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Ballistic missile defence
Ballistic missile defence Ballistic missiles pose an increasing threat to Allied populations, territory and deployed forces. Over 30 countries have, or are acquiring, ballistic missile technology that could eventually be used to carry not just conventional warheads, but also weapons of mass destruction. The proliferation of these capabilities does not necessarily mean there is an immediate intent to attack NATO, but it does mean that the Alliance has a responsibility to take this into account as part of its mission to protect its populations. In early 2010, NATO acquired the first phase of an initial capability to protect Alliance deployed forces against ballistic missile threats. At the November 2010 NATO Summit in Lisbon, NATO's leaders decided to develop a ballistic missile defence (BMD) capability to pursue its core task of collective defence. To this end, they decided that the scope of the current Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence (ALTBMD) programme's command, control and communication capabilities will be expanded beyond the capability to protect forces to also include NATO European populations and territory. In this context, the US European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) and other possible national contributions were welcomed as a valuable national contribution to the NATO ballistic missile defence architecture. NATO's work on BMD started in the early 1990s in response to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, including missiles. The initial focus was on protecting deployed NATO troops (Theatre Missile Defence), but work was expanded in 2002 to include considerations of the protection of population centres and territory (Territorial Missile Defence). Components The Alliance is conducting three ballistic missile defence related activities: 1. Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence System capability The aim of this capability is to protect NATO deployed forces against short- and medium-range ballistic missile threats (up to 3,000-kilometer range). In order to manage the risk associated with the development of such a complex capability, ALTBMD will be fielded in several phases. The completed capability will consist of a multi-layered system of systems, comprising low and high-altitude defences (also called lower- and upper-layer defences), including battle management, communications, command and control and intelligence (BMC3I), early warning sensors, radars and various interceptors. NATO member countries will provide the sensors and weapon systems, while NATO will develop the BMC3I segment and facilitate the integration of all these elements into a coherent and effective architecture. In 2005, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) established the NATO Active Layered Theatre Ballistic Missile Defence Programme Management Organization (ALTBMD PMO) to oversee the ALTBMD Programme. The NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency (NC3A) and the NATO Air Command and Control System Management Agency (NACMA) are other key NATO bodies involved in the programme. As part of the NATO Agencies reform, these agencies are now grouped under the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA). The initial activities were mainly focused on system engineering and integration work, and on the development of an integration test bed hosted at the NCIA facilities in The Hague, Netherlands. The integration test bed is essential to validate development work. In early 2010, the first operational capability, called Interim Capability, was fielded. It provides military planners with a planning tool to build the most effective defence design for specific scenarios or real deployments. A more robust version of that capability, was fielded at the end of 2010, and provides shared situational awareness. The next version will be delivered in the 2016 timeframe. After that, ALTBMD will be merged with the BMD effort detailed below. 2. BMD for the protection of NATO European territory, populations and forces At the Lisbon Summit in November 2010, NATO heads of state and government decided to develop a BMD capability. They agreed that an expanded theatre missile defence programme could form the command, control and communications backbone of such a system. That decision was based on almost 8 years of studies and discussions. In June 2011, NATO defence ministers approved the NATO ballistic missile defence action plan, which provides a comprehensive overview of the key actions and NAC decisions required to implement the NATO BMD capability over the next decade. In the autumn of 2011, Turkey announced its decision to host a ballistic missile defence radar at Kürecik as an integral part of the NATO BMD capability. Romania and the United States agreed to base Aegis Ashore capabilities at Deveselu airbase in Romania, and a similar basing agreement between the United States and Poland entered into force. In November 2011, the Netherlands announced plans to upgrade four air-defence frigates with extended long-range missile defence early-warning radars as its national contribution to NATO's ballistic missile defence capability. Finally, Spain and the United States announced an agreement to base four Aegis missile defence ships in Rota, Spain, as part of the US contribution to NATO's BMD capability. Seperately, France plans to develop an early-warning system for the detection of ballistic missiles. In May 2012, NATO Heads of State and Government declared at the Chicago Summit the Interim NATO BMD capability. This capability is the significant first step in NATO's BMD coverage. It offers the maximum coverage within available means to defend NATO's populations, territory and forces across southern Europe against a ballistic missile attack. The Alliance remains committed to installing full BMD coverage for all NATO territory by the end of this decade. 3. Missile defence cooperation with Russia In 2003, under the auspices of the NATO-Russia Council (NRC), a study was launched to assess possible levels of interoperability among the theatre missile defence systems of NATO Allies and Russia. Together with this study, several computer-assisted exercises have been held to provide the basis for future improvements to interoperability, and to develop mechanisms and procedures for joint operations in the area of theatre missile defence. NATO and Russia are also examining possible areas for cooperation on territorial missile defence. At the Lisbon Summit, the NRC agreed to discuss pursuing ballistic missile defence cooperation. They agreed on a joint ballistic missile threat assessment, and to continue dialogue in this area. The NRC was tasked to develop a comprehensive joint analysis of the future framework for BMD cooperation. In April 2012, NATO and Russia successfully conducted a computer-assisted missile defence exercise. Mechanisms The Defence Policy and Planning Committee (Reinforced) (DPPC(R)) is the senior NATO committee that oversees and coordinates all efforts to develop the NATO ballistic missile defence capability at the political-military level, as well as providing political-military guidance and advice on all issues related to NATO BMD policy. The Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) is the Senior Policy Committee responsible for the ballistic missile defence programme. The NRC Missile Defence Working Group is the steering body for NATO-Russia cooperation on BMD. Evolution The key policy document providing the framework for NATO's activities in the area of ballistic missile defence is NATO's 2010 Strategic Concept. The Strategic Concept recognizes, inter alia, that "the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery, threatens incalculable consequences for global stability and prosperity. During the next decade, proliferation will be most acute in some of the world's most volatile regions." Therefore, NATO will "develop the capability to defend our populations and territories against ballistic missile attack as a core element of our collective defence, which contributes to the indivisible security of our Alliance. We will actively seek cooperation on missile defence with Russia and other Euro-Atlantic partners." As a defensive capability, BMD will be one element of a broader response to the threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles. Key milestones Theatre Missile Defence May 2001 NATO launches two parallel feasibility studies for a future Alliance theatre missile defence system. June 2004 At the Istanbul Summit, Allied leaders direct that work on theatre missile defence be taken forward expeditiously. March 2005 The Alliance approves the establishment of a Programme Management Organization under the auspices of the CNAD. September 2006 The Alliance awards the first major contract for the development of a test bed for the system. February 2008 The test bed is opened and declared fully operational nine months ahead of schedule. Throughout 2008 The system design for the NATO command and control component of the theatre missile defence system is verified through testing with national systems and facilities via the integrated test bed; this paves the way for the procurement of the capability. March 2010 The Interim Capability (InCa) Step 1 is fielded. June 2010 NATO signs contracts for the second phase of the interim theatre missile defence capability. This will include the capability to conduct a real-time theatre missile defence battle. At the June 2010 meeting of NATO defence ministers, it is agreed that, should Allies decide at the Lisbon Summit to develop a ballistic missile defence capability for NATO which would provide protection to European Allied populations and territory against the increasing threat posed by the proliferation of ballistic missiles, an expanded theatre missile defence programme could form the command, control and communications backbone of such a system. The US EPAA would provide a valuable national contribution to this capability. July 2010 The more robust Interim Capability (InCa 2) passes key tests during the Netherlands Air Force Joint Project Optic Windmill 2010 exercise. December 2010 At the end of 2010, all InCa 2 components – including BMD sensors and shooters from NATO nations – are linked and successfully tested in an 'ensemble' test prior to handover to NATO's military commanders. InCa 2 is subsequently delivered to the Combined Air Operations Centre (CAOC) in Uedem, Germany. Territorial Missile Defence November 2002 At the Prague Summit, Allied leaders direct that a missile defence feasibility study be launched to examine options for protecting Alliance forces, territory and populations against the full range of ballistic missile threats. April 2006 The study concludes that ballistic missile defence is technically feasible within the limits and assumptions of the study. The results are approved by NATO's CNAD. 2007 An update of a 2004 Alliance assessment of ballistic missile threat developments is completed. April 2008 At the Bucharest Summit, Allied leaders agree that the planned deployment of European-based US BMD assets should be an integral part of any future NATO-wide missile defence architecture. They call for options for a comprehensive ballistic missile defence architecture to extend coverage to all Allied territory not otherwise covered by the US system to be prepared in time for NATO's next Summit. April 2009 At the Strasbourg/Kehl Summit, Allies recognise that a future US contribution of important architectural elements could enhance NATO elaboration of the Alliance effort and judge that ballistic missile threats should be addressed in a prioritised manner that includes consideration of the level of imminence of the threat and the level of acceptable risk. September 2009 The United States announces its plan for the EPAA. November 2010 At the Lisbon Summit, the Allies agree to acquire a territorial missile defence capability. They agree that an expanded theatre missile defence programme could form the command, control and communications backbone of such a system. The NRC agrees to discuss pursuing ballistic missile defence cooperation. June 2011 NATO defence ministers approve the NATO Ballistic Missile Defence Action Plan. September 2011 Turkey announces a decision to host a missile defence radar as part of NATO BMD capability. September 2011 Romania and the United States sign an agreement to base interceptors in Romania as part of NATO BMD capability. September 2011 An agreement between Poland and the United States on basing interceptors in Poland enters into force. September 2011 The Netherlands announces plans to upgrade four air-defence frigates with extended long-range radar systems as its national contribution to NATO's BMD capability. October 2011 Spain and the United States announce an agreement to port US Aegis ships in Rota, Spain, as part of the US contribution to NATO's ballistic missile defence capability. April 2012 NATO successfully installs and tests the command and control architecture for the Interim Capability at Alliance Air Command Ramstein, Germany. May 2012 NATO Summit in Chicago. Declaration of the Interim BMD Capability. NATO-Russia Council Theatre Missile Defence Project 2003 A study is launched under the NRC to assess possible levels of interoperability among theatre missile defence systems of NATO Allies and Russia. March 2004 An NRC theatre missile defence command post exercise is held in the United States. March 2005 An NRC theatre missile defence command post exercise is held in the Netherlands. October 2006 An NRC theatre missile defence command post exercise is held in Russia. January 2008 An NRC theatre missile defence computer-assisted exercise takes place in Germany. December 2010 First meeting of the NRC Missile Defence Working Group aimed at assessing decisions taken at the Lisbon Summit and exploring possible way forward for cooperation on ballistic missile defence. June 2011 NRC defence ministers take stock of the work on missile defence since the 2010 Lisbon summit. April 2012 Computer-assisted exercise in Ottobrunn, Germany
