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First Destruction of Venda Kingship: The Boers
After King Makhado died of suspected poisoning in 1895, the Boers saw his death as an opportunity for them to try once more to colonise Venda and to destroy the Venda monarchy. The Boers infiltrated the Ramabulana Royal House and influenced Sinthumule, the Kingdom's Prime Minister, to turn against his brother, King Mphephu. War broke out between Mphephu's group known as Mavhengwa and Sinthumule's group known as Ngomakhosi. Sinthumule fled to Ha-Manavhela (Manavhela Ben Lavin) and sought help from the Boers who were happy to oblige as they perceived Mphephu as a scourge. In 1898 the Boers finally conquered and subjugated the Vhavenda.
The Boers took over Luatame, Songozwi, as Mphephu fled to Zimbabwe. A town was established on 22 February 1899 at Tshirululuni (the cattle post). Tshirululuni was renamed louis trichardt. Sinthumule was crowned the 'King' of Venda by the Boers, but his rule was not recognised by Vhavenda. They continued to pay tribute to King Mphephu in exile through Rambiyana and Ravele Matsheketsheke.
The Boers could not, however, establish a permanent presence at Songozwi since they had to engage in a bloody war with the English in the South African war (the Anglo-Boer war) which broke out in 1899. Vhavenda sided with the English and burnt the town of louis trichardt. The Boers were defeated in the South African war and surrendered in 1902.
The English army commander, Taylor, brought Mphephu back to Luatame, Songozwi, in 1902. Sinthumule was removed from the throne and had to reconcile with Mphephu. Taylor, who was bent on punishing the Boers and everyone who assisted them in the South African war and Mphephu war, went on a killing spree, killing Boers and Tsonga-Shangaan men who assisted the Boers. Because of this killing spree, Taylor was nicknamed "Bulalazonke Matshangani" (kill all Shangaans).
The 1913 Land Act declared large tracts of land in Venda to be 'white areas', and were turned into whiteowned farms. Vhavenda who resided at Tshirululuni, Songozwi, Ha-Maemu, Magoni, La Ndou, Vhulorwa, Lunoni, Ha-Funyufunyu, Mudzivhadi, Ha-Liswoga, Phawe, Khavhambe, Ha-Mulelu, Ha-Makhavhu, HaMabasha, Tshifhefhe, Tshitungulu, Tshidzivhani, Ha-Ratombo, etc, were forcibly removed and resettled at Ha-Kutama, Ha-Sinthumule, Nzhelele, and Vuwani. King Mphephu was forced by the Boers to relocate his Royal Palace to the ancient capital of Dzata (Dzanani). But Songozwi continued to serve as the Royal Court and the burial site of Mphephu Kings and Chiefs, and Sinthumule and Kutama Chiefs.
King Mphephu died in 1924, and was succeeded by his son Mbulaheni George. Mbulaheni was crowned King Mphephu II in 1925. But the Boers referred to him as Paramount Chief Mphephu of the Ramabulana Regional Authority. This area included Nzhelele, Ha-Sinthumule, Ha-Kutama, Ha-Nthabalala, Ha-Masakona, Ha-Masia, Ha-Davhana, Tshimbupfe, Tshivhulana, Ha-Nesengani, Tshakhuma, Tsianda, Ha-Mutsha, HaMashau, Ha-Mashamba, Ha-Mulima, and Ha-Muila. This declaration stripped King Mphephu II of his powers as the King of Venda. But the majority of Venda chiefs outside of the Ramabulana Territorial Authority continued to recognise King Mphephu II as their king. King Mphephu II died in 1949 and was laid to rest at Songozwi.
King Mphephu II was succeeded by his son, Ramaano Patrick Mphephu Ramabulana who ruled from 1949 to 1988. He was crowned King Mphephu III. He too was referred to as Paramount Chief.
The Native Affairs Act, No.23 of 1920, provided for the establishment of local councils and a Native Commission to advise the South African government on issues that affected Africans. The Bantu Authorities Act, No 68 of 1951, provided for the creation of tribal, regional and territorial authorities. As a result of this Act, 25 tribal authorities, three regional authorities and one territorial authority were established in Venda. The three regional authorities were Ramabulana, Tshivhase, and Mphaphuli. The apartheid ideology recognised Vhavenda as distinct from non-Vendas, as a homogenous entity who needed to have their own territorial state. This led to the establishment of the Thohoyandou Territorial Authority in 1962 headed by Mphephu III. The 25 tribal authorities were represented in the regional authority by two or more members and one of the members had to be a Khosi (senior chief) or Vhamusanda (junior chief). The regional authorities were in turn represented by their chairmen and other members depending on population size and the numbers of taxpayers.
Proclamation R.168 of 20 June 1969 proclaimed the Thohoyandou Territorial Authority as the Venda Territorial Authority. This led to several changes in the form of representation. Each 'tribal' authority was represented at the Territorial Authority by its Khosi or chairman and another member elected by the tribal authority from among its councillors. The Black States Constitution Act of 1971 provided for the creation of Legislative Assemblies in the Bantustans. The Venda Legislative Assembly was constituted in 1973 and this led to Venda becoming a so-called self-governing territory. The Legislative Assembly was made of 60 members, 42 of whom had to be Mahosi or Vhamusanda. The remaining 18 were elected by Venda citizens as well as Vhavenda who were outside the Venda Bantustan.
In 1979 Venda became a so-called independent state and was known as the Republic of Venda. Thovhele Ramaano Patrick Mphephu Ramabulana was elected the first president of the Republic of Venda. This Banana Republic was, however, only recognised by its creators, apartheid South Africa, and fellow banana republics: Transkei, Bophuthatswana and Ciskei.
Mphephu III became the Chief Minister of Vendaland in 1973. He later followed in the footsteps of Kaizer Matanzima of the Transkei, and Lucas Mangope of Bophuthatswana, and opted for nominal independence. Venda became a 'republic' in 1979 with Mphephu III as the 'President'. The capital of the 'Republic of Venda' was Thohoyandou.
First Restoration of Venda Kingship
The Venda parliament decided, just before 'independence' in 1979, that the Venda monarchy needed to be restored. Parliament, agreed that the most senior Vhavenda royal house was the Mphephu Ramabulana royal house. It was, therefore, agreed that Mphephu III was the King of the whole of Venda.
King Mphephu III died of suspected poisoning in April 1988. Mphephu III's cousin, Khosi Nndwakhulu Frank Ravele of Mauluma, became the new 'president' of Venda after Mphephu's death. Khosi Ravele took over the presidency of the 'Republic of Venda' at the time when the tide was turning against the apartheid rulers in South Africa. The liberation movement was unbanned in February 1990 and political prisoners were released. People in Venda intensified their calls for the re-incorporation of Venda into South Africa. Riots broke out in Venda and so-called witches and wizards were killed through stoning and 'necklacing'. The riots culminated in the military, the Venda Defence Force, led by Gabriel Mutheiwana Ramushwana, staging a bloodless coup d'état in 1990.
The Ramushwana military junta appointed the Mushasha Commission to investigate the issues surrounding Venda traditional leadership and kingship. The appointment of the Mushasha Commission was partly due to the fact that the Constitution of the 'Republic of Venda' stated that the Head of State was the Paramount Chief / King of Venda. Ramushwana and his military junta did not, therefore, want to be accountable to the King. The Mushasha Commission stated that Vhavenda had no such thing as Khosikhulu (King), and that the Mphephu Ramabulana royal house should not be recognised as the most senior Vhavenda royal house. For the second time in less than a century, the Mphephu Ramabulana royal house was demoted to the status of the other 27 Mahosi (senior traditional leaders).
Shortly before the April 1994 elections, Venda was dissolved as a homeland and a republic and reincorporated into South Africa. But the illegal action taken by the Ramushwana junta, through the Mushasha Commission, led to Mphephu III's son and successor, Tshimangadzo, being referred to as Khosi Mphephu. Tshimangadzo, whose title was Dimbanyika Thohoyandou II, was, however, referred to as King by his subjects even though the government classified him as Khosi (Senior Chief).
Dimbanyika Thohoyandou II died in a car accident in December 1997, leaving a baby girl as the only heir to the throne. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Toni, who was crowned by former president Nelson Mandela in 1998 as Mphephu Ramabulana.
Second Restoration of Venda Kingship
Calls for the restoration of Vhavenda monarchy grew louder from 1998. This culminated in a meeting of Mahosi of Venda in February 2003 to discuss the restoration of the Venda monarchy which was destroyed and abolished by, first the Boers, and secondly by the Ramushwana military junta. The meeting took place in Thohoyandou. All 28 Mahosi, including Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, were present.
After a short discussion, there was a unanimous decision by 27 Mahosi that the Mphephu Ramabulana royal house was the most senior royal house, and that Toni Mphephu Ramabulana was the king of Vhavenda.
There was only one dissenting voice, at the February 2003 meeting, that of Khosi Midiyavhathu Kennedy Tshivhase of Ha-Tshivhasa. Khosi Tshivhase argued that Vhavenda should have two kings, himself for the Tshivhasa area, and Toni Mphephu Ramabulana for the rest of Venda.
After the meeting, the 27 Mahosi petitioned the then premier of Limpopo, Ngoako Ramathlodi, to restore the Venda monarchy and to confirm Mphephu Ramabulana as the king of Venda. But The Ramathlodi government refused, and the Mahosi of Venda decided to take the matter to Thohoyandou High Court.
In April 2003 Tshidziwelele Nephawe, a gota/Vhamusanda (junior chief), of Mudunungu village, HaTshivhasa, claimed that he was the rightful king of Vhavenda. Tshidziwelele argued that Vhangona are early inhabitants of Venda, that their capital city was Mapungubwe, and that the king of Mapungubwe was King Tshidziwelele. He also argued that Vhangona were conquered by the Vhasenzi who came from Zimbabwe, and that they settled in Venda and lost their Karanga affinities through intermarriage with Vhangona women, and were assimilated into Tshingona culture and language. He argued that King Tshidziwelele was killed at his kraal by Vele-la-Mbeu of the Masingo clan.
In August 2003, six months after the February meeting, Khosi Gole Musiiwa Mphaphuli of Ha-Mphaphuli broke ranks with the other 26 Mahosi and argued that Vhavenda should have three kings, himself for HaMphaphuli, Tshivhase for Ha-Tshivhasa, and Mphephu Ramabulana for the rest of Venda. Gole Musiiwa Mphaphuli's spokesman, Magwedzha Mphaphuli, argued that Musiiwa had supported the decision taken at the February meeting out of ignorance. He stated that the Mphaphuli royal house was withdrawing its support for Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, and that it would not join the other 26 Mahosi in forcing the Limpopo government into confirming Mphephu Ramabulana as the king of Venda.
The Ravhura royal house of Makonde entered the fray in 2004 when it announced that it should be recognised as the most senior royal house of all Vhavenda. They argued that they had kept quiet for more than 230 years, and that the truth needed to be told.
The 26 Mahosi who supported Mphephu Ramabulana approached the Thohoyandou High Court to force Ramathlodi to confirm Mphephu Ramabulana as the king of Venda. They also wanted Ramathlodi to make public the report of the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry which was appointed by Ramathlodi in 1996 to investigate, among others, claims by certain traditional leaders that they were irregularly deposed or not duly recognised by the apartheid government. The Mahosi argued that the Ralushai Commission indicated that Vhavenda had one king, Mphephu Ramabulana.
The Limpopo provincial government opposed the move by Mahosi of Venda. It argued, amongst others, that the move by the Mahosi was premature since President Mbeki had already announced that he was going to appoint a commission of inquiry to investigate the issue of traditional leadership in the whole of South Africa. The commission was going to investigate, amongst others, chieftainships and kingships that needed to be restored.
The Nhlapo Commission of Inquiry
On 16 October 2004, the Minister for Provincial and Local Government, Sydney Mufamadi, announced that President Thabo Mbeki had appointed a Commission on Traditional Leadership Disputes and Claims in terms of section 23 of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, No. 41 of 2003.
Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo chaired the Commission. In an effort to assist the Commission, the Ministry for Provincial and Local Government handed all relevant research materials, including reports of various commissions of inquiry appointed in provinces such as the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and Limpopo. Amongst the reports handed to the Nhlapo Commission was the Ralushai Commission of Inquiry report. The Department of Provincial and Local Government also announced that it would take the necessary steps to ensure that the relevant information contained in the Ralushai Commission report was made available to all affected parties who submitted their claims and disputes. The information would assist claimants to prepare for submissions to the national commission and assert their rights.
In terms of section 25(1) of the Framework Act, the Commission operated nationally and had authority to decide on any traditional leadership disputes and claims contemplated in section 25(2) and arising from any province. Accordingly, in terms of section 25(2)(a) of the Framework Act, the Commission had authority to investigate either on request or of its own accord the following:
- a case where there is doubt as to whether a kingship, senior traditional leadership or headmanship was established in accordance with customary law and customs;
- a traditional leadership position where the title or right of the incumbent is contested;
- claims by communities to be recognised as traditional communities;
- the legitimacy of the establishment or disestablishment of 'tribes';
- disputes resulting from the determination of traditional authority boundaries and the merging or division of 'tribes'; and
- where good grounds exist, any other matters relevant to the matters listed in this paragraph, including considerations of events that may have arisen before 1 September 1927.
When considering a dispute or claim, the Commission had to consider and apply customary law and customs of the relevant community, as they were when the events occurred that gave rise to the dispute or claim.
The Nhlapo Commission collated information and documentation that was useful in the execution of its task. It gave all claimants to the Venda kingship an opportunity to make written and oral submissions.
Below is a summary of the submissions made by the claimants.
- After Dimbanyika's death in a cave at Mount Lwandali in 1722, Vele-la-Mbeu became the king of Venda;
- Vele-la-Mbeu fathered Tshavhungwa, a girl, from the first house (dzekiso), Thohoyandou from the second house, Tshisevhe, from the third house and Raluswielo (Tshivhase) from the fourth house;
- The dzekiso house failed to produce an heir and therefore, as the son of the next senior house, Thohoyandou succeeded Vele-la-Mbeu. Thohoyandou accordingly reigned as king after the death of his father;
- During his reign, Thohoyandou deployed his son Munzhedzi Mpofu, to Songozwi, and his brother Raluswielo to Dopeni;
- Thohoyandou disappeared in 1770. After his disappearance, the elders installed Tshisevhe as acting king. It later transpired that Thohoyandou had died;
- After the death of Thohoyandou some family elders confirmed Tshisevhe as king. He was not installed by the royal family as is customary. He therefore usurped the throne. As a result, a conflict arose between Munzhedzi Mpofu, the first born son and rightful heir of Thohoyandou, and Tshisevhe. Tshisevhe was assassinated. Ravhura, the first born son of Tshisevhe, fearing for his life fled to Makonde. Munzhedzi Mpofu was finally installed as Thovhele at Dzata;
- Tshivhase, who had been strategically deployed by his brother, Thohoyandou, at Dopeni, attempted to return to Dzata and usurp the throne. Tshivhase was defeated by Munzhedzi Mpofu;
- Munzhedzi Mpofu later relocated the great place from Dzata to Songozwi. This was because the latter was strategically situated, as one could see the whole kingdom from the summit: from Vhukalanga, Luvhombo, Vhuzwana up to Mashishing (Lydenburg);
- Tshivhase once again mobilized an army and invaded Munzhedzi Mpofu at Songozwi). The battle was fought along the banks of a river that became red with blood. It was consequently known as Khwivhila, which means red. Tshivhase lost the battle. Having been defeated twice, first at Dzata and then at Khwivhila, Tshivhase fled. Munzhedzi Mpofu remained king of Vhavenda;
