text:
Angela MeloSpecial Rapporteur
Intersession Activity Report
Commissioner Angela Melo
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa
41st Ordinary Session
African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
Accra Ghana, 16 to 30 May 2007
PLAN of the REPORT:
PART ONE: State of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, on the Rights of Women in Africa.
PART TWO: Activities carried out as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa
A) ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE 40th ORDINARY SESSION
PART THREE: Assessment of the situation on the Rights of Women in Africa
1. The present Report is divided into three parts. Firstly it sets out the state of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, relative to the Rights of Women in Africa. Secondly, it describes the overall promotional activities on the Rights of Women which I carried out in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa between the 40th and 41st Ordinary Sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights. Thirdly, it outlines the assessment made of the situation on the Rights of Women in Africa.
PART ONE: State of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, relative to the Rights of Women in Africa
2. Twenty (20) countries have ratified
the Protocol: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape
Verde, the Comoros,
Djibouti, The Gambia, Libya, Lesotho,
Mali, Malawi, Mozambique,
Mauritania, Namibia, Nigeria,
Rwanda, South Africa, Senegal,
Seychelles, Togo and Zambia.
3. Twenty five (25) countries have
signed but have not ratified: Algeria,
Burundi, Cameroon, Chad,
d'Ivoire, Congo,
the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial
Guinea, Ethiopia,
Gabon, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia,
Madagascar, Mauritius, Niger,
the Sharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sierra
Leone, Somalia,
Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda
and Zimbabwe.
4. Eight (8) countries have not signed:
Botswana, Sudan, Sao Tome and
Principe, Eritrea,
Egypt, the Central African Republic and Angola.
5. South Africa
expressed three reservations. A reservation had been expressed with regard to
Article 4 j) as the death penalty had been abolished. Another reservation had
been expressed relative to Article 6 (d) on the registration of marriage, since
a marriage has to be registered in conformity with the national laws in order
for it to be recognized. Another reservation had been expressed with regard to
Article 6 h) on Gender Equality pertaining to the nationality of their
offspring, since the national laws relating to citizenship are more
advantageous for the children than this provision of the Protocol.
Africa also made positive
interpretive declarations. It clarified that the definition of violence against
women in Article 1 f) of the Protocol has the same meaning and impact as that
provided for and interpreted by the Constitution. Article 31, which explains
that the Protocol can in no way undermine the national laws which are most
favorable to women, had also been interpreted in a manner to preclude the
undermining of the rights guaranteed in the Protocol. That is to say that the Government of South
Africa indicated that the Rights of Women should always be given the most
favorable interpretation whether in application of the Protocol or of the
national laws.
to the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: "the expression "reservation"
signifies a unilateral declaration whatever its wording or designation, made by
a State when it signs, ratifies, accepts or approves a Treaty or accedes to it,
through which it aims at rejecting or modifying the legal effect of certain
provisions of the Treaty as they apply to this State"[1]. According
to the doctrine, an interpretative declaration "is a unilateral declaration,
whatever its wording or designation, made by a State, through which it aims at
specifying or clarifying the meaning or scope of the international treaty or of
some of its provisions"[2].
8. It should
be noted that the reservations expressed by the Government of South Africa,
although they are aimed at modifying the legal effect of the Protocol, are of a
positive nature because they have the effect of granting more rights than the
9. Furthermore,
the reservations expressed are in conformity with Article 31 of the Protocol,
for which reason no provision of the Protocol can affect the provisions which
are more favorable to the Rights of Women contained in the national legislation
of States or in all other regional, continental or international Conventions,
Treaties or Agreements, which are applicable in these States.
10. For these
reasons, the three reservations expressed by South Africa and which are
mentioned in paragraph 5 of this Report, should be lifted or converted to
interpretative declarations.
11. In Niger,
the National Assembly had rejected the draft ratification of the Protocol in June
2006, but the Government is currently taking the necessary measures for
depositing the instruments of ratification and maybe even now the deposit has
already been done.
12. According to the discussions which I have had
with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson and members
of the National Women's Council, the Government of Egypt is to effect
ratification in the very near future. There is a likelihood that it will
express reservations and interpretative declarations.
13. With
regard to Tanzania,
the ratification procedure is likely to be implemented very soon according to
the discussions which I had with the State's delegation during the African
Union Summit of July 2006.
14. Liberia is also
at an advanced stage with the procedure for ratification of the Protocol.
15. In Angola,
according to the information which I received in March 2007, the process of
ratification of the Protocol is at the National Assembly stage.
16. In Kenya, the ratification procedure
is said to have been initiated long ago. Following my participation at a
workshop on the regional campaign on the ratification of the Protocol carried
out by the coalition SOAWR which took place in Nairobi in December 2006, the Association of
Women Lawyers of Kenya explained to me that the process had been initiated and
that the Protocol would be ratified in the very near future. The Minister
responsible for Gender Issues also gave me the same information recently.
17. Tunisia has already submitted a
draft ratification of the Protocol to the National Assembly.
18. In Ethiopia, the draft ratification
document had been submitted to the Cabinet which had sent it to the Ministry
responsible for Gender Issues for vetting. A firm commitment had been made by
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with regard to the submission of the draft
ratification document.
19. The Government of Ghana has, during the
present Session, publicly expressed its commitment towards carrying out the
ratification of the Protocol.
PART TWO: Activities carried out in my capacity as Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa
A) ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT DURING THE 4Oth ORDINARY SESSION
Banjul, The Gambia, 15 to 29 November 2006
20. Participation
at a Press Conference on the occasion of the first anniversary of the entry
into force of the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa
on the 25th November 2006.
21. Lobbying
of the State delegations from those countries which have not yet ratified nor
signed the Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.
Notes Verbale had been hand delivered to the delegations present at the 40th
22. Meeting
with Mrs. Traore, Chairperson of the NGO Dimol of Niger, concerning
mobilization activities relating to the ratification of the Protocol, following
the rejection of the draft ratification document by the National Assembly in
June 2006. The recommended mobilization strategies involved the explanation of
the contents of the Protocol to the religious leaders and to the members of the
23. Meeting
with the representatives of the various Civil Society Organizations as follow
up and for the establishment of partnerships.
30th November to 15th May 2007
24. In April 2007, letters had been sent
to the Commissioners, nationals of Botswana,
Algeria, Tanzania and Sudan to request their
collaboration in sensitizing the Governments of these countries on the matter
of the signature and ratification of the Protocol.
25. In April 2007, letters of
encouragement had been sent to the Civil Society partners conveying an update
of the state of ratification of the Protocol and requesting that campaigns be
launched to increase the number of ratifications.
26. In
April 2007 Notes Verbale had been sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
to the Ministries responsible for Gender issues highlighting the state of
signature and ratification of the Protocol and urging the States to sign,
ratify and implement the Protocol.
27. In April 2007, letters urging them to ratify
the Protocol had been sent to the Prime Minister of Sao Tomé and Principé and
to the Minister of Justice of Angola.
28. In
April 2007, during a visit to Egypt
an official from the Embassy of Ghana had been contacted and a follow-up letter
had been sent to him urging him to push for the ratification of the Protocol.
29. In April 2007, a letter had been sent to the
President of Guinea Bissau.
30. During the intersession, letters to which a copy of the Protocol had been attached, had been sent:
- to the Prime Minister of Mozambique;
- to all the Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
- to the Permanent Secretaries, who in turn had conveyed it to the Directors of each Ministry;
- to all the Governors of the 11 Provinces, and to all the Permanent Secretaries of the Provinces;
- to the religious[3] leaders;
- to the District Administrators;
- to the Chairperson of the Judges' Association;
- to the Secretary General of the Supreme Court;
- to the Public Prosecutor;
- to the Secretary of the Public Prosecutor, who in turn had disseminated the Protocol;
- to all the Provincial Prosecutors;
- to the Chairperson of the Constitutional Council;
- to the Commanders of the 15 Police cells and to the Heads of Units dealing with issues of violence against women and children.
Some Permanent Secretaries and Provincial Prosecutors have acknowledged receipt of my letters.
31. Following the preparation of a draft law in The Gambia for the domestication of the Protocol on the Rights of Women, I sent letters of felicitation to the Vice-President of The Gambia and the Legal Counsel on the preparation of the draft law and congratulated them for this major initiative. The Secretariat of the African Commission had been called upon by the Women's Bureau of the Republic of The Gambia to make comments with respect to the compatibility of the draft law with the contents of the Protocol, and these comments had been conveyed on the 28th March 2007.
32. From 29th December 2006
to 2nd January 2007, I participated, in Nairobi, Kenya
in a meeting organized by the SOAWR[4] coalition on the procedure of settlement of
disputes as a strategy for the implementation of the Protocol.
33. In January 2007, I submitted a project for
funding to IPAS to support the broadcasting of the Protocol in the Mozambican
radio stations. We await a response.
34. From 20 to 25 January 2007, I participated in
the World Social Forum in Nairobi,
Kenya. I had
been invited by the Netherlands Human Rights[5]
Institute within the framework of their programme « Equalinrights »
to present a paper on the Protocol relative to the Rights of Women in Africa. I also had discussions with the United Nations
Special Rapporteur on Shelter and we agreed that the observations of the
Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women of the African Commission would be
integrated into the current exercise. A memo on the outcome of these
discussions is awaited.
35. On the 17th February 2007 in Maputo, Mozambique,
I had a follow-up meeting with a forum of women's organizations which brought
together Civil Society groups and the Ministry for Women's Affairs on the
subject of the enforcement of this Protocol. The review of the draft submitted
in April 2006 facilitated the follow-up of an integrated Action Plan for the
dissemination and t he implementation of the Protocol.[6] Following this meeting a presentation is to
be held on the controversial issues relative to the Rights of Women, destined
to train the Magistrates, Judges and Prosecutors of the legal Centre of
Mozambique. The notifications for this meeting have already been sent out but
it had to be postponed as it coincided with another mission which I had to
undertake to Johannesburg in South Africa.
36. On
the 21st February 2007, in Maputo,
Mozambique, I
engaged in lobbying with Minister of Defense on the matter of women's participation
in the Peace Keeping process of the African Union, during a meeting aimed at
achieving the implementation of the Protocol. On the invitation of the Minister
I had been invited to make a presentation of the Protocol and the background of
the creation of the African Union before the Ministry's Advisory Board.
37. From the 13th to 19th March 2007, during a mission of the Working Group on Specific Issues in Washington D.C., United States:
- I had a meeting with some members of the Office of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women of the Inter-American Commission and exchanged ideas relating to the control of abuse against women and the promotion of the Rights of Women. A formalization of the relations of cooperation is imminent with regard to the exchanges of information and strategies in the area of the combat against violence against women.
- had a meeting with the representative of the World Bank for the integration of
activities aimed at building the capacity of women. During this meeting I had
made a presentation on the Protocol and discussion had been held on the matter
of establishing relations of cooperation with the World Bank through the
intermediary of the States.
38. In
March 2007, I had been invited to participate in a conference on the settlement
of disputes as a strategy for the realization of the Rights of Women which was
held from the 28th to 30th March, in Harare, Zimbabwe, and which had been
organized by the Law Society of Zimbabwe (Law Society of Zimbabwe). My busy
schedule did not allow me to participate but I sent an opening address which
had been presented on my behalf.
39. On
the 22nd March 2007, at Maputo in Mozambique,
I participated in activities marking the International Day of Water on the
theme: « Living with the scarcity of water ». The proposal of
integrating the compulsory participation of women in water management related
decisions had been accepted and a meeting is to be held with the Director of
the Water Management Department.
40. In
April 2007 I conveyed my observations on the draft Protocol on Gender for the
SADC region, following a request from the Ministry for Women's Affairs and
Social Coordination of Mozambique.
41. On the 3rd April 2007, I had a meeting with the
Minister of Public Works and Housing of Mozambique. Two projects were the
outcome of this meeting. Firstly, a recommendation had been made that an
Article of the Manual for the implementation of the modalities for the
management of water supplies be amended so that women would necessarily be
involved in the water management committees in the communities, and I had a
working session with the woman Director of the Legal Department to effect this
amendment to the Manual. As a result of this project a meeting had been held
with the Director of the Water Resources Department on the representation of
women in the formulation of policies and strategies on water management in Mozambique.
Secondly, I had been requested to give my comments on the Housing Policy during
a meeting to be held with the Director of the Department and a follow-up
meeting is to be held in this context.
42. On
the 3rd April 2007,
in Maputo, Mozambique, I made a presentation
of the Protocol to the pupils of the Secondary Schools of Maputo.
43. From the 14th to 20th
April 2007, in Egypt,
I had a meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, with the
National Human Rights Council and the National Women's Council including the
members of Civil Society. Discussions were held on the strategies for the
ratification of the Protocol and the difficulties to be surmounted had been
identified. The matter of holding a meeting with the Islamic countries on the
ratification of the Protocol had also been raised. The Egyptian Authorities
made a commitment to submit the Protocol to the National Assembly. The National
Women's Council is currently studying the Protocol and it is possible that interpretative
declarations and reservations will be expressed. The Protocol had also been
presented to the Ambassadors of Angola,
Nigeria and Gabon in Egypt, as well as to the
Chairperson of the African Society, to the Director of the Centre for African
Studies and to the students, members of civil society.
44. On
the 28th and 29th April 2007, I had been represented by Commissioner Sanji
Monageng at the Forum on the Rights of Women in The Gambia, co-organized by the
African Commission, the "Women's Bureau" of The Gambia and the University of
The Gambia. This Forum represented the concretization of a project which had been
underway between the partners since May 2006. Its realization had been made
possible thanks to the financial support provided by the Canadian Organization
Rights and Democracy and the Canadian International Development Agency. The
Women's Organizations present had been urged to coordinate their activities and
to participate in the new National Federation of Gambian Women. They also received some training on the
45. On
the 30th April 2007, I submitted my observations on the integration of the
activities relative to the implementation of the Protocol within the mandate of
the new National Federation of Gambian Women, on the occasion of the validation
of the Federation's Constitution. This event had received the
financial support of the Canadian Organization Rights and Democracy and the Canadian
International Development Agency.
46. In April 2007, the web pages on the
special mechanism on the Rights of Women in Africa
had been put online and are accessible from the African Commission's website[7]. This project had been made
possible thanks to the contribution of the Centre for Human Rights Studies of
the University of
47. From 12th to 14th May
2007, in Accra, Ghana, I participated in the NGO
Forum which preceded the 41st Session of the Commission. I moderated
the discussions of the working group on the Rights of Women in Africa. I distributed a document which compiles
strategies for the ratification and the implementation of the Protocol and
sensitized the NGOs on the need to increase the campaigns in this regard. I
spoke about the developments in the area of ratification and implementation of
the Protocol in the various countries of the African Union and I also benefited
from the information provided by the participants on the situation in their
respective countries. I also circulated information on the recent adoption of
the Nairobi Declaration on the issue of the right to compensation for victims
of sexual abuse and invited the participants to take cognizance of it and to give
it their support on-line.[8]
48. On the 14th May 2007 in Accra, Ghana,
I participated in a direct TV3 televised panel debate during which I made a
presentation of the Protocol with special focus on the reproductive Rights of
