text:
|By Wolfram Jost
Article Rating:
|April 2, 2012 05:45 AM EDT
Cloud computing is the hottest topic in IT. Gartner ranks cloud in the #1 spot of its list of top 10 strategic technology topics. It is the overriding theme at most industry conferences this year. Projections of cloud revenue growth rates in the high double digits further underscore the relevance of the topic.
Yet today's discussions of cloud computing only hint at its full potential. Like the early days of e-business and the introduction of SOA, cloud is in its infancy, with its promise still to be fully realized. Advocates of cloud are limiting their focus to tactical cost benefits and efficiency gains on the IT infrastructure side, but the real benefit of cloud computing will be realized within the context of future developments that will shape the course of IT. When combined with these developments, cloud computing will become part of an innovation that changes everyday life.
A Platform for Collaboration
Cloud computing will become the foundation for new forms of collaboration and cooperation within a company that break down barriers that separate individual departments, isolate specialist areas and IT organizations, and divide companies from customers and business partners. By breaking down these barriers, more people, more expertise and more business information will be brought together to create more dynamic and effective organizations.
The dynamic expansion of cooperation and collaboration, supported by the concept of cloud computing, will be driven by business needs and by changes within business organizations. This pattern of expansion has been true for every transformative IT development in recent history.
For instance, the replacement of the mainframe by the client/server model as the dominant computer architecture in the 1980s can be traced back to management's desire to establish a divisional or department-oriented organizational structure. The success of the internet/web as a communication infrastructure for businesses was directly related to the division of work in a globalized economy. By contrast, the relatively slower adoption of SOA in the years immediately after its introduction demonstrates that even excellent technical ideas fail to achieve a (rapid) breakthrough if the corresponding business driver is missing.
Consumer-Driven Cloud
Cloud computing offers that business driver by advancing the goals of cooperation and collaboration within a cost-effective and easily scalable model. Within businesses worldwide, the expansion of forms of cooperation and collaboration is already taking place. Gartner calls this phenomenon and its further evolution "extreme collaboration."
In turn, this expansion has been triggered by changes taking the consumer segment by storm. The expansion of cloud computing to power collaboration in the consumer market is closely linked with names like Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, Google, Apple and Amazon. With names synonymous with technological progress and innovation, these companies are successfully demonstrating what cloud computing can do—even if they rarely use the term "cloud" themselves.
These companies are proving every day—in an extremely difficult and demanding consumer market environment—that the use of IT does not have to be subject to any location or time constraints. All that is needed to access an impressive array of services and communication applications are web capability and internet access. Nearly endless IT resources in the provider's data center are ready to switch on and off automatically as needed. Highly efficient virtualization concepts for separating technical levels and workload processes, combined with a modular, expandable data center design that is based on standardized system blocks, establish the necessary conditions to deliver communication and collaboration capabilities to users across the globe.
These businesses and smaller service platforms such as Foursquare, emphasize the benefits of active user participation in various ways. They bring like-minded people together (social networking through Facebook), support working together (social collaboration through wikis and blogs), guarantee standardized access to information (social publishing with Flickr, YouTube and slideshare.com) and generate feedback (social feedback with Amazon). All the examples mentioned above have two things in common. First, they focus on users and their needs and are streamlined for communication and collaboration. Second, they establish a comfortable user environment with the cloud computing operational model. Where and how the infrastructure to support this model exists, let alone IT infrastructure scalability issues, are not a concern for customers.
Cloud Use in Business: Tactics and Beyond
Cloud services increasingly are being offered for companies at different levels—from server and storage, to applications such as e-mail or office programs, even to specialized applications. Instead of operating their own data centers, businesses can consume and pay for services as needed. Growth rates in the high double digits document the interest in this option. Cloud revenues in the enterprise sector are expected to quadruple to about $11.4 billion by 2015.
The consumption of cloud services promises greater flexibility in the face of changing needs compared to investing a company's own resources in planning, implementing and operating technology themselves. Anyone who has seen the reaction of a CIO when told that more than 200 additional users need to access an application or server will understand the more tactical business drivers for cloud. Although cloud services provide an easy and cost-effective way to scale quickly and gain additional resources, CIOs are significantly missing out on the true potential of cloud computing if they limit their perspective to this use. Separating access to IT resources from their physical location enables companies to finally cash in on the promise to focus on and involve the user by supporting new and innovative forms of collaboration.
Apple established a cloud-based ecosystem around its iPhone business. The company itself provides an excellent end-user device and an appealing marketing and payment platform through which the consumer can access applications for the iPhone. Apple then allows application developers to share in the success without having to deal with the nuisance of running an online shop organizing payment transactions. Apple supports these activities through its online App Store and iTunes platforms—and makes money in the process.
Sometimes a company's own customers encourage it to open up to "crowdsourcing," a term coined by Jeff Howe about five years ago and seen in the case of Lego, the world's fourth- largest toy manufacturer. The Danish company approaches its customers openly through its "Mindstorms" project, where every interested Lego fan has access to a variety of design tools, message boards and other features to create their own models, publish model designs in the Lego community and develop them further as a group. Awards are given to the best domestic, exotic, most creative, and most interactive toys.
The Mindstorms project is considered a blueprint for successful customer participation. Throughout the business world, numerous open-source projects are also proof that groups can organize their work on products online, independent of location and time. In its simplest form, a growing number of companies are inviting their customers to "friend" them—to use popular social networking jargon—to share their ideas, opinions and wishes.
Strategy and Opportunity
Economists like to place the concept of social computing and crowdsourcing in the context of theories presented by British economist and Nobel Prize winner Ronald Harry Coase in "The Nature of a Firm." In the end, business decisions revolve around the following question: Under which conditions should a company invest its own effort or outsource it to a third party? The internet has significantly reduced the cost of collaboration, and the cost of coordination and communication. The operational model of cloud computing further reduces this initial hurdle because of the easy and flexible way companies can access IT services independent of location or time.
In principle, bringing together the cloud and crowd opens up excellent opportunities to more effectively divide up complex tasks and projects into smaller segments, work on them independently, and then merge them back together again. According to the Gartner list mentioned above, social communication and collaboration—along with cloud computing and mobile applications/media tablets —round out the three most important strategic technologies to watch in 2011. Gartner predicts that the majority of enterprise applications will have integrated social computing technologies by 2016. At a conference on developments in enterprise customer relationship management, Gartner analyst Adam Sarner even put forward the theory that these activities are taking the internet back to its original idea of user collaboration and participation.
But opportunities exist in more than just improved business results, as some theorists have proposed. They can also be found in the area of intra-organizational information and communication processes. Potential areas of application for new types of cooperation can be quickly identified in every layer and operational level of a business.
For instance, in a manufacturing firm, sharing among product and process experts, department heads, customers and partners in the planning process establishes an excellent basis for addressing customer needs with product improvements. It also accelerates product development and delivery. Equipping staff with mobile end devices guarantees that coordination and decision-making happen in real time. This real-time management enables smooth transitions by allowing anyone to enter or quit the interaction at any time. A variety of internal and external participants work together, without organizational or geographic barriers, to introduce operational improvements and process optimizations to the service portfolio. Instead of having to spend precious time requesting information from individual departments within a company or compiling results, they are simply "there."
The result: The company saves time and money, delivers better products and ultimately strengthens its competitive power. For this reason, it is in a CIO's best interests to adapt social computing technologies and extreme collaboration applications to IT-supported processes.
Cloud Cautions: the Crippling Effect of "Standard"
The goal of gaining greater agility and flexibility in IT is not fundamentally new, and helping companies achieve that goal has been the promise of many technology developments preceding cloud. Companies should apply the lessons learned from prior technology initiatives in their exploration of cloud computing.
In the past, many technically-motivated IT concepts have failed to reach their full potential on the application side (supply chain management, customer relationship management, and lean production) or on the program level (SOA) when faced with the reality of a traditional application approach. One reason for this failure is that when searching for the most comprehensive support for business processes, the majority of companies decided establish a long-term partnership with a provider of enterprise resource planning systems, such as SAP or Oracle. Because of the process support they provide along every service and value chain, standard systems promise maximum efficiency when compared with a combination of specialized solutions from different providers. Application function and process management are firmly interwoven.
But companies pay for the advantage of a high level of integration with a loss of flexibility, which is a prerequisite for the dynamic agility expected in today's business world. Without flexibility, with every process change businesses are obligated to spend time and money on customization projects with IT specialists realigning segments of the standard software. The diversity and breadth of the standard software market in all its various categories are ultimately expressions of the inherent contradiction between standard and flexibility.
Today, the market clearly favors agility and speed over standard systems and integration. Businesses need an open platform to counter the crippling effects of rigid application systems once and for all, and to lay the groundwork for agile forms of working and the organization of processes. The starting points for such a platform are, first, a consistent separation of process design and management from the content of standard business software. Second, this platform must include the concepts of social media/crowd computing for designing and managing company processes.
Cloud Computing Complements Business Process Management
Cloud computing is also a natural complement to business process management (BPM). Collaboration is essential for the modern goals of BPM, which requires cooperation across the enterprise. To achieve this collaboration and cooperation, a process and integration platform is needed that follows the entire lifecycle—all the way from modeling a process to executing it within a software runtime—of a business process with a uniform architecture philosophy and a semantic metadata model. Only then can an organization bridge the existing gap of understanding between business and technical IT around BPM. With the collaborative approach of model-to-execute, business process models created by process designers can be transferred into executable services in the IT and application landscapes with a high degree of automation. Changes made by any stakeholder are immediately transparent at every work level. The integration of performance data from technical monitoring with key business process indicators creates the basis for collaborative dashboarding to enable ad hoc and joint decision-making when facing new market challenges or disruptions.