- Munzhedzi Mpofu was succeeded by his son Ramabulana;
- Ramabulana was succeeded by his son, Makhado;
- The Boers arrived in Venda during the reign of Makhado Ramabulana between 1867 and 1895. They gradually interfered with the institution of traditional leadership and reduced the status of Makhado Ramabulana from king to an ordinary traditional leader. As a result, on 15 July 1867 Makhado Ramabulana drove the Boers out of Venda. Consequently, the Boers retreated to the south and established Polokwane in 1886. Makhado Ramabulana quashed further attempts by the Boers to return to Venda in 1869. He then became known as "the Lion of the North". He died in 1895;
- Makhado Ramabulana was succeeded by his son, Alilali Tshilamulela Ramabulana (Mphephu) in 1895. He continued to keep the Boers out of Venda. War, known as Mphephu War, broke out in 1898 and the Boers ultimately drove Mphephu Ramabulana to exile in Zimbabwe. He fathered amongst others, George Mbulaheni;
- Mphephu Ramabulana returned to Venda in 1902 and settled in Dzanani, near the old Dzata. Many traditional leaders paid homage to him. He died in January 1925;
- Alilali Tshilamulela was succeeded by his son, Mbulaheni George Ramabulana (Mphephu II) in February 1925. Mbulaheni Mphephu Ramabulana died in 1948 and was succeeded by his son, Patrick Ramaano (Mphephu III) who reigned from 1950 to 1988 as Paramount Chief of Vhavenda and became the first president of the erstwhile Republic of Venda;
- Makhadzi Phophi Mphephu Ramabulana was regent for Tshimangadzo Ramabulana (Dimbanyika Thohoyandou II) from 1988 to 1993. Dimbanyika Tshimangadzo Ramabulana reigned from 1993 to 1997. He died in 1997 and was succeeded by his younger brother, Peter Toni Ramabulana (Mphephu Ramabulana); and
- Peter Toni ascended the throne in 1998.
- Thohoyandou was not the son of Vele-la-Mbeu. He was the brother to Vele-la-Mbeu;
- Thohoyandou never reigned as king but was regent for Tshisevhe;
- Vele-la-Mbeu had given one of his sons, Nelugunda, the charms and herbs that guarded the whole kingdom;
- After the death of Vele-la-Mbeu, the main houses in order of seniority were: the first house to which Tshavhungwe was born, followed by the houses of Tshisevhe, Munzhedzi Mpofu and Raluswielo (Tshivhase) respectively;
- The most junior house was that of Nelugunda (Mphaphuli) also known as Tshibogo;
- Although she was born of the first house, Tshavhungwe being a female could not succeed. Therefore, the royal council nominated Tshisevhe who was next in line. Since Tshisevhe was still a minor, Thohoyandou was appointed regent on behalf of Tshisevhe;
- Tshisevhe was later assassinated. The royal council then instructed Nelugunda to go with Ragavheli, the son of Tshisevhe, to a Ndebele traditional healer in order to prepare him for succession to the throne. En route Ragavheli was also assassinated;
- Nelugunda fled to Tshitomboni and never returned to Dzata;
- Following their departure from Dzata, the house of Nelugunda Mphaphuli was not involved in the events that took place at Dzata;
- The Mphaphuli house created a new kingship independent of the Dzata kingship in that Mphaphuli gathered his followers from Dzata and settled at Tshitomboni and later sojourned to Mbilwi. They found Vhangona and other traditional communities who submitted themselves to the authority of Mphaphuli in order to avoid invasion by other traditional communities;
- Mphaphuli was succeeded by Tshilala, Ratsimbi Ranwedzi, Makwarela, Phaswana, Magwedzha and Mpandeli respectively;
- The arrival of the Boers heralded the end of Vhavenda kingships in that they established their own version of royal leadership, in a manner that is both ignorant and defiant of African culture and customs;
- The Boers deposed legitimate royal leaders and based on tokenism, wrongly elevated commoners against the applicable customs and customary laws of succession. They also realigned traditional borders and created their own for their own convenience; and
- Consequently, all the Vhavenda kingships, including that of Mphaphuli were destroyed.
- Thohoyandou was not the son of Vele-la-Mbeu. He was the son of Masindi, a younger brother to Vele-la-Mbeu. Thus Thohoyandou and Tshivhase were cousins;
- Thohoyandou was installed as regent for Tshivhase;
- During his reign, Thohoyandou settled at Dzata II in 1760;
- Thohoyandou disappeared around 1770;
- After the disappearance of Thohoyandou, there was feuding between three half brothers namely, Tshisevhe, Munzhedzi Mpofu and Raluswielo (Tshivhase) who were potential successors. The elders concluded that Tshivhase should be installed as king of Vhavenda;
- All the three half-brothers left Dzata because the centre could not hold. Tshivhase went to Dopeni to establish a new kingship. The Tshivhase kingdom was established around 1780 by Ramashelo Vele Tshivhase because of royal feuding and the succession battle;
- Tshivhase expanded his kingdom. The people of Tshivhase assimilated some of the Vhangona traditional communities they found in the Dopeni area;
- The royal court moved from Vuvha to Vhulaudzi, Phiphidi, Denga and finally settled at Luaname (Mukumbani) where it presently resides;
- Tshivhase ruled from 1780 to 1834. He was succeeded by his son Mukhesi Luvhengo Ramarumo;
- Mukhesi Luvhengo Ramarumo reigned from 1834 to 1867. It was during his reign that the first white settlers arrived in the Tshivhase kingdom in order to establish the Transvaal Boer Republic. Acting in concert with the British colonialists, they set about disarming the Tshivhase community. Many of their traditional leaders and their subjects were arrested and tortured. Others were even murdered as they resisted payment of the violently imposed taxes;
- Mukhesi Luvhengo Ramarumo was succeeded by Tshivhase Raluswielo, who in turn was succeeded by Legegise. Ligegise reigned from 1867 to 1902;
- Ligegise was succeeded by Vele Ramaremisa and he reigned from 1902 to 1930. Various pieces of land legislation were enacted between 1913 and 1936. Massive tracts of land were expropriated as a result, the kingdom virtually collapsed and there was a shift from sovereignty to subjugation;
- Vele Ramaremisa was succeeded by Rasimphi Phiriphiri Frans Mphaya in 1930. He was subjected to persecution in that the Black Administration Act which had been introduced during his reign, served as a legal instrument to depose him. He was arrested for defying the Smuts-Hertzog Government between 1930 and 1947. He was banished to Hammanskraal, north of the present day Tshwane. He died in 1952;
- Ratshalingwa Thikhathali Prince reigned from 1963 to 1966. He is the father of the current incumbent Kennedy Tshivhase.
- Thohoyandou was the son of Dimbanyika the brother to Vele-la-Mbeu and therefore the uncle to Tshisevhe;
- Tshisevhe was the son of Vele-la-Mbeu;
- Since the first house failed to produce an heir, the next senior house was that of Tshisevhe. However, as Tshisevhe was still a minor Thohoyandou was appointed as regent;
- After the disappearance of Thohoyandou, Tshisevhe was enthroned as king;
- Tshisevhe fathered Ravhura;
- Tshisevhe was later assassinated;
- After the death of his father, Ravhura fled to Makonde on the advice of Mwali (Mwari), the Supreme God of Vhavenda. As he fled from Dzata to Makonde, he maintained his status as successor-in-title to the kingship of Vhavenda;
- At Makonde, Ravhura ruled as king of Vhavenda as a whole;
- Various traditional leaders came to Makonde to pay homage to him and ask for rain and blessings because Mwali communicated with Vhavenda through Ravhura as king;
- Ravhura successfully defended himself against an attack from Tshivhase;
- In 1879 colonialists called a meeting of all traditional leaders at Muananzhelele. The meeting was attended by the chiefs including the Tshivhases, Mphaphulis and Ramabulanas. Ravhura did not attend the meeting because as king he could not be summoned to a meeting;
- The failure by Ravhura to attend the meeting was viewed as insubordination by the colonialists. Ravhura was sidelined and demoted to the status of chief;
- In order to reward Tshivhase, who had faithfully attended all meetings convened by colonialists, Ravhura was placed under the jurisdiction of Tshivhase;
- Ravhura mysteriously disappeared and was succeeded by Malise, his younger brother;
- Malise died and was succeeded by Jim Masindi Badaga (1911 to 1955);
- Badaga was succeeded by Solomon Mavhungu (1956 to 1965); and
Solomon Mavhungu fathered the claimant, Azwianewi David Mutshinyalo Ravhura.
Nhlapo Commission's Findings
The Commission dealt with the following:
- Whether in the course of the history of Vhangona a kingship was established; by whom, how and when; and how and when was the kingship lost;
- Whether in the course of the history of Vhavenda a kingship was established; by whom, how, and when; and how and when was the kingship lost;
- Whether at the split Tshivhase left to establish his own kingship; Mphaphuli left to establish his own kingship; Munzhedzi Mpofu or Ravhura retained the Vhavenda kingship as a whole;
- If the kingships are to be restored as claimed, and if they can exist as such; e) Whether the kingship of Vhavenda can be restored; and f) If the kingship of Vhavenda is to be restored, under whose lineage should it resort?
- Whether the kingship of Vhavenda can be restored; and
- If the kingship of Vhavenda is to be restored, under whose lineage should it resort?
The Nhlapo Commission reached the following conclusions:
Vhangona cannot claim seniority over the other traditional communities of Vhavenda because:
- there is no evidence that Vhangona subjugated or conquered Masingo or any other traditional community. To the contrary, they concede that they were subjugated by Masingo;
- there is no evidence that Vhangona conquered, subjugated, assimilated or exercised authority over Vhavenda at any stage in their history; and
- Even though Vhangona were an independent traditional community, with their own cultural and linguistic elements, they lost their independence and identity when they were conquered, absorbed and assimilated by Masingo and Bapedi.
The claim by the house of Tshivhase that Tshivhase had been enthroned as king of Vhavenda is not supported by the facts presented before the Commission or any other material researched.
- It is highly unlikely that having been so honoured, Tshivhase would have left Dzata to create an independent kingship;
- Furthermore, it is common cause that after having left Dzata he had attempted to attack Munzhedzi Mpofu at Dzata and at Songozwi. This is an indication that he had not relinquished the fight for the kingship of Vhavenda as a whole;
- It is common cause that Tshivhase settled within the jurisdiction of the Dzata kingdom and that his forefathers had already defeated Vhangona. Therefore, he cannot claim to have subjugated Vhangona again;
- The house of Tshivhase did not establish a traditional community with a new identity, through conquering and subjugation, either similar to or distinct from that of Vhavenda as created by Dimbanyika;
- The house of Tshivhase contends that the house of Ramabulana was wrongly elevated by the apartheid regime because the house of Ramabulana was in agreement with the creation of homelands. The Commission finds that such elevation was in line with custom in that the house of Ramabulana was the most senior of the descendants of Vele-la-Mbeu; and
- In the circumstances, there is no evidence that the Tshivhase house established a kingship.
The house of Mphaphuli concedes that they come from a junior house of Vele-la-Mbeu. Their claim for kingship therefore, does not emanate from genealogical seniority, but from establishing a new traditional community at Tshitomboni independent of the Dzata kingdom.
- It is clear from the evidence that after the split the descendants of Vele-la-Mbeu ruled independently;
- There is however evidence that the house of Ramabulana exercised some authority over the other houses; and
- The Commission therefore finds that there is no evidence of the house of Mphaphuli having established a new kingship in that Mphaphuli did not establish a traditional community with a new identity through conquering and subjugation similar to that of Vhavenda created by Dimbanyika. Vhangona had already been subjugated by his forefathers, therefore Mphaphuli cannot claim that they submitted to his authority.
Tshisevhe was enthroned as king and reigned for a short period before he was assassinated. · Upon the death of Tshisevhe, his successor-in-title, Ravhura should have ascended the throne;
- Ravhura concedes that he fled to Makonde. In so doing, Ravhura effectively abandoned his right as the successor to Tshisevhe;
- In any event, Ravhura could not have fled to Makonde with the kingship as this was before he was enthroned; and
- The Commission finds that, at the split Ravhura did not retain kingship.
The Commission does not deem it fit to make a finding as to whether Thohoyandou was the brother or son of Vele-la-Mbeu in that it is common cause that Ravhura fled to Makonde thereby abandoning his right to succeed Tshisevhe.
- Munzhedzi Mpofu was enthroned as king of Vhavenda. Whether this was in line with customary succession or by usurpation is not clear from the evidence. However, he was able to entrench his position by inter alia successfully repelling the attacks of Tshivhase;
- Munzhedzi Mpofu was the only remaining king of Vhavenda. Tshivhase was defeated by Munzhedzi Mpofu on two occasions, first at Dzata and then at Khwivhila River;
- Having been installed as king at Dzata, Munzhedzi Mpofu was able to defend his position as such; and
- The Commission finds that at the split it was Munzhendzi Mpofu who remained with the kingship at Dzata.
The Nhlapo Commission also dealt with whether the Vhavenda kingship could be restored. The Commission dismissed the claims by Tshidziwelele Nephawe, Tshivhase royal house, Mphaphuli royal house, and Ravhura royal house. The Commission found that:
- In the history of Vhavenda a kingship was created by Dimbanyika around 1600;
- This kingship was later destroyed by the Boers during the reign of Mphephu Ramabulana in the Mphephu War of December 1898;
- After the split at Dzata, the descendants of Vele-la-Mbeu existed independently. Such independence did not constitute the creation of new kingships;
- The Vhavenda traditional communities, as they exist today, share similar linguistic and cultural affinities. The similarities were established by their former kings, among others, Dimbanyika, Velela-Mbeu and Makhado;
- The Commission finds that good grounds exist for the restoration of the kingship of Vhavenda. In pursuance of the need to restore the integrity and legitimacy of the institution of traditional leadership in line with customary law and customs, it is imperative that the kingship of Vhavenda be restored;
- Uniformity in the Republic, with regard to the status afforded to a traditional leader, in terms of customary law and customs should be achieved and Vhavenda are no exception; and
- It is the view of the Commission that if the kingship of Vhavenda is to be restored, this can only be done under one king, following the customary law and customs of Vhavenda. Previously, traditional leaders of Vhavenda ruled independently in that each of them were responsible for their daily administrative duties, but they paid allegiance to the Khosikhulu who reigns over all Vhavenda. His role is that of a unifying figure, the father of the nation. The traditional leaders of Vhavenda will seek advice and wisdom from time to time on a variety of issues that affect their territorial authority, culture and tradition.
After making such findings, the Nhlapo Commission had to deal with the question of whose lineage should the kingship resort to. It concluded that the Vhavenda kingship has been passed on in the house of Mphephu Ramabulana from one generation to the next in terms of the customary law and custom of Vhavenda. The Commission stated that "the claim for the restoration of the kingship of Vhavenda as a whole by Toni Peter Mphephu Ramabulana is successful".
"In the circumstances, the kingship of Vhavenda as a whole is restored under the lineage of Mphephu Ramabulana".
Khosi Tshivhase, Khosi Mphaphuli and Tshidziwelele Nephawe immediately rejected the Nhlapo Commission Report and challenged its findings and proposals in court. The matter was argued before Judge Francis Legodi in the Thohoyandou High Court in August 2012. Judgement was delivered in the North Gauteng High Court on 6 September 2012.
Judge Legodi upheld the findings and proposals of the Nhlapo Commission, and dismissed the applicants' case with costs. Judge Legodi stated that Toni Mphephu Ramabulana was the rightful heir to the throne of Vhavenda kingship.
Khosi Tshivhase and Tshidziwelele Nephawe immediately stated that they would appeal the judgement. Khosi Tshivhase was quoted as saying that he did not recognise Toni Mphephu Ramabulana as his king and that he would fight all the way to the Constitutional Court.
King Toni Mphephu Ramabulana of Vhavenda (Picture courtesy of Zoutnet)


