text:
The Corporate Governance Statement issued pursuant to Section 289a of the German Commercial Code (Handelsgesetzbuch – HGB) includes the Declaration of Conformity in respect of the German Corporate Governance Code, relevant details of corporate governance practices that go beyond the legal requirements and a description of the procedural methods adopted by the Management Board and Supervisory Board, as well as the composition and procedures of Supervisory Board committees.
Pursuant to Section 161 of the German Stock Corporation Act (Aktiengesetz – AktG), the supervisory board and management board of exchange-listed stock corporations are obliged to issue an annual declaration stating that the recommendations of the "Code of the Government Commission on German Corporate Governance" have been and will continue to be complied with and, if applicable, specifying which recommendations have not been or will not be applied. Any departures from the recommendations must be explained.
The Management Board and Supervisory Board of ElringKlinger AG hereby issue a Declaration of Conformity pursuant to Section 161 AktG, stating that the Company has complied with, currently complies with and will in future comply with the recommendations of the "Government Commission German Corporate Governance Code" in the version dated May 13th, 2013, with the following exceptions.
Section 3.8: The deductibles agreed for the Supervisory Board as part of the company's D&O insurance differ from those specified for the Management Board.
The D&O insurance policy for the Supervisory Board contains a deductible. However, this deductible is lower than that defined for the members of the Management Board. The company is of the opinion that inconsistency in the treatment of the Management Board and the Supervisory Board is objectively justified due to the different functions of the aforementioned bodies. Legislators accept such a differentiation, as they have not specified any regulations for the Supervisory Board that are comparable to the provisions governing deductibles for Management Board members.
Section 4.1.5: When filling managerial positions in the enterprise, suitability and qualification of the candidates were taken into consideration by the management board primarily.
When filling managerial positions the management board orients itself by requirements of the corresponding position and looks for the best possible individual, fulfilling these requirements. If there are more candidates with similar qualifications, the management board takes diversity into consideration and aims for an appropriate consideration of women without making these criteria a principal of priority. From the point of view of the company such regulation would be counterproductive, especially in view of the comparatively small number of managerial positions to be filled.
Section 5.1.2: When appointing the Management Board, the Supervisory Board orients itself by suitability and qualification. No age limit has been set for members of the Management Board.
The members shall be selected prior to their suitability and qualification. In the company's view, the special weighting of further criteria given by the Code would limit the selection of potential candidates for the Management Board. Thereby, it has to be considered that the Management Board temporarily exists of only 3 members.
There is no general age limit for Management Board members. The main focus for ElringKlinger is on the qualifications as well as the experience required by candidates to be appointed to the board. Given the provisions set out in the German General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG), which does not apply directly to this case but at the very least provides a basis for analogous application, the company is of the opinion that the approach of specifying an age limit is inappropriate.
Section 5.3.3: At present there is no Nomination Committee to propose possible candidates for the election of shareholder representatives to the Supervisory Board.
Given the current size of the company's Supervisory Board, both the Management Board and the Supervisory Board are of the opinion that there is no need to form a Nomination Committee.
Section 5.4.1: Regarding the composition of the Supervisory Board, concrete objectives will not be predefined and according to this not published in the Corporate Governance Report. No age limit has been set for members of the Supervisory Board.
Relevant selection criteria for the appointment of the Supervisory Board are also suitability, experience and qualification. A commitment to specifications concerning prospective appointments constricts flexibility without ulterior advantage for the company. This applies all the more as the representatives of the shareholders can temporarily only elect six members of the Supervisory Board with codetermination. Within this context, the specifications mentioned in the Code's recommendation are per se further important criteria for the constitution of the Supervisory Board. So because of the mentioned reasons there is no need of a predefinition of concrete objectives.
No general age limit has been set for members of the Supervisory Board, as the expertise of the individual members is considered an overriding priority. Within this context, experience in particular is seen as an integral element. Given the provisions set out in the German General Equal Treatment Act (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG), which does not apply directly to this case but at the very least provides a basis for analogous application, the company is of the opinion that the approach of specifying an age limit is inappropriate.
Section 5.4.3: Proposals regarding candidates for the Chair of the Supervisory Board are not disclosed to shareholders.
The election of the Chairperson of the Supervisory Board is an internal affair and in the sole responsibility of the Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board is best placed to assess the suitability of the candidates. Against this background, the company is of the opinion that prior disclosure of the names of candidates for the Chair of the Supervisory Board would not be appropriate.
Section 5.4.6: Compensation of the members of the Supervisory Board consists of a variable or performance-based component that is determined according to the Group's earnings before taxes in the financial year just ended.