Along with a common understanding at the content level, having access without constraints to business processes and tool environments is beneficial for realistic collaboration scenarios. This is where the cloud computing model comes into play. Similar to social media platforms, users can invite each other to collaborate on BPM-related projects on short notice, regardless of their location. A web front end is all that is needed to share process knowledge and models, compare them and develop them further as a community.
Using cloud computing to simplify the collaboration between process stakeholders is a key success factor for improving flexibility and quickly adapting business processes to address constantly changing market conditions. A business process can be modeled, prototyped and tested quite easily in the cloud. Whether the services and applications are run in the cloud later or on a traditional in-house system is irrelevant. Without a doubt, businesses have greater access to specialized application services through the cloud computing model. Therefore, all data and services will need to be incorporated transparently in a complete process design from the operational side—independent of location and origin.
The combination of BPM, collaboration and cloud will inevitably lead to a radical change in how businesses deal with standard software—a change that is even anticipated to surpass the switch from mainframe/host-based solutions to the client/server model. Instead of a centralized purchase of complete solutions, the customization of process logic for businesses will be managed outside application functions.
Providers of standard software must attempt to loosen the deep integration of their software and offer more small-scale application content. Only then will application providers open up the full potential of cloud computing. Unfortunately, by dominating the current discussion with technical concerns, some software companies are successfully distracting from the actual requirements context. Transferring a traditional ERP model into a cloud deployment might help increase efficiency in that regard, but that doesn't resolve the fundamental contradiction between standard software and process flexibility – it just hides it behind a cloud.
Ultimately, the value of cloud is far greater than a tactical focus on technology and operating costs. When utilized to collaborate on process design and other essential business tasks, cloud computing will be a source that powers the transformation to becoming a fully digital enterprise.
|christianverstraete 02/13/12 10:29:00 AM EST
Cloud has many aspects of which you addressed some. I like your approach to go beyond just the replacement of your datacenter as this is truly what I also advocate. I'm currently running a series on the business aspects of cloud here . There I also discuss how and where to take your applications as this is a question I often receive from customers.
The essence of data analysis involves setting up data pipelines that consist of several operations that are chained together – starting from data collection, data quality checks, data integration, data analysis and data visualization (including the setting up of interaction paths in that visualization). In our opinion, the challenges stem from the technology diversity at each stage of the data pipeline as well as the lack of process around the analysis.
May. 25, 2016 08:30 PM EDT Reads: 1,194
The IoT is changing the way enterprises conduct business. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Eric Hoffman, Vice President at EastBanc Technologies, discuss how businesses can gain an edge over competitors by empowering consumers to take control through IoT. We'll cite examples such as a Washington, D.C.-based sports club that leveraged IoT and the cloud to develop a comprehensive booking system. He'll also highlight how IoT can revitalize and restore outdated business models, making them profitable...
May. 25, 2016 08:15 PM EDT Reads: 2,527
A strange thing is happening along the way to the Internet of Things, namely far too many devices to work with and manage. It has become clear that we'll need much higher efficiency user experiences that can allow us to more easily and scalably work with the thousands of devices that will soon be in each of our lives. Enter the conversational interface revolution, combining bots we can literally talk with, gesture to, and even direct with our thoughts, with embedded artificial intelligence, wh...
May. 25, 2016 08:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,871
The 19th International Cloud Expo has announced that its Call for Papers is open. Cloud Expo, to be held November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, brings together Cloud Computing, Big Data, Internet of Things, DevOps, Containers, Microservices and WebRTC to one location. With cloud computing driving a higher percentage of enterprise IT budgets every year, it becomes increasingly important to plant your flag in this fast-expanding business opportunity. Submit y...
May. 25, 2016 06:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,884
SYS-CON Events announced today that MangoApps will exhibit at SYS-CON's 18th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. MangoApps provides modern company intranets and team collaboration software, allowing workers to stay connected and productive from anywhere in the world and from any device. For more information, please visit https://www.mangoapps.com/.
May. 25, 2016 05:45 PM EDT Reads: 457
SYS-CON Events announced today that ContentMX, the marketing technology and services company with a singular mission to increase engagement and drive more conversations for enterprise, channel and SMB technology marketers, has been named "Sponsor & Exhibitor Lounge Sponsor" of SYS-CON's 18th Cloud Expo, which will take place on June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York. "CloudExpo is a great opportunity to start a conversation with new prospects, but what happens after the...
May. 25, 2016 05:00 PM EDT Reads: 870
Internet of @ThingsExpo, taking place November 1-3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, is co-located with the 19th International Cloud Expo and will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty and the leading industry players in the world and ThingsExpo New York Call for Papers is now open.
May. 25, 2016 05:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,721
Designing IoT applications is complex, but deploying them in a scalable fashion is even more complex. A scalable, API first IaaS cloud is a good start, but in order to understand the various components specific to deploying IoT applications, one needs to understand the architecture of these applications and figure out how to scale these components independently. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Nara Rajagopalan is CEO of Accelerite, will discuss the fundamental architecture of IoT applications, ...
May. 25, 2016 04:45 PM EDT Reads: 946
In his session at 18th Cloud Expo, Bruce Swann, Senior Product Marketing Manager at Adobe, will discuss how the Adobe Marketing Cloud can help marketers embrace opportunities for personalized, relevant and real-time customer engagement across offline (direct mail, point of sale, call center) and digital (email, website, SMS, mobile apps, social networks, connected objects). Bruce Swann has more than 15 years of experience working with digital marketing disciplines like web analytics, social med...
May. 25, 2016 04:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,192
SYS-CON Events announced today that Enzu, a leading provider of cloud hosting solutions, will exhibit at SYS-CON's 18th International Cloud Expo®, which will take place on June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY. Enzu's mission is to be the leading provider of enterprise cloud solutions worldwide. Enzu enables online businesses to use its IT infrastructure to their competitive advantage. By offering a suite of proven hosting and management services, Enzu wants companies to foc...
May. 25, 2016 03:45 PM EDT Reads: 2,121
Customer experience has become a competitive differentiator for companies, and it's imperative that brands seamlessly connect the customer journey across all platforms. With the continued explosion of IoT, join us for a look at how to build a winning digital foundation in the connected era – today and in the future. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Chris Nguyen, Group Product Marketing Manager at Adobe, will discuss how to successfully leverage mobile, rapidly deploy content, capture real-time d...
May. 25, 2016 02:45 PM EDT Reads: 1,439
IoT generates lots of temporal data. But how do you unlock its value? How do you coordinate the diverse moving parts that must come together when developing your IoT product? What are the key challenges addressed by Data as a Service? How does cloud computing underlie and connect the notions of Digital and DevOps What is the impact of the API economy? What is the business imperative for Cognitive Computing? Get all these questions and hundreds more like them answered at the 18th Cloud Expo...
May. 25, 2016 02:15 PM EDT Reads: 2,130
As cloud and storage projections continue to rise, the number of organizations moving to the cloud is escalating and it is clear cloud storage is here to stay. However, is it secure? Data is the lifeblood for government entities, countries, cloud service providers and enterprises alike and losing or exposing that data can have disastrous results. There are new concepts for data storage on the horizon that will deliver secure solutions for storing and moving sensitive data around the world. ...
May. 25, 2016 02:00 PM EDT Reads: 1,143
What a difference a year makes. Organizations aren't just talking about IoT possibilities, it is now baked into their core business strategy. With IoT, billions of devices generating data from different companies on different networks around the globe need to interact. From efficiency to better customer insights to completely new business models, IoT will turn traditional business models upside down. In the new customer-centric age, the key to success is delivering critical services and apps wit...
May. 25, 2016 01:45 PM EDT Reads: 959
SYS-CON Events announced today that 24Notion has been named "Bronze Sponsor" of SYS-CON's 18th Cloud Expo, which will take place on June 7-9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York, New York. 24Notion is full-service global creative digital marketing, technology and lifestyle agency that combines strategic ideas with customized tactical execution. With a broad understand of the art of traditional marketing, new media, communications and social influence, 24Notion uniquely understands how to con...
May. 25, 2016 09:45 AM EDT Reads: 1,716
WebRTC is bringing significant change to the communications landscape that will bridge the worlds of web and telephony, making the Internet the new standard for communications. Cloud9 took the road less traveled and used WebRTC to create a downloadable enterprise-grade communications platform that is changing the communication dynamic in the financial sector. In his session at @ThingsExpo, Leo Papadopoulos, CTO of Cloud9, will discuss the importance of WebRTC and how it enables companies to fo...
May. 25, 2016 04:45 AM EDT Reads: 2,444
SYS-CON Events announced today TechTarget has been named "Media Sponsor" of SYS-CON's 18th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on June 7–9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, NY, and the 19th International Cloud Expo, which will take place on November 1–3, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA. TechTarget is the Web's leading destination for serious technology buyers researching and making enterprise technology decisions. Its extensive global networ...
May. 25, 2016 04:15 AM EDT Reads: 3,059
Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) will feature the upcoming 18th Cloud Expo | @ThingsExpo in a New York news documentary about the "New IT for the Future." The documentary will cover how big companies are transmitting or adopting the new IT for the future and will be filmed on the expo floor between June 7-June 9, 2016, at the Javits Center in New York City, New York. KBS has long been a leader in the development of the broadcasting culture of Korea. As the key public service broadcaster of Korea...
