text:
Red, Yellow
The Latest Generation! 4" Longer than regular V-TWIN 800.High Intensity LED Double Light Bar; 2
Comfortable Leather Seats; 27" Monster Buggy Tires!
High Performance Fuel Injected Engine produces 60 horsepower!
Automatic 2 Speed
Hi/Lo Transmission. 2WD/4WD Switchable.
Free Windshield, Front Winch and Rear Trailer Hitch. Shaft Drive with
Free DOT Approved Motocross HelmetFree Shipping and Handling within lower 48
Free Delivery
Registration PaperworkFree
6 Month Manufacturer's
parts warranty and 1 year engine warranty
Free Big WindshieldFree
Front Winch (2500 Lbs Capacity)
Free Rear Trailer Hitch
(1100 Lbs Capacity)
Free Luggage Rack and Big Roof LightsFree
Manuals & Tool Kit
Free Lifetime Technical
EPA, DOT, CARB Approved:This go kart is EPA, DOT, CARB Approved and
and can be registered as an off road vehicle in all 50
65% Assembled: You will need to put on the wheels,
steering wheel, bumper, racks etc. Anyone who has some mechanical knowledge can uncrate this buggy and get it up and running in few hours (with help). However, if you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own,
you may take it to a professional mechanic and have them get it ready for you, it
is your responsibility to make sure that the vehicle is assembled
correctly and to pay for any additional fee related to assembly if
Negligence and improper assembly will void warranty. Be sure to tighten all bolts, check / replace engine fluids and fully charge battery prior to operation.
Extended Warranty:
$199 =
A total of 42 month coverage!
optional extended warranty on each buggy is $99.00 a year or $199 for 3 years.
This discounted pricing is offered by the manufacture before the vehicle is shipped. If you decide to purchase extended warranty after your vehicle has been
shipped, the original price will apply which is $200 a year
$400 for 3 years
. The
manufacturer's warranty starts the day when your vehicle is delivered. The
extended warranty effective as soon as the manufacturer's warranty expires. The
manufacturer's warranty covers 6 months parts, if you were to purchase a 1 year
extended warranty at only $99, your vehicle's motor and other warranty parts
will be covered under warranty for a total of 18 months.
800cc V-TWIN engine
costs $5,500
plus shipping, if anything happens during the first 18 months, we will ship you
brand new motors free of charge, same way with other warranty parts.
also offer 3 years extended warranty at $199 which gives you a total of 42
months coverage!
Four Adjustable Seats
High Quality Adjustable Leather Seats with
4-Point Safety Race Harnesses
High Strength Steel Frame
Headlamps, Auxiliary Lights, Tail lights,
Turn Signals, Mirrors, Horn, Windshield, Roof, Big Front Bumper, Spoiler
800cc Water-Cooled 4-stroke, Electric Fuel Injection
2 Speed Automatic Hi/Lo
Shaft Drive System
Won't snap or pop like chain driven system. Having a shaft drive dune buggy
requires much less maintenance rather than a chain drive dune buggy. The shaft
drive also has high durability for a more reliable machine.
Stronger, Heavy Duty and Durable
Enhance for Tie Rod, Steering, A-Aarm
Independent Swing Arms w/Preloaded
This Go Kart is equipped with independent swing arm with preloaded coil over
shocks on both front and rear suspension. This is top quality suspension to
ensure a more balanced and comfortable ride.
4 Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Rack & Pinion Steering:
Makes is so easy to steer
27" Large All-Terrain w/ Latest Design Aluminum Alloy Rims
Muffler / Rims / Gas Tank:
Stainless Steel, Chrome
Emergency Shut Off Switch:This
go kart comes with shut off switch in case of any emergency. With one press of the button it automatically cuts the engine so you can stop easily.
For safety precautions, be sure to check and tighten all nuts and bolts prior to use. Also, be sure to check for appropriate engine fluid levels to ensure your vehicle is operating under the recommended conditions prior to use.
Delivery Instruction:
to the size of box, the trucking company may not be able to deliver door to door
in certain areas, they will call you before delivery to make the best
arrangement with you should you be located in one of those areas. We are unable
to determine if your area is one of them until the trucking company attempts
The All New Generation (GEN II )
BMS 800cc V-TWIN L4 Dune Buggy
is one of the Hottest Buggies available
in the USA. We could not believe the Amazing Power, Speed, Acceleration and
Performance put out by this Buggy. It out performs the 1100 by far. Awesome
27" Monster Buggy Tires!
Many of our customers were able to register this as STREET LEGAL in many States.
If you're looking for something that's a cut above,
Power buggy is in a class by itself. Please check with
YOUR local DMV for the most updated
of Power buggy's registration.


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Parsons: No Imminent Split-Up at Time Warner
New York -- There is no imminent split-up of assets planned at Time Warner, according to CEO Dick Parsons.
Addressing a room of investors at the Goldman Sachs Communicopia Conference here Wednesday, Parsons said the company is focused on operations at AOL and not structural changes, adding that there was no timetable for a spinoff of Time Warner Cable.
On AOL, Parsons said the company is in a state of transition and the focus is on the execution of that strategy. AOL is moving from a subscription Internet-access model to a free ad-based model and at the same time building up its Internet-marketing services. The company has spent $500 million in acquisitions of marketing and Internet-service companies, and it announced earlier this week that it was rolling them up into a new division called Platform A.
"Those are big executional challenges given where we are coming from with AOL and the speed at which the industry is moving and the competition," Parsons said. "So that's were the focus is, not on doing something structural with AOL."
On the cable front, Parsons said Time Warner is not "closed-minded" to the argument of spinning off cable, recognizing its resonance in the marketplace. Time Warner Cable, he added, will eventually become a "multifunctional" telecommunications platform that will require more flexibility. He said the company will take a "hard look" at it but offered no timetable as to when a spinoff of cable might be. He also noted that there remain a number of beneficial synergies between the cable company and the content side of the business.
Parsons also gave no timetable for when chief operating officer Jeff Bewkes would take the reins of the company.

subset: commoncrawl


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Things to Know Before Planning to Study in the UK
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular & desired study abroad destinations for higher studies in the world. According to the 2015 - 2016 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, it is home to three of the top 10 universities in the world.
Every year millions of overseas students become a part of the UK and are catapulted to a world full of career opportunities. We know you too dream of studying there but are unsure how to reason this dream. So, we bring to you a few of the things you ought to know even before planning to study in the UK.
All about the UK
The United Kingdom is made up of four nations - England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These nations, all united under one government, have their own major cities. The UK has a population of around 66.57 million, making the world's 21st largest country by population.
A Multi-Cultural Hub
The UK is one of the most culturally diverse countries. You will meet various kinds of people from around the world with different cultural backgrounds. But besides these differences, you find many like-minded people there who share similar tastes as you.
The Indian Connection
It is known that the largest single ethnic minority group in the UK is the Indian community. Indians make up almost one quarter of the total ethnic minority population and the majority of Indian immigrants live mainly in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, the rest reside in major metropolitan areas like Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Pleasant Weather, eh?
The weather is mostly pleasant in the UK. Sometimes, you might not experience the best of weathers there; but you need not lose sleep over that for you can enjoy outdoor activities even when the weather is cold (or when it is raining!)
So do not let the weather bother you while you are there in the UK.
Public Transport comes to the rescue
The UK has a wide array of public transport options and is often reasonable for students.
Cities like London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Liverpool among others have the underground rail systems; and students can avail the benefits of student cards which can cut the cost of transportation. National Express, the largest coach network in the UK, helps you save up to 30% if you are lucky enough to get the Coach card. All the UK towns provide regular bus services helping the students commute to their institutions easily.
Benefits from a World-class education system
There are a numerous benefits offered by the education system of the UK. The universities and colleges across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales brings to you a wide array of courses – somewhere around 150,000 courses - to choose from. The UK education system combines different subjects into a single course of study which enables students to have a greater grasp over multiple disciplines in shorter time.
In addition to this, UK degrees are well-regarded by employers of the world, given the education system's reputation in the global market. This means, not only your education is top-notched but also it opens up a world full of limitless possibilities in the career aspect.
Exactly how expensive is the UK?
To put it bluntly, the cost of living in the UK is very high. But then again, it is only relatively higher than the other popular study destinations like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Also, the cost of living aspect depends on individual lifestyle of the students. Moreover, there are several exciting scholarship opportunities which do take considerable amount of burden off the students' shoulder. And the best person to consult about it is your education counsellor!
Earning While Learning
If you are planning to make some extra cash while studying, it is not a bad option whatsoever. And since India is a non-European Union country(obviously), you are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week while studying in the foreign country and full-time during your vacation. So just imagine what you can do with those extra bucks in your pocket.
However, since the norms and regulations for working in the UK are frequently updated, we suggest you visit their official immigration website; just to be sure you don't break any law!
Photo by Jaime Estévez on Unsplash