The company is of the opinion that the current structure of Supervisory Board compensation adequately reflects the responsibilities of the Supervisory Board in respect of business performance. Profitability is of key importance to the sustained development of the company. This aspect is to be reflected in the assessment of compensation.
Section 6.3: No reports of the kind specified in Section 6.3 of the Code are made beyond the statutory disclosure requirements.
The company is of the opinion that transparent corporate communication is essential, particularly in order to maintain shareholder confidence. All relevant information is disclosed by the company in accordance with statutory requirements, which have been extended significantly in recent years. This information can also be accessed from the company's website. From the company's perspective, the other details recommended for disclosure under Section 6.6 of the Code are of no additional value to investors. The company believes that transparency is not dependent on the volume of information disclosed but rather on the quality and relevance of such information. Against this background, the company has chosen not to apply the Code's recommendations beyond those specified as required by law.
Business at ElringKlinger is based on and guided by statutory requirements and the regulations arising from the German Corporate Governance Code, as stated in the Declaration of Conformity issued by ElringKlinger. As part of their responsibilities, the Management Board and Supervisory Board are obliged to ensure compliance with these requirements. ElringKlinger has also adopted more specific internal standards and guidelines, which are outlined below.
Vision and mission
ElringKlinger has developed a vision and a mission statement for the company that define the Group's goals and fundamental values. The company's actions, and the way it treats its clients, staff and suppliers, must be geared fully towards these goals and values, which also serve as a benchmark. The mission statement revolves around the concepts of loyalty and responsibility, reliability, courage, appreciation and cost and quality leadership. The vision and mission statement can be viewed online at www.elringklinger.de.
Code of ethics and code of conduct
ElringKlinger also abides by corporate codes of ethics and conduct derived from its vision and mission statement. These codes can be found online at www.elringklinger.de. The Management Board is accountable for the implementation of these codes, whose principles form an integral part of the company's internal regulations and guidelines. ElringKlinger's corporate code of ethics includes explicit pledges to uphold human rights and specific social standards, prohibit discrimination and corruption, and act on its responsibility for the environment. The code of conduct, which follows on from the code of ethics, sets out these principles in greater detail and provides further elaboration. The code of conduct also outlines the fundamentals of the compliance system deployed by the ElringKlinger Group. In addition to defining precise requirements for employees, the code of conduct appeals to the sense of responsibility of each individual not to act in a manner that may damage ElringKlinger's corporate values and, instead, to actively protect and promote them.
Management principles
ElringKlinger's management principles shall play a major role in shaping working relationships. Clarity and openness, respect, effectiveness, innovation and training are key elements of these principles. The leadership principles are available online at www.elringklinger.com.
Quality and environmental guidelines
The quality and environmental guidelines for suppliers of the ElringKlinger Group ensure that the company's products always meet the highest standards of quality and that resources are treated carefully and sparingly. The guidelines are published online at www.elringklinger.com.
In addition to the above-mentioned principles and guidelines, there are further regulations, instructions and rules precisely stipulating how each division should implement both the legal requirements and other, self-imposed standards insofar as this is relevant. This particularly applies to complying with environmental standards, avoiding hazards and preventing corruption.
Management Board
The Management Board directs the company and conducts its business. The Management Board consists of three members with a chairperson. The Management Board's tasks are divided into areas of responsibility according to functional criteria. Area of Responsibility 1, directed by the Chairman of the Management Board Dr. Stefan Wolf, covers the Aftermarket and Industrial Parks divisions as well as the central areas Group Companies, Legal, Finance, Controlling, Human Resources, IT, Corporate Communication and Investor Relations. In Area of Responsibility 2, Mr. Theo Becker directs the Shielding Technology, Plastic Housing Modules/Elastomer Technology, Cylinder-head Gaskets, Specialty Gaskets, Tooling Technology, E-Mobility and Exhaust Gas Purification divisions as well as the central areas Quality and Environment, Materials Management and ElringKlinger AG plants. Mr. Karl Schmauder is accountable for New Business Areas and Original Equipment Sales, which are part of Area of Responsibility 3.
