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March 3, 2000
Additional information has been requested by prospective offerors and it has been determined by the Contracting Officer that this information be made available to all bidders. The closing date and time for the receipt of proposals remains March 20, 2000, by 2:00 p.m. local time.
Keith A. Bond
Contracting Officer
1a. The site address is http://www.doleta.gov/sga/rfp.cfm.
2a. There is not a page limit on any of the proposal volumes. Please see Section L.9 for proposal submission.
3a. The Center operator and the new contractor are required to conduct a joint inventory together and resolve any discrepancies noted. This phase is called a reconciliation process to review the findings prior to the new contractor accepting accountability for the inventory. Any property lost, damaged, or stolen must be reported immediately to the Job Corps Regional Official and submitted in writing stating the circumstances surrounding the missing property. Such supporting documentation (police and FBI notification) must be forwarded along with the Center request for Relief-of-Accountability. Normally, the Job Corps support contractor is only involved during the last week of the inventory or the reconciliation process.
4a. The Ten (l0) trips stated in Section C5, Task 3 - Project Management Support, are to monitor the performance of the property specialist assigned to the various regions and to assess the work load and address any potential problems with the designated Job Corps Regional Director and designee overseeing the property management function.
5a. In Section F.3 - Level of Effort, 8 and 8.5 relates to the Government's estimated cost for this contract. A professional person year is between $90,000 and $100,000. A professional person year is inclusive of direct costs, other direct costs, indirect costs, and fixed fee. In Section C, staff years relate to the number of staff needed to complete the tasks.
6a. Offerors are not required to complete and submit a proposal/bid intent form. Offerors should follow the instructions listed in Section L.9 of the solicitation.
7a. The Government intends to award a Cost-Reimbursement plus Fixed Fee type contract for this solicitation. Cost and pricing data are requested for information only. The services requested are not commercial.
8a. The level of effort for each task is as follows:
Tasks 1 & 2 - Seven Staff Years (persons)
Task 3 - Two Staff Years (persons)
Task 4 - Contract staff will assist National and Regional Office of Jobs Corps staff with the rewrite
9a. Both handbooks can be obtained through the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) designated to this contract at the following address:
U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Job Corps
200 Constitution Avenue, N.W.
Room N-4659
Attn: Ron Whitehead
Washington, D.C. 20210
10a. The contract requires a weekly total of 40 hours per week, not to include any overtime unless authorized by the Contracting Officer (CO). In the invent that staff is required to work over the allotted 40 hours per week, only the CO can authorize Compensatory Time for any additional hours required.
11a. The guide can be obtained from the COTR. Please see answer 9a for address.
12a. Yes, the outstationed personnel designated under this contract are provided space in the Job Corps Regional Offices they are assigned which includes space and the necessary computer equipment.
13a. The contractor will be provided a user code/password for the Internet linkage to the Electronic Property Management System (EPMS).
14a1. Yes, as long as they are designated in the budget as a full time employee, dedicated solely to this project. Proposed staff should be dedicated solely to this project. Our historical experience and practice is that staff at all levels, and particularly key staff, must be full-time to manage the workload and efficiently interact with DOL offices.
15a. They may be available, whether they are retained or not is a matter between the selected firm and them. The Department of Labor will make every effort to reach agreement with the parties to provide for a smooth transition with appropriate personnel.
16a. Blocks 1 and 2 relate to the contractor's indirect cost rates. This section is used only at contract award. In the solicitation it is strictly for information purposes.
19a. Yes, on the DOLETA Web Page (http://www.doleta.gov/sga/rfp.cfm).
(A) - General Instructions:
Each offeror must submit an offer (proposal) and other written information and make an oral presentation in strict accordance with these instructions. When evaluating an offeror, the Government will consider how well the offeror complied with the letter and spirit of these instructions. The Government will consider any failure on the part of an offeror to comply with both the letter and spirit of these instructions to be an indication of the type of conduct it can expect during contract performance. Therefore, the Government encourages offerors to contact the Contracting Officer by telephone, facsimile transmission, e-mail, or mail in order to request an explanation of any part of these instructions.
Your proposal must be submitted in three (3) separate and distinct parts as outlined below, consisting of the number of stated copies and accompanied by the required supportive materials to insure that the proposal will be considered responsible to the Request for Proposals.
Part 1 - Original and two (2) signed copies of completed Standard Form 33, Solicitation, Offer and Award, Original and two (2) signed copies of Section K, the Representations, Certifications and other Statements of Offerors and all attachments thereto except those items required in Part 2 and 3 will be submitted as outlined in their respective parts.
Legible copies are acceptable. (All copies shall be ink-signed.)
Part 2 - In accordance with Section L.8, the offeror shall submit, as part of their offer the following:
(1) A set of overhead transparencies and five (5) paper copies in a sealed package. These transparencies shall be considered in effect, the offeror's technical proposal and shall form the basis of the offeror's Oral Presentation. PLEASE NOTE: The sealed package containing the transparencies will not be opened until the scheduled date for an offeror's presentation, in the presence of the Contract Specialist and a representative of the offeror. The Oral Presentation will be used to evaluate the offeror's capability to perform the contract (See section M.3(B);
(2) Offerors shall submit an original and three copies of the "Resumes of Key Personnel" (See Section M.3(A);
(3) Offerors shall submit three copies of relevant past performance information (See Section L.6 and M.3(C); and
(4) Offerors shall submit an original and three copies of the Contractor's Experience with Related Work (See Section M.3(D).
The Technical Proposal shall not make reference to cost or price data so that an independent technical evaluation may be made on the basis of technical merit alone. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a determination of nonresponsiveness. Proposals specifying less than one hundred twenty (120) days Government Acceptance may be considered not acceptable. Any exceptions taken by a proposer to any provisions of this Request for Proposals or any condition placed upon a proposal may result in a finding of not acceptable. Only one proposal may be submitted by each respondent.
Part 3 - A detailed Business Management Proposal as further outlined in the below instructions and consisting of:
(a) Three (3) copies of Attachment J.2 - Cost and Price Analysis, ETA 8555 (Mar. 1981)
(b) One (1) copy of Attachment J.3 - Statement of Financial Capability, ETA 8554 (Mar. 1981)
(c) "One (1) each Accounting System Certification which is a statement certifying that the offeror has an established accounting system with internal controls adequate to safeguard their assets, insure that funds are accounted for by cost categories, check the accuracy and reliability of the accounting data, promote operating efficiency and permit compliance with Government requirements and accounting procedures with respect to Cost Reimbursement types of contracts.
The statement shall be executed by a certified public accountant (CPA), licensed public accountant, a bona-fide accounting or audit organization such as Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or an entity of equivalent status acceptable to the Government." Failure to include the above stated supportive materials with your proposal will be a basis for determination of not being acceptable.
NOTE: Part 1, 2, and 3 should be sealed in separate envelopes and included in one master package. The RFP number and related Part numbers outlined above, if applicable, must be shown in the upper left hand corner of each of the envelopes as well as the master package.
The Government warns offerors that taking exception to any term or condition of the RFP (including submitting any alternative proposal that requires a relaxation of a requirement), will make an offer unacceptable, and the offeror ineligible for award, unless the RFP expressly authorizes such an exception with regard to that specific term or condition. The Government will consider any exception to a term or condition of the RFP that is not expressly authorized by the RFP to be a deficiency, as defined in FAR Part 15.
An offeror may eliminate a deficiency in its offer only through discussions, as defined and prescribed in FAR Part 15. However, the Government intends to award a contract without discussions, as authorized by FAR Part 15. Therefore, any offeror planning to take exception to a term or condition of the RFP should consult with the Contracting Officer prior to submitting and offer, unless the RFP expressly authorizes such an exception.
Not withstanding its plan to award without discussions, the Government reserves the right to conduct discussions with offers in a competitive range, if necessary, and to permit such offerors to revise their proposals. The government also reserves the right to change any terms and conditions of their RFP by amendment at any time prior to contract award and to allow offerors to revise their offers accordingly, as authorized by FAR Part 15.
The offeror shall complete and submit all certifications included in or attached to this Request for Proposal.
The Cost Analysis (Attachment J.2) and Financial Capability Forms (Attachment J.3) support information shall be augmented as follows:
Offerors are required to submit cost proposals fully supported by cost and pricing data adequate to establish the reasonableness of the proposed costs.
1. Most current published annual balance sheet and profit or loss statement.
2. The offeror shall furnish a total cost breakdown utilizing the enclosed cost and price analysis form.
(a) Include the backup data to support the type of labor and estimated numbers of hours within each category.
(b) Include a breakdown of the amount estimated for travel including destination, duration, purpose and cost (per diem and transportation).
(c) Include backup data to support the estimated amount of material and subcontracting (if applicable) including description of materials to be procured, basis for proposed subcontract, type of subcontract and amounts proposed.
3. List the names and addresses of any subcontractor* the offeror intends to use in the performance of a resulting contract. Include the following information about the subcontract(s).
(a) How subcontractor was selected?
(b) Has the subcontractor submitted a cost proposal?
(c) Will he be able to start performance at the start of the contract period?
(d) What is the total cost of (each) subcontract?
(e) What services (skills) will the subcontract provide?
(f) What experience do they have in this technical area?
*Also provide the above information for consultants you intend to use in the performance of a resulting contract.
The Government intends to evaluate proposals using a two-step methodology. The first step will involve the evaluation of the offeror's INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS, PAST PERFORMANCE, CONTRACTOR'S EXPERIENCE WITH RELATED WORK, AND PRICE, evaluation factors A, C, D, and E listed below). Based on these evaluations, a Competitive Range (FAR Part 15) consisting of the most highly rated proposals will be established.
The second step will involve evaluation of an ORAL PRESENTATION presented by each of the offerors within the Competitive Range. Evaluation of oral presentations will consist of the offeror's CAPABILITY TO PERFORM THE CONTRACT (evaluation factor B listed below). Therefore, each offer should contain the best terms from a cost or price and technical standpoint.
A cost realism analysis will be performed for all technically acceptable offerors. Contract award will be based on the combined evaluations of the Contractor's Capability to Perform the Contract, Individual Staff Experience and Qualifications, Past Performance, Contractor's Experience With Related Work, and Price. The contract resulting from this solicitation will be awarded to the responsible offeror whose offer, conforming to the solicitation, is determined to provide the "best value" to the Government, which may not necessarily be the proposals offering the lowest cost nor receiving the highest technical score. It should be noted that cost is not a numerically weighted factor. Although non-cost factors are significantly more important than cost, cost is an important factor and should be considered when preparing responsive offers (proposals). The importance of cost as an evaluation factor will increase with the degree of equality of the proposals in relation to the remaining evaluation factors. When the offerors within the competitive range are considered essentially equal in terms of technical, past performance and other no-cost factors (if any), or when cost is so significantly high as to diminish the value of the technical superiority to the Government, cost may become the determining factor for award. In summary, cost/no-cost trade offs will be made, and the extent to which one may be sacrificed for the other if governed only by the tests of rationality and consistency with the established factors.
Prospective contractors are advised that the selection of a contractor for contract award is to be made, after a careful evaluation of the offers (proposals) received, by a panel of specialists chosen by DOL/ETA. Each panelist will evaluate the proposals for technical acceptability using a range of scores assigned to each factor. The factors are presented in the order of emphasis that they will receive (i.e., Factor A has the greatest weight, Factor B the second greatest weight, etc.). The scores will then be averaged to select a contractor for award on the basis of their proposal being the most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered.
A. INDIVIDUAL STAFF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS (35 points)
This section of the proposal shall include sufficient information for judging the quality and
competence of staff proposed to be assigned to the project to assure that they meet the required
qualifications. Successful performance of the proposed work depends heavily on the
qualifications of the individuals committed to this project, and the adequacy of the time
commitment for each individual in relation to the specific tasks that they will perform.
Accordingly, the Government, in its evaluation of the contractor's proposal, will place
considerable emphasis on the contractor's commitment of personnel qualified for the work
involved in accomplishing the assigned tasks.
This section of the proposal shall provide the current employment status of personnel proposed
for work under this RFP--i.e., whether these personnel are currently employed by the contractor
or are dependent upon planned recruitment or subcontracting. Where subcontractors or outside
assistance are proposed, organizational control shall be clearly delineated so as to demonstrate
and ensure responsiveness to the needs of the Government.
The following information shall also be furnished:
1. The proposed Project Director;
2. The proposed project organization;
3. The time commitment of all professional personnel assigned to the project (the number of
hours per month that each individual will devote to the project over its life), as well as "Letters of
Intent"for each professional personnel;
4. A resume for each professional personnel to be assigned to the project. At a minimum, each
resume shall include:
(a) The individual's current employment status and previous work experience, including position
title, dates in position, duties performed, and employing organization. Duties shall be clearly
defined in terms of the role performed, i.e., management, team leader, consultant. Also, indicate
whether each individual is currently employed by the contractor, and (if so) for how long.
(b) A statement of the work that the individual has completed or which is currently underway for
work that is relevant to the proposed work on the demonstration project.
(c) The individual's educational background;
(d) The position to which the individual would be assigned for the project and the type of work
that they would perform in that capacity.
Please be advised that offerors shall be evaluated under this factor based on the following:
(i) The experience and qualifications of the proposed Project Manager and the amount of time
committed to the project. This person shall be a qualified professional capable of supervising
activities involved in support of each task order; have knowledge of electronic property
management systems; have a minimum of (5) years of ADP experience; have demonstrable
Federal personal property management experience and at least three (3) years of property
management or equivalent logistics area experience; have working knowledge of FPMR's and
OMB circulars pertaining to property procedures and requirements; be able to assess and
recommend changes for ETA property Management policies and procedures; be qualified to
coordinate all project related personnel matters communicate both orally and in writing with all
levels of ETA personnel, develop and implement staffing plans, coordinate heavy travel
requirements, and otherwise manage the project;
(ii) The experience and qualifications of the proposed Senior Property Coordinator and the
amount of time committed to the project. This person shall be a qualified professional capable of
working independently and providing guidance to lower level personnel; have experience in
an electronic property management system or other similar systems experience; have a minimum
of four (4) years of ADP experience; have a working knowledge of FPMR's and OMB Circulars
pertaining to property procedures and requirements; be able to assess and recommend changes
for ETA property management policies and procedures; have demonstrable Federal personal
property management experience; be qualified to coordinate all contractor personnel actions
required by the contractor and Regional Offices; be technically qualified to communicate with all
levels of management within the ETA National and Regional Offices;
(iii) The experience and qualifications of all proposed Property Specialists and the amount of
time committed to the project. These persons shall have experience in managing Federal
personnel property or five years of logistical experience; be thoroughly knowledgeable of
FPMR's, OMB property guidelines, and other applicable Federal regulations relative to Federal
property; and be capable of coordinating all aspects of contractor site visits and shall be able to
train appropriate personnel in the use of Electronic Property Management System (EPMS)
(experience in using other similar type systems will be acceptable);
(iv) The time commitment of all personnel assigned to the project (the number of hours per
month that each individual will devote to the project over its life), as well as "Letters of Intent"
for each professional personnel. All professional personnel must devote 100% of their time to
the project.
(v) A resume for each professional personnel to be assigned to the project. At a minimum, each
resume shall include:
(a) The individual's current employment status and previous work experience, including position
title, dates in position, duties performed, and employing organization. Duties shall be clearly
defined in terms of the role performed, i.e., management, team leader, consultant. Also, indicate
whether each individual is currently employed by the contractor, and (if so) for how long.
(b) A statement of the work that the individual has completed or which is currently underway for
work that is relevant to the proposed work.
(c) The individual's educational background;
(d) The position to which the individual would be assigned for the project and the type of work
that they would perform in that capacity; and
(vi) Staffing charts listing names, qualifications, and experience of professional personnel
(including outside consultants), staff time/time loading charts showing the amount of time each
staff person will devote to each task and sub-task, and an indication of how staff will be allocated
to perform all necessary field work during the project.
B. CONTRACTOR'S CAPABILITY TO PERFORM THE CONTRACT (30 points)
The Government will evaluate each offeror's capability to perform the contract on the basis of its oral presentation and the responses it gives during the question and answer session that will follow the oral presentation. In making this evaluation, the government will consider an offeror's: (1) knowledge of the content of the work in terms of constituent activities, their inputs and outputs, and their interrelationships and interdependencies; (2) recognition of the appropriate sequence and realistic duration of the work activities; (3) knowledge of the appropriate types of resources required to perform the work activities; (4) familiarity with the difficulties , uncertainties, and risks associated with the work; and (5) knowledge of the personnel and subcontractor qualifications necessary to the performance of the work.
C. CONTRACTOR'S PAST PERFORMANCE (20 Points)
This criterion shall represent up to 20% of the total score of the proposal. Award may be made from the initial offers without discussions. However, if discussions are held offerors will be provided the opportunity to address unfavorable reports of past performance, if the offeror has not had a previous opportunity to review the rating. Past Performance shall include evaluating offerors with no relevant performance history, and shall provide offerors an opportunity to identify past or current contracts (Federal, State, and local government and private) for efforts similar to the Government requirement.
Offerors shall provide information on problems encountered on the identified contracts and the offeror's corrective actions. The Government shall consider this information, as well as information obtained from any other sources, when evaluating the offeror's past performance. The Contracting Officer shall determine the relevance of similar past performance information. Offers shall submit past performance information regarding predecessor companies, professional personnel who have relevant experience, or subcontractors that will perform major or critical aspects of the requirement when such information is relevant to the instant acquisition. Offerors without relevant past performance history or for whom information on past performance is not available, the offeror may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance. In this instance the offeror would receive a neutral score.
D. CONTRACTOR'S EXPERIENCE WITH RELATED WORK (15 points)
This section of the proposal shall identify and describe the previous experience and effectiveness of the contractor in similar or related work to demonstrate the contractor's current capacity to provide the services offered; the contractor's management plan for the project; and the strength of the contractor's support for this project.
Contractors shall discuss the relationship of their firm's previous experience to the work proposed under this contract. The following information shall be included:
1. The identity of the principal clients served in performing similar or related work; the general nature and scope of that work; and the results achieved. The contractor shall include a representative synopsis listing previous projects relevant to this RFP. Each project synopsis shall include:
(a) The organization for whom the work was done;
(b) A contact person in that organization with their current phone number;
(c) The dollar value of the contract for the project;
(d) The time frame and professional effort involved in the project;
(e) The Project Manager and other professional personnel assigned to the project; and
(f) A brief summary of the work performed by the contractor on the project; significant accomplishments; and any problems encountered, corrective actions taken, and the outcome.
Please be advised that offerors shall be evaluated under this factor based on similar or related work completed during the past five (5) years on all contracts and subcontracts; the contractor's management plan for the projects; and the strength of the contractor's support for the projects.
Cost Realism will be performed as part of the proposal evaluation process. The purpose of this evaluation shall be (a) to verify the offeror's understanding of the requirement; (b) to assess the degree to which the cost/price proposal reflects the approaches and/or risk assessments made in the technical proposal as well as the risk that the offeror will provide the services for the offered prices/cost; and (c) assess the degree to which the cost reflected in the cost/price proposal accurately represents the work effort included in the technical offer (proposal).