49. On the 15th May 2007, during the activities marking a sensitization day on the reproductive Rights of Women organized by the Commission in partnership with 3 NGOs[9], I took part in a march which brought together more than 350 people, during which I delivered a speech on the Protocol. Following this I chaired a round table meeting which discussed reproductive rights in relation to other human Rights of Women, notably the right to land and shelter.
50. Following a request made by the Special
Rapporteur, a working group from the Centre for Human Rights Studies of the
University of Pretoria, South Africa, has completed a study of the
Constitutions of the Member countries of the African Union for the purpose of
analyzing the provisions relative to principles of gender equality and of
non-discrimination. A matrix on the principles of gender
equality and of non-discrimination emanated from this study and has just been submitted
to me. The complete results and a corresponding analysis will be accessible on-line
in the very near future on the African Commission's website. For the moment, I
would like to point out that 10 African countries[10] have
spoken categorically in favour of gender equality. The Constitutions of most of
the other countries of the African Union contain simple general provisions
relative to the equality of each citizen and on the prohibition of
discrimination, notably on the basis of sex. The Constitutions of Chad and the
Democratic Republic of Congo categorically stipulate the responsibility of the
State to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. Some
Constitutions, for instance, that of The Gambia, stipulate the principles of
equality and of non-discrimination but diminish the scope of this principle
where marriage and inheritance are concerned.
51. A working group from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, has accomplished a study of the legislation relative to sexual offenses for all the member countries of the African Union. In April 2007 the group submitted a matrix to me relative to the penalties for rape and to the legal pleas in cases of marital rape. The information provided indicate, among others, that at least 9 African countries[11] exclude the possibility of rape in the marriage context by making provision for an exemption in the law which clears the husband if a charge of rape is made against him by his wife. I call upon the actors of civil society for the launching of sensitization campaigns for the reform of the laws in the countries where this legal exemption still exists. I congratulate those countries which have already carried out this reform, notably by passing a law on domestic abuse[12].
52. In March 2007, letters had been exchanged with
Mrs. Elisa Slatery, of the Center for Reproductive
Rights, based in New York,
United States.
The Centre volunteered to provide training on reproductive rights to the staff
of the Secretariat of the African Commission.
53. On the 16th April 2007 a new
Assistant to the special mechanism on the Rights of Women started work in the
Secretariat of the Commission in Banjul.
This technical assistance is being provided by the Government of South Africa
and has a fund attached to it to facilitate the work of the special mechanism
on the Rights of Women.
54. Since 2005, an Assistant legal officer has
been posted in the Secretariat of the Commission to support the activities of
the special mechanism on the Rights of Women. This technical support has been
provided by the Canadian International Development Agency through the assistance
of the Canadian Organization, Rights and Democracy.
55. For several years now the Centre for Human
Rights Studies of the University
of Pretoria has been
supporting the activities of the Special Rapporteur. I wish to thank the Centre
for its precious collaboration.
56. A partnership agreement with IPAS on the
subject of sexual and reproductive rights has been established. There are plans
to organize a seminar on this topic in the near future.
57. Since the beginning of my mandate letters have been sent out to various regional organizations in an effort to establish formal agreements of cooperation with the Special Rapporteur of the Commission. Letters have been sent notably to:
- COMESA (Common Market of Eastern and Southern Africa)
- SADC (Southern African Development Community)
- ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States)
- IGAD (International Authority on Development)
- African Union's Department for Gender and Development
- NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development)
As all these institutions have Divisions responsible specifically for Gender Issues, the coordination of their work with that of the Special Rapporteur is highly desirable. Links have been established with the Head of the Department of Gender and Development Issues of the African Union and there are signs that future collaboration with our Commission will be more effective. Discussions in this context in effect took place during a meeting of the COREP (Committee of Permanent Representatives) of the African Union which took place from 3rd to 5th May 2007 in Lesotho.
58. For more than a year now Notes Verbale have
been sent to the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo requesting it
to receive me in my capacity as Special Rapporteur for a mission of promotion,
but no response has so far been obtained. I am planning to link up with the
United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Causes and Consequences of Abuse
against Women and to embark on a joint mission with her.
59. The Government of Algeria has offered to host
a joint mission of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Special
Rapporteurs on the rights of Human Rights Defenders and on the Rights of Women
in March 2007, but it has not been possible to fix dates for the fielding of
this mission. I wish to thank the Government of Algeria for this invitation and
would like to fix new dates.
60. I wish to thank the Government of Ethiopia for
having invited me to go there on a mission. The dates are to be confirmed.
61. I also wish to thank Mauritania for having invited me to
carry out a mission to that country and since up to now I have not been able to
embark on the said mission I would like to fix new dates.
62. Apart from the mission plans mentioned above, there are plans to field missions in the following countries: Lesotho, Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia.
- Lesotho has formally agreed to the fielding of a mission and all that remains is for the dates to be fixed.
- Equatorial Guinea had agreed to the fielding of a mission in 2003, but it has since been postponed.
- I have also sent requests, on several occasions during my mandate, to the Tunisian Authorities to carry out a mission there, but my letters have remained without response.
I call on the latter Governments to invite the special mechanism on the Rights of Women to visit their countries.
PART THREE: Assessment of the situation on the Rights of Women in Africa
The Protocol on the Rights of Women in
Africa is a new instrument of the African Union which was adopted by the
Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in July 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique,
and which entered into force on the 25th November 2005. As was indicated in the
beginning of this report, several State Parties to the African Charter on Human
and Peoples' Rights have not yet ratified the Protocol.
Since the entry into force of the
Protocol, only 5 new Member States to the African Charter have ratified the
Protocol, bringing the total number of ratifications to 20 out of 53 States.
All those countries which recognize the importance of the Rights of Women need
to redouble their efforts in the dissemination of this important instrument so
that all the Member States ratify and implement it. The campaigns for the
realisation of the rights of women should be intensified. The members of
African civil society play a primordial role in the sensitization of African
communities to the rights of women. For these reasons, I wish to strongly
suggest that the strategies for the signature, the ratification and the
implementation of the Protocol should be integrated in the activities of all
the organizations.
A document on the strategies for the
rapid ratification of the Protocol had been presented at the 34th
Ordinary Session of our Commission. This document had been prepared
in collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organizations Equality Now, WILDAF and FEMNET.
A new document on the ratification and implementation of the Protocol is now
available. It has been distributed to the NGO Forum during this session and
should soon be accessible on-line on the website of the Commission.
The countries which have ratified
should now focus on the effective realisation of the Rights of Women in their
countries. Independently from the legal systems existing in the different
countries, the implementation of the Protocol should call for the enactment of
a national law. This represents the domestication stage. In all the countries, the
harmonization of the national laws should be effected. It is only when the
processes of domestication and harmonization are completed that African women
can benefit from the legal guarantees for the protection of their rights.
Concrete measures aimed at achieving the effective enjoyment of the rights thus
guaranteed by the Protocol must be put in place.
I would like to draw special attention
to the following developments:
- Uganda has repealed the law which punished adultery in a manner which was discriminatory against women.
- Ethiopia has passed a law which punishes female genital mutilation
- Egypt has amended Article 62 of its Constitution, which is to result in the promulgation of the law on quotas for the representation of women in the electoral process and in elections.
- The Gambia is at a very advanced stage in the adoption of the « Women's Bill » which harmonizes the Protocol with the national legislation and from there will continue to its domestication.
- In Mozambique, a draft law on the right to inheritance has incorporated the proposals from women's organizations as well as that of the Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Women in Africa relative to the protection of the rights of widows as stipulated in the Protocol.
- Unfortunately, the Constitutional Council of Senegal has just declared the law promulgated in March 2007 on political equality between men and women as unconstitutional. Civil Society and the women wish to have political equality between men and women inscribed in the Constitution.
I seek the contribution of all
governmental and non-governmental actors in the intensification of the efforts
for the signature, ratification and the effective implementation of the
Protocol. I also wish to re-affirm the role of the African Commission for its
support to the initiatives being made with regard to the promotion of human
rights on the Continent and I urge all the organizations working for the
protection of women's rights to get into contact with me to inform me about the
situation of the Rights of Women in their countries and to propose and
establish relations of cooperation.
I call on all the Member States of the
African Union to ensure that the commitments made in relation to the respect
for, protection and promotion of the fundamental rights of women on the
Continent are translated into practice. The States have the power to change the
current situation by putting in place consistent and continuous programmes
aimed at improving the situation of women de
jure and de facto:
- by identifying and repealing all the laws which are suppressive and discriminatory towards women because they affect the dignity, the juristic personality and the economic and social capacity of women;
- by introducing the principle of gender equality in their laws;
- by carrying out a reform of the criminal laws so as to introduce therein sanctions aimed at eradicating all forms of violence against women, notably by addressing all sexual abuse such as incest, rape in general and rape in the marital context, sexual harassment in the work place and in school;
- by introducing laws to eliminate the trafficking of women;
- by involving the highly placed political leaders in the campaigns of the combat against violence against women;
- by training the actors in the judicial system, notably the judges, the prosecutors, the Police officers and the members of the Armed Forces, so that violence against women can be dealt with in an enlightened manner.
The combat against violence done to women should be seen as a combat similar to that already engaged in by several of us against different oppressors, that is to say, against those who try to appropriate the freedom, thought and conscience of another and in this case, that of women. The effects of this oppression, like for example the deprivation of property and the fact of considering women as inferior and subordinate beings, should cease.The violence against women includes marital, physical, verbal, sexual and psychological abuse, abuse intended to deprive women of their economic powers and to prevent them from benefiting from the products of their own efforts, in brief, deprive them of the freedom that all human beings should be able to enjoy.
The impunity on the acts of violence
against women should also cease and the States should show their will in
pursuing the perpetrators of this violence. In this context I wish to call on
the States at two levels: Firstly, I call on them to accomplish the
responsibility inspired by the requisite diligence based on four fundamental
obligations: to prevent the abuse, to investigate the complaints, to punish the
acts of violence and pay compensation for the damages suffered. Secondly,
I call on the States to respect the rights and obligations prescribed in the
national, regional and international instruments for the protection of human
The Status should appreciate the
responsibility which is also theirs concerning the abuses perpetrated in the
private sector. The responsibility of States towards violations committed by
non-state actors is indirect since it depends on the awareness that States may
have of the existence of such violations. Nonetheless, when the Police
Department receives a complaint, for instance a complaint relating to domestic
violence, the responsibility of carrying out a complete investigation and of
bringing the perpetrator to justice is clear. And so for prevention purposes,
the States have the responsibility of sensitizing their populations to the
problems linked to violence against women, and of intervening in the private
sector in order to protect women against domestic violence.
Finally, since I have arrived at the end of my mandate I would like to seize this opportunity to thank:
- The
State of South Africa for having recently granted human and financial resources
to support the Commission's special mechanism on the Rights of Women;
- The
States which have constantly supported the mandate of the Special Rapporteur,
notably by participating in the sessions of the Commission and by establishing
relations of collaboration with me, notably Mauritania, Egypt, Ethiopia,
Burkina Faso and The Gambia;
- My
colleagues the Commissioners, especially the Bureau, the Chairperson and the
Vice-Chairperson who have always encouraged me;
- The
organization Rights and Democracy which has since 1998 been providing us with
funds and an Assistant Legal Officer for the special mechanism;
- The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights
- The Centre for Human Rights Studies of the University of Pretoria;
- The coalition SOAWR[13],
Equality Now[15],
HURISA[16], the
Women's Forum in Mozambique, the Women NGOs in Dakar, in Angola and in Mauritania,
IPAS[20], the Centre for Reproductive Rights[21] and
the FIDH[22];
- The
Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees based in The Gambia;
also wish to express heartfelt thanks to my Assistants: Valérie Couillard who
is going to leave me and the Commission very soon, for her professionalism and
the strong will with which she supported my activities; Isatou Harris, for her
decisive contributions to my work and her goodness of heart which encouraged me
to persevere in my mission in spite of the difficulties encountered in applying
my work plan;
- The
Secretariat of the Commission, Mr. Robert Eno and all the legal officers and
- Thank you to all, not forgetting the Translators and Interpreters who do an indispensable job in enabling us to understand each other.
[1] Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties of 1969, Art. 2
[2] Pellet, Alain, in "Comments on the Vienna Convention relative to the Law of Treaties of 1969"; Comments put together by Erika Grossrieder (Reference Documents: Malanczuk, Peter, Akehurst's modern introduction to international Law, 7th edition, 2002, Routtledge, London; Register of the Seminar on International Public Law, Prof. Distefano, University of Geneva, 2001-2002; Notes on the Seminar on International Public Law, Prof. Chetail, IUHEL, Geenva, 2003)
[3] A limited number of religious leaders had been contacted as problems of distribution had been encountered.
[4] Solidarity for African Women's Rights: Coalition of Women's NGOs for the ratification and implementation of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, relative to the Rights of Women in Africa.
[5] The Netherland Institute for Human Rigths, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
[6] On the 18th April 2006 I had met with the members of Civil Society of Mozambique in Maputo for the purpose of drafting a plan for the dissemination of the Protocol. A second meeting was to have been held for the monitoring of this project.
[7] www.achpr.org
[8] The Nairobi Declaration had been published on the 15th March 2007 on the website: www.coalitionoftherightsofwomen.org. It had been drafted by the Coalition for the Rights of Women in situations of conflict (which brings together women jurists from Peru, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Sudan, India, Belgium and Canada), the Nairobi Declaration gives a meaning of the compensation for the victims of sexual abuse within the context of armed conflicts. It goes beyond the legal aspects and re-affirms that the compensation for women and girls is a question of social justice and the evolutionary process of the society.
[9] CHRI (Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Accra, Ghana), COHRE (Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions, Accra, Ghana) and CRR (Center for Reproductive Rights, New York, United States of America)
[10] Benin, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Guinea, Guinea Bissau.
[11] According to the study, the 9 countries in which the exemption for marital rape still exists are: Seychelles, Congo, Senegal, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria (in some regions of the country), Botswana, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia and Tanzania (In Tanzania, if there is separation the exemption cannot be invoked as defense against the charge of rape, but in the marital context and if the woman is more than 15 years old, the husband can still invoke the legal exemption to clear himself from the charges of sexual abuse committed against his wife).
[12] Namibia notably, according to the study. Ghana has also enacted a law on domestic violence.
[13] Solidarity for African Women' s Rights
[14] Women in Law and Developement in Africa
[15] Nairobi, Kenya
[16] Human Rights Institute of South Africa
[17] London, UK
[18] Centre on Housing and Evictions, Accra, Ghana
[19] Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative, Accra, Ghana
[20] Organization specialised in the security conscious practice of abortion and reproductive rights, whose headquarters is in North Carolina.
[21] Center for Reproductive Rights, New York
[22] International Human Rights Federation.


