The U.S. response to the referendum is Taipei's 'most serious crisis'-- Chen supporters and opponents warned his referendum on relations with China is causing "constant criticism" from the U.S., which has "fundamental doubts" about Chen. Taiwan's centrist China Post held that Taiwan's "welfare and regional stability" depend on the U.S.' ability to "rein in the provocateurs in Taipei and the provoked in Beijing." Chinese papers stressed that "common interests" between the U.S. and China mean they can "quash misunderstandings" and settle problems like Taiwan through "senior-level communication." French dailies rebuked President Chirac for his "Chinese kowtow" during President Hu's trip to Paris, saying his "ill-chosen reprimands" of Taiwan were "dictated by trade interests."
No talks with 'illegal and unconstitutional Taiwan authorities'-- Chinese papers blasted Chen's goal of "confronting the Mainland," urging Beijing to "safeguard our nation's sovereignty...at all costs." The official China Daily backed "pragmatic" negotiations with Taiwan as long as they are "consistent with the one-China principle"; Hong Kong's pro-PRC Ta Kung Pao branded Chen's referendum "a dangerous step" toward Taiwan's independence. Responding to the referendum's question on China's missiles, one writer claimed they are "not aimed at Taiwan compatriots, but rather Taiwan independence forces."
The referendum is a 'loud objection to what is unfair in the status quo'-- Pro-independence Taiwanese analysts likened the status quo to "accepting China's missile threat and military intimidation." Other Chen supporters termed the referendum a "manifestation of the collective will of the people," with Canada's left-of-center Vancouver Sun backing any such "free expressions of public opinion." Pro-independence Taipei Times promoted "direct negotiation" with Beijing, but only on "the basis of equality and mutual benefit."
The referendum is just a 'hoax aimed at wooing votes'-- Chen opponents in and out of Taiwan accused him of using the referendum as a "gambit" in the upcoming presidential election to divert attention from Taiwan's "tumultuous" political and economic situation. A Chinese writer demanded that Chen instead "answer public concerns about the island's economic woes and worsening cross-Straits relations," while Taiwan's pro-unification United Daily News expressed hope that Chen's comments turn out to be just "campaign rhetoric."
EDITOR'S NOTE: This analysis is based on 35 reports from 6 political entities over 13 January - 5 February 2004. Editorial excerpts from each entity are listed from the most recent date.
CHINA: "Taiwan Authorities' Dissembling Continues"
"Experts Rebuke Chen's 'Peace Moves' as Mere Hoax"
"Alarm Over Chen's Independence Moves"
"Taiwan Separatists A Nuisance To Peace"
"Whom Will Taiwan Businessmen Vote For? They Are The 'Trump Card' And Being Fought Over"
"Taiwan Authorities Going Crazy"
Li Runtian held in official intellectual Guangming Daily (Guangming Ribao) (1/28): "The Spring Festival seems to have become a turning point for Chen Shuibian. His path to 'Taiwan independence' has narrowed considerably.... His support rate has been sliding.... Senior DPP officials are changing sides and internal conflicts have appeared within the party.... His trump card, the 'referendum,' has been rendered ineffective and Chen Shuibian is in a corner.... To respond, Chen Shuibian has launched a 'spring festival counterattack.... But Chen's moves can't reverse the situation.... Analysts think that Chen Shuibian has even gone to the extent of exposing military secrets to 'comfort people's feelings,' a fact that further proves his desperation and his nature of confronting the Mainland.... Analysts remind people that they should be even more vigilant at this crucial time. The more cornered the 'pro-independence' forces feel, the more likely they will make dangerous moves to provoke the Mainland."
"Chen Has Emerged As His Own Worst Enemy"
The official English-language China Daily reported (1/20): "One cannot but observe with trepidation Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian's call, on January 16, for a referendum regarding the island's relations with the Chinese mainland. What he is attempting to do is to use the referendum issues to bolster his chances in his uphill battle in Taiwan's upcoming 'presidential' elections. In the first place, Chen points his finger to mainland missiles that are meant, as proclaimed by the government of the People's Republic, to deter any attempt for Taiwan independence. At the same time he asks the public to support his periodic efforts to place orders with overseas suppliers for the purchase of military equipment. This is a blatant attempt to utilize the U.S., the islands' biggest arms supplier, as a chessman in Chen's own game. Secondly, Chen asks the public to allow him to work towards building a 'framework of peace' to cover both sides of the Taiwan Straits--even though he has never demonstrated sincerity in achieving that aim.... Lastly, the call for the referendum, in the form of a top-to-bottom presidential proposal...is an insult to Chen's own constituency. For its aim is basically to affirm the 'president' himself to carry on the game that he's been playing all along.... The point is to mobilize all resources to support the 'holy war' for Chen's own power. He is his own mandate. All the rhetoric that he uses, whether calling for democracy or peace, and all the things he does, whether clamoring for a referendum or making military purchases, are but carefully orchestrated stunts, staged at a time when nothing practical is being done to answer public concerns about the island's economic woes and worsening cross-Straits relations.... Chen's habit of heart never seems to change, however. He is always ready to grasp every opportunity to hijack all-important relations--those between Chinese mainland and the U.S., those between the mainland and Taiwan, and even those between the United States and Taiwan--to serve his own agenda.... But the Chinese mainland and the U.S. are co-operating on so many issues, and their relationship is far more important than can be overshadowed by his military purchases. After bearing witness to so many of Chen's flip-flops, the U.S. sees increasingly clear evidence about who is making trouble in the Taiwan Straits. In the meantime, the mainland will continue to grow in political and economic importance in the world. For Taiwan, there is nothing Chen can do to replace its internal politics with Beijing-baiting. He will achieve even less by disconnecting its myriad of peaceful and mutually beneficial ties with the mainland."
"U.S. Will Not Necessarily Give Taiwan Military Protection"
Guan Juanjuan commented in China Radio International-sponsored World News Journal (Shijie Xinwenbao) (1/20): "The U.S. 'Taiwan Relations Act'...doesn't stipulate that the U.S. will necessarily intervene if there should occur any incident in the Taiwan Strait; but it does hint that if U.S. interests are threatened, the U.S. can intervene as necessary. Firstly, this law violates the basic norms of international relations because Taiwan is a part of China and the U.S. has no right to interfere into China's internal affairs.... Second, if the 'Taiwan independence forces'' actions spur the Mainland's military action, then the U.S. might or might not intervene militarily.... Automatic military intervention will not necessarily be the choice of the U.S. government.... The U.S. at present still sells arms to Taiwan, which the Chinese government sternly opposes.... The U.S. could take several measures to ensure that it does not trap itself into a situation that 'Taiwan independence' causes and in which it has to confront China.... The U.S. government needs to be very vigilant against Chen Shuibian's irresponsible acts and publicly and clearly announce that it opposes Chen Shuibian's 'independence' stance.... By now both the Chinese government and U.S. government realize the importance of maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait. This has formed a firm common strategic interest base.... China and the U.S. should continue their cooperation and seek more methods of cooperation to contain 'Taiwan independence' activities."
"Chen's Policies Endanger Peace Across Straits"
Sun Shangwu declared in official English-language China Daily (1/20): "Taipei's referendum is a 'provocative act' that will increase confrontation and animosity with the mainland.... We reiterate Beijing's 'most sincere' commitment to peaceful reunification and promised to better protect interests of Taiwan compatriots.... The real threat to Taiwan's security does not come from the mainland, but from the unbridled activities towards Taiwan's split from the motherland whipped up by authorities there.... It is the 'Taiwan splittists forces' that threaten to unravel the status quo in the cross-Straits relations and put peace in danger.... Taiwan authorities have twisted the mainland's justified efforts to oppose the Taiwan's split with the motherland and maintain stability in the Straits 'as a suppression of Taiwan's democracy and freedom'.... Though the leaders of the Taiwan authorities called the referendums 'defensive' and 'peaceful', these provocations, no matter how they were packaged, can only cause confrontation and animosity between the two sides, aggravate the already strained relations and push them further to the brink of danger.... We stand for resolving the political differences between the two sides of the Taiwan Straits in a spirit of equality and accommodation, and we are ready to push the cross-Straits dialogue and negotiations in a pragmatic and equal-footed manner consistent with the one-China principle'.... Given Taiwan's stance on 'no pre-conditions for cross-Straits talks and negotiations'...authorities there are trying to renege on the consensus reached by the two sides on the adherence to the one-China principle. That stance...fundamentally negates the fact that the two sides belong to one and the same country.... The mainland still 'place hope (of reunification) on the Taiwan people' and treats all Taiwan compatriots equally, regardless of their provincial origins.... We do not discriminate against those who are adopting a wait-and-see, a suspicious, or even a negative or antagonistic attitude towards closer cross-Straits relations, as we are ready to have contact and interaction with them for increased understanding and greater identity of views."
"Chen Shuibian Tosses Around New 'Referendum' Topics: Mainland Reacts Sternly, U.S. Still Researching"
Peng Ming maintained in official Communist Party-run international Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) (1/19): "The new referendum topics announced by Chen Shuibian are very tricky. Hearing them, people might think that he has softened his stance and backed off.... Chen Shuibian's referendum has been stuck in a dilemma. Under pressure from both outside and inside the island, he thought he had discerned a good strategy of 'feeding four needs': first, waving the banner of 'Cross-Strait Peace' to remove the doubts of the international community, especially of the U.S. Second, with the 'referendum,' he is able to realize his 'referendum promise' to the 'dogmatic independence faction.' Third, he is trying to shift the responsibility for the cross-Strait political impasse, having achieved no breakthroughs. Fourth, he is cultivating 'the mainland threat' to accumulate 'public feelings' hostile toward the Mainland. Thus we can conclude Chen Shuibian's so-called 'peaceful referendum' is a self-deceiving trick. It is actually still a test for the future 'independence referendum'.... If this 'referendum' is able to break through, then he can gradually make further breakthroughs in the future. Therefore this calls for people's heightened vigilance."
"U.S. Highest-Ranking General Comes To China For Talks: Visits Beijing At A Sensitive Time"
Song Nianshen and Cheng Gang observed in official Communist Party-run international Global Times (Huanqiu Shibao) (1/16): "Public opinion holds that Myers' visit to China indicates that China-U.S. military exchanges will begin to increase.... Myers was cautious in his response to the Taiwan issue in the press round-table interview... Analysts believe that his mild statements in front of Chinese mainland journalists conveyed in fact conveyed an important meaning...and this shows that the U.S. more and more clearly realizes the urgency of the Taiwan issue and is treating the problem more and more rationally.... China invited Myers to visit the highly confidential Beijing Aeropace Center, which indicates the improvement in both sides' mutual trust.... Myers' meeting with so many top Chinese military leaders indicates that China-U.S. relations are in a quite stable phase.... Top U.S. military officials usually choose to visit China under two circumstances: first, when there is a turning point in the two countries' military relations, and second, when both sides hunger for mutual coordination and to discuss countermeasures in the face of a crisis. Myers's visit this time belongs to the former circumstance.... China-U.S. military exchanges are the most special, sensitive and confidential aspect of the two countries' relations.... Almost all of China's military leaders met [Myers] and clearly expressed China's firm opposition to Taiwan independence. This is totally different from the situation in 1996 when no open channels or emergency management mechanisms existed between the two countries, and in the face of the Taiwan Strait crisis, the U.S. sent aircraft carrier fleets; this time the U.S. just sent a General. This huge change indicates that China and the U.S. are utterly able to quash misunderstandings and settle problems through senior-level communication."
"Myers' Visit Shows Sino-U.S. Military Exchanges Are Warming"
Shi Hongtao reported in official Communist Youth League-run China Youth Daily (Zhongguo Qingnianbao) (1/16): "Myers' visit to China and China's Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan's visit to the U.S. last year indicate that China and the U.S. have started positive interaction between the two countries' top military sectors, which effects an improvement in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region.... If Myers could reach a kind of systematic arrangement and a common view with China on the Taiwan Strait issue, this will help to maintain stability across the Strait and to exert more pressure on Chen Shuibian.... The U.S. is changing its attitude toward China and adjusting its military strategy toward China.... The decisive factor in handling relations between countries is interests, not diplomacy. The fundamental challenge is to effectively expand two countries' common interests.... The security interests between China and the U.S. are more important to the nations' strategic relations than are economic interests. After 9/11, Bush needs China's cooperation in the War on Terror, prevention of proliferation and the DPRK nuclear issue, and the two countries' common interests on security issues have grown rapidly."
CHINA (HONG KONG SAR): "The Referendum Question"
Henry Liu stated in the leftist, English-language Asia Times (1/31): "'Reunification' is a misnomer, since the country itself has never been divided to begin with.... The national goal of all Chinese is a single Chinese state under a single government that regains all territorial integrity of China. As Hong Kong and Macau are now again under the sovereignty of China, the immediate outstanding issue is now Taiwan. The government of the PRC under the leadership of CCP, and to varying degrees the GMD and the PFP on Taiwan, all support peaceful political inter-party accommodation toward national reconstruction. In Taiwan politics, this group is known as the pan-blue coalition. It is opposed by supporters of Taiwan independence, such as the DPP and the Taiwan Solidarity Union, which are known as the pan-green coalition.... Taiwan is already Chinese territory.... Unless and until the GMD regains political control of Taiwan and restores the Republic of China (ROC) government to its legitimate status as a pretender government of China, there is no basis for any political negotiation between the PRC and the current illegal and unconstitutional Taiwan authorities.... With a sizable standing military backed by the U.S., the Taiwan authorities in fact established a new warlord regime on Taiwan.... The referendum scheduled for March does not specifically ask about independence. Voters would be asked, among other things, whether the PRC should be requested to redirect nearly 500 missiles currently aimed at the ROC from the mainland, and if Beijing refuses, whether the ROC should improve its own defensive missile capabilities.... The US has an implied obligation to help Taiwan defend itself, as stated somewhat ambiguously in the Taiwan Relations Act, a US domestic law that infringes on the internal affairs of China in the name of defending democracy. Yet democracy on Taiwan is not the issue. The issue is Taiwan independence. The US is unwilling to confront China in East Asia especially while it is bogged down in an Iraq quagmire, with no end in sight.... Despite vocal US reservations, however, Chen continues to insist that a referendum will be held on March 20, as well as the presidential vote."
"Join France To Contain The U.S. And Isolate Taiwanese Independence Elements"
Center-left Chinese-language Sing Pao Daily News editorialized (1/28): "Hu Jintao's visit to France has been successful.... Since France is the most important country in Europe and has sold quite a number of advanced weapons to Taiwan in the past, the French government's clear opposition to Taiwanese independence is significant. France's opposition not only isolates Taiwan independence elements, but also 'contains' the U.S. In the past, Beijing has relied on the U.S. to put pressure on Taiwan. Although this strategy had benefits, it meant the U.S. had the say on whether to pressure Taiwan or not. The U.S. never wholeheartedly pressures Taiwan to give up independence. Instead, the U.S. uses double-faced tactics to satisfy its own self-interests. After Beijing wins France and the European Union countries' support on the Taiwan issue, it will no longer let the U.S. lead it by the nose."
"Taiwan's Referendum Will Aggravate Cross-strait Tensions"
Pro-PRC Chinese-language Ta Kung Pao remarked (1/20): "Chen Shui-bian tied the referendum with reelection. His objectives are to increase his opportunity of being reelected and then hold a 'Taiwan independence referendum' after his reelection. After the U.S. clearly stated that it does not support a referendum that changes the status quo of Taiwan, Chen Shui-bian was unable to extricate himself from the difficult situation but he still refused to let the matter drop. He concocted two topics for the referendum. The first one is: 'if China does not remove the missiles targeting Taiwan or give up deploying forces against Taiwan, do you agree that the government should purchase more anti-missile facilities to strengthen the self-defense capability of Taiwan?' The second topic is: 'do you agree that the government and the Chinese Communist Party should start consultations to establish an interactive framework that advances cross-strait peace and stability and brings about a cross-strait consensus and happiness to the people?'.... China has expressed its firm objection to Taiwan's referendum. If the international community, including the U.S. administration, does not want to see cross-strait relations move to a dangerous point, they should clearly declare their opposition to Taiwan's referendum."
"Using A Referendum To Promote Taiwan's Independence Will Hurt Public Interests"
Pro-PRC Chinese-language Hong Kong Commercial Daily editorialized (1/19): "Taiwan's leader Chen Shui-bian, ignoring the Taiwanese people's interests and objections from the international community, announced the two topics for the so-called '320' referendum last Friday. He insisted on having his own way and moved a dangerous step toward his long premeditated goal of Taiwan's independence. He has cast a huge shadow over peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.... 'Taiwan independence' means war and the fuse of 'referendum' has been set. Thus, there is the danger of explosion if irresponsible politicians ignite it at any time."
"Parading Of Suspects Looks Set To Backfire"
The independent English-language South China Morning Post said (1/19): "The parading of seven alleged Taiwanese spies before members of the international media last week marks a depressing twist in the mainland's propaganda campaign ahead of presidential elections on the island in March. Suspects were called upon to perform before reporters and were pictured on television dutifully trotting out confessions. Significantly, they also took the opportunity to blame the island's pro-independence president, Chen Shui-bian, for their fate. The public approach adopted by the mainland to the breaking of this alleged spy ring is unprecedented and appears to have been carefully calculated. But, just like other ham fisted attempts to influence Taiwanese voters in the past, it seems destined to backfire.... Indeed, the public quizzing of the suspects evoked memories of cold war show trials and the notorious self-criticism sessions of the Cultural Revolution. It is difficult to believe that such a strategy will sway Taiwanese voters and make them more favorably disposed towards reunification.... China has made great strides on the international stage in recent years. That reputation can only be undermined by the parading of prisoners for political purposes. A more sophisticated approach, involving restraint and reliance upon the undoubted economic advantages the mainland has to offer Taiwan, is more likely to further the nation's interests."
"Prepare For Both Eventualities"
Pro-PRC Chinese-language Ta Kung Pao commented (1/15): "The Chen Shui-bian government claimed that it would hold a referendum during Taiwanese election in March, which has aggravated the tense cross-strait relations. The situation in the Taiwan Strait from March to May will be dangerous and difficult to anticipate. Some people think that no one will be able to tell until the last minute whether there will be peace or war in the Taiwan Strait. Some people also warn that cross-strait relations have been approaching a critical point. Taiwan-strait war may break out at any time.... The position declaration by the U.S. recently on Taiwan's referendum is very positive. It should be welcomed. When President Bush met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao last year, he openly opposed any acts and deeds of Taiwanese leaders to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait unilaterally. Recently, U.S. State Department also reiterated its objection to Taiwan on holding any referendum to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. In the past, the U.S. always sent out wrong message to Taiwan, including 'assisting the defense of Taiwan,' which had abetted the power of splittists who advocated 'Taiwan independence'. Now the U.S. administration finally recognizes that 'Taiwan independence' does not match with U.S. interests. It also recognizes that if it does not want to see 'Taiwanese independence,' it should not encourage and support 'Taiwan independence.' The U.S. is the one who set the 'Taiwan independence' stone rolling, it should, therefore, be the one to end the trouble. After the U.S. clearly declared its position on Taiwan's referendum, the number of voters who has doubts about the referendum increased. A recent survey shows that if the U.S. objects to Taiwan's referendum, more than half of Taiwanese voters will also object to it. Under such a situation, it is not unlikely that the Chen Shui-bian government may dilute the referendum."
TAIWAN: "Is Democracy Scarier Than Missiles?"