May. 25, 2016 04:00 AM EDT Reads: 1,723
With major technology companies and startups seriously embracing IoT strategies, now is the perfect time to attend @ThingsExpo 2016 in New York and Silicon Valley. Learn what is going on, contribute to the discussions, and ensure that your enterprise is as "IoT-Ready" as it can be! Internet of @ThingsExpo, taking place Nov 3-5, 2015, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, CA, is co-located with 17th Cloud Expo and will feature technical sessions from a rock star conference faculty ...
May. 24, 2016 06:00 PM EDT Reads: 4,690
There are several IoTs: the Industrial Internet, Consumer Wearables, Wearables and Healthcare, Supply Chains, and the movement toward Smart Grids, Cities, Regions, and Nations. There are competing communications standards every step of the way, a bewildering array of sensors and devices, and an entire world of competing data analytics platforms. To some this appears to be chaos. In this power panel at @ThingsExpo, moderated by Conference Chair Roger Strukhoff, panelists will discuss the vast to...
May. 24, 2016 04:00 PM EDT Reads: 2,388


text:
By CARL BILDT
Read more
By CARL BILDT
Published: Washington Post, 27 May 2016
There was an audible sigh of relief throughout Europe this week when the far-right candidate very narrowly failed to gain the highest office in Austria.
But the message from Austria is still very clear: Politics have changed, new forces are gaining strength, and there is no immediate turning back. And this applies well beyond Austria's borders.
Ever since it regained its sovereignty in 1955, Austria was governed by the two large political parties: the Christian-democratic ÖVP and the social-democratic SPÖ.
They ruled in coalition or through that peculiar Austrian phenomena called Proporz, which meant that they allocated positions throughout society to their party loyalists.
This was an era when the politics of democratic Europe were dominated by large political parties of either a more or less socialist orientation or a more or less Christian inspiration. It was the era of the big narratives, of ideologies and of trying to shape the future.
But with the end of the division of Europe, a new era slowly dawned. Gradually, the big narratives started to fade away, and during the past decade or so they have lost part of their power to attract and to mobilize. The large political parties built on these narratives, in particular on the center-left, are losing ground.
Austria was dominated by these two large political forces to a greater degree than perhaps any other country — and in no other country has their demise been so dramatic.
Before the fall of the Berlin Wall, both Austrian parties always won more than 40 percent in every election. Since then, there hasn't been an election when that has been the case. With only slight interruptions, both parties have been in constant decline.
It was a watershed event when in the first round of the presidential election, the candidates of the two old giants of the politics of Austria only got 11 percent each, and neither of them made the second round.
With the old political landscape fading, we see the rise of parties in more or less fundamental opposition to the ideas and principles that have governed the West until now. The politics of ideology has faded, and the politics of identity has been gaining ground.
The rise of the nationalist right has been faster in Austria than in most other countries. It is obvious that it has been boosted significantly by legitimate revulsion against the old-fashioned system of Proporz. Change has been in high demand.
With faith in the future also waning in view of economic difficulties and rapidly changing societies, it has been easy for these forces to trumpet nationalist myths and gain adherents for their calls for closed borders and old values. The Muslim hordes are at the gates, they say; Brussels is just bureaucracy, trade is treason, and the United States is aggressive and alien. These have been the messages resonating in the valleys and on the plains of rural Austria.
While the politics in the past was about different ideas about a better future, this is about bringing protection against change and a future that many fear will be even more different. Previously you won elections by saying that tomorrow will be better than yesterday. These forces are promising to bring back a yesterday that they portray as better than the tomorrow they see coming.
Immigration is clearly one part of the story that Austria has had difficulties handling. But that voters in more diverse Vienna strongly rejected the siren songs of closed borders is a good sign in the darkness.
It was Karl Popper, born in Imperial Vienna, who not only conceived the ideas of open society but also warned of the "strain of civilization" that can occur when change is seen as too rapid, and the lure of a return to the tribe makes itself felt.
This, then, is the political battle being played out in the new political landscapes of Europe. Remnants of the old battles of ideologies are certainly still around, but more and more it's a contest between an open and a closed society. Popper noted that it was the development of communications and commerce that caused the breakdown of the closed societies of the ancient world, and in an echo of this we see these new political forces rally strongly against immigrants and trade agreements.
Austria should be seen as a warning signal for all. But everything is not lost if the political leaders of Europe could take some time off from the crisis management that increasingly dominates their days and spell out the case for an open society, an open world and a better future.
The splendor of the city of Vienna could well serve as an inspiration.
by GARETH EVANS
by GARETH EVANS
Published: Project Syndicate, 26 May 2016
CANBERRA – Bad news is all around us. The world confronts the possibility of a sexist, racist ignoramus occupying the White House next January. Unreconstructed authoritarians already are in charge in Russia and China. Populists of varying ugliness are winning elections from Poland to the Philippines. And Islamophobia is overriding compassion in almost every country, including my own, that must respond to the current refugee crisis. What Abraham Lincoln described in his first inaugural address as "the better angels of our nature" seem to have gone into hiding.
But every now and then, stories of people emerge that give us reason to hope for the ultimate triumph of human decency. Four such stories I have recently come across may be particularly helpful in dispelling some of the prevailing gloom. Celebrated last month in Yerevan, Armenia, at a ceremony to award the inaugural Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, these people's stories are worth more global attention than they received at the time.
One of the finalists, Father Bernard Kinvi, leads a hospital mission serving a large area in the middle of the Central African Republic. When the vicious sectarian war between Muslim rebels and Christian militias flared across the country, tearing apart the community he served, he treated the wounds of fighters and hid victims from both sides without fear or prejudice. He did this at immense personal risk for months on end, repeatedly threatened by leaders on both sides for aiding the enemy.
Then there is Syeda Ghulam Fatima, who runs the Bonded Labor Liberation Front from a storefront in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad. Physically beaten on multiple occasions – and both shot and electrocuted – she has fought for decades to release from de facto slavery workers bonded to brick kiln owners. The Front has freed more than 80,000 bonded Pakistanis, more than two-thirds of them women and children.
Tom Catena is the only doctor serving a population of more than a half-million people in the Nuba Mountains of southern Sudan, which has been a war zone since 2011. With bombing and shelling of civilian areas an almost daily reality, he refused the evacuation option taken by other expatriates, accepted the risks, and worked without respite over the last five years to save the lives and health of many thousands of men, women, and children.
Finally, Marguerite Barankitse, a Burundian of Tutsi ethnicity, tried to hide scores of her Hutu neighbors in a church during the bloody convulsions of 1993. When they were discovered, she was stripped, tied to a chair, and forced to watch their murder by machete. Undeterred, she rescued the orphans of those killed – and many more like them. Then, supported by Christian charities in Luxembourg, she created the Maison Shalom centers, which have protected and nurtured thousands more orphans of war and AIDS. Today, with fear of genocidal violence in Burundi rising again, Barankitse, personally threatened by the current government, is establishing a reception center in neighboring Rwanda for those fleeing the country.
Any of these four antidotes to cynicism could have carried off the prize for which they were finalists – just as many more of the 186 nominees from around the world could reasonably have joined them onstage. In the end, it went to Maggie Barankitse, the "Mother of Burundi" – not least, perhaps, because the spotlight of recognition may help to prevent her unhappy country from sliding back into civil war.
The Aurora Prize, named after Aurora Mardiganian, who survived the Armenian genocide of 1915-1917 and did more than almost anyone else to keep its memory alive in subsequent decades, is the brainchild of the Russian-Armenian philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan. Its rationale is to recognize that ordinary people, when confronted with man's inhumanity to man, can mobilize extraordinary reserves of courage, compassion, and commitment, and have a major life-saving impact.
The prize, to be given annually, carries with it not only $100,000 for the winner, but – uniquely in the world of humanitarian and human-rights awards – $1 million for one or more organizations that will help carry on the winner's work.
As a member of the Prize jury – sitting (rather out of my pay grade) alongside a posse of Nobel Peace Prize winners and globally recognized humanitarians like Mary Robinson, Vartan Gregorian, and that most genuine of celebs, George Clooney – I can't pretend to be completely objective about all of this. But it does seem to me only a matter of time before the Aurora Prize acquires a status close to that of the Nobel: A powerful way to recognize and celebrate our common humanity and everything that is most dignified and decent in human life. We need such affirmation in today's world as much as we ever have.
Mike Moore, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Director General of the World Trade Organisation...
Mike Moore, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, Director General of the World Trade Organisation and a founder Member of GLF, has accepted the Chairman's invitation to return to full Membership of GLF following the end of his appointment as the Ambassador of New Zealand to USA, during which time Mike retained his link with GLF as one of our Patrons.
Prime Minister of New Zealand 1990
Director General of the World Trade Organisation 1999-2002
Public career
Having left school to work as a labourer and then a printer, Mike Moore became an active trade unionist and at the age of 17 was elected to the Auckland Trades Council. He became the first youth representative on the Labour Party executive and was Vice-president of the International Union of Socialist Youth for two consecutive terms. He began his parliamentary career when elected as the MP for Eden in 1972 before moving to Christchurch where he served as MP for the north Christchurch electorate from 1978 until 1999.