Belarus, NATO's relations with -
NATO's relations with Belarus Belarus joined NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) in 1995. NATO and Belarus have established a relationship based on the pursuit of common interests, while also keeping open channels for dialogue. Belarus has developed an Individual Partnership Programme (IPP) and participates in the Planning and Review Process (PARP). NATO Allies have expressed their concern at the lack of progress in democratic reforms in Belarus. Nonetheless, NATO Allies believe that keeping open channels of communication, practical cooperation and dialogue is in the best interest of regional security. NATO and Belarus cooperate in a number of areas, including civil emergency planning, scientific cooperation, and defence reforms. NATO will continue to work with Belarus to implement reforms in these areas, while continuing to call on Belarus to increase the pace of its democratic reforms. Framework for cooperation The belief that there is value in communication and practical cooperation is put into practice in several ways. Dialogue takes place within the framework of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and is facilitated by the existence of Belarus' diplomatic mission to NATO, which was opened in April 1998. Under the Partnership for Peace, NATO and Belarus are developing practical cooperation in a number of areas through Belarus' Individual Partnership Programme (IPP). On the basis of the IPP, Belarusian personnel are attending courses in NATO countries and practical cooperation is being developed in areas such as civil emergency planning, crisis management, arms control, air defence and air traffic control, telecommunications and information processing, as well as language training and military education. Key areas of cooperation Security cooperation In 2009, Belarus extended an offer of rail transit to nations participating in NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. Completed in 2010, the agreement allows for the shipment of non-lethal cargo by rail through Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Another important aspect of security cooperation is Belarus' participation in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). This is aimed at encouraging transparency and at assisting the country in developing capabilities and interoperability for international peace-support operations. NATO helps set planning targets that will enable Belarus to develop some of its forces and capabilities for potential participation in PfP activities, including NATO-led PfP operations, and in this way contribute to security and stability. Demilitarization project A good example of the tangible benefits of practical cooperation is a PfP Trust Fund project, aimed at helping Belarus meet its obligations under the Ottawa Convention on the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of anti-personnel mines and on their destruction. Completed in January 2007, this joint project, led by Canada and co-funded by Lithuania and Belarus, involved the destruction of some 700,000 anti-personnel mines in Belarus. Science and environment NATO and Belarus also cooperate on security-related science. Scientists from Belarus have taken leading roles in 125 activities, including collaborating with experts from the Czech Republic on exploring safer methods to destroy stockpiles of persistent organic pesticides and holding an advanced study institute course in May 2010 on advanced training of architects of secure networks. Since 2001, Belarus has received grant awards for about 40 cooperative activities under NATO's Science for Peace and Security Programme. Areas include telecommunications, Chernobyl-related risk assessment studies and explosive material detection systems. An ongoing project has brought together scientists from Belarus, Norway and Ukraine to assess the hazards posed by radioactive contamination in the Polessie State Radiation-Ecological Reserve. In addition, over 75 science fellowships have been awarded to Belarusian scientists to study in NATO countries since 1993. Public information NATO also seeks to contribute to the development of Belarusian civil society. This takes place primarily through public diplomacy activities. Belarusian non-governmental and civil society organisations are encouraged to engage with NATO's Public Diplomacy Division. In every partner country an embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance. The current NATO Contact Point Embassy in Belarus is the embassy of Estonia. Milestones in relations 1992 Belarus joins the North Atlantic Cooperation Council (NACC, later renamed the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in 1997). 1995 Belarus joins the Partnership for Peace, a programme aimed at increasing security and defence cooperation between NATO and individual Partner countries.. Belarus takes part in a NACC meeting, for the first time, in June, in Oslo, Norway. 1998 Belarus opens a permanent mission at NATO Headquarters. 1999 Belarus temporarily halts all cooperation with NATO, including the PfP programme and EAPC, in protest at NATO's Kosovo air campaign. 2004 Belarus joins the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). 2006 NATO Allies condemn the presidential election in Belarus as failing to meet international standards and conduct a review of NATO-Belarus relations. 2007 NATO and Belarus complete the first PfP trust fund project in Belarus, which destroyed some 700,000 anti-personnel mines. 2010 NATO completes the arrangements with several countries, including Belarus, for the transit of non-lethal ISAF cargo to Afghanistan by rail. 2011 NATO sponsors new flood risk monitoring system in Ukraine and Belarus
Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO's relations with -
NATO's relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina NATO Secretary General Rasmussen and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Nebojsa Radmanovic (February 2013) Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the Partnership for Peace in December 2006. Democratic, institutional and defence reforms are a key focus of cooperation. The country has been engaged in an Intensified Dialogue with NATO on its membership aspirations and related reforms since April 2008. Welcoming progress made in its reform efforts, in April 2010, the Allies formally invited the country to join the Membership Action Plan (MAP) with one important condition: the first Annual National Programme under the MAP will only be accepted by NATO once a key remaining issue concerning immovable defence property has been resolved. At the Chicago Summit in May 2012, Allied leaders welcomed the political agreement reached on 9 March 2012 on the registration of immovable defence property as state property. They welcomed the initial steps taken regarding implementation and urged the political leaders in Bosnia and Herzegovina to further their efforts to work constructively to implement the agreement without delay in order to start its first MAP cycle as soon as possible. Following the Summit, NATO's Deputy Secretary General visited Bosnia and Herzegovina on 20 July 2012. This visit represented and important political signal of NATO's continued strong commitment to the Balkans, and to those countries in the region aspiring to NATO membership in particular. The Allies are committed to keeping NATO's door open to Western Balkan partners that wish to join the Alliance, share its values and are willing and able to assume the responsibilities and obligations of membership. Euro-Atlantic integration is seen as the best way to ensure long-term, self-sustaining security and stability in the region. The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of countries wishing to join the Alliance. Participation in the MAP does not prejudge any decision by the Alliance on future membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina's tripartite presidency were unanimous about the decision to apply to join the MAP. Unfortunately, this has not yet led to the fulfillment of the condition for the country to join the MAP, namely, the need for all immovable defence properties in the country to be registered as state property, for use by the country's defence ministry. In a speech on 29 June 2011, NATO's Secretary General called on the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina "to demonstrate vision, leadership and the ability to compromise, and to continue on the path of political and economic reform. A solution to the property issue would demonstrate that Bosnia and Herzegovina functions like one state. That it is capable to interact with NATO and to fulfil its commitments within the Membership Action Plan." Bosnia and Herzegovina needs to continue to pursue far-reaching democratic and defence reforms, not just because this will further its aspirations to join NATO and the European Union, but because such reforms are essential for the country to become a fully functioning independent democratic state. The Allies remain committed to supporting the country's wider reform programme, particularly in the area of defence. But, ultimately, the initiative has to come from the political leaders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Beyond supporting reform, another key objective of NATO's cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina is to develop the ability of the country's forces to work together with forces from NATO countries and other partners, especially in peacekeeping and crisis-management operations. Since 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina has contributed to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan. The Alliance has been committed to building long-term peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Western Balkans, since the Alliance started actively supporting the international community's efforts to end the conflict in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1992-1995). NATO played a key role in implementing the Dayton Peace Agreement (formally, the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, or GFAP) and in securing this peace through peacekeeping deployments over a nine year period from December 1995 to December 2004. In December 2004, primary responsibility for military aspects of GFAP was handed over to the European Union. NATO retains a military headquarters in Sarajevo with the primary mission of assisting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina with reforms and commitments related to the Partnership for Peace and closer integration with NATO, and the secondary mission of providing logistic and other support to the European Union Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as supporting the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia on a case by case basis. Framework for cooperation Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina's cooperation with NATO is set out in an Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP). The first IPAP was agreed with the Alliance in September 2008 and an updated version was agreed in February 2011. Developed on a two-year basis, such plans are designed to bring together all the various cooperation mechanisms through which the country interacts with the Alliance, sharpening the focus of activities to better support domestic reform efforts. Once the invitation to join the Membership Action Plan (MAP) is fully implemented, cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina and support for reform will be set out in an Annual National Programme under the MAP, replacing and building upon the IPAP. This programme will outline preparations for possible future membership, including political, economic, defence, resource, security and legal aspects. The IPAP is underpinned by practical cooperation in a range of other areas under the Individual Partnership Programme (IPP), which the country has developed with NATO since it first joined the Partnership or Peace (PfP) and the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC). Bosnia and Herzegovina also participates in the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP) since May 2007. The role of the PARP is to provide a structured basis for identifying forces and capabilities that could be available to the Alliance for multinational training, exercises and operations. It also serves as the principal mechanism used to guide and measure defence and military reform progress. A