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What Is Traumatic Brain Injury?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) refers to any sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain. The cause is most often a violent impact of the head against a stationary object, but TBI can also be caused by deep puncture wounds or an airborne object striking the head. Often the person loses consciousness at the moment the injury occurs, but that is not always the case. A person who suffers a mild TBI, often described as a low-level concussion, will often make a full recovery with adequate rest and proper care. For many, however, a TBI is a life-changing event, involving damage to the brain that cannot be reversed.
According to the National Institute of Health's National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), symptoms of TBI include:
- Headaches, from mild and occasional to severe and nearly constant
- Dizziness, confusion, fatigue and memory problems
- Nausea and vomiting
- Slurred speech and/or blurred vision
- Altered sleep patterns or an inability to wake up from sleep
- Weakness or numbness in arms and/or legs
If anyone you know displays any of these symptoms after an accident, seek medical help immediately. Although there is no way to undo significant damage to the brain that has already occurred, proper treatment of the injury can prevent further damage.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of TBI?
A moderate to severe TBI has a lasting, often permanent impact on a person's life. Some level of permanent disability is, sadly, an expected outcome. Disabilities can range from problems with memory and occasional difficulty thinking to paralysis, dramatic changes in personality, or even coma. The painful truth is that the life of a person who suffers a TBI in an accident will never be the same.
Treatment and Rehabilitation
Every year, advances are made in the scientific understanding of the human brain, and with each advance comes the hope of better treatment for TBI. Progress is slow, but therapies to help a person recover speaking abilities, balance, and dexterity continue to improve. What is truly disheartening, however, is that some organizations claiming to help victims of TBI actually take advantage of injured people and their families. The Brain Injury Resource Center reports that several brain injury rehabilitation facilities are being investigated by the U.S. Justice Department for fraud. Seek expert advice on where to go for evaluation and care.
Getting Advice from an Attorney
If you or anyone close to you has suffered a TBI in an accident, you may wish to learn about your rights and options by speaking with a Miami Traumatic Brain Injury lawyer. Miami area residents can seek advice from Lavent Law. Call us at (305) 440-0450 to schedule your free consultation.