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There are schools offering international business degrees in Minnesota!
Schools Offering International Business Programs in Minnesota
Nearby States
Around 0.1% of Minnesota's graduates graduate from international business degree programs every year. That means an estimated 229 international business professionals graduate from Minnesota's 20 international business schools each year.
Top Schools
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, which was ranked 14th nationwide in 2010, is the top-ranked school in Minnesota that has a international business program. It is located in Minneapolis. In 2010, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduated 12 students from its international business program. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities charged in-state students $12,288 in tuition fees per year.
The second-ranked school in Minnesota with a international business program is Carleton College, which is located in Northfield. In 2010, it was ranked 17th nationwide. In 2010, 0 students graduated from Carleton College international business program. Students at Carleton College paid $41,304 per year in tuition fees.
The third-ranked school in Minnesota that has a international business program is Macalester College. Macalester College, which was ranked 21st in the country in 2010, is located in Saint Paul. 26 students graduated with degree in international business from Macalester College in 2010. Students at Macalester College paid $40,046 per year in tuition fees.
If you choose to attend a Minnesota international business school, average tuition will be $19,967 per year. However, tuition at your particular institution may range from $4,719 per year to $41,304 per year. In 2010, the following Minnesota international business schools had the highest tuition rates:
- Carleton College - located in Northfield, students are charged $41,304 per year
- Macalester College - located in Saint Paul, students are charged $40,046 per year
- Gustavus Adolphus College - located in Saint Peter, students are charged $33,500 per year
The international business schools in Minnesota that charged the lowest tuition rates were:
- Saint Paul College - A Community and Technical College - located in Saint Paul, students are charged $4,719 per year
- Century Community and Technical College - located in Saint Paul, students are charged $4,934 per year
- Minneapolis Community and Technical College - located in Minneapolis, students are charged $4,974 per year
An international business degree from a Minnesota school... what next?
Some of the most popular jobs international business graduates in Minnesota pursue include chief executive officer, operations manager, business professor, international buyer, and wholesale buyer. Minnesota had 55,360 international business professionals in 2010. 9,230 of these international business professionals were business analysts, 5,460 were chief executive officers, and 30,150 were operations managers. The largest populations of Minnesota international business professional are working in the following counties:
- Anoka County - 41,130 international business professionals
- Brown County - 2,850 international business professionals
- Becker County - 2,580 international business professionals
Projected Growth
The government projects that the number of international business professionals in Minnesota will grow by 1%. By 2018, there will be an estimated 60,480 international business professionals working in Minnesota. The greatest growth for international business professional is predicted to be amongst Business Analysts, who are expected to increase by 13% by 2018.
international business professionals in Minnesota earn $89,920 per year on average. However, this number is only an average. International business professional in Minnesota had varying salaries from $24,960 to $161,410 per year in 2010. International business professionals in the following Minnesota counties make the highest salaries on average:
- Dodge County - $97,275 per year
- Anoka County - $95,439 per year
- Benton County - $82,040 per year
On average, international business professionals earn the least in the following Minnesota counties:
- Becker County - $73,054 per year
- Big Stone County - $75,375 per year
- Brown County - $76,510 per year
On average, the highest paid international business professionals in Minnesota were:
- Chief Executive Officer - $172,350 per year
- Operations Manager - $109,320 per year
- Business Analyst - $88,550 per year
On average, the lowest paid international business professionals in Minnesota were:
- Wholesale Buyer - $62,620 per year
- Purchasing Agent - $59,450 per year
More Information
For more data regarding a career in international business in Minnesota and to compare salaries with various related fields such as business administration or supply chain management, take a look at the graphs and charts below.
Here are the different levels of study available for you to explore.
- Associate's Degree in International Business in Minnesota
- Bachelor's Degree in International Business in Minnesota
- Master's Degree in International Business in Minnesota
- Certificate in International Business in Minnesota
Want to study at your own time and pace?
Consider Online Schools as a great alternative flexible option to earn a degree!View Online Schools
Featured Online Schools
Kaplan University
Narrow Your Results
Curious what studying International Business gets you?
Check out the different options and how they're looking in Minnesota
|Employment Number
|Avg Salary
|Job Growth (past 5 yrs)
|General and Operations Managers
|Management Analysts
|Purchasing Agents, Except Wholesale, Retail, and Farm Products
|Chief Executives
|Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
|Business Teachers, Postsecondary
|Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Got your degree? Time to find a job!
Below are international business related jobs in Minnesota


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What now
I've been pretty vocal hear about my uber annoying pregnancy symptoms but I've got one that takes the cake. Bells palsy, a virus I contracted possibly while at the hospital possibly by chance that has paralyzed the right side of my face. This is a picture of me smiling my normal smile, check back to bumpdate http://smilingwatermelon.com/blog/2011/09/09/bumpdate-2/
for a pre virus smile to compare. I got a few meds that have been know to help it clear up but it could last anywhere from a few days to a few months. Soon I'll do a post called top 10 most annoying pregnancy symptoms.


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We're heading into the home stretch of the football season and none of my teams, the Bengals and Texans, are in it. Not even the teams I was rooting for last week won – Baltimore and San Francisco! How great would it be to have the Niners in the Bowl again? I honestly could care less about either team in all reality. I was just doing as other fans do and root for a team in a game because their team is out. Something came up as I reflected on the Niners loss last week. I realized that over the past 20 or so years almost every team I root for loses.
As a life-long Cincinnati Bengals fan this should come as absolutely no surprise, but there was a time they were good in the 80's! Remember the Icky Shuffle! I do! They of course ran into Joe Montana. In baseball I love the Cincinnati Reds and they have stunk it up since 1990 and utterly broke my heart in 2009. I have a passing enjoyment of the Philadelphia Phillies mostly because they're the "type" of baseball I like and from my own poor choice the City I live in. Apart from 2008 they haven't "won" it all and lost in spectacular fashion last year. Before that they were amazingly bad – yes of course they have won their division and are in the middle of a Dynasty but anyone who follows baseball knows they stunk for a long time. In college Football it's the great evil Notre Dame which is really just asking for a ass-beating these days.I'll be brutally honest in that I haven't cheered for them since Lou Holtz. I've given up on that mess of a school. Charlie Weis. Really?
Now take a look at those awful teams and you'll see why almost every year teams I like lose and that my poor choice in teams seeps into weeks when my teams lost. I realize this might just be a hex some elderly lady placed on me because I delivered her meds a few hours late or this might just be my M.O. You're wondering why does this matter to you? Well, you better hope that I'm rooting against your team.
And I'm rooting for the Patriots.
Because I totally, completely, and utterly dislike Eli Manning.


text:
The Robins Team
Transportation Executive Recruiters
The Robins team consists of a network of specialized transportation executive recruiters. Each one of our members is an expert in the placement of highly skilled logistics professionals. Combined, our team has over 100 years of experience in transportation and human resources. Our team members are frequently asked to contribute to leading industry trade journals as well as the national media.
It is through this dedication to the supply chain discipline that we are able to provide a level of service that is unmatched in the industry. In addition, our sophisticated database, combined with our team's extensive network, gives us access to the very best candidates.
If you have any questions for our transportation executive recruiters, contact us today.


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Help & FAQ
We are dedicated to great customer service and experience. In addition to our
knowledge base, we have 24/7 support ready to help you every step of the way.
call us
Call us for gear or style advice, questions about your order, or even advice about your upcoming ski trip! Talk to our Experts 24/7 about all of your KIT related needs.
Email us
[email protected]
It's our goal to answer all of your questions and to help you find the best products with the perfect fit. Our KIT Experts are available by email to answer all of your questions.
Do you like Instant gratification? Live Help is here for you! Simply click the "LAUNCH CHAT" button below. Live Help agents are available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm EST.
HOW IT WORKS: Kit Lender Basics
How do I rent from Kit Lender?
Choose It: Take your pick of our curated selection of the best gear, apparel, and accessories. Then choose a delivery date (add expedited shipping if the powder's coming and you're in a rush), the length of your rental (choose from three days, five days, ten days, or a season), and select your size. No rocket science required.
Receive It: Your rental will arrive via UPS or courier service at your home, office, or hotel by 8 p.m. the day before your delivery date.
Use It: This part is up to you! But if you need suggestions, our KIT Specialists love the outdoors and are happy to make suggestions.
Return It: Just place your items in the provided pre-paid envelope and drop it off at a USPS drop box (find one here). You can also schedule a pick-up by 12 p.m. on your rental return date or leave the prepaid envelope with the front desk of your resort, in a blue Postal Service mailbox, or anywhere else a mail carrier will pick it up. The dry cleaning is on us.
When should I expect my delivery?
Deliveries are made the day before your selected date and will arrive by 8 a.m. on the first day of your reservation. We will provide tracking information so you can see when your package is out for delivery. Mailrooms, front desks, and concierges are able to sign on your behalf. If you have any concerns, call us at 1-888-473-3111 and and talk with a real live person in Vermont who'll be happy to help you out. Heck, we'll even teach you how to make maple syrup and brew your own beer. (Honestly, we'll do our best to meet any request you have.)
How do I return my items?
Easy! Follow the simple instructions inside your box for easy returns, which includes suggestions for where to drop it off for pickup.
Do you ship outside the U.S.?
Not yet. But call us up (1-888-473-3111) and we'll figure out how to deliver a killer KIT to where ever you're going for whatever you're doing.
Why rent from Kit Lender?
Aside from looking great on the slopes 24-7? There are tons of reasons:
– You don't ski often enough to invest in your own quality gear and apparel.
– Your kids are growing like weeds and hate the hand-me-down Starter jackets you keep giving them.
– You'd look really cool checking into a hotel for a ski trip with just a handbag.
Is the reason you rent not here? We want to hear your side of the story. Tag us in photos or tweet @Kit Lender with #KITTEDOUT.
What are the rental windows and how do they work?
We offer three-, five- and ten-day rentals, as well as season-long rentals. The three-day window is best for people who plan on skiing for a weekend or just want to try out sweet new gear before committing. The five- and ten-day windows are great for more open-ended trips with family or friends. If you're a fashionista who needs the hottest outfit for the season, seasonal rentals are for you. If you need to extend your trip, just give us a call at 1-888-473-3111 and we'll add a daily rate of $10 per item until everything is returned.
How long is a seasonal rental?
A seasonal ski rental lasts from November 1st, 2014 until April 24th, 2015. But we're pretty flexible, so if you need a few more days just call us up.
What do I do if people ask me where I bought my stuff?
When you spread the word for Kit Lender, good things happen. Tell them you rented it for a fraction of the cost of buying an outfit through our site and we'll give you both 20% off your next KIT!
What if my package doesn't arrive to my destination on time?
All orders will include a live tracking link. If for any reason your KIT is not delivered on time, call us immediately at 1-888-473-3111 and we will arrange for you to use high quality equipment from a local ski shop, at no charge.
What if my items don't fit?
These things happen to the best of us. We've got the coolest people waiting by the phone to help you get kitted out in gear that makes your trip amazing. Not only can our KIT specialists recite sizing guides for all our products from memory, they're also avid Kitters and know our gear. If you get your items and they absolutely do not fit, call us immediately at 1-888-473-3111. We have partners in every town and if time permits, we'll send you a new outfit.
I lost or can't use my prepaid return envelope. What do I do?
We get it. You got excited and ripped the box open so fast that envelope didn't know what hit it. Call us at 1-888-473-3111 or email us at [email protected] immediately to let us know you need a replacement and we'll overnight a new return envelope to you. If you're about to fly home and can't find your prepaid envelope, take everything home with you and call or email us.
What happens if I lose or damage my KIT?
We recommend purchasing KIT insurance — no matter what you're renting; the percentage cost of insurance remains the same. Too late for that? As shred up as your clothes may be, you must return all items to avoid additional charges. Even if you're not covered under KIT insurance, we'll contact you about cost of damage.
If my KIT gets returned late, will you charge me?
We track every returned item, and as long as you drop your KIT in the mail on the agreed upon return date, you'll be good to go! However, we understand that sometimes things happen, so we'll contact you to resolve any issues before ever charging your card.
Is it true that you have some 60s, 70s, and 80s retro gear available?
Wouldn't that be radical? Well, rumor is our rad designers at Frank Collective placed an Easter Egg on our website, and finding it is the only way to unlock our throwback rentals. Start hunting and you could soon be wearing outta sight, groovy, or gnarly styles of the past.
I like what I'm renting. Can I just buy it from you?
Absolutely! We will have a card in the box with the retail price of your KIT. Just call us up so we know that you're keeping the gear and we'll charge the card on file. Just be nice to it, okay?
I really wish you rented XYZ…
AMAZING! Tell us what gear you think we should rent. A 10-gallon hat, pink moon boots, a fly rod? We have a warehouse full of rad gear. Maybe we'll ship it out to you tomorrow. Just call us (1-888-473-3111) or email us ([email protected]) with suggestions.
Kit Lender is such a cool disruptive idea/company. Can I work for you?
Hell yeah! If you're smart, ambitions, hard-working, and willing to join a fast growing business then apply away. Just call us (1-888-473-3111) or email us ([email protected]).
Why are the paparazzi following me?
You're one of the beautiful people now, get used to it.
Just how new is your stuff?
All clothing is laundered after every use, delivered to you like new. We also restock our inventory every ski season, so there's a good chance you'll be hitting the slopes in brand new gear.
Is shipping included?
Normal shipping fees are included. If you're in a rush, expedited shipping is available for an additional $50.00 charge.
Can I cancel a Kit Lender order?
Stuff happens. We allow cancellations up to two days before the shipping date.
If there's an issue with my KIT, who do I contact?
Call us day or night. Our business hours are 9-5, but there's a good chance Forrest himself will be available to answer your call late at night to help with any questions you might have.
I've never skied before. What do I need?
We recommend you rent an insulated jacket or shell with a mid-layer top, pants, a helmet, goggles, and gloves. You should also buy a hat, long underwear (top and bottom), and warm socks. We offer package deals so you save on the Complete KIT.
Will I be charged for the days I pick up and drop off?
You will only be charged for the period of the rental. Your KIT should be mailed on the last day of you rental period so that it's on its way back to us the next morning.
Where is your store located?
We are currently shipping out of NYC and AJ's Ski and Sports in Stowe, Vermont.
How far in advance should I place my order?
We suggest you place your order as soon as you make your travel plans. We have plenty of gear, but holiday weekends can get busy and we want to make sure you have the perfect KIT for your trip.