Pro-independence, English-language Taipei Times editorialized (2/5): "President Chen Shui-bian on Tuesday outlined 'one principle and four major issues' to demonstrate the Democratic Progressive Party's determination to fulfill its historic mission. The legitimacy and public support for his 'one principle and four major issues' will be decided by the expression of the people's desire, in the form of a referendum, to negotiate with China on an equal basis. In this election, Chen obviously has the initiative in terms of cross-strait relations.... The two sides of the Taiwan Strait can seek a mutually acceptable consensus in these exchanges. Of course, direct negotiation--not hollering at each other from afar--is the best approach.... Chen's cross-strait policy does not follow the self-limitations imposed by the former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) government.... Chen is not blindly waiting for the distant possibility of unification, China's democratization, or the baptism of a new Chinese leadership willing to implement democratic reforms... The KMT and the People First Party (PFP) can only chant the slogan 'maintain the status quo,' which of course means accepting China's missile threat and military intimidation as permissible.... Why do the KMT and the PFP believe that Taiwan should be held hostage by Beijing's tyranical despots? Referendums are a manifestation of the collective will of the people. China will not remove its missiles because of a referendum in Taiwan.... It would appear they have inherited the reactionary genes of Chinese imperial politics. It is no wonder that the two parties echo China's stance on the referendum issue. Half a century of hostility and diplomatic tussles between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is a historical tragedy that resulted from the Chinese Civil War. Antagonism to China is not something chosen by the people of Taiwan.... Neither 'one China' nor 'unification' is a persuasive policy. It is more practical for the two sides to interact with each other on the basis of equality and mutual benefit. We hope the Chinese leadership can come out of their 'great unification' ideological cocoon and accept the reality of Taiwan's independent existence. The leaders of the two sides should seek a creative framework for bilateral relations."
"Why So Mercilessly Pushing The Taiwan People To The Front Line?"
Centrist, pro-status quo China Times commented (2/4): "We do not approve of President Chen Shui-bian's repeated emphasis on 'the will of the [Taiwan] people' [in his address Tuesday]. Is it not the government's unavoidable responsibility to strengthen its anti-missile capabilities to guarantee the safety of its people? Does [Chen] mean to say that [according to the first question of the referendum], that only when Taiwan demonstrates the will of its people can it purchase all the anti-missile equipment it needs? Wouldn't it be the mission of a responsible government to start negotiations with Beijing? Does [Chen] mean to tell us [according to the second question of the referendum] that Beijing will be willing to sit down to talk with Taiwan once the island demonstrates the will of its people? Even people with little common sense realize that arms deals and cross-Strait talks have nothing to do with the demonstration of the people's will. To use the Taiwan people as his reason [to push for a referendum] is tantamount to putting the 'Taiwan people' on the front line of the cross-Strait conflict. We want to ask [Chen]: Will there be any more room for the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to negotiate or turn around if Beijing ceases to place its hope in the Taiwan people? The cross-Strait framework for peace and stability proposed by Chen has indeed shown considerable goodwill and constructive thinking. But the question is: how can such a beautifully constructed framework work when both sides don't even have a confidence mechanism for starting a dialogue?.... Will he change his position again in the future? Will he be able to clarify and remove the doubts by the international community [over the referendum]? Chen gave his answers in the language of what is ideal, in the same way that he elaborated on the March 20 referendum.... But the truth is, at the very moment when Chen spoke, Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage had just criticized Taiwan in Beijing.... What we see now is not the dawning of a time when the cross-Strait dispute may be resolved, but the fact that both sides of the Taiwan Strait are facing a showdown in their conflict."
"Pondering Taiwan After The Presidential Election"
Yang Yu-wen said in conservative, pro-unification United Daily News (2/3): "President Chen Shui-bian's attempt to tie the referendum issue with the framework for cross-Strait peace and stability together does not mean that he will not push for a new Constitution and a new nation after he gets re-elected. Also, even though the topic for the referendum is not directly related to unification or independence, it does not guarantee that the DPP will not change the status quo in the future through a public vote. All of the above are the great doubts Chen's administration faces as it seeks to justify its stand on holding such a referendum. If Chen should fail to clarify and remove these doubts, Taiwan people must then ponder the following questions: Will the cross-Strait situation remain calm, as before, after the referendum, regardless of whether Chen wins the re-election or not? What will happen to the triangular relationship between Washington, Beijing and Taipei after the referendum? Also, will the political and economic situation in Taiwan become more tumultuous after the election than before it? Facing the constant criticism and pressure from Washington, Chen was forced to paint the [beautiful] picture of the framework for peaceful cross-Strait interaction after May 20 in an attempt to assure the U.S. that a defensive referendum will not cause any trouble. The U.S. has already taken precautions against Taiwan's presidential election. Beijing, on the other hand, has deeper thoughts. In addition to using Washington's hand to block the referendum, Beijing has pointed out in a gathering to mark the ninth anniversary of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin's eight-point reunification proposal, that it will strengthen its united front tactics among the Taiwanese and will mobilize Taiwanese businessmen on the Mainland systematically to form a pressure group to influence Taiwan policy. Beijing wants to show that its aggressiveness will not change regardless of whether the Pan-Blue or Pan-Green camp wins the March 20 election. Both Beijing and Washington have come up with their countermeasures with regard to the next step Taiwan will take. But does Taiwan really know what its next step will be in terms of its own national security?"
"The Pandora's Box Has Been Opened"
Chen Chia-hung commented in centrist, pro-status quo China Times (2/3): "Like it or not, on the day when the Referendum Law was passed in the Legislative Yuan under the joint efforts of the KMT and PFP caucuses, and on the day when Chen, exercising the power granted to him by Article 17 of the Referendum Law, let the Taiwan people cast their votes in the island's first-ever referendum, the Pandora's box of determining Taiwan's national status and by means of a public vote, where it should stand on unification or independence has been opened. In the name of democracy, such power, once bestowed on the people, is easy to give but difficult to retrieve. The belief of determining Taiwan's future with a public vote will perhaps be an irreversible future trend. So far, Taiwan has undergone two direct popular elections in choosing its president. But given its unique history of complicated unification and the independence issue, the democratic mechanism of referenda actually carries more political significance than the direct popular elections. The idea of 'referenda equal a democratic taboo' has finally and thoroughly been deconstructed in this upcoming presidential election. From Chen's call for a referendum on a new Constitution to the doubts of the international community on Chen's preventive referendum; from the Pan-Blue camp's decision to switch its position on the legislation of the Referendum Law and to cease to play the role of a gatekeeper in the cross-Strait relations, to regain its influence on the referendum issue; all such developments have actually marked the most important transformation of referenda in Taiwan's democratic development process."
"Is Taiwan-bashing A Fad?"
Conservative, pro-unification, English-language China Post observed (2/3): "Undoubtedly President Chen's 'comments and actions' as well as his 'motives' have aroused deep suspicion in both Beijing and Washington, who view the proposed Taiwan referendum, on whatever issue, as nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to break the ground for the island's independence from China through a vote by the people.... The U.S., Japan, France and China do not make the world. But together they are more than half of the world, and their individual economic, political and military might is strong enough to affect Taiwan's life in every respect. As Taiwan's presidential election is less than seven weeks away, voters must ask themselves: Should the incumbent president and his minority government be allowed to stay on and to pitch Taiwan against the world?"
"China Loses The Ace In Its Sleeve"
Pro-independence, English-language Taipei Times argued (2/3): "The cross-Strait row over the referendum has allowed China and the rest of the world to see that the dispute is not domestic. It is now a full-blown international problem. However effective China's diplomatic maneuvers may be in the short term, it has lost the ace up its sleeve in terms of long-term strategy, because the cross-Strait dispute long ago ceased to be a 'domestic issue.' Beijing itself was complicit in this process, hyping the issue in the international community by ranting over the referendum and mobilizing other countries to get involved. 'One China' is no longer defined by what Beijing says, but by international consensus. By internationalizing the referendum controversy, Beijing has allowed the international media and the global community to better understand Taiwan's plight--the fact that, in this country, democracy and human rights are being suppressed by the Chinese government and now by other countries, too. So the referendum issue may be detrimental to the government in the short term, but diplomatically the country does not stand to lose so much in the long term. A great deal will depend however on how much Chen can transform unfavorable circumstances into his favor prior to the election."
"What's Up The PRC's Sleeve?"
Conservative, pro-unification, English-language China Post held (2/2): "Washington is 'studying the language' of Chen's 'suspicious' plan and calculating Beijing's possible reactions. At the same time, the two powers are collaborating to 'find ways' to stop the referendum, in the same manner as they do in tackling the North Korean nuclear crisis. Suddenly, Taiwan under the Chen-DPP leadership has become an explosive problem that the island's protector and enemy must join hands to solve.... Taiwan's welfare and regional stability now depend upon Washington's skills to reign in the provocateurs in Taipei and the provoked in Beijing before March 20."
"U.S. Is Clearly Aware Of Its Interests And Will Not Be Manipulated"
Nadia Tsao opined in pro-independence Liberty Times (2/1): "Over the past few months, the Taipei authorities have tried very hard to clarify their position to remove Washington's doubts about Taiwan's holding a referendum on March 20. Some observers in Washington believe that Taiwan's holding a referendum on March 20 does not matter that much any more. However, they believe that the Bush administration's distrust of Chen's administration has not completely disappeared. The Taipei-Washington ties will remain gloomy for a certain period in the future and will require continual efforts to repair.... Armitage's remarks have in fact reflected a tilt in Washington-Beijing-Taipei ties. Taipei needs to pay close attention to such a development especially when there is no channel for dialogue between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. In addition, when asked why the U.S. wants to get involved in the cross-Strait dispute, Armitage emphasized that the U.S. is the master of its own fate. It is not caught in collars and will do its utmost to prevent any kind of conflict from happening. [Armitage's] remarks sent a strong warning to both sides of the Taiwan Strait. They indicate that the U.S. is very clear about its own national interests and that it will not, like the Clinton administration, be subject to any handling or pressure by either side of the Taiwan Strait."
Liu Pao-chieh commented in conservative, pro-unification United Daily News (2/1): "Ever since the start of [Taiwan's] presidential election campaign, the only issue that has curbed the approval ratings for the ruling DPP was the news report that U.S. President George W. Bush criticized Taiwan's holding a referendum. Thus, the U.S. attitude [on the referendum] will be a crucial factor in determining whether the DPP can win the upcoming election. As a result, the DPP is on high alert about any U.S. response to the referendum plan and tries its best to prevent the situation from developing in a way that is unfavorable to itself.... [Chen's referendum plan] has sparked backlashes from the U.S. government, and the incessant doubts cast by Washington against Taiwan's holding a referendum have seriously disrupted Chen's plan to join hands with the U.S. in fighting against China. Chen has tried his utmost to appease the U.S. but has, instead, been slashed in the face by Washington. Such a development has not only produced an impact on Taiwan's domestic situation, but has also created ripples in the cross-Strait situation, a result that cannot be offset simply by mudsling between the ruling and opposition parties. Thus, Chen's administration must look at and treat Washington's reactions toward the referendum as the most serious crisis. For Chen's administration, it is already too late to turn back on its push for a referendum. What it can only do is to compromise on the content of the referendum, with a hope that the U.S. will 'not oppose' the referendum to that Chen can get a green light to go. But Armitage's comments in Beijing two days ago did not indicate such an optimistic sign. Whether the arrangement of 'joining hands with the U.S. in fighting against China', that Chen's successful campaign hinges on, will dismantle before the election" is certainly a latent crisis."
"The U.S. Government Is Trying To Dialogue With Taiwan Voters"
Conservative, pro-unification United Daily News observed (1/14): "Signs revealed by the U.S. government show that the discord between Washington and President Chen Shui-bian over the referendum issue is not just about the language of the referendum itself, nor it is only about whether or not Taiwan should hold such a referendum. Rather, the U.S. government has fundamental doubts about Chen's future 'political tendency.' The issue of whether the U.S. government wants to see Chen get re-elected has evidently developed to a higher level. That is why we saw remarks such as 'urging Taiwan voters to pay attention [to Chen's words and actions.]' Now Chen must make a precise judgment of the real intentions of the U.S. government and an objective assessment of how strong Washington's 'follow-up moves' might be before he knows how to respond to them properly.... The U.S. government has obviously taken Chen's recent remarks as coming 'from his heart,' so it thinks Chen is 'escalating his speech to push for Taiwan independence.' Chen of course knows that his recent statements were related to Taiwan independence explicitly or implicitly, but still he hopes that the U.S. government will not take them too seriously and will just look at them as 'campaign rhetoric.' Chen has even assured [us] that such 'rhetoric' will become invalid right after the elections. In other words, Chen hopes that the U.S. government will just take his words as 'fake remarks.'"
"[Chen's] Achilles' Heel Incurable?"
Lin Chen-po noted in centrist, pro-status quo China Times (1/13): "The reason that a defensive referendum has developed into an international issue is not because China has deployed missiles aimed at Taiwan.... The key lies in Chen Shui-bian's decision-making style. For any democracy, a government normally enters a caretaker status during the campaign period. It is questionable whether a state leader should make a major policy announcement at this time, especially when such a policy is closely related to sensitive Washington-Beijing-Taipei ties. The current development, nonetheless, shows that Chen has miscalculated the situation.... No one believes that Taiwan should follow whatever the U.S. says. But current Taipei-Washington ties are already on the brink of a precipice, and it still remains to be seen whether Chen's manipulation can further strengthen Taiwan's democracy. In order to win the presidential election, Chen and the DPP have spent a lot of time and energy in elaborating cross-Strait ties, hoping that they can remove voters' doubts. But the voters did not expect that cross-Strait relations would again return to their beginning after four years of DPP rule. To convince his voters, Chen needs to make a greater effort, other than [just] writing a new book, to repair the trust between Taiwan and the U.S. The referendum plan has turned the DPP's big victory into a small one, and now it looks like a small defeat for the ruling party. This will become a big defeat for the DPP if it fails to do something about the matter right away."
"Status Quo Has Gone Out Of Balance"
Pro-independence, English-language Taipei Times declared (1/13): "The U.S. hopes the two sides will move toward dialogue, but Beijing has set a 'one China' condition for any dialogue--basically demanding Taiwan's surrender before sitting down at the negotiation table. This is not fair. The U.S. demands that Chen keep his 'five noes' promise but pays no heed to the premise of his promise--that China must not threaten Taiwan militarily. Now China is not only making such threats, but is also viewing any referendum or rewriting of Taiwan's Constitution as provocative. Even a Taiwanese complaint about Chinese missiles has become provocative. This is even more unfair. China has every reason to maintain a status quo that contains so many things that are absurd and unfair to Taiwan. Under this status quo, China can increase its missile deployments against Taiwan, block Taiwan's entry into international organizations and force other countries to accept Beijing's unilateral definition of provocation. Taiwan's March 20 referendum is not going to change the status quo. It is merely a loud objection to what is unfair in the status quo [and is made] so that people at home and abroad may pay heed."
JAPAN: "An Evenly Matched Presidential Election"
Business-oriented Nihon Keizai declared (2/1): "Ahead of the 3/20 presidential election in Taiwan...the ruling DPP party has selected President Chen Shui-bian and Vice-President Annete Lu as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates respectively, while the opposition party coalition...backs the head of the KMT party, Lien Chan, and the head of the PFP Party, James Soong, as presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively.... Since President Chen announced that the day of the vote would also include a referendum on China-Taiwan relations, the issue has received great attention both inside and outside the country. But Taiwan's future hangs on the efforts to deepen and develop the first ethnically-Chinese democratic politics and economy, as created by previous president Lee Tong-hui's administration. Both political camps seek to spread a true policy debate.... Last election, at the end of a fierce three-way battle among Lien, Chen and Soong...President Chen won a close race. This time, the opposition coalition has coalesced, and poses a challenge to President Chen. Due to dissatisfaction with such issues as the lack of DPP political experience and economic problems, at one point the opposition coalition was ahead in opinion polls by more than 10%. But Chen appealed to the Taiwan consciousness of the native Taiwanese (who form over 80 percent of the population) who do not seek unification with China, rallying his support to a point where it is again even with the opposition. President Chen says that 'China and Taiwan are different countries respectively,' and declares that 'based on a referendum in 2006 we will create a new Constitution.' First, in this referendum, he declares that he wants to implement a referendum that urges the removal of Chinese missiles targeting Taiwan.' In response, China has violently protested and China-Taiwan relations have become very tense, and Japan and the U.S. have even urged Presidnet Chen to exercise some restraint in his words and deeds.... The opposition parties are blasting the this referendum as illegal. Even as responses and reactions to the referendum are boiling over, there is the view that debates over issues such as how to rebuild problematic relations with the Western world as well as economic, political and social policies are being neglected. As far as the election, most believe it will be decided by the close to 30 percent of voters who are unaffiliated with any party. We hope that there is a true policy debate deveoped that is heard in their hearts."
Patrick Sabatier observed in left-of-center Liberation (1/30): "The traditional Chinese Kowtow ceremonial required three prostrations before the Chinese Emperor. Chirac has fully complied with the Kowtow ceremonial during Hu Jintao's visit.... First, he totally paralyzed the city; second, he spoke in favor of lifting the embargo on arms sales to China; third, he endorsed China's position towards Taiwan's referendum.... Chirac acted like the proverbial elephant in a China shop.... Beyond the poor image he has given of France...by interfering in this long-standing quarrel, Chirac takes the risk of upsetting a delicate status quo, which has to date kept both players from slipping into an armed conflict.... The equilibrium of the status quo depends for a large part on the strategic ambivalence adopted by the West, which does not want a reunification through force.... The French President's ill-chosen reprimands have sent the worse possible message to China: that the West might one day let China punish the 'Taiwanese' rebels as it wishes."
Yvan Rioufol wrote in right-of-center Le Figaro (1/30): "France's exaggerated good relationship with the communist hyperpower, even if dictated by trade interests, is excessive. Especially when compared to the detestable relationship that has been nurtured by France towards the U.S., the world number one democracy. Is China's unilateralism towards Taiwan and Tibet more acceptable than America's unilateralism in Iraq? Our country is still a singular exception: it mistrusts liberalism while granting Marxism a predominant role."
Jean-Christophe Ploquin opined in Catholic La Croix (1/28): "On Monday, Chirac cautioned Taiwan against a referendum. On Tuesday, President Jintao announced that China Airlines would buy 21 Airbuses.... Some might be tempted to interpret these declarations as the result of an indecent bartering.... But the fact is that Chirac's concerns about Taiwan are shared by the U.S. and Japan.... Tokyo, Washington and Beijing consider that Taiwan's leader is needlessly complicating the situation just when China is trying to become an integral part of the international community.... France is in fact upholding a position it has held since 1994 in favor of Taiwan's status quo. A position that has allowed Taiwan to become an economic world power without having been recognized as an independent state."
CANADA: "Chinese Just Don't Get It: Taiwan Won't Be Bullied"
Jonathan Manthorpe stated in the left-of-center Vancouver Sun (1/23): "When they vote in the presidential election Taiwanese will also be asked to cast their ballots on two questions. One asks if they agree to the government strengthening the island's defences, including deployment of an anti-ballistic missiles shield, if China does not withdraw its missile threat and renounce the use of force against Taiwan. The second question asks if the Taiwan government should negotiate with the mainland to establish a framework for peace and stability across the strait. China is apoplectic about the referendum. The Beijing government doesn't like to see free expressions of public opinion to begin with, but on Taiwan it fears referenda will at some point be used to ask the islanders whether they want recognized independence.... It is not only China that is troubled by the possibilities contained in the referendum law. So is the U.S. administration of President George W. Bush. Early in December, Bush expressed public irritation with his Taiwanese counterpart for disturbing the status quo in relations with China. Bush's comments had added punch because he made them with China's new prime minister, Wen Jiabao, standing at his side during a visit to Washington. America is bound by domestic legislation, the Taiwan Relations Act, to aid the island's defence if it is attacked. Bush's military is already overstretched with its commitments in the Balkans, Iraq and Afghanistan. It would be hard to cope with another troublespot. But in the last few weeks, Washington has moderated its view, especially since the publication of the non-provocative referendum questions. Beijing, however, is not mollified and officials continue to insist that any referendum on Taiwan brings the island and its people 'to the brink of danger.'"