subset: commoncrawl


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UN warns Syrian refugees may number 700,000 by year-end
Latest update : 2012-09-27
The UN's refugee agency on Thursday warned that the number of refugees fleeing the Syrian conflict could reach 700,000 by the end of the year, almost four times greater than its previous forecast.
The number of refugees fleeing Syria could reach 700,000 by the end of the year, the U.N. refugee agency said on Thursday, almost four times its previous forecast.
About 294,000 refugees fleeing 18 months of conflict in Syria have crossed into four neighbouring countries - Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and Turkey - or await registration there, it said.
"This is a significant outflow taking place, 100,000 people in August, 60,000 in September and at the moment 2,000 or 3,000 per day or night," Panos Moumtzis, regional refugee coordinator for the U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, told a news briefing.
About 5,000-6,000 Syrians have reached other parts of north Africa, mainly Egypt, while other refugees are turning up in southern Europe, including Cyprus and Greece, he said.
The previous forecast of 185,000 refugees was surpassed in August.
U.N. aid agencies and humanitarian partners issued a funding appeal of $487.9 million to help meet the needs of the rapidly growing outflow from Syria.
Date created : 2012-09-27


text: An important part of keeping a positive attitude is learning how to deal with social situations that can make it difficult for you to not smoke. Remember, quitting smoking is an important step for your well-being. While many people will want to help you, some might make it more difficult, whether they know it or Read more


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Billed as "Michigan's Woodstock," The Goose Lake International Music Festival was one of the largest music events of its era. Despite more than 200,000 attendees and a lineup that included Rod Stewart and the Faces, Bob Seger, Jethro Tull, The Stooges, MC5, Mountain, Ten Years After and more, the three-day gathering is barely a footnote in rock history.
But it wasn't for lack of ambition. Festival founder Richard Songer had plans to make the festival a recurring event when he bought up 350 acres of land near Jackson, Michigan, in 1970. The 35-year-old Songer had made a bundle in construction and had decided he wanted to build a park that would be a refuge for young people. He planned to open the park with a three-day music festival.
Drawing on the experience of "Uncle" Russ Gibb and Tom Wright (fixtures on the Detroit music scene, who had staged a small festival in 1969), Songer had his crew start building long-lasting facilities on the grounds. Unlike Woodstock, the stage was permanent, bathrooms were built to be cement structures and there was a paved parking lot. A sturdy chain-link fence and stamped poker chip tickets (instead of easily reproduced paper slips) would ensure that most of those gathered actually paid to get in. The cost of a three-day ticket was $15.
In spite of angry local landowners – who formed a committee to try and stop the festival from happening – and no-shows from Joe Cocker, Savoy Brown and Alice Cooper, the festival began on Friday, August 7, with few documented problems.
People who played and attended Goose Lake have wildly different recollections of the festival's atmosphere. David A. Carson's book Grit, Noise and Revolution, claims that darkness permeated the festival, which featured the rampant use of heroin, acid and hard drugs, in addition to marijuana. Others agree that drug use was unrestricted (police waited until the fest ended on Sunday to bust attendees on their way out), but that the mood was positive and peaceful.
Festival organizer Tom Wright remembers that Rod Stewart and his pals had such a good time performing on Friday night, they canceled their next show just to hang out another day at Goose Lake. Mike Lutz of Brownsville Station and Mitch Ryder both claim that it was a great festival, from what they can remember.
But late Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton told a very different story to the Detroit Metro Times in 2008. He remembered seeing a group of bikers strip and rape a woman while he was playing on stage.
He had other bad memories from Goose Lake, too. Asheton said that bassist Dave Alexander got high for the first time in months, right before The Stooges' took the stage. "There were those hundreds of thousands of people [and] he kinda froze like a deer in headlights," Asheton said. "Right off the bat, he forgot the songs. He was so out of it he couldn't even play." Iggy Pop fired Alexander after the performance.
So with its mix of rock glory and controversy, why isn't Goose Lake better remembered? Perhaps it's because there was no major film attached to the festival (as with Woodstock, Altamont, etc.). Or maybe it's due to the three-day event's Michigan location, as opposed to the East or West Coast.
Wright blamed his own mistakes for the fest's lack of notoriety. "The biggest mistake made at Goose Lake was my fault. And that was when the press showed up backstage, we were not hospitable," he told the Detroit Metro Times. "We weren't rude or anything, but we explained that the backstage area was for the roadies, the guys with the bands, the bands and the bands' friends. Consequently, we did not get any coverage in the music press."
There would not be a Goose Lake II, largely because county legislators introduced a ban on large gatherings and the state of Michigan sought to hold festival organizers responsible for any illegal activity that occurred on the grounds. The next large-scale Michigan music festival wouldn't take place for decades.
Special thanks to ThisDayinMusic.com.