Under the by-laws defined by the Management Board, each member of the Management Board directs his area of responsibility independently. Irrespective of this, the Management Board bears overall responsibility for the management of the company. Fundamental decisions are made jointly or are presented to the Management Board as a whole for the purpose of its decision-making. Management Board meetings are to be held at least twice a month. Decisions are to be made by mutual agreement in as far as possible. If this is not possible, the decision is that of the majority of the Management Board members. In the case of a majority decision, the chairperson of the Supervisory Board is to be informed of this situation as well as the underlying circumstances. The chair is responsible for conducting the Management Board meetings and reporting to the Supervisory Board. The by-laws set out in detail the Management Board's reporting requirement to the Supervisory Board in particular regarding the risk situation, risk management and compliance. Under the provisions of the by-laws, the prior agreement of the Supervisory Board is required for important business such as acquisitions, property transactions or divestments. Beyond this, the Supervisory Board is free to decide that further deals are dependent on its agreement, taking into account the allocation of rights and duties according to stock corporation law. In addition, the by-laws dictate the approach to be taken in the event of conflicts of interest, absence of Management Board members and the taking on of further offices, which always requires the agreement of the chair of the Supervisory Board.
Supervisory Board
The Supervisory Board monitors the managerial actions of the Management Board and advises it in particular on issues relating to the strategic direction to be taken by the company. It must be involved in decisions that are fundamental for the company. The Supervisory Board is composed of six shareholder representatives and six employee representatives in accordance with the Codetermination Act (Mitbestimmungsgesetz). The Supervisory Board meets at least once a quarter so that the Management Board can report on business development and significant transactions. To aid preparation, the Management Board shall provide the members of the Supervisory Board with full written information on each of the agenda items at least one week before the arranged meeting. The Supervisory Board shall be convened whenever the Management Board or a member of the Supervisory Board has good cause to request this. Furthermore, the Supervisory Board chairperson remains in regular contact with the Management Board. At the close of the financial year, the Supervisory Board undertakes an efficiency audit regarding its activities by means of a questionnaire. The results are evaluated and discussed.
The Supervisory Board's terms of reference define the election of the chairperson and the deputy chairperson as well as the convening and quorum of the Supervisory Board. Supervisory Board decisions are decided by simple majority. In urgent cases, they may be made by telephone, in writing or by e-mail, provided that no member of the Supervisory Board objects to the procedure. The Management Board members participate in the Supervisory Board meetings if the Supervisory Board does not make other arrangements on an individual basis. Minutes are to be kept of the Supervisory Board's meetings.
Committees of the Supervisory Board
From its members, the Supervisory Board has formed an Audit Committee, a Personnel Committee and – pursuant to the provisions set out for codetermined entities – a Mediation Committee.
The Audit Committee is made up of Mr. Diez, Eberhardt and Lechler. The chair is held by Mr. Eberhardt, who assumed responsibility for this role from Mr. van Husen after the latter had stepped down from the Supervisory Board of ElringKlinger AG effective from May 16, 2013. The Supervisory Board determines the composition of the Audit Committee in accordance with the terms of reference of the Audit Committee. Within this context, the chairperson of the Audit Committee shall have specialist knowledge and experience in the application of accounting principles and internal control processes. The chairperson should not have been a member of the Management Board of ElringKlinger AG during any of the previous five years. The Audit Committee convenes at least twice per annum, or more frequently if required. Regulations with regard to convening the Audit Committee and passing resolutions therein are largely comparable to those defined within the terms of reference of the Supervisory Board. For a quorum to be formed all committee members must participate in the act of passing a resolution. The duties of the Audit Committee are defined more closely by the terms of reference. Under these terms, the Audit Committee monitors the financial accounting and reporting and prepares resolutions related thereto for subsequent discussion by the Supervisory Board. It analyzes the controlling and risk management system as well as the efficiency of internal auditing. It also monitors compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code and the work of the auditor, particularly as regards the auditor's independence. For this purpose, the auditor is required to report to the Audit Committee on the audit itself, the procedures of the audit and its focal points, in addition to any findings it makes. The Audit Committee is responsible for preparing the audit of the annual financial statements, management report and audit report relating to the separate and consolidated financial statements to be performed by the Supervisory Board and submits recommendations. Finally, it proposes to the Supervisory Board the independent auditor as a basis for the Supervisory Board's decision-making process and prepares the audit mandate.
The Personnel Committee is currently made up of Mr. Bauer and Mr. Lechler, who holds the Chair of this committee. Until they stepped down from the Supervisory Board effective from May 16 and December 31, 2013, respectively, Mr. van Husen and Dr. Klinger-Lohr were additional members of the Personnel Committee. Mr. van Husen held the position of chairman of the Personnel Committee. The structure, procedures and duties are defined within the terms of reference. The Supervisory Board is responsible for determining the appointment and chairmanship of the Personnel Committee. The procedures to be applied with regard to convening the Personnel Committee, passing resolutions and forming a quorum are equivalent to those defined for the Audit Committee. Personnel Committee meetings are convened as required. The Personnel Committee is responsible for preparing appointments to the Management Board by selecting and recommending suitable candidates as Management Board members, drawing up suggestions with regard to the structure of the employment contract and compensation, concluding contracts of employment – responsibility of the chairman of the Personnel Committee – subsequent to approval by the Supervisory Board, conducting meetings with directors, preparing extensions to contracts and reviewing Management Board compensation on a regular basis, which also includes submitting recommendations to the Supervisory Board with regard to the adjustment of compensation levels.