At last month's 4th Congressional District GOP convention, John Kysylyczyn was elected Fourth CD chairman after a short, acrimonious campaign. He unseated Jim Carson, the architect of Senator Roger Chamberlain's successful Senate race in 2010 – which was, before redistricting, one of the Fourth CD's very, very few successfulwas the Secretary for CD4. I was "the establishment" – for exactly a year. And I did purely because someone challenged me, once upon a time, to put up or shut up; as a pundit, I freely criticized party officials who I felt were falling down on the job; they asked me if I thought I could do it myself. They had a point.
And so I got involved, And I found that some of it, I actually can do! Anyway – I have no ambition within the party except to help good (i.e., conservative) people get elected. Which its he same ambition I have outside the party – on this blog, and on my show.
Long explanation short; No sour grapes. To blame this article series of articles on "sour grapes" is to dodge the point.
Which is why I'm elaborating on the point so careully.
Beyond that? I'm not one of the "establishment" Republicans who are especially upset that the Ron Paul crowd took over. Especially in the Fourth CD, the influx of passionate newbies is more than welcome. I'm a former big-L Libertarian; I disagree with Ron Paul, but I agree with 80% of what his supporters believe. Oh, I – the 4th was making some headway – but as a general thing, I think some good people got elected to BPOU and Executive Committee offices.
Now, Twin Cities Republican activist, attorney and blogger John Gilmore is upset. John – a Saint Paul GOP activist and one of the bloggers at Minnesota Conservatives, has railed against Ron Paul and his movement since the very beginning.
–the denouement known as its state convention in St. Cloud this weekend awaits–bd of a Jew hating . There are just enough exceptions to this characterization on an individual basis to prove its general truth.
Notwithstanding that, I generally support John, because he's generally right, or at least right enough.
At any rate, at the last convention, CD4 got a new chair – former Roseville Mayor Kysylyczyn (who, combined with deputy and incumbent vice-chair Mike Boguszewski, gives CD4 the least-spellable executive 1-2 team in Minnesota politics).
…CD's have nothing to do with legislative races. It is clearly stated in the constitution. We also have little to do with the congressional district race. We are not the candidate's committee. In fact, we are not the committee of any candidate running for office this fall.
The email was apparently in response to concerns that, in the month-and-change since the CD4 convention, the 4th CD has not held a committee meeting.
To be frank, it does not matter if we are up to any particular speed for this fall's elections.
I understand that many may not agree with this or maybe things have been done differently in the past. As someone new to the position, I sat down the first week on the job and read the state and CD constitutions and the bylaws. My analysis is strictly based off of those documents.
Now, I can't speak for Kysylyczyn (and as we'll discuss in tomorrow's installment, either will Kysylyczyn). but I'll try to summarize what the thinking appears to be, here: the constitution doesn't say we have to do anything, so we won't.
Read the Minnesota and CD4 GOP Constitutions – I did. The Consitutions spell out relatively few actual duties; elect officers, hold endorsing conventions where delegates elected by BPOUs endorse candidates for Congress, elect State Central Committee members and State and National convention delegates when needed, and a bunch of other little bits of electoral administrivia.
But the two Constitutions are pretty silent on lots of things that Congressional Districts do as a matter of course; fundraising, Voter ID and database maintenance, organizing volunteers, working with candidates, or allowing committee members to go to the bathroom during meetings, for that matter.
And yet Congressional Districts do – and in the 4th CD, did – all those things. The 4th CD has a few thousand dollars in the bank. What does the Constitution say to do with it?
There seems to be this mistaken belief that the CD is some sort of super campaign committee. It is not. There also seems to be this mistaken belief that CD's win elections. This is not true.
Candidate committees win elections. There also seems to be a mistaken belief that CD's sort of bind together BPOU's that choose to operate as house districts. This is not true.
…then what is it there for? Why does it exist? To hold conventions, to elect officers, and to kill time until the next election cycle?
Remember – campaigns come and go with electoral seasons. The party? It's the part that's there between the elections.
We are required to hold four full committee meetings per year. It is my intention to have 4 full committee meetings a year. It is my intention to have actual agendas for meetings and a real purpose for having a meeting. Every time we have one of these meetings, there is potentially 100 of our best volunteers who are not spending an evening on the campaign trail.
The emphasized bit is a red herring.
While the 4th CD held monthly meetings over the past year, those were suspended during the thick of campaign season; Carson made it clear that campaigning came first, and excused committee members readily and without question for campaign activities.
Sum total of volunteers taken off the street during committee meetings in 2011: 0.
In the past, there appears to have been a cattle call mentality concerning the calling of meetings. Just have one every month.
I'm not aware that John Kysylyczyn attended a meeting at CD4 over the past year. I certainly did – I was the secretary, and except for three meetings where family health issues intervened, I was there for every one. None of them were held for "the sake of holding meetings".
It doesn't matter if we have any agenda. Don't bother sending out agendas. Whoever shows up does. Fill the time allotted. To be clear, I do not operate in this fashion.
To be clear and honest, either did Jim Carson.
It's a good question. More on this tomorrow morning.
I see a great opportunity here for Kurt Bills. Call a lunch with Tony Hernandez and John Kysylyczyn and remind everyone of their shared goals – that help for Tony is help for Kurt, and help for Kurt is help for Tony – and that both men will need a lot of help to win their races… and that help for people in Tampa doesn't really help anyone.
To be clear – the rumor that the CD was going to short Hernandez to subdidize delegate trips to Tampa turned out not to be true.
Frankly, I am shocked and dismayed by Kysylyczyn's attitude. The CD4-RPM committee has struggled for many years to be relevant to electoral politics in Minnesota. It had been my principal intention as Chair to bring a useful purpose to this 'goat rodeo'.
The 2010 Congressional campaign had broughtcross the Congressional District. Frankly, the assistance we received in the Chamberlain race wrt lit dropping significantly reduced our costs and materially benefited us. That assistance came from across the entire Congressional District and I am grateful for that. I hope that those who pitched in feel a sense of ownership and pride in what they accomplished.
I take exception to Kys's jabs about my leadership practices. You are correct, Mitch, I always had a meaningful agenda. While I typically did not distribute it ahead of time, I usually let people know in the reminder notice what business we would be doing. I also made a practice of telling candidates that they did not belong in meetings unless they had a purpose specific to their campaigns. I even canceled the August meeting to free up everyone to attend National Night Out. Kys* would not know this because I don't recall him ever attending a CD4 meeting while I was Chair. Finally, I always worked hard to keep us on task and wasted very little time.
Frankly, I don't mind losing. That might be hard to believe or understand, but I now have more time to dedicate to the races that matter to me in 2012. We have enough residual connections throughout the district that the elimination of the CD4 structure won't matter very much. A week after my defeat, JillV called me asking where she could find a list of BPOU Chairs. I recited every one of them from memory except for SD41 and SD54.
Nevertheless, I would have preferred a robust debate over a month or two about the proper role of the CD4 organization in our political activism rather than a last minute ambush. I suspect that I would have won that debate. As I have heard too many times from those friends who lost heartbreakers, "it is what it is".
What about 2012? I can't wait for Election Night! 2010 was magic. I am still flying from that race! To be honest, Chamberlain would have won anyway, I believe. He is a "natural". But, I get some credit. I am already working hard to make sure that races in my stomping ground get properly launched. Chair or not, I intend to work with them throughout the next six months and put some wins on the board in CD4. I want my friends to experience that magic, too.