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Pippa Middleton attends the Barclays ATP World Tour finals at London's O2 Arena on Nov. 27 in the company of Tom Kingston, a 34-year-old banker who used to date a former girl linked to Prince William, Natalie Hicks-Loebbecke. (Getty Images)
There are a few things Pippa Middleton will not run short of in the foreseeable future: men, money and fame.
Looks like she has 'em all these days, just three weeks after she parted ways with her long-time (and well off) love interest, Alex Loudon.
Not to mention a spot on Barbara Walters' year-end 'Fascinating People List' for 2011. The "world's most famous sister," as Baba Wawa calls her, joins a celebrity pot pourri for her annual TV special on Dec. 14, among them Donald Trump, Simon Cowell, Katy Perry and the Kardashian family.
But enough about strange bedfellows. The common trait is they all have money, and Pippa just fell into a pile of it. To wit ...
Exhibit No. 1: A book deal that will see the Duchess of Cambridge's younger sister pocket up to $640,000 (Canadian) from Penguin.
Granted, it's not anywhere near the record $15 million advance paid to Bill Clinton for his memoirs, but that's a pretty penny for Pippa's first book. Especially for one that will be leaning less on her royal connections than on her background as a professional party planner.
"It will be about entertaining and how to throw the perfect party," a friend told the Daily Mail. "It's not just about being the perfect hostess – it will also include recipes and information about how to host different types of events."
If that sounds like a bit of fluff, well, what do you expect? She is clearly not going to do a tell-all about Kate and in fact made sure she discussed the deal with St. James's Palace before committing. But the publishers will be counting on at least some Kate banter if the book hopes to make back its extraordinary advance.
Bit of a tightrope walk for Pippa, who pushed for a deal that won't see the book on shelves until well after the Queen winds down her Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
"Pippa has turned down the offer to be a lady-in-waiting for her sister and wants a career in her own right," said the friend. "But she knows she can't be seen to be making money out of her connections. Kate thinks it's a brilliant idea."
For one thing, writing the book will help distract her from the Loudon break-up blues. Which brings us to….
Exhibit 2
Clearly, this picture does not reflect a woman in emotional distress.
It was taken this week at the O2 Arena in London as she and a couple of male friends took in the Barclays ATP World Tour tennis final between Roger Federer and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
The one 'friend' that caught everyone's eye has been identified as Tom Kingston, a 34-year-old banker (above). He is a graduate of Bristol and, according to the Daily Mail, is a former boyfriend of Natalie Hicks-Loebbecke, who used to date Prince William. Small world.
"Tom is utterly charming, polite and very popular with the ladies." a friend told the Mail. "In fact, he is just the kind of guy you would want to introduce to your mother."
Meanwhile, rumours persist that her old pal (and extremely well off) George Percy will pick up the mantle of Pippa's beau. And of course there's always Prince Harry (who has a few dollars in the bank too, we understand) lurking in the background and freshly back from his desert adventures in the U.S.
Whatever comfort she finds in another man, it's clear her priority is earning her authorship wings. Says a friend: "She is throwing herself into her book and it's helping to distract her. She's had a horrid time."
One suspects she'll get over it.
Pippa Middleton takes in the ATP finals in the company of some male friends. (Reuters)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Restore databases using Site Backup in Plesk hosting
Note: Site Backup hasn't been sold as a new product since January 2018. For our new backup solution, see What is Website Backup?
You can restore your databases to a previous state by restoring a Site Backups backup.
Warning: Restoring a Site Backups backup will overwrite your database. As a result, any new data since the backup was created will be lost.
- Log into Plesk.
- On the far right, click Site Backups.
- Click (Restore files).
- From the Date menu, select the backup you want to use.
- Click (Restore files) again.
- Click Restore.
Note: The database restore will fail if the database backup is larger than the maximum size of your database.