biennial process, the PARP is open to all partners on a voluntary basis. To facilitate cooperation, Bosnia and Herzegovina has a diplomatic mission at NATO Headquarters as well as a liaison office at the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) and an officer at Allied Joint Force Command Naples. Key areas of cooperation Key priorities for cooperation with Bosnia and Herzegovina include strengthening cooperation with European and Euro-Atlantic structures, rule of law, democratic control of the armed forces and intelligence-security system, defence reform, defence planning and budgeting, military interoperability, human resource management, crisis management and civil-emergency planning, security system and protection of data, and public diplomacy. NATO also supports the wider democratic, institutional, and judicial reform process underway in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Security cooperation Since 2009, Bosnia and Herzegovina has contributed officers to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan as part of the Danish and German contingents. Furthermore – although this was not part of a NATO operation – the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina deployed an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) platoon to Iraq from 2005 to 2008 and an infantry platoon during 2008, under the multinational coalition's operation. The authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina have signed and ratified the PfP Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with the Allies, in accordance with its national legislation. The PfP SOFA is a multilateral agreement between NATO member states and partner countries, which deals with the status of foreign forces while present on the territory of another state. This agreement facilitates Bosnia and Herzegovina's military-to-military cooperation and other practical cooperation with NATO member states and other partner countries. NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina aim to improve the exchange of information on combating terrorism. The Allies will assist the country in establishing a relevant counter-terrorist capability and provide advice on improving the existing national apparatus. Bosnia and Herzegovina has declared a number of forces and assets as potentially available for PfP activities, including for NATO-led crisis-response operations. Engineering (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) capabilities and related equipment as well as other units could be available. The country is ready to create the necessary preconditions for the use of reserve airports in Mostar, Banja Luka, and Tuzla, as well as ensuring over-flight rights for NATO aircraft. The country has also made a number of training facilities available, including a Combat Training Centre at Manjača and a Peace Support Operations Training Centre at Butmir, which is the only certified PfP Training Center in the region. A Professional Development Centre in Travnik has also been established that would be available within the PfP framework. Defence and security sector reform Defence and security sector reforms are core elements of cooperation. The Alliance as a whole and individual Allies have considerable expertise which Bosnia and Herzegovina can draw upon in this area. A key priority is working together to establish affordable and sustainable defence structures, which would reflect the security needs of the country and be able to provide usable military capabilities that are interoperable with those of the Alliance. A key aspect of the work of the NATO-led Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina up to 2004 concerned reform of the country's defence structures, which were divided into three separate structures for each of the country's main ethnic groups. Within the framework of a Defence Reform Commission (2003-2005), SFOR and NATO helped the country build a unified command and control structure, and develop joint doctrine and standards for training and equipment that are compatible with NATO standards. In March 2004, a newly established state-level defence ministry brought the country's separate armies under a single command structure. Subsequent to SFOR, NATO's new military headquarters in Sarajevo took a leading role in the Defence Reform Commission during 2005, leading the effort that resulted in the complete merger of the entity armies into a single military force on 1 January 2006, and continues to work with Bosnia and Herzegovina on defence reform to this day. NATO's Secretary General has also appointed the Assistant Secretary General for Defence Policy and Planning as his Senior Representative for defence reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The country is working to develop fully professional armed forces that are interoperable with NATO forces and are manned by volunteers who meet high professional standards. The process of restructuring and reorganization of the armed forces in order to reach these goals is ongoing. A key instrument for supporting such military and defence reforms is the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). A NATO/PfP Trust Fund project for assistance to redundant defence personnel is also an important element in supporting the country's efforts to downsize its armed forces. The Trust Fund supports the reintegration of approximately 3000 released personnel, whose contracts with the Armed Forces ended between 2010 and 2012. It will also strengthen domestic capacity to meet similar challenges in the future, if and when the need arises. The executing agent for this project is the International Organization for Migration (IOM), which works in coordination with the Ministry of Defence to provide technical assistance to facilitate the social and economic reintegration of former military personnel. Civil emergency planning NATO and Bosnia and Herzegovina carry out cooperation in the field of civil emergency planning. The country is developing its national civil emergency and disaster-management capabilities. In consultation with the Allies, the country has developed the legal framework for coping with civil emergencies, and is working to establish a civil crisis information system to coordinate activities in the event of an emergency. Public information Bosnia and Herzegovina and NATO aim to improve public access to information on the benefits of cooperation and Bosnia and Herzegovina's possible membership in the Alliance. To this end, a national NATO communications strategy is in place. Particular emphasis is placed on activities that entail sustainability and that link key stakeholders: government, civil society, and media. Regional exchange of best practices is an important element. NATO's Public Diplomacy Division closely cooperates with a number of partners including NATO's military headquarters in Sarajevo, non-governmental organizations, Allied embassies and others in the planning and implementation of public diplomacy activities to increase public awareness about cooperation with NATO and the Membership Action Plan. In every partner country an embassy of one of the NATO member states serves as a contact point and operates as a channel for disseminating information about the role and policies of the Alliance. The current NATO Contact Point Embassy in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey. Science and environment Under the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina has received grant awards for a number of cooperative projects, including seismic risk hazard reduction studies and legal aspects of countering terrorism. The aim is to increase scientific cooperation, such as in areas relevant to regional security issues and environmental initiatives. Milestones in relations 1993 In April, NATO begins Operation Deny Flight to prevent aerial intrusion over Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1994 On 28 February four warplanes violating the no-fly zone are shot down by NATO aircraft in the Alliance's first military engagement. 1995 In August, Allied air strikes on Bosnian-Serb positions help compel the warring parties into peace negotiations. The Dayton Peace Agreement is signed on 14 December. The 60 000 strong NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) deploys to implement the military aspects of the peace agreement. IFOR is NATO's first peacekeeping operation. 1996 In September, the first elections are held in Bosnia and Herzegovina; the Allies agree to maintain a security presence in the country to facilitate the country's reconstruction. The Stabilization Force (SFOR) replaces IFOR in December. 2003 Establishment of a State-level command structure over the two entity armies in December 2004 In December, the European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) takes over responsibility for maintaining security in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO supports the operation through the Berlin Plus arrangements, and establishes a military headquarters to administer this support while carrying out its primary mission of supporting the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina with defence reforms and anticipated PfP commitments. 2005 Agreement to merge the two entity armies into a single military force, the Armed Forces of BiH, on 1 January 2006 2006 Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the PfP and agrees its first Individual Partnership Programme (IPP). 2007 Bosnia and Herzegovina joins the PfP Planning and Review Process (PARP). 2008 In April, the country is invited by NATO to begin an Intensified Dialogue on the full range of political, military, financial, and security issues relating to its aspirations to membership. In September, Bosnia and Herzegovina agrees its first Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) with NATO. 2009 Bosnia and Herzegovina deploys officers to the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan 2010 In April, Bosnia and Herzegovina is invited to join the Membership Action Plan, pending the resolution of a key issue concerning immovable defence property. 2011 In February, Bosnia and Herzegovina agrees its second IPAP with NATO 2012 In May, at NATO's Chicago Summit, Allied leaders welcome the political agreement reached in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 9 March 2012 on the registration of immovable defence property as state property. They urge political leaders to implement the agreement without delay to allow the country to start participation in the Membership Action Plan. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bakir Izetbegovic, attends a meeting at NATO's Summit, joining counterparts from countries that are supporting the NATO-led stabilization mission in Afghanistan. Also,Bosnian Foreign Minister Zlatko Lagumdžija joins fellow foreign ministers from the three other countries that are aspiring to NATO membership in a meeting, chaired by NATO's Deputy Secretary General. In July, NATO's Deputy Secretary General visits Bosnia and Herzegovina and other countries in the region aspiring to NATO membership – an important political signal of NATO's continued strong commitment to the Balkans.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, Peace support operations in -
Peace support operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina NATO conducted its first major crisis response operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) was deployed in December 1995 to implement the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement and was replaced a year later by the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). SFOR helped to maintain a secure environment and facilitate the country's reconstruction in the wake of the 1992-1995 war. In the light of the improved security situation in both Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region, the Alliance brought SFOR to a conclusion in December 2004 and the European Union (EU) took on NATO's stabilisation role. NATO provides planning, logistic and command support for the EU-led Operation Althea, in accordance with the Berlin Plus arrangements agreed between the two organisations. NATO is also maintaining a military headquarters in Sarajevo. It carries out a number of specific tasks related, in particular, to assisting the government in reforming its defence structures, working on counter-terrorism and apprehending war-crime suspects. Bosnia and Herzegovina became a NATO Partner country in December 2006 and is focusing on introducing democratic, institutional and defence reforms, as well as developing practical cooperation in other areas. Aim and implementation of IFOR and SFOR IFOR The Implementation Force (IFOR) was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina in December 1995 with a one-year mandate. IFOR operated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, deriving its authority from UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1031 of 15 December 1995. This gave it a mandate not just to maintain peace, but also, where necessary, to enforce it. As such and strictly speaking, IFOR was a peace enforcement operation, which was more generally referred to as a peace support operation. This was also the case for SFOR. IFOR's aim IFOR aimed to oversee implementation of