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Region: Europe
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Crystal Debussy
Crystal Ravel
Spain, Italy and France
Region: Europe, Mediterranean
Cruise Line: P&O Cruises
Cruise Ship: Arcadia
Southampton:
Cadiz:
Capital of the province of the same name, Cadiz is not only one of the largest ports on the Atlantic coast of Spain, it is also the oldest inhabited town in the western world with 3,000 years of history.
Vibrant Valencia, Spain's third-largest city is a popular and picturesque resort known for its pavement cafes, parties (Las Fallas) and paella. Amongst art and architecture you can see plazas, palaces, churches and cathedrals, before heading to one of the city's white sandy beaches to cool off.
Rome:
Legendary fountains, piazzas, ancient architecture and cathedrals await your discovery in Italy's capital. At the Trevi Fountain capture the magic of Rome's grandest fountain. Gaze up at the horizon and you'll no doubt see St Peters Basilica. Visible from nearly everywhere in the city, it is built on the site where St Peter was martyred and buried. Witness the beautiful paintings of Michelangelo at the magnificent Sistine Chapel. And no visit to Rome would be complete without a visit to its imposing amphitheatre, the Colosseum.
Santa Margherita:
Once a quiet fishing village in the shadow of its flashier near neighbour Portofino, Santa Margherita has developed into a charming resort with its own distinct appeal.
Marseilles:
Marseille is the home of bouillabaisse and boules, a great warm hearted city of immense charm with a picturesque old fishing port.
To the ancient Greeks and Romans, Gibraltar was one of the two pillars of Hercules, set up by the mythical hero to mark the edge of the known world. Today it's home to the most famous rock in the world. From the summit, on a clear day, you can see across to Africa. From the top of Europa Point to the subterranean depths of St Michael's Cave, your visit will be filled with interesting sights and sounds.
19-Aug-2019 - £More Information
Western Mediterranean
Southampton: Depart 16:30
Cadiz: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
Valencia: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
Civitavecchia: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Standing in the Colosseum, visiting Vatican City and tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain are all unique experiences of a lifetime to be had in the Eternal City of Rome, reached from your Italian cruise port Civitavecchia.
Marseilles: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
Southampton: Arrive 06:00
Oslo to Stockholm
Cruise Ship: Seven Seas Explorer
Oslo: Depart 18:00
Oslo is Norway's capital and largest city. Located at the head of the Oslofjord, the city is encircled by wooded hills and snowcapped peaks. Norway is a maritime nation with Oslo being the chief port for sea services from the Continent and England. Throughout Oslo's 900-year history there have been many fires, and as a result it has a mixture of architectural styles. With a fairly compact city center, many of Oslo's attractions can be explored on foot.
Cruising the North Sea, International Waters:
London (Southampton): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 19:00
Southampton is the largest city and port on the south coast of England. Tour the historic byways of Old Town with its Medieval walls and Tudor architecture. Spend an hour or two meandering along the pathways of Royal Victoria Country Park, picturesquely set along the waterfront on the grounds of a former military hospital where Florence Nightingale once worked. Southampton's maritime past can be explored by strolling along the Town Quay with its marina and lively bars and restaurants. It was here that the Titanic departed on its fateful journey and where the Mayflower sailed for the New World.
Bruges (Zeebrugge): Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
Zeebrugge is the gateway to Bruges, the capital of the Belgian province of West Flanders. Bruges was a wealthy city during medieval times when trade with Baltic ports flourished. The Zwin River, connecting Bruges with the North Sea, slowly began to narrow, marking the end of the city's great trade period. Today, visitors flock to Bruges to enjoy the charming, well-preserved medieval architecture lining the old and narrow roads and canals and to see some of Western Europe's finest artistic masterpieces.
Amsterdam: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
As capital cities go, Amsterdam is small in comparison. It has a reputation for free-spirited and very liberal lifestyles. Some might call it Europe's most \"radical\" city, but one cannot deny the beauty of Amsterdam and its rich history. Amsterdam is a cultural center of Europe, as exemplified in its more than 140 art galleries and 40 museums. In addition, it is famous for its baroque architecture, canals, and cobblestone streets where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.
Cruising the Skagerrak Strait:
Copenhagen: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 19:00
Copenhagen, the royal capital of Denmark, is one of Europe's oldest capitals. It was a fishing village until the middle of the 12th century, but then grew in importance after being fortified in 1167. Because of its harbor, it soon became a place of commercial importance. Copenhagen has a long history well-integrated with today's modern life. Theaters, museums, art galleries and musical entertainment are among the attractions that make Copenhagen memorable.
Berlin (Warnemunde): Arrive 05:00 - Depart 20:00
Warnemünde is a sea resort and district of Rostock in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, situated at the Baltic Sea in the Northeast of Germany at the estuary of the river Warnow. Being a center of maritime traffic, the district of Warnemünde comprises numerous navigational aids, the oldest of which is the lighthouse located near the beach promenade. The lighthouse, which is currently still in use, was built in 1897. Warnemunde is also our gateway to nearby Berlin.
Gdansk: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 22:00
Step into colorful and masterfully restored Old Town Gdansk and experience the grandeur of this once powerful member of the Hanseatic League. Marvel at the exquisite architecture. Stroll the entire length of Ulica Diuga (Long St.) stopping to visit St. Mary's Church, which took 150 years to build, and its Astronomical Clock, from1460. Browse through the museums, shops and galleries. Seek out quality amber, embroidered linens, modern silver jewelry, and fine woolen sweaters. Admire the grand houses , the Green and the Golden Gates on the Royal Road. Try a sip of vodka distilled and served with real flecks of gold.
Visby:
Visby is the largest city on the island of Gotland, and was once one of the most powerful cities in Europe. The entire island is full of ruins, artifacts and memories from its periods of greatness during the Viking period and Middle Ages when Visby was a member of the Hanseatic League. The town is surrounded by the Visby Ringwall, a huge 13th century stone wall that encloses the city. Inside the wall, Visby beckons with its medley of modern and medieval times.
Stockholm:
The "Venice of the North," spanning 14 small islands at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and architecturally one of the finest in the world, with broad streets, waterside parks and many pedestrian walkways. For a taste of the city, take a walking tour of Old Town, and particularly the Royal Palace and beautiful Riddarholm Church; take in the views from the observation deck in the Town Hall; or visit one of the Skeppsholmen Museums, including Skeppsholm Church (1842), the Museum of Architecture, the Museum of East Asian Art and the Modern Museum. A main attraction near the center of town is the Vasa Museum, on the island of Djurgården, displaying the almost fully intact 64-gun warship Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
20-Aug-2019 - £5584.00More Information
Romantic Riviera
Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises
Duration: 8 Nights
Cruise Ship: Crystal Serenity
Monte Carlo, Monaco:
Monaco is an ancient principality steeped in rich and colorful history. Its proud monarchy is presided over by Prince Albert, who assumed the throne after his famed father Prince Rainier died in 2005. Today when gazing on its modern skyline, it is hard to imagine that Monaco endured a turbulent past. Once a Greek settlement conquered by the Romans, it was bought from the Genoese in 1309 by the Grimaldis, who still rule as the world's oldest monarchy. Monaco covers less than one square mile and is known primarily for its Grand Casino.
Cannes, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
One of nature's miracles, the Côte d'Azur was blessed with superb natural beauty. It lies between the coastal mountains and the sea, where the Maritime Alps tumble down to the Mediterranean preventing cold northern winds from reaching the coast. This sun-drenched slope stretches some 60 miles westward from the border of the fairy-tale Kingdom of Monaco. As Crystal Serenity approaches the shore, you will be treated to a spectacular panorama of irregular peaks and scenic villages clustered on narrow ledges. Majestic cities like Nice, Monte Carlo and St-Tropez host pleasure boats, yachts and all the other trappings of the glamorous French Riviera
Corsica/Ajaccio, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
Florence/Livorno, Italy: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 19:00
Goethe once observed that Tuscany \"looks like Italy should [look].\" Fortunately, little has changed in the two centuries since the German poet was himself a tourist in Tuscany. The Tyrrhenian port of Livorno was founded in the 15th century. It is the gateway to Italy's Tuscan region and to many spectacular sights; including the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa, the charming medieval village of Lucca, the lovely hill town of San Gimignano and the timeless city of Florence. No place is as imbued with such grace, dignity, serenity and history as is Florence. This city's wealth of architectural and artistic treasures includes works by Raphael, da Vinci, Botticelli and Michelangelo. Truly Florence, cradle of the Italian Renaissance, is one of the world's most enticing cities.
Portofino, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
Located on the Italian Riviera, Portofino's brilliant bay is ringed by lush green hills serenely profiled against the sky. World renowned as a playground for artists and international jet-setters, this charming seaside retreat boasts spectacular vistas of natural treasures such as the Gulf of Rapallo and its coastline.
Porto Venere, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 20:00
Porto Venere, Italy, has all the essentials of an idyllic medieval town. It boasts two ancient churches, a 16th-century fortified castle, a bell tower built on the ruins of a Roman temple, even a wistful tale of English writers Lord Byron and Mary Shelley. Lord Byron, the story goes, had a favorite spot on the rocks at the base of the church of San Pietro where he would pause to find his muse; it was also the place from which he would launch his swim across the bay to San Terenzo, where Shelley would be waiting. While the legend is certainly romantic, Porto Venere's breathtaking natural beauty is enough to put it at the top of any traveler's list. Poised on the tip of the small peninsula that extends from the celebrated Italian Riviera, Porto Venere is the southernmost town on the walking trails connecting the five villages that make up the famous Cinque Terre, or five lands. Though not officially a part of the Cinque Terre, Porto Venere should be, and perhaps it would be if it weren't for its slightly removed location. With its sweeping views, brightly-colored houses, terraced gardens and three small islands — Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto — sitting prettily just off its rocky promontory, Porto Venere is so lovely, one wonders why Shelley did not instead make the swim to Byron.