The second option in contrast to a Medicare Supplement plan is Part C of Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan.  These plans are offered by private insurance companies, providing all original Medicare Part A and Part B health coverage and sometimes cover Part D drug coverage.  Typically, plans in Florida have a ZERO premium associated with them but in most states, there is a small monthly premium. These companies are paid by Medicare, therefore premiums are less than a Medicare Supplement plan. There are limitations to these plans. You could be hit with unexpected out of pocket expenses with a hospital stay, cancer or surgeries. You must also choose a plan that accepts your doctors but you should be aware that doctors can leave your plan’s network at any time! You must be entitled and enrolled in Medicare Part A & B in order to select a Part C Advantage plan. Although your Medicare Advantage plan will be your primary insurance, Medicare will be secondary. Here at My Medicare Hotline, we offer every top company in Florida to save you time and money.
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"I think it was kind of always a school that growing up he always wanted to go," Fair told Scout.com. "It puts him closer to home. I think the style fits him. I think the coaching staff made him comfortable."
"Jeff had a really good year at Oldsmar," Fair said. "He opened a lot of peoples eyes. I think his year down at Oldsmar helped him at."
"I think they saw him a couple of times [during the season] and then they came and saw Jeff in our state tourney and Jeff played really well in our state tournament," he added. What is Alabama getting in Garret?
"He's a high level athlete," Fair told Scout.com in the past. "Big time athlete. He has really good length. He has good size at 6-7. On my team he plays the one, two, three and four. He handles it really well for a guy his size and passes it well. He needs to continue to work on his jumper."