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Document tracking
Gain insight into how recipients interact with your documents when you send them with PandaDoc.
Who uses Document Tracking
Contract managers
PandaDoc streamlines contract renewals with built-in document tracking analytics. PandaDoc allows you to track your contracts after they're sent instead of chasing signatures via email. The best part? Once a contract is signed you'll receive an immediate notification with a link to download the finalized contract in PDF form.
Sales teams
Focusing on unsigned proposals or contracts can throttle your ability to go out and drum up more business. With PandaDoc, you're instantly notified when a prospect opens and views a document you've sent them, and you can prepare yourself for potential objections by seeing exactly how long they spent on each page of your proposal or contract. PandaDoc gives you the insights you need to close deals faster while freeing up your time so you can fill your pipeline.
Sales operations
A successful sales operations strategy is fueled by accurate and timely performance data. With PandaDoc, you'll have access to detailed analytics that let you see which content and collateral is being used the most. You'll also have a top-to-bottom view of the sales pipeline with data on exactly what stage every proposal, quote, and contract is in real-time.
Why PandaDoc?
Why choosing the PandaDoc document tracking software?


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This sums up Dive's latest solo 12-inch, Basic Collective EP Part 4. Each of the five cuts are loopy, but with a sense of personality and feeling that eludes most producers making similar material. The mood is breezy and reflective on the pad-heavy opener "Gangster Of Love (All That Funk)," while the rowdy and percussive "Rapin Black" kicks hard down low. More sunny, laid-back sounds can be found on "Bdown Variation 1005" and "Deeper And Deeper," two trademark Dive cuts. "Mystery" closes out the EP with a murky loop.
Published /
Tue / 26 May 2015
Words /
Matt Unicomb
Tracklist /
A1 Gangster Of Love (All That Funk)
A2 Rapin Black
A3 Bdown Variation 1005
B1 Deeper And Deeper
B2 Mystery


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As it enters its fourth decade, the Center for Bioethics & Health Law is thriving with a new lecuture series in the medical humanities, ethics conferences each fall and spring term, and a growing number of collaborations and consultations with reserachers across the University.
Reflecting on the past three decades, it now seems obvious that the University of Pittsburgh with its world renowned acaemic medical center and top Departments of Philosophy and History & Philosophy of Science, would have launced one of the earliest and most prestigious centers for medical ethics. But in the 1980s, contemporary bioethics was in its nascency. Hiring faculty to conduct bioethics research and develop educational programs in clinical ethics was visionary. Fortunately, it was part of the vision of Thomas Detre, who came from Yale to direct the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. He hired Alan Meisel to co-found, with Loren Roth, the Law & Psychiatry Program in 1974. Just over a decade later, Professor Meisel and Ken Schaffner, from the Department of History & Philosophy of Science, co-founded the Center for Medical Ethics, the forerunner of today's Center. Robert Arnold, recently named Distinguished Service Professor, was the first faculty member hired, in 1988, specifically to conduct research in bioethics.
Research. Faculty from the Center and Law & Psychiatry pioneered interdisciplinary research—empirical and conceptual—on foundational bioethical concerns: informed consent, competence assessment, confidentiality, research ethics, and the right to die. Today, the "right to die," initially the logical extension of a right to refuse medical intervention, has evolved toward consideration of assistance in dying. Our attention to ethical issues in research is today more focused on specific domains of research (genetics, neuroscience, community-based participatory research) and on questions demanding more nuanced analysis than either aspirational guidance documents or federal regulations can supply.
Moreover, while the later 20th century's shift from medical paternalism to patient autonomy supports respect for all patients and their values, today we are acutely aware that patients differ not just in their values and preferences, but in their social identities, economic circumstances, and cultural backgrounds. We appreciate that these differences have ethical significance as patients interact with a healthcare system. Medicine and public health increasingly employ the biological and cultural diversity of populations to provide more effective healthcare to enhance patient and population health. But we also recognize the need to ensure that Big Data, learning healthcare systems, and precision medicine do not exacerbate health disparities. Center faculty are currently consulting on data analytics governance with the Provost's office and on issues of consent, tissue sample management, and genomic sequencing for both Pitt and UPMC.
Bioethics—always at the intersection of the medical and social sciences, law, and the humanities—now draws increasingly on the methods and insights of gender studies, critical theory, behavioral economics and decision theory, and frameworks of social justice and human rights. Responding to some of these developments, the Center recently developed a partnership in bioethics with Carnegie Mellon's Center for Ethics & Policy, as well as Pitt's Institute for Precision Medicine.
Education. Our Center has always been at the forefront of innovation in bioethics education. In the 1980s, Dr. Arnold developed the School of Medicine's Clinical Ethics Training Program and Fellowship Program in Medical Ethics. Center faculty initiated the Dietrich School's Interdisciplinary Master of Arts Program in Bioethics, followed by joint programs with the Schools of Law and Medicine.
Today, Center faculty participate in several training programs and provide bioethics education across multiple schools. Recognizing the need to develop tools to address intersecting sources of injustice within healthcare and biomedical research, we are proposing a graduate certificate program in bioethics in collaboration with the Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies Program. Responding to the interests of Pitt undergraduates, Center faculty collaborated to propose an undergraduate certificate program in medical humanities.
Along with the field of bioethics, our Center has come of age. The range of issues and projects we undertake to address them continues to expand. Our commitment to excellence and collegial collaboration remain unchanged.
Lisa S. Parker
Professor, Department of Human Genetics