Piombino, Italy: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy: Arrive 05:00
Civitavecchia was founded by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century. Today this port is noted for its fine seafood and attractive monuments. Located 90 minutes away is the Eternal City of Rome. Steeped in 2,500 years of history, Rome was for many centuries the center of Western civilization. It was both the focal point of the Roman Empire and of Christendom. Landmarks such as the Colosseum, Forum, Pantheon, Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Spanish Steps are reminders of the legacy of its rich past.
Cruise Ship: Ventura
Cherbourg: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
La Coruna: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 14:00
Santander: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00
St Peter Port: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
The Channel Islands, Britain's most southerly islands lie just fourteen miles off the French coast.
Wine & Romance Voyage
Cruise Line: Azamara Club Cruises
Cruise Ship: Azamara Journey
Muse on voyages past as you sail in or out of Southampton, long a maritime center, its yards turning out warships for king and country from the Hundred Years War in the 14-15th centuries, to two world wars in the 20th. It was the departure point for the Mayflower in 1620, and for the ill-fated Titanic in 1912. The charms of London are not far away, but pray tarry in the south to explore other wonders, including Bath, with its natural hot springs and stunning architecture and the mysterious megaliths of Stonehenge, or venture all the way west to Lands End, and the wild moorlands and pirate haunts of Cornwall.
St. Malo: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 17:00
The walled city of St. Malo is a quaint maze of fine old buildings, museums, and cafés serving Breton specialties of crepes and cider. Stroll along the ramparts, walk the cobblestone streets, and hear tales of corsairs, privateers grown rich off captured ships and their booty, authorized by the government during wartime, in order to hinder the enemy. Nearby is the rocky tidal island of Mont St. Michel. The perfect spot for a religious retreat, the first monastic settlement was built here in the 8th century, and the Romanesque church that is its crowning glory in the 11th.
Lorient: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 19:00
Bordeaux: Arrive 13:00
Bordeaux's fortunes have long been tied to viticulture, beginning with an expansion of the wine trade with England in the 14th century. As a result it is a handsome and cohesive city of uniform classical and neoclassical style, with monumental buildings and many fine mansions financed by the almighty grape. The nearby countryside is alive with wine chateaux sporting impressive appellations such as Pauillac, Sauternes, Margaux, and Saint-Emilion. A visit is an excellent opportunity to learn more about wine production and appreciation, which of course requires a considerable amount of tasting to accomplish.
Bordeaux:
Bordeaux: Depart 14:00
Bilbao: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
If Bilbao wasn't always a household name, it was transformed with the opening of Frank Gehry's groundbreaking Guggenheim Museum in 1997. Located in the heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao became an instant media darling and tourist mecca. And that was just the beginning of an exciting phase of development in infrastructure and cultural activity, which combined with the Basque love of food, wine, and laughter, solidified the city's place in the annals of tourism.
Gijon: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 20:00
On the Bay of Biscay, in the self-governing community of Asturias, lies the northern city of Gijón. This region is known for its verdant hills; the greenest perhaps in all of Spain. The contrast against the bay is stunning; however, the main attraction is the fishing village of Cimadevilla, meaning 'top of the village.' Step back in time as you stroll its tiny streets with renovated buildings in every imaginable hue.
Lisbon: Arrive 07:00
Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its magnificent harbor made it a logical trading port as far back as the Phoenicians, as well as a departure point for 15th century voyages sponsored by Prince Henry the Navigator, patron of Portuguese explorers. The city is rich in architecture, from Romanesque and Gothic to Post Modern, and criss-crossed by monument-studded grand boulevards. Today it is seeking a place on the world stage by hosting, in addition to its own active cultural calendar, film festivals, art, fashion, and design shows, book fairs, marathons, and rock concerts.
Stockholm to London
Region: Europe, Russia
Stockholm: Depart 17:00
Helsinki: Arrive 11:00 - Depart 20:00
The capital of Finland, Helsinki is also the cultural, commercial and political center of Finland. Helsinki is an easily-navigated city and an architectural delight. Helsinki is laid out with spacious streets interspersed with many gardens and parks. Wide streets and nearby islands add to Helsinki's visual appeal. Beautiful neo classical buildings surround town squares and the cathedral is probably the most recognized of all Helsinki landmarks.
St. Petersburg: Arrive 09:00
St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for over 200 years. Peter the Great's "Window on Europe" is known as Russia's artistic and intellectual center. Tour the many cathedrals, including St. Isaac's Cathedral, with floors of different-colored marble and a remarkable array of frescoes; and the iconic Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood. Noteworthy historic sites include The Peter and Paul Fortress, the first edifice built in the city and final resting place of the Romanovs; and, further afield, the remarkable Peterhof palace. For cultural perspective, take in a ballet and the world-class Hermitage Museum. To complete your Russian experience, take a day trip to Moscow or a half-day trip to Catherine's Palace in the countryside.
St. Petersburg: Depart 18:00
St. Petersburg:
Tallinn: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 16:00
On the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland lies Tallinn, the capital and main seaport of Estonia. Though the city has been bombed and pillaged many times throughout the ages, much of the town as it was in medieval times remains. Atmospheric streets serve as home to the palaces of Castle Hill. Ancient convents, steepled churches and handsome guild houses are all preserved as they were in Tallinn's Old Town area, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Riga: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 18:00
Riga, the capital of Latvia, is situated on the Baltic Sea coast on the mouth of the river Daugava. After more than 700 years of German, Swedish, Russian rule, Latvia, with Riga as its capital city, thus declared its independence on November 18, 1918. Soviet occupation and annexation occurred in 1940, but then Latvia declared its full de facto independence in 1991. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture.
Visby: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 16:00
London (Southampton): Arrive 08:00
Amsterdam: Arrive 07:00
The beatiful city of Amsterdam, with its fine gabled houses, leafy canal walks, unusual boutiques and offbeat pavement cafés, is the last word in laid-back relaxation. Capture its true spirit by exploring the narrow winding streets, bustling bars and eclectic shops of Joordan, its fascinating old district.
Zeebrugge: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 14:00
Ligurian Sea Medley
Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy: Depart 18:00
Santa Margherita, Italy: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
Monte Carlo, Monaco: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 12:00
St-Tropez, France: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 22:00
St-Tropez has earned its glamorous reputation as a summer playground for celebrities, artists and writers. At the height of its popularity during the 1950s and 60s, one could easily find Pablo Picasso, Francoise Sagan, Jacques Prévet and the classic movie actress Brigitte Bardot vacationing here. Its famous beaches are still frequented by affluent guests who seek a lively night life and a piece of the \"St-Trop\" allure. Magnificent yachts line the port, as their owners rival to achieve titles for who has the biggest, the most luxurious or the best-kept vessel, or for which vessel has the most enthusiastic crew. You will certainly be enticed by the colorful sights and sounds of this \"Gem of the Provençal Culture.\"
Central Mediterranean
Cruise Ship: Azura
Malaga: Arrive 07:00 - Depart 18:00
Situated in the heart of Andalusia, Malaga offers a rich blend of old and new. In its attractive old quarter you'll find the majority of its highlights. Visit the Gibralfaro Castle and its magnificent cathedral. Fine food, stunning gardens, an array of museums and bustling avenidas give this city charm and vitality. Home to the great artist Pablo Picasso, you'll also find several art galleries showcasing his work.
Messina: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
The island of Sicily is separated from Italy by the Strait of Messina, and retains an air of independence from its motherland. Messina, has wide avenues, a stunning harbour and is located close to the classical ruins of Tindari and the ancient city of Taormina. A mountainous and rugged land, Sicily is dominated by Europe's largest volcano, Mt. Etna. With four live craters around its summit, this is one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
Mykonos: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
Piraeus: Arrive 05:30 - Depart 19:00
The Acropolis – 'High City' - will always be the top attraction from Athens' cruise port Piraeus. With its 2,500-year-old Parthenon, temple to Poseidon and Athena, Odeon of Herodus Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, it quite literally stands out as an oasis of calm in the frenetic Greek capital. As part of the major revamp the city had for the 2004 Olympics, 400 modern buildings were cleared from the ancient meeting place next to the Acropolis, the Agora, which was then restored and linked by walkways to the Acropolis, Hadrian's Arch, the Academy of Plato and the Monastery of Daphne. Other nearby ancient sites include the Roman Tower of the Winds and the Hill of the Muses where Socrates is said to have drunk hemlock. Below the Acropolis is the fun place to shop or barter, eat moussaka or Greek salad, drink wine or ouzo and, of course, to people-watch: the 3,000-year-old Plaka.
Santorini: Arrive 08:00 - Depart 18:00
Katakolon: Arrive 09:00 - Depart 17:00
A small port on the west coast of the Peloponnese, Katakolon's prime importance is its proximity to the ancient site of Olympia. Here, long before the birth of Jesus, you would have found one of the richest, most beautiful and most highly civilised places the world had ever seen and the original site of the earliest Olympic Games.
Gibraltar: Arrive 13:00 - Depart 19:00
02-Sep-2019 - £More Information
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Rising Afro-pop star, Lefttizle has fulfilled his promise as he drops his highly anticipated single titled "Stay By Me" featuring Flowking Stone.
The song, according to the Odams Music label artiste, is dedicated to all lovers who are doing everything possible to keep their partners by their side.
In the mid-tempo Afro-pop song, Lefttizle opens the floor with a romantic chorus. Then, Flowking Stone hops on the beat with some stupefying verses.
"Stay By Me" is another masterclass work of Tubhani Muzik, the same producer of award-winning song "Go Low".
Download and listen to "Stay By Me" below, and don't forget to share your views with us.
Next articleSamini to rock 4th Madaraka Festival Concert.