text:
Safe driving urged for long weekend in Canterbury
Safe driving urged for long weekend in Canterbury
Thursday, 29 May 2014 - 5:23pm
Holiday-makers hitting the road in Canterbury tomorrow [Friday] afternoon are being urged to drive carefully and ensure a safe start to the long weekend.
Senior Sergeant Phil Newton, of Canterbury Highway Patrol, says long trips, heavy traffic, cold conditions and alcohol all combine to raise the risk of crashes during Queen's Birthday weekend.
"Traditionally we see a lot of traffic on the roads at the start of the weekend," he says. "In Canterbury we are aiming to have a fatality-free Friday - and to maintain that right through the long weekend.
"We're urging drivers to make sure they are driving to the conditions and increasing following distances, particularly if they strike poor weather or heavy traffic this weekend."
Nationally, Police are encouraging motorists to 'make it to Monday' by observing three key road safety points - wearing seat belts, driving at safe speeds and not drinking and driving.
Although there were no fatalities in Canterbury last Queen's Birthday Weekend, over the past six years there have been three fatal crashes, 10 serious injury crashes, 43 minor injury crashes and 108 non-injury crashes. These resulted in three fatalities, 11 serious injuries and 50 minor injuries.
All three of the fatal crashes occurred on urban roads, between 6pm and 2.30am and all were alcohol-related, Senior Sergeant Newton says.
The Queen's Birthday weekend holiday period officially starts at 4pm on Friday [30 May] and ends at 6am on Tuesday [3 June].
As part of the weekend's road policing focus, Police will be again strictly enforcing a reduced 4km/h speed threshold from 4pm on Friday until 6am on Tuesday, with a highly visible presence on the nation's roads.
Every driver stopped can also be expected to be breath tested, with Police having little tolerance for anyone not wearing a safety belt, driving dangerously or in a way that puts other innocent road users at risk.
Those towing or driving more slowly are also encouraged to pull over where safe to allow others to pass so traffic does not build up behind and cause additional frustration.
Senior Sergeant Newton says long trips to holiday destinations can raise the risk of fatigue, and drivers should make sure they stop regularly to take a rest.
"There are also a number of major events on around the district this weekend which may also contribute to traffic volumes," he says. "These include the Brass Monkey Rally in Central Otago throughout the weekend, and the Christchurch Airport Marathon on Saturday.
"We ask all drivers to be patient, consider other drivers and allow plenty of time for your journeys."
It's not just holiday drivers that need to take care this weekend. Crash risks also increase in towns and cities during the long weekend - with alcohol being a contributing factor.
Analysis of Canterbury crashes over the past six years shows that the leading cause of crashes was poor observation (37 percent of crashes), followed by poor handling (29 percent) and failing to giveway or stop (27 percent).
23 percent of crashes occurred while cornering, and 13 percent occurred through loss of control on a straight road.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Bankrate Audio » Posh Retirement FacilitiesListen to audio
Bankrate Audio » Posh Retirement Facilities
Editor's note: This is a transcript of the audio file.
Have you thought about spending your golden years in luxurious surroundings?
I'm Barbara Whelehan with the Bankrate.com Personal Finance Minute.
Some senior living communities offer luxurious amenities such as a state-of-the-art pool, a professionally designed golf course and well-appointed dining facilities where you can enjoy savory meals prepared by specially trained chefs. But these places are not cheap. For example, a facility in California charges a seven-figure entry fee, plus a monthly fee of nearly $5,000 a month. It's designed for the well-heeled retiree who wants to age in place. Some offer a continuum of care, with independent living units, assisted living apartments, memory support suites, and skilled nursing rooms for those requiring 24-hour care.
But some are run as non-profits, where the bulk of the entry fee -- as much as 80 percent -- is returned to the resident when he or she leaves or to the resident's estate. But you have to do your homework and make sure the operation is financially sound before moving in.
For more on assisted living and other personal finance information, visit Bankrate.com. I'm Barbara Whelehan.
Bankrate wants to hear from you and encourages thoughtful and constructive comments. We ask that you stay focused on the story topic, respect other people's opinions, and avoid profanity, offensive statements, illegal contents and advertisement posts. Comments are not reviewed before they are posted. Bankrate reserves the right (but is not obligated) to edit or delete your comments. Please avoid posting private or confidential information, and also keep in mind that anything you post may be disclosed, published, transmitted or reused. We do not permit the inclusion of hyperlinks in comments and may remove any comment that includes a hyperlink.
By submitting a post, you agree to be bound by Bankrate's terms of use. Please refer to Bankrate's privacy policy for more information regarding Bankrate's privacy practices.
The effort to repeal the Affordable Care Act has moved a step forward. Here's advice if the health law is tempting you to retire early.
... Read more