DyslexiaLand News Release
Dyslexia: Say it Loud, Say it Proud
Home / Ideas / Dyslexia: Say it Loud, Say it Proud
A half-dozen years ago, when a few determined parents in New Jersey got together to address the needs of their children who were struggling in school they formed an informal group. Dedicated to educating, advocating and legislating, they didn’t call it Supporting Struggling Readers. They rightly called it Decoding Dyslexia, and they struck a nerve and sparked a grassroots movement that has taken hold in every state, and even beyond our nation’s boundaries.
The word is Dyslexia–and it means so much more than “trouble with words.”
They dared to use the “d” word. And they changed the lives of millions.
Since then, parents from coast to coast, in every state, have banded together under the Decoding Dyslexia banner, and beyond that even formed local groups and social media sites, building communities devoted to dyslexia awareness and action.
This unprecedented dyslexia movement has focused on addressing the needs of our bright children who struggle to fit into the confines of the education establishment that continues to ignore their learning styles and their learning needs. We have found strength in numbers as we have shared experiences, research, resources, and insights about our children and the schools.
We use the word dyslexia.
Would we like a more positive word? Absolutely. Words matter. Dyslexia, which means “trouble with words” hardly is an accurate description of these amazing 1 in 5 individuals—many of whom are the best, brightest and most creative thinkers among us. But it’s the word that’s been commonly recognized for decades a way that no other phrase or category does: Not Specific Learning Disability and certainly not Struggling Reader.
Dyslexia. Dyslexia. Dyslexia.
Just as the word dyslexia is finally getting some traction, when parents are beginning to understand dyslexia, when school district employees are beginning to acknowledge, say and write dyslexia, when state legislators are introducing and passing laws to address dyslexia, and even the federal Department of Education has issued a statement that it’s important to use the word dyslexia–dyslexia deniers are back.
In my book I note the comments of Dr. Samuel Blumenthal in 1992 claiming dyslexia is a Pavlovian conditioned response to memorizing sight words, and I cite several others who cause confusion and muddy the waters with their focus on dyslexia as just a reading issue.
And here we go again, as academics make the case—in books, scholarly articles, blog posts and You Tube videos–to stop saying dyslexia.
Use the phrase struggling readers instead, they say. Instruct all these struggling readers in the same way using a structured approach to literacy, and they’ll all be fine. But don’t say the word dyslexia anymore. It’s meaningless, and, they assert, it might even give these kids an advantage.
Sigh. As if any kid with dyslexia ever got a single advantage in school. Or even quality reading instruction without parents engaging in a major battle. Or that dyslexia is simply a reading issue. It is that–and so much more.
Yes, these students need the structured approach to literacy that these experts call for—because it works. But they owe the use of the word dyslexia some love: it’s undeniable that the education establishment has finally been forced to heed the call to begin providing this structured literacy approach because of the pressure put on by the dyslexia parent advocates who have created the dyslexia movement which has led to dyslexia legislation in a majority of states. Now there’s even a Congressional Dyslexia Caucus to raise awareness and engage legislators at the federal level.
There are struggling readers. And there are dyslexic struggling readers. Children may struggle to read for many different reasons. Where I live, children struggle due to poverty; lack of resources and opportunities, parents’ low education; poor understanding of the need to acquire reading skills. If those students receive appropriate structured literacy instruction, they will likely overcome those reading challenges and may be able to move on in their education.
But if a dyslexic struggling reader receives the same appropriate structured literacy approach and learns to read, there will still be additional educational challenges ranging from using a combination locker, to taking notes while listening to a lecture, to deciphering the nuances of questions in standardized tests, to dealing with time management. Reading is just one aspect of the dyslexic reality, and it isn’t “fixed” by reading instruction.
Every dyslexic child I have ever met has been intrigued, interested and relieved to learn about dyslexia as the reason for academic struggles as well as the source of individual strengths. They have found hope in examples of successful role models, connection in knowing eir families, and and belief that they, too, can achieve their dreams.
Every dyslexic adult I have ever met has spent a lifetime of learning, figuring workarounds and implementing successful strategies far beyond reading—in everything from navigating directions on the freeway to finding a job where spelling won’t be an issue. While a few learned to love reading and writing, most avoid it whenever possible. It’s just the way they’re wired. Or think. Or like to live their lives.
Countless famous–and not so famous–dyslexics of all ages and places in life have addressed the importance of identification of dyslexia. When they had a word that helped explain their reading and other processing and academic struggles, it empowered them and made all the difference in their lives, in their self-understanding, in their ability to heal their damaged self-esteemm?
Academics have shown us the value of explicit reading instruction. They need to realize the importance of explicitly naming dyslexia. And spend more time implementing appropriate teaching approaches rather than arguing over the use of the “d” word.
I don’t have the academic credentials of these reading experts. But I do have a decade of experience as a dyslexia advocate and a long career in communications, understanding the power of a clear message, and the need for strong leadership. The last thing this nascent dyslexia movement needs is quibbling over what to call it, or how to refer to the students who so desperately need appropriate instruction in reading, and a different approach to the rest of their education.
This endless confusion about terminology only diminishes the dyslexia movement’s effectiveness and allows educators to continue to keep stonewalling efforts to improve reading instruction and implementing additional changes in education our students need to support their numerous strengths and reach their full potential–in school and in life.
We who love and support all students are better together.
Cheri Rae, the mother of a 22-year-old dyslexic son, is tlives, works and advocates in Santa Barbara, CA. Her book is available on her website at www.DyslexiaLand.com, and as both a book and an e-book at https://www.amazon.com/DyslexiaLand-Field-Parents-Children-Dyslexia/dp/0934161755
Dyslexia: Say it Loud, Say it Proud2019-02-062019-02-06https://www.dyslexialand.com/website/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/dl-logo-purple-smaller.pngDyslexialand9/02/say-dyslexiaa-2.png200px200px