We went to Quiapo and looked at all these pirated DVDs and VCD stalls. It was a whole building just filled with stalls of pirated shows. There were movies from Hollywood, anime from Japan, documentaries, etc. etc. There were softwares too.
It rained the day we decided to go to Quiapo. I waited for her in McDonald's Philcoa. I ordered then drank hot chocolate while waiting for her. Inside behind the glass wall, I stared at her as she walked towards where I was. We waited inside for the rain to subside. We talked, I can't recall what we talked about. We've been to several dates before that. We watched movies, we ate, we went to this cafe once where we drank cold expensive frothy coffee. She invited me there because she said it's where she often worked with her classmates on their projects. All I got from that experience was that it was cold and that you'd have to take a tricycle to get there. I think I was reading something about Rizal. I looked at her handwriting. She has beautiful, clean, precise handwriting. She is very organized. My mind was frozen inside that place. I couldn't think.
I was at the back because I always sit at the back. She was at the back because she was always late. She talks to me when I only wanted to listen to the lecture. So I listen to her. I listen to the lecture too. The professor does not see us because we are at the back. She likes to eat sometimes during class. One time she bought a Baby Ruth candy bar. She rarely takes notes. She asks for my notes after class. She has shoulder length black hair. She always wears shorts. She always wears t-shirts with words on them. Org shirts. Event shirts. Commemoration shirts. High school reunion shirts. She has a Lacoste shirt colored purple. She wears glasses. She wears flip-flops. The only time I saw her wearing jeans she was also wearing sneakers. The sneakers were white. She tells me about her favorite professors, her favorite topics, her favorite movies, her favorite shows (she really likes Glee). I tell her my favorite movie is Fight Club. I like reading funny stories. I like making people laugh. She likes making people laugh too. She once won an essay-writing contest. I was awarded once by the principal back when I was in high school for being the most active library user. She asked me to watch a movie with her sometime. There were free movie screenings in the University Film Theatre. I said okay. It was a lesbian film. From what I could make out of the darkness, there were not much people in the theatre. We sat side by side. She was texting someone. I could see the blue light from the cellphone screen reflected on her face in the darkness. We went out several times after that. We watched a movie. We watched a play. We watched more movies. I lent her some of my DVD's. I never got any of them back. We went out to the old part of the city. We walked the streets and looked at the stalls, the people and the architecture. We looked at the house of Gregoria de Jesus. She took photos. It was raining earlier that day but it later subsided. We got wet on the way to the old city because water from the puddles splashed inside the vehicle we were in. It was cold.
In the reception area of the dormitory, we sat and ate while watching television. There were a lot of people gathered in front of the tv screen because it was the Miss Universe finals. We ate spaghetti. A short news update that day: a young rising star was found dead inside his apartment. This young rising actor was well-loved. I was surprised with her comment that the young actor committed suicide. She has inside information because she has worked with entertainment industry people and that was that filtered through the grapevine. What struck me was the way she said this, like his suicide wasn't such a big deal really. And in a sense it really wasn't such a big deal in her world, and in mine too.
I always sat at the back because that's how I usually sit. I have a strategic position in every classroom that I maintain: at the backrow, second chair to the right. She always sat at the back near me because she's always late. That class was twice a week, and I looked forward to that class after befriending her. I recall the first times she went to class she sat at the row ahead of me. But then she sat by my side the rest of that semester.
Our class went to see a play. I kept the half of the ticket in my wallet for a long time after that. I also kept the ticket they gave us in the lesbian film festival. I think I paid five pesos for that ticket.
It was fun. The atmosphere was carnival-like – lots of people, groups carrying flags, there were people who sold stuff like Che Guevara t-shirts, punk shirts, etc. She let me use one of her cameras and I basically followed her around like a puppy. When the protesters burned this effigy, the smoke billowed around us and I wet my handkerchief and gave it to her to wipe her eyes with. She wore a purple Lacoste shirt and jean shorts which showed her white legs. People talked to her in English, thinking she's American. We saw a busload of delegates from other countries pass by. It rained later that day.
We were in the mall, talking. I don't remember now what we were talking about. It must have been historical, since we stopped for a long time watching this display of historical things. Inside the mall, on the ground floor, in the center of the wide immaculate expanse, were set-up these display booths showcasing large tarpaulins with images and text printed on them. One that caught my eye was the display on the revolutionary-dubbed-bandit Macario Sakay. In the accompanying image, it shows him having long hair and sitting along with other uniformed officers of the Revolution. In a separate and smaller tarpaulin, there was an article and image detailing the amulet used by Macario Sakay. It was a small, white jacket, I surmised must be worn behind the shirt, in contact with the skin. It had Latin words written all over it, and images such as an all-seeing eye, a pyramid, a cross, and I think I also saw a heart. Not the emoticon kind of heart, but the semi-anatomically correct heart one often sees on old antique statuettes of Christ.
In another earlier time in a similar place, we watched a movie together. In this movie, insectoid aliens have landed on earth. Years pass and we find that they are being contained in this ghetto/camp. I have watched the movie already before with friends. She said she has not seen the movie, so I thought we should go and watch it. I remember the blue light of her cellphone screen, illuminating her face in the darkness of the theatre. She was staring at her phone. I was looking at her. Later, we went out to the open space outside the mall where she could smoke. She was telling me about this professor of hers, a favorite of hers. We talked of the future. I told her of a dream of mine to open a cafe inside a library where I would support all artistic people in their activities. I would support, because I would be very rich in that future time, various cultural endeavours. Paintings. Books. She said she has a similar plan. But foremost in her mind is to have her own house. She would then decorate its walls with framed artworks made by her and her sister. We sat and talked and I watched the white smoke she has exhaled as it rose up and dissolved into the air.
Alone, I stood behind the clear plexiglass wall. I looked below at the people. They were so small and busy, going on to work or school, underneath the heat. It was very cool inside the mall. The white square tiles were clean and shiny, reflecting the flourescent lights on the ceiling. The atmosphere reminded me of a hospital room I was in before, only without the smell of antiseptic alcohol, bleach and medicine, and also without the constant but subdued hum of people talking and walking. I sent her a message on the phone asking how she's been doing lately. We haven't seen each other for almost a whole semester. I've had some personal issues to deal with the months before and was unable to summon the right mindset to reply to her messages. She replied that she's in the hospital, just some gastroenteritis.
I recite her name like a mantra to drive away all the sufferings. It doesn't work, but subjectively, inside my head, it works. It doesn't make sense I know. I thought of methods, techniques. One is I flood my head with memories of her. I recall details about her and then hold on to them as long as I can. She had curly black hair. One time she showed up to our date with frizzled unkempt hair. She wore black-rimmed glasses. She has thick, constantly chapped lips. That day inside the airconditioned fastfood place where we were eating and studying, she smelled like milk – sour and sweet. She does not paint her nails, they are always clean and short. She has the most delicate-looking fingers.
The first and only time I saw her wearing jeans, she wore a green polo shirt. I don't know whether this was before the fastfood episode or after. So she wore blue jeans, shoes (running shoes. it surprised me how small and dainty those shoes were. she usually wears flip-flops around the campus), and most importantly, her hair was short. It was also straight. We were in the library that time and I promised her I would help her with an assigment or something. I had nothing to do that day. I finished all my requirements already. I waited hours. She's usually late.
One time in the library of her college, she showed up wearing jeans and a shirt probably of purple color. Every time I think of her, I think of her wearing that shirt. It was thick T-shirt with a green Lacoste alligator logo on the left breast. I remember her eyelashes – so thick. I remember her teeth, not so good, kinda yellowish and one has a bit of discoloration from cavities I think. She has a dainty nose. She always wore glasses. She has black and long and wiry hair. Sometimes she doesn't comb them so you could see the split-ends. The last time we met I think she had it cut off to just about neck-length. It looked good on her.
We visited the house of Gregoria de Jesus. It was an old building and badly -maintained. You could still see the old architectural details, like the balustrades and the windows. There was a historical marker there saying that Gregoria de Jesus, the wife of Bonifacio remarried after he was killed. Her next husband was an architect.
We went inside the Quiapo Church. We saw one of the old ladies by the entrance of the church, the ones who will pray for you if you pay them. We saw one knee-walking the aisle from the back towards the altar. I wore my Buddha shirt.
She took photos. We talked about her favorite professors on the way back from Quiapo.
I can't recall the last time I saw her. I can't recall what happened during the last time we met. I can't recall what the last words were that we exchanged. I do remember that I sent her a message saying I wanted to kiss her. I did not get a reply immediately. I was particulary overbold that time (early morning) because I was slightly drunk. I got very little sleep. That was the context of that message. And her reply was an apology. In the text message I got near the afternoon, she said she was sorry she was unable to reply because she was already asleep.
This entry was posted in fiction and tagged anti-government protests, college stories, Gregoria de Jesus, love stories, love story, manila architecture, memory, nostalgia, philippines, pinas, pinoy, Quiapo Church, suicide. Bookmark the permalink.