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WendyLooking forward to our next Xtreme focus group tonight! Dizzy Lizzy is just the beginning. What's next? Want to get involved?...email email@example.com and be a part of History!
WendyWelcome and Support our Vendors and Sponsors at the Great Clermont Triathlon!Make sure to stop by our exp on Friday during packet pick-up and Saturday and Sunday during the race!
FredRumor has it the GFT will add an 8 person corporate relay division in 2013!
FredI'm looking forward to rolling out our Obstacle Race Series!
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Habel selects the method, materials to be covered, and scholars to be cited, in his humbling task of writing a commentary on such a classic work as The Book of Job--a text that is complex and unclear at many points.
The Old Testament Library (OTL) is a series of commentaries and general studies specifically designed for use by students, pastors, and teachers. Perhaps the most significant and enduring series in the field, the OTL presents a critically informed, theological reading of the Old Testament. The editorial advisory board consists of Carol A. Newsom, David L. Petersen, and William P. Brown.


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Your first name, age, and general location: Jeremy-32-Berwick PA
Have you read the About Us section of the website? yes
Do you agree to comply with the rules of the guild? yes
What experience do you have in rpg/mmorpg?alot
How long have you been playing WoW/SWTOR and what interests you most about the game? I have been playing wow almost since release
Section 2: Your Main Character:
Main character name and link to your Warcraft Armory information if a WoW applicant: Barshots http://us.battle.net/wow/en/character/u ... ots/simple
Class: Druid
Level*: 85
*AoA has a minimum level requirement of 80 for any main character in WoW. Helping individuals level and get initial gear is encouraged but not required in this guild.
Please list your current spec and explain why it is your preference: Feral dps and because i enjoy it and pretty good at it
Are you willing to respec to certain trees (Healers and Tanks mainly) for the good of the guild progress for end game content? To be honest i've only played feral dps. I didn't have no intrest in healing or tanking
Section 3: Your Alts**: none
What alts do you regularly play (name/ class/ level)?
Please also provide an armory link to any level 80 alts if a WoW App:
** AoA is an alt friendly guild that admits people, not just their cartoon counterparts.
Section 4: Raids and Upper Level Instances:
What experience do you have in endgame (please list both previous and current) content? I've cleared almost everything in wow except DS only got to spine 10man then took a break for awile
Minimum raiding stats for each class and spec have been established. Do you understand that you will have to meet these minimums prior to attending level capped raids? yes
Can you attend our scheduled Guild Events (For WoW typically scheduled on Wednesdays and Sundays at 4:30 pm Pacific Standard Time until 8 Pacific Standard Time and for SWTOR Thursdays at 5 Pacific Standard Time until 8 Pacific Standard)?yes
The following add-ons are required for WoW, please indicate that you are willing to download and use current versions of: already have
___Healbot/Grid & Clique/Vuhdo/Any healing addon (Classes capable of healing only)
___Deadly boss Mods
The following is required for both WoW and SWTOR:
___Ventrillo (mic is not necessary but definitely appreciated)
Section 5: Additional Information:
How did you hear about us? Who referred you to this site? (include in this answer any AoA members that might know and recommend you) guild tab in wow
Please list all previous guilds you have have been in and your reason for leaving: Humble Legion but left do too there mostly a pvp guild and just started to raid. I just came to Ursin to play with family and thats the guild there in but raiding is my thing not pvp
Maylay, Me-lee, or Meh-lay? mah-lay
If accepted do you promise to sweep the leg? yes
How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie roll pop? 105+
Which Beatle would you say is your favorite? Not a fan
Any other personal information you think might be helpful: Easy to get along with,listen well and honest


text: Visa renews ski team sponsorship Published on October 15, 1998. Visa USA, San Francisco, said it would extend its sponsorship of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team through June 30, 2003, making it the first corporate sponsor to commit past the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. Visa will remain the "Official card of the U.S Ski & Snowboard Team" and use an intergrated marketing program consisting of national TV and print advertising, ski industry retail promotions, event sponsorship and signage on team uniforms. The renewal strengthens Visa's Olympics presence, which includes partnerships with the International Olympic Committee, Sydney 2000 Games and national governing bodies such as USA Hockey and the U.S. Figure Skating Association. Copyright October 1998, Crain Communications Inc. Most Popular In this article: News


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Happy Friday! I've been a little absent the past few weeks because, life. I actually had to take the day off work today to get caught up with the thousand errands and tasks I haven't had a chance to do. I'm behind on blog reading but planning to get caught up soon.
Yesterday and today were miserable here. Super hot and super humid. The kind of weather where you feel like you're swimming through the air, where it's hard to breathe, and where I'm reminded how much I'm a cold-weather-loving girl. And yet, my runs went surprisingly well. This is the worst summer I can remember in terms of heat and humidity, and yet my marathon training is going very well. I feel great physically and am still enthusiastic and excited about running. When I hear about other runners having a much more difficult time in the hot weather, I wonder what I'm doing differently. The answer to me is very clear: my coach. I'll be posting next week on my experience so far working with Melissa, a Hanson's coach, but it can't be a coincidence that I'm having such a great training cycle in awful summer conditions while working with a coach for the first time. Until then, I thought I'd share some of her advice on how to handle running in brutal summer conditions. She has told me that while we can't change the weather, we can set ourselves up to be as successful as we can.
Lower Your Expectations
During the heat-dome days a few weeks ago, Melissa sent me and the other runners she coaches this message.
Know that it's impossible to feel as good or run as fast when conditions are this extreme. Don't get discouraged and don't get down on yourself. It's about surviving these tough days so that you are stronger on the good days. Be smart in these conditions, take water, slow the pace, and cut the run short if you need to.
In other words, there will be other days to kick butt on those repeats. There will be other days to nail your long run. Days that are brutally hot and humid are just about getting it done. Get through them and save your best effort for better weather.
Also, I'm going to repeat this because I think it's so important: Don't get down on yourself! Just getting out there in tough conditions is an accomplishment! Here's another quote from Melissa:
Since each runner is different it's difficult to pinpoint an exact number that it slows each runner down, but unless you're a freak of nature the hot conditions will slow us down or at least make the effort harder.
Control What You Can
We know all these things, but Melissa reminds me regularly about them because they're so important:
Run early or late when the sun isn't blazing. I run early mornings before the sun comes up or on trails if I go later on weekends. I'm planning on starting long runs very early to minimize my time in the sun.
Hydrate before and during your run. I drink a big glass of ice water as soon as I wake up. I take a salt stick cap before every run in the hot weather, no matter how short or easy, and always carry ice water (sometimes with Nuun) with me.
Wear comfortable and lightweight clothes. If there's ever a time to spend money on expensive workout clothes, now's the time. Activewear companies are continuously innovating on new fabrics and styles designed to keep you as cool as possible. I choose pieces with maximum airflow and comfort. See my activewear highlights from last month for my current favorites.
Put ice cubes everywhere. This isn't from Melissa but is a tip I read many times that really works. I put ice cubes everywhere–in my bra, in my headband, under my hat, and even just in my hands so I can rub my arms and neck with them. When my runs start getting longer I will likely bring ice cubes in a cooler with me so I can frequently refresh myself with them.
Alter Your Workout
Yesterday I had my first planned run at goal marathon pace–when it was 78 with 93% humidity at 5:30 a.m. I asked Melissa in advance what to do. Should I ignore the weather and just start running at goal pace? Should I go slower? Or should I do repeats instead of a continuous run so that I can take a break between each mile at goal pace? This is what she said.
It's never going to hurt to back the pace up by 10-15 seconds to start, and then if you feel good pick it up to the regular pace. You set yourself up for a better workout this way. If the regular pace is too fast for the heat you'll end up fading the whole run, which is also mentally frustrating. For the 4 mile tempo I would stick to doing the run all at once like a normal tempo but back the pace up for the first mile. After the first mile judge if you should stay at the slower pace or if you think you can start cutting it back down to marathon pace. I would almost run it more cut-down style, allowing yourself to ease into the pace.
Heat is insidious. You can feel fine at first, but it can creep up on you silently, then hit you suddenly and make you feel like crap. Melissa's approach prevents that. I did exactly what she suggested. I ran the first three miles about 15 seconds slower than goal pace then was able to cut back and run the last mile at just 5 seconds slower than goal pace. I didn't feel awful and was overall pretty happy with the run.
Stay Positive
Notice that in pretty much everything Melissa says, she focuses on how you're mentally feeling. I'm sure that's because she knows what an enormous impact your thoughts have on your training. We all know how frustrating it is to have a crappy run, where we feel awful physically and dwell on how much we had to walk or slow down. It can be hard to pull yourself out of that thinking, and soon enough you may be wondering if you should even continue training for that fall race given the 10-day weather forecast. On the Hanson's online community group, one person posted that exact thought. Head Coach Luke Humphrey immediately chimed in with, "Take it one day at a time, people!" I've just started the difficult part of my training, and I refuse to think about how much more time I have. Just like staying in the mile you're running, it's also important to take training one day at a time. This weather won't last forever.
I think one reason why I'm doing so well in the heat is that Melissa basically sets me up to be successful every single workout. She reviews every one of my runs and checks in with me after. She then creates my plan based on how I'm feeling. So, in essence, my plan is being designed to ensure my success, and because I'm successful, I feel great. One example is Thursday's tempo run at race pace that I mentioned above. I followed all her suggestions–I lowered my expectations and altered my pace–and that was the difference between me feeling like I failed at a workout and me being happy with it. I'm learning that a good workout isn't just about how well you stuck to the plan or the pace. It's more about how you good you thought it was. Add another good workout and another, and soon you have a good training cycle. I'm believing that good training cycle will then evolve into a good race!
I hope you too can benefit from some of thEse tips from Coach Melissa! I'll be back Sunday with my weekly training recap and will be talking more about working with a coach next week. Until then, have a great weekend!