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Fraud Cases Popping Up in New Jersey Four Years After Sandy - By Kate King, The Wall Street Journal
New Jersey officials are still addressing a flood of fraud complaints related to superstorm Sandy four years after it slammed ashore.
Prosecutors are investigating or have filed criminal charges in 161 cases involving more than $15 million in alleged fraud stemming from the storm, according to the state attorney general's office and prosecutors in Ocean County, one of the counties hit hardest by the storm.
More than a third of the criminal charges brought by state prosecutors were filed in 2016, records show.
Many of the investigations have focused on building contractors accused of cheating their customers. But hotel operators, car dealers and homeowners also have been charged with stealing disaster relief money and other crimes.
In September, the owner of an Ocean County motel pleaded guilty to falsely claiming that he had sheltered Sandy victims to get $81,000 in federal funds. In 2014, an operator of a used-car dealership in Middlesex County was sentenced to three years in state prison after pleading guilty to securing fraudulent vehicle titles to sell cars damaged by Sandy to unsuspecting customers. The state has also filed charges against residents accused of improperly claiming disaster funding.
"We've getting new victims every day," said Sgt. Mark Malinowski, who runs an economic-crimes unit for the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office. "I have a feeling that this is something that's not going to go away, at least in Ocean County."
In addition to criminal cases, New Jersey officials have issued $1.5 million in civil penalties and restitution claims against 46 people and companies, mainly for hotel and gas price gouging.
Another $1.8 million in civil claims have been assessed against 135 home-improvement contractors accused of performing shoddy or incomplete work in the hardest-hit counties.
The cases prosecuted by the state involve more than $3.5 million in alleged fraud. Although small compared with fraud investigations typically handled by the state, the nature of the crimes calls for prosecution at the highest level, said Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
"When you're preying on people who have already been displaced from their homes and disadvantaged, it's particularly troublesome and egregious, so we've been very aggressive," he said. "We're literally making examples of people for the purposes of deterring this kind of conduct."
Sandy wrecked more than 40,000 New Jersey homes and caused an estimated $37 billion in damage. Government agencies awarded more than $8 billion to help residents and businesses in the state rebuild. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which has approved $4.5 billion of the $8 billion in disaster relief and recovery assistance, usually works with state attorney-general offices to prosecute fraud, spokesman Rafael Lemaitre said.
New Jersey officials have allocated $4.2 billion in federal Sandy recovery funding. As of Oct. 17, $2.7 billion had been awarded to homeowners, businesses and public programs.
New batches of fraud complaints seem to follow each new round of recovery grants that is distributed, Sgt. Malinowski said.
Unscrupulous builders note when a large amount of public funding is released, and homeowners, eager to begin repairs and flush with government cash, don't always do their due diligence. Some residents appear to have been defrauded by multiple contractors.
"You have people who've lost everything," Sgt. Malinowski said. "And now they've lost it twice."
In Ocean County, local and county authorities have filed charges or are investigating cases involving more than $11.9 million in alleged fraud related to Sandy. County prosecutors have conducted dozens of investigations involving more than 150 victims.
Little Egg Harbor resident Chuck Griffin, who lives on a lagoon and whose house was flooded with 40 inches of water during the storm, still isn't home four years later. The delay came about in part because the local contractor he hired to fix and elevate his house allegedly pocketed Mr. Griffin's $55,000 initial payment, disconnected the utilities and disappeared.
The contractor, Jeffrey Colmyer, was arrested along with his partner, Tiffany Cimino, earlier this month and charged by the state attorney general with defrauding Mr. Griffin and two dozen other homeowners of more than $377,000. Prosecutors, who are still investigating the case, have accused Mr. Colmyer and Ms. Cimino of using customers' money to buy luxury items, including a $17,000 diamond ring, and gamble in nearby Atlantic City.
Ms. Cimino's attorney didn't return calls for comment. Mr. Colmyer, 41 years old, doesn't have an attorney, state officials said.
Mr. Griffin, 70, a retired nurse, has owned his 860-square-foot home since the mid-1980s. He met with a builder this month and hopes to be back in his home by May.
Mr. Griffin said that Mr. Colmyer's alleged crimes delayed his rebuilding by nearly two years and pitched him into a paperwork and bureaucratic nightmare. "You can understand why people walked away," he said.
Chaos erupts at Christie speech in Seaside - By Erik Larson, Asbury Park Press
SEASIDE HEIGHTS - Chaos erupted at an event commemorating the fourth anniversary of superstorm Sandy on Friday, forcing Gov. Chris Christie to temporarily leave his lectern where he was delivering a speech about the recovery.
Christie was at Jimbo's Bar and Grilll on the Boardwalk in Seaside Heights when he was interrupted by protesters after he stated that of the 365,000 homes that sustained damaged in the Oct. 29, 2012 disaster there were 1,700 homes that were still uninhabitable.
"Governor, that's not true," called out Amanda Devecka-Rinear of the New Jersey Organizing Project, who was seated near the media in the back of the bar.
"I call bull----!" shouted George Kasimos, founder of Stop FEMA Now, who was standing nearby, and who continued to repeat the line again and again. "That is a "bull---- number, sir!"
At issue was whether the governor was inflating the original number of damaged homes, counting those properties with just minor damage, in an effort to give the appearance that the recovery had been far more successful than was factual.
Devecka-Rinear said later that the number of homes in New Jersey that were rendered uninhabitable four years ago was actually closer to 40,500 — data she said came from the state Department of Community Affairs in a report to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The situation began to deteriorate when a Seaside Heights police officer attempted to calm Kasimos, who was the loudest of what became a chorus of several shouting protesters — some who had raised homemade signs over their heads critical of the recovery effort.
"If you want to arrest me, you can arrest me, but I'm going to talk," Kasimos said, as another man repeatedly shouted: "Finish the job!"
"This is what happens when you don't work for the people, sir!" Kasimos said. "Four years of frustration!"
"Governor, there are 7,679 families that are not back home yet!" said Jim Keady — the man who two years ago was infamously told by Christie to "sit down and shut up" — at a 2014 Sandy anniversary ceremony in Belmar, where Keady had also heckled the governor.
Christie met with Sandy protestors in Seaside Heights
NJ Governor Chris Christie was met with protestors at Jimbo's Bar & Grill on the Seaside Heights boardwalk Friday, October 28, 2016, during what was planned as a commemoration on the fourth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy highlighting business and infrastructure rebuilding and recovery across impacted communities. THOMAS P. COSTELLO"That's simply not true," replied Christie, who remained calm during the demonstration. Eventually, he left the lectern asking the protesters to join him at the front of the room where he invited them to write down their contact information so his staff could contact each of them on Saturday.
The gesture had the effect of pacifying the protest and Christie was eventually able to continue his remarks with few interruptions.
When Christie returned to the podium, he continued to assert that the number of homes "damaged or destroyed" was 365,000 and there were 1,700 families left that were still waiting to return to their homes.
"I'm not happy that 1,700 families have not been restored," Christie said, who outlined the bureaucratic complexities of the recovery effort, the challenges of trying to address the needs of all the victims, of opening the reconstruction process to a bigger pool of building contractors — some of whom were unscrupulous and engaged in fraud.
"So let's keep things in perspective on what's being done and what hasn't been done," Christie said, who remained poised throughout the event and quipped that he would have attempted to make changes at the federal level — specifically referencing a need to overhaul the National Flood Insurance Program — had his presidential ambitions succeeded.
"The fact that all but 1,700 of those homes are back and restored is something I'm enormously proud of no matter how many people yell and scream," Christie said. "And that doesn't mean that those who have valid complaints shouldn't be heard and shouldn't try to be helped. Our office has been trying to help everyone and has helped tens of thousands of people who have been put in that circumstance."
After the governor's speech, a relaxed and congenial Kasimos spoke to reporters and even offered some praise for Christie.
"I think the governor hit it right on the head when he said that FEMA was just screwing with (National Flood Insurance Program) policy holders, I'm glad he brought that up and I love it," Kasimos said. "But we've been waiting four years to get money to rebuild our homes and the banks are foreclosing on us. That's a big problem."
In January, Christie conditionally vetoed legislation that would have let Sandy-impacted homeowners delay foreclosures and put off mortgage payments until 2019 and that infuriated disaster victims such as Kasimos who thought the governor could have alleviated much suffering with the wave of a pen.
"We definitely need protection for our homeowners," he said.
Colleen Forest, 54, of Little Egg Harbor, said Christie's opposition to the foreclosures bill had motivated her to protest the governor on Friday. For the first time since Sandy destroyed her house four years ago, she finally returned home one month ago.
"So many of my neighbors are still out and one of the problems that we're having in Little Egg Harbor, and all over this region, are foreclosures and that's why I'm here for today," Forest said. "He needs to sign that bill."
Forest said she had a chance to speak to Christie after he left the lectern amid the heckling and the governor expressed a willingness to stop the foreclosures but that he was opposed to the specific bill the Legislature had sent him 10 months ago.
"We are so financially taxed from Sandy," Forest told Christie. "If I did not get the rental assistance, my home would be in foreclosure."
Erik Larsen: 732-682-9359 or email@example.com
EDITORIAL: Sandy victims need foreclosure protection - By Daily Record
What remains remarkable, and tragic, about the ways in which Hurricane Sandy victims have been mistreated is the sheer scope of the offenses. Seemingly every government agency and program that has had its hands in the recovery has cheated and blundered its way through the process, extending the suffering for four years — and counting.
That was the overriding message from victims who poured out some of their heartache during an Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee hearing on the Sandy recovery Thursday. And their nightmares are just a small sampling. Talk to those who have been forced to rebuild and the horror stories just keep coming.
Homeowners have been bewildered, angered and pushed to the brink of capitulation by a bureaucratic maze with obstacles around every turn. The indignities keep multiplying. Many owners were unfairly underpaid on their claims, the result in some cases of intentional doctoring of damage assessments and an appeals process that was itself manipulated to suppress payments. Others endured unreasonably long delays in receiving any assistance, putting greater and greater pressure on their own finances; thousands of homes under the state's RREM (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigation) program have yet to be rebuilt.
Most troubling to many of the residents who spoke before the Assembly committee is the state's effort to reclaim supposed aid overpayments that have long been spent, and that recipients can't possibly be expected to return. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent out similar recoupment letters trying to get money back. These are not just cases of suspected fraud. Many of the overpayments were simple mistakes. So now victims have to suffer again to make up for someone else's error?
All of this underscores the critical need for legislation that would protect homeowners from foreclosures for an extended period. A bill that would have accomplished that was conditionally vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie in the last legislative session, and lawmakers clearly aren't working aggressively enough to push a fresh version of a bill through to the governor's desk. Christie objected to oversight elements, preferring that judges be given control of individual homeowner cases.
Regardless of the method, it is necessary legislation that Sandy victims deserve. Government officials owe it to them after all they've put them through after the storm.
Remember how we got here. The recovery effort after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was plagued by problems that generated extensive criticism of excessive spending. FEMA, as a result, was motivated from the start of the Sandy recovery to keep costs down. In theory that meant greater efficiency and awards that more appropriately reflected actual damage, but in practice that meant a variety of schemes to cheat victims.
Damage reports developed on site were changed and underplayed by others who never visited the scene. Public pressure forced many of the underpaid claims to be reconsidered under appeal, but the appeal procedure itself was structured to discourage challenges by withholding entire payments while under review, even if only a portion of the award was under appeal. Public pressure eventually forced officials to reopen many cases that had already been closed, but whistleblowers said even that process was tainted by orders from above to those examining the appeals to simply plug the claims into a formula designed to cheat victims. Under public pressure FEMA eventually adopted several related reforms.
Meanwhile, we learned last week that the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development wants the state to justify $43 million in apparently questionable spending, or pay the money back. That stems from an audit of the company formerly in charge of distributing aid under three of the state's disaster programs. But if some of that money has to be returned, where will it come from? Does the state plan to hit up victims for more repayments?
Nearly everyone, it seems, has failed Sandy victims. Their stories should not have to end with foreclosures largely forced upon them by government incompetence. Lawmakers need to provide some protection while homeowners continue to recover not just from the storm, but from the recovery process itself.
Sandy showed coastal vulnerabilty
Sandy showed coastal vulnerabilty - By Michelle Brunetti, Press of Atlantic City
PISCATAWAY — Hurricane Sandy showed how vulnerable coastal communities are to storm-related destruction, and models of sea-level rise have made clear the vulnerability will only increase, said speakers at Rutgers University's "Taking Chances" symposium Friday.
But politicians have not taken the long view, and they haven't considered ways to deal with storms other than rebuilding, the speakers said. The symposium is one of many Sandy-related events this week, leading up to the fourth anniversary of the Oct. 29, 2012, storm.
Short-term pressure to rebuild "bigger and better" in the same places has dominated the discussion, a panel of policy experts stressed.
That pressure comes from the tourism industry and homeowners understandably desperate to get back into their homes, said Rutgers associate professor Karen M. O'Neill, co-editor of a book on the aftermath of Sandy called "Taking Chances: The Coast After Hurricane Sandy."
But increasingly, those owning coastal properties are the wealthy, and the panel predicted that trend will continue.
"My conclusion is the real choice is not between rebuilding or retreating, but between gentrification or retreating," said Clinton J. Andrews, Rutgers professor of urban planning and policy development. "The people won't be the same people who were living there who get to rebuild in most cases."
Low- and moderate-income people are being priced out of rebuilding, he said, in some cases forced to sell damaged homes or empty lots at a deep discount, only to see wealthier people build much larger homes there.
Andrews said society needs to let the federal pendulum "swing back towards self-sufficiency" and stop thinking that simply elevating houses is a viable long-term solution.
"It gets us over the next storm, maybe, but not over the long-term sea-level rise," said Andrews.
Rutgers scientists have predicted a likely 1.5-foot sea-level rise by 2050, effectively drowning many of the wetlands that provide buffering against storm surges and leaving roads and utilities underwater much of the time in some places.
People simply aren't looking realistically at risk, said Daniel J. Van Abs, Rutgers associate professor of practice for water, society & environment.
"The most significant thing we have not done, we are still not doing, is a recognition of risk," said Van Abs, the other co-editor of "Taking Chances." "Unless you are willing to recognize risk, there is no particular incentive to take action."
The panel recommended looking at ways to begin working collaboratively on a regional level to plan for moving residents out of the most vulnerable areas, including by consolidating municipalities east to west.
At the same time, many of those who are trying to rebuild in areas hard hit by Sandy are still not back in their homes, according to representatives of the New Jersey Organizing Project. The nonprofit was formed to help people negotiate the complex flood insurance and federal emergency funds systems.
They spoke at a state Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Reform and Federal Relations Committee hearing Thursday and at a Tuesday night Sierra Club of New Jersey forum in Brick Township called "Are We Stronger Than The Next Storm?"
"Forty thousand primary homeowners were impacted by the storm (with significant damage), and 15,000 applied for the RREM program," Amanda Devecka-Rinear, director of the New Jersey Organizing Project, said at the Sierra Club forum.
The state Department of Community Affairs administers the Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigation program with $1.1 billion in federal funds.
Eligible homeowners whose primary homes were damaged by Sandy got up to $150,000 in grants to pay for construction projects such as raising homes that were not covered by other funding sources.
"Of them, 8,000 remain (in the program) today. What happened to the other 7,000, I don't know," she said. "Only 4,000 have completed construction and elevation projects. The other 50 percent are not finished. Obviously we need to do better."
Devecka-Rinear said many have simply given up on negotiating the complex insurance and assistance programs or were inappropriately told they didn't qualify. She is lobbying for legislation that would let people still caught in Sandy-related financial problems put off paying their mortgages on damaged properties for a time, instead extending the length of their mortgages.
"Our concern is that not only has the state not learned from Sandy, but that these policies will leave us at risk during the next storm," said Sierra Club Director Jeff Tittel.
He said the state has rolled back controls over development in environmentally sensitive coastal areas, in spite of models that predict a 1-3 foot sea-level rise by 2050.
When asked at the Sierra Club forum how anyone can justify rebuilding in highly vulnerable, exposed coastal areas, former Asbury Park Press reporter Kirk Moore said soon there will be strong financial pressure against doing so.
"People want to live near the water," said Moore, who is now associate editor at WorkBoat magazine and field editor for National Fisherman magazine. "Banks and insurance companies will walk away, and only the super-wealthy who can self-insure will be able to live there."
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Superstorm Sandy is not over for these residents - By Phil Gregory, NewsWorks
Four years after Superstorm Sandy, thousands of New Jersey residents still have not finished rebuilding. Some of them told their stories to an Assembly committee.
Penny Ryan-Sesta says her house in Little Egg Harbor Township was destroyed and she's still not back home. She says a state-approved contractor in the RREM program took her money but did not rebuild the home.
"Being a victim of contractor fraud has elevated my fears, crushed my confidence, and further delayed our rebuilding project. I'm here to ask please don't forget about us. Help us and the other thousands of families out there," she said.
Doug Quinn says the site of his Sandy-damaged home in Toms River is now an empty lot.
He says the state blocked him from the RREM rebuilding program because it lost documentation about his address and he had to go to Senator Bob Menendez to get his grant restored.