the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, the accord ending the Bosnian War. Its main task was to guarantee the end of hostilities and separate the armed forces of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the one hand, and Republika Srpska, on the other. IFOR in the field IFOR oversaw the transfer of territory between the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republika Srpska, the demarcation of the inter-entity boundary and the removal of heavy weapons into approved cantonment sites. As the situation on the ground improved, IFOR began providing support to organisations involved in overseeing the implementation of the civilian aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, including the Office of the High Representative, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the United Nations. IFOR's goals were essentially completed by the September 1996 elections. As the situation was still potentially unstable and much remained to be accomplished on the civilian side, NATO agreed to deploy a new Stabilisation Force (SFOR) from December 1996. SFOR The Stabilisation Force (SFOR) operated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, deriving its authority from UN Security Council Resolution 1088 of 12 December 1996. As was the case for IFOR, it was a peace enforcement operation that was more generally referred to as a peace support operation. SFOR's aim SFOR's primary task was to contribute to a safe and secure environment conducive to civil and political reconstruction. Specifically, SFOR was tasked to deter or prevent a resumption of hostilities; to promote a climate in which the peace process could continue to move forward; and, to provide selective support within its means and capabilities to civilian organisations involved in this process. SFOR in the field FOR's activities ranged from patrolling and providing area security through supporting defence reform and supervising de-mining operations, to arresting individuals indicted for war crimes and assisting the return of refugees and displaced people to their homes. Keeping the peace SFOR troops carried out regular patrols throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina to maintain a secure environment. Multinational specialised units were deployed to deal with instances of unrest. SFOR also collected and destroyed unregistered weapons and ordnance in private hands, in order to contribute to the overall safety of the population and to build confidence in the peace process. In 2003 alone, SFOR disposed of more than 11,000 weapons and 45,000 grenades. SFOR was also one of several organisations involved in de-mining in Bosnia and Herzegovina. NATO forces carried out some de-mining themselves and helped to set up de-mining schools in Banja Luka, Mostar and Travnik. They also helped to establish a sniffer dog training school in Bihac. Furthermore, SFOR had Multinational Specialised Units (MSU) that assisted the EU Police Mission (EUPM). The EUPM is responsible for helping the Bosnian authorities develop local police forces that meet the highest European and international standards, through monitoring, mentoring and inspecting police managerial and operational capacities. Reforming defence establishments A key aspect of SFOR's work in Bosnia and Herzegovina concerned reform of the country's defence structures, which had been divided into three rival ethnic groups at the end of hostilities. Within the framework of a Defence Reform Commission, both SFOR and NATO worked to help Bosnia and Herzegovina build a unified command and control structure and to develop joint doctrine and standards for training and equipment that are compatible with NATO and Partnership for Peace (PfP) norms. In March 2004, a state-level Defence Minister brought the country's two separate armies under a single command structure. NATO's military headquarters in Sarajevo has a leadership role in the Defence Reform Commission and is continuing to work on defence reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arresting war-crimes suspects Although the apprehension of indicted war criminals was officially the responsibility of the authorities of Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO forces were instrumental in most arrests that have taken place. In total, SFOR brought 39 war-crimes suspects to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in The Hague (ICTY). SFOR also provided security and logistical support to ICTY investigative teams as well as surveillance of and ground patrolling around alleged mass graves. Through its military headquarters in Sarajevo, NATO remains committed to bring to justice all war-crimes suspects still at large. Contributing to reconstruction In addition to helping other organisations working on Bosnia and Herzegovina's reconstruction, SFOR launched its own Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) projects in areas such as structural engineering and transportation. SFOR participated in the maintenance and repair of roads and railways in collaboration with the local authorities and other international agencies. This work was critical to providing freedom of movement throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina. Command of the missions As for all NATO operations, political control and co-ordination are provided by the North Atlantic Council, NATO's senior political decision-making body. Strategic command and control is exercised by NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. Command of IFOR Admiral Leighton Smith commanded IFOR (COMIFOR) from the start of the operation on 20 December 1995 until 31 July 1996. Admiral T. Joseph Lopez then took command until 7 November 1996, followed by General William Crouch from 7 November 1996 to 20 December 1996. The COMIFOR was based at operational headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia. Lieutenant General Michael Walker, Commander Allied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (COMARRC) acted as Commander for IFOR's land component throughout the operation. Command of SFOR Following the hand-over to SFOR in December 1996, the command structure, as directed by the North Atlantic Council (NAC), was broadened to include a deputy SFOR commander, a deputy operational commander and divisional commanders at the head of each MNTF (1,800 - 2,000 troops). This structure comprised 300 staff at HQSFOR at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo, led by the Commander of SFOR (COMSFOR) and three Multi-National Task Forces (MNTFs) working in different areas: MNTF-North (MNTF-N) based in Tuzla; MNTF-Southeast (MNTF-SE) based in Mostar; and MNTF-Northwest (MTNF-NW) based in Banja Luka. Restructuring of SFOR The NAC reviewed SFOR periodically at six monthly junctures to assess the force's effectiveness. On 25 October 1999 the NAC, based upon the improved security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reduced and restructured SFOR. Headquarters remained at Camp Butmir in Sarajevo but MNTFs were reduced in size from divisions to brigades. Each MNTF still retained individual brigade commanders. In addition a Tactical Reserve Force of 1,000 battle-ready troops was created. As was the case with IFOR, every NATO member with armed forces committed troops to SFOR. Iceland, the only NATO country without armed forces, provided medical personnel. Outside of NATO countries, contributors were: Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (which all became NATO members at a later stage), Austria, Argentina, Finland, Ireland, Morocco, Russia, and Sweden; and by special arrangement with the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. All forces incorporated into SFOR came under the command of COMSFOR and the NAC. Commanders of SFOR – COMSFOR Gen. William Crouch, US A 20 Dec 1996 - 30 Jul 1997 Gen. Eric Shinseki, US A 30 Jul 1997 - 23 Oct 1998 Gen. Montgomery Meigs, US A 23 Oct 1998 - 18 Oct 1999 Lt. Gen. Ronald Adams, US A 18 Oct 1999 - 08 Sep 2000 Lt. Gen. Michael Dodson, US A 08 Sep 2000 - 07 Sep 2001 Lt. Gen. John B. Sylvester, US A 07 Sep 2001 - 07 Oct 2002 Lt. Gen. William E. Ward, US A 08 Oct 2002 - 01 Oct 2003 Maj. Gen. Virgil L. Packett II, US A 02 Oct 2003 - 04 Oct 2004 Brig. Gen. Steven P. Schook, US A 05 Oct 2004 - 02 Dec 2004 The evolution of NATO's assistance A four-year war started in Bosnia and Herzegovina when Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia¹, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia) broke up at the end of the Cold War. NATO's involvement in Bosnia and Herzegovina began in 1992. In June of that year, NATO foreign ministers stated that, on a case-by-case basis, the Alliance would support peacekeeping activities under the responsibility of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (subsequently renamed the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe). A month later, in July 1992, NATO began monitoring operations in the Adriatic in support of the UNSCR 713 and 757 imposing an arms embargo and sanctions in the former Yugoslavia. By October 1992, NATO AWACS aircraft were monitoring operations in support of UNSCR 781, imposing a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina. And in November, NATO and the Western European Union began to enforce the sanctions and embargo imposed by UNSCR 787. By the end of the year, NATO declared that it stood ready to support peacekeeping operations under the authority of the United Nations. NATO's first ever military engagement After the United Nations authorised the enforcement of a no-fly zone over Bosnia and Herzegovina, NATO began Operation Deny Flight in April 1993. On 28 February 1994, four warplanes violating the no-fly zone were shot down by NATO aircraft in the Alliance's first military engagement. At the request of the United Nations, NATO provided close air support to the UN Protection Force (UNPROFOR) on the ground and carried out air strikes to protect UN-designated safe havens. Air strikes were conducted against targets such as tanks, ammunition depots and air defence radars. NATO's air operations against Bosnian Serb positions in August and September 1995 helped pave the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. The operation, Deliberate Force, lasted for 12 days and helped shift the balance of power between parties on the ground. It also helped persuade the Bosnian Serb leadership that the benefits of negotiating a peace agreement outweighed those of continuing to wage war. On 14 December 1995, after negotiations in Dayton, Ohio, the General Framework Agreement for Peace was signed in Paris, France. The Dayton Peace Agreement establishes Bosnia and Herzegovina as a single, democratic and multiethnic state with two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. And the first major crisis response operation IFOR was the Alliance's first major crisis response operation. It was set up to implement the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Agreement, when NATO took over responsibility for military operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina from UNPROFOR. IFOR's goals were essentially completed by the September 1996 elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, as the situation was still potentially unstable and much remained to be accomplished on the civilian side, NATO agreed to deploy a new Stabilisation Force (SFOR) from December 1996. Mission hand-over to the European Union At their Istanbul Summit in June 2004, NATO leaders decided to bring SFOR to a conclusion by the end of the year as a result of the improved security situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region. The SFOR mission was officially ended on 2 December 2004. In its place, a European Union-led force is deployed, known as Operation Althea. The Alliance is providing planning, logistic and command support for the EU mission, in the framework of a package of agreements known as "Berlin Plus". These agreements provide the overall framework for NATO-EU cooperation. NATO HQ Sarajevo The primary role of this NATO Military Liaison and Advisory Mission (NATO HQ Sarajevo) is to assist Bosnia and Herzegovina with defence reform. It also aims to help the country meet requirements for its participation in NATO's Partnership for Peace (PfP) programme. NATO HQ Sarajevo undertakes certain operational tasks such as counter-terrorism while ensuring force protection, support to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, with the detention of persons indicted for war crimes, and intelligence-sharing with the European Union. In sum, the NATO HQ Sarajevo complements the work of the EU mission with specific competencies. Facts and figures Contributing countries Over the course of these missions, a total of 36 Allied and Partner countries contributed troops. In addition, soldiers from five countries that were neither NATO members nor Partner countries participated at different times, namely Argentina, Australia, Chile, Malaysia and New Zealand. Troop numbers IFOR IFOR was a 60,000-strong force that was deployed for one year. SFOR SFOR originally comprised 31,000 troops. By early 2001 they had been reduced to 19,000 and, in spring 2002, the decision was taken to reduce troops to 12,000 by end 2002. By 2004, they totaled 7,000. 1. Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.