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New Project Ideas / What if.. Ramza was... A chick!« on: January 17, 2017, 02:08:36 AM »
Sereously... I am a spriter.... anyone want chapter 1,2,3 chick ramza? a female mustadio, a male agrias lol
I add Teo in my party members but not have full battle sprite .
Did you? I didn't think so, since I always had the main char, Viktor, Flik, Crowley, Pesmerga and Gremio (sometimes)
I know you have to level Pahn early or he can die when he fights your father, but i dont remember having to use specific chars, tho i could be wrong
This is the code i want, If i could replace a couple people with them in the character select menu, that would be ideal. But for now, i guess this will workyeah I couldnt find anything like that either but fortunately this is always a solution to at least getting them back.


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|African spurred tortoise
|African spurred tortoise
Welcome to my blog about photography, nature and all the small things in the rest of the universe.
"The curious world we inhabit is more wonderful than convenient; more beautiful than it is useful; it is more to be admired and enjoyed than used."
H. D. Thoreau
|African spurred tortoise
|African spurred tortoise
Great shot, very timely.ReplyDelete
A great contribution!
Well done!
Here is my post:
What a perspective!ReplyDelete
Wow,- the B&W version is so cool! Very artistic edit, Christian!
Have a nice weekend:)
From this perspective, mr tortoise looks quite intimidating. Interesting photo.ReplyDelete
Das ist fantastisch! Ein tolles Porträt …auch wenn die Schildkröte nicht sehr amüsiert dreinblickt.ReplyDelete
Brillante Fotos! Tolle Perspektive und was für ein Motiv!!!ReplyDelete
what a grand creatureReplyDelete
Fine photo. I actually like all the detail in the colour version as well.ReplyDelete
Oh, what an amazing shot! Both versions are great, but I really love the grittiness of the b&w version.ReplyDelete
Fantastic image!ReplyDelete
Great shot ... the turtle in BW looks so scary :)ReplyDelete
This is COOL!!ReplyDelete


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- Search CSN:
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Aug 20, 2010 - 3:52 pm
My daughter has Metastatic paraganglioma of both lungs, I have just been told that I have a Paraganglioma tumor in my neck. Can you tell me if there is any research being done anywhere.
Sep 28, 2010 - 8:44 am
My father has been diagnosed with metastatic paraganglioma (districts of abdomen, retroperitoneal area, lynths, liver, skeletal bone). We are a family from Ukraine. Recently he has been treated in Switzerland with 2 cycles of radionuclide therapy with 90 DOTATATE. We will be very happy to have a communication and cooperation with you.
Hope, everything will be ok.
or find us in ICQ under the nick "Stas Batryn"
Dec 18, 2011 - 2:32 am
I am 25 years old and have been a survivor of this disease since i was 13 years old. I too have paraganliomas in my lungs. For me it started in my neck. I had Paraganlioma tumors on both sides of my neck. Those were both removed and later on down the road had to do radiation on them because of regrowth. After removing the first tumor and finding out that it was malignant I had PET scans done and thats when they found the tumors in my lungs. I believe there is about 35 all together. I have undergone several treatments for these tumors including a clinical study called octriotide, interferon shots, and chemotherapy. None of these treatments got rid of the tumors. They are still there, although they have not grown in over 7 years now. To me that is success because as long as I feel healthy and they aren't causing pain or other problems and are not growing then I get to live my life like a normal person. I get cat scans done twice a year to monitor them. If we start seeing growth again then we will discuss further treatments. One in which is in Switzerland. There are treatments out there for this disease. Radiation reacts really well to these tumors. At least for me it did. You cant give radiation to your lungs though which is why I did the chemotherapy. No it didnt get rid of the tumors in my lungs but at least it stopped them from growing.
Dec 28, 2011 - 4:15 pm
I have malignant paraganglioma but when the first tumor was found it was called a glomus jugulare tumor and it was in my head, in the ear area. At the time that tumor was benign but after surgery it grew back very aggressive so I know have many metastases and it is now called a malignant paraganglioma. I have many small tumors in my lungs. They've been there for almost 20 years. Radiation has worked very well for all the other metastases/tumors but it has never been done for the ones in my lungs. Since my original/primary tumor is rare, there wasn't much info around in 1987 when I was diagnosed. What I do know is that they are slow growing and radiation works well when they are causing problems (pain). If no pain, I just have an MRI and CT Scan 2-3 times a year to keep an eye for new ones or check growth of old ones. As far as I know, there was only one drug in chemo for this and it didn't kill the tumors, just shrank them so I haven't had chemo unless it is absolutely necessary. I have many metastases not only in my lungs but also in the bones (spine), etc. I've had these for years and I still feel alright, not sick or unable to do anything.
I think paraganglioma covers many things. Does everybody here had a primary tumor in the head/neck area?
May 31, 2013 - 10:44 am
HOw are you doing? haven't been to this site much, I had to re-start my membership since I have no longer access to my other email address.
Jessica R Egge
Feb 04, 2012 - 9:48 pm
I wanted to let you all know that there's a really active Facebook support group for people with Paragangliomas and Pheochromocytomas.
I had a Carotid Paraganglioma removed last February and the people in this support group were immeasurably helpful and it's so active you start feeling not nearly so rare!