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Is there a trail from the Best Western in Crandon to get onto the 100 miler? Is that a good hotel to stay at
Originally Posted by Pat
I always found the end of the snowmobiling season to be a bitter-sweet time. Sad that the winter snow outings were ending, but glad we could look back at the good times we shared with 'ol friends and new acquaintances on the trails. You all did a great job !
....Just viewed all the videos on your Facebook taken the last few days in January 2018....Great videos! The Drivers are doing a fantastic job. It sounds like the riding public is well pleased with the conditions.
Lowell (Pat)
Have a great and safe winter !


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The San Antonio Symphony's commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt continues this weekend with a work for piano and orchestra called Totentanz. Totentanz means Dance of the Dead. It gets this name because the main tune is based on the 13th century Gregorian Chant melody Dies Irae. The Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) is also used in Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini and many other symphonic works.
Here is the music:
Here is a video of ther Dies Irae in its original form. The fragment that most composers have used is in the very beginning.
Examples of Dies Irae quotes includes Mahler Symphony No. 2, Tchaikovsky Manfred Symphony, Berlioz Symphonie fanastique and Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3.
Here is the beginning of Liszt's Totentanz. You can hear the Dies Irae right away in the trombones:
San Antonio Symphony
Friday, October 28 and Saturday, October 29
Paganini Rhapsody
8 p.m., Majestic Theatre
Sebastian Lang-Lessing, conductor
Bernd Glemser, piano
Pärt Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten
Rachmaninoff Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op.43
Liszt Totentanz, S.126
Schumann Symphony No. 2 in C major, Op.61
Jack Fishman
Email: email@example.com
For more blogs by Jack Fishman visit: www.sasymphony.org/blog


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A dictionary says plough means to form furrows with a plow, so I thought those who got ploughed in sports had deep cuts. However, my understanding might be a little strange in the following context (Harry Potter 4 [US Version]: p.108) , because he hit the ground. What kind and degree of injury did he get when he got ploughed? Would you use 'get ploughed' in common sports, I mean, non-magical sports?
(The sport's players are flying on their brooms. Two of them are diving for a small ball.)
at the very last second, Viktor Krum pulled out of the dive and spiraled off. Lynch, however, hit the ground with a dull thud that could be heard throughout the stadium. A huge groan rose from the Irish seats.
(Then a spectator, Charlie, says)
"He'll be okay, he only got ploughed!" Charlie said reassuringly to Ginny, who was hanging over the side of the box, looking horror-struck. [bold font is mine]
Side Note: I think 'only' means that it's easy to recover by magic. So I guess 'get ploughed' causes serious injury in our world.


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The Raiders are 72 hours or so away from their regular-season finale against the San Diego Chargers. As each day passes, it becomes more and more apparent that defensive tackle Richard Seymour, right guard Mike Brisiel and strong safety Tyvon Branch won't be able to play, at least at full strength.
All three missed practice today, which makes it likely that Seymour will miss an eighth straight game, Brisiel will be replaced by rookie Tony Bergstrom and Branch might give way to Mike Mitchell rather than risk further injury to his sore ankle.
Branch has played the past two games on the sore ankle, though he wasn't able to finish the game against the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.
— Quarterback Carson Palmer turned 33 today and defensive tackle Tommy Kelly hit 32.
Palmer won't play Sunday as a result of the fractured ribs and bruised lung he suffered against the Panthers. He was spotted driving away from the team facility as practice started.
Coach Dennis Allen said Palmer also won't accompany the team to San Diego because of the danger inherent in flying with a bruised lung.
— Quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Matt Leinart are splitting reps at practice in light of Palmer's absence. It remains uncertain which player will start Sunday.
Allen said Pryor and Leinart split the reps evenly at practice Wednesday, though Pryor made it sound as if Leinart received the majority of the snaps.
"Matt started with the first team for a good bit, and I was getting like the last two or three snaps," Pryor said. "Not much but more than I was. I'm happy about it. It's an opportunity and I'm looking forward to it."
Leinart last started a game Nov. 27, 2011, when he was with the Houston Texans. He suffered a broken collarbone in that game and missed the remainder of the season.
Pryor, of course, has not started a game during his two NFL seasons. He has appeared in three games, with six snaps altogether.