Building Integrity (BI) Programme
Building Integrity (BI) Programme The Building Integrity (BI) Programme is part of NATO's commitment to strengthening good governance in the defence and security sector. It was established by the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council in November 2007 in the framework of the Partnership Action Plan on Defence Institution Building (PAP-DIB). The BI programme seeks to raise awareness, promote good practice and provide practical tools to help nations enhance integrity and reduce risks of corruption in the security sector by strengthening transparency and accountability. At the NATO Summit in Chicago in May 2012, Allied leaders welcomed the Status Report on Building Integrity and the progress achieved by NATO's Building Integrity Programme, which has made important contributions to promoting transparency, accountability, and integrity in the defence sector of interested nations. BI is focused in particular on the management of financial and human resources. In taking this work forward, Allies agree that priority should be given to developing a BI contribution to support the Afghan National Security Forces. This is in addition to ongoing efforts to develop a tailored BI programme to support nations in South Eastern Europe. The BI Status Report also highlighted the importance of education and training in building capacity and sustaining change. The North Atlantic Council agree that NATO Military Authorities led by Allied Command Transformation are to develop a BI Education and Training Plan. This will provide the necessary framework for supporting NATO civilian and military efforts to promote good govenance in the defence and security sector as well as addressing requirements for NATO led operations. The BI programme is supported by voluntary contributions to the BI Trust Fund led by Belgium, Norway, Poland, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Making effective use of resources in the defence and security sector is a challenge faced by all nations. The BI programme of activities and tools are open to all Allies and NATO's partners in the Euro-Atlantic area, the Mediterranean and the Gulf region, as well as other partners across the globe, including Afghanistan. Implementation Participation in the BI Programme is on a voluntary basis. The NATO International Staff serves as the executing agent and project manager for the BI Programme and works closely with nations and other international organisations as well as representaives of civil society to develop a mulit-year programme to promote awareness and understanding of corruption and its impact on military operations and peace and security as well as practical tools and mechanism - the BI Tool Kit. Where possible the BI programme is being integrated and aligned with national processes as well as NATO partnerhsip mechanisms. BI is also supported by a network of implementing partners – drawn from NATO countries, partner nations and civil society. They include the NATO School in Oberammergau, Germany, the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, the Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of the Armed Forces, Transparency International (UK Defence Team), the Swedish National Defence College, the Bulgarian and Norwegian ministries of defence, and Partnership for Peace Education and Training Centres in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. These institutions support implementation of BI by provide expertise advice on training and education and by hosting BI activities. Building Integrity Tool Kit The Building Integrity Tool Kit includes a BI Self Assessment Survey (available on the NATO website in English, French , Arabic, Dari and Russian) and a Peer Review Process, BI courses certified by Allied Command Transformation, resource material, a Pool of BI Subject Matter Experts and a network of institutions. Nations use the BI Self Assessment Survey to map current practices and procedures in defence and security establishments. The Peer Review is based on an analysis of the completed survey and provides a framework for identifying and promoting good practice as well as developing national action plans and benchmarks. Nations completing the BI Self Assessment may request a Peer Review and expert support to develop a tailored action plan. To date, BI Peer Reviews have been completed for - Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Norway, and Ukraine. Peer Reviews for Hungary, Latvia and Serbia are ongoing. BI courses have been conducted in the EAPC area as well as Afghanistan for more than 550 civil and defence and security personnel. In 2012, BI courses are being conducted at the PfP Centre in Ankara, Turkey, and the NATO School Oberammergau, Germany. The BI Tool Kit also includes resources - "Building Integrity and Reducing Corruption in Defence: A Compendium of Best Practices" (available in English, Arabic, Russian and Ukrainian; see links in right-hand margin). This Compendium provides a strategic approach to reducing corruption risks. It focuses on the practicalities of designing and implementing integrity-building programmes in defence, while taking into account the cultural specifics of defence organisations. BI is supported by a pool of subject matter experts, drawn from national civilian and defence ministries, international organizations and civil society. These experts provide advice and take an active role in the development and implementation of all aspects of the BI programme such as the BI Peer Reviews and pre-deployment activities for ISAF. Video newYTPlayer('4cfNtiqi1F0','90871'); Building Integrity: Publication in Arabic 16 Oct. 2012 Cross-interview with Ambassador Benedict de Cerjat, Head of the Swiss Mission to NATO, Ambassador Dirk Brengelmann, Assistant Secretary General for NATO Political Affairs and Security Policy and Mr. Yassine Foukara, Director of Strategy and Studies of ... Building Integrity: Publication in Arabic 16 Oct. 2012 Cross-interview with Ambassador Benedict de Cerjat, Head of the Swiss Mission to NATO, Ambassador Dirk Brengelmann, Assistant Secretary General for NATO Political Affairs and Security Policy and Mr. Yassine Foukara, Director of Strategy and Studies of ... Building Integrity: MD and ICI 16 Oct. 2012 Remarks by Mr. Nicola de Santis, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Section at NATO Headquarters on Building Integrity and NATO's outreach to the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Building Integrity: DCAF Experts 16 Oct. 2012 Cross-Interview with Dr. Phillip Fluri, Deputy Head at the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces and Professor Haykel Ben Mahfoudh, Senior Advisor at the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces in Tunis on Building Int.


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Monte Carlo Fan Company
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Sterling Silver Box
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- Contents
- Details
- Reviews
Arrives with your choice of 48 cookies, a sampler of 144 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies and 72 Brownie Bites, or a medley of 24 cookies, 12 brownies, 6 hand-frosted cookies, 2.5 oz. peppermint taffy, one peppermint and grasshopper bark.
**Due to our dough mixing process, all of our products may have come in contact with nut oils.
- Nibblers® bite-sized cookies come in an assortment of our most popular flavors.
- Nibblers® bite-sized cookies come packaged in half dozens in a special wrapper designed to preserve out-of-the-oven freshness since no preservatives are used.
- Cookies taste best when eaten the same day they are received.
- Brownies are best when refrigerated or frozen.
- Some tips if you have to save some cookies for later: never refrigerate - they dry out, store in an airtight container with a piece of white bread, may be frozen in an airtight bag.
- Thawed cookies can be warmed in the microwave for up to 10 seconds or a 375 degree oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Frozen cookies can be warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or a 375 degree oven for 1-3 minutes.
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Patti LaBelle presented the 2004 Ford Breast Cancer Awareness Scarf on Tuesday (September 28) at Bloomingdale's in New York City. Check out pictures from WireImage.
Recent Posts:
- Rihanna Joins Melyssa Ford At Roxbury
- Christina Milian Calls Jas Prince Her "Fiance" At 32nd Birthday Party
- John Legend Talks About His New Album 'Love In The Future'
- Chris Brown: I Can't Focus On Wife-ing Rihanna
- Ne-Yo Talks 'R.E.D.' And A&R Role At Motown
- Trevor Jackson Shoots Music Video With Zendaya Coleman
- Bobbi Kristina And Nick Gordon Relationship In Focus On 'The Houstons'
- Ne-Yo Discusses 'R.E.D.', Sia Collaboration And Drawing Skills


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Give her serious sparkle with this adorable Smartfit flat! It features a glittery upper with roomy round toe, lightly padded insole for comfort, and a flexible, skid resistant outsole. Manmade materials. All Smartfit shoes are built with Tried and True Technology: wiggle room for toes, easy on/easy off and durable design. Sizes 10.5 - 13 are designed with a strap to secure the shoe on little feet.
Wipe dirt and dust off with a clean, dry cloth. We recommend: Instant Shine Sponge for a quick, dust-free shine; Athletic Shoe Cleaner to instantly clean vinyl, nylon, mesh and rubber; and Shoe Shampoo to remove soil from canvas, nylon and fabric.


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Practically Speaking
Kyle and her husband moved to Brookfield in 1986. She became active in local politics and started blogging in 2004. Her focus is primarily on local issues but often includes state and national topics, too. Kyle looks at things from the taxpayers' perspective in a creative, yet down to earth way, addressing them from a practical point of view.