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"Avoid people who disparage your goals; people who are truly successful themselves will be supportive and want you to succeed." Melchor Lim
Have you ever seriously think about people who surround you? Do you feel that they drag you down or mostly lift you up?
You are going to meet with many people in your life. Some will fit you, others not. That is fine. Most important thing in your life is what individuals are the closest one. A big part of your life is going to be influenced by the environment you are at. I, personally, believe that as long as people support you and respect you, you have nothing to worry about. I am confident that if more of us have better understanding between each other, we would be able to create better quality relationships.
From my experience, if you feel like people criticize you and drag you down, you should cut off the contact with them or at least minimalize it. There is no point of being surrounded by people who don't understand your goals, or worst, don't want to know. If you are serious about your future and dreams, hang out with those who inspire you and want to see you succeed.
Let's take a look at six signs which tell you that you have the right people around.
1. They honestly listen
People who care about you and want to feel proud of you will listen, and you know it. If someone is genuinely interested in what you have to say, you feel it. You know you can tell them every your dream, and they will listen and look as excited as you. You'll feel like you can tell them anything and they are always curious and want to know more. There is nothing more valuable than honest conversation
2. They encourage you
Anytime you come up with something new you want to do or try; they encourage you. Genuine people understand your desires and respect you as an individual. Even if they don't completely see your perspective on a certain opportunity, they feel your excitement and know how to excite you even more. Supportive people know that their action has an impact on a way how you feel, and it is important to them.
3. They are there to help
If they see you are in trouble, or you are dealing with difficulties, they are ready to support you by offering their help or anything else. They let you know that in case you need anything, you can count on them 100%. They don't criticize you for what you have done and telling you that you should've done it differently. They understand that failing is part of the process, and they stand by your side.
4. They advise you with respect
People who care about you will listen to you but also give you advice. You are important to them, so they want to make sure you consider every option. But, there is one difference between those who care and those who just want to lecture you. People with the best interest give you advise with respect, what means they are careful what approach to use to make their point across. They get it that we all make mistakes, you and them as well.
5. They support you with an action
Have you started a new business? Are you selling some products or maybe offering online services? People who are interested in your success will purchase your products without asking them to do so. They will actively tell everyone around them about your new business and help you create connections. I don't mean they will break their legs to make your business running; this is without a question your responsibility. But they will always make some effort and take a particular action. And trust me, you will see it and feel it.
6. They are with you whether you fail or succeed
When things are going right, and everyone is happy, you have a lot of friends. But what about your failures and hardships? How many people you have seen standing by you? Trust me if I tell you that whoever was there, is the person you need to keep close to you and not let them go. You can count on them no matter where you are in your life. They will be with you whether you are a homeless or the richest person in the world.
It is crucial that you choose the right people to be around. How people treat you will have an impact on your success. You don't have to realize it immediately. Your subconscious mind works 24 hours, seven days a week. It records everything that is happening around you and absorb every information. Create your circle and chose who you'll let in.
Who is the most important person in your life who always support you want you to be successful? Leave the comment below.
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text: [Federal Register: June 6, 2002 (Volume 67, Number 109)] [Notices] [Page 38948-38949] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr06jn02-52] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION [CFDA No.: 84.362A] Native Hawaiian Education Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2002 Purpose of the Program: The purpose of the Native Hawaiian Education program is to support innovative projects that provide supplemental services that address the educational needs of Native Hawaiian children and adults. The reauthorized program consolidates, under a single authority, the previously authorized Native Hawaiian programs and supports an expanded range of program activities. Eligible Applicants: Native Hawaiian educational organizations; Native Hawaiian community-based organizations; public and private nonprofit organizations, agencies, and institutions with experience in developing or operating Native Hawaiian programs or programs of instructions in the Native Hawaiian language; and consortia thereof. Applications Available: June 6, 2002. Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: July 8, 2002. Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: September 4, 2002. Estimated Available Funds: $10.1 million. Of this amount, we will award approximately $5.6 million under absolute priority 1 (family- based education centers); approximately $2.7 million under absolute priority 2 (curriculum development); approximately $1 million under absolute priority 3 (college preparation and scholarship support); approximately $650,000 under absolute priority 4 (gifted and talented); and approximately $200,000 under absolute priority 5 (community-based learning centers). Estimated Number of Awards: 7 under absolute priority 1; 5 under absolute priority 2; 3 under absolute priority 3; 1 under absolute priority 4; and 1 under absolute priority 5. Estimated Average Size of Awards: $200,000-$1,000,000. Note: These estimates are projections for the guidance of potential applicants. The Department is not bound by any estimates in this notice. Project Period: Up to 36 months. Applicable Regulations: The Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) in 34 CFR parts 74, 75, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 86, 97, 98, and 99. Absolute Priorities: In the conference report accompanying the FY 2002 appropriations legislation, Congress urged the Department to support Native Hawaiian education activities in certain specifically identified areas. In response to this request, the Secretary establishes the following separate absolute priorities under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(3) and will fund under this competition only applicants that meet one of these priorities: Absolute Priority 1--Family-Based Education Centers--The applicant will use the funds received under this competition to support the operation of a family-based education center that provides such services as-- (a) Programs for Native Hawaiian parents and their infants from the prenatal period of the infants through age three; (b) Preschool programs for Native Hawaiians; and (c) Research on, and development and assessment of, family-based, early childhood, and preschool programs for Native Hawaiians. Absolute Priority 2--Curriculum Development--The applicant will use the funds received under this competition to develop academic and vocational curricula to address the needs of Native Hawaiian children and adults, including curriculum materials in the Hawaiian language and mathematics and science curricula that incorporate Native Hawaiian tradition and culture. Absolute Priority 3--College Preparation and Scholarship Support-- The applicant will use funds received under this competition to support activities, including co-location, that enable Native Hawaiians to enter and complete programs of postsecondary education, such as-- (a) Provision of full or partial scholarships for undergraduate or graduate study that are awarded to students based on their academic promise and financial need, with a priority, at the graduate level, given to students entering professions in which Native Hawaiians are underrepresented; (b) Family literacy services; (c) Counseling and support services for students receiving scholarship assistance; (d) Counseling and guidance for Native Hawaiian secondary students who have the potential to receive scholarships; (e) Faculty development activities designed to promote the matriculation of Native Hawaiian students; and (f) Co-location projects that provide Native Hawaiian secondary students and adults a one-stop delivery system under which they can access in a single location a comprehensive range of services that will assist them in entering and completing programs of postsecondary education. Absolute Priority 4--Gifted and Talented--The applicant will use the funds received under this competition to support activities that address the special needs of Native Hawaiian students who are gifted and talented, such as-- (a) Educational, psychological, and developmental activities designed to [[Page 38949]] assist in the educational progress of those students; and (b) Activities that involve the parents of those students in a manner designed to assist in the students' educational progress. Absolute Priority 5--Community-Based Learning Centers--The applicant will use the funds received under this competition to support the operation of one or more community-based learning centers that address the needs of Native Hawaiian families and communities through the coordination of public and private programs and services, including-- (a) Preschool programs; (b) After-school programs; (c) Vocational and adult education programs; and (d) Programs that recognize and support the unique cultural and educational needs of Native Hawaiian children and incorporate appropriately qualified Native Hawaiian elders and seniors. Competitive Preference: The legislation at 20 U.S.C. 7515(a)(2) establishes specific statutory priorities. In implementing these statutory priorities, the Secretary establishes a competitive preference under 34 CFR 75.105(c)(2) for this competition and will award an applicant, in addition to any points that an applicant earns under the selection criteria, five points if it proposes a project that is designed to address one or more of the following: (a) Beginning reading and literacy among students in kindergarten through third grade; (b) The needs of at-risk children and youth; (c) Needs in fields or disciplines in which Native Hawaiians are underemployed; and (d) The use of the Hawaiian language in instruction. An applicant that addresses one or more of these competitive priorities will receive a total of five additional points in the competition. If an applicant addresses more than one competitive priority, it will only receive a total of five additional competitive preference points, rather than five competitive preference points for each of the priorities addressed. For Applications and Information Contact: Mrs. Lynn Thomas, (202) 260-1541, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., FOB6, Room 3C124, Mail Stop 6140, Washington, DC 20202. The e-mail address for Mrs. Thomas is: firstname.lastname@example.com. Individuals who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) may call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at 1-800-877- 8339. Individuals with disabilities may obtain this document in an alternative format (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer diskette) on request to the contact person listed. Individuals with disabilities may obtain a copy of the application package in an alternative format, also, by contacting that person. However, the Department is not able to reproduce in an alternative format the standard forms included in the application package. Electronic Access to This Document You may view this document, as well as all other Department of Education documents published in the Federal Register, in text or Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) on the Internet at the following site: www.ed.gov/legislation/FedRegister. To use PDF, you must have Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free at this site. If you have any questions about using PDF, call the U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) at (202) 512-1530 or, toll free, at 1-888-293-6498. Note: The official version of this document is the document published in the Federal Register. Free Internet access to the official edition of the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations is available on GPO Access at: http:// www.access.gpo.gov/nara/index.html. Program Authority: 20 U.S.C. 7515-7517. Dated: May 31, 2002. Susan B. Neuman, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education. [FR Doc. 02-14125 Filed 6-5-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-P


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Update: For any believers out there, Sony has confirmed to IGN that the video is fake. "We did not produce or release this," Sony said in a statement.
The original story is below.
A pretty riveting video has been making the rounds on the Internet that purports itself to be a PlayStation 4 reveal commercial. Its title claims to be from Sony's E3 2013 press conference, and it's certainly fake for a number of reasons. It uses footage from the February PS4 reveal, the face button logos are out of order, it uses publicly-available assets of the controller and camera, and the render of the console itself is off in several ways.
But it's an exceptionally compelling fake, and one worth sharing.
This faux commercial is officially better than any actual PlayStation 3 commercial, so as far as hoaxes are concerned, this is one Sony should pay close attention to.
What do you think?
Colin Moriarty is IGN's Senior Editor. You can follow him on Twitter and IGN and learn just how sad the life of a New York Islanders and New York Jets fan can be.


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It sounds a bit odd to blog about reading blogs, but that.s just what I am going to do. When you are running a small business it is extremely helpful to learn from your peers to see how you can adapt their practices to grow your business. Everyone is so busy, head down with the day to day details that you can miss great ways to improve some aspect of your business. Don.t recreate the wheel, designate some time daily or weekly to read what others in your industry are doing, or read marketing tips in fields that you might not be familiar with . learn about online marketing, outside resources you may need, new tools in your industry, or changing needs of your customers.
You can do a quick search on Google and find hundreds of blogs. Here are listings of some of the more interesting ones we found:
Big Ideas Blog . big ideas for small businesses
NY Times


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Loving the Garden
Hello again everyone and welcome back to the blog. When taking a stroll through the suburbs of your city's you will come across some of the most beautiful gardens you will have ever seen. In England they say that the kitchen is the heart of your home, so does that make the garden your homes fresh haircut. I have seen people starting to create micro streams in their gardens that lead onto ponds to create natural food for the fish being that everything is going ECO these days, this is a beautiful yet very expensive idea. With a massive range of ECO products on the market today from non-electrical items to solar powered items that you will find at your local gardening Center everyone can do a little more for the environment.
One of my favorite things to do in the garden would be composting. A lot of people are going out and buying the ready-made compost which are brilliant and it does the job, but the old way is the best way that you could possibly go. After looking into composting anyone can do it, so for some organic composting keep reading. Start off by Building your compost heap-box, a minimum of one meter by one meter. Then start layering each carbonaceous and nitrogenous materials example: fallen brown leaves and grass trimmings. Make sure you keep the ratio at 30-1 to get the best results, water each layer as you ad layers (water – layer- repeat), and be sure to keep it light and fluffy so it is easier to mix. Now insert a strong PVC (plastic) pipe and leave it for three days to settle. once it hits about 40*c after 3 days stir every three days for three weeks and before you know it you will have the best quality compost you can find, so your flowers can get all the nutrients needed.


