothing new for the Call of Duty franchise, the first two revealed for Call of Duty: Ghosts have been something else. First, there was the reveal of the Snoop Dogg voice pack, which added the dulcet tones of the rapper and media mogul to Ghosts' multiplayer experience, and now the new 'Drill Instructor' voice pack adds a harder edge.
The 'Drill Instructor' pack introduces some urgency into the proceedings in the form of R. Lee Ermey barking out orders left and right. For a closer look at the DLC voice pack, check out the trailer above.
Obviously, there are plenty of voices that could do well as drill instructors, but Infinity Ward and Activision made the smart choice by going with real life drill instructor and actor R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket, Toy Story). Many might not know Ermey's name, or even his face, but it's hard to mistake his voice.
While the focal point of most Call of Duty releases' DLC schedule is typically the four sets of map packs, Infinity Ward is apparently bolstering that content with a few extra bells and whistles like the Captain Price multiplayer skin. And, as has previously been mentioned, there is a new set of customization items slated to hit Call of Duty: Ghosts on April 22nd that includes the aforementioned Snoop Dogg Voice Pack, this Drill Instructor Voice Pack, a multiplayer skin pack that may include Soap MacTavish, and who knows what else.
The Call of Duty franchise may be struggling to hold gamers' attention as strongly as it once did – despite the series still selling very well – but there is plenty of extra content for loyal players to sink their teeth into. Alongside the new, fun guessing game of what movie monster will join a future DLC pack, we now have another game: what voice will be added to Ghosts next.
What do you think of the 'Drill Instructor' voice pack for Call of Duty: Ghosts? Are there any other iconic voices you think Infinity Ward should add to their game?
Call of Duty: Ghosts' 'Drill Instructor' Pack releases April 22, 2014.
Source: Call of Duty


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People come together for 9/11 first responders in Scottdale
Organizers of the first Fallen Heroes 5K run/walk in memory of those first responders who lost their lives during the terrorist attacks 12 years ago said they were very pleased with the participation.
"I think we had an awesome turnout," organizer Stephanie Rulli said of the event held in Scottdale. "There were some minor hiccups, so we need to change one or two things for next year, but it was great."
She added that the mix of participants were those diehard runners who try to participate in every race they can, as well as those individuals who wanted to support the fallen heroes.
"Sept. 11 touches people's hearts and we had a number of runners who came out to show their support," Rulli said.
Six firefighters with the Scottdale Volunteer Fire Department actually ran the entire 5K in full gear.
"We wanted to show support for our fallen brothers," said fireman Jason Suitor, who came up with the idea. "It was as hard as what I thought it would be. I knew it wasn't going to be easy, but we finished."
Mary Kreis of Belle Vernon brought her 8-year-old daughter, Viva, to participate as part of the patriotic organization, Team Red White and Blue.
"We just learned about this race 24 hours ago, and we wanted to participate," she said, adding that she spent six hours on the Yough River Trail beginning at 9:11 a.m. to show support for those who died on Sept. 11.
"We have spent the entire day recognizing Sept. 11 and those whose lives were changed forever," Kreis said. "We were thrilled to do this. This was a good way to end the day."
She said it is always great to see people come together through the tragedy.
"They (the terrorists) tried to break us down — break us apart — but it's because of Sept. 11 that we have come together," Kreis said.
Michael Garlowich, a senior at Southmoreland High School, was the first to cross the finish line.
He said he wasn't originally planning to run the race because his high school cross country team had a scheduled meet. The meet was canceled because of the weather and Garlowich decided to take part in the 5K.
"It's nice they got this run started to honor Sept. 11," he said. "I was glad I was able to participate in it."
Rachel Basinger is a contributing writer.


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In rejecting a bill to expand public access to the records of the Governor's Office, the House and Governmental Affairs Committee early in this legislative session struck a blow against transparency in state government. The bill was defeated after opposition by Gov. Bobby Jindal's executive counsel, Thomas Enright. That's a sad development from a governor who entered his first term promising to expand transparency in state government.
House Bill 19, sponsored by state Rep. Dee Richard, No Party-Thibodaux, would have opened most records of the Governor's Office to the public, repealing a broad public records law exception that shields from pubic view documents related to the governor's deliberative process. Jindal inserted that provision into state law in 2009.
The deliberative process exemption throws an overly wide net, allowing any governor to shield from public scrutiny the documents that he uses to make decisions. Since a governor's primary job is to make decisions, the exemption makes secrecy a default position at the Governor's Office.
Even more troubling has been Jindal's decision to invoke the deliberative process exemption in stopping state agencies under his control from releasing various public records.
For example, the Governor's Office intervened to stop LSU from releasing information related to public hospital budget cuts and privatization efforts.
When state leaders are allowed to make decisions outside of public view, accountability suffers.
We're not surprised that lawmakers opted not to improve the Louisiana Public Records Law, but we're disappointed nonetheless.
The state's residents should be disappointed, too.