To Spend All of the Referendum's $62.2 million or Not? That Is The Question
http://www.brookfieldnow.com/watch/?watch=14&date=5/28/2008&id=40282 District urged to contain referendum costs may 28
We Were Told Minute Man Missles Saved the Day
Obama and high tech
Cap-and-Trade? Maybe It Should Be Called Cap-and-Raid!
Last night I heard Senator Inhofe (R-Oklahoma) on the Mark Levin Show. They were discussing S. 2191, the Senate "Lieberman/Warner Global Warming Bill and the disastrous effect this would have not on just the country as a whole, but the individual." (My emphasis throughout post.)
Wall Street Journal referred to Cap-and-Trade as Cap and Spend
Kohl, Feingold, and Doyle 's reaction to GM Closing Janesville Plant
The big news today is that GM will be closing the Janesville plant that makes SUVs. This is not a huge surprise considering gas prices as they are. It does seem drastic considering some SUVs get fairly good gas mileage. Plus some businesses and individuals need a truck or SUV for towing or hauling purposes.
What is surprising to me is Senators Kohl and Feingold and Governor Doyle acting like they bear absolutely no responsibility in creating an economic climate unfavorable to manufacturing and large vehicles.
In praise of Aldi's AND Trader Joe's: Wish We Had Both!
Poor Aldi's*. The Town of Brookfield Plan Commission squelched their plans for a new store. One of the reasons cited in the Community Watch post was that, "Some members of the Plan Commission said they were wary of the discount
grocer's reputation and the type of customers and tenants the store
would attract to Bluemound Plaza..." (near Best Buy)
Was that criticism warranted? Just who is an Aldi's customer?
Ford Has A Better Idea: Export Manufacturing to Non-Green Countries
Sunday we returned from a few days in Dearborn Michigan touring the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, and The Rouge Ford Factory. The Rouge Factory Tour was new to us. There was Bill Ford, the great grandson of Henry, up on the BIG screen telling us how Ford created this new Rouge factory to be friendly to the environment.
Much like our proposed Fountain Brook Crossing, The Rouge Ford Factory* has Gone Green. The roof is a garden roof, planted with sedum plants to absorb the rain water. They are increasing plantings wherever possible on the grounds; nets are strung up on the factory exterior for climbing vines.
Wow! What a rain and other musings
It has been a while since we had a rain like this morning's. Guess I won't be gardening today. But that is OK, we needed the rain.
If you have ever been on a private well, rainy days don't always get you down. Remember the drought of 1988? (I remember the year because I was pregnant.) It did not rain all summer it seemed. Because we were worried about our well going dry, no one had to tell us to conserve water. We did not go on our usual summer camping trip but delayed until Sept. Often we joke we were the drought busters that summer because while camping, it rained so hard it collapsed our tent! (Oh, that was fun.) But the drought was over and we all breathed a sigh of relief.
VK Development's "Farm Neighborhood": Residential, Commercial, & High School
VK: He's here (Ruby Farms), he's there (Florida), he is everywhere! (Pleasant Prairie)
Streambank is sadly lacking in Skunk Cabbages
Obama calling the kettle black
The big election buzz this week was Obama became the nominee.
I could not listen to his entire speech, but this part caught my attention:
Remember MTB and ethanol originally were anti-pollutant additives
MTB caused ground water pollution. so we switched to ethanol to lessen pollution in certain areas. Now ethanol has been shown to not lessen pollution, in fact, it increases it. So why do we still have it?
Shopping Aldi's 101: B.Y.O. B, Q, and C & New Location News
Want to shop at Aldi's? Here is a primer. B, Q, and C stand for Bags, Quarter, and Cash. Better bring your own.
BAGS: Aldi's does not supply free bags. You can either use the cardboard cartons they have laying around the store, purchase their bags, or bring you own. Or, you can take your cart out to your car and pile the lose things in without any bag or box. It is up to you.
Oops, "Clinton, Osama meet to discuss unity" boo boo?
What's in a name? Plenty.
In case you missed this, the Friday edition of the Detroit News printed this headline, "Clinton, Osama meet to discuss unity"
Brookfield's Rainwater Woes, Flooding & Don't Drive Through Deep Water!!!
We're not out of the woods yet with the storms and flooding. As I am writing this at 2pm, it feels and looks like it could let lose again. Some areas in Brookfield experienced serious flooding yesterday. I noticed today the creek next to Pilgrim Road across from Wirth Park had roaring white caps! Some places were still under water today too: Pilgrim Road was closed by Pilgrim Park Middle School. If it rains heavily again today, there will be more. (Monday road closure update)
I saw this back-ho at Kinsey Park Pond just before 2pm today. Yesterday at around 7:30pm the pond was up over the banks and completely flooding Elm Grove Road. I think this was due to the debris washed down from the woods creek and possibly blocking the pond outlet drain?
Please be aware that the road conditions and area flooding do cause problems besides wet basements.
VK's Percheron Square a.k.a. Ruby Farm Proposal Heads to Plan Commission Monday, 7pm
I hate to admit it, but it took me a while to figure out why VK Development would name the Ruby Farm/WTMJ project Percheron Square. The light bulb finally lit. (Somehow I thought the Ruby Farm horse barns housed Belgians instead of Percherons.)
Alderman Jerry Mellone, 6th District Alderman, sent out this email reminder today:
National Health Cannot Act Swiftly
No Surprise, Percheron Square PDD Passed First Hurdle, or Should I Say Jump
I got back from the Plan Commission Meeting 30 min.ago. Dan Ertl spoke for a long time, then Ajay Kuttemperoor made the presentation for AVS Development.
The question of connectivity came up because Patrick Blvd. probably will not be able to connect to Percheron Square. It would need to traverse the neighbor's wetlands and DNR approval is doubtful. Sara Lane is probably out too. That would need to cross the neighbor's parking lot. Ruby Lane is a no. The school district was not in favor of a land swap. (Phew!)
I Am Sorry To See Andy Smith Go
This may surprise you a bit, but I am truly sorry to see Andy Smith go. Although he sometimes put the "ick" in public relations*, I was glad he was the Director of Communications for Elmbrook.
Think about it. Why would I want a champion schmooze-master in that role? You know, someone who could smooth the waters or remove all ire or fear from an agitated parent or taxpayer when maybe those emotions were warranted?
Herb Kohl More Concerned With Ice Than US and the real anwr
Jonah Goldberg's Ugh, Wilderness The horror of "ANWR." the American elite's favorite hellhole.
Phew! Lots of Hot Air Stops Global Warming Cap-and-Trade Bill
Just in case you missed this from the weekend news, the Sunday Journal reported in its Congress Following the Vote column,
GLOBAL WARMING FILIBUSTER Voting 48-36, the Senate on Friday failed to reach 60 votes needed to end a Republican filibuster against an updated version of global warming bill. Democratic leaders then pulled the bill from the floor, perhaps for the remainder of the year. A yes vote was to advance the bill. McCain and Obama did not vote.
Homework Keeps Kids Busy, Too Busy For What's Really Important
Elmbrook homework policy on agenda
The Elmbrook School Board may vote tonight on a new district policy
that would limit most homework to no more than 10% of a student's
overall grade, while allowing greater grade weight for larger take-home
A 50-member district grading and reporting task force had recommended in May 2006 that most homework not be graded at all - a change that drew criticism and ridicule from some talk radio hosts and bloggers.
Meting out poor grades for early homework assignments while students are learning and practicing new concepts can cause students to give up, believing they can't make up for the low grades with latter work, task force research says.
Once students have time to practice concepts, they should be graded on whether they have mastered those concepts, said Eileen Depka, assistant superintendent for educational services.
Teachers also can make major homework projects more than 10% of a student's overall grades, such as science projects or term papers, under the proposed new policy.
Extra credit can only be awarded for work that is directly tied to the curriculum and not for other class activities such as collecting goods to donate to needy children.
Depka said teachers and administrators have supported the homework changes.
Other task force recommendations, such as moving to a 10-point grading scale (90 to 100 represents an A) from the existing 7-point scale (93 to 100 is an A), and adding extra grade weight to trancripted credit courses offered at technical colleges, have not been implemented.
Elmbrook's Castoff: Unloved, But Now Loved Again
Heritage Christian School
Whose Money Is It Anyway?
McCain, Obama present different views on taxes
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama staked out starkly opposing stances on taxes on Tuesday, with McCain promising corporate tax breaks and Obama pledging tax increases for many.
Déjà vu: Obama Is Like Having Jimmy Carter All Over Again!
Barack Obama would prefer that most people think he is John Kennedy the 2nd. But where Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country", Obama seems to have an opposite campaign theme: Don't do anything for yourself that the government could do for you.
Republicans Stop 2 More Bills: Windfall Profits & Alt. Energy Tax Breaks, What's Next?
The Windfall Profits Tax Bill was blocked by the Republicans Tuesday:
GOP senators shoved aside the Democratic proposal, arguing that punishing Big Oil won't do a thing to lower the $4-a-gallon-price of gasoline that is sending economic waves across the country. High prices at the pump are threatening everything from summer vacations to Meals on Wheels deliveries to the elderly. ...
Did We Really Need A PDD For Percheron Square?
As you probably heard by now, Percheron Square's plans are in flux for Brookfield's Ruby Farms , and here, I was thinking they really didn't need a PDD.