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European Commission
Press release
Brussels, 16 April 2013
Commission publishes European test results on horse DNA and Phenylbutazone: no food safety issues but tougher penalties to apply in the future to fraudulent labelling
Launched last month, the coordinated EU-wide testing for horsemeat DNA and phenylbutazone1 requested, and co-financed, by the European Commission in the wake of the horsemeat scandal has revealed that less than 5 % of the tested products had horse DNA and that about 0.5 % of the equine carcasses tested were found to be contaminated with bute.
"Today's findings have confirmed that this is a matter of food fraud and not of food safety. Restoring the trust and confidence of European consumers and trading partners in our food chain following this fraudulent labelling scandal is now of vital importance for the European economy given that the food sector is the largest single economic sector in the EU" said Commissioner for Health and Consumers Tonio Borg. To conclude: "In the coming months, the Commission will propose to strengthen the controls along the food chain in line with lessons learned."
The purpose of coordinated testing plan was two-fold: firstly, controls were to be carried out, mainly at retail level, of food destined for the end consumer and marketed as containing beef, to detect the presence of unlabelled horsemeat and secondly, to test for the possible presence of bute in horsemeat. The testing was co-financed at 75% by the European Commission
The number of tests that were carried out to detect the extent of the mislabelling varied between 10-150 samples depending on the size of the EU country and on consumption habits. The criteria for the bute sampling carried out were one sample for every 50 tonnes of horsemeat with a minimum of 5 tests. Some Member States exceeded the number of tests recommended by the Commission.
7,259 tests were carried out by the competent authorities in the 27 EU countries, of which 4,144 tested for the presence of horsemeat DNA and 3,115 tested for the presence of phenylbutazone. Of those tests, 193 revealed positive traces of horsemeat DNA (4.66%) and 16 showed positive traces of bute (0.51%). In addition, Member States reported another 7,951 tests for the presence of horsemeat DNA performed by food business operators (producers, processors and distributors). Of these, 110 contained horsemeat DNA (1.38%). The positive samples found in relation to horsemeat DNA combined with the very low levels of bute detected represents a small part of the overall production in EU. These results correspond with the joint statement published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on 15 April 2013 which concluded that the risks associated to bute were of "low concern for consumers due to the low likelihood of exposure and the overall low likelihood of toxic effects and that, on a given day, the probability of a consumer being both susceptible to developing aplastic anaemia and being exposed to phenylbutazone was estimated to range approximately from 2 in a trillion to 1 in 100 million."
The results have been exchanged through the EU's Rapid Alert for Food and Feed (RASFF) which is an on-line portal that plays a key role in ensuring a high level of food safety for EU citizens since it allows European food safety authorities to swiftly inform each other of serious risks found in relation to food or feed.
Next steps
Following today's presentation of these results to Member States experts, the European Commission and Member State experts will again meet on 19 April to discuss amongst other issues whether this EU coordinated monitoring plan on controls, agreed on 19 February 2013, to investigate fraudulent practices and to enhance consumer confidence following the recent mislabelling of beef products containing horse meat should be extended.
A forthcoming Commission proposal reviewing the EU food chain legislative framework (the "animal and plant health package") which includes proposals to strengthen official controls as well as providing a legal basis to impose dissuasive financial sanctions on food fraudsters are amongst the proposals, which should take into account the financial gain made out of such fraud.
With tests costing in the region of 400 € each, an estimated total of 2.5 M€ was needed to carry out this pan-European monitoring control plan performed by the competent national authorities.
These tests form an important source of information for the comprehensive five point action plan, the Commission recently addressed to Member State national authorities which is to be carried out over the short, medium and longer term (2013-2014). The action plan aims to restore consumer confidence in Europe's food supply chain by strengthening an array of controls through a series of measures falling under five key areas: 1) Food fraud; 2) Testing program; 3) Horse passport; 4) Official controls and penalties and 5) Origin labelling.
For more information including a breakdown of results by Member State:
For more information on RASFF:
EFSA/EMA joint opinion on phenylbutazone:
Follow us on Twitter:
Phenylbutazone, commonly referred to as "bute" is an anti-inflammatory drug used as a painkiller in veterinary medicine for pets and horses that have been explicitly excluded from the food chain. It also has a use in human medicine in the treatment of severe cases of chronic inflammatory diseases.
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Rookie Lessons: Calm as a Congresswoman
Kyrsten Sinema took her fear of the open water and turned it into a love of triathlon. You can too.
by Jennifer Ward Barber
Last November, Arizona Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema completed her first full IRONMAN in her home state. Despite having nine marathons under her belt (Boston this year will be her tenth), triathlon scared her. A year before race day, she couldn't swim a single stroke. Now? "It's dangerous, I could talk about IRONMAN forever."
Though a busy election year will be keeping Sinema from racing another full this year, she has the Boston marathon and IRONMAN 70.3 Boulder on the docket to help keep her motivated. "I want to be focused 100 percent on my constituents," she says. In a non-election year, she intends to go back up to the full distance.
We caught up with Sinema now that a few months have passed since she successfully trained for and completed IRONMAN Arizona (click here for the story), to get her unique perspective on race-day lessons.
Ironman.com: What were some of the most important lessons you learned on race day?
Kyrsten Sinema: The biggest lessons came before race day. Without a coach I probably would've overtrained in running and undertrained on the bike. Having a coach to give me guidance, and in what proportions to do those, was really helpful. Speed work made a huge difference in my running. I was stronger and faster than ever.
Did you do anything during the race that you would never do again?
From years of marathon running, I knew the "never try something on race day" rule. I practiced all my nutrition ahead of time, and rode the bike route prior. For me, race day was really just a long training day. I would recommend this to all IRONMAN hopefuls. Practice and test out different things in training, so that on race day you're just automatically doing what you've been doing for months.
I also don't like surprises. I knew what flavors, clothing and nutrition I'd be using, and only made one last-minute change in my race-day kit. (Sinema had trained a little in the team shirt she'd planned to use, but opted for a top she'd worn 100 times before. "It didn't look as cool, but that's not what mattered," she says.)
The only thing I didn't expect was getting hit by a tumbleweed and knocked off the bike. I went down hard. I've crashed my bike before, so I knew what to do—get off make sure no bones are sticking out, test your brakes and get back on. On the other hand, what says IRONMAN Arizona more than being attacked by a tumbleweed?
You're not shy about the swim being your biggest battle.
I literally had to learn how to swim. I didn't know how to blow bubbles in the water. I surrounded myself with the right people to help me train appropriately.
What were some of the key lessons you learned from your swim coaches? (Olympic gold-medalist Misty Hyman and triathlon coach Ann Wilson.)
Misty taught me everything. Stroke, buoyancy, timing. She started from scratch. Next in line was my triathlon coach, Ann Wilson. She'd take me out to lakes in Arizona to overcome my fear of open water swimming. I had big issues around it. I also did a bunch of shorter races first—I don't' think I would've made it otherwise. I was born and raised in Tucson—the open water was just completely foreign to me. In Tempe Town Lake you can't even see your hand if it's in front of your face. That's very different from the pool.
On race day, what strategies did you use to keep calm in the swim?
By my last Olympic-distance race I had gotten over my fear, for a total of three panic-free races under my belt. It just takes time and exposure.
When I jumped in the water on race day I swam over to the left and to the back. One of the things that bothers me is contact with other people—that triggers serious panic. This also decreases your chances of getting injured.
Ann also gave me some drills to do while in the water waiting, which keeps your heart rate down and your brain engaged. (See below for the drills.)
"Keep Your Calm" Race-Day Swim Warm Up
workout from Anne Wilson of Camelback Coaching
- 10 strokes with a light fingertip drag: relaxed fingers, release tension in forearm, relaxed recovery
- 10 strokes focusing on easy inhale: breathe in just enough, you will be back for your next breath in less than two and a half seconds.
- 10 strokes focusing on solid exhale: good puff of air out as nose/mouth transition through surface - hear the sound of air leaving your nose.
- 10 strokes focusing on easy kick: there is no greater energy-wasting, anxiety-inducing, movement than a panicked kick that is overwhelming the stroke
Sinema will be part of an eight-woman team running the Boston marathon together, raising money for two charities: Team MR8—the foundation established in the memory of Martin Richard, the 8-year-old victim of the Boston bombings, (donate here), and OneFund Boston, the foundation established to support all the Boston bombing victims (donate here). Watch her team's promotional video to learn more.