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Age 79, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2002 at the St. Paul Home in Kaukauna, following a lengthy illness. Ken was born in Appleton on July 18, 1922, son of the late Henry and Elizabeth (Plesser) Stuyvenberg. During World War II, he served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in the Pacific Theater with the 76th Amphibious Tank Battalion. On February 15, 1947, Ken married the former Nori Vandehey in Kimberly; she survives. Ken was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Name Catholic Church in Kimberly, and from 1941 to 1982 he was employed by the Kimberly Clark Corporation as a Maintenance Supervisor. His work took him to numerous destinations including, Kimberly; Neenah; and Niagara, Wisconsin; Memphis, Tennessee; Fullerton, California; Beech Island, South Carolina; Niagara Falls, New York; and Puerto Rico. Ken retired in 1982, and enjoyed his cabin in the mountains with the company of his family. In his later years was ready to travel at the drop of a hat, and traveled extensively with Nori. They also enjoyed shorter trips in their motor home.
Ken was a dedicated and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be sadly missed by his wife of fifty-five years: Nori Stuyvenberg of Kimberly; three daughters: Jayne (Jim) Overton of Columbia, South Carolina; Joni (Scotty) Stovall of Eugene, Oregon; Jude Stuyvenberg of Eugene, Oregon; two sons: David (Charlotte) Stuyvenberg of Seattle, Washington and Ron Stuyvenberg of Fullerton, California; seven grandchildren: Kenny (Sandra) Boyst, Cory Boyst, Michelle Boyst, Lisa Overton, Kelly Overton, Megan Stuyvenberg, Dion (Don) Disbro; a great-grandson: Harrison Boyst; three sisters: Rita (Carl) Rehfeldt of East DuBuque, Illinois; Betty (Jim) Ludwig of Chilton, and Mary (Larry) Vander Pas of Kimberly; four brothers: Donald (Ginger) Stuyvenberg of Darboy, Gene (Carol) Stuyvenberg of Kimberly, Paul (Nancy) Stuyvenberg of Kimberly, and Dick (Pat) Stuyvenberg of Kimberly; a sister-in-law: Karen Stuyvenberg of Kimberly; and an aunt: Evelyn Herm of Scottsdale, Arizona. Ken is further survived by Nori's sisters: Mary (Kenneth) Robl of Oshkosh and Eunice (Ray) Sanderfoot of Darboy, and her brother-in-law Bill Gloudemans of Little Chute. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son Joey, brothers Robert and Jerry Stuyvenberg, sisters-in-law Dorothy Stuyvenberg and Jean Stuyvenberg, and brothers-in-law Ken Martin and Bob Kramer.
The funeral liturgy for Ken will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2002 at HOLY NAME CATHOLIC CHURCH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly with Fr. Dennis Bergsbaken officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery will military memorial rites provided by the members of William Verhagen Post #60 of the American Legion. Friends may call directly at the church on Thursday from 4:00 PM until the hour of the service.
The family would like to extend their most sincere thanks to Dr. Greg Johnson and his staff, as well as to the entire staff at St. Paul Home. You cared for Ken as though he was your very own; he could have been in no better hands. Thank you all so very much.
Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, Wisconsin 54136


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NEW YORK (Reuters) - The fall art auctions got off to a shaky start on Monday with Christie's' sale of a private collection which fell far short of expectations, including the failure to sell of a much-anticipated Picasso sculpture.
The sculpture, "Tete," the model for a prominent outdoor steel artwork in Chicago's Daley Plaza, had been the expected highlight, and with an estimate of $25 million to $35 million was poised to break the artist's record for a sculpture.
But the work failed to reach its reserve - the secret minimum price sellers agree to accept before an auction - when no bids beyond $19 million were forthcoming.
One after another, other top works by artists ranging from Giacometti to Kandinsky and Miro and bearing estimates around $10 million to as high as $25 million, failed to sell.
The sale of 62 works from the collection of art dealer Jan Krugier took in $92.5 million including commission, Christie's said, against a $158 million to $225 million pre-sale estimate.
Among the sale's few high points was Picasso's portrait of two of his children, "Claude et Paloma," a 1950 oil that soared to $28,165,000, or more than twice the estimate of $9 million to $12 million, to achieve the evening's top price.
Several lower-priced works also saw competitive bidding, selling for many times their estimates.
Christie's officials expressed their disappointment.
"Obviously we would have wished for a stronger evening," one more in line with the pre-sale interest shown by clients, said Conor Jordan, deputy chairman of Impressionist and modern art in New York who was in charge of the Krugier sale.
Jordan said the estimate for the Picasso sculpture "was not an issue to interested parties in the run-up to the sale. We didn't see any dissent from our clients."
Noting that "things with lower estimates performed very strongly," he added that 71 percent of the 62 works on offer were sold, which he called "a reasonable figure."
"And we were thrilled to see bidding coming from all across the globe," he said.
Asian bidding was especially strong, with the Picasso bought by an Asian client bidding via telephone.
The auctions continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Christie's wrapping up the Krugier sale ahead of its Impressionist and modern art auction, followed by Sotheby's sale of Impressionist and modern art.
Editing by Eric Walsh