text:
An Inishowen man has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the deaths of eight people in a road crash in Co. Donegal.
The crash at Meenaduff, between Buncrana and Clonmany in July 2010, was Ireland's worst ever road accident.
Seven of the victims were travelling in the same car.
Shaun Kelly, Hill Road, Ballymagan, Buncrana, pleaded guilty to the charge at Letterkenny Circuit Court this morning.
Earlier, he had pleaded not guilty to the charge and a jury of six men and six women was selected.
Kelly, however, then asked to be re-arraigned and changed his plea to guilty.
Judge John O'Hagan directed that probation and welfare reports be prepared and medical reports made available.
Judge O'Hagan thanked the family members of the eight deceased men for attending court "so often."
He invited a representative of each family to produce a victim impact report.
Kelly was released on continuing bail and will be sentenced in December.
The eight men who died in the collision were Hugh Friel, Mark McLaughlin, Damien McLaughlin, PJ McLaughlin, James McEleney, Paul Doherty, Ciaran Sweeney and Eamon McDaid.


text: When we think of true laptop beauty, many of us think of the MacBook Air. Afterall, it is the world's thinnest laptop computer. For many, the razor thin appeal just adds to the edginess and spunk the MacBook Air offers consumers. While we have seen a few companies try to head to head with Apple, many have missed the mark. The Dell Adamo is an excellent example of Dell's solution to the MacBook Air. It's sleek design and square figure was meant to dazzle many, but didn't really get the publicity it deserved.


text: The Byron BY212 is a Portable + Plug in 100m chime kit with 6 sounds. Over a million self learning codes. Will keep the code even when the chime unit is unplugged and then replugged in (this is the same for the battery unit). Can have upto 6 bell pushes controlling the chime. 80-85db rating depending on the sound.Check stock and price


text:
Archinect - News 2017-08-23T00:25:46-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/123296640/holmenkollen-ski-jump-turns-into-airbnb-penthouse-for-one-night Holmenkollen ski jump turns into Airbnb penthouse for one night Alexander Walter 2015-03-19T20:47:00-04:00 >2015-03-19T20:53:08-04:00
One lucky soul will get to enjoy an unforgettable night in one of Oslo's most iconic destinations later this month: the topmost floor of the JDS-designed Holmenkollen ski jump will be turned into a cozy, fully furnished Airbnb penthouse for the winner of a recent online contest.

From the contest description:

Set at the top of the ski jump where champions prepare for flight, the apartment's floor to ceiling windows give you one of the best views imaginable of Oslo, snow capped mountains and endless forest.

On the first floor, 250 steps below the apartment you will find the world's first ski museum. Discover more than 4,000 years of ski history and learn about the adventures of polar explorers, including Roald Amundsen.

After a day in the snow, leave your gear and take the lift up to your apartment at the very top of the Holmenkollen ski jump.

Right above you is the highest roof terrace in town, so you can do some serious stargazing as dinner is served. If you're really lucky, you might...
 https://archinect.com/news/article/21334557/the-holmenkollen-ski-jump-wins-2011-eccs-structural-steel-design-award The Holmenkollen Ski Jump Wins 2011 ECCS Structural Steel Design Award Alexander Walter 2011-09-22T13:12:00-04:00 >2012-09-29T13:02:13-04:00
JDS Architects' Holmenkollen Ski Jump has been announced as the winner of the 2011 ECCS Structural Steel Design Award today at the ECCS Congress in Potsdam, Germany. The award recognizes outstanding design in steel construction emphasizing the many advantages of steel in construction, production, economy and architecture.

 Find more images of the new Holmenkollen Ski Jump here.