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Discover Central & Eastern Europe
About Romania
Combine iconic cities with destinations off the tourist trail on this 16-day tour which satiates travellers looking for fascinating cultural history, archaeological marvels, and little-known gems. Sample some of Vienna's finest eats with a culinary expert, go deep underground into a salt museum previously used as a bomb shelter, and relax along Lake Snagov, where Romanians go on holiday. Trusted local chefs, historians, and cultural experts help enrich this experience in a way that no audio tour or guidebook could ever achieve.
What's Included
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Walk the Berlin Wall with a Historian, Berlin
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Naschmarkt Walk, Vienna
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Transylvanian Foodie Experience, Sighișoara
National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: High Tea at Bran Castle, Bran. Tour Prague's old town including the Jewish quarter, clock tower, Charles Bridge, and Wenceslas Square. Visit the historic Hotel Sacher and sample the Sacher Torte. Guided historic tour of Budapest. Visit to the Salt Mine terraces in Egerszalok. Guided visit of Salina Turda Salt Mine. Sighisoara old Town Visit. Black Church visit in Brasov. Guided tour of Bran Castle. Snagov Monastery visit. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Explore Prague's Old Town and the charming medieval gem of Český Krumlov, Visit the Berlin Wall with a local historian, Take a dip in soothing waters at a thermal bathhouse in Budapest, Prepare a traditional Transylvanian meal with a local chef.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, Avg 12.
Meals Included
15 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Train, bus, private van, local bus, walking.
Hotel/pensions (15 nts).
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Optional Activities
- East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall (Free)
- Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit (13EUR per person)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)
- Judisches Museum Visit (8EUR per person)
- Reichstag Visit
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23EUR per person)
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3EUR per person)
- Malá Strana Visit
- Prague Castle (Hradčany) Visit (250-350CZK per person)
- Petřín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
Český Krumlov
- Guided Ghost Story Walk (250CZK per person)
- State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov Tour (360CZK per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (35EUR per person)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Sound of Music Tour – Full Day Trip (120-180EUR per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Danube River Cruise
- Brasov History Museum (7RON per person)
- Museum of the Romanian Peasant
- Palace of the Parliament Visit
- National Village Museum Visit
- Bucharest Bike Tour (20RON per person)
- Museum of Medieval Weapons
- Clock Tower Visit (Free)
- The Church of the Dominican Monastery Visit (Free)
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Day 1 Berlin
Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
We recommend arriving a day or two early to fully explore this world-renowned city.
Additional Notes:
Check-in time at hotel is approximately 3:00pm.
Included Activities:
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting
Day 2 Berlin (1B)
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and is a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Walk the Berlin Wall with a Historian
Day 3 Berlin/Prague (1B)
A great way to spend the evening is watching the sunset from the heights of the Letna Beer Garden, where you can sample Czech beer, world-famous for its superb quality and low cost.
Included Activities:
Prague Guided City Tour
Day 4 Prague (1B)
Charles Bridge by day is packed with vendors and street musicians. At night, it is less crowded, and it's much easier to appreciate the scenery as well as the ever-so-slightly sinister quality of the statues looming overhead. Cross the bridge and you'll find yourself in Mala Strana, a far less crowded district that offers the perfect atmosphere for some introspective wandering.
If you're in the area and want to experience traditional Czech pubs which are guaranteed to be loud, lively, and packed with locals on any night of the week, this is the place for it. You'll find restaurants serving traditional Czech cuisine like fried pork cutlets, goulash, and dumplings.
Day 5 Prague/Český Krumlov (1B)
The inclusion of Ceský Krumlov on UNESCO's List of Natural and Cultural Heritage was undoubtedly a turning point in the modern history of the town. It sent a clear signal to the rest of the cultural world that South Bohemia has something unique to offer.
Private Vehicle (3.00 hour(s))
Day 6 Český Krumlov/Vienna (1B)
Drive across the border into Austria, where we take an orientation walk with the CEO. Visit the historic Hotel Sacher and taste the world-famous Sacher Torte. Enjoy free time this evening to visit the opera house or simply enjoy a walk around the city.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert
Private Vehicle (4.00 hour(s))
Day 7 Vienna (1B)
This morning, visit the famed Naschmarkt with a culinary expert, exploring the stalls and lanes to sample some of Vienna's finest treats. This afternoon is free to wander the elegant streets. Take in some of Europe's most distinguished art galleries, visit the stunning Lipizzaner horses of the renowned Vienna Riding School, experience mass with the Vienna Boys Choir, or settle into a café and order a slice of mouthwatering Viennese cake.
Included Activities:
Naschmarkt Walk
Day 8 Vienna/Budapest (1B)
You might like to have an optional dinner at a local restaurant on Váci Utca, which is the bustling main street of Budapest.
Included Activities:
Orientation Walk
Train (4.00 hour(s))
Day 9 Budapest (1B)
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 10 Budapest (1B, 1L)
Explore Budapest by embarking on a guided historic tour of the city. Start at Heroes Square and hop on the metro to learn the history of Europe's second oldest underground transportation system. Discover the Opera House, Liberty Square and Chain Bridge, ending at the Great Market Hall with a typical Hungarian lunch. The afternoon is free to explore.
Included Activities:
Budapest City Tour
Day 11 Budapest/Cluj-Napoca (1B)
Embark on a full-day transfer from Budapest to Cluj-Napoca. Along the way, stop in Egerszalók to visit the Salt Hill terraces. These rare salt springs and water terraces are a great place to stretch our legs or enjoy a picnic.
Included Activities:
Salt Hill Terraces
Private Vehicle (1.80 hour(s), 130km)
Private Vehicle (4.50 hour(s), 365km)
Day 12 Cluj-Napoca/Sighișoara (1B)
Visit Salina Turda Salt Mine, the world's deepest underground salt museum and marvel at 2,000 years of history and highly preserved galleries. Learn about all the purposes of the mine over the years, from being used as a World War II bomb shelter to becoming a warehouse for storing cheese. From here, head to Sighișoara and enjoy an orientation walk of the old town on arrival.
Included Activities:
Salina Turda Salt Mine Visit
Sighișoara Old Town Visit
Private Vehicle (0.75 hour(s), 35km)
Private Vehicle (2.00 hour(s), 120km)
Day 13 Sighișoara/Braşov (1B, 1L)
Transfer to the small medieval village of Medias. Together with a local chef, visit the market to pick out fresh ingredients for your Transylvanian cooking class and learn about the cultural and gastronomical influences found in Transylvanian cuisine. In the afternoon, head to the town of Brasov to visit the famous Black Church.
Included Activities:
Transylvanian Foodie Experience
Black Church (Biserica Neagră) Visit
Private Vehicle (1.60 hour(s), 115km)
Day 14 Braşov (1B)
Enjoy a free morning to explore Brasov's baroque architecture and beautiful squares. Later, visit the haunting Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's castle, for a guided visit. Afterwards, head to the castle's tea house for an afternoon tea accompanied by the on-site historian and learn about the castle's eerie past and connection with Dracula.
Included Activities:
Bran Castle Visit
High Tea at Bran Castle
Day 15 Braşov/Bucharest (1B)
Travel back to Bucharest, stopping to visit Snagov Monastery and its intricately painted walls. Dating back to the 14th century, the monastery is believed to hold the remains of Vlad the Impaler. Once in Bucharest, enjoy an orientation walk. Opt for a final night out on the town.
Included Activities:
Snagov Monastery
Orientation Walk
Private Vehicle (2.75 hour(s))
Day 16 Bucharest (1B)
Depart at any time.


text:
Up until now, users of London's sprawling subway system have had no way of browsing the web on their smartphones and tablets. However, according to an announcement by the city's mayor, it looks like that could be about to change — and hopefully in time for the forthcoming Olympics.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Mayor Boris Johnson laid out plans for a new Wi-Fi service for parts of the UK capital's underground train system. Initially, 80 of the network's 276 stations will have Wi-Fi introduced, with plans for a further 40 by the end of the year.
The service, which should be available from July, will be free until after the Olympics when it will become a pay-as-you-go service. The sporting extravaganza begins on July 27 and finish August 12.
"Millions of passengers will now be able to connect to their work, friends or access the latest news and travel information whilst on the move," the mayor said in the statement. "This is a fabulous new and free resource which will be in place from this summer when London is being showcased on a global stage and playing host to millions."
Johnson said the contract had been awarded to telecoms company Virgin Media. Its chief executive, Neil Berkett, said of the deal: "We'll help people make the most of the city and will continue to evolve the service, ensuring everyone can benefit from a service London will be proud of."
It's not all good news though, as the signal will only be available on platforms, escalators and in ticket halls — not on the trains themselves — so expect a flurry of activity on your carriage each time you pull into a station as everyone reaches for their mobile device. Apparently the cost of construction work to bring Wi-Fi to the subway trains is just too great at the current time.
Free Wi-Fi is also being rolled out above ground in some parts of the city in what is claimed will be Europe's largest free wireless hub.
[Source: AP / BBC] [Image: Jose AS Reyes / Shutterstock]


text:
STUDENTS at one of the country's leading universities have been disciplined over a Jimmy Savile–themed bar crawl.
The St Cuthbert's Society Men's Rugby Club at Durham University reportedly asked first year students to come as young girls, second years as the serial abuser Savile, and third and fourth years as BBC reporters and policemen.
They are said to have visited the student bars of other university colleges during last month's social night but their behaviour drew complaints and the club has now been banned from playing matches in the university's inter-college league for the rest of the term.
About 20 students who took part in the event have been fined £50 following a disciplinary investigation by the college authorities and the social secretary and club captain have been required to do 20 hours of community work.
The club, which has A and B teams, appealed against its punishment but the decision was upheld.
Savile, the knighted radio DJ, TV presenter and charity fund-raiser who died aged 84 in October of last year, has been revealed as a paedophile who used the cover of his celebrity to abuse hundreds of youngsters over six decades.
Police believe he could be the country's most prolific sex offender after an ITV documentary led to a flood of allegations about the now-disgraced celebrity.
A spokesperson for Durham University said: "The university has been made aware of an incident.
"We take such matters very seriously. The students' college has investigated the incident and disciplinary action is being taken."
According to the Durham student newspaper Palatinate, the evening started at St Cuthbert's Society before moving on to other colleges.
Members of the group reportedly tried to take a dartboard from the bar at St Mary's College , one person stripped naked in the Collingwood College bar and a fire alarm was set off while the party was at Grey College.
The rugby club could not be contacted for comment by The Northern Echo.