"What about the people that don't know you can call a senator? What about the people that are elderly? What about the people that have young children? What about the people that are just too wiped out from losing everything they own and living like a refugee for four years that just don't have it in them to fight this kind of bureaucracy?" he asked.
Julie Suarez says she rebuilt her Little Egg Harbor home with the help of a RREM grant but got a letter two years later demanding she repay the state $50,000. She says her four years of efforts to maintain her family's stability is taking an emotional toll.
"I have fought tooth and nail to get my family back home and keep us whole and keep our community together. It has been a challenge and then I open this letter. I don't want you to feel sorry for me. I want you to help me," said Suarez.
Adam Gordon with the Fair Share Housing Network says about 5,000 families who originally applied for RREM grants to rebuild their Sandy damaged homes got to the point where they gave up.
"That is what happens when these programs don't work and people are being foreclosed upon. We need to focus partly on this group of people and make sure if there's any way with these remaining resources that people can be made whole and get back in these communities," he said.
Staci Berger with the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey urges the legislature to approve a bill that would put a moratorium on foreclosures of Sandy-damaged homes.
"It is unbelievable to me that the federal government or the state government would spend a lot of money and all of these good people's time and energy and then allow a bank to repossess that house," she said.
Assembly Regulatory Oversight committee chairman Reed Gusciora says legislation passed by the Assembly and awaiting action in the state Senate would deal with many of the victims' issues by ensuring project deadline fairness and establishing a foreclosure and mortgage relief program.
Sandy survivors blast Christie on slow recovery process - By MaryAnn Spoto, NJ.com
SEASIDE HEIGHTS — Gov. Chris Christie used the eve of the fourth anniversary of Hurricane Sandy on Friday to hail the state's recovery process, but a group of hecklers who took exception to his claims accused him of exaggerating the progress.
In a visit to Jimbo's, a Seaside Heights boardwalk restaurant destroyed by Sandy, Christie got shouted down after saying only 1,700 of the 365,000 homes damaged by Sandy are still not repaired to the point of getting the homeowners back in.
Christie's comments came a day after the housing advocacy group Fair Share Housing Center told the Assembly Regulation Oversight and Reform and Federal Relations committees that some 7,000 homeowners, trapped in the morass of a state-run recovery program, are still not back in their homes yet.
"Governor, that's not true," one woman shouted.
Property owners say recovery is taking too long and they're facing foreclosure as a result
That opened a floodgate of cat calls from the crowd, including jeers from Christie critic James Keady and from George Kasimos, founder of the grass roots protest group Stop FEMA Now.
"That is a (bull) number, and you know it," Kasimos yelled. "There's 600 substantially damaged homes in Toms River now."
Chiming in was Keady, a former Asbury Park councilman and a failed state Assembly candidate who Christie infamously told to "sit down and shut up" during a Sandy gathering in Belmar for the two-year anniversary.
"Governor, the day you told me to sit down and shut up, you said that you would meet me any time, any place to debate Hurricane Sandy," Keady said.
Christie's office did not immediately respond to an email seeking clarification of the conflicting figures.
For his part, Christie largely ignored the shouts and instead started speaking briefly with some of the frustrated homeowners, promising them his staff would contact them on Saturday.
When the crowd eventually quieted about 15 minutes later, Christie said he understands their frustration but stressed he told residents after the storm that recovery would be a long process.
He appeared to place much of the blame for the remaining delays on unscrupulous contractors who take money but don't do the work. Christie said he was reticent to change the state's rebuilding program to allow property owners to choose their own contractors in the interest of expediency but did so because of the outcry from Sandy survivors.
Still, he said, the state has made great strides, particularly the Jersey Shore, which saw a record for tourism last summer.
"Let's keep things in perspective on what's been done and what hasn't been done, he said. "365,000 homes in the state... are going to take a while to rebuild. The fact that all those...are back and restored is something that I'm enormously proud of no matter how many people yell and scream."
Christie tried to calm the crowd by offering to have his staff meet with them individually to discuss their problems.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at email@example.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Protesters shout down Christie at Superstorm Sandy event - By Wayne Perry, Associated Press
SEASIDE HEIGHTS, N.J. (AP) — Two years ago, on the second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie yelled at a protester frustrated with the slow pace of storm recovery to "sit down and shut up."
On Friday, a day before the fourth anniversary of the storm, it was Christie's turn to be silenced, at least temporarily.
Protesters angry that hundreds of Sandy victims have still not been able to return home four years later shouted Christie down as he visited a storm-damaged boardwalk bar in Seaside Heights. They included the heckler who Christie rebuked two years ago.
When Christie used an often-cited figure that his administration had to deal with helping 365,000 homeowners, the protesters stood up, waved signs critical of the recovery pace and began yelling at him.
"What do we want? To go home!" chanted Amanda Devecka-Rinear, director of the New Jersey Organizing Project.
They claim Christie's administration has grossly inflated the number of people it helped with storm recovery, an assertion the administration has rejected.
Before his speech, Christie's office released figures saying that of the approximately 7,600 homeowners actively participating in New Jersey's main storm rebuilding program, approximately 4,300 have completed construction and another 1,400 have returned home while construction is completed.
"I'm proud of what we've been able to do within the last four years to be able to restore our state," Christie said once the protests subsided. "I've given you the very best I can give you over the last four years in this effort."
Protesters included individuals who are still not back in their homes. And Jim Keady, an Ocean County businessman and unsuccessful candidate for state Assembly who was on the receiving end of Christie's "sit down and shut up" put-down in October 2014, also yelled out. This time, someone else told him to be quiet.
While the protesters shouted and chanted, an uncharacteristically restrained and patient Christie huddled with other residents who had come seeking help, taking down their names and phone numbers, and promising that someone from his staff would contact them on Saturday to hear their concerns.
Christie also called for abolishing the National Flood Insurance Program, saying it had failed many policy holders after Sandy.
"But I ran for president and lost, so I don't get to do it," Christie said.
Since months after Sandy hit, Christie has been pushing a plan to build or reinforce protective sand dunes along New Jersey's entire 127-mile coastline; shore towns that had the dunes fared much better during Sandy than those that did not.
But the effort has met with pockets of resistance up and down the coast. Though some work is already underway and more is due to start in the spring, some oceanfront homeowners are still fighting the plan. Friday morning, a group of five Margate homeowners asked a judge to issue an order prohibiting dunes from being built in their town just outside Atlantic City.
They claim water will become trapped between the dunes and their homes, creating fetid ponds that will spread disease and cause flooding.
Also on Friday, a group of Bay Head homeowners fighting the dune plan in court said a series of post-Sandy storms has shown that the rock wall they privately built and paid for provides adequate protection. They want to be left out of the dune plan.
"We know that we have the resources to maintain the revetment and protect our homes and our community," they said in a statement. "We have no faith that the state will have the financing to protect our community or any other community along the Jersey Shore."
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Hurricane Sandy Survivors Face a New Threat — from the State - By Tom Johnson, NJ Spotlight
Demands for repayment of grants used for rebuilding, threats of foreclosure are only two of the troubles Sandy victims now have to deal with.
Hurricane Sandy is still tearing up people's lives four years after the storm wreaked devastation up and down the coast.
Take Julie Suarez. A couple of years after settling back into her Little Egg Harbor house, she got a letter this June from the state demanding she pay back $50,000 of the $150,000 grant she received to rebuild her home after the superstorm.
Joe Karcz is fed up with moving. The disabled pipefitter still is not back in his Beach Haven West home, after relocating more than a dozen times. "You sleep in your own bed,'' he told legislators, his voice rising, at a hearing on Sandy recovery efforts yesterday. "Try sleeping in 13 beds.''
Paul Jeffrey is upset the state still does not have a comprehensive coastal resiliency plan four years after 99 percent of the homes in Ortley Beach suffered damage in the storm. A beach club on the water that was destroyed by the storm is up for sale, zoned for 16 oceanfront condos. "In 50 years, it will be gone,'' he predicted.
Others at the hearing before the Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee in the State House complained of people trying to rebuild their homes while fighting foreclosure actions at the same time; of being ripped off by corrupt contractors; or of getting little or no help from the state Department of Community Affairs or federal agencies disbursing funds to recover from the storm.
During the hearing, representatives from various nonprofit groups urged the state to quickly move on legislation (A-333) — conditionally vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie in the last session — that would create foreclosure protections for homeowners threatened with the loss of their homes.
"Our residents deserve so much better than what they are getting,'' said Staci Berger, president and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey. "There needs to be an immediate moratorium on foreclosures.''
Probably the most contentious issue raised in the hearing was the suggestion that the state is going after residents who received rebuilding grants under RREM (Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigation), seeking to recover some of the money.
Suarez said she still cannot understand why the state is asking her to repay a portion of the grant, a demand she cannot possibly afford. "There is no explanation why I have to pay it — at least that is understandable to an educated person.''
Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), the chairman of the committee, said this is the first he has heard of such tactics, but vowed to draft a bill to deal with the situation.
"Many of the stories we heard today were heartbreaking, but they were also infuriating because bureaucratic incompetence compounded an already devastating situation and made it nearly unbearable for many victims,'' Gusciora said. "The common refrain we heard today is that the administration and the DCA, in particular, have failed Sandy victims.''
The criticism has often been heard during the Sandy recovery process, from complaints about victims being shortchanged by insurance companies; problems navigating the application process among state and federal agencies administering grant programs; to bureaucratic mistakes.
Most recently, the federal government, in an audit, found the state failed to properly oversee a contractor hired to distribute federal aid, and suggested the state may have to reimburse the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development $43 million.
Sandy victims had little good to say about the state's handling of the Sandy recovery at yesterday's hearing.
"It's a rudderless ship and you know what: The money's running out,'' Karcz said. "There's no accountability.''
The DCA did not respond to a request for comment, but has said in the past that 4,230 homes have been rebuilt. Critics, however, point out that 7,679 homes are participating in the program. "We need to focus on this group of people and make them whole,'' said Adam Gordon of the Fair Share Housing Center.
Others were more pessimistic.
Joe Mangino of Stafford Township worries that the state has no plans to deal with climate change. "Until New Jersey develops a comprehensive plan to deal with sea-level rise, I feel that our future is nothing but a pipe dream.''
As Chris Christie tout progress after Superstorm Sandy, hecklers voice outrage
As Chris Christie touts progress after Superstorm Sandy, hecklers voice outrage - By John Ensslin and Jame M. O'neill, NorthJersey.com
Still not back in their homes four years after Superstorm Sandy, protesters confronted Governor Christie on Friday, disrupting an event held to promote his administration's recovery efforts.
"I've got to shout at my governor to get something done," George Kasimos, a member of a group called "Stop FEMA," yelled at Christie. "I don't even call you governor any more."
George Kasimos, one of the founders of the group Stop FEMA Now, was among the protesters who disrupted Governor Chris Christie's speech at Jimbo's Bar & Grill on the Seaside Heights boardwalk Friday, October 28, 2016.Christie was a few moments into a speech at Jimbo's Bar & Grill in Seaside Heights when about a dozen people stood on their chairs holding up signs and shouting him down. He stepped away from the lectern for several minutes and spoke one-to-one with some residents, taking down their contact information.
"I won't be content until all the people who are yelling and screaming stop yelling and screaming," Christie later said to the crowd of 100 people who had gathered at the boardwalk tavern. "These are complicated issues and they don't lend themselves to explanations when people are yelling and screaming."
Christie marked the fourth anniversary of Superstorm Sandy with two public events Friday, one in Bergen County and the other on the boardwalk in Ocean County.
Christie's response to the storm — his embrace of President Obama, his forceful demand that people evacuate, his trademark blue fleece sweat shirt — marked the high point of his tenure.
Since then, however, his approval ratings have plummeted, his bid for the presidency failed and three of his former allies have been linked to the George Washington Bridge scandal. And all the while, critics of the Christie administration have complained about the pace of recovery. And environmentalists have said many of his policies will do nothing to reduce the effects of climate change, such as a rise in the sea level and more powerful storms that can push greater storm surges at the shoreline.
On the attack
At his Hackensack stop, hours before he was heckled in Ocean County, Christie lashed out at those critics.
"We've gotten the job done in the rebuilding from Sandy," he said.
"It is fashionable today to be critical of government and everybody in it," Christie continued. "I understand that. That's the media focus, that's the atmosphere they've helped to create in our state and across our whole country. But I am extra proud of what all of us working together have done over the last four years.
"There will always be critics," Christie said. "And I am happy to take the criticism. Because when you take the criticism that means you're actually in a position to do something. The people most of the time who are hurling the criticism are the people who have never accomplished anything in their lives worth note.
"This weekend is a weekend for us to take a moment to remember what we felt like four years ago," he said, "and take a moment to celebrate how far we've come since then."
The PSE&G substation in Hackensack was inundated by storm surge and then rebuilt and elevated to prevent damage from future storms.
The project, Christie said, was one example of how far the state has come over the past four years to improve the resiliency of key infrastructure against the sort of catastrophic damage that Sandy inflicted.
"We're highlighting resiliency today because, man, we are a lot better off than we were four years ago," he told a small gathering of PSE&G officials and electrical union workers.
Christie started his public commemoration with the stop in Hackensack, he said, because of the destruction Sandy wrought to such communities as Little Ferry, Moonachie and Carlstadt.
"I wanted to start in Bergen County because I think sometimes people don't pay nearly as much attention to what happened up here," Christie said. "We need to continue to remember that those folks, just as much as folks at the Shore, had their lives turned upside down."
He ran off a laundry list of the damage inflicted by the storm: 325,000 housing units affected, $5.9 billion in overall damage, 19,000 small businesses closed temporarily or permanently, 70 percent of gas stations in northern New Jersey that were closed or had sparse delivery.
He said 71 percent of electric distribution in the state was cut off by the storm. He noted that 100 transmission lines were out of service, 5,000 transformers and 9,500 utility poles were damaged or destroyed, and 50 substations were damaged or knocked out. "That's not a small problem," he said.
"This substation was two feet under water at points," Christie said. In fact, one of the older pieces of equipment off to his side had a line painted in white several feet above the ground — the level to which the water from the Hackensack River covered the site during the storm.
In Ocean County, Christie said several contractors had been prosecuted on fraud charges. He also said the state opened the rebuilding program to contractors who had not been pre-screened after hearing complaints that the process with the approved contractors had been going too slowly.
And he put part of the blame for problems on the National Flood Insurance Program. He said that program first paid out too little in claims, then too much. When the agency sought the state's help in recovering some of those funds, Christie said he refused.
Rebuilding the PSE&G substation was a $20 million project that included replacing and raising the site's electrical distribution equipment 4.5 feet. The substation improvements were part of PSE&G's $1.2 billion Energy Strong program, designed to strengthen the utility's electrical and gas infrastructure to withstand future storms.
"Because of our infrastructure investments to date, if a Sandy-like storm were to occur today, about 225,000 customers impacted by flooded substations and switching stations during Sandy would not lose power," said Ralph LaRossa, PSE&G's president. "And customers who did lose power would be restored more quickly."
Email: email@example.com; Twitter: @JamesMONeill1
State Wants Some Sandy Victims To Pay Back Grant Money - By Patricia A. Miller, The Berkeley Patch
Four long years after Superstorm Sandy, some 170 New Jersey homeowners thought the worst was behind them.
Until they got the letters.
Letters from the state's Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) program, informing them they had to pay back some of the grant money they used to rebuild, according to a report in nbcphiladelphia.com.
Lisa Stevens of Little Egg Harbor lost her bungalow in the Oct. 29, 2012 storm. She used her grant money to build a smaller home.
"I didn't build a mansion!" she said. "I went smaller because that's what I could afford to do with my grant."
Her signed approvals for the RREM program show she did not receive duplicate benefits, she said.
"They knew every dollar amount I was getting," Stevens said. "They signed off on it."
Stevens is among the 170-plus homeowners who have received similar notices from New Jersey's Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, Elevation and Mitigation or RREM program.
NBC10 investigators found some, like Julie Suarez, with far larger refund demands. Suarez, a public school teacher, was told she owes more than $51,000.
"You can send us a cashier's check at your earliest convenience," she said. " No 'why.' No 'how to appeal.' No 'how to make a payment plan.' Just, 'you owe us 50-thousand dollars,'" she said.
The demands for reimbursement are a "gut punch" for Sandy victims, said Amanda Devecka-Rinear, the executive director of the New Jersey Organizing Project (NJOP), an advocacy group for Sandy victims.
She believes the number of refund demands will only rise as more families finish rebuilding. She also says better oversight could've prevented overpayments in the first place.
New Jersey officials have a legal obligation to recover funds that were duplicated, exceeded costs or were used on ineligible expenses. The DCA says any refund letters relate only to those over-payments.
The agency said in a statement that all the affected homeowners "were afforded the opportunity to provide us with additional documentation (i.e., receipts, invoices) to offset potential recovery of grant funds."
To read the entire story, click here.
We're South Jersey and the Shore standing together for community solutions.
January 2020