After last week's plan commission approval for the former Percheron Square PDD, I spoke briefly with VK himself and Ajay Kuttemperoor out in the hallway. A few of us who attended the meeting were asking Ajay, why all the retail? Don't you think we haveAccording to plans and Ajay,
Percheron Square: Again, Density is the Problem
The Commission OKs plans for Ruby Farms site. What I find so frustrating with our Plan Commission is that they grant PDDs and project proposals so easily. Oh, they raise all sorts of questions and concerns, but then vote as if with one "Aye."
Tuesday's meeting was interesting. There were a lot of points the mayor, AVS Development (VK), and commissioners were careful to make. These are not direct quotes, just my impression of the statements. Watch cable broadcast for exact words:
web links to look at
Drill! Drill! Drill! Wonder Land http://online.wsj.com/article/wonder_land.html
Obama Announces More Taxes On Your Gasoline http://mail.google.com/mail/#all/11a963baad750f61
Just What Can You Find At ALDI's? Low Prices For One!
I have shopped ALDI's for years now. It all started with "Big Tom" ketchup. We were a very brand loyal "Heinz" ketchup family and would not ever consider anything else on a burger. But a bargain hunting uncle of mine loved to shop at Aldi's and he would share the wealth with family. He gave us several "Big Tom" ketchups from Aldi's. Oh well, I can use them in meat loaf or something, I thought.
When we tasted the "Big Tom", it was GREAT! We liked it just as well as the Heinz. Since it was half the price, we converted. That made the 2004 presidential Heinz ketchup boycott much easier to stomach! (Big Tom is now called "Kyder".)
My Dad, They Call His The Greatest Generation
Last week, I watched The Journey of Natty Gann while making some muffins and cleaning up the kitchen. If you have never seen the movie, it is a period piece, set in the early 1930s, during the depression. An out of work widower must choose between staying with his daughter in Chicago, or going out to Washington state for a rare chance to work. He has little choice but to leave the daughter in the care of a floozy of a landlady. Natty, the daughter (14 years old?), runs away from the bad landlady and rides the rails all the way out to Washington. (Many adventures along the way. It ends happily.)
What struck me about the movie was the utter poverty and hopelessness of the great depression and the terrible choices people had to make back then.
Segway Becomes More Attractive
Remember the billboards that said IT was coming in 2001? The IT was the Segway, a "two-wheeled self-balancing vehicle that runs on a rechargeable battery." Although Steve Jobs and others "predicted it would change the way people lived," the IT came and at the time, it wowed the public about as much as the Edsel.
But times have changed since 2001. Gasoline prices are now higher--a fill up for our minivan then cost $35, today it can cost $80. People are looking for alternatives.
Other Claypots websites
Please continue to pray for our co-workers, the Williamsons and the
Mankins. Williamsons have had their first language and culture
evaluation and they are progressing very well. Pray that the language
continues to come quickly for them. You can read their updates at www.handsandfeet.net.
Also, Chad and Janeene Mankins (and kiddos) should have arrived in
Madang. Pray for them as they re-adjust to PNG life and prepare to
return to the tribe. Read their updates at www.reachestotheskies.com. A
Drilling In the USA
http://www.energyandcapital.com/aqx_p/5472?gclid=CIi4sOi1-ZMCFRIkxwodS2L4WA Bakken oil
"For Your Convenience" Packaging Shrinks, But Not Price
Before we breezed out of town last weekend, I purchased some Edy's Slow Churned Ice Cream in what formerly was the half gallon size and tossed it in the basement freezer. (I know ice cream has not been 1/2 gallon for years. It is actually 7 cups.)
While away, my husband spotted a USA Today article he thought was blog worthy: Shoppers beware: Products shrink but prices stay the same It was all about how manufacturers are making the packages smaller but charging the same price as the former full size:
More "Convenience", Single Serving Sizes At Full Prices
Buy less, pay more. It seems to be a trend.
It first started with the small sized Coke and soda cans in the one serving size. Trouble is, it costs more than the large size. You could just purchase the regular size and throw the rest away.
"Attack of the Killer Tomatoes" Is Over
June 19th UPDATE: Tomatoes are still causing a problem. The ill total has climbed to 383. Here is the latest info from the FDA. This link includes a list of states and Florida counties that sell tomatoes NOT associated with the salmonella outbreak. Of course using them would depend on being able to verify where the tomato was grown and trusting that the label was correct. I have enough trouble just finding out if the tomato was grown in the US. (I don't use produce from Mexico or Chile for example.) Many produce managers are unable to tell you where the produce came from. To me, it is a lot simpler and safer just to stick with the tomatoes on the vine and cherry/grape varieties.
Thankfully, tomatoes are back and nobody was seriously hurt--277 people did get sick though. While not an "Attack of the Killer Tomatoes", salmonella is nothing to treat lightly. It doesn't seem that there are any real answers as to why this outbreak occurred, but I always wonder if it had anything to do with improper handling.
Tax "Evil Exxon" More? They Only Paid Same As 1/2 of Taxpayers
Oil companies have made a lot of money and some in Washington think they should get a bigger cut. The Senate recently tried to snatch some of those profits with their attempt to resurrect the Windfall Profits Tax bill. Thankfully, the Senate Republicans stopped that piece of legislation ...for now.
I am sure we will see that tax tried again. After all, Obama is campaigning, "I'll make oil companies like Exxon pay a tax on their windfall profits, and we'll use the money to help families pay for their skyrocketing energy costs and other bills," the Illinois senator said.
UPDATE: Last Chance to Weigh In on State Global Warming Task Force by today, 5PM
Today is your last chance to weigh in on the Governor's Global Warming Task Force.
If you want to give the task force your 2 cents on ethanol, global warming, lifting alternative energy mandates or any other environmental issue the State of Wisconsin will be spending your money on and impacting your freedom to choose, email them now! (You can bet that all the corn farmers, ethanol manufacturers and those who lean Green will be flooding the task force with their point of view.)
President Asks For US Drilling
FYI: Neighborhood Information Meeting tonight for Fire Station #3 move
Need Proof of Residency to Vote at Elmbrook's Annual Meeting June 23,
Cindy blogged this.
Elmbrook's annual meeting is next Monday, June 23, 7pm, at Brookfield Elementary School's cafeteria, 2530 N. Brookfield Road. Be sure to bring your Wisconsin Driver's license as a valid proof of residency if you plan on voting. You won't need it for the Presidential election, but you sure will need it to vote at the annual meeting. (Sorry, I just had to say that.)
President Proposes, Congress Disposes, Citizens Petition to Drill Now!
President Bush urge[d] Congress to end ban on offshore oil drilling today: (My emphasis)
"Democrats on Capitol Hill have rejected virtually every proposal, and now Americans are paying the price at the pump for this obstruction," Bush said.
Brookfield's Tale of Two Budgets
Finance Committee asks for two budgets
The city of Brookfield's Finance Committee yesterday directed the mayor
to consider preparing two budgets this fall, one following a list of
recommendations from the Finance Department and another that calls for
a smaller increase in departments' operating budgets.
The first budget, which would keep city services at the same level as this year, calls for a $35 million tax levy in 2009 - an increase of $1.9 million over 2008 - and recommends that operating budgets for each department be increased by 3.8 percent.
The idea for the second budget came from Fourth District Alderman and Common Council President Mark Nelson, who suggested the committee ask the department heads to present a budget with a 2.8 percent increase in operating expenses.
Fifth District Alderman Scott Berg, chair of the Finance Committee, suggested Finance Director Robert Scott report to the committee at an upcoming meeting to discuss the feasibility of preparing a second budget.
"All You Do Is Sit Back and Collect the Rent," Right Mayor Speaker?
Ah, the joys of rental property. Most people's perception is that you just sit back and collect the rent. Maybe that is what our Mayor Jeff Speaker thought when he ventured into the landlord business? I don't think he is thinking that now. From the article:
Asked why he bought the Milwaukee apartment building instead of one in Brookfield, Speaker said he couldn't afford one in Brookfield.
Vive la Contrast
I just heard on the news today (radio) that John McCain said, "Under my administration, Osama Bin Laden will either be killed on the battlefield or executed."
I like a little decisiveness as opposed to being wishy-washy, especially when it comes to Osama.
Yikes, Don't Open Email From Classmates.com
Someone I know in banking sent me this warning about email appearing to be from Classmates.com*. "If you have received an e-mail appearing to be from Classmates.com - do not open it."
It seems some nasty person has been sending out email that looks like it is from Classmates.com. The fraudulent emails hit in boxes yesterday. The subject line might say, "You Have 1 New Message - Classmates".
Noah Would Have Had Problems Today
email and photos from creation museum
Silvia & Rocky Make My Day AND Save Me Money
Meet our kitchen dynamic duo: Silvia, on the left, and Rocky, on the right. They both make our day begin! (They were named by their manufacturer, Rancilio, not us. We do refer to them by name though.)
I have introduced them to many of my coffee drinking friends, and my duo have always left a very good impression.
Send a Soldier a Bible and an Email
Socialized Oil? Why Would That Be Better/Cheaper?
Because of the action of AFA supporters, our e-mails to Congress are nearing the 600,000 mark and growing!
Thinking about George Carlin, Dead at Age 71
George Carlin died Sunday of heart failure. After my initial, Oh (sad surprise), I immediately thought about his infamous Summerfest 1972 performance of the 7 words you cannot say on television. That routine resulted in his arrest for disturbing the peace. I was at that performance with my girlfriends. We were all a little stunned because those words were not part of radio, TV or most movies of the time.