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beautiful stone & perfect length. looks great & doesn't even feel like you're wearing a piece of jewelry. awesome!
these r just adorable! great color. an everyday 'go to' pair of earrings! thanx so much for the super fast shipping : }
these pieces r just beautiful. nicely executed, gorgeous detail & design. thanx so much for your fast shipping : }
yoookie on Sep 26, 2015
just beautiful! i'm so pleased w/this piece! i've had my eye on it for so long. thanx so much for your super fast shipping too : }
Carla W. on Sep 23, 2015
Super fast shipping, love it! Thanks
Rock Spirit Studio
I spent a number of my childhood years living on my grandparents' ranch in Idaho. Cocooned within a towering pine forest, my soul fed by a rumbling creek, and loving the huge barn in which I would spend hours taming new kittens and watching the sunlight filter through the hay dust.
Although I would roam to my imagination's content, hanging around and observing, or helping, my family at their various tasks was something I also cherished. Be it welding, putting up fence, making biscuits, herding cattle, nimble fingers creating magic with embroidery floss, brushing down horses, or harvesting fields; the experience attached itself to me in deep ways that I wouldn't grasp until much later as I put my feet on the path to making my own way in this world.
My prize possession on that ranch was a coffee can of rocks – rocks that would speak to me of their quiet, their strength, their knowledge of the passing of the world. I find not only beauty in rocks, but a unique kind of wisdom, and peace. I am inspired by rocks, stones, minerals, crystals, gems, whatever they may be, in so many ways! Being able to mix them with metals has been the cherry on top.
I tell this story because the details and symbolism of a thing are meaningful to me, and are very much expressed in my creations. Such as when I'm working on bringing out the highlights of my etched pine tree creations - I hear the wind through those thick, high boughs; I smell that delicious, tangy bark; I am transported back to my soulful, forested place.
To have something in my hands that I made; when that piece finds the person it was made for . . . there aren't words to describe the feeling. A huge smile, that feeding of the soul, and the expansion in your heart when you see a piece of work that strikes a chord – that is what I want to inspire in collectors of my work.
Nature is perfection, constantly evolving in its seeming chaos, ever becoming more than it was. Metal and stones are a way that I connect with the seeming chaos of Nature's perfection. Creating not only betters my skill as an artist, but makes me more than what I was.
My heartfelt, euphoric gratitude to every individual that has been a part of my journey -
There is only more to come!
☆ ☆ ☆
In 2012, I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Deep Midnight Perfume's Blog:
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Jen Lank
Owner, Creator, Designer
Creator of Rock Spirit Studio, Jupiter's Haven and Io Tribe - Soul of the Moment Photographer - Cat lover - Bookworm - Science nerd - Tea drinker - Rock hoarder - Antique poetry book gatherer - Playing cards collector - Black and gray wearer
Bob Nelson
Concept Artist - Io Tribe Illustrator - Mad Sketcher - Frank Frazetta hoarder - Banjo picker - Beard grower - Bookworm - Apple pie admirer - Cafe frequenter
Shop policies
Accepted payment methods
- Accepts Etsy Gift Cards and Etsy Credits
- Money Order
Paypal - Etsy's Direct Checkout - Etsy Gift Cards - Money Orders
Read this helpful guide to purchasing on Etsy:
If you would like something reserved until your next payday, or to pay in installments, I am more than willing to work with you - I'm only a message away!
**** Items paid through Etsy's Direct Checkout or Etsy Gift Card system will ship to the address you provide at the time of checkout - sometimes USPS will suggest a few alterations to make it more to their systems' liking, in which case, I usually follow their lead.
- If there is any question, or discrepancy, I will contact you before shipping.
**** Items paid with PayPal will ship to the PayPal address.
- It is your responsibility to make sure the shipping address is accurate.
All packages ship via USPS First Class Mail which includes tracking and Delivery Confirmation. The estimated delivery time is 3 - 5 business days but please know that this is just an estimate and that delivery times can vary, especially during the holidays.
THE FULL VALUE will be stated on the customs declaration.
A copy of the declaration is attached to the inside of the box.
International orders will ship via USPS First Class International Mail
See http://pe.usps.com/text/imm/immc2_012.htm for the countries that provide Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International.
Delivery time will be an estimated 2 - 6 weeks depending on country of destination. 2 - 6 weeks is an estimate and not a guarantee as delivery times can vary depending on how quickly the receiving country processes the package through customs and can lengthen during the holidays.
*IMPORTANT* Please be aware that you will be responsible for any taxes, customs fees, or other amounts levied by your home country. Please check with your Customs Office and/or Postal Service if you are concerned about possible tariffs. ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR UK BUYERS! Royal Mail is reportedly being more vigilant in collecting VAT on purchases made through the mail. You should be prepared for the possibility of paying VAT plus a Royal Mail fee upon receipt. Helpful link for UK Buyers: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/customs/post/internet.htm
Contact me prior to purchasing, or leave a note in the 'Note to Seller' box during checkout if you would like the item shipped to a giftee's address. I do not include invoices in *domestic* shipments. *International* packages will include a copy of the customs form on the inside.
- A handwritten note can be included at no charge; simply leave your words in the 'Note to Seller' box during checkout.
Due to my work schedule it is impossible for me to offer expedited shipping at this time.
Once I've packaged and printed shipping labels for your treasures, you will receive a confirmation email from me via Etsy or PayPal with a link to the tracking number.
Your purchase will then ship either that same day, or the next, depending on the time of day.
**** Shipping prices include packaging, handling, and postage.
Shipping overages will be refunded.
Refunds and Exchanges
I take pride in my craft and offer a 3 year warranty on *structural* issues.
*However*, your jewelry requires care and respect, and it will thank you with a longer lifespan.
Jewelry naturally wears and tears. If my item breaks from a structural issue WITHIN 3 years after the purchase date (the wire on a wrapped pendant snaps, causing it to fall off; two beads wire-wrapped together suffer a similar snap; etc.) I will repair the item for free.
Also if, horror of horrors, the item somehow gets ripped off and pieces fly willy nilly - find as many survivors as you can! I may or may not still have the same pieces to rebuild it if a lot of pieces are missing. In this case, there will be a reasonable charge for reconstructing the item.
Oftentimes, if a chain or lobster clasp breaks, those of you familiar with pliers can easily reattach replacements. In which case, I will just ship the chain or clasp - replacement chains will need to be purchased. If the entire item needs repair, I ask that you cover the cost of shipping it to me, I'll ship it back no charge. As always, feel very free to communicate!
If the item breaks, or is faulty for another reason, *CONTACT* me to resolve it, please.
Up to *7 business days* after your item has arrived - if you and your new friend just do not get along, and you would like a refund, I will refund the full price paid, *not* including the original shipping, once the item has been returned to me.
*****Return requests AFTER the 7 business days' mark will be declined.******
The cost of shipping it back is the buyer's responsibility, and the package is *required* to include Delivery Notification (payment of which is also the buyer's responsibility), so it can be tracked. You must contact me with the tracking number using Etsy's conversation system.
**** Please package the item so that it doesn't get damaged in transit; if I receive it in unsellable, or un-reusable condition, the refund will be partial.
Due to the communication that goes into a custom piece, I do not offer returns on custom work.
I have received packages in all kinds of crazy conditions; I am aware that things can happen. If you have a true terror of your package not arriving or not arriving in a satisfactory condition - BUY insurance. Convo me *PRIOR* to purchasing for an insurance quote.
**In the event you purchase insurance, and the item does arrive damaged beyond all recognition (photo proof is required), the entire purchase and shipping price will be refunded.
My items, however, are NOT waterproof.
Please remove when bathing, showering, swimming, getting tossed into the ocean by someone you may have previously trusted, or a night's jaunt in a hot tub while it gently snows.
**Items are not returnable due to water damage.
Additional policies and FAQs
I would love to alter the size of an item to fit you, if possible. It's a good idea to let me know this ahead of time, but if you receive the item and it's too small to breathe while wearing it (!), all I ask is that you pay to ship it back for altering.
Each piece I create is made with great attention to detail. You won't find wire wrapped pieces that have ends sticking out that can snag clothing or hair; clasps are securely fastened, as well as pendants. All etched metals are sanded/filed by hand to avoid sharp edges or points.
I stand behind all my work 152%!
If I wouldn't be comfortable wearing it, I won't sell it.
**** Also, I do my utmost best to do my due diligence research on my work; disclosing information such as the item being dyed, synthetic, glass, or stabilized.
**** I am a one-woman business (not including Io Tribe, where the same due diligence is done), and I absolutely believe in, and practice, honesty, integrity, and the highest ethical practices.
Jupiter's Haven is not just my job, it is a representation of who I am as a person, and an artist.
If you ever have any questions or concerns, I am here to take care of you!
I strive for blissfully happy customers, period.
© 2006-Present Jennifer Perez. All rights reserved
Io Tribe™ and Callisto's Caravan™ and Jupiter's Haven™ are satellites of Rock Spirit STudio™. No part of the content, designs, images, verbiage, product trade name(s), trade product design(s), and product(s) can be used without prior express written permission.


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"The Vitessa was an innovative 35mm folding rangefinder camera made by Voigtländer in the 1950s...Voigtländer Vitessa
"Point and shoot camera that has a barn door. Similar effect to photos taken with Lomo L-CA. Uses...Chinon Bellami
"The Belami AF made by Chinon is a point and shoot 35mm autofocus camera that has a single "barn...Chinon Belami AF
"The Dallmeyer Dual is a 4.5×6 folding camera, sold in 1931. It has an unusual aspect, with...Dallmeyer Dual
Pages in category "Barn door"
The following 5 pages are in this category, out of 5 total.


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When I've had to compare two files in the past I've always used the free WinMerge. There is no arguing that this is an awesome free app, but there is one feature it has always lacked that the developers say they won't add. That feature is a way to view only the lines that are different between two text files. Here is what the WinMerge FAQs say:
Can I hide similar lines in a file comparison, so that only different lines are visible?
No, you can't. Many users have requested this feature but we don't have any plans to implement it. We don't believe it would really improve usability.
There is another free app called DiffMerge that does have this feature though. The two documents that I'm comparing in the screenshot above with DiffMerge are 50 lines in total, but only the different lines are shown.
One thing to note is that the option to view only the differences will be disabled until you switch to the bottom tab labeled Referenced View. After you do that you should be able to switch to the Differences Only view.
I really wish that WinMerge had this feature, but at least there is a free alternative available that can do it. And here are some of the other features that DiffMerge offers:
- Graphically shows the changes between two files. Includes intra-line highlighting and full support for editing.
- Graphically shows the changes between 3 files. Allows automatic merging (when safe to do so) and full control over editing the resulting file.
- Performs a side-by-side comparison of 2 folders, showing which files are only present in one file or the other, as well as file pairs which are identical or different.
- Windows Explorer Integration – Right-click on any two files in Windows Explorer to diff them immediately.
- Rulesets and options provide for customized appearance and behavior.
- Identical feature set on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
DiffMerge Homepage (Windows/Mac/Linux; Freeware)


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My little bro flew up for a visit the other day. It turned out to be quite an eventful trip.
For a start, he managed to wangle a free trip, which is always a bonus. A friend of his was coming up and said she had a spare ticket for whomever asked first. Nice one.
They get on the plane, and the guy next to them is doing scratchy tickets. I don't know if you have them where you are, but they're a form of lowkey gambling. It's a piece of card you buy from a gas station or corner shop that costs a couple of bucks. You randomly scratch off some elements, and there's a chance to win a money prize.
Anyway, this guy is doing these and suddenly he says "Oh wow, $20! That'll cover what I paid for them." Pretty obviously this happened because my brother was sitting right next to him – he's got to be a good luck charm, right?
The guy continues scratching away, then leans over and asks "This can't be right, can it?" Guess what? He won $100,000. Right there and then.
That's not the eventful bit of the trip. I'm just telling you that coz it's kinda cool. The eventful bit was about half way through the flight, when the head steward comes storming up the aisle and demands to see both of their boarding passes.
Here's my brother's:
This may not come as much of a surprise at this point in the story, but the steward wasn't coming to offer them a complimentary hot towel for their wit and verve.
The staff on the plane gave them something of a bollocking (local slang: telling off, in this case while the staff standing behind you try not to giggle too loudly).
They were then met at the door by a police officer with rather a lot of pointed questions, although apparently he had the decency to be at least a little amused by it all.
I think my brother might have got away with it though. I reckon it was his friend that really pushed it over the edge.
Her boarding pass? Ms Pimpin' Bitch.