text:
Turkish international Topal leaves Fenerbahce
Mehmet Topal, Fenerbahce mutually agree to terminate contract
Turkish International footballer Mehmet Topal has left Fenerbahce on Wednesday at the age of 33. Mehmet Topal terminated his contract with Fenerbahce with mutual agreement, the club announced in a statement. The midfielder -- whose contract with Fenerbahce was until June 2020 -- is currently without club. Topal joined Fenerbahce in July 2012 after a two-year spell with Valencia.
In a statement shared with social media, Topal reflected on his career and gratitude to Fenerbahce club and its fans.
"I will always cherish the striped uniform that I sweated for seven years, which I won championships, titles with," he said.
He scored 3 goals in 36 matches last season for Fenerbahce, accumulating a total of 24 goals in 298 matches throughout the seven years with the club.
Before Fenerbahce, he also played in La Liga for Valencia and Turkey's Galatasaray in his career.
FenerbahceMehmet Topal

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


photo by yearbook staff Guest Speaker Calvin Terrell holds up his mic to encourage student engagement with his message during the all-school assembly on Sept. 6.
Many students who attended the Sept. 6 school-wide assembly with speaker Calvin Terrell filed out of the Main Gym that morning with a sense of unity.
The event ended with friends and acquaintances holding one another in tears while the audience was left with a strong message about embracing diversity.
"That quote really resonated with me and made me think about how my words, both good and bad, can impact someone," Junior Damia Ali said.
Calvin Terrell is a founder of Equity Coach of Social Centric Institute, an organization made to train all ages to be educated on diversity and to enhance their interactions for global progress. Terrell has led workshops for more than twenty years, focusing on valuing diversity, equity and justice in schools and other workplaces.
Terrell's presentation addressed some controversial topics, including social, physical and mental violence, as well as the history of racism and the impact of discrimination. Audience members were moved to tears when Terrell spoke about the deaths of family members and close friends. Many more tears were shed when students lined up at the microphone to talk about the hardships of their life. Their words left a packed Main Gym in silence.
He added that he has seen youth not recognize their capabilities and powers because of how the world has said that the youth is just too young to make any big changes.
"I think the concept of a teenager is designed to trick people of their power because there are people who do not want to have young people formalize and systemize structural decisions," he said.
As a result, Terrell speaks to youth across the nation in order to help empower them to make decisions that transform their communities and to let people know about the injustices of the world.
"Over half of the problems that occur within our society we don't hear about, so for Calvin to come and speak our reality, [it] was so powerful, and it opened a lot of hearts and minds," Senior Khari Thompkins said.
At this time, he asked those in the room to answer the questions: "What are you dealing with, and what do you wish for?" After a long moment of silence, people slowly but courageously started to share their responses. Students described situations ranging from parental issues to mental issues and various other insecurities.
Terrell called these students warriors. He described people who were willing to have these hard conversations as warriors, and he added that everyone has the capability of becoming a warrior, which means having the courage to speak one's truth.
With the intention of opening up more students' hearts, Terrell also offered opportunities for debate. Terrell listened to any disagreements and then rebutted with facts. Students recognized the reason for this discussion strategy.
Terrell has worked to perfect his message after interacting with thousands of students and watching them grow from his time with them.
He described peacemaking as a puzzle and explained that it requires confronting diseases and illnesses and discussing what separates us all and brings us back together.
Overall, Terrell urged people at MHS to make a difference. He further said that sitting back and not doing anything wrong does not make it a right.
As the president of Black Student Union and a member of Diversity Club Khari Thompkins, senior, said she has plans to continue to make safe places for students to speak their truth.
Other students also are looking at ways to influence the people around them and even themselves after this experience.
After students heard Terrell speak throughout the two days at the assembly, during lunch periods and at an all-day workshop for invited student leaders, they learned to latch on to new values.
"My biggest takeaway was that even if I'm having a bad day, even if I'm tired or irritated, that I should always be mindful of my actions and the things I say," Damia Ali, junior, said.
Having Terrell come into the school and leave a lasting impact on so many students was evident after the constant talk about his presentations.
"It was something we needed; it was a wakeup call," Thompkins said.
But as Terrell and other students recognized, for the days with Terrell to have any real impact, students will have to find ways to be warriors in the days, weeks and years that follow.


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text:
Михаи́л Ефи́мович Фрадко́в (род. 1 сентября 1950, село Курумоч, Красноярский район, Куйбышевская область) — российский государственный деятель, директор Российского института стратегических исследований с 4 января 2017 года.

Директор Службы внешней разведки Российской Федерации (2007—2016). Постоянный член Совета безопасности Российской Федерации (24 апреля 2004 — 5 октября 2016). С 5 марта 2004 по 12 сентября 2007 года — Председатель Правительства России (с формальным перерывом с 7 по 12 мая 2004 года, когда, согласно Конституции, его правительство сложило полномочия перед переизбранным на второй срок Президентом, но уже через пять дней было повторно утверждено Государственной Думой). 12—14 сентября 2007 года исполнял обязанности Председателя Правительства до формирования нового состава Правительства во главе с Виктором Зубковым.

Кандидат экономических наук (тема диссертации: «Современные тенденции международных экономических отношений и внешнеэкономические связи России»). Владеет английским и испанским языками.

Классный чин гражданской службы — «Действительный государственный советник Российской Федерации I класса» (2000). Воинское звание — полковник запаса. Полный кавалер ордена «За заслуги перед Отечеством».

Биография
Родился в селе Курумоч Красноярского района Куйбышевской области. Обучался в Москве в школе, ныне являющейся школой № 710 РАО.

В 1972 окончил с красным дипломом Московский станкоинструментальный институт по специальности «инженер-механик». С 1973 — сотрудник аппарата экономического советника посольства СССР в Индии. С 1975 работал во Всесоюзном объединении «Тяжпромэкспорт».

В 1981 году окончил Всесоюзную академию внешней торговли. С 1984 — заместитель начальника Главного управления поставок Госкомитета СССР по экономическим связям. С 1988 — заместитель начальника, первый заместитель начальника Главного управления координации и регулирования внешних экономических операций Министерства внешнеэкономических связей СССР.

С 1991 года — старший советник постоянного представителя России при отделении ООН и других международных организаций в Женеве, представитель России при организации «Генеральное соглашение по тарифам и торговле» (ГАТТ). С октября 1992 — заместитель министра внешнеэкономических связей России. С октября 1993 — первый заместитель министра внешнеэкономических связей Российской Федерации. С марта 1997 — и. о. министра внешнеэкономических связей и торговли Российской Федерации. С апреля 1997 — министр внешнеэкономических связей и торговли Российской Федерации.

Исполнял обязанности министра в марте-апреле 1998 до реорганизации ведомства в Министерство внешнеэкономических связей и торговли Российской Федерации. Сложил полномочия в июле 1998 в связи ликвидацией Министерства.

В мае 1998 избран председателем совета директоров страхового общества «Ингосстрах», с февраля 1999 — генеральный директор компании. В мае 1999 назначен министром торговли Российской Федерации в правительстве Сергея Степашина.

В мае 2000 подал в отставку вместе со всеми членами Правительства Российской Федерации, 31 мая назначен первым заместителем секретаря Совета Безопасности Российской Федерации, курировал экономическую безопасность.

28 марта 2001 назначен директором Федеральной службы налоговой полиции Российской Федерации (ФСНП России).

11 марта 2003 ФСНП России была упразднена, а Михаил Фрадков в мае 2003 назначен полномочным представителем России при Евросоюзе в ранге федерального министра. В этом качестве был представлен на саммите Россия — Европейский союз 31 мая 2003 в Стрельне.

В июне 2003 назначен также специальным представителем Президента России по вопросам развития отношений с Евросоюзом.

В 2004—2007 годах занимал пост Председателя Правительства Российской Федерации.

Председатель Правительства Российской Федерации (2004—2007)
Сменив своего предшественника Михаила Касьянова в марте 2004, Фрадков на посту Председателя Правительства Российской Федерации.

По мнению многих аналитиков, был так называемым «техническим премьером», не проводившим самостоятельной политики. Все ключевые решения принимались Администрацией президента РФ, считает заместитель гендиректора «Центра политических технологий» Алексей Макаркин.

Деятельность правительства Фрадкова была отмечена следующими шагами:

 Административная реформа (реорганизация правительственных ведомств) (2004)
 «Монетизация социальных льгот» — замена натуральных социальных льгот денежными компенсациями, вызвала протесты в начале 2005 года (2004)
 Начало реализации проекта «Доступное и комфортное жильё — гражданам России»,
 Начало реализации Национального проекта «Здоровье»
 Начало реализации Национального проекта «Образование»
 Начало реформы ЖКХ, направленной на привлечение бизнеса в сферу ЖКХ, развитие жилищного строительства, в том числе ипотеки. В итоге, на момент ухода в отставку правительства, ипотеку могли себе позволить около 15 % россиян, коммерческие структуры не стали активно работать в секторе ЖКХ.
 Внедрение системы ЕГАИС (N 102-ФЗ от 21 июля 2005), предназначенной для автоматизации государственного контроля над объёмом производства и оборота этилового спирта, алкогольной и спиртосодержащей продукции. Внедрение сопровождалось техническими неполадками, вызвавшими алкогольный кризис в первой половине 2006 года.

14 ноября 2005 Владимир Путин ввёл две новые должности в правительстве, тем самым ещё более урезав полномочия премьера. Руководитель Администрации президента Российской Федерации Дмитрий Медведев стал первым заместителем председателя, отвечающим за реализацию так называемых приоритетных национальных проектов, а министр обороны Российской Федерации Сергей Иванов — заместителем председателя, курирующим оборону и оборонно-промышленный комплекс.

В 2006 году получил доход в размере 2,59 млн рублей, увеличив доход по отношению к 2005 году (1,8 миллиона) на 44 %.

12 сентября 2007 года на встрече с президентом Российской Федерации обратился к нему с просьбой об отставке Правительства, мотивируя её следующим образом:

Понимая, вот, происходящие политические процессы сегодня, я бы хотел, чтобы у вас была полная свобода в выборе решений, включая кадровые. И, я думаю, что правильно было бы, с моей стороны, выйти с инициативой освободить должность председателя правительства для того, чтобы у вас не было никаких ограничений в принятии решений и устраивания, вот, властной конфигурации, в связи с предстоящими политическими событиями.

Президент принял отставку правительства и поблагодарил Фрадкова за достигнутые результаты в работе. Путин отметил такие достижения правительства, как хорошие темпы роста экономики, снижение инфляции, рост реальных доходов населения, начало осуществления крупных социальных проектов. При этом президент предложил Фрадкову исполнять обязанности председателя правительства вплоть до одобрения Госдумой кандидатуры нового премьера.

По опросу Фонда общественного мнения, проведённому после отставки Фрадкова с поста председателя Правительства, большинство россиян не смогли назвать никаких достижений (80 %) или неудач (75 %) в деятельности бывшего председателя правительства на своём посту. Ещё в ноябре 2005 года британские эксперты предсказывали уход Михаила Фрадкова с должности председателя правительства.

Дальнейшая карьера

С 9 октября 2007 года — директор Службы внешней разведки Российской Федерации. Был назначен на эту должность президентом Путиным вместо Сергея Лебедева, ставшего исполнительным секретарём СНГ.

22 сентября 2016 года Президент России предложил занять должность руководителя Службы внешней разведки С. Е. Нарышкину. М. Е. Фрадкову предложено перейти на работу в ОАО «РЖД» на должность Председателя совета директоров, однако назначение не состоялось. Освобождён от должности директора СВР России в связи с выходом на пенсию и выведен из состава Совета безопасности Российской Федерации с 5 октября 2016 года.

Указом Президента России от 2 ноября 2016 года назначен директором ФГНБУ «Российский институт стратегических исследований» с 4 января 2017 года. Также Фрадков возглавляет Совет директоров концерна «Алмаз-Антей».