That comedy piece eventually led to a Supreme Court decision "giving the FCC broad leeway to determine what constituted indecency on the airwaves."
To Air or Not To Air, That is the $1 Million Dollar Elmbrook Question
Elmbrook may tap reserves for projects tonight after the Annual Meeting at 7pm*, at Brookfield El. What are the projects? The HVAC replacement, including air conditioning, at Pilgrim Park Middle School and some SmartBoards for some elementary schools. (*Actually, the budget hearing is at 7pm, the Annual Meeting is at 8pm.)
In an era of rising energy prices, I just cannot justify the cost to convert to and operate air conditioning our schools. I know the majority of Elmbrook voters disagreed with me on that since they just approved the $62+ million dollar referendum for the high schools--a significant portion going toward the air conditioning conversion and air conditioning gym areas. It still seems like a waste of tax dollars to me.
Question: How Many Dogs Are Too Many?
(Sorry about yesterday's mispost. Don't know how that happened--I wasn't home at the time it was posted!)
Gas Leak Causes Evacuation In Southeast Brookfield
We knew something was up late this afternoon. The news helicopters were hovering to the east of us for about a half an hour it seemed.
I was doing yard work and had the radio on, but there was no mention of any bad accident on I-94 (just a block north). What could it be?
High Oil Prices
High Gas Prices Not Deterring All From Summer Vacations
Keep swinging, you're bound to hit it
Oh, This IS Sickening, Another Reason To Boycott HEINZ!
I started boycotting Heinz ketchup* during the Kerry campaign. I never went back. I did not want to support a company that was tied to an agenda contrary to my beliefs if I could help it. But now THIS!
Are you ready for TV commercials that push homosexual families as being normal? Heinz is currently running this ad in England. Watch the ad. I know there are homosexual families out there, but please don't try to push that this is normal.
Music From the Heart Raised Over $1,500!
A Little History Re: What's Happening On Robinwood?
Gravel piles, backhoes, trucks, sewer suckers, barricades, sewer pipes and huge concrete junction pipes again are familiar sights for those living on Robinwood Street. Seems like the city just did sewer work over there.
Actually, it has been 7 years since the last sewer project. But what is going on now?
Maybe There Is Hope After All? Pro Amnesty Candidate Ousted & Fence Lawsuit Denied
Things are looking a little more hopeful for those of us who believe America is for Americans and those legally here. The Supreme Court Denies Fence Lawsuit and a pro amnesty 7 term Republican Congressman lost his primary bid 60 40 to Jason Chaffetz.
No Need To Get Up In Arms: Right To Bear Arms Upheld!
The Supreme Court ended their term on a high note today. They just ruled, 5-4, that individuals have the right to bear arms. The D.C. gun ban has been struck down. (Ginsberg, Breyer, Stevens, Souter dissenting)
The 32 year D.C. gun ban was ruled as being incompatible with the 2nd amendment. It in essence leaves all gun rights intact. (H/T Jay Weber announcement)
Send Some Cheer To Our Troops: Easy As 1, 2, 3
1. Last night, Michelle Malkin and Melanie Morgan teamed up to raise money for The Largest Care Package Shipment EVER from MOVEAMERICAFORWARD.ORG They hosted a Jerry Lewis style live broadcast to raise money for sending gift boxes to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I had this post all written yesterday morning and hit "save" but the screen went blank! Argh. I lost the post and the internet and the phone. (We were getting a Cable TV packaged installed on a super deal--less than what we are paying now for phone and internet.) At 11pm internet was restored (thanks to offspring) and I caught the last minute of the fund raiser. They raised $1,055, 719!!!
1st Concert Raised $1,550! 2nd Concert For US & Chinese, Saturday June 28, at Sharon Wilson
For those of you who were wondering about Shan Lu's Music From the Heart Concert benefit for Chinese quake victims held at City Hall Plaza on May 21, they raised a total of $1,550! Shan wrote:
The concert went very well, we raised $1442.00 on May 31. We had 23 programs in all, 21 people (one adult and 20 kids) performed, 15 out of the 20 kids were from Swanson Elementary School. Over a hundred people came and participated the event. We had a reception for the kids and our silent auction and raffle also went well. With the few checks we received after the concert and the total amount came to $1550.00.
As Promised: 3, 4, 5 or More Bean Salad Recipe
Since many of you might be needing an easy salad recipe for your July 4th festivities, I thought I better honor my promise from the Aldi's comments to share my 3 Bean Salad recipe. (I will try to post my German Potato Salad and Baked Beans recipes too before the 4th.)
I adapted this recipe from the Victory Garden cookbook years ago. You can make it with just 3 different kinds of beans or add however many you wish. Martha Stewart once had a 10 bean salad, so let your imagination run wild!
Couldn't Prove It By Me
There is still a lot of talk out there about people scrapping their summer vacation plans
Auntie Lu's Outstanding German Potato Salad
Good German potato salad is a difficult thing to find. To my husband, there really is no other kind of potato salad, except German. The deli varieties and even restaurant offerings are always a disappointment, but my Auntie Lu's German potato salad, ah, now you are talking delicious!
Auntie Lu has been the potato salad guru in my family for years, but a recipe was illusive. She just made it without a written recipe. Her daughters-in-law, wanting to duplicate her delicacy, finally watched her make it. They measured each ingredient as she put it in, observed the order and timing of preparation, and wrote it down. Thanks to their efforts, even I can make it now. So can you!
The 4th Branch of Govt. Trumps All
EPA decision last year, 5-4 on 2nd amendment,


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$99 for a Jawbone JAMBOX Limited Edition Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Shipping Included ($199 Value)
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Gentle Stretch with Gina Marie
Friday, September 20 @ 10:30am
This free class emphasizes stretching, coordination of breath with movement, and attention to alignment. The class is designed to create breath awareness, enhance balance, and increase flexibility. Stretching is great for those who are experiencing joint sensitivity, or overall stiffness. Wear loose clothing, bring a towel & mat. Presented by yoga instructor, Gina Mercado.
Falun Dafa: Healthy Body, Peaceful Heart
Friday, September 20 @ 2:30pm
Falun Dafa, also known as Falun Gong, is a traditional Chinese self-cultivation practice that improves mental and physical wellness through a series of easy-to-learn exercises, meditation, and the development of one's xinxing or heart-mind nature. The practice is based on the universal principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. Please call Michelle at 392-6789 for more information about these free workshops.
Family Storytime: Celebrating Peace
Friday, September 20 @ 10:30 am
In honor of the International Day of Peace, and in the spirit of sharing and working together, we will read the classic story Stone Soup. Join us for music and a craft, too.
Stay 'n Play
Friday, September 20 @ 11 am
There's no need to rush out after storytime. Instead, stay, socialize with other adults, and maybe even relax. Toys and games will be provided for the little ones so that they can socialize, too.
Teen Lounge
Friday, September 20 @ 3:30 pm
Teens, join us for gaming on the Xbox, PlayStation or Wii, play board games, paint, or just hang out with your friends in a fun, friendly environment. Guitars and a keyboard are available if you feel like getting musical.
Knotty Knitters Knitting Club
Friday, September 20 @ 3pm
Everyone is welcome to join the Southeast Branch's knitting club: The Knotty Knitters. All ages and abilities are encouraged to join and instruction can be provided to beginners. Make new friends and learn a new craft.
Peace Day Kids & Teen Craft Event
September 20 @ 3:30pm
Celebrate International Peace Day by creating fabulous peace crafts. We'll be making pinwheels, tie-dyed tissue paper bowls, and tie-dyed t-shirts. Please bring your own t-shirt or bandana and we'll help you create a terrific tie-died work of wearable art. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Anastasia Island Library.


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Top 50 Design Blogs for Mom, 2011
We've updated the list: To view 2012's Top 50 Design Blogs for Mom, click here!
The beauty of the Internet is in the sharing of ideas. There's no better example than the creative, resourceful, and spunky moms that churn out hundreds of ingenious ideas every week. If you need to figure how to cozy up your home on the cheap, decorate a birthday party, or simply soak up some inspiration to make your life a little more beautiful, turn to these innovative moms. Read More »
On this list, you'll find up-and-coming newcomers to the blogging scene, as well as classic favorites that continue to produce some of the best design content on the Internet today. These talented women are top-notch designers and innovators - who also happen to be incredible moms. Some of our picks focus on children's design and products, while others provide an escape for moms to indulge.
Know a design mom blogger we missed? Nominate her for next year's list!
Parties and Entertainment
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- 1 Gordon, Johnson make it official: They're leaving Arizona Wildcats
- 2 His life took root in wilds of Alaska
- 3 Disabled couple forced to work for free/endure extreme temperatures, jury told
- 4 It's a `Happy Day' for Hollis-Jefferson -- and the Arizona Wildcats
- 5 Man struck by police gunfire shot at officers first
- 6 Arizona Wildcats football: Cornerback Babiash leaves team following spring drills
- 7 Pima sheriff's deputies looking for 3 women linked to daytime booze skip
- 8 Man killed by Sierra Vista officer during traffic stop ID'd
- 9 3 injured in wreck on East Speedway
- 10 Tucson police arrest man suspected in midtown sexual assaults
Stats for Jan. 17 - Comments
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