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Denmark's ATP Returns 10% for 2012
The press release states, "Denmarks largest pensionsfund ATP delivered satisfactory results in 2012. The return was DKK 58bn and the profit for the year DKK 10bn. This profit level means that ATP's reserves now amount to DKK 84bn and the assets under management to DKK 624bn.
"As a pension fund, it's crucial that we deliver stable returns year after year. I am pleased that in the middle of one of the worst economic slumps we are once more in a position to deliver a good result for 2012. With a return of DKK 58bn, ATP's robust investment strategy has once more shown its worth," says Acting CEO Henrik Gade Jepsen.
The majority of ATP's return of DKK 45bn was achieved by hedging activities. The remaining part – DKK 13bn – comes from investment activities and in particular from listed domestic equities, private equities and credit investments. Overall, ATP's return on investment was 10 per cent according to the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority's method of accounting.
ATP's net profit in 2012 was DKK 10bn. The profit has boosted ATP's reserves, which at the end of 2012 amounted to DKK 84bn. ATP's assets under management total DKK 624bn.
"With the return for 2012 we have once more delivered satisfactory results that ensure ATP can meet the guaranteed lifelong pensions. Furthermore, ATP still has the financial leeway to deliver stable returns in the years to come – for the benefit of the ATP members," says Henrik Gade Jepsen.
In 2012, ATP paid out DKK 12bn in pension benefits and DKK 9bn in tax on pension-savings returns to the Danish government in 2012."
Read more: ATP Press Release
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The start of a new year is a special time when everyone comes together to celebrate, leaving you ample time to bury the you-know-what. Let auld acquaintance stay forgot with this Groupon.
Choose from Three Options
- $62 for a party package for one, a signature cocktail (a $125 value)
- $115 for a party package for two with two signature cocktails (a $250 value)
- $200 for a party package for four with four signature cocktails (a $500 value)

Adopting a Roaring Twenties theme this year, JLaChic and Top Shelf transform the Westin Hotel's honeycomb of ballrooms into a series of specialized party stations on New Year's Eve. In the Flashback Party Room, funk band Top Shelf and DJ Tommy Fullove take advantage of the ambiguous transition of the years to inject some '70s, '80s, and '90s into partygoers' hips. In the Smooth Jazz room, saxophonist Sonya Jason and her band SaxTigress roll out the classy grooves of Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and the Yellowjackets. The Concordian Ballroom offers sizzling salsa dancing to the music of DJ Ian de Silva and a live set from Raquel con Bolero y Mas. Throughout the night, comedians Jeff Applebaum and Donald Lacy offer dynamic stand-up comedy, and award-winning magician Chin-Chin displays an uncanny knack for conjuration, pyromancy, and looking cool in a shiny suit.
Festivities begin at 9 p.m. and begin wrapping up at 1:15 a.m., with one final ballroom remaining open until 2 a.m. The party is a black-tie affair, so attendees should arrive in a gown, dress, tuxedo, or dressy dinner jacket and tie.

San Francisco Chic! New Year's Eve Extravaganza
A black-tie affair with good times in mind, San Francisco Chic! is an annual party that rings in the new year with panache. Held at the Westin Hotel, the party spreads across several different rooms—guests might laugh it up with the comedians in attendance, head over to hear the funk, soul, and rock-and-roll of party hosts Top Shelf, listen to jazz with Sonya Jason, or groove with Raquel con Bolero y Mas! for salsa dancing. Additional packages include dinner theater, a makeshift casino that donates its proceeds to charity, and a bouncer to make sure 1973 doesn't try to come back for seconds.


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As the world's leading provider of surplus asset management sales and solutions for more than a decade, EquipNet has worked with small and large companies to help them make the most of their valuable assets when closing a facility. The EquipNet Facility Closure Resource Center provides a wealth of practical information and a forum for visitors to benefit from that expertise.
The new microsite includes two free eBooks, a video, and numerous case studies outlining the success stories of companies who've prepared well and used their expensive equipment to recover much-needed cash during a facility closure.
EquipNet's Vice President of Corporate Marketing, Matt Smith, wants companies facing a plant or lab closure to understand the primary purpose of the Facility Closure Resource Center. "It's all about preparation," says Smith. "Even if a company is not closing a site tomorrow, the Facility Closure Resource Center has compiled EquipNet's expertise to help them educate themselves and prepare for the possibility."
About EquipNet
EquipNet is a leading provider of proactive asset management solutions and services to leading corporations in the biotech, pharmaceutical, chemical, and consumer packaged goods industries, such as Merck, Novartis, Unilever and many others. EquipNet's vision is to revolutionize the way companies manage their surplus assets by maximizing financial returns and minimizing the risks associated with idle capital assets. For more information, please visit:


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The Education of Oronte Churm
Oronte Churm is the pen name of John Griswold, who teaches in the MFA program at McNeese State University, proudly nestled in Cajun country on the Louisiana Gulf.
If There'll Be Snow
When classes were finished and Thanksgiving break started last week, my family and I blew out of town so fast we made that cartoon ptcheeeeeeew noise and left behind wavering images of ourselves hanging in the dust.
When classes were finished and Thanksgiving break started last week, my family and I blew out of town so fast we made that cartoon ptcheeeeeeew noise and left behind wavering images of ourselves hanging in the dust. I'd worked on a nonfiction book all summer so we never took vacation, and we've been planning ever since to drive out and spend this week in West Virginia, where Frenchy, my old friend and former boss in Army diving, arranges for us to use a condo that sits a few hundred vertical feet below Snowshoe Ski Resort. I had firmly in mind old news clips of red-cheeked Austrian toddlers learning to ski, and since Starbuck and Wolfie are seven and four already, we figured it was high time to put them in ski school.
You can imagine how comical I looked on Monday, gawking around at the bare summit of this mountain that I expected to be covered with snow. Temperatures were in the 50s, and the resort was empty, the restaurants mostly closed. Opening day, which was to have been Wednesday, has been pushed back to December 4. But the mountains are beautiful in every season, and Family Night went ahead, with only our children and four or five more in attendance. They were kings of some childhood fantasy—an enormous room filled with climbing walls, trampolines, video games, pool tables, bouncy houses and slides and Velcro walls, and as many hot dogs, cookies and tubs of Pucker Powder they could eat. I made Vietnamese noodle soup one night and lemongrass beef wraps another, using the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and other ingredients we'd brought, which wouldn't last long and are unavailable locally.
One day we drove down the valley, passing Pearl S. Buck's birthplace ("I stopped by there once but she wasn't home," Frenchy said), went caving at Lost World Caverns, and strolled the main drag in Lewisburg, where our congressmen buy antiques, toys, and good bread while convening at the nearby Greenbrier, which also used to hide their nuke shelter away from Washington.
I cooked a full-on Thanksgiving dinner for five that would have fed 15: Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash, dressing, cranberry salad, southern style green beans, rolls, pecan and pumpkin pies. About an hour before sunset it started sleeting, and we watched the clouds darken and roll in over the ridge across the hollow, then the hollow closed off. The boys made a gingerbread house, and we had a roaring fire in the fireplace, good wine and good company. Overnight the resident mice neatly removed every jellybean—leaving every gumdrop and hard candy—from the gingerbread house's icing and carried them off to their nest.
This morning I got up to see the front deck covered in snow. I called Frenchy down at his house five miles below us. "It's colder than a well-digger's ass down here," he said. "You'll be getting powder up there." The snow outside the big windows was actually falling up in the mountainside draft, then falling down on itself in a confused blizzard.
We talked about bringing the boys up to build a snowman in the resort square, but if we had driven our van down the gravel drive to the road, we'd never get it back up to the condo. Frenchy came up in his four-wheel drive truck and brought me to the resort so I could post this using their wireless connection. The snowmakers are roaring full blast, and 40 mile-per-hour gusts whip flakes all around the summit. Visibility is near zero.
We're supposed to be leaving tomorrow morning to go home, but there's a semi and two cars stuck on the road somewhere below. We have plenty of food and firewood, and I still have Richard Powers' Galatea 2.2, which I'm supposed to be teaching next week, Michael C. Finke's Seeing Chekhov: Life and Art, and maybe most appropriately, Peter France's Hermits: The Insights of Solitude.
If we do make it out, we'll go a lot more slowly than we came, but with any luck we'll be trapped here 'til spring.
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Stop NATO news: March 30, 2012
Australia: U.S. Can Station Aircraft Carriers, Nuclear Attack Submarines, Drones
Australia: NATO's Main Military Partner In Asia-Pacific
Philippines Offers U.S. Wider Military Access, Seeks Weapons
Georgia Deploys Paramilitary Formations On Abkhaz Border: Russia
Armenia: NATO's Third Outpost In The Caucasus
Cambodia: U.S. Completes Fourth Annual Military Exercise
Thailand: U.S. Ends Largest-Ever Annual Air Exercise
Pentagon Installs Comprehensive New Radar System In "Arabian" Gulf
NATO Trains Finnish, Swedish Warplane Crews For Baltic Operations
U.S. Sells Morocco 60 Howitzers, Trains Army In Their Use
Australia: U.S. Can Station Aircraft Carriers, Nuclear Attack Submarines, Drones
Agence France-Presse
March 29, 2012
US-Australia military co-operation stepped up in Asia-Pacific
Martin parry
Australia said yesterday it may allow the US to use its territory to operate long-range spy drones, as part of an increased US presence in the Asia-Pacific region that has rankled with China.
Washington and Canberra could also reportedly station US aircraft carriers and nuclear-powered attack submarines in the Western Australian city of Perth, as part of a major expansion of military ties.
Under the expansion, the first US Marines out of a 2500-strong deployment to Darwin in northern Australia — unveiled last November by President Barack Obama — are to arrive next month. The Marines plan has irked Beijing, but reassured some Asian countries who see it as a statement that Washington intends to stand up for its allies and interests in the region amid concerns about China's assertiveness.
The Washington Post wrote that the US was considering using the Cocos Islands, atolls in the Indian Ocean off northwest Australia, to launch unmanned surveillance aircraft. The Cocos would replace the US Indian Ocean base of Diego Garcia, which America leases from Britain and which is to be mothballed in 2016.
The Washington Post said Australia's government was considering upgrading Perth's Stirling naval base "for deployments and operations in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean by the US Navy". The upgrade would reportedly help Stirling service large surface warships including US aircraft carriers, and attack submarines.
Australian Defence Minister Stephen Smith said the priorities in closer co-operation were the rotation of Marines through Darwin, greater air access and more use of the Stirling base.
Australia: NATO's Main Military Partner In Asia-Pacific
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
March 29, 2012
Australia, a Key Partner in NATO's security mission
'You are a highly appreciated partner and contributor': these were the words of welcome and appreciation that the NATO Secretary General expressed to the group of visiting Australian parliamentarians at NATO Headquarters today. 'In today's world where the defence of our borders may take us far away, we realize that we cannot accomplish our security mission without our Partners around the Globe', Mr. Rasmussen said. 'In this respect, operations in Afghanistan and Australia's considerable contribution to the International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan (ISAF) since 2006 are a 'clear testimony of it" he added.
Australia is the largest non-NATO troop contributor in Afghanistan with 1,550 soldiers mainly deployed in Uruzgan province, a long contested area. Afghanistan, but also the forthcoming Chicago Summit, smart defence and NATO-Russia's relations were amongst the issues of discussion between the parliamentarians and the Secretary General.
The Australian delegation included senators and members of the House of Representatives, representing both the governing Labor Party and opposition Liberal Party of Australia. Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, MP, Australian Labour Party; Mr. Michael Danby, MP, Australian Labour Party; Senator Anne McEwen, Australian Labour Party, Ms. Nola Marino, MP, Liberal Party of Australia; Mr. Alex Hawke, MP, Liberal Party of Australia and Senator Gary Humphries, Liberal Party of Australia are key legislators interested in different aspects of defence and security in their home country.
The visit provided the participants with the opportunity of discussing the most important security issues of common interest with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen and other high level NATO officials and experts, as well as from NATO's highest military headquarters, Allied Command Operations. In addition to Afghanistan, discussions addressed the issues of emerging global security challenges, and the Alliance's active engagement in a more efficient and flexible partnership…
NATO's relations with Australia have fast developed during the past years, resulting in a structured, friendly and operational relationship. An important milestone in NATO-Australia relations was reached when – during his official visit to NATO in January 2012 -, Mr. Kevin Rudd, the then Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs accredited Ambassador Dr. Brendan Nelson as Australia's representative to NATO.
Philippines Offers U.S. Wider Military Access, Seeks Weapons
March 29, 2012
Manila offers US wider military access, seeks weapons
MANILA: The Philippines is offering the United States greater access to its airfields and may open new areas for soldiers to use, as the Pacific country seeks stronger military ties with its closest ally, moves likely to further raise tensions with China.
In exchange for opening its bases, the Philippines will ask Washington for more military equipment and training, including another Hamilton-class warship and possibly a squadron of old F-16 jet fighters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told Reuters on Thursday. "As part of building up our minimum credible defence posture, we would like the Americans to come more often," del Rosario said in an interview at his office near Manila Bay.
Manila favours more frequent joint military drills, he said. One such exercise, which will be staged on western island Palawan for the first time, is scheduled for April 16. "Let's have these joint training exercises more frequently and on a bigger scale. As many times as we can, in different places if we can, that's the objective of the exercise," del Rosario said, the first official confirmation of talks between the countries on increasing the US military presence in the Philippines.
Del Rosario said the possible purchase of F-16s and the request for a third cutter for the coast guard would be among issues up for discussion at a meeting between the two sides on April 30 in Washington. The US is also looking into gaining access, under a "joint use" arrangement, to around half a dozen civilian airfields in the Philippines, where US transports, fighters and spy planes can land for repairs, refuelling and temporary deployment.
The talks, between among foreign and defence leaders, will precede a meeting between US President Barack Obama and Philippine President Benigno Aquino later this year. In the last 10 years, the Philippines has received about 22 billion pesos ($512.22 million) in US military aid, Del Rosario said.
Georgia Deploys Paramilitary Formations On Abkhaz Border: Russia
Trend News Agency
March 29, 2012
Russian Foreign Ministry: Georgia creates informal armed groups on border with Abkhazia
Georgia is creating informal armed groups in the border regions with Abkhazia, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin told RIA Novosti following the nineteenth round of international discussions on security and stability in the South Caucasus, which was held in Geneva on Thursday.
"Since January, seven people were killed. There were some armed groups. This is confirmed by Georgian opposition politicians. The Georgian side in response to our statements traditionally tried to shift all the responsibility on to the Abkhaz side and provocations from the Russian side. But it sounded very unfounded and we with facts and figures showed that we control the situation, we know the specific places where that happens," he said.
Armenia: NATO's Third Outpost In The Caucasus
Public Radio of Armenia
March 29, 2012
NATO pledges support for further defense reforms in Armenia
The annual meeting in Political and Partnerships Committee (PPC) + Armenia format was held at NATO headquarters on March 29.
The Armenian delegation, headed by First Deputy Defense Minister David Tonoyan, and representatives of NATO member and partner countries discussed the implementation of defense reforms in Armenia and the amendment of defense legislature.
The parties noted the considerable progress towards adoption of the new code of conduct of the Armed Forces, development of a new military education doctrine and the capacities of the peacekeeping forces.
The Alliance expressed readiness to continue to support the implementation of reforms in the fields of defense and security.
Cambodia: U.S. Completes Fourth Annual Military Exercise
Xinhua News Agency
March 24, 2012
U.S., Cambodian Military Drill Ends Successfully
The 12-day joint U. S., Cambodian military exercise Angkor Sentinel 2012 ended successfully on Friday.
The closing ceremony was held at the Training School for Multi- national Peacekeeping Forces in Kampong Speu province, about 48 kilometers west of Phnom Penh, under the presidency of the four- star general Chay Sang Yun, a secretary of state for the Cambodian Defense Ministry, and Jeff Daigle, Charge d'Affairs of the U.S. Embassy to Cambodia.
"The drill was a very good opportunity for Cambodian and U.S. military personnel to create closer friendship relations and to build better military ties between the two countries," said Chay Sang Yun, adding that about 450 Cambodian armed forces joined the drill.
According to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh, the drill began from March 13 to 22 in Kampot and Kampong Speu provinces to cement the two countries' military ties.
It said approximately 100 members of U.S. Army Pacific joined Cambodian armed forces in focusing on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance operations, including a battalion exercise, a counter improvised explosives devices field exercise, medical civic actions projects to treat underserved rural inhabitants, and battlefield medical activities.
Angkor Sentinel is an annual, bilateral exercise sponsored by U. S. Army Pacific and hosted by the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, it said. This exercise marks the third anniversary of this…military exercise.
Thailand: U.S. Ends Largest-Ever Annual Air Exercise
U.S. Air Force
March 29, 2012
U.S., Thai service members conclude Cope Tiger
By Capt. David Herndon
Cope Tiger Public Affairs
-This year more than 1,900 airmen and civilians participated in the exercise, including approximately 430 U.S. service members. The exercise included a total of 92 aircraft and 34 air defense units, including U.S. platforms such as the C-130 Hercules, A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III and F-15 Eagle. Combined exercise leaders said this was the largest Cope Tiger bi-lateral freedom jump in its 18-year history.
UDON THANI, Thailand: More than 240 Thai and U.S. airmen and soldiers took part in a personnel drop over Lop Buri, Thailand, to close out this year's Cope Tiger 2012 multilateral air exercise, which was held here March 12-23.
The mission between the U.S., Thailand and Singapore aimed to improve U.S. and Royal Thai Air Force abilities to inter-operate.
The jump personnel were transported by two U.S. Air Force C-17 aircrews from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and by two C-130 Hercules aircrews from Yokota Air Base, Japan.
The mobility Airmen were staged out of Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Base Base, Thailand, and readied the transport aircraft for static line and high-altitude/low-opening procedures…
This year more than 1,900 airmen and civilians participated in the exercise, including approximately 430 U.S. service members. The exercise included a total of 92 aircraft and 34 air defense units, including U.S. platforms such as the C-130 Hercules, A-10 Thunderbolt II, C-17 Globemaster III and F-15 Eagle. Combined exercise leaders said this was the largest Cope Tiger bi-lateral freedom jump in its 18-year history.
"This was the ultimate training environment to practice the execution of a complex scenario with multiple weapon systems, users and methods of aerial delivery," said Monaco.
Cope Tiger is an annual, multilateral joint and combined field training exercise that takes place at Korat and Udon Thani Royal Thai Air Force Bases. The exercise aims to enhance readiness and combined/joint interoperability between U.S. forces, allies and partners within the Asia-Pacific region. Exercise scenarios concluded March 23 and redeployment of personnel and aircraft continue this week.
Pentagon Installs Comprehensive New Radar System In "Arabian" Gulf
U.S. Air Force
March 28, 2012
New radar helps Airmen defend Arabian Gulf
By Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Grewe
727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron
SOUTHWEST ASIA: Airmen defending the Arabian Gulf have another arrow in their quiver thanks to a new radar system installed at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing here March 18.
The TPS-75, or "Tipsy-75" as the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron calls it, is a powerful air surveillance radar capable of providing long-range, real-time radar coverage.
Airmen assigned to the 727th EACS use the TPS-75 to provide 24-hour air defense and surveillance for unknown threats over the entire Arabian Gulf region. The new system gives the radar operators both a bigger and more detailed picture as they monitor all aerial activity in the area.
"Our job is to constantly watch the skies," said Lt. Col. Steven A. Breitfelder, the 727th EACS commander. "Our operators defend the Arabian Gulf and its surrounding countries by monitoring the area for enemy aircraft."
The 727th EACS set a goal for increased radar coverage to improve their current mission capabilities. Airmen began looking and coordinating with the host nation in January to find a suitable site able to support the TPS-75.
NATO Trains Finnish, Swedish Warplane Crews For Baltic Operations
North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Command Operations
March 29, 2012
Šiauliai: The eleventh sequel of the Baltic Region Training Event (BRTE XI) was completed on 28 March when all assets involved in the event were safely back at their home bases. The two-day training event brought together German Phantom fighter aircraft and Swedish Gripen as well as Finnish Hornet jets in the Baltic region to execute a scenario where a Lithuanian Spartan transport aircraft simulated a loss of communication above international waters in the Baltic Sea.
"This has been another excellent occasion to train important procedures for NATO's Air Policing in the Baltic region," sums up Lieutenant Colonel Holger Radmann, commander of the German F-4F Phantom detachment tasked with executing this NATO mission at Šiauliai air base, Lithuania. "The participation of the Partnership for Peace (PfP) members Sweden and Finland was another realistic facet that allowed us to train handover procedures across national borders."
For the representative of the Lithuanian host nation, Colonel Antanas Jucius, it has been a pleasure to host BRTE XI at Siauliai.
Colonel Jucius underlined the joint effort during the BRTE, where Germany provided the fighter aircraft, the Baltic countries ensured command and control and the Partner nations helped to bring back safely the aircraft that simulated the loss of communication. "We must train to be proficient in these procedures."
U.S. Sells Morocco 60 Howitzers, Trains Army In Their Use
U.S. Africa Command
March 26, 2012
U.S. Soldiers Observe Training at Moroccan Field Artillery Center
By Sergeant Terysa M. King
U.S. Army Africa Public Affairs
MOROCCO: In order to help improve the security of Morocco, 20 members of the 15th Royal Artillery Group purchased approximately 60 armored vehicles called M109A5 howitzers through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program.
At the request of the Royal Moroccan Field Artillery Training Center, an artillery tactics military-to-military exercise was executed in the cities of Fes and Guercie, March 4-10, 2012 to help provide the Moroccan soldiers with training on the maintenance, safety and firing of the M109A5 system.
The M109A5 howitzer is an armored vehicle that is easily customized for specific mission requirements. It is the most common support weapon of maneuver brigades of armored and mechanized infantry divisions.
March 30, 2012 at 6:35 am
Thanks Rick for a jolly article to us all today! Australia a disgusting poodle, Philippines begging for more arms, Cambodia (bombed by the US to complete destruction via Kissinger) now works with the US/NATO, China is blamed for its success and called names, while it has attacked NO country this century or interfered in their affairs.