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Talk to your Home Manager to find out more. Or email us now with your friend's name and contact details
*Terms and Conditions: Recommend a Friend
Any resident of Gracewell Healthcare is eligible to receive £20 worth of John Lewis vouchers for each tour taken by a person following a recommendation made by that resident. In addition there is a £2,000 fee discount offered for each valid referral made by a resident, or a member of their family. The person being referred is also entitled to receive a £1,000 fee discount. There is no limit on the number of referrals that can be made. The £2,000 and £1,000 deductions will be made to the referring and referred residents' bills respectively within 60 days of a referral becoming valid. Referrals become valid once the person introduced has been a permanent resident for 90 days (shorter respite stays not eligible). Payments on each resident's account must also be up to date in order for them to receive their fee deduction. For the fee discounts to be payable, the referring and referred resident must make Gracewell Healthcare's management at the home level aware of the referral prior to the referee becoming a resident, and the referee or referrer (as applicable) must confirm the referral to the management, if asked.


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Doctor Who thing: popup shop in Brisbane
Anyone in Brisbane popped in here? From Brisbane Times:
BBC Worldwide Australia and New Zealand retail manager Rachael Hammond said she had her doubts the Brisbane pop-up store would be a success.
"When I drove up (at 6am) and saw people here I thought 'this is going to be OK', but up until then, when I woke up this morning, I wasn't sure if people would come," she said.
"But they never let me down, the Doctor Who fans. They're such a passionate bunch." With Doctor Who merchandise available online, Ms Hammond said the pop-up shop was a chance to bring the fans together.
"We encouraged people to dress up – the first 20 people to arrive in costume would receive a small gift – but, as I was handing out tickets along the line, people didn't even know that was an option, they just came dressed up because they love Doctor Who so much," she said.
"They're very passionate, very engaged group of people. And it's hot today and they're wearing scarfs and hot clothing, so I have to give them props for that."
The shop will stay popped up for a bit:
If it hard to find Doctor Who goodies Down Under? My Australian readers: How big a deal is this popup shop?
(If you stumble across a cool Doctor Who thing, feel free to email me with a link.)