As a government minister he has held numerous portfolios, becoming best known in his role as Overseas Trade Minister with involvement in the GATT negotiations. In 1987 he also became Minister of External Relations and in 1988 Deputy Minister of Finance. In 1990 he became leader of the Labour Party and consequently Prime Minister for a few months before the 1990 general elections.
Activity after public politics
Mike Moore was the director-general of the World Trade Organisation from 1999 to 2002. His term coincided with momentous changes in the global economy and multilateral trading system. He attempted to restore confidence in the system following the setback of the 1999 WTO ministerial conference held in Seattle. Ministers at the 2001 ministerial conference in Doha, Qatar regarded him as the driving force behind the decision to launch a new round of multilateral trade negotiations—the ill-fated Doha Development Round. That 2001 meeting also saw the successful accession to the WTO of China and Chinese Taipei, which along with Estonia, Jordan, Georgia, Albania, Oman, Croatia, Lithuania and Moldova joined during Moore's term, bringing the majority of the world's population within the rules-based trading system. He gave particular attention to helping poor countries participate effectively in the multilateral trading system.
In 2010 Mike Moore was appointed New Zealand Ambassador to the United States, a post he held until late 2015.
Mike Moore is an author of a number of books, on subjects ranging from politics to the Pacific. His most recent book on globalisation, 'A World Without Walls', has also been published in Chinese and Turkish.
He serves on a number of commercial boards and is an Adjunct and visiting Professor at several universities in a number of countries. He has been honoured by over 16 governments and universities in the Americas, Africa, the Pacific and Europe and served on the UN Commission for the Legal Empowerment of the Poor and the UN Commission for Migration.
Wolfsberg, Switzerland 21-25 April 2016
With the support of UBS, a GLF International Council Member, the Foundation held its 2016 Annual Meeting at the Wolfsberg Centre on 21-24 April.
A total of 100 people attended with 22 GLF Members and 23 individuals representing 22 Members of the International Council. Eight partner organisations with whom GLF is working also participated. With the wide experience, special expertise and network contacts of those present, the three day event is a vital part of the GLF story. Its purpose, broadly speaking, is to identify challenges, share experiences and plan ways in which GLF can make a difference, but the programme is structured to provide both formal and informal opportunities to renew old contacts, make new ones and share ideas on all aspects of politics and business.
The programme featured four Regional discussions and two Consultations. The Regional discussions covered The Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia & Pacific and West Asia & North Africa. In each case the open discussion was followed by a Caucus meeting for Members to define what GLF activity might be undertaken in each region. GLF Members also met privately on three occasions and a number of private, bilateral meetings were set up, on request from supporters and partner organisations, in the margins of the programme.
In concluding the meeting, GLF Chairman FW de Klerk underlined the track record of GLF in many countries, noting that in its 11 years of existence GLF had built its knowledge and experience and was making a difference. Commenting on the continuing need for GLF's work, Mr De Klerk observed that the broadening of the GLF Network, its partnerships and the International Council provided a sound basis on which to develop its work for the future.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The Guest's Lair in Tex Island attraction, February 14, 1988, 4:29 a.m.
It's an island built as a tribute to Abu -- only with less Tex and more guests! Children can crawl through guest caves, searach for secret guest displays, and wish you could go into a fort that was once a lot of fun!
Run from Princess Mode
© copyright 2011–2016
A Pants Aflame production


text:
Buy Cipro In UsBuy Cipro In UsQuibron-t free sample, quibron-t free sample.
Amoxicilina order microlean find discount chloramphenicol online buy l-taurine in us synthroid in canada buy cheap penis growth pills online discount avapro online erexin-v free sample buy lexapro in us amisulpride norpace cr free sample buy discount ortho tri-cyclen online buy discount methotrexate hytrin (terazosin) buy femcare in us.
Buy cipro in us bonnisan drops, rheumatrex tetracycline overnight delivery find cheap lioresal online buy anafranil in us buy no rx penis extender standard.
Order oral health cats no rx required order brahmi, find chloroquine cod find zyloprim.
Starlix (nateglinide, diabetes, fastic, glinate, glunat, starsis, trazec) find cheap lipostatin cheap brafix online buy zebeta in canada buy cheap imdur online find discount maxaquin buy imuran online shuddha guggulu find cheap flonase.
Glucophage in us buy zyrtec in us find cheap cordarone online buy male enhancement oil in us cheap confido online find 5 panel drug test with adulteration test and e-z split cup online find tretinoin cream 0.05% cod, no rx daily best dogs, find depakote no rx required penis growth pack free sample, find discount rimonabant.
Buy fml forte buy aristocort online.
Buy cheap midamor online buy cipro in us, find tulasi online sildenafil citrate early pregnancy strip test free sample.
Buy discount paxil.
Buy mysoline in us order discount trimox online.
Male potency patch overnight delivery order manhood enhancer online order no rx bust enhancer male enhancement pills online review find cheap paroxetine online, buy no rx aleve buy cheap daily best cats beef.
Buy no rx tetracycline ginseng in canada tramaden online review, find cheap quick relief cats online discount melatonin online, find cheap tetracycline.
Psoriatic arthritis, buy serophene no rx required find discount femara find discount vitaliq online viagra online review kalumid, find ribocree no rx required.
Order cheap daily best cats fish online.
Buy discount panmycin evoclin, buy cipro in us order cheap metabo safe online vantin in canada, buy discount ultimate male enhancer order cheap maximum lipotropics online, isokin order discount pulmicort fargan find cheap karela online buy zyvox cod buy mexitil online.
Order methox-400 online.
Order no rx amoxi-tabs.
Inderalici erythromycin free sample order discount xenical buy discount viagra super active online buy awake patch narol ilimit.
Find discount avodart online find abana buy chromonexin


text:
Hotels in Nuremberg
- Hotel list
- Hotels on map
- Sort by:
- Current hotel
- Hotels nearby
- Airports
- Underground stations
- Train stations
- Parks
- Tourist attractions
- Museums
- Convention centers
- Stadiums
- Food and meals
- General
Hover above the icons to see hotel photo and details.
Click the hotel to go to the main hotel page.
Hilton Nuremberg Hotel4 star hotel
Nh Nuernberg City Hotel Nuremberg4 star hotel
Azimut Hotel Nuremberg4 star hotel
Maritim Hotel Nuernberg Nuremberg4 star hotel
Park Inn By Radisson Nuremberg4 star hotel
Le Meridien Grand Hotel Nuremberg4 star hotel
Moevenpick Hotel Nuremberg Airport4 star hotel
Noris Hotel Nuremberg4 star hotel
Hotel Avenue Nuremberg3 star hotel
Intercityhotel Nuremberg3 star hotel
Acomhotel Nuernberg Nuremberg3 star hotel
Sheraton Carlton Hotel Nuremberg5 star hotel
Leonardo Hotel Nuremberg3 star hotel
Hotel Victoria Nuremberg3 star hotel
Ramada Nuernberg Parkhotel Nuremberg4 star hotel
- Muenchener Strasse 283, Nuremberg, Germany, 90471 (Map)
City Partner Hotel Am Jakobsmarkt Nuremberg3 star hotel
Derag Livinghotel Maximilian Nuremberg4 star hotel
Holiday Inn Exp Nuremberg - Hauptbahnhof3 star hotel
Invite Hotel Nuremberg City3 star hotel
Hotel Deutscher Kaiser Nuremberg3 star hotel
Woehrdersee Hotel Mercure Nuernberg City Nuremberg4 star hotel
Hotel Metropol Nuremberg3 star hotel
Best Western Nurenberg City West Hotel Nuremberg3 star hotel
Hampton By Hilton Nuremberg City Centre Hotel3 star hotel
Hotels near Nuremberg
{{ hotel.name }}{{ hotel.stars }} star hotel{{ hotel.distanceDesc }} | {{ hotellist.amenitiesDesc }}
{{ hotel.description }} More detailsFromUS${{ hotel.min_rate }}per nightNot availableMap goes hereChecking available rooms...{{ conf.title }}{{ room.name }}Prepayment requiredNon-refundableDeposit requiredBook with no credit cardFree cancellation
- {{rate.bedconf}}
{{ rate.currency }} {{ rate.price }}for nightChange roomPlease select Room {{ conf_index + 1 }}{{ conf.title }}
- {{rate.payathotel}}
- {{rate.one_euro_deposit}}
- {{rate.desc}}
- Smoking
- Non Smoking
- Pay at hotel
- {{rate.rate_id_desc}}
- {{rate.view}}
Room Type Conditions Rate Reservation
{{ room.desc }}
- {{amenity}}
{{ room.info }}
{{room.name}}{{ room.sqft }} sq. feet
Included: {{ room.rates[0].included }}
Not included: {{ room.rates[0].excluded }}Prepayment requiredNon-refundableDeposit requiredBook with no credit cardFree cancellation
- {{rate.bedconf}}
Show {{ room.rates.length - rooms.maxRates }} more ratesHide rates
- {{rate.payathotel}}
- {{rate.one_euro_deposit}}
- {{rate.desc}}
- Smoking
- Non Smoking
- Pay at hotel
- {{rate.rate_id_desc}}
- {{rate.view}}
{{ rate.currency }} {{ rate.price }}for night{{ conf.more_rooms_title }}
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- Next page ›
City Guide: Nuremberg
"Nuremburg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon and stars," mused Martin Luther about the great historic city.