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The Coalition's War
Hallmark Moments
Sir Erdanen Torrance
After traveling to the Elemental Chaos in pursuit of Sarshan, the Death Mockers found themselves battling in the middle of the Sea of Fire. Heroes and monsters alike were leaping between a dozen or so earthbergs floating on the lava, and more than once, someone slipped off the edge to be badly scalded by partial immersion in the magma. After the fight finished, everyone managed to get to safety except Erdanen, who had to choose between a nigh-impossible jump or floating out to sea to slowly die of heat exhaustion.
"My friends," he shouted across to his compatriots. "There comes a time in every man's life where he must either realize his true greatness or die horribly in the attempt. In case I don't make this, I want you to know it was a pleasure journeying with you." His friends saluted, unable to do more than watch as Erdanen backed up and jumped for all he was worth. And damn if his heels didn't just land on the edge of the other side!
Jett, the Incinerator
During the fight outside Sarshan's tower, Jett jumped off a ledge in an attempt to get to safety. He missed his target and fell in the lava. Having already been bloodied, his friends thought the worst. But, after a few seconds, he emerged from the lava like a phoenix from the flames and swam to the nearest earthberg, screaming in pain and rage.
During a fight in the Shadowfell. Jett used the power of Ruin Silme Megil to banish a desecration to a demiplane before it clouded him and his allies in a deadly plague.
On the shores of Hestavar, the Champions confronted Erdanen for the last time about his obsession with the Sword of Kas. Jett made a desperate gamble, trapping both himself and Erdanen with his sword's banishing power and refusing to release him until he surrendered the evil blade. Erdanen refused, using the artifact's terrible power to magnify acts of betrayal, laying low the genasi in seconds… only to be caught wholly unprepared to face the other three Champions. Jett's act made certain that Erdanen could not escape.
After traveling with his compatriots in the Triage to the Shadowfell to chase after a rather slippery enemy, Bressal forgot to let out a battlecry to his deity, as was customary for him at the beginning of every fight; a tribute to his patron. Having failed in his customary battlecry, the God of Battle seemingly forsook the group and allowed them to be killed, ending most of the party's journeying days.
In the Fortress of Three Sorrows, a defensive checkpoint orbiting Tu'narath, the Champions found Dispater's aspect keeping watch over Gith. Though the archdevil's tricks were more than enough to throw the party off guard, Legion persevered, using Dispater's own power against him in a terrible duel of curses and hellfire. In the end, Dispater fled, but wasn't able to get far before being destroyed.
Ionen, Io Reborn
While battling Emperor Zetch'r'r in his throne room, the red exarch Vraxanault descended from an upper balcony and attempted to roast the Champions with his incinerating breath. Thinking quickly, Ionen countered with his own breath weapon, changing it to a blast of cold that neutralized the searing flame. Vraxanault was flabbergasted when he realized that no one was hurt by his attack.
Later, in the realm known as Vaerothim, Ionen's magic eradicated the undead minions of Tiamat's black exarch, Mornujhar. After several spells of unbelievable power, and backing from his allies, Ionen finally intimidated his foe into surrendering, and was pleased to watch the dragonborn swear fealty to him!
Blank the Many
The party faced a sphinx by the name of Granosos in Ioun's sealed library. When asked the riddle, "A hundred feet in the air, but its back is on the ground," Blank answered "twenty-five sphinxes as slutty as you!" This perfect answer, while not technically correct, was far more witty and clever than anything the sphinx had come up with, not to mention carrying weight as a vicious insult. Granosos shamefully removed herself from the battle without another word.
Saint Komè
After adventuring with the Coalition for a brief period of time, Komè was confronted with revealing his past. He reluctantly told everyone that he used to be an infamous assassin known only as the Indigo Fox: the late Ziggy's old master! The coalition never could've FATHOMED their pacifist healer was an assassin seeking forgiveness! What a twist!


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After centuries of being the belle of the ball, it seems the world's most noble white wine is now a wallflower. Though experts all but shout Riesling's praises from the rooftops, the American public turns a deaf ear, still preferring the familiar charms of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Give it a try, folks. It's bright acidity and outstanding fruit profile make it wonderful alone, but pair it with an Easter Ham, and you, too, will be screaming its name.
What's so great about Riesling, anyway? Well for one thing, it's bursting with terrior. It expresses the soil and air of a location like no other grape in the world, yet it's never so transparent that it loses its own distinctive character. In fact, this grape is a powerhouse of vivid flavors. No matter where Riesling is grown, or how it is vinified, the tell tale aromas of apricot, peach and mineral shine through. Add to that it's uncanny ability to improve with age (think pleasing petrol), and you can see why Riesling was the most sought after wine for generations.
Though grown throughout the world, one cannot separate Riesling from its native Germany. Without a doubt, some of the best examples come from the Mutherland; in fact, they are a well suited pair. Riesling's hardwood stems, late budding flowers, and early ripening grapes allow it to thrive in the cold climate. Meanwhile, Germany's steadfast ingenuity and dedication have created vineyards that maximize every ray of sun so that the grapes can ripen even in the most unlikeliest of places. Indeed, the Mosel Saar Ruwer, arguably home to the finest wines, is a study in aspect and elevation. The Germans prize ripeness so much that the highest quality wines (QmP) are categorized by it. Ripeness levels are determined by must weight or sugar content at harvest, and every label lists it right along side grape variety and location. For the non-German speaking public, these may prove a bit confusing. Here are some basic definitions:
Kabinett: The lightest of the quality wines. Riper than table wine, but picked at normal harvest. Can be dry "trocken" or off-dry "halbtrocken"
Spatlese: Late harvest. Typically a bit sweet, but can be dry.
Auslese: Late harvest of selected bunches. May have noble rot or "edelfaule". Rarely dry.
Beerenauslese: Late harvest of hand selected grapes. Typically has noble rot; almost always sweet.
Trockenbeerenauslese: Late harvest of grapes strongly effected by noble rot. The "trocken" prefix refers to the shriveled apperance of the grapes, not dryness of wines which are, indeed, quite sweet.
Eiswien: Grapes harvested after freezing on the vine. Very prized, rich and sweet.
Though Germany creates many lovely dry wines, its greatest Rieslings are a delicate balance of residual sugar, bracing acidity and expressive terroir. The wines of Alsace, just across the Rhine river, could not provide a sharper contrast if it were half way across the world. The wines are full-bodied, bone dry, and designed to enhance the rich cuisine. Perfectly situated near Frances Vogeses mountains, the climate, though fairly northern, boasts long, warm, dry autumns. These stellar growing conditions, combined with an intense variety of soils, create very distinctive wines that are often imitated but never duplicated anywhere else.
Happily, the rest of the world's growers appreciate Riesling a bit more than consumers, because it is by no means confined to Europe. Many countries, including the US produce Rieslings in a variety of styles. One of the greatest new world regions is right here in New York. So bake that ham and pop open a Riesling. Here are a few favorites.
Salmon Run Riesling, Finger Lakes New York 2005 $14: Floral, apple, peach and citrus. A hint of sweetness adds body and balance.
Darting Riesling Kabinett, Pfalz, Germany 2005 $16: Ripe and round with a great balance of fruit and acidity. Nice minerality.
Cousino Macul Riesling, Maipo Valley, Chile 2004 $9: Dry, bright, racy with tangerine, peach and mineral flavors. Outstanding with rich, spicy fare.
Hugel Riesling, Alsace France, 2004 $18: A lovely wine from one of Alsace's greatest producers. Floral, fruity and bone dry.
Hopler Riesling, Burgenland, Austria, 2005 $21: Dry, crisp with mineral notes from the granite soils of this family estate. Light with a lingering finish.
J&H Strub Riesling Kabinett, Rheinhessen, Germany, 2004 $19: Medium-bodied with classic flavors of apricot and minerals. Grown in vineyards that date to Roman times.
Meulenhof Wehlener Sonnenurh Riesling Spatlese, Mosel, Germany, 2004: Ripe peach with an elegant spiciness. A bracing acidity keeps the luscious sweetness in a delicate balance.


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6 October 2016
Christmas has come early with the official launch of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant today.
Two new floats were revealed, the Nutcracker Christmas Ballet and the new and improved Stardust Castle, as well as a refreshed Toby Toy Truck, which had been given a new coat of paint and new toys to carry.
This year's theme is 'A World of Magic and Wonder'.
Creative Director of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant, Brian Gilbertson, says this year's Pageant is all about a world where magical characters and adventures become the everyday.
"Everyone is encouraged to unwrap the magic of the Credit Union Christmas Pageant and look out for this year's new floats revealed today, Stardust Castle and Nutcracker Christmas Ballet which are sure to become crowd favourites," he says.
Minister for Volunteers Zoe Bettison says the more than 320,000 people are expected to line the streets on Pageant Day.
"For 84 years it has been tradition for children and adults to line the streets of Adelaide to officially start the Christmas season with the Credit Union Christmas Pageant," she says.
"This year marks the 21 years of event sponsorship with the credit unions and we look forward to delivering another successful event."
Robert Keogh, Chair of the Credit Union Pageant Company, says the event is more than just one day of fun for the sponsoring credit unions.
"The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is more than just a one day event for us; it continues to be an ongoing commitment by the more than 800 people who work or are associated with the credit unions," he says.
"We look forward to seeing the happy expressions on everyone's face on Pageant day."
The Credit Union Christmas Pageant is owned and managed by the South Australian Tourism Commission on behalf of the South Australian Government and is sponsored by People's Choice Credit Union, Beyond Bank Australia, Credit Union SA and Police Credit Union.
The pageant will take place at 9:30 am, Saturday 12 November.
The Nutcracker Christmas Ballet