Ocala Lane Closures
Widening on SR 492 in Marion County near Ocala [431798-3] View Project
Thursday, June 4th, 2020 to Monday, June 15th, 2020
Saturday, June 13 - Sunday, June 14: Northeast 36th Avenue will be closed between Northeast 21st Street and Northeast 24th Street so construction crews can install beams on the new bridge over the CSX rail line. Detours will be in effect. The closures will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 7 p.m. each day, but businesses ifacilities during those times. Motorists heading south on Northeast 36th Avenue will be directed to turn right (west) on Northeast 24th Street, then left (south) on Northeast 25th Avenue to get to Northeast 14th Street or State Road 40. Motorists who want to go north on 36th Avenue are likewise asked to instead go north on 25th Avenue and then east on Northeast 24th Street.
Monday, June 8th, 2020 to Thursday, June 11th, 2020
Monday, June 8 - Wednesday, June 10: Crews will close a single lane of Northeast 36th Avenue from Northeast 19th Place to Northeast 21st Street to build drainage structures. 8 a.m., but northbound and southbound motorists will still be able to use the remaining open lane on an alternating basis. Please use caution in the work zone.


Expert Rank – Deino
- Legend Rank – Pikachu Libre
Rank 16+
Expertcludes. </s> The National Democratic Congress’ General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia says the NDC when elected will hold accountable anyone who played a role in the Agyapa Royalties deal.
“Anyone who may have played any role in the “shady” Agyapa Royalties scam, which is fraught with fraud, thievery, nepotism, and cronyism”, will not go scot-free in a future Mahama government, the NDC’s General Secretary stated.
Addressing the media at the party’s 16th weekly media briefing, Asiedu Nketia added: “We have long held the position that the Agyapa deal was fraught with illegalities and driven by corruption, cronyism and sheer greed, all in furtherance of the state-capture agenda of President Akufo-Addo”.
Touching on the dealings of the Special Prosecutor, he said the recent verdict of Martin Amidu on the deal after his anti-corruption risk assessment, vindicates the NDC’s position that it was “a corrupt deal, cooked within the corridors of power for the benefit of a few greedy family relatives of President Akufo-Addo, at the expense of the state”.
According to the NDC, the “whole Agyapa deal is daylight robbery” as found by the Special Prosecutor, which said the transaction processes and Mandate Agreement violated, and the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, hence null and void.
“As a matter of fact, the processes leading to the transaction agreements and Mandate Agreement were shady, opaque and fraught with procurement rigging, stonewalling, fraud, statutory and constitutional breaches,” Amidu said.
For Asiedu Nketia, “the valuation of our gold royalties and transaction agreements that President Akufo-Addo and his corrupt New Patriotic Party approved was a rip-off and an affront to the sovereignty of our dear nation”.
“The NDC is appalled by the refusal of President Akufo-Addo to crack the whip on the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who supervised this daylight heist, and his Deputy, Charles Adu Boahen, who fraudulently signed the Mandate Agreement when he had no locus to do so under our laws.
“It is sad but unsurprising, that theshady Agyapa deal, which has occasioned a huge financial loss to the nation, are still at post. In any serious country, Ken Ofori-Atta and Charles Adu Boahen would have been suspended pending criminal investigations or under criminal prosecution by now. Sadly, in our case, President Akufo-Addo has decided to shield these corrupt officials from punishment, as he usually does,” Asiedu Nketia noted.
According to him, there is no way that the next NDC government will let the matter go unpunished.
“We must serve notice that this Agyapa scam, like other similar corrupt acts of the Akufo-Addo government, will not go unpunished. We have just about twenty-seven days to vote for change like the Americans have done.
“The new government of stated. </s> Custom Monogram sign
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 </s> Essay on genesis 1-3 for thesis project ideas for information technology
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Zoologia (Curitiba) vol.30 no.5 Curitiba Oct. 2013
Angelo Pires do Prado (01.II.1942 - 25.VIII.2013)
Museu de Zoologia, Universidade de São Paulo. Avenida Nazaré, 481, 04263-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil
Angelo Pires do Prado was born in São Lourenço do Sul, RS (on the shore of the Laguna dos Patos) on February 1, 1942. He was the son of Antônio Pires do Prado, from Pouso Alegre, southern Minas Gerais, and Lúcia Florence Pires do Prado, from Rio Grande do Sul. Because Antônio Pires was an army officer, he was frequently deployed to different locations in Brazil. It was in Rio Grande do Sul that he met Dna. Lúcia. The couple had four children. The oldest, also named Angelo, died prematurely. He was followed by Edison (who later attendedearned a degree in agronomy), Áureo and finally, Angelo Pires do Prado, the youngest (Edison and Áureo were eight and four years older than Angelo, respectively). In 1944, the family moved to Rio de Janeiro.
After completing his basic education in the former nations' capital, attending elementary school at the Colégio São João and middle school at the Colégio Cristo Rei, Angelo was accepted by the technical school Escola Agrotécnica Ildefonso Simões Lopes, where he was a student from 1958 to 1960. There, his interest in entomology was born.
Angelo married Marisa Benedita de Alvarenga Silva in 1968, and the couple had a child, Angelo Alvarenga Prado, who died in 2003.
In the years that followed, Angelo published only sporadic contributions on Diptera in 1975 he produced an elegant paper on Odiniidae (Stephen Gaimari recognized his contribution by naming a new genus after him, Pradomyia). Also in 1975, Angelo organized several chapters, all on acalyptrate families, for the series. During this period I acquired the reprints and the phorid collection from Frei Thomaz Borgmeier, to be incorporated toJosé Henrique Guimarães, Renato Lion Araujo and Angelo Pires do Prado transported the material from Petrópolis to São Paulo. Subsequently, Angelo published two contributions on Phoridae, in 1975 and 1976.
In 1977, thanks to FAPESP, Angelo organized the acalyptrate fly collection of the Museu de Zoologia. One year latter (1978), he collaborated with José Henrique Guimarães and Arício Xavier Linhares on a historic paper about the introduction of species of Chrysomyia (Calliphoridae) in Brazil. This was the first of a series of scientific contributions on the genus involving researchers from various institutions, some of which are still being published.
Thanks to two assistantships granted by CNPq, father Jesus Santiago Moure, Angelo Pires do Prado and I formed a committee to investigate and write a report on the status of zoology in Brazil. We visited the main institutions in the country, collected CVs from zoologists, and made an inventory of the collections. Unfortunately, CNPq did not use our database. I gave our committee the nickname "Celestial Committee", because it was composed of a Jesus, an Angel, and a Papa… (meaning "Pope" in Portuguese.)
In 1983, Guimarães, Papavero & Prado published a contribution on Neotropical myiases in the first volume of the Revista Brasileira de Zoologia. In the years that followed, Angelo began to focus more on parasitology, particularly entomological parasitology, vectors and plant health, besides insecticide resistance. His main contributions were on Musca domestica, synantropic Diptera, development and ecology of domestic flies, fruit flies and blowflies, domestic mites (dust mites), phytophagous mites, mites associated with synanthropic and wild birds (nest, feather and skin mites.)
Angelo authored several catalogs of Acalyptratae Diptera for the series Fauna da Amazônia Brasileira, edited by the Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, and for the Neotropical Diptera series
During his professional life, Angelo published 117 scientific contributions and one book. He advised 35 Master of Science students to the completion of their theses (1979-2011). Two additional theses from that same period are ongoing. Seventeen Ph.D. dissertations were completed under his mentorship, and seven more are ongoing (1976-2011). Additionally, he participated in 139 dissertation committees (Master and Ph.D.)
Despite the terrible illness that fell upon him, and the fact that he was constrained to retire, Angelo continued to contribute to the Unicamp as an associate professor. He was loyal, wise, objective, ethical and generous. Angelo opened many doors for the research of others and never asked for anything in return.