For centuries Nuremberg was the closest thing the Holy Roman Empire had to a capital, because newly chosen German kings preferred to reside in at Nuremberg Castle. At the same time the city was home of science and invention and one of the most important trading centers in Europe. Nuremberg's beautiful medieval architecture partly survived after World War II destruction. Walking the streets of the old town, you will easily imagine the Nuremberg of the times of Albrecht Dürer.Read more
City Guide: Nuremberg
"Nuremburg shines throughout Germany like a sun among the moon and stars," mused Martin Luther about the great historic city.
For centuries Nuremberg was the closest thing the Holy Roman Empire had to a capital, because newly chosen German kings preferred to reside in at Nuremberg Castle. At the same time the city was home of science and invention and one of the most important trading centers in Europe. Nuremberg's beautiful medieval architecture partly survived after World War II destruction. Walking the streets of the old town, you will easily imagine the Nuremberg of the times of Albrecht Dürer.
Nuremberg is best explored on foot. When you get tired of walking have a rest in the hotel. Book the cheap hotel in Nuremberg or the one with luxuries at Booked.net
Nuremberg used to serve as a stage for the Nazis activities. Hitler chose the city for its historical imperial fame to lavish his regime with more credibility. Thus the Nuremberg is closely associated with Nazism and its notorious dictator. To follow this horrible part of the world history, visit Zappelinfeld with the massive Zeppelintribüne where Hitler addressed the masses.
Sad reminder of the Nazi movement, it is still recognizable from the documentaries of those times. Being in Nuremberg you'll have to see imposing Kongreßhalle (Congress Hall), the biggest edifice built during the Third Reich regime. Find out more about the Nazi crimes in Documentation Center, located in the north wing of the Congress Hall.
Attractions include;
- Nuremberg Imperial Castle is one of the most important palaces of the Middle Ages. Built in 11th century, it used to house Emperors of the Holy Roman Empire.
- Heilig-Geist-Spital or The Hospice of the Holy Spirit was built between 1332 and 1339 and served for old and needy people. One of the largest hospitals of the Middle Ages, now is a municipal senior citizens' home.
- Albrecht-Dürer-Haus presents the workplace and residence of Albrecht Dürer, the greatest painter and printmaker of Nuremberg.
- City Walls surrounding Nuremberg, used to protect the town for centuries. A brick wall was built between 12th and 16th centuries and still exists in the length of 4 kilometers.
- Schöner Brunnen or "Beautiful Fountain" was built between 1389 and 1396. Forty stone figures of this marvelous fountain represent the world-view of the Holy Roman Empire.
- Toy Museum exhibits all kinds of toys: dolls, railways, wooden and metal toys. It will be interesting for the kids and adults.
There is so much to see and do in Nuremberg. In addition to its numerous historical and cultural sights, the town celebrates a number of the events, such as Altstadtfest, the "Old Town Festival" in September. Processions and concerts, delicious food and drinks attract over a million people each year. In May and September you should stroll the streets of the Old Town and buy something vintage on the Germany's largest flea market. From the late spring until the end of 2010 celebrate the events dedicated to 175 years of Railway in Germany. The first German train started its journey in Nuremberg 175 years ago.
One of the great historic cities of Germany, Nuremberg is a magnet for tourists. Visit the great town and stay at the best hotel in Nuremberg at the lowest price possible. Find the best offers from our vast database at Booked.net
Filtering results
Please wait...
Your preferences
Star rating
- ({{ star.count }})
Tourist attractions
- Frauenkirche church Nuremberg (79)
- Saint Lorenz Church (82)
Popular areas
- City Center (80)
- Nuremberg Christmas Market (79)
Places of interest
- 2. Pfarrstelle (14)
- Evang.-Luth. Pfarramt (1)
- Evang.-Luth. Pfarrstelle Altenthann Pfr. Gottfried Winning (1)
- Evangelisch-Lutherisch Kindergarten Ev. Ver. (1)
- Evangelisch-Lutherisch Pfarramt Burgsalach (1)
- Gemeinde-Akademie d. evang.-luth. Kirche in Bayern (7)
- Gemeindezentrum Arche G'lohe Kindergarten (14)
- Kath. Pfarramt (1)
- Kindergarten Regenbogen (11)
- Pfarramt Lauf 2. PfarrSt. Pfrin. Birgit Winkler-Seidl (2)
Train stations
- Main station Nuremberg (79)
Convention centers
- NürnbergMesse (48)
- Nuremberg Messe (48)
Sport related
Shopping areas
- Karolinenstraße (52)
- Albrecht-Dürer-Haus (79)
- Citypark Nuremberg (71)
- Nuremberg Zoo (61)
Universities, Institutes
- Nuremberg Hospital (82)
Medical care and Hospitals
- Palm Beach (8)
- Mitte (55)
- Nordstadt (7)
- Oststadt (1)
- Südoststadt (9)
- Südstadt (2)
- Weststadt (10)
Underground stations
- Hauptbahnhof underground station (80)
- Langwasser Messe underground station (35)
- Lorenzkirche underground station (52)
- Nordostbahnhof underground station (67)
- Opernhausunderground station (81)
- Plärrer underground station (80)
- Weißer Turm underground station (80)
Hotel type
Search by name
Room facilities
Top hotels in Nuremberg
- Novotel Nuernberg Messezentrum Nuremberg
- Hotel Drei Raben Nuremberg
- Ringhotel Loew'S Merkur Nuremberg
- Novina Hotel Tillypark Nuremberg
- Arvena Park Hotel Nuremberg
- Duerer Hotel Nuremberg
- Art & Business Hotel Nuremberg
- Burghotel Nurnberg
- Design Hotel Vosteen Nuremberg
- Hotel Alpha Nuremberg
- Hotel Am Josephsplatz Nuremberg
- Hotel Marienbad Nuernberg Nuremberg
- Hotel Hauser Nuremberg
- Hotel Agneshof Nuremberg
- Arthotel City Nuremberg
- Garden Hotel Nuremberg
- Hotel Cristal Nuremberg
- Aria Hotel Nuremberg
- Hotel Elch Nuremberg
- Hotel Elch Boutique Nuremberg
- Gideon Hotel Nuremberg
|Cities nearby
|Popular Cities in Germany


text:
Lyrics Depot is your source of lyrics to Mac Arthur Park by Glen Campbell. Please check back for more Glen Campbell lyrics.
Mac Arthur Park Lyrics
Artist: Glen Campbell
Album: Goodtime Album
Spring was never waiting for us girl it ran one step ahead as we followed in the dance
'Tween the parted pages and were pressed
In love's hot fevered iron like a stripped pair of pants
I recall the yellow cotton dress
Foaming like a wave on the ground around your knees
And birds like tender babies in your hands
And the old man playing checkers by the trees
Mac Arturh Park is melting in the dark all the sweet green ising flowing down
Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never had that recipe again oh no
There will be another songs for me for I will sing it
There will be another dream for me someone will bring it
I'll drink the wine while it is warm and never let you catch me looking in the sun
But after all the loves of my life after all the loves of my life you'll still be the one
I will take my life into my hands and I will use it
I will win the worship in their eyes and I will lose it
I will have the things that I desire
And my passions flow like rivers through the sky
But after all the loves of my life oh after all the loves of my life
I'll be thinking of you and wondering why
Mac Arturh Park is melting...
Glen Campbell Lyrics
Glen Campbell Goodtime Album Lyrics
More Glen Campbell Music Lyrics:
Glen Campbell - Bridge Over Troubled Water Lyrics
Glen Campbell - By The Time I Get To Phoenix Lyrics
Glen Campbell - Cold December In Your Heart Lyrics
Glen Campbell - I Believe Lyrics
Glen Campbell - I Can't Help It (if I'm Still In Love With You) Lyrics
Glen Campbell - I Knew Jesus (before He Was A Star) Lyrics
Glen Campbell - I Want To Be With You Always Lyrics
Glen Campbell - If This Is Love Lyrics


text:
For every drug addict there are at least four people affected, a depressing assertion by some experts that is clearly borne out in this soft-spoken, utterly honest account by educator Cataldi. The mother of two sons, Jeff and Jeremy, Cataldi became head of the Calverton School in Maryland in 1987, where the boys attended; she recounts chronologically how her oldest, Jeff, a bright, capable student, embarked from adolescence onward into an ever deepening and perilous spiral of drug abuse. From getting caught smoking at school in fifth grade, attending drug-sodden raves in high school, being arrested for possession of cocaine and ketamine, and selling drugs on campus, Jeff was continually rescued by his take-charge but admittedly naïve mother, now divorced from their father. Entering Boston University seemed to give Jeff a fresh start, yet he was soon enmeshed in the party scene; in debilitating health, he dropped out and bounced around among halfway houses and rehab centers. Jeff had become a master manipulator to get his fix, even when later jailed for heroin possession, and Cataldi learned to stop enabling her "chameleon son" by joining Al-Anon. Taking an Italian expression to heart, stagli vicino, she learned to stay close and let Jeff find his way, and while her love proved steadfast, a safe outcome was never assured. (May)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Stay Close: A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addictionby Libby Cataldi
View All Available Formats & Editions
During his early teens, Jeff Bratton started using drugs. At first, alcohol and pot, but quickly he spiraled into using cocaine, ketamine, crystal meth and eventually heroin.
How could this wonderful son, loving brother, and star athlete lose himself to drugs? How could his parents be so clueless? How could his mother, the long-term head of a private school,/p>
During his early teens, Jeff Bratton started using drugs. At first, alcohol and pot, but quickly he spiraled into using cocaine, ketamine, crystal meth and eventually heroin.