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leggi in italiano »
Ciao Silvio, I call you, as usual, to know your thought on Veldhoven World Championship. As we talk, is in playing the last round of qualification stage: the first eight will go to knock-out stage. It's a triumph for the Open Team, who ends ahead; it's a disappointment for Women and Seniores, both twelfth, far from the qualifying zone.
Let's start from the Open: what about?
I have been between the first ones to complain the exclusion of Fantoni and Nunes at Ostend European Championship. Well, I today have to recognize that Mrs Lavazza was right. This team won in Ostend and is doing very well in Veldhoven. Bocchi and Madala are playing very well: the facts proved that Mrs Lavazza, who stubbornly want them in the team, was right.
Let's talk about women…
In the women bridge there's a basic problem: in Italy there aren't professional or full time players as, instead, are in other countries. Our players, even good, are less experienced at international level, and that's harming, is just the lack of competitive spirit and wickedness at table.
Might it be extenuating the fact that there have been last minute convocations because unexpected withdrawals?
Yes, it is, but our players lack of adequate preparation to events as World Championships. Our ladies don't lack of technical preparation but of competitive spirit. Apart from accidents and contingencies, that still lacks in Italian women bridge is the experience and the holding at table. They should play more, especially in international competition, where, besides, they also will better know their opponents.
Let's go now to Seniores's, a field that you know very well. The np Captain is Bernasconi and Coach is Carlo Mosca, your friend and main partner since many years. What did happen?
There the results are even more disappointing than for women. I thinkyoucan findthe reasons forthis clearfailurein the formationof the team.At European Championships inOstendwent the three pairs arisen from trials (Baroni-Mariani; Caviziel-Cedolin;Longinotti-Maci) and behavedwell, sincethey reached theWorld Cup qualifying. Later, at Open Europeans in Poznam there were some contingencies. Longinotti, Maci's partner, couldn't attend for health problems and he was substituted by Vivaldi. Later, Maci too couldn't join the team at Poznam. His place was token by Mosca, the coach, who there played some rounds with Vivaldi. The pair Mosca-Vivaldi was created there; they before never played together. The results in Poznam weren't brilliant, but Bernasconi confirmed that team. As I often repeat to you, Bridge is a partnership game: Vivaldi and Mosca are very strong players, but never made pair before.
Actually, Silvio, you're the normal partner of Carlo Mosca, and I think that the pair Mosca-Sbarigia is today the strongest between Italian Seniores…
Carlo and me obtained many successes and we are a long standing partnership, with many clear winning results. As Seniores we won twice the Coppa Italia, in two different teams, and we made well in many events. Sure we are a very well matched pair.
Silvio, why a casual pair as Mosca-Vivaldi has been preferred to a sound pair as Mosca-Sbarigia?
In Poznam was an emergency situation, but the Captain later confirmed that pair. You ask me why in World Championship the pair Mosca-Vivaldi has been chosen instead Mosca-Vivaldi, but I sincerely don't know this. I have to admit that many asked the same question, but I haven't answer. Rather I myself will ask a technical explanationof this choicetoBernasconi, responsible of convocations.
What do you mean with "technical explanation"?
I would know which thoughts borne the Captain to believe that Vivaldi could play with Mosca better than me who am his regular partner since years.
Back to Bermuda Bowl: which team could bother Italy?
I think this team could be Usa2, because they are stout. Their youth make them cheeky, they haven't awe nor psychological subjection. Paradoxically, be at the table against two giants as Lauria and Versace inspires to them less awe than older players could do. This could be their trump card. Anyway, by arriving at Bermuda Bowl they also have proven to be very strong players.
Laura Camponeschi
Silvio Sbarigia is a pharmacist; he was born in Rome and lives there. He has won the European championship in 1975, runner up at 1974's and at Olympic games of 1976. He is World Life Master.