text:
Kabul, Afghanistan: As a tense-looking Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was handed over to US forces, one of his Taliban captors warned him: "Don't come back to Afghanistan. You won't make it out alive next time."
Then, the American soldier, wearing traditional loose-fitting Afghan trousers and a long tunic, was led away to a US military helicopter, where he was patted down for explosives or other weapons before he was allowed to climb aboard.
The weekend handover was documented in a 17-minute video emailed to news organizations on Wednesday by the Taliban, which touted the exchange of Bergdahl for five Guantanamo detainees as a victory, while debate rages in the US over the deal and whether the 28-year-old from Hailey, Idaho, should be punished as a deserter.
Republican lawmakers and others have complained that Congress should have been consulted, that the prisoner swap will embolden the Taliban to snatch more US soldiers, and that the released Afghans will filter back to the battlefield.
In Washington, Rob Williams, the U.S. national intelligence officer for South Asia, told the Senate intelligence committee Tuesday that four of the men are expected to resume activities with the Taliban, according to two senior congressional officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because the session was classified.
Under the terms of the swap, the five Taliban detainees will have to stay for a year in Qatar, where officials gave assurances that the men will be monitored.
The five were some of the most senior Afghans held at Guantanamo.
They include the former Taliban interior minister, who was described in a US case file leaked by WikiLeaks as having had close ties to Osama bin Laden; a commander whose file says he was present at a 2001 prison riot that led to the death of CIA operative Johnny Michael Spann; the Taliban's former deputy chief of intelligence; and a former member of a joint Taliban-al-Qaida cell described in US documents as "one of the most significant former Taliban leaders" held at Guantanamo.
In Qatar, the men will be in a position to communicate with comrades in Afghanistan, one of the senior congressional aides said.
"They are going to be able to see whoever they want, so they will be able to communicate by courier," the official said.
The video of Bergdahl after five years in captivity shows a well-choreographed release, with the American sitting in a silver pickup truck while more than a dozen Taliban fighters with machine guns and faces largely covered by scarves stand guard nearby and on a rocky desert hill overlooking the site.
A thin-looking Bergdahl, his head and face clean-shaven, blinks frequently and looks tense as he peers out of the truck. At one point, he wipes his eyelid as if to get rid of some dust.
A Black Hawk helicopter then lands, and two Taliban fighters, one carrying a white cloth tied to a stick, lead Bergdahl, now wearing a gray shawl and carrying a plastic bag, halfway toward the chopper.
Three apparent members of US special operations forces approach the group, shake hands with the two Taliban fighters and lead Bergdahl toward the helicopter.
One of the three men then pats down Bergdahl, while another takes the plastic bag from him and drops it on the ground before they all climb into the helicopter.
According to a voiceover on the video, the handover took place around 4 pm on Saturday in Khost province, near the Pakistani border.
As the helicopter approaches, one of the Taliban men is heard warning Bergdahl not to come back. "You won't make it out alive next time," the man says in Pashto as some of the other fighters are heard laughing.
As if to underscore the point, similar words appear on the video in broken English: "Don't come back to afghanistan."
Bergdahl was reported to be in stable condition at a military hospital in Germany.
A Taliban statement, also distributed to the media, quoted leader Mullah Mohammad Omar as saying the release of the five Taliban was a significant achievement for the movement.
President Barack Obama has defended the swap, citing a "sacred" obligation to not leave men and women in uniform behind.
Some of Bergdahl's former comrades have complained that US soldiers died during the search for him after he walked off his base, unarmed, in 2009. The military has not confirmed such a link.
US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday that the Army will review the case, and he cautioned against drawing conclusions until that is done.
"It's not in the interests of anyone, and certainly I think a bit unfair to Sgt. Bergdahl's family to presume anything. We don't do that in the United States. We rely on facts," he said at a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
Get Breaking news, live coverage, and Latest News from India and around the world on NDTV.com. Catch all the Live TV action on NDTV 24x7 and NDTV India. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram for latest news and live news updates.


text:
A man who helped produce a documentary that questions the official cause of the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800 has filed federal lawsuits seeking more information from the military.
Thomas Stalcup says in lawsuits filed in Boston last week that he received inadequate responses to Freedom of Information requests to the Missile Defense Agency and the Navy Special Warfare Command.
Stalcup, a physicist who lives in Sandwich, Mass., has challenged the National Transportation Safety Board's determination that the explosion of the aircraft's center fuel tank caused the New York-to-Paris flight to crash minutes after taking off from New York's Kennedy Airport, killing all 230 people aboard.
He is among a group of people who believe the plane was downed by a missile.


text:
array HTML_QuickForm_Controller::getActionName (
This method searches the
$_REQUEST array for an element with a
special name
and splits the name into page name and action. If such an element is not found, the first page will
be default and
'display' the default action.
returns first element is page name, second is action name
throws no exceptions thrown
This function can not be called statically.


text:
Moderators: Three Stars, dagny, pfim, netwolf
PAPLine wrote:I still want to go to from a half year to a full year plan, and I don't think anyone has the Plan B for my seats. I was able to but them from Ticketmaster for a couple of games last year. They have told me I am still on the "List" but can't tell me where I stand.
The Colonel wrote:It took me 20 minutes before it would let me when it was my time.