Санкции

25 июля 2014 года внесен в санкционный список всех стран Евросоюза за «активную поддержку сепаратистских действий или политик».

6 апреля 2018 года включён в санкционный «Кремлёвский список» США в числе 17 чиновников и 7 бизнесменов из России, приближённых к В. Путину.

Также находится в санкционных списках Великобритании, Канады, Австралии, Украины и Швейцарии

Семья
Отец Михаила Фрадкова — еврей, мать — русская.

Женат. Супруга Елена Олеговна по образованию экономист, ранее работала ведущим специалистом по маркетингу Центра международной торговли, сейчас занимается домашним хозяйством. Имеет двоих сыновей:

 Старший сын, Пётр Фрадков (род. 1978) — председатель ПАО «Промсвязьбанк», ранее генеральный директор АО «Российский экспортный центр» и первый заместитель председателя — член правления Внешэкономбанка. Женат, есть дочь.
 Младший сын, Павел (род. 1981), окончил Суворовское училище, поступил в Академию ФСБ России. В 2003 году поступил в Дипломатическую академию МИД России на факультет мировой экономики. В 2005 году принят в департамент общеевропейского сотрудничества МИД России на должность третьего секретаря. В соответствии с приказом министра экономического развития Российской Федерации № 2076-л от 27 августа 2012 года назначен заместителем руководителя Федерального агентства по управлению государственным имуществом. Указом Президента Российской Федерации от 21 мая 2015 года № 256 назначен заместителем управляющего делами Президента Российской Федерации. Женат, есть сын и дочь.

Доходы
За 2011 год Михаил Фрадков официально заработал 5,2 миллиона рублей, причём за год до этого его доходы были гораздо выше и равнялись 7,1 миллиону рублей в год, что в обоих случаях значительно превышало аналогичный доход президента Медведева.

В 2014 году официальные доходы Фрадкова составили 22,1 миллиона рублей. В его собственности также находился земельный участок площадью 1,003 га, дача площадью 301,7 м², квартира площадью 587,6 м² и два машиноместа.

Увлечения
Болеет за московский футбольный клуб «Спартак».

Награды

 Орден Святого Георгия IV степени (2016 год)
 Орден Александра Невского
 Орден «За заслуги перед Отечеством» I степени (12 сентября 2007 года) — за выдающийся вклад в реализацию социально-экономической политики государства
 Орден «За заслуги перед Отечеством» II степени (1 сентября 2005 года) — за большой личный вклад в проведение государственной экономической политики и многолетнюю добросовестную работу
 Орден Мужества (2022)
 Орден Почёта
 Медаль «В память 850-летия Москвы»
 Медаль «За доблестный труд. В ознаменование 100-летия со дня рождения В. И. Ленина»
 «Почетный сотрудник контрразведки России» — за укрепление связей между Министерством внешнеэкономических связей и Федеральной службой контрразведки.

Примечания

Ссылки

 Формирование нового правительства России
 Фрадков Михаил Ефимович — Директор Службы внешней разведки Российской Федерации
 Биография на сайте Президента России
 Биография на сайте Правительства Российской Федерации

Родившиеся в Красноярском районе (Самарская область)
Выпускники МГТУ Станкин
Выпускники ВАВТ
Председатели Правительства РФ
Министры внешних экономических связей Российской Федерации
Министры торговли Российской Федерации
Директора СВР
Сотрудники Службы внешней разведки России
Члены Национального антитеррористического комитета
Члены КПСС
Члены Совета безопасности России
Директора ФСНП
Полные кавалеры ордена «За заслуги перед Отечеством»
Действительные государственные советники Российской Федерации 1-го класса
Постоянные представители Российской Федерации при ЕС
Россия и Европейский союз
Полковники (Российская Федерация)
Алмаз-Антей
Специальные представители Президента Российской Федерации
Политики XXI века
Сотрудники Российского института стратегических исследований
Исполняющие обязанности председателя Правительства Российской Федерации
Второе правительство Фрадкова
Лица, подвергнутые санкциям в связи с конфликтом на Украине
Статьи с эдитнотисом об осторожности при редактировании

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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Q: Geo location into php? I've got a db full of pretty geo locations. lng and lat's, the question is. I've found a nifty little sql select that will help me compare the geo locations, and pick the ones from my DB that are the closests, but im afraid i need to use my current geo location to find out which is nearest, so how would i go about putting it into the SQL selection?
Code below is the ' nifty ' select.
SELECT latitude, longitude, SQRT(
    POW(69.1 * (latitude - [startlat]), 2) +
    POW(69.1 * ([startlng] - longitude) * COS(latitude / 57.3), 2)) AS distance
FROM TableName HAVING distance < 25 ORDER BY distance;

A: Lots of ways you could do that i'd recommend fetching the geolocation of your current location first and storing lat/lng in a session/cookie or even in the database first. Then applying it to the SQL.
This might contain the answer - Get latitude and longitude automatically using php, API

A: What you first need to learn is how to retrieve database information, through PHP, in your front end, by using AJAX for example. First know how to work with Database <-> PHP <-> Javascript. You can't do this: Database <-> javascript. So do not ask how to that as it is impossible.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Drop your children off at the Knox County YMCA for a fun-filled night! Finish up your last minute Christmas shopping or enjoy dinner with someone special.
We'll be showing a family holiday movie, serving pizza, making crafts, and face painting. There will also be a few giveaways including a free session of swim lessons and a free youth sports program!
Register at the Member Service Desk by Monday, December 10th.
This event is for children ages 4-12 years. Childwatch available for those 6 weeks-3 years.


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Jonah Hill Will No Longer Make Media Appearances After Revealing 20-Year Battle With Anxiety
Jonah Hill will no longer make public appearances to promote his films.
The Moneyball actor, who recently finished filming the mental health documentary Stutz, explained in an open letter published by Rolling Stone, that he won't be doing media appearances in order to "protect himself."
He wrote, "Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events. You won't see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films, while I take this important step to protect myself."
He added, "I usually cringe at letters or statements like this but I understand that I am of the privileged few who can afford to take time off. I won't lose my job while working on my anxiety. With this letter and with Stutz, I'm hoping to make it more normal for people to talk and act on this stuff. So they can take steps towards feeling better and so that the people in their lives might understand their issues more clearly."
In addition to Stutz, Hill co-wrote and stars in the Netflix film You People, which comes out later this year.
Here is Jonah's full letter via Rolling Stone:
"I have finished directing my second film, a documentary about me and my therapist which explores mental health in general called Stutz. The whole purpose of making this film is to give therapy and the tools I've learned in therapy to a wide audience for private use through an entertaining film.
"Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public-facing events.
"I am so grateful that the film will make its world premiere at a prestigious film festival this fall, and I can't wait to share it with audiences around the world in the hope that it will help those struggling. However, you won't see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films, while I take this important step to protect myself. If I made myself sicker by going out there and promoting it, I wouldn't be acting true to myself or to the film.
"I usually cringe at letters or statements like this but I understand that I am of the privileged few who can afford to take time off. I won't lose my job while working on my anxiety. With this letter and with Stutz, I'm hoping to make it more normal for people to talk and act on this stuff. So they can take steps towards feeling better and so that the people in their lives might understand their issues more clearly."I hope the work will speak for itself and I'm grateful to my collaborators, my business partners and to all reading this for your understanding and support. -Jonah Hill
"I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public-facing events," Jonah Hill wrote in a candid letter Wednesday. https://t.co/KRss3Lj3tL
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 18, 2022