- 11 Δεκέμβριος).
local government for the first time.?


This is the same Lace Monitor as I posted a few days back - shortly before he swam across the drainage channel and climbed the nearest tree.


The Shade Room rapidly grew to 100,000 followers in just a few weeks, and today, thanks to its over 16 million followers, it's a media empire with a website and original programming in the works with Hollywood production companiesmore about Nwandu's inspiring career story and road to creating The Shade Room. Keep scrolling for a glimpse at the content that makes the account a must-follow for millions of people.


and IT“Well, I’m sorry, guys, I don’t know what’s going on,” he said, looking around for help. “”Uh … Scott, got any suggestions?”
Anyway, within another minute or so, the Wi-Fi was back, and Jobs moved on, albeit with the occasional plea to members of the press to please, please turn your Wi-Fi off.
So Steve!
oon…t.
He will be in the CBS broadcast booth with Jim Nantz for, Ga.
As for Romo’s prediction for the game Sunday between the Patriots and Rams?Staffers from the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley coordinate with police officers in Pine Hill in a new program model that will help ‘stabilize’ residents in need of help wherever they are.
By Matt Skoufalos | December 18, 2019
For the people helped through the partnership, the impact of their outreach extends far beyond those hours, said Pine Hill Police Chief Christopher Winters.
The town’s social problems include housing instability, mental illness, and the opioid epidemic, the chief said.
The agency’s Pine Hill desk, dubbed the “Camden Navigational Resource Center Office,” can help divert people away from emergency rooms and jails, said Amanda Leese, Vice-President of the VOADV Safe Return and Navigator Programs.
Although the program will help to reduce the crime rate as well as the rate of recidivism in the community, its primary purpose is to identify people who are struggling and help them get what they need to get back on their feet, Winters said.
“It really is about the stabilization of individuals so they’re able to reintegrate back into the community,” the chief said. “We’re dealing with individuals much sooner than It’s a prevention piece.
“It’s mission-driven service delivery. We share resources and function as a true team.”
In another instance, Pine Hill police were able to help lift some $2,500 in warrants for a woman who presented at the station to check into a detox program.
“Her life was saved,” Leese said.
The program is funded by a $2-million DHS line item for this integrated approach in Camden and Atlantic Counties, sand New Jersey DHS Commissioner Carole Johnson. She called the agreement “a model for the work we’re going to do across the state.
Johnson said both agencies reflect “a shared commitment” to a partnership among judicial, law enforcement, social services, and healthcare agencies.
 such partnerships are critical in managing public health crises like homelessness and opioid addiction, which he described as epidemic challenges that have been exacerbated by a shortfall of funding on a national level.
“We are fighting this epidemic in partnership with law enforcement, and that speaks to the professionalism of all the chiefs in Camden County, who’ve


Well, the title of this post already mentioned it of course: it seems to work!
Update 8 aug 2021: Today I noticed a Bluetooth driver update in my Inter Driver Support Assistant. Wow, I didn’t realize I was such an influencer!Of course I immediately installed this, and so far, it seems to work a whole lot better. Maybe driver version 22.60.0.6 solved my problems. Thanks HP!


"With 'The Olympic Games: Behind the Screen'ayser of Olympic broadcasting," says for 'The Olympic Games: Behind the Screen' to's and 70' says Gabetd's population the best of the images of the Games."


think traditional approaches to foreign policy,” wrote Meeks. These notions refer to Trump win, Paris Climate Agreement, Iran Nuclear Deal, and other international frameworks. The representative took a jab at the president, “We will no longer be America first, but America forward.”
Throughout his career, Meeks has been a consistent supporter of diplomacy, recognizing that it is not perfect, but preferable to unilateral action. He voted against going to war with Iraq in 2002, and in support of the Iran nuclear deal. Concerning our allies, he spoke of accountability rather than realpolitik.
By Sergey Kadinsky </s>’t Get 2nd Hundred, Says Pakistan’s Abid Ali After Win
 on Tuesday. Abid Ali, the Player of the Match, aat Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Abid Ali.
Would you really want a three cylinder engine in a Land Rover Discovery Sport? In the case of this PHEV version, Jonathan Crouch rather thinks you might...
Another reason why second row Discovery SportV. Ie much improved version of the model, larger 'Touch Pro' 10.25-inch centre-dash screen and, on plusher versions, a customisable 12.3-inch 'Interactive Driver Display' replaces the usual instrument binnacle dials.  a large 840-litre boot, extendable to a 'wet' total capacity of 1,794-litres.
As those trim level designations suggest, all versions come only with the 'R-Dynamic' pack which is normally a £1,500 option on the Discovery Sport. This includes restyled bumpers and a smarter alloy wheel style, plus special bonnet and tailgate script and a front grille with 'Shadow Atlas' finishing and a gloss black surround. Inside, the 'R-Dynamic' pack gives you 'Ebony'-trimmed seats with red stitching, 'Titanium Mesh' trim finishing, black gearshift paddles and branded metal treadplates. Standard kit across the range includes:The charging port for the Samsung-sourced 15kWh battery pack is on the rear wing (on the opposite side to the petrol filler flap) and.
We're a touch disappointed that this PHEV variant's clever tech couldn't have been built into a 7-seat version of this car but otherwise, there's lots to like about the Disco Sport in P300e guise. the much improved version of this Solihull SUV. Discovery Sport might be a harder call to make but if the figures stack up for you, then the opportunity for a long overdue switch from the black pump might finally have arrived. </s> I