How could this wonderful son, loving brother, and star athlete lose himself to drugs? How could his parents be so clueless? How could his mother, the long-term head of a private school, be so blind?
"Stagli vicino", an Italian recovering addict told the author. "Stay close—never leave him, even when he is most unlovable." This is not a book about saving a child. It is a book about what it means to stay close to a loved one gripped by addiction. It is about one son who came home and one mother who never gave up hope.
Stay Close is one mother's tough, honest, and intimate tale that chronicles her son's severe drug addiction, as it corroded all relationships from the inside out. It is a story of deep trauma and deep despair, but also of deep hope—and healing.
Here is Libby Cataldi's story about dealing with addiction without withdrawing love, learning to trust again while remaining attuned to lies, and the cautious triumph of staying clean one day at a time.
He told her, "Mom, never quit believing." And she didn't.
Editorial Reviews
"Searingly honest and moving...[Cataldi] has broken the taboos about being the parent of an addict." New York Daily News
"Cataldi's writing lays her emotions bare...she doesn't pull any punches, never shying away from the hard questions or the tough times." The Capital (Annapolis, Maryland)
"For every drug addict there are at least four people affected, a depressing assertion by some experts that is clearly borne out in this soft-spoken, utterly honest account." Publishers Weekly
"A spell-binding and anguished story...of a mother's deep love." www.ewtn.com (Eternal Word Television Network)
"Mental health professionals and parents of addicts could benefit enormously from reading this heartrending story of a mother's struggle with her son's drug addiction. When Cataldi's hitherto healthy, straight-A student teenage son consorts with bad company and begins using alcohol and marijuana, the author misses the telltale signs. Before too long, he adds cocaine, heroin, and meth. Too late, Cataldi struggles to understand what went wrong as she endeavors to rescue him. Her narration and her son's, interspersed at key points, poignantly depict the story of addiction and recovery. While addiction memoirs proliferate, few wield the power of this one." Library Journal
"As Virgil toured Dante through hell, so Libby Cataldi can hold your hand through a parent's ultimate nightmare. A gripping story of a bad time for a good person, and how she conquered it." Tom Clancy
"Addiction poisons the whole family. It's the secret we keep from one another and we keep from ourselves. It is only when, like Libby Cataldi, we are willing to share our stories and shine a light into those dark corners that we can begin to recover." Martha Tod Dudman, author of Augusta, Gone
"This is a mother's exceptionally touching, beautifully written story of pain, and ultimately hope. Cataldi writes a deeply honest, moving chronicle of how the natural, normal love of a family can lock everyone into a negative spiral of horrific loss of control. This mom bares the truth, which is full of confusion and baffling paradox.In a superb afterword, Patrick MacAfee explains how addicted families work and what a mysterious, counter-intuitive process it is to find your way to the freedom of recovery. The memoir, followed by the voice of the professional, offers a powerful guide to those lost in the midst of their own family addiction."--Stephanie Brown, Ph.D., Director of The Addictions Institute"Stay Close is the poignant and powerful story of one family's struggle to contend with the ravages of addiction in a beloved son and brother. With enormous courage and honesty, Libby Cataldi lays bare the searing family pain as her son descends into a world they cannot fully understand; her fierce efforts to bring him back to health and sanity; and, ultimately, the redemptive power of love, compassion, and a mother's willingness to stay close to her son even during the most harrowing of times." Ron Goldblatt, Executive Director, Association of Independent Maryland Schools
Product Details
- 9781429994958
- Publisher:
- St. Martin's Press
- Publication date:
- 04/28/2009
- Sold by:
- Macmillan
- Format:
- NOOK Book
- Pages:
- 320
- Sales rank:
- 186,871
- File size:
Read an Excerpt
Stay Close
A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addiction
By Libby Cataldi
St. Martin's PressCopyright © 2009 Libby Cataldi
All rights reserved.
The Boy in the Cape and Cowboy Boots
November 24, 2005, 12:30 A.M. Jeff is twenty-seven years old.
So how do I feel? Like a failure of a mother. Everyone in the field of drug addiction says, "Don't blame yourself. You didn't cause it, you can't cure it; you didn't make him a drug addict." But look deeply into a mother's eyes and tell her that her child is dying and it's not her fault. Sure, it makes sense if it's not your kid. But for a mother to do nothing to stop the pain, to alter its course — is it possible for a mother not to feel guilt, shame, intense hurt? Maybe for some, but I'm not there. I doubt if I ever will be. For me, I think I will wear this like a skin. Maybe I'll forget I have it on sometimes, but it will be forever part of my being, my eyes, my smile, my thoughts — like a breath that catches me short or my heart when it misses a beat. That's it. Jeff is my heart murmur — I have allowed his aches and traumas to damage my heart, and it is beyond repair. Maybe this isn't the case for other parents, and maybe I'm wrong, not healthy. But this is what I feel, this is my heart.
Motherhood wasn't always this way, this battle with addiction, this feeling of failure. How did it all change? I wish I could trace the beginning of Jeff's drug addiction and point to a continuum of events, of specific blips on a chronological graph that cry out the alarm, danger, drug addict in the making, danger, addiction coming, like a truck's warning as it backs up. How does one become an addict? How does one become anything? Is it in the genes? Of course that's part of it, but not all. Is it in the upbringing? Life situations? Birth order? Specific events? I have two sons, and they are different. One is an addict; one is not. What is it that has kept Jeremy safe and put Jeff at such risk?
Their early years run through my memory like one of those picture books that you flip quickly with your thumb, the images blending together to tell the story. We lived at the northernmost end of Calvert County, Maryland, a rural tobacco-growing region, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. Our neighborhood was called Quince View Meadows, and the boys' days were spent there, among the woods and trails. Their memories are filled with the deep greens of the woods at twilight, with the shades of yellow and orange as the light filtered through the leaves, with the laughter of playmates as they raced through the fields, with the crisp smells of autumn and the crunching sounds of leaves as they traipsed up the long driveway home, to their tree fort, to the tire swing that lifted them to the heavens and twirled round and round on the descent.
Jeff, from his earliest years, loved to imagine, to create, and I can trace his childhood through his fantasies. He was Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, and even Aquaman, then He-Man, a kind of invincible superhuman, followed by Luke Skywalker fighting for good against the evil Darth Vader, Indiana Jones on a search for treasures, then a BMX biker taking to the air from the ramps he built with his buddies, and finally a skateboarder leaving the safety of the neighborhood behind as he discovered new frontiers.
Maybe Jeff always wanted to escape reality, live somewhere else. It seemed so harmless then, during his early years. It seemed magical.
When Jeff was just two years old his scarlet Superman cape became part of his daily attire, hanging around his neck and trailing down his small back. He had found an iron-on emblem on the back of a cereal box and asked, "Will you, Mommy? Can you make me a cape, just like Superman, with this on it?" When Jeff donned his homemade cloth, he became Superman and joined the fight for good.
I remember sitting next to two-and-a-half-year-old Jeff as we peered out his bedroom window on the third floor, high above the ground, and always feeling a little afraid that one day he might leap out in the belief that he could fly.
"Jeff, do you think you can fly?"
"Yeah, I know I can."
"Angel, do you know what fantasy is?"
"Yep. It's when things aren't real, like fairy tales."
"And do you know what real is?"
"Uh-huh," he nodded his head slightly up and down, his dark brown hair cut short with long bangs that framed his eyes, intense and innocent, as he studied me quizzically, wondering, I think, what was my problem that I didn't understand this whole flying thing. "Real is true, like what happens, like what we see."
"Great. If fantasy is make-believe and real is what happens, do you really think you can fly?"
"Yep, I know I can fly, because Superman is real and he flies."
And so it went, to the grocery store, to preschool, Jeff wearing his trusty red cape, denim Wrangler jeans, the cordovan cowboy belt with his name embossed on the leather, and the saddleback-colored cowboy boots that my parents had bought for him when we last visited them in Florida. Quite naturally, the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., became one of our favorite destinations, since Jeff was enamored with space travel. Once, when he was about three or four, he wore his entire Superman outfit, complete with blue tights, T-shirt emblazoned with the Superman S, navy shorts, cowboy boots, and of course his cape to lead the way to the lunar space module on the first floor to the deep right of the entrance. He stood next to Jeremy and explained in a loud child's voice, unaware of others near us: "Jeremy, Neil Armstrong was the first man who ever walked on the moon, in Apollo 13. The moon has no gravity or air to breathe, so he had to wear a space suit and heavy boots made just for space. He got to the moon from the space ship in this lunar module. OK, now we'll go upstairs to show you the golf club that Neil Armstrong used to hit the ball." Jeremy, just twenty months younger, and who looked like he could have been Jeff's twin — only smaller, and with lighter brown hair and hazel eyes — listened to everything his older brother said as if memorizing each word.
Of course I was proud — proud of them both, my babies. I was a teacher, and that was my life's profession; I was a mother, and my sons were learning together. These were the days when I could love them as openly as I wanted. Which I did.