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Posts Tagged 'Peru'
Drought Causes Amazon Rainforest Trees to 'Inhale' Less Carbon from the Atmosphere
March 6, 2015 crisisboom	Comments off
scienceworldreport.com
Catherine Griffin
For the first time ever, scientists have discovered direct evidence of the rate at which individual trees in the Amazon rainforest "inhale" carbon from the atmosphere during a severe drought. (Photo : Flickr/Mark Goble)
For the first time ever, scientists have discovered direct evidence of the rate at which individual trees in the Amazon rainforest "inhale" carbon from the atmosphere during a severe drought. The findings could be huge when it comes to calculating how much these forests contribute to carbon capture and storage in the future.
Scientists have long suspected that drought influences how much carbon trees manage to capture and store. The extent of that influence has long remained a mystery-until now. Scientists measured the growth and photosynthesis rates of trees at 13 rainforest plots across Brazil, Peru and Bolivia, comparing plots that were affected by the strong drought of 2010 with unaffected plots.
Each of the plots contained between 400 to 500 trees. In addition, the rainforest plots that were chosen were
Categories: Rainforest Tags: Amazon, Bolivia, brazil, carbon dioxide, Peru, Rain Forest
1,200 dead pelicans wash ashore on beach in Peru
May 8, 2012 crisisboom	Comments off
A child looks on as a dead pelican lies on Cerro Azul beach in Canete, Lima May 6, 2012.
Credit: Reuters/Mariana Bazo
It's that time of year again, that time being whenever it is that unexplained mass animal deaths occur.
Wildlife experts were at a loss in early 2011 to explain the mass bird and fish deaths that seemed to occur with alarming regularity, prompting religious fanatics to proclaim the end of days were upon us. Since that time, many of these phenomena have been explained as effects of bad weather or a reaction to a New Year's Eve fireworks.
No official word has yet been offered for Read more…
Categories: Animal deaths, Strange Events Tags: animal deaths, mysterious Bird and Fish Deaths, Peru, strange
6.3 Peru Earthquake: Tremor Strikes Central Coastline
January 30, 2012 crisisboom	Comments off
ibtimes.com
A powerful earthquake of 6.3-magnitide has struck the central coastline of Peru, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Peruvian officials said at least 110 people have been injured by the quake; however, it is too early to assess the overall damage wrought by the natural disaster.
"The majority [of wounded] are suffering trauma and cuts," Fernando Leon Castaneda, manager of a local hospital, told Radio Programas del Peru (RPP).
The tremor hit right after midnight, with its epicenter about 9 miles southeast of the city of Ica. Reportedly, it was felt across the southern and central parts of the mountainous Andes nation.
Ica is about 168 miles south of the capital city of Lima.
Ica itself has suffered damage to some buildings, as well as the loss of electrical power.
"We felt a terrible earthquake that's really scared us," Ica resident Blanca Cabanilla told the local radio. "It was similar to Read more…
Categories: Earthquake, Peru Tags: earthquake, Peru
Riddle in the sands: Thousands of strange 'Nazca Lines' discovered in the Middle East
September 16, 2011 crisisboom	1 comment
Peru's Nazca Lines, the mysterious geoglyphs etched into the desert centuries ago by indigenous groups, are world famous – and now thousands of similar patterns have been found in the Middle East.
Satellite and aerial photography has revealed mysterious stone 'wheels' that are more numerous and older than the Nazca Lines in countries such as Syria, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The structures are thought to date back 2,000 years, but why they were built is baffling archaeologists and historians.
Ancient mystery: Read more…
Categories: Ancient History, Middle East Tags: Ancient History, Jordan, middle east, Nazca lines, Peru, satellites, Saudi Arabia, Syria
Giant statue of Jesus Christ opened in Peru
June 30, 2011 crisisboom	Comments off
The statue, which was built in Brazil and shipped to Lima, is 37 metres (122ft) tall when its 15 metre (49ft) pedestal is taken into account Photo: AFP/GETTY
President Alan Garcia formally opened the monument, known as Cristo del Pacifico or Christ of the Pacific, on a hill in the capital Lima.
He personally helped fund the cost of the statue to the tune of around 100,000 Peruvian soles (£22,000) and has said it will "bless and protect Lima".
But he has faced strong criticism from several quarters, with many seeing it as a vanity project he chose to pursue before leaving office at the end of July.
Susana Villaran, the Mayor of Lima, condemned the lack of consultation over Read more…
Categories: Peru Tags: brazil, Christ the Redeemer, Cristo del Pacifico, Jesus, Lima, Peru
Indonesia Hit By Strong Earthquake, Latest On Ring Of Fire
irishweatheronline
Ring of Fire pictured left with earthquakes from last 7 days (right). Quake data by earthquakes.tafoni.net
Indonesia was hit by a large earthquake and a series of strong tremors Sunday afternoon. A 6.5 magnitude quake, the latest in string of strong quakes to hit the Pacific Ring if Fire region during the last week, struck the country's easternmost Province of Papua 1.16 p.m. GMT.
The quake was centred 53 kilometres (33 miles) northeast of Waren, a town on the northern coast of Papua island, according to Indonesia's Meteorology and Geophysics Agency. It was also felt in nearby Biak island, and Enarotali town on the main island The U.S. Geological Survey put the initial quake's magnitude at 6.4.
The region was hit by at least moderate tremors in the following hours. The tremors measured 5.4 (x2), 5, 4.5 and 4.3 on the Richter Scale. There were no immediate reports of damage and no tsunami warning was issued.
Papua comprises most of the Read more…
Categories: Earthquake Tags: alaska, Antarctica, argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, earthquakes, Fiji, Fox Islands, Indonesia, Japan, New Guinea, Pacific Ocean, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, ring of fire, Samoa, Seismic Activity, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tsunami, Vanuatu
Bilderbergers May Give Green Light to Mexican Central Banker as New IMF Boss
June 8, 2011 crisisboom	Comments off
Business Report today reports that Mexican central banker Agustín Carstens will be the next boss at the International Monetary Fund.
Earlier today, Prison Planet.com editor and lead journalist Paul Joseph Watson reported via video that the new IMF head would be decided this week at the Bilderberg confab.
The Latin America News Dispatch announced Carstens bid on May 25.
According to news reports, a dozen Latin American countries support the appointment of Carstens to head up the globalist loan sharking operation. The countries are Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela.
The nations, a statement said, are convinced "of the need to promote greater participation of emerging economies in the region" in selecting the replacement of Dominique Strauss-Kahn as head of the world finance body.
Strauss-Kahn stepped down from the position after it was alleged he attempted to rape a hotel maid. Some believe Strauss-Kahn was set-up in order to remove him from the IMF.
French Finance Minister Christine Lagarde has also been mentioned as a possible replacement. Both Carstens and Lagarde have embarked on tours to promote their bids.
Agustín Carstens is a top-level insider. He is a Mexican economist who has held high-level positions at the Banco de México, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and Bank of International Settlements.
As an economist, he has advocated an orthodox neoliberal economic approach to the third world and so-called "emerging economies."
Categories: IMF Tags: Agustín Carstens, Belize, Bilderberg, Bolivia, COLOMBIA, Dominican Republic, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Guatemala, Honduras, IMF, International Monetary Fund, New World Order, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
"War Without Borders": Washington Intensifies Push Into Central Asia
If Central Banks Believe in Paper Money Why Are They Loading Up On Gold?
GM foods not served in Monsanto cafeteria
Former head of Israel's National Security Council (NSC): "Israel Prepares for War with Egypt in Sinai Desert"


Sunburns and Bug Bites, Welcome to Summer!
Sunburns right now I use Aloe Vera direct from the plant. I take Vitamin D daily and have a good tan, but get burned some days when I don't pay attention to how long I've been outside.
Bugbites... I eat Garlic daily. Virtually all our cooking includes garlic. I get devoured by Mosquitos in the afternoon. What else can I do to neutralize the bites and prevent future ones.
I never heard that about whiskey! One more reason to occasionally indulge my Jameson's habit.
The only things I have used in the field outside of deet (because I didn't know any better) that seemed to actually work were: rubbing the garlic, rosemary, and basil over my skin. Its easy to carry, and light weight.
And, this is a bit controversial and probably not paleo/primal, but when you drink whiskey your skin emits unfavorable smells that the bugs avoid.
I've heard coconut oil (and other saturated fats, probably) are good for sunburn, both taken internally and applied topically, and for both prevention and healing.
I think I heard that ash prevents bug bites, too, but I can't remember where. And I'm too new to Paleo to have had a chance to test these yet.


Scotland's Lead for Nurture Development. A third sector organisation which supports neighbourhoods understand their role and responsibilities. Activities include walking the streets, visiting individuals at home, linking in with local businesses.
Paramedic with SAS based in Tayside. He is happy for us to job-shadow him to learn more about the service-users that need/request help from SAS. He also has contacts across Scotland so can arrange a meet-up closer to your locality.
Patient [now Care] Opinion. How it works: share your story of using a health service This is sent to staff so that they can learn from it.You might get a response Your story might help staff to change services It would great to understand the experience from a service-users prospective. An interim 'waypoint' on this journey for analysts is the work underway within Healthcare Improvement Scotland, creating visualisations from PO data and discussing these with H&SC Commissioners.
Deputy Assistance Chief Officer for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Spend some time with a fire fighter to understand their role, much more than just fighting fires. An increased focus in community involvement and supporting the wider determinants of health.
An opportunity to learn a little about an experience-based co-design process, Lanarkshire, as a method for improving responses to people who regularly attend the Emergency Department in distress. Project approach being developed.
An opportunity to participate in one or more than one of the DHI/Alliance projects e.g. working on GP digital initiatives.
Balhousie Care group – provides a range of care of care homes in and around Perthshire.
An opportunity to consider data collection, Public Health, and mobile. See and consider AppMovement in general and FeedFinder in particular. There are of course a host of other developments involving citizen-generated (the 'people formerly known as patients', to borrow our CMO's terminology) health and well-being data – such as Cloudy with a Chance of Pain; and the ResearchKit/CareKit-related projects (scroll down the page to find these), but FeedFinder is based on direct contact with public health practitioners, as they re-frame their community-oriented activities and thinking, and opens up especially valuable insights.


More than 20 years ago I graduated in high school. Do the math please, if you are curious on how old I am now, for I don't want to reveal my true age in the blogosphere,lol. It's as if you don't know how to count and you wouldn't be able to guess,lol.
Anyway, enough about my age. It's been 7 months now since I attended our First Grand Alumni and oh boy it was a blast! Meeting old friends, classmates and schoolmates made me wanna go back to that stage where life was worry free and not so complicated as it is now. I guess it's true for most of us who are in their midlife. We wanted to go back in time to relive that old feeling and correct any mistakes made by our unconscious and very young minds.
A few months back, active members of the batch got together and had several meetings. We voted for the officers and yours truly got voted for president. It's a huge responsibility and fortunately the other officers and members are so supportive and thru this blog I commend OUR TEAM for a job well done! Without you guys I would have resigned,hahaha.
In a few days, we will have our Christmas Party/Reunion and I AM SUPER EXCITED! Lots of chatting and dancing will happen and we are crossing our fingers we "oldies" won't trip or step on each others foot.
We encountered a lot of problems along the way but things finally fell into place just a few days ago. Last night we had the last meeting and happy to say that all things are running smoothly. So, we were able to relax and sang a few songs.
To all my batch mates who happen to pass by this blog, we hope to see on Saturday!
Hehe, great times. I bet you miss your mates, I sure do. High-school years – the best years, the golden years. Cheers!