Of the times' prudery.
24 August.  though insofar as it reveals that cows (and sheep and even hens) have far more awareness and know-how than they are given credit for it could also be thought deeply depressing. Though not if you're a cow on Young's farm, Kites' Nest in Worcestershire, which has been organic since before organics started and where the farm hands can tell from the taste alone which cow the milk comes from. Young makes the case against factory farming more simply and compellingly than anyone I've read and simply on grounds of common sense.
One curiosity about the book, though, is that while the author goes into much detail about the behaviour of cows and their differences of temperament and outlook she never mentions any idiosyncrasies when the cows go with the bull and whether their individuality, which she has made much of elsewhere, is still in evidence. Are some shyer than others? More flirty? It may be of course that this reticence is a measure of her respect for her charges, feeling that cows ars. But it's a book that alters the way one looks at the world and one which all farmers would do well to read.
2 September. Making the supper and idly listening to Radio 4's Saturday Review the only speaker I recognise is P. D. James and none of it anything to do with me until some Scottish woman in the course of telling off the novelist Mark Haddon accuses him of 'Alan Bennettish tweeness'. It's not a serious injury to my self-esteem but rather as if someone passing me in the street has just turned back to give me a flying kick up the bum and then gone on their way. I hope for some mild objection from one of the other participants but none is forthcoming so perhaps I'm now tweeness's accepted measure.
8 September, Yorkshire. On Saturday around the same time we blackberry up Crummock Lane, the stream full and loud over the other side of the wall on one side, a herd of friendly cows on the other – now that I've been told they have inner lives I ought to adapt my behaviour accordingly (though how?) instead just letting them lick my hands – and two lovely horses higher up the lane the same. Rupert if anything more nervous of the cows than the horses, which wear fly-masks, transparent blinkers across their foreheads that make them look blindfolded. We were planning to walk up to the clapper bridge but R. is uneasy about walking through the field with such attentive cows so instead we drive round on the Crummock road, park and walk down. No one about, utterly still and over the wall a ring of huge pearly white mushrooms. We pick about four, which is more than we will eat and then go down to the clapper bridge in what is now named Wash Dub Field, a National Parks notice explaining how the sheep were penned here to be washed. That and an iron seat apart, it's no different from what it was when I first came here forty years ago. But a lovely evening and we go back to a fire, beans picked from the garden and a salad niçoise with the mushrooms – never as nice to taste as they are to pick – for Sunday lunch.
11 September. There are buds in plays, points where other plays can branch out. I can see, for instance that this story about the Queen began as a bud in the scene between Hector and Posner in The History Boys when Hector is talking about reading.
I can see that one of the buds (because there can be several) which grew into Habeas Corpus was in the last speech of Act 1 of Forty Years On and I hear John Gielgud's voice saying, '"This time," I always thought as I tied my tie. "Perhaps this time." But there would be other times and time yet, I thought.'
And so one could go on, hopping from play to play, one budding out from the next, swinging from one to the other like Tarzan through the jungly fronds.
12 September. Read Nicola Lacey's life of H. L. A. Hart – the Sacred Hart as J. used to call him. The core of the book skipped – namely the jurisprudence and the philosophy, all I carry away from that the confirmation that I could never have been a don; still daunted by the sheer brains of e.g. Hart himself, Ronald Dworkin and their pupils and followers. 'I have no mind,' I think as I read, 'and never have had.' Not this sort of mind anyway. Hart's want of self-assurance is appealing, particularly in view of his great renown – as also is his difficult sex life – married but gay, with hopeless passions for heterosexual men continuing into his seventies.
I remember seeing him about Oxford in the fifties and knowing he was a star, just as one knew Lord David C. was a star – Rowse, Lord David Cecil and C. S. Lewis once seen walking down towards Magdalen, just as conscious of their reputations and their glamour as any actor appearing at the Playhouse.
14 September. Jonathan M. very funny about Archbishop John Sentamu's front teeth, saying that he felt the gap was just the continuation of the centre aisle.
16 September. Listen to Sue Roberts's production of Single Spies on Radio 4. I'm particularly struck by Edward Petherbridge playing Anthony Blunt in A Question of Attribution. Although I played the part myself I've forgotten a good deal of it, particularly the lectures on art history in general which in the stage play Blunt gives directly to the audience. Petherbridge gets so much more out of these than I did that listening to them I can scarcely believe they've come from my own pen, infusing them with so much sadness and irony one feels Blunt's whole life is there. The same with Prunella Scales as the Queen, which was a joy to write and is still a joy to listen to. Nicky Henson is very good as Chubb, the man from MI5 – less breezy than he normally is and between the questioner and the questioned (which is also pupil and teacher) a relationship more flirtatious than Simon Callow and I ever quite managed.
I go on with painting/staining the walls of my study, doing an experimental strip of wall with cerulean blue which, on top of the yellow, turns it green. It would just about do but I feel I can do better – though what or how I've no idea.
18 September. 'There shouldn't be any religion. There should just be people being nice to one another.' This is check-out women at M&S discussing the Pope's remarks at Regensburg with an equally vapid customer while I fume in the queue. The conversation ends, almost incredibly:
'What about the Spanish Inquisition?'
21 September. The Bush–Blair attitude to war:
'A War' by Randall Jarrell
These set out, slowly, for a Different World,
– That's what they tell the eggs.
Found in John Bayley's anthology Hand Luggage (Continuum, 2001).
28 September. At the outset of the Iraq war Tony Blair was determined not to be another Chamberlain. Now as he slowly prepares to leave office one can see that Chamberlain is exactly whom he has come to resemble. In the 1930s Chamberlain put through some enlightened social legislation, but all anyone nowadays remembers is Munich and Appeasement. Tony Blair, too, has achievements in the social field but no one will remember those, only Iraq. I suppose this says something about history.
29 September. I call in at the Farmers' Market which now takes place every Saturday in the playground of Princess Road school. It's a friendly occasion, but whereas in Union Square in New York, the only other farmers' market I've been to, I take it as simply a nice (and useful) collection of stalls – meat, veg, bread, cheese – and am unselfconscious about it, here, on my own patch as it were, I'm aware of the middle class (and it is predominantly middle class) hugging themselves in self-congratulation at the perfection of their lives. I know this is unfair and grumbling and I wish I were more open-minded and didn't care. But as it is I queue to buy two s


We are a full hroughout the life of the project, such asReclamation, Remediation and Hazardous Materials Assessments. We work in Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.


Whether you’re on a first date or are in a seasoned relationship, finding a romantic setting can pose a challenge. Too often you may find every date night ends in front of the TV with take-out or at the same old bar down the street. Whether you’re looking to impress someone with a memorable first date or in need of someplace spectacular to celebrate your anniversary, there are a number of places in Greater New Bedford that are sure to do the trick.
Each of the restaurants you’ll read about in this article feature a sort of atmosphere that make them stand out from your average eatery. Keep in mind that ambiance often comes with a price tag, and these restaurants can be categorized in the high priced to fine dining category. It also never hurts to make a reservation beforehand, as some of these spots get quite packed. Therefore, plan accordingly but know that both the food and atmosphere you pay for won’t soon be forgotten!
Cork’s innovative menu features both tapas (a variety of appetizers) and full entrees that are unlike any other food selection around. The menu is often changed to reflect exciting new options and always focused on fine cuisine. While Cork may be quite artistic with its culinary splendors, their menu has plenty of suitable options for a variety of pallets. For example, they offer a dressed up bacon cheddar burger and other traditional favorites like fried calamari or Caesar salad. If it’s exotic you’re looking for however, they also cater to that with items like their coconut curry lobster.
Aside from a menu selection that will appease both you and your date, Cork has a great atmosphere. Along with an impressive selection of wine and aesthetic presentation of food, the restaurant is located in downtown NB in the Joseph Tabor building, a structure which has been a fixture of the area for over 175 years. The heavy stonework and classic New England craftsmanship make for a spacy interior and a beautiful setting for your special night out.
So glad you included tne Airport Grille in this list – it is our favorite restaurant.
Candleworks and Back Eddy – kind of Old School.
We went to the Waterfront Grille for Valentines Day a couple of years ago. We had made a reservation, but were seated on the back porch – which they had enclosed in a canvas and put electric heaters in – WE FROZE! – February in New Bedford is no time to be on a back porch right next to the water.
homemade sauces – I am a huge fan of their roasted sole with risotto. Also, this is the only place we ever get dessert – theirs are homemade and so rich and delicious!
I think you need to check out Cafe Belina also. Been there for Valentine’s Day, New Years, anniversaries, etc. This is a really nice place also with great food!!
I think that The Pasta House should have been included….I’ve ALWAYS been thrilled with the atmosphere, service and cuisine! Thanks!


Croatia’s economy grew by an estimated 14.5% in annual terms in the second quarter of 2021, the Institute of Economics Zagreb (EIZ) said. On a quarterly basis, the economy advanced an estimated 1.2%.
CEIZ is a monthly composite business cycle indicator developed by the EIZ. Consequently, the CEIZ indexe present state of the economy.


This women's group is here to get you in shape! Body N' Soul Fitness meets for exercise classes involving cardio, toning, weights, line dancing, and a lot of fun. And it's completely free!
The group meets in the Faith Church back parking lot (inside in rooms 49 & 51 if the weather is bad; use the rear parking lot entrance) on Mondays & Fridays at 7:30 AM and Wednesdays at 7 PM. We spend about 60-90 minutes working out.
Currentlyd if the group meets indoors.
Want to learn more? Contact group leaders Ruthi


San Buenaventura, Coahuila
San Buenaventura is a townlocated at 27°03′45″N 101°32′48″W / 27.0625°N 101.54667°W, in the state's central region (Región Centro). There were 19,986 inhabitants in 2000.


During this time period everything is running according your plans, you enjoy your life to the full!
Dont become too careless, otherwise you'll get in conflicts.


Microsoft says it's seeing small but across-the-board increases inworking at the company, including those in technical and leadership roles, in the latest annual update on the Redmond tech giant's efforts to diversify its workforce.
Women now represent 27.3 percent of Microsoft's employee base, according to new numbers released Tuesday afternoon by Kathleen Hogan, the company's chief people officer. That number is up from 25.8 percent last year, but a substantial portion of that increase is due to the inclusion of LinkedIn's workforce following Microsoft's acquisition of the business social network.
Excluding the LinkedIn employees, Microsoft's percentage of women employees rose to 25.9 percent, up just 0.1 percent from last year. However, Microsoft says the increase would actually be larger, about 0.9 percent, excluding the numbers from theshut down, where women represented a higher percentage of the workforce.
"We are encouraged to see progress both in terms of the all-uptechnical and leadership roles, and we're very committed to continuing this journey to see sustained progress in the future," Hogan said in an interview with GeekWire.
In a post about the data, Hogan cited five "pillars" expanding its pipeline of talent through a variety of programs, looking beyond its traditional recruiting practices, empowering and retaining existing employees, and other efforts.
Microsoft Graphic. Click for full stats.
This is Microsoft's third annual report on its diversity numbers, part of a broader effort across the primarily white, male tech industry to build teams that are more inclusive.
Women make up 31 percent of Google's global workforce, representing a small improvement over past years.
Amazon's workforce, which includes business, technical and fulfillment center jobs, is 39 percent womey.
The percentage of Hispanic/Latinx employees in leadership roles increased from 4.0% to 4.3%.