As Jeff and Jeremy grew older and entered elementary school, their bonds became tighter. They would lie on Jeremy's bed together, looking out his window at the woods beneath, and they would cloud talk, the kind of daydreaming that kids do. Although they were still confined by the borders of Quince View, their days were now filled with leaving home behind. There were other times, too, when Jeff hung out with his friends, and they would hide from Jeremy and his gang because the big guys were just too cool to play with the little ones. Jeff and his buddies built forts in the woods, played basketball at the courts, constructed bicycle ramps, careened through the neighborhood on their two-wheeled horses, and swung between trees on the vines in what they named Vine Jungle. They swam and perfected their cannonball dives in neighbors' pools, hopping between the Saltas' and the Kesslers'. Winters made frigid playgrounds, with snow blanketing the woods and fields; their world became a crystal wonder as the trees around our home were covered in white, ice dangling from the branches, and almost invisible tracks left on the surface of the snow by the squirrels and birds were the only hint of animal life. The only time we mothers would see the big guys was when they'd appear in one large group at someone's home, ready for grilled cheese sandwiches and glasses of chocolate milk.
It was so easy then.
Later, when Jeff was around ten and in fifth grade, he fell in love with skateboarding. Many of the neighborhood kids tried to balance on the oblong-shaped platform, but most often they would fall to the ground in laughter. The others soon lost interest and left to play basketball or ride bikes, but Jeff loved the sport and stayed, working to master new tricks that he had seen others perform or ones he'd made up.
My older son loved to fly, create, and invent, all positive attributes, but somewhere along the way Jeff lost his desire to use his gifts.
Whatever happened during those years and later, Jeff always protected Jeremy, almost like a father, encouraging him, rescuing him from his childhood mishaps, and listening to his boyish ramblings. When they were in middle school they played on the same soccer team. During one game, a player from the opposing team, a kid who was three years older than Jeremy and outweighed him by at least twenty pounds, was guarding him aggressively, and kept knocking him over, tripping him. Without forewarning Jeff left his position in the center of the field, jogged over to Jeremy's adversary, whispered something in the kid's ear, and then resumed playing. The boy never tripped Jeremy again, and at the end of the game I asked Jeff what had happened. He sighed angrily. "I told the kid, 'You touch my brother one more time and I'll break your fucking nose.'" Jeremy adored his older brother, and he mimicked Jeff's walk, dress, and talk, always watching. "Jeff was like a father to me. I always felt safe when I was with him," Jeremy once told me. They were the Bratton boys. They wrestled, they shared their secrets, they were bonded in friendship and in blood.
The four of us, including Tim, weren't together often. Tim and two partners had started an environmental consulting company in Washington, D.C., and twelve-to-fifteen-hour days became his normal working and commuting schedule; there was also some out-of-town travel. Work was his domain, and he was successful; with two small children, I was happy to make our home my world. Tim's income allowed me to stay home and be a full-time mom, and his absence seemed to be the price of successful entrepreneurship.
We weren't the kind of family that ate together each evening, picnicked, camped, or even played Scrabble. On weekends we were the kind of family that usually ate together only on Sunday evenings, and sometimes we went to church, but usually the boys and I would go alone or not at all. Planned family outings for special days like Mother's Day or Father's Day consisted of brunch and a round of golf. We went on occasional family vacations, planning times of togetherness in advance to fit Tim's work schedule. The boys and I had supper together, and I would prepare Tim's dinner, place it in the microwave for heating when he came home — often as late as 10:00 or 11:00 P.M. — and he would eat in the kitchen alone. By that time the boys had had their baths, had been tucked in, and were sound asleep. If I was still awake I would join him, although I was usually asleep, too. In the mornings the boys might see their dad for a brief hello, but often he would be asleep, or would be busy dressing to go back to work.
Even when Tim was home he was frequently consumed with business; his was the kind of work that was always present, floating in his head, needing attention. I knew that he wanted to be a good father and husband. He was kind, and when we first met and dated in college, I fell in love with his quiet and gentle manner. He was also smart, and when we were young and newly married he'd earned a master's degree in business administration. In addition, he was athletic and had been a long-distance runner, and I thought he would connect with the boys especially through sports, but his intense work schedule dominated his time. I felt sorry for Tim during those years; his physical and emotional absence seemed to keep him apart from his sons. Once, when Jeff was ten years old, he corrected my complaint, "You say that Dad's never home. Dad's home, but when he's home, he's like the cat."
For myself, when both boys were old enough for school, I returned to my teaching career. I had earned a doctorate in education from the University of Pittsburgh, and I was anxious to resume working, to use my degree, to publish educational research of some kind, and to make my mark in my profession. Jeff and Jeremy attended the Calverton School, a small independent day school in our county, and I began working there two days a week. Later I accepted a part-time position at Towson State University as codirector of the Maryland Writing Project, and I taught preparation courses for teachers in secondary education. I was happy with a four-day work-week teaching and a three-day weekend to clean the house, grocery shop, and cook meals for the following week.
Things changed in July 1987 when Jeff was about to enter the fourth grade and Jeremy the second. The Calverton board of trustees dismissed the head of school and the president of the board asked me to accept the position. This offer came out of left field and took both Tim and me by surprise. It was an opportunity to use my degree and to build something substantial. I was tempted; however, my dad, the Italian patriarch, a domineering and successful self-made businessman, warned me, "The school is in grave financial debt. You'll be riding a dead horse. Don't take the job."
I was conflicted. My sons were at the school, the fourth-grade teacher had quit and a replacement was needed, the second-grade teacher was great, and I cared very much for all the teachers at Calverton with whom I had been working for four years. The school was in a sorry way, and with its opening less than two months out, the calendar for the upcoming year wasn't even published. In addition, without my consent, the board had already mailed a letter to the parents announcing my "headship," and parents were calling me at home. I was angry that this dilemma had been forced on me, and to make matters worse, I was under contract to fulfill my upcoming yearlong teaching duties at the university. Also, I reminded myself, I had always stayed home with the boys during the summers, and I cherished our time during those lazy months. On the other hand, my sons were benefiting from their education, from their gifted teachers, and I didn't want to put this at risk. I was happy to be a part of my sons' educational lives. I loved kids and teaching, I thought I could do a good job, so, in the end, I accepted.
Jobs can take over lives, and as Tim's business had taken over his, Calverton began to take over mine. I started my duties as head of school on July 14, and my sons' care for the remainder of the summer was left to Hattie, an older woman who cooked, cleaned, and watched the boys. They still roamed the neighborhood playing with their friends, but with a father whose presence was still unreliable, the boys were now faced with adjusting to a mother who was around less and less.
In September, the school was ready. Veteran teachers were in charge of the fourth and second grades, my sons' classes, and I was satisfied that their education was in good hands. The school opened its doors with renewed optimism, although the serious financial issues loomed.
Each morning the boys and I would now get ready together for the day at Calverton. We'd have breakfast and then pile into the car and travel to school. I cherished those quiet moments when we would talk.
On one of those early mornings, Jeff asked me, "Do you believe in the devil, Mom?"
I wondered where this question was coming from.
"Well, some people believe in the devil, and in the Bible they talk about the devil, but I wouldn't worry about the devil if I were you."
"Do you believe in God?"
"Yes, I believe in God, Jeff."
"Do you believe in heaven?"
"Yeah, I believe in heaven."
"Good, I believe that, too. I believe what you believe."
It was just that easy. He believed because I believed, and Jeremy, who listened quietly from the backseat, probably believed, too.
That was when I could kiss a knee scrape and my mother's magic could make the hurt go away. As Jeff grew older, my power faded.
My dad proved to be correct about the school's desperate situation. It was dying financially, and it demanded long hours from me as I worked to save it from closing, to keep it alive for my sons and all the children, as well as for the dedicated teachers. It took a mighty team effort, the combination of powers of the board of trustees, the staff, the parents, and me. Sacrifice became the name of the game, and maybe because I was the head of school, I felt singularly responsible, and felt the need to work harder than anyone else. I often stayed late working, while the buildings were quiet, returning phone calls to parents, conferring with teachers, or attending the many events and meetings that happen during after-school hours. School became my twenty-four-hour occupation. Even at the grocery store, I was that ever-ready professional woman who was alert and visible, answering parents' questions about their children's grades, playground altercations, and the college application process.
Excerpted from Stay Close by Libby Cataldi. Copyright © 2009 Libby Cataldi. Excerpted by permission of St. Martin's Press.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Meet the Author
LIBBY CATALDI holds a doctorate in education and has been an educator all her life, most recently as head of Maryland's Calverton School. She has two sons, Jeff and Jeremy Bratton, and divides her time between Annapolis, Maryland and Florence, Italy.
Libby Cataldi holds a doctorate in education and has been an educator all her life, most recently as head of Maryland's Calverton School. She has two sons, Jeff and Jeremy Bratton, and divides her time between Annapolis, Maryland and Florence, Italy. She is the author of the book Stay Close: A Mother's Story of Her Son's Addiction.
Customer Reviews
Average Review:
and post it to your social network
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
See all customer reviews >


text: Minecraft 1.8 - 1.8.7 xenon hacked client (with optifine, Check out the latest minecraft 1.8 hacked client, xenon client (with optifine). download minecraft hack nodus, huzuni, kilo and more at wizardhax.com.Minecraft 1.7.10 hacked client – mars - wizardhax.com, Check out the latest minecraft 1.7.2 - 1.7.10 hacked client, mars. download minecraft hack kinky, nodus, rubix, weepcraft,obsidian and more at wizardhax.com.


text:
To measure progress toward meeting the School Board's strategic goals, we use a set of benchmarks that let parents and community members track our progress. It's like a report card for our school and the whole district.