text:
From the Shurangama Sutra:
Some teachings on the Dharani by the late Ven Master Hsuan Huahttp://www.e-sangha.com/alphone/shurangama.html#1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
On the day of mourning, King Prasenajit, for the sake of his father, the former king, arranged a vegetarian feast and invited the Buddha to the side rooms of the palace. He welcomed the Tathagataa with a vast array of superb delicacies of unsurpassed, wonderful flavors and himself invited the Great Bodhisattvas, as well. Elders and laypeople of the city were also prepared to provide meals for the Sangha at the same time, and they stood waiting for the Buddha to come and receive offerings.
The Buddha commanded Manjushri to assign the Bodhisattvas and Arhats to receive offerings from the various vegetarian hosts. Only Ananda, who had travelled far to accept a special invitation earlier, and had not yet returned, was late for the apportioning of the Sangha. No senior Bhikshu or Acharya was with him, and so he was returning alone on the road. On that day Ananda had received no offerings, and so at the appropriate time he took up his almsbowl and, as he travelled through the city, received alms in sequential order. As he set out to receive alms from the first to the last donors, his vegetarian hosts, he thought not to question whether they were pure or impure; whether they were kshatriyas of honorable name or chandalas. While practicing equality and compassion he would not select merely the lowly but was determined to perfect all beings' limitless merit and virtue. Ananda was aware that the Tathagata, the Bhagavan(World Honored One), had admonished Subhuti and Mahakashyapa for being Arhats whose minds were not fair and equal. He revered the Tathagata's instructions on impartiality for saving everyone from doubt and slander.
Having crossed the city moat, he walked slowly through the outer gates, his manner stern and proper as he strictly respected the rules for obtaining vegetarian food. At that time, because Ananda was receiving alms in sequential order, he passed by a house of prostitution and was waylaid by a powerful artifice. On the strength of Kapila's mantra, which came from the Brahma Heaven, the daughter of Matangi drew him onto an impure mat. With her licentious body she caressed him until he was on the verge of destroying the precept-substance. The Tathagata, knowing Ananda was being taken advantage of by an impure artifice, finished the meal and immediately returned to the Sublime Abobe.
The king, great officials, elders, and laypeople followed along after the Buddha desiring to hear the essentials of the Dharma. Then the Bhagavan from his crown emitted hundreds of rays of jeweled light which dispelled all fear. Within the light appeared a thousand-petalled jeweled lotus, upon which was seated a transformation-body Buddha in full-lotus posture, proclaiming a holy Mantra. Shakyamuni Buddha commanded Manjushri to take the mantra and go provide protection, and, when the evil mantra was dispelled, to support Ananda and Matangi's daughter and encourage them to return to where the Buddha was. Ananda saw the Buddha, bowed, and wept sorrowfully, regretting that from time without beginning he had been preoccupied with erudition and had not yet perfected his strength in the Way. He respectfully and repeatedly requested an explanation of the initial expedients of the wonderful shamatha, samapatti, and dhyana, by means of which the Tathagatas of the ten directions had realized Bodhi.
Another insighthttp://cttbusa.org/shurangama6/shurangama6_8.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
So, the Shurangama Mantra was not spoken by Shakyamuni Buddha himself in the flesh, but rather it was proclaimed by the transformation-body Buddha he sent out into empty space. As to the mantra, no one understands it. Nor is it possible to explain it syllable by syllable and line by line. But if you want to understand it, I can try to explain it for you. However, this is not the time for that, because we are in the middle of the explanation of the Shurangama Sutra, and the mantra alone couldn't be completely explained in a year, or even in three years, or even ten years. So, at this point it cannot be explained thoroughly. I will simply explain the general meaning of the mantra.
The mantra has five divisions which correspond to the five directions : north, south, east, west, and the middle. The eastern division is the Vajra division, with Akshobhya Buddha as the teaching host. The southern division is the Production-of-Jewels division, with Production-of-Jewels Buddha as the teaching host. The central division is the Buddha division, with Shakyamuni Buddha as the teaching host. The western division is the Lotus division, with Amitabha Buddha as the teaching host. The northern division is the Karma division, with Accomplishment Buddha as the teaching host. There are five divisions, because there are five huge demonic armies in this world. There are demons to the east, south, west, north, and in the center. Since there are these five demon armies, not just five demons, the Buddhas also cover the five directions to suppress the demons. If there were no Buddhas, the demons could appear openly in the world.
Within the five divisions of the mantra there are, in general, more than thirty dharmas, and it has more than a hundred dharmas that can be discussed in detail. There are five major kinds of dharmas:
1) Dharmas of accomplishment. This means that with this dharma, you will be successful in what you seek or in what you vow or wish for.
2) Dharmas of increasing benefit. This means that when you recite this mantra, you can increase benefits which you yourself seek and you can also increase benefits for other people.
3) Dharmas of hooking and summoning. This means, literally, to "hook in" and catch and to call with a command all the weird beings, demons, and ghosts. No matter how far away they might be from you, you can bring them in and capture them. For instance, suppose one of them is harming someone, and when they finish they run away. If one knows how to use the dharma of hooking and summoning, then no matter how far that being may have run, you can arrest him.
4) Dharmas of subduing. Demons also have spiritual penetrations and mantras which they use. When you recite your mantras, they recite their mantras. But if you can use the Shurangama Mantra, you can smash through all their mantras. I've told you before about the section of the mantra which is for smashing the demon kings. It also is effective in destroying their mantras and spells. Although I've taught you this already, it bears repeating here. Those who have not studied this yet can take note of it. Why was it that as soon as the Shurangama Mantra was recited the former Brahma Heaven mantra lost its effectiveness? It was because of the "Five Great Heart Mantras."
Chr Two Ni
E Jya La
Mi Li Ju
Bwo Li Dan La Ye
Ning Jye Li
These five lines are called the "Five Great Heart Mantras." It is the fundamental mantra for destroying the mantras and spells of the heavenly demons and adherents of externalist ways. It doesn't matter what kind of mantra they come up with; you can destroy it with this one. Their mantras will lose their effectiveness. This dharma I've just transmitted could sell for several million dollars, but I do not sell it. Seeing that you have a certain amount of sincerity, I transmit it to you absolutely free.
5) Dharmas of dispelling disasters. Whatever calamity is due to occur can be prevented. For instance, suppose a person was due to fall into the sea and drown, but by reciting the Shurangama Mantra, he avoids the catastrophe. He might fall into the sea, but he doesn't drown. Perhaps you are in a boat that ought to sink, but you recite this mantra and the boat does not go down. Maybe you're in an airplane that is destined to crash, but you recite the Shurangama Mantra and the plane lands without incident. I'll tell you something incredible. I was going from Burma to Thailand, an air route that is particularly dangerous. But during that trip, the plane didn't show the effects of any turbulence. The ride was absolutely smooth. Even the pilot commented, "Why has it been such smooth going on this trip?" He had no idea that during that ride the gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division, as well as Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, were on all sides of the airplane guarding and protecting it. That's the way the dharma of dispelling disasters works. When there clearly should be an accident, it can change big disasters to small ones and make small ones never even happen. Usually what happens is there's "alarm but no danger" if you recite the Shurangama Mantra.
In general, the mantra contains dharmas of auspiciousness. This means that when you recite the Shurangama Mantra, everything goes just as you'd like it to. It's really lucky and extremely auspicious.
The advantages of the mantra are so many that one could not even begin to express them in several years time. But at this time, I'll limit my explanation to these few dharmas and meanings.
http://www.lioncity.net/buddhism/index. ... t&p=845769" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Tathāgatoṣnīṣaṃ Sita-ā-tapatraṃ dhāraṇī (Śhūrangama dhāraṇī 楞嚴咒)
Mahā-praty-angirā Dhāraṇī , is also known by the full name Tathāgatoṣnīṣaṃ Sita-ā-tapatraṃ Aparājitaṃ Praty-angiraṃ Dhāraṇī 如來頂髻 白傘蓋 無能勝 對治 惡魔 陀羅尼. Śhūrangama dhāranī 楞嚴咒 is referred to the Tathāgatoṣnīṣaṃ Sita-ā-tapatraṃ dhāraṇī in the Paramiti's version (705 CE) of the Śhūrangama Sūtra (Taishō T19 No. 945).
Note on the title:
Tathāgata (n, masc): one thus come/go 如來, the 'exalted One'; Uṣṇisa (n, masc/neu): the swelling of flesh, or the top-knot on Buddha's head.
Tathāgata + Uṣṇisa = Tathāgatoṣnīṣaṃ (n, masc/neu, sing, passive)
Sita (adj), white; sita-ā-tapatra (n, neu), white parasol. According to Sandhi rules, sita-ā-tapatraṃ become sita-tapatraṃ (n, neu, sing, pass).
Aparājita (adj), invincible, undestructible, immovable, not surpassing; Aparājitaṃ (adj, sing, pass).
Prati (adv), against, back; angira, angiras, (n, masc), spirit. Prati + angira = praty-angiraṃ (n, masc, sing, pass).
Tathāgatoṣnīṣaṃ Sita-ā-tapatraṃ dhāraṇī (Śhūrangama dhāraṇī 楞嚴咒)
大佛頂 如來 放光 悉怛 多缽怛囉 陀羅尼, 天竺 沙門 般剌密帝
By śramaṇa Paramiti of India (705 CE) (Taishō T19 No. 945)
http://www.buddhist-canon.com/SUTRA/JMi ... 90133c.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


text:
George Strait Tickets Selling Out Quickly
George Strait is the country legend, and it shows through ticket sales. Fans are jumping on board for a final chance to see him live on his Cowboy Rides Away Tour, which is, unsurprisingly, selling out quickly.
Most tickets for the second round of dates announced have already been spoken for, and if it gives you any indication of how quickly they're selling out, Strait's upcoming show at the Staples Center sold out in just nine minutes.
Shows in Atlanta, Columbus, Denver, Omaha, Phoenix and San Diego all sold out immediately. And of these 2014 Cowboy Rides Away Tour dates, only tickets for the Feb. 14 show in Auburn Hills, Mich. are still available -- so any fans hoping to hear him on his last tour before retiring from the road better act quickly.
Strait has said that he never expected his fans would react in this way, that it's just incredible. More tickets for upcoming shows (see below) will go on sale on Oct. 11 at 10AM in each venue's respective time zone.
Although Strait is hanging up his touring hat, he'll still be making music in the foreseeable future. In fact, fans can look forward to at least five more albums from the 'I Cross My Heart' hitmaker, as he signed a new contract with MCA Nashville in August.
George Strait Tickets on Sale Oct. 11:
1/18/14 – Sprint Center – Kansas City, Mo.
2/1/14 – MGM Grand – Las Vegas, Nev.
2/28/14 – Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, Penn.
3/1/14 – Prudential Center – Newark, N.J.
3/7/14 – KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, Ken.
3/8/14 – AllState Arena – Chicago, Ill.
4/11/14 – Moda Center – Portland, Ore.
4/12/14 – Tacoma Dome – Tacoma, Wash.
4/19/14 – BOK Arena – Tulsa, Okla.


text:
KNOXVILLE � Jordan McRae scored a career-high 34 points and led Tennessee's torrid 3-point attack Tuesday night as the Volunteers defeated LSU 82-72 for their fourth consecutive victory.
KNOXVILLE � Jordan McRae scored a career-high 34 points and led Tennessee�s torrid 3-point attack Tuesday night as the Volunteers defeated LSU 82-72 for their fourth consecutive victory.
McRae made all six of his 3-point attempts and shot 13 of 18 overall. Tennessee (15-10, 7-6 Southeastern Conference) shot 10 of 15 from 3-point range as a team against an LSU squad that entered the night with the SEC�s best 3-point percentage defense (.290).
Tennessee has made 75 percent (15 of 20) of its 3-point attempts over its last two games. The Vols had shot just 28.6 percent (102 of 357) from 3-point range through their first 23 games.
Trae Golden added 20 points and eight assists for Tennessee. Jarnell Stokes had 13 points and 11 rebounds for his seventh double-double in his last eight games.
Johnny O�Bryant had 24 points and eight rebounds for LSU (15-9, 6-7) before fouling out. Anthony Hickey had 14 points and Malik Morgan added 12 points.
The game featured an intriguing matchup between Stokes and O�Bryant, two of the SEC�s top big men.
O�Bryant was averaging 20.7 points and 10.7 rebounds over his last three contests, including a 30-point performance Thursday in a 64-46 victory at South Carolina. Stokes� performance Tuesday gave him seven double-doubles in his last eight games.
Although O�Bryant won that individual matchup, LSU wouldn�t win the game. McRae made sure of it.
Just about every time LSU threatened, McRae responded.
After LSU cut Tennessee�s lead to 51-45 on O�Bryant�s layup with 13:06 left, McRae connected on a 3-pointer to stop the Tigers� momentum. McRae added a thunderous dunk a couple of minutes later.
When LSU reduced the deficit to six again on Anthony Hickey�s steal and layup with 5:46 left, McRae calmly buried another 3-pointer. After LSU made it a six-point margin once more on a Hickey 3-pointer with 4:11 remaining, McRae scored on Tennessee�s next possession. McRae then pulled down a defensive rebound and got fouled by O�Bryant, knocking the LSU big man out of the game with 3:21 left.
LSU was playing from behind most of the night.
Tennessee shot 59.3 percent (16 of 27) over the first 20 minutes to grab a 40-30 halftime lead. McRae and Golden led the way by scoring 14 points each while shooting a combined 11 of 16 before halftime.
McRae and Golden stayed hot in the second half. The Vols made their first three 3-point attempts of the second half, including two by McRae in the first two minutes. McRae�s first 3-pointer of the second half gave Tennessee a 43-30 advantage.
LSU clawed its way back into the game by relying on second-chance points and O�Bryant�s inside presence, but the Tigers had no answers for McRae.


text:
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