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Summer Creative Writing Camps at Boulder Writing Studio, Register Now!
★ Class (drop-in) at a Glance
When: Wednesday, Apr. 25th, 2012 Other Dates
Where: Buolder Writing Studio
Time: This is an All Day Event
Cost: $225 - $485
More Information: Website
Developed by our fun-loving staff of writers, Boulder Writing Studio's summer camps introduce kids and teens to the art and craft of storytelling. LITTLE STORYTELLERS (ages 6-8) captures the imaginations of our youngest campers and gets them writing and illustrating stories. KID WRITERS (ages 9-12) gives kids a chance to explore what makes a great story and develop their unique writing style. Camps are full fun activities - from Mystery and Song Writing to A Day at Chautauqua and Pizza and Poems on Pearl Street. We also offer a unique program for our TEEN AUTHORS (ages 13-16), which gives teens the tools and support they need to create a book of their own. The program includes invaluable one-on-ones with professional writers and an authentic taste of the writing life. For more information, contact the Boulder Writing Studio at www.boulderwritingstudio.org or call us at 303-883-0462.
Camps are from June through August, 2012
Cost is from: $225 (one week camp, member price) -$485 (three week camp, non-member price)
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
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Buolder Writing Studio
2229 BroadwayBoulder, CO USA 80302
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Writing Studio
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World-class fast bowler Nicola Browne has chosen club and career over country, turning down the opportunity to represent New Zealand to re-sign with the ACT Meteors.
The veteran of 181 international caps last played for the White Ferns in April, starring as they qualified for the 2016 ICC Women's World Twenty20. But Browne's focus on a post-cricket career had the biggest influence on her decision to commit to the Meteors.
Browne is doing administrative work for the 2015 Cricket World Cup, to be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The 30-year-old believes the opportunity to develop her off-pitch career was more important ''than just another cricket tour''. Several New Zealand tours conflict with the preparation for next year's Cricket World Cup.
Browne said balancing work and play was vital, especially after recovering from a career-threatening gluten intolerance, which saw her break from international cricket for two years.
''I just think that for the future and the skill development that could occur in the working side [of cricket] would probably outweigh the benefit of playing for the White Ferns,'' Browne said.
''From retiring for a couple of years and then coming back, it made me realise who I was and it made me a better person. And I think I can take that onto the field.''
Browne returns to the Meteors on the back of a T20 Grand Final loss last year against Perth. She is hoping Canberra can go one step further this summer.
Browne credits a lot of the Meteors performance last summer to coach Andrew Dawson, another big reason she will return to Canberra.
''I love what's here, and what Andrew's trying to do with the team around high performance and the message that's being driven by the Australian women's team.
''It might be Andrew Dawson's coaching style; it allows you to play with a sense of freedom.
''I really wanted to play in Australia ... the resources are great, they kind of supersede all of New Zealand's resources, which is probably just due to the climate.
''We put in a good performance in the semis but just weren't able to capitalise on that in the final ... it'll be something we address this season.
''What we have here is new and it's really refreshing after 13 years in the game. It's a new experience, and it allows a different part of me to grow and explore.''


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Author | exchange4media News Service | Saturday, Apr 30,2016 6:50 AM
Housing.com has launched 'Housing News', a comprehensive news platform that will feature objective news and analysis on the real estate sector.
Commenting on the launch, Nikhil Rungta, CMO, Housing.com said, "Our vision is to be the most trusted and transparent online real estate platform in India for both buyers and sellers. 'Housing News' is an important step in that direction. With this initiative our customers will get easy access to the latest news and views in the real estate industry which will help them to make better and more informed decisions. What makes it unique is that it is from the customer's point of view, without any jargon and is easy to comprehend."
Housing News has been launched with an objective of creating a one-stop-destination for all information related to real estate. The content has been categorised into various sections like Breaking News; Market Trends; Legal, Home Finance, Taxation Must-Knows; Expert Interviews; Lifestyle, to cover the spectrum of information required by a home buyer, for an empowered buy or even sell decision. The design is vibrant, responsive and attractive, optimised for easy reading and research. The content has been carefully curated to mirror all the concerns a home buyer faces at every step of his home buying or selling journey, till he completes his transaction. The News platform will also act as a forum for all the stakeholders to discuss matters important to the industry and include inputs from top real estate professionals and companies all over the country, even before its launch.
Programming HeadRadio Mango


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LONDON: European champions Chelsea may be third in the Premier League but that will be little consolation to interim manager Rafael Benitez as he takes his side across London to West Ham on Saturday.
Two successive goal-less draws is not what owner Roman Abramovich wanted after sacking Roberto di Matteo, the man who brought the European Cup to Stamford Bridge for the first time, courtesy of last season's Champions League triumph.
And those performances, against Manchester City and derby rivals Fulham, have done little to alter the hostility felt towards Benitez by a large section of Chelsea fans on account of the Spaniard's outspoken comments about the Blues when he was Liverpool manager.
Even wins may not be enough to appease those sections of the Chelsea faithful who remain implacably opposed to his appointment. But a win, not to mention a goal, at West Ham would be a start in an early kick-off fixture where victory would move the Blues to within four points of Manchester United before the leaders are in action at Reading.
''If you analyse 10 games without a clean sheet, when the team are attacking and then you give the chance to the other team to score, you lose your confidence,'' Benitez said. ''The main thing is to keep a solid team with good shape and then we have to take the chances we create with the talent we have up front.''
United travel to Reading following a midweek 1-0 win over West Ham in which it took striker Robin van Persie just 33 seconds to score the fastest goal of the Premier League season so far. United also rid themselves of the worrying habit they've developed this season of conceding first.
''The clean sheet is something to build on because the performance needs to be better,'' insisted United midfielder Michael Carrick in words that could have been borrowed from manager Alex Ferguson.
Meanwhile Manchester City, still the only unbeaten side in the league, are at home to Everton with manager Roberto Mancini demanding more of Mario Balotelli after the striker opened his Premier League account for the season with the first goal in a 2-0 midweek win at Wigan.
''It's his first goal this [season] and I hope he can improve after that game,'' Mancini said.
West Brom, still fourth despite a 3-1 midweek defeat by Swansea, will look to return to winning ways at home to Stoke while Tottenham, whose 2-1 win over Liverpool took them up into fifth place, make the cross-London trip to Fulham.
Arsenal welcome Swansea to the Emirates after a 1-1 draw at Everton. Southampton, still in the relegation zone, travel to Liverpool, where Saints manager Nigel Adkins was once a schoolboy goalkeeper.


text: BostonGlobe.com Political Headlines - December 21, 2012 December 21, 2012 Obama needs to channel an inner John Howard: Columnist Derrick Z. Jackson explains why the president must take action similar to the former prime minister of Australia who took tough action after a gunman massacred 35 people in that country in 1996. Leading on guns: Warren in front of the issue: Columnist Scot Lehigh writes about how Senator Elizabeth Warren said, long before last week's mass shooting, that she'd fight much more aggressively for a federal assault weapons ban. GOP spurns Boehner tax bill: Last night, House Speaker John Boehner canceled a planned vote on a bill to extend income tax cuts for most Americans while increasing rates for millionaires. More from Washington Bureau chief Christopher Rowland and Washington reporter Bobby Caina Calvan. Weld's return to Boston brings speculation of a Senate run: Reporter Noah Bierman writes about the possibility of former Governor William Weld running for the Senate if Senator Kerry is appointed Secretary of State. Boston mayor anticipates leaving hospital Sunday: Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who has been in the hospital for eight weeks, could be home for Christmas. Andrew Ryan reports.