text:
ARTICLES SPEECHES
SEPTEMBER 11, THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CONJUNCTURE (*)
REŞAT ARIM
The general trend seems to be away from the vestiges of the Cold War and towards more international cooperation. If, at the end, the conjuncture consolidates this trend, it can make the World a safer place to live in.
The terror attacks of September 11 on the United States has marked the beginning of a new conjuncture. A unique constellation of forces is emerging. At the present time one can hardly predict what the world will look like when the process will completely settle and the conjuncture take shape.
A terrible force has struck the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. We have seen the most terrible kind of terrorism. This is what has been called asymmetric use of violence. Every country has experienced its impact. The whole civilised world has condemned it and is determined to fight it. Already political, military and legal measures are underway.
The conjuncture will eventually mature at a point in time when the basic components of the puzzle will be put in place. At this early stage we can determine that the process has been set in motion. All the same, there are already certain indications as to the direction in which things will be moving.
One such indication is the way September 11 shock was immediately perceived. Some said the horrific attacks might help usher in the "post post-Cold War era". Some others talked of a second chance to bury the Cold War.1 The reference point was mostly the Cold War. This shows that the period in which we lived contained the remnants of that episode. There is awareness that despite all efforts we could not completely free ourselves from living under the spell of the Cold War climate.
Another indication is the attitude of the main players in the face of such a catastrophe. They were very quick to come forth. NATO countries immediately rallied to the cause. Russia and China were also in the forefront. On the way to a more stable world, September 11 made the road bifurcate. The relationship between US, Russia and China, would determine to a great extend how we shall proceed from that point on. They are the three permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and most directly involved in Central Asia where the fight against terrorism has opened. We shall see how they will act to put in place the missing components of the puzzle; the final shape of the conjuncture will emerge accordingly. To be able to make a guess on the end result, it would be useful to look into the relationship between these three powers.
Relations between US, Russia and China
September 11 being the turning point in an analysis of the relations between these three countries, it would be useful to
1 A Second Chance to Bury the Cold War, International Herald Tribune, 5 Oct 2001.
divide each subject into two chapters: before September 11, after September 11.
US-Russia Relations Before
For our present purposes it would not be necessary to go as far back as the end of the Cold War. It may suffice to start with the Bush Administration. However, it would be useful to relate briefly how the Americans perceived the period since the Cold War. There are those who say that since the Cold War the American policy struggled to find the right approach toward Russia.2 There are others who are of the opinion that the consequences of the change brought about by the end of the Cold War still reverberate.3 Yes, the US is the single most powerful and influential country, but relations with Russia pose problems. A report submitted to the US Congress admitted that in 1992 and 1993 Yeltsin gave the West more than would have seemed possible under Gorbacev. The cutting of aid to the Communist regime in Afghanistan and ordering combat troops out of Cuba are mentioned as examples.4 That period was also described as the honeymoon period. But, slowly starting in 1993 the Russian Federation would take important decisions in foreign policy and the first indication was the declaration of the policy of "near abroad". Again in 1995 there came a decree on the Russian policy toward CIS countries. The objective was further economic integration under Russian leadership. Russia would
2Senator Joseph Biden, US Foreign Policy Agenda, Department of State, March 2001
3 Robert J. Liber, ibid.
4 CRS Issue Brief for Congress, Congressional Research Service, Sept 25, 2001
also try to have a CIS defence alliance. Then we see the "new military doctrine". This doctrine foresaw the use of nuclear force when needed. Such an assertive policy would certainly put an end to the good relations between the US and Russia. Russia also started to balance the worldwide influence of the US by working to create a multi-polarworld.Among other things, Russia endeavoured to build a "strategic partnership" with China. When Kozyrev was replaced by Primakov in 1996 it became clear that the divergence of views between the two countries would deepen.
When Putin came to power it was already apparent that this trend would continue and be strengthened. The "Putin Doctrine" adopted in the year 2000, is contained in documents relating to foreign policy, defence, security and information. It will be useful for our analysis to have a closer look at the document called "The Foreign Policy Concept". Russia is described there as the strongest Eurasian Power. It is asserted that the US strategy of unilateral action may destabilise the world.5 New threats to Russia's national interests come from attempts to establish a unipolar world, dominated economically and militarily by the US. It is concluded that Russia will endeavour to establish a multilateral system for international relations. Russia would make a global effort to support the United Nations and its Security Council against US attempts to control the World.
So, when President Bush took over suggestions were mostly about the way his Administration could use to discourage the Russian behaviour. In December 2000 Condoleeza Rice would say that US
5 Ariel Cohen, Putin's Foreign Policy and US-Russian Relations, The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder, Jan 18, 2001
policy should concentrate on the important security agenda with Russia.6 However after one year in office, the Administration started to give more positive signals. Colin Powell in his remarks on March 2001 said that the US wanted to be good friends with Russia.7
Oil and gas resources of the countries of Caspian and Central Asia are important for US, Russia and China. They have already become a bone of contention between US and Russia. China is slowly entering the game. It would therefore be appropriate to look into this question here in the section dealing with US-Russian relations.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are rich in oil and gas. How rich? Estimates of oil reserves vary between 25 to 85 billion barrels. Natural gas reserves are quoted 6 to 11 trillion cubic feet. Production figures may give us an idea as to their capacity.
Azerbaijan oil fields are Chiraq, Guneshli and Azeri. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline project envisages the transportation of oil with a capacity of 50 million tons per annum. Kazakhstan is developing the Tengiz and Korolev oil fields in partnership with the Chevron Company of the US. The production of the Tengiz field is already being taken to the Russian port of Novorossisk trough a pipeline formed by international companies. The pipeline is 1.500 km long and will carry initially 28 million tons of oil per year and later 67 millions tons. Turkmenistan produced 0.5 trillion cubic feet of gas in 1998.
6 Condolezza Rice, Chicago Tribune, Dec 31 2000, ibid.
7Colin Powell, Remarks to the National Newspaper Association, March,23,2001, ibid.
For the time-being transportation of oil from the Caspian region is mainly to the West, therefore the rivalry has been mostly between the US and Russia regarding the export routes. Soviet Union was one of the largest oil exporters. Russia would like to carry the new oil output of the region through her facilities. The US, on the other hand, seeks to diversify the number of outlets. US Assistant Secretary of Energy said that moving Caspian energy supplies into the global market was important from the point of view of US national security. He also declared that Russia was an important partner in this field and that they encouraged it to participate in the development of multiple transport routes.8 Russia on her part in a formal policy declaration in 1996 said energy was major factor in safeguarding Russia's security.9 We see that both countries consider energy matters so important as to constitute a question of security.
This rivalry between the US and Russia that people called the new "Great Game"10 was studied by the officials and scholars of the two countries in October 2000 at a conference by the Caspian Studies Program of the Harvard University. American officials said US wanted to promote the independence and the economic development of the countries in the region and they do not intend to alienate Russia.
8 David L. Goldwyn, US Assistant Secretary of Energy, Testimony, April 12, 2000
9 Stephen Blank, Every Shark East of Suez: Great Power Interests, Policies and Tactics in the Transcaspian Energy Wars, Central Asian Survey, 1999
10 Bruce R. Kuniholm, Geopolitics of the Caspian Basin, The Middle East Journal, Washington, Autumn 2000
However, it was clear that Russia perceived US efforts in the region as impinging on Russian security.11 Other American scholars are of the opinion that Russia thinks that US is purposefully weakening Russia's strategic position and even wants to constrain it.12
Although we are dealing here with US-Russian relations, it would be useful to point to the implications of China's interest in Central Asian oil and gas. This may create competition first between Russia and China and eventually between China and US. As a matter of fact, China has acquired several fields in Kazakhstan and wants to build the longest pipeline in the world, from Western Kazakhstan to the Xinjiang province in China. China also has another ambitious project to build a gas pipeline from Eastern Turkmenistan to the Pacific Coast of China. An oil pipeline is also being considered from Kazakhstan along the same route.13
US-Russia Relations After
We may now turn our attention to what has transpired since the September 11 attacks. It has been reported that the same day of the
11 Emily Van Buskirk, Power Politics in the Caspian, Harvard Newsletter, March 13, 2001
12 Fiona Hill, Policy Brief, Brookings Institution, May 2001
13 Ariel Cohen, Testimony in the House of Representatives, US Interests in Central Asia, March 17,1999
terrorist attack President Putin telephoned President Bush to express his condolences. From that moment on things between the two countries developed in a positive way. A week after the attacks, Mr. Armitage went to Russia to ask Russia's help on tracking down Osama bin Laden. Again it was reported that he also enquired whether Russia was prepared to transform their still antagonistic relations.14 He would inform the Russian side that US intended to send its forces to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. US wanted a green light from Moscow before doing that. Russia's cooperation in this field was essential.15
The reasons behind the cooperative attitude of Mr. Putin have been the subject of intense debate. According to Russian sources, the Russian government is demonstrating its willingness to be a military and political ally. A Russian newspaper editorial commented, "In a strange way, the Kremlin is trying to get from the West what the West has always dreamed of extracting from Russia. Moscow is talking about joining the World Trade Organization and about strengthening ties with NATO".16 An American think-tank official described it as a strategic decision of President Putin. He knew that Washington needed Moscow as a military and political ally, and he would not find a better opportunity for rapprochement with the West. Putin also tried to make the agreement of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan to make their skies and bases available to US as a concession from Russia itself.17 Observers from neutral quarters were quick to say that the price for his support to the Afghanistan campaign was the acceptance by the US of his war against the Chechens. It was an alliance for realpolitik.18
14 A Second Chance to Bury the Cold War, International Herald Tribune, 5 Oct 2001
15 Russia, Why Is It Needed? Time Magazine, Oct 8, 2001
16 A New Rapprochement Between the US and Russia, The St. Petersburg Times, Oct 27 2001
17 Putin's Bold Move, Time Magazine, Oct 29, 2001
18 Le Monde, 19 Oct, 2001
Following these first contacts the two governments were starting to reshape a new form of relationship. The US-Russia Working Group on Afghanistan gave the first signals of such a change when they met in November 2001 in Moscow. They issued a statement which talked about the "extraordinary depth and breadth of cooperation and consultation" between the two countries.19
US-Russian Summit
The major development that has taken place in the relations of the two countries after September 11 is the Summit meeting between President Bush and President Putin in the United States on November of 2001. There, many decisions and actions taken by the two countries separately following the tragic attacks culminated in a basic agreement. The Joint Statement issued at the end of the talks is titled "New Relationship between the US and Russia".20 In this document they both state they have overcome the legacy of the Cold War and that they don't see each other as an enemy or threat. They would work together to promote security in the world. This, of course, is a fundamental commitment. Even if they have previously taken steps in this direction, this time they undertake to form a partnership for the leadership of the world.