Stadium High School111 North E StreetTacoma, WA 98403
District Benchmarks
Class of 2016 Guide
Student/Family Handbook
Transportation Info
Athletic Registration
5/31 Algebra and Geometry EOC Testing
6/1 Biology EOC Testing
6/1 All-City PTA Awards Banquet
Guide for Graduation
Tacoma Public Schools
© 2016 Tacoma Public Schools. All rights reserved.


text:
Xbox 360 Games
Game Questions & Answers (Q&A) service lets you ask questions about video games for game consoles or PC games. So ask your Assassin's Creed 3 question for Xbox 360 and get answers from real gamers or answer questions and share your insights and experience with the rest of the gaming community.
Sponsored Links
Boxshot & Details
- Developer: Ubisoft
- Publisher: Ubisoft
- Genre: Action Adventure
- Release: Oct 30, 2012
- ESRB: Mature
Question & Answers
Stuck sequence 2 waterfront
I'm with Charles lee and it says to go with him to the waterfront and I go to a water area but nothing happens! HELP!!!
Answer from: tom
Im lost on this to think you need to set your marker have you figured it out yet theres a walkthrough on youtube
Answer from: Ac Noob
It's Very Easy.... Just keep trying and Strategize, i beat it 29 times .-. Or your Xbox May Be Messed if It's Not Working
Answer this QuestionAsk / All Questions
Trailers & Gameplay Videos
Assassin's Creed 3 - Official Launch Trailer
- Sep 3, 2014, Views: 231
Assassin's Creed 3 - Reveal Trailer
- Sep 3, 2014, Views: 108
Assassin's Creed 3 - Gameplay Video
- Sep 3, 2014, Views: 134
View All Videos
Assassin's Creed 3 - Gameplay Review Trailer
- Sep 3, 2014, Views: 125
More Options
Top Featured Games
- LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens, (PS4)
- Mirror's Edge, (PS4)
- Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, (PS4)
- Skylanders Battlecast Cards To Life, (AND)
- The Journey: Bob's Story, (PC)
- Forestry 2017 - The Simulation, (XONE)
- Mafia 3, (PS4)
- Paragon, (PS4)
- Bullet Force, (PC)
Games You May Like
- Nowhere: Lost Memories, (iOS)
- Dimension Painter, (iOS)
- Caterzillar, (iOS)
- Talisman: Horus Heresy, (iOS)
- Black Hole Joyrider, (iOS)
- My Koi, (iOS)
- Never Gone, (iOS)
- INKS., (iOS)
- Victorious Knight, (iOS)
- Runaway Toad, (iOS)
- PsyCard, (iOS)
- Apestorm: Full Bananas, (iOS)
Sponsored Links


text:
Managing your own company could be one of the hardest responsibilities of a person. But there is nothing more satisfying than seeing your business grow out of your own effort and hard work. This is exactly the feeling of Cathy Beggan after she successfully built Rise-N-Shine. Because of her deep passion for managing a business, she came up with the thought of putting up her own business that sells natural supplements. You Can Contact Cathy Beggan Here: https://www.crunchbase.com/person/cathy-beggan
On the first years of Rise-N-Shine as an established company and manufacturer of supplements, Cathy was so eager to fulfill all her dreams for the company. In her interest for creating and innovating products that are truly helpful to the health of people, she managed to make two of her best products which are Catalase Extreme and Wake Up on Time. These products haven become best-selling even after their initial release in the market.
It was Cathy who conceptualized the production of the products at which she carefully select the ingredients herself to make sure that they will be using only premium ingredients for them. Catalase Extreme was able to get the attention of people who are after enhancing their physical appearance particularly the hair. It has been easy for Cathy to formulate Catalase Extreme because she studied well on how the product will look like for the consumers. This product aims to lessen the burden of people especially the adults with gray hair. Obviously, as we get older, we will experience the development of gray hair. With Catalase Extreme, we can prevent the appearance of gray hair making us look younger than our age.
Another success of Rise-N-Shine was when they manufactured Wake Up on Time that is also a natural supplement that is meant to make us aware of time and wake up early for school or work. Basically, Cathy has formulated the product out of her intention to help people succeed in their daily activities. This product is not only a supplement but also an energizer that will give you energy to do things throughout the day. Without enough energy, it can be hard for someone to go on with his work. This is why the goal of the supplement is to amplify your capacity of doing what you like most within the day with enough energy to sustain you.
These products by Rise-N-Shine are truly groundbreaking in the sense that they were able to help a lot of people in their everyday struggle. Without the expertise of Cathy Beggan in the medicine field, it might be hard for the company to establish its name in the industry. Although there had been many challenges that Cathy faced during the establishment of the business, she managed to conquer all her fears and pursue her dreams. It was her goal to invest in a business where she will be able to help the majority and it came true.
Because of her persistence and dedication to make things happen the way she wants them to happen, Cathy became a successful businesswoman. There are only few women who succeeded in involving in business especially in this competitive world. It was never in her dreams that she will attain this prestige. What she only wants is to manage her own business and that's all. Cathy never expected that she will be as popular as she is right now. This all because of her knowledge and extraordinary skills in business management.
Business owners have different ways to ensure the growth and success of their businesses. In the case of Cathy Beggan, she has unique skills and wisdom on who she will handle every trial in her business. Now, she is at the top of success that other business owners look up to her.


text:
This profile was last updated on // .
Is this you? Claim your profile.
Non-Executive Member
District Health Authority
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Rupert Wood & Son of Ashton-under-Lyne and Stockport
Tameside and Glossop Acute Services NHS Trust
Audenshaw Grammar School
Davis Blank Furniss - News
www.dbf-law.co.uk [cached]
Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust - News
www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk [cached]
www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk [cached]
Davis Blank Furniss - Tameside Solicitor champions clients' cause
www.dbf-law.co.uk [cached]
Davis Blank Furniss - Legal eagles return to nest
www.davisblankfurniss.co.uk [cached]
Susan Corscadden
ZONAR Systems Inc
Scott Corscadden
Bureau Of Loans for the Alabama State Banking Department
Christine Corscadden
Osborne King
Paul Corscadden
Victrex plc
Chris Corscadden
National Australia Bank Limited


text:
Out of Stock
- Earn 1% back on qualifying purchases
- The more you shop, the more your earn
- Use your points for great HobbyTron deals
- Bonus points on special promotions
Ships Tomorrow!
5 Rating (1 Customer Reviews)
Similar Products
Refurbished Electric G&G Combat Machine M16 Carbine Rifle FPS-420 Airsoft Gun
Save: $175.05 (64%)
Double Eagle Electric Tactical AK74 Rifle FPS-400 Fore Grip, Folding Stock Airsoft Gun
Save: $40.05 (29%)
Cyma CM207 M4 FPS-320 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $40.04 (33%)
Lancer Tactical M4A1 Carbine DST FPS-370 Electric Airsoft Assault Rifle
Save: $85.00 (40%)
Electric Lancer Tactical LT-03B M4 A1 Carbine FPS-400 Airsoft Rifle
Save: $42.98 (30%)
SRC Dragon Lightning Sports Series SR4-104TW FPS-430 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $75.40 (37%)
CSI M4 Commando FPS-470 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $60.05 (30%)
Electric G&G GR4 G26 Rifle FPS-330 Blowback Airsoft Gun
Save: $260.05 (65%)
Refurbished CM.002 High Torque M4 FPS-400 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $185.00 (61%)
Double Eagle M901C AK-47 FPS-320 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $70.04 (41%)
Refurbished Javelin Battle Veteran JAK74U FPS-360 Blowback Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $166.94 (58%)
Lancer Tactical M4 CQBR FPS-330 Electric Airsoft Assault Rifle
Save: $78.00 (39%)
Electric Lancer Tactical LT-02B M4 CQBR MK18 FPS-400 Airsoft Rifle
Save: $42.98 (30%)
Well D3801 M4 FPS-200 Electric Airsoft Rifle
Save: $31.98 (37%)
M16 D92H Assault Rifle FPS-170 Electric Airsoft Gun
Save: $17.04 (30%)
This AEG Electric Well M16 Assault Rifle FPS-330, Metal Gearbox Airsoft Gun is compared to the popular Tokyo Marui guns. Not only does this gun look great but this gun also shoots great shooting over 330 FPS. This gun is made with metal gears and a metal gear box with an adjustable hop up system. Comes complete with electric Airsoft rifle, strap, rechargeable battery with charger, and a small pack of BBs. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
- All Metal Gears
- Metal Gear Box
- 330 Feet Per Second
- Adjustable Hop Up
- 1:1 Full Scale Replica
- Electric M16 Airsoft Rifle
- Strap
- Rechargeable Battery with Charger
- Small Pack of BBs
- Adjustment Tool
- Magazine Capacity: 60
- Weight: 4.89 lbs
- Length: 31.1 in
- Safe/Semi/Full Auto Switch
For questions regarding this product please email our friendly customer service team.
Call our Customer Service at 818-675-9000 if you find a lower price on any of our items we'll match it.*
Need Help? Call our Customer Service Team at 818-675-9000. They can help with any questions you may have.
- Your Stuff
- Your Account
- Order Status
- Rewards Program
- Wish List
- Refer A Friend
- #HobbyTronFan
- Giveaways
- Customer Service
- Contact Us
- Order Status
- Policies
- Testimonitals
- Learn
- Blog
- Videos
- Learning Center
- HobbyTron.com
- Daily Deals
- Coupons
- Affiliate Program
- Wholesale
- Site Map