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Interview: Chairlift
"We wanted it to feel very percussive and yet kind of coasting, like a car through a desert" — Caroline Polachek on 'Something'.
Brooklyn-based band Charilift (made up of Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly) are like a brilliant 80s electro-pop duo who have visited the future, met up with ambient outfits, lo-fi rockers and dreamy pop songstresses, and then come back to share it with us. We like them so much that we shot them for our Music Issue when they were in Australia last. We recently called up Caroline to talk about recording Something in an antique store in New York, style icons and wanting to tour with the Presets before they come back here to play Parklife.
Leesa Gallaher: What are you up to at the moment?
Caroline Polachek: I'm sitting in my kitchen, I'm not wearing any shoes, and I'm listening to you in massive headphones right now so you're kind of in stereo.
How have the dynamics of Chairlift changed, going from a trio to a duo?
It's really exciting to work as a duo in the studio because there's never anyone who's slacking off. If there are three people there's usually one person going out for a cigarette or something, but when there are two people, the entire album exists in that rapport between just you two and the whole album is written in a collaborative way, when of course the first one was just written by the guitar. For Something we wrote everything in front of each other, which was really amazing and actually a little bit scary for me because I'd never written a melody or lyrics in front of somebody before, so there was a lot of trust. We have vey complementary skill sets, and that made it really nice.
Can you tell us a bit about the story behind Something?
It's kind of about a moment in our lives, and the kind of energy that we wanted to capture. We'd been touring our first record for about a year-and-a-half and we felt this itching need for change. We wanted to do something that had a lot more energy and was more vivid. We were also experiencing a lot of tension in our personal lives — Patrick and I had met people, and we were going through a lot of challenges to be with those people. We were both interested in writing songs that were more personal and experimenting with sound. Out of those desires the album came about organically without any kind of concept. We wanted it to feel very percussive and yet kind of coasting, like a car through a desert.
Was it a challenge working with a major label for the first time?
It was, but it was actually nice. I don't have any regrets musically and they didn't ever censor us which was great, but at the same time we were really artistically frustrated by how long everything took. There are so many people you have to get approval from and go through. It almost becomes very unnatural and it just gets so protracted that you get bored of your own work before anyone else gets to hear it. So that's kinda frustrating, but you wouldn't be able to work with a producer like Dan Carey [who they worked with on Something] if it wasn't for that.
What kind of influence did Dan have on the album?
Dan came in at a very late stage of the process so we'd already demo'd our songs in quite a lot of detail. Dan was getting a full picture of the character of each production, like for example 'Sidewalk Safari' felt very yellow… and 'Ghost Night' was dark and haunted. His role was to take these songs and amplify them, make them as extreme as he could. Dan's obsessed with texture so we really got obsessive working on different sound, for example, the sounds in 'Wrong Opinion' where the synths that do that roar in the chorus. We'd all tweak out for days getting really into making these sounds as extreme as possible. All the vocals for 'Sidewalk Safari' were recorded in Dan's car so the sound of the engine running is in all of the vocal takes. We put a plastic head in the backseat so that you'd get a backseat passengers perspective of all the vocals.
You also produced a lot of the album in the back of an antique store — how did that come about?
It was a massive stroke of luck! We wanted a place to write in in New York that was private and where there wasn't a metal band practising next door, and a place that wasn't our apartments either... We came upon this guy named Sven who was opening an antique shop and had an extra room in the back with a couch in it and a small window and a ceiling fan and that was it. It was perfect. The interesting thing about that room was that it was very easy to forget where we were, what era we were living in, and even what city we were living in. It felt like stepping into some kind of closet without any information at all. We had one synth, one bass, a very minimal drum kit, one guitar, and monitors and piano.
You guys get compared to 80s synth pop all the time, how do you feel about that comparison?
You are what you eat. I was listening to a lot of 80s synth music before working on this record — not because I wanted it to be a reference but just because that's what I was enjoying at the time. Particularly Yellow Magic Orchestra, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, and Roxy Music. I really like the combination of beautiful epic melodies and very sweet, pretty vocals and the diffident percussive metallic quality of the beats.
Last time you were here you were on Triple J's 'Like A Version', covering Beyonce. Are you a fan of hers?
I'm a big fan of Beyonce's last record. I think it goes into some crazy territory and she's really brave for having put that out.
What other artists are you into?
My guilty pleasure at the moment is the new Frank Ocean record. I don't even know why I'd say it's a guilty pleasure. I think that song 'Thinking About You' is totally fucking brilliant. I'm into it a lot. I'd like to write something that's that simple and touching and beautiful.
Did you read the coming out letter he posted online a few weeks ago?
Yeah, I did. I thought that was great too. Good timing…
Who is your favourite pop star of all time?
I think I know immediately who it is. It's not someone who gets enough credit but I think in the near future he might — singer and songwriter Paddy McAloon from 80s band Prefab Sprout.YouTube him. He's incredible. He cuts to the centre of these stories and it feels like real life. The way he sings is so expressive.
You did a shoot with us a few issue ago. While you were here did you discover any Australian labels that you loved, that you wanted to take back home?
I really like Sara Phillips' use of military detail and also the new age quality is very much up my alley. She does halter necks and works with camouflages, and the label has a touch of Blondie circa the 70s as well. It's really, really cool.
You have awesome style. Who are your influences?
I can't help but be influenced by women who I love who don't care about fashion that much — women like Delia Derbyshire from the late 50s and 60s at the English BBC. I think she's the most stylish person ever because she never really left the basement. I went through a phase recently when I was obsessed with the way Jane Goodall was dressing out in the field in the 60s. I just love the idea of clothes being functional and at the same time flattering. I was living in Italy for a while and I became obsessed with the way the street workers dress there. They have burgundy uniforms that turn orange and they've got reflective stripes on them. It's almost arbitrary but there's something so cool about it, almost like Jil Sander or something.
Do you dress differently whether you're on-stage or off-stage?
I think of it as the same style but just turned up or turned down. I've been getting more into minimal shapes and things that are quite graphic. It's good for stage because I like the shapes it'll leave from far away. There's a couple of New York designers who I love like Yara Nomia and Mandy Coon, and a British Designer who I love as well named Hannah Marshall — all of whom do really graphic, futuristic without the bullshit, shapes.
You shared a bill with Nite Jewel (who we interviewed for Oyster #99). What was that like?
It was amazing! Nite Jewel is one of my favourite contemporary artists, hands down. I think Ramona is a genius. It was a real pleasure to hear those songs every day and be on the road with those guys.
I can imagine. If you could tour with any artist who would it be?
It would probably be the Presets reunion tour!
Have you got any collaborations in the mix at the moment?
I did a duet with a good friend of mine and one of my favourite New York musicians, The Ice Choir. They're about to put out their first record and I sing a duet which is the last song on it. It's called 'Everything is Spoiled by Youth', and it's a kind of fucked up song because it's a duet between an artist and his suppressed imagination that he's intentionally suppressing and exploiting, and it's crying out at him for help, to be released. It's almost like a horse who's being treated badly by his master. At first I thought it was a really pretty, poetic duet and then I started listening to the lyrics and got chills up my spine reading what they actually were.
Photography: Ryan Kenny for Oyster #98
Introduction: Jerico Mandybur
Interview: Leesa Gallaher


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Civil War Letters of John Shook
View of the Civil War from One of America's Volunteer Soldiers
by Alfred Marion Chard
About the Book
John Shook was a 19 year old Illinois farm boy who volunteered to fight for the Northern cause in 1861. He wrote more than 40 letters home before being fatally wounded in the Battle of Stones River, Tennessee. His letters have been lovingly preserved by his family for over 145 years. The letters and envelopes contain historic and remarkable print art that is beautifully rendered in this book. The Shook letters are by turns patriotic and jingoistic, humorous and sad, and curious about friends and family back home. Written in the quaint country vernacular of the time without punctuation or capitalization, the book makes for fascinating ...and challenging... reading
Features & Details
- Category History
Standard Landscape, 10×8 in, 25×20 cm
194 Pages
- Publish Date Apr 11, 2010
- Tags Battle of Wilson's Creek, Battle of Pea Ridge, Illinois in the Civil War, Camp Rolla, Civil War camp life, union soldiers, Stones River, Illinois 36th Regiment, Civil War letters, Perryville, Shook
About the Creator
Alfred Marion Chard was raised in Audubon, Iowa, in the dust bowl years. He graduated from the State University of Iowa and the US Navy Midshipman's School at Columbia University in 1943. After the war he was a business executive in the manufacturing industry. He is now retired and working on his second book.
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1 Comments
Karen Roberts wow, this is a very interesting book---I used to live in Murfreesboro, Tn and used to visit the Stones River Battlefield and cemetary frequently --Was John Shook buried in this cemetary, or was he brought back home to Illinois?
Coincidentally, my great-great-grandfather fought on the Confederate side and his last battle was at Stones River as well because he broke his leg there and went home for a while to recover and by that time, the war was over.
Nice book