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Prof. Dr. Jürgen Rüland
Universität Freiburg
Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
School of History
Born 1953, studied political science, history and German literature at the University of Freiburg, Germany. He earned a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Freiburg in 1981 and his habilitation degree (Habilitation) at the same university in 1989. From 1978 to 1991 he worked as a research fellow at the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institute Freiburg. He was professor pro tempore of Political Science at the University Passau (1991-1993) and professor of Political Science at the University of Rostock (1993-1998). Since 1998 Rüland holds a chair for International Relations at the University of Freiburg. From 2000-2002 he served as Dean of the Faculty of Humanities IV. Since November 2009 Prof. Rüland is the Chairperson of the Freiburg University's Southeast Asia Program, which is sponsored by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Before, from 2001-2007, Prof. Rüland was also the Director of the Arnold-Bergstraesser-Institut Freiburg, a noted German think tank specializing on Third World affairs and development research. In 2006 he became Chairman of the Advisory Board of the GIGA German Institute for Global and Area Studies, Hamburg. From 1995 to 2003 he was the Chairman of the Advisory Board on Southeast Asia of the German Society of Asian Studies (DGA). In 2009 he was elected Board Member of the German Society of Political Science (DGfP).
Prof. Rüland was a visiting scholar at several universities in the Asia-Pacific including the University of the Philippines, Chiang Mai University, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Universitas Indonesia, National University of Singapore and the University of Canterbury, Christchurch. In 1999 he became external examiner at the Faculty of Economics and Public Administration of the University of Malaya. Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta appointed him as an Adjunct Professor in 2009.
Rüland is a member of the editorial boards of the The Pacific Review, European Journal of East Asian Studies, Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Zeitschrift für Internationale Beziehungen (ZIB), Internationales Asienforum and WeltTrends (1995-2007). In 2007, Pacific Affairs awarded him and Christl Kessler the William L. Holland Prize for the best article in 2006. Currently Rüland is the Stanford University/National University of Singapore Distinguished Fellow for Southeast Asia 2010 and fellow at the Freiburg Institute of Advanced Studies (FRIAS) 2010/2011
Rüland authored or co-authored 13 monographs, edited or co-edited 19 volumes and contributed, as author or co-author, more than 140 book chapters and articles to international and German journals including Journal of European Public Policy, Asian Survey, The Pacific Review, Pacific Affairs, International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, European Journal of East Asian Studies, European Foreign Affairs Review, Security Dialogue, Public Administration and Development, Asian Journal of Public Administration, Philippine Journal of Public Administration, Current Southeast Asian Affairs, Zeitschrift für Internationale Beziehungen, Politische Vierteljahresschrift, Zeitschrift für Politikwissenschaft, Zeitschrift für Politik, ASIEN and Internationales Asienforum.
His research interests include cooperation and institution-building in international relations, globalization and regionalization, international relations and security in the Asia-Pacific region, democratization, political, economic, social and cultural change in Southeast Asia.
Books, Proceedings, Editions, and Articles (10 selected)
- Keßler, C. and Rüland, J. (2008): Give Jesus a Hand! Charismatic Christians: Populist Religion in the Philippines, Quezon City: Ateneo de Manila University Press, 210 pages.
- Rüland, J., Jürgenmeyer, C., Nelson, M.L. & Ziegenhain, P. (2005): Parliaments and Political Change in Asia, Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 324 pages.
- Rüland, J., Schubert, G., Schucher, G., & Storz, C. (eds.) (2008): Asia-Europe Relations: Building Block or Stumbling Block for Global Governance?, London: Routledge, 293 pages.
- Hänggi, H., Roloff, R., & Rüland, J. (eds.) (2006): Interregionalism and International Relations, London: Routledge, 364 pages.
- Rüland, J., Hanf, T. & Manske, E. (eds.) (2006): U.S. Foreign Policy Toward the Third World. A Post-Cold War Assessment, Armonk, N.Y.: M.E. Sharpe, 269 pages.
- Hoadley, S. & Rüland, J. (eds.) (2006): Asian Security Re-Assessed, Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 381 pages.
- Rüland, J. (2009): Deepening ASEAN Cooperation through Democratization? The Indonesian Legislature and Foreign Policymaking," in: International Relations of the Asia-Pacific, Vol. 9, No. 3, September, S. 373-402.
- Jetschke, A. & Rüland, J. (2009): Decoupling Rhetoric and Practice: The Cultural Limits of ASEAN Cooperation, in: The Pacific Review, Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 179-203.
- Rüland, J. & Jetschke, A. (2008): 40 Years of ASEAN: Perspectives, Performance and Lessons for Chance, in: The Pacific Review, Vol. 21, No. 4, December, pp. 397-409.
- Kessler, C. & Rüland, J. (2006): Responses to Rapid Social Change: Populist Religion in the Philippines, in: Pacific Affairs, Vol. 79, No.1, pp. 73-96.
"Constructing Regionalism Domestically: Local Actors and Foreign Policymaking in Indonesia"
The project studies the changing identity of Indonesia's foreign policy. At the centre stands the question which role Southeast Asian regionalism still plays in the view of major stakeholders of the Indonesian foreign policy community. Since its formation in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been a cornerstone of Indonesia's foreign policy. With the democratization of the country following the resignation of President Suharto in 1998, Indonesian foreign policy making also went through a reform process and is today much more participatory and pluralistic than in the days of Suharto's New Order. These changes gave rise to an increasing criticism of ASEAN's state-centric, elitist and top-down policy making which is epitomized in the ASEAN Way as the repository of ASEAN's norms of regional cooperation. This criticism crystallized in the ratification debate on the ASEAN Charter which many Indonesians hope would initiate a major reform of ASEAN, making it more similar to the EU as the world's most advanced model of regional integration. Based on a bottom-up variant of Acharya's localization theory the project explores from which ideational sources societal stakeholders such as the legislature, the academe, civil society, the business sector and the military draw in the search for an adequate role of Indonesia in the region, how they frame their arguments and what impact they have on official government policies.


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|One of Takamatsu's most famous landmarks
|Ritsurin Garden.
Flying one hour south from Tokyo will land you here, in Takamatsu. As the gate to Honshu, it's easily accessible via the JR Takamatsu Station ("The Smile Station"), the Seto Bridge (Seto Oohashi), Takamatsu Airport, and the expressways connecting Shikoku to the larger island.
Takamatsu City (高松市) is the prefectural seat of Kagawa and the largest metropolitan area in the prefecture. It's a castle town on the sea, though its castle is mostly ruins, with a population of about 420,000 people. To the north is the Setouchi, the Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内、瀬戸内海), and to the south, past Takamatsu Airport (高松空港), is the Sanuki mountain range that separates Kagawa and Tokushima Prefectures.
Not only is it the capital of our prefecture, but Takamatsu is also a core designated city for Shikoku (as of April 1999), the home of JR Shikoku, the region's center of administration, economy, and culture, and the gateway to Shikoku through Kobe.
It's a small, quiet, seaside city, that has its own character far removed from the larger cities in the country. If you take some time to wander the alleys cutting across the main shopping arcades, you'll discover hundreds of bar, restaurants, clubs, and weird shops, and you'll see just how hipster this city is.
|The 32 towns that make up Takamatsu.
Takamatsu is made up of 32 towns that were merged into one district around 1998. These towns include Shionoe, Konan, Yashima, Yamada, Kita, Mure, Kagawa, Inchinomiya, Bushozan, Ota, Enza, Kozai, Megijima, Ogijima, Oshoma, Aji, Higashi and others.
Takamatsu History
Takamatsu City was officially incorporated on February 15, 1890, becoming the 40th incorporated city in Japan. It was founded during the Kamakura Period (1185 - 1333). In 1588, Ikoma Chikamasa built a castle on the Tamamo coast, and called it Takamatsu Castle (the castle ruins are now known as Tamamo Park, and they're across the street from JR Takamatsu and the ferry ports.) The Ikoma family ruled the castle for 54 years, followed by a 220-year reign by the Matsudaira clan.
After the feudal system was abolished in the Meiji Period, Takamatsu became the official capital of Kagawa. Decades later, in 2006, Takamatsu City absorbed the surrounding towns of Kagawa Town, Kounan, Aji, Mure, Kokubunji, and Shionoe into its borders.
Points of Interest
|Symbol Tower
|Another landmark of Takamatsu, next to the station and port
- Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園): "Chestnut Grove Garden"; an Edo-period Imperial garden in Takamatsu, considered one of the best in Japan. Click here for the garden's website (Japanese).
- Takamatsu City Museum of Art (高松市美術館)
- Tamamo Park and castle ruins (玉藻公園)
- Sunport (サンポート): This is the business and leisure district surrounding JR Takamatsu and the ferry ports, including Symbol Tower and the Red Lighthouse ("Seto Marker," the world's first glass lighthouse.)
- Symbol Tower (シンボルタワー): This tower is the tallest building on Shikoku and contains shops, restaurants, and businesses. It's one of the best places in Takamatsu to find Kagawa souvenirs, and if you're ever feeling homesick or just really really want a burger, you can find a Freshness Burger on the 2nd floor. Click here for the official website.
- Yashima (屋島)
- Shionoe (塩江)
- Goshikidai (五色台)
- Kitahama Alley (北浜町): "North Coast Alley," this is a small square of warehouses-turned-shops near the water, a short walk from the ferry piers and JR Station. Of special interest are the restaurants, such as Cantina (a Spanish restaurant good for large group events), Umie (a coffeeshop restaurant above an old garage that overlooks the Seto Sea, and is particularly useful for studying), and others. You can also find a few clothing stores among the food.
- Takamatsu Airport (高松空港)
Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage Points
- Sanuki-Kokubunji (讃岐国分寺), in Kokubunji-cho (国分寺町)
- Negoroji (根香寺), in Nakayama-cho (中山町)
- Ichinomiyaji (一宮寺), in Ichinomiya-cho (一宮町)
- Yashimaji (屋島寺), in Yashima Higashi-cho(屋島東町)
- Yakuriji (八栗寺), in Mure-cho (牟礼町)
- JR Takamatsu
- Kotoden
- Ferry
- Busses
- Takamatsu City Web Site, http://www.city.takamatsu.kagawa.jp/english/profile/
- Japan National Tourism Organization, https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/regional/kagawa/takamatsu.html
- Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage website, http://www.88shikokuhenro.jp/index.html
- Japan Guide, http://www.japan-guide.com