This constitutes a real change towards a new international conjuncture.
The two leaders in the same document say they are determined to meet the threats to peace. And they enumerate them: terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, militant nationalism, ethnic and religious intolerance, and regional instability. This is a
19 US-Russia Working Group on Afghanistan; Joint Press Statement, Washington, D.C., Nov 2001
20 The White House; Joint Statement by President George Bush and President Vladimir Putin on a New Relationship between the US and Russia, Nov 14, 2001
broad spectrum. When such diverse issues are enumerated one by one, the question arises whether the two powers will be able to agree on the methods to deal with them. Again, to deal with these challenges they talk of creating a new strategic framework. Will that be a new mechanism? That remains to be seen.
A most interesting part of their agreement is the new emphasis they put on the relationship between NATO and Russia. They go as far as envisaging joint decisions, not only in the fight against terrorism but also on matters relating to regional instability and other contemporary threats. Following on that understanding the British Prime Minister has written to the NATO leaders and President Putin and proposed such a new security framework under which Russia would take part in decisions on key security issues. Already in 1997 NATO-Russia Permanent Joint Council was set up to discuss such matters. However, it was not intended as a decision-making body. This time, according to senior British officials, the proposal of the British Prime Minister is designed to create a problem-sharing partnership "to ensure that Russia never feels out in the cold when security emergencies occur in the future".21 Later, NATO Secretary General had further talks in Moscow on the same question.
The paragraph of the Joint Summit Statement on missiles has been overtaken by events, and it seems it is not a subject to disturb rapprochement between Washington and Moscow.
Although relations between the United States and Russia looks likely to be for the time being the cornerstone of the international arena in the years to come, one should not underestimate the part
The Times, Nov 17,2001
to be played by the People's Republic of China. Firstly, because China is a major power in Asia and the World. Second, China historically influenced very much the relations between US and Russia.
US-China Relations Before
Relations between China and the US go back to 1850's. In this century the two countries have alternately been allies and foes. They fought the Korean War. Later Cold War circumstances led the US to alter its strategy. There was a need to contain the Soviet Union. For that reason President Nixon in 1972 visited China and signed the famous Shanghai Communique. China and US renounced the use of force in settling disputes with each other. On the critical issue of Taiwan, according to the negotiator of the text, Henry Kissinger, the paragraph was so worded that it was not a victory by one side over the other.22 In this way the Grand Triangle of US-Soviet Union-China was formed. A candid description of the triangle was made in a recent publication of the Shanghai Institute of International Relations. It says that the important part of the triangle was US-Soviet relations. Sino-US and Sino-Soviet Relations were subordinate to US-Soviet Relations.23 It was within this framework that diplomatic relations were established in 1978 and. the US recognised the Government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. The US acknowledged that there is but one China and Taiwan is part of China. Until 1989, relations continued in this vein and went even further. President Reagan in a letter to Deng Xiaoping in 1982 proposed to have a strategic relationship in the face of the Soviet threat.
22 Henry Kissinger, The White House Years, 1979
23 The Post Cold War World, The Shanghai Institute for International Studies, Shanghai, China, 2000
Following the end of the Cold War this relationship could not go on as before. Several factors came to pass before the strategic considerations. Taiwan issue, trade problems, questions of human right, all had their part in influencing relations. Still the two parties were trying to find a way to solve their differences. In 1996 President Clinton declared that he would sustain constructive engagement towards China. High-level visits ensued. President Jiang Zemin visited the US in 1997. He spoke of developing bilateral cooperation. Next year President Clinton went to China and spoke about strategic partnership. Later the two countries signed an agreement to open the Chinese economy to foreign competitors. In this way, after 13 years of negotiations US were terminating its opposition to China's membership in the World Trade Organization.
US-China Relations After
The Chinese leaders expressed support for the US in the struggle against terrorism. The US acknowledged it as a good gesture. The US Secretary of State said that China's cooperation in this field had bolstered the relationship between the two countries after a rocky period during the first months of the Bush Administration.24 Later the Presidents of US and China met at the APEC meeting in Shanghai. President Jiang Zemin at the joint news conference said they are opposed to terrorism in all forms and hoped any military action would be aimed accurately and would be guided by the United Nations.25 President Bush declared that China had agreed to cooperate with intelligence matters and interdict the financing of terrorist groups.26
As to what China wants in return, observers were quick to point that the aim of the Chinese was to obtain the understanding of
24 International Herald Tribune, Oct 18, 2001
25IHT, Oct 20, 2001
US on Xinkiang, Tibet and human rights questions.27 The position taken by China was described as an alliance for Realpolitik.28
An American scholar was cautious in his interpretation. He referred to the struggle against terrorism as a short-term opportunity for China, but said it would create long-term uncertainties. As of now, by insisting that America's actions must receive the support of the UN Security Council, that US's military action be limited, China wants to control the unilateral impulses in US foreign policy. However, in the long run US struggle against terrorism may threaten Chinese interests; already the alarmists in Beijing were talking about US possibly using the struggle against terrorism to tighten the chain of containment around China.29
China-Russia Relations Before
Chinese-Russian relations affect any development in Asia. This has been the case in the past centuries. It will probably be true in the future. After the People's Republic was founded in 1949 China needed a strong ally and concluded a Treaty of Alliance with Russia. The Soviets relinquished their zone of influence in Manchuria and extended assistance to China. Later on Soviet demands caused China's resentment. China also claimed territories lost to that country in the 19th century. This led to the border clashes between the two countries in 1969. It was following that episode that China turned towards the United Sates which was looking for an ally on the Asian continent.
Chinese-Soviet relations took a long time to recover from these border clashes. It was only in 1985 with Gorbacev that relations could
27 Time Magazine, Oct 8, 2001
28 Le Monde, 19 Oct 2001
29 Harry Harding, IHT, Oct 18, 2001
be normalised. His Vladivostok speech helped smoothen the atmosphere and Gorbacev visited China in 1989. However, according to the Chinese, Russia was leaning towards the US and the West in the early 1990's and kept China at a distance30 Later President Yeltsin paid a visit to Beijing in 1992 and the basis for a comprehensive cooperation was laid. During those years China was experiencing a very rapid economic development and this has greatly impressed the Russians. Trade volume was expanding. Border questions were being negotiated. The two countries were trying to find common ground on several fields. Still there were many questions to be settled. Some Russian officials and scholars were asserting that China was claiming Russian territory.31 Despite problems, slowly a political rapprochement was taking place. At the end in 1997 they entered into a strategic partnership. During the visit of the Chinese President to Moscow a declaration was signed. They announced a New Multipolar World. In 1999 the two Presidents forged a strategic and cooperative partnership.32
The last and important episode of this rapprochement has taken place in the period just before September 11. Last July the two countries signed a Treaty for Good Neighbourliness, Friendship and Cooperation. The treaty settled many issues. The demarcation of the long-disputed border of 4.000 km was decided. Cooperation against militant Islam in Central Asia was foreseen. Arms sales were another important item. But, of interest for the purposes of our analysis was their determination to offset the perceived US hegemonism.33
Prior to this episode the Chinese were presenting their rapprochement with Russia as something not being antagonistic to
30 The Post Cold War World, The Shanghai Institute for International Studies, Shanghai, China, 200
32 ibid
33 Ariel Cohen, The Russia-China Friendship and Cooperation TreatyA Strategic Shift in Eurasia, The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder, July 18, 2001
the United States. They were describing it as sharing strategic interests in maintaining stability along their periphery regions and especially in Central Asia. They were asserting that both were afraid of the fundamentalism developing there and its spread to the adjacent areas in China and Russia.34 The comparison between this stated objective and the text of the new treaty would not be missed by the Americans. The American scholar who was following this development would say that the treaty signalled a big shift in geopolitics and the Eurasian balance of power. He would counsel the Bush Administration to closely monitor the implications of this treaty and take the appropriate steps, i.e. to increase regional security and try to induce Russia to scale down its military cooperation with China.35
The Shanghai Five
At this juncture it would be appropriate to say something about an initiative directed towards Central Asia. The initiative was taken originally by China, was later joined by Russia and recently has grown into a full-scale organization. China started a series of border demarcation and demilitarisation talks with four of the Central Asian countries. It evolved into an economic, military, and diplomatic process. The countries involved held their first presidential summit meeting in Shanghai in 1996. In 2000 they pledged to jointly crack down on liberation movements, terrorism and religious extremism in their borders. According to the assessment of a Director of the Brookings Institution, through this process China and Russia try to assert themselves more effectively in a world they see as dominated by the United States.36 In the summer of 2001 China, Russia, Kazakh-
36 Bates Gill of the Brookings Institution, Shanghai Five: An Attempt to Counter US Influence in Asia? Newsweek Korea, May 2001
stan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have created the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. This new development was perceived by another American scholar, as a sign of the willingness of China and Russia to be the decision-makers in Central Asia and to exclude Turkey, Iran and the United States. The scholar in his study published just after the formation of the Organization prophetically asks how effective the two countries will be against the Taliban, the Islamic Front of Uzbekistan and the organization of Osama bin Laden.37
China-Russia Relations After
For the time being both countries are satisfied with the war that is being waged against terrorism in Afghanistan. But later developments in Central Asia will probably favour one country over the other and that may alienate one of them. As we have seen, after many years Russia and China have finally established a certain balance between the two countries; they can start a really serious cooperation. Now the question is whether this cooperation can be put aside for a while, trying to benefit from the fruits of the American action in the area. Or is this cooperation really so important as to forsake the benefits that may accrue from the military action and its consequences?
The analysis in this paper was limited in scope; still it could give useful indications. We have looked into the relationship between the United States, Russia and China both before and after September 11. The impact of the tragic event on this relationship gives enough evidence that a new conjuncture is in the making. The developments on the US-Russian front are very impressive. There are promising
37 Ariel Cohen, The Russia-China Friendship and Cooperation Treaty: A Strategic Shift in Eurasia, The Heritage Foundation Backgrounder, July 18, 2001
signs on the US-China side. The colour of the relations between Russia and China will be determined by developments in Central Asia. Throughout the analysis we have of course kept in mind the positive responses coming from Europe and other regions of the World. But, the fight against terrorism is only beginning; so the conjuncture to settle will have to wait the evolution on many fronts.
For the moment there are good indications things may move in the right direction. The general trend seems to be away from the vestiges of the Cold War and towards more international cooperation. If, at the end, the conjuncture consolidates this trend, it can make the World a safer place to live in.
(*) Published in the fpi Quarterly "Foreign Policy", Vol. 26, Nos. 3-4
9/11 a new order a new conjuncture security after 9/11 terrorism