The Mediation Committee, the formation and composition of which conforms with applicable regulations under the German Codetermination Act, essentially comprises four members. They include the ex-officio members Mr. Lechler and Mr. Siegers as Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board, as well as Ms. Monteiro-Munz and, until December 31, 2013, Dr. Klinger-Lohr. The replacement for Dr. Klinger-Lohr on the Mediation Committee had not yet been determined at the date of publication of this Corporate Governance Statement. The sole duty of the Mediation Committee is to submit to the full Supervisory Board recommendations for the appointment of Management Board members if the full Supervisory Board is unable to agree on a candidate with the requisite majority.


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Lounge & NightwearLounge & Nightwear
Lounge & Sleepwear for Women
Tommy Hilfiger's latest collection of women's nightwear and loungewear is where comfort meets style and premium luxury. Our range of classic women's loungewear will never go out of style, so enjoy laid-back lunches with friends or a relaxing time at home in warm fleece track tops, slim fit jogging pants, long-sleeved jersey shirts, or super soft cotton t-shirts. We've designed our women's loungewear sets to make you look and feel fully together, while also embracing the ultimate joy of preppy heritage. Our women's trainers are the perfect finishing touch to any athleisure look. Get ready to cosy up in style this season.
It's time to have the best sleep of your life in Tommy Hilfiger's latest edit of women's nightwear. Embracing comfort and our signature contemporary cool, our range of women's sleepwear is a celebration of premium fabrics and fine finishing flourishes. From comfortable women's pyjama bottoms to loose fit tanks and night dresses, every night is a dream in Tommy Hilfiger ladies' nightwear.

subset: commoncrawl


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Tour group caters to women who want to travel
Mimi Hollander does not mind being called a "Wacky Woman.'' In fact, it's something she's quite proud of.
"Being 'a Wacky' has given me an avenue to go places and see things I never thought I would – and it's just a great way to spend time. I love it,'' said Hollander, of Randolph.
Hollander, who's retired, was talking about her trips with the Wacky Women Wanderers, a local travel group that inspires women to experience exciting destinations they might never see on their own.
"My first trip was to a theater in Portsmouth, N.H., and I recently went to the Spa at Mohonk Mountain House in New York, which I never would have done on my own. It was magnificent, very rustic and unique,'' Holland said.
Norwood resident Dolores Sheehan founded the Wacky Women Wanderers in 1992. After raising four children, Sheehan graduated from college at age 42 with a business degree. For years she owned the Country Touch store in Norwood center, but closed the shop after much success to take a shot at the travel business.
"I realized you don't necessarily need a business degree to start a travel business, just common sense,'' Sheehan said. "You have to have good service, care about your clients and your business will bloom.''
After she organized a few motor coach trips with friends, word of mouth quickly spread and soon her excursions blossomed into a thriving business.
"I wanted to name my business something for women and silly, so that's how I came up with the term 'Wacky.' I needed something that meant travel, so I chose 'Wanderer.' We do have men that come along with their wives, we always welcome that, and they don't mind the name,'' Sheehan said.
Since its inception, the Wacky Women Wanderers has catered to more than 15,000 travelers.
"We don't have a (formal) membership. Anyone can go on one or all the trips. I've had people ages 7 to 97, a lot of mothers and daughters,'' Sheehan said.
"But the most travelers are single women. ... It's about travel, seeing new things, but also making new friends.''
Sheehan holds one meeting a year, in January, where the Wanderers are given an itinerary of the year's trips, details of each and the cost. She updates the schedule via e-mail.
There are generally three to four excursions per month, including day trips, overnighters and longer tours that Sheehan usually organizes through Collette Vacations or a cruise line.
Day trips, which leave from Norwood, might include a theater event or a historic site, plus lunch and a bit of shopping or an ice cream stop. The cost for a day trip ranges from $60 to around $100.
Popular annual destinations include the Providence performing arts center, the Boston Pops, Tanglewood and The Christmas Revels. Sheehan said gaming trips are not offered.
The Wanderers have traveled to Europe, Canada, Bermuda and numerous U.S. destinations.
"My favorite places are the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont and the Bar Harbor Inn in Maine, which are winners we do about every year,'' Sheehan said.
An overnight trip to the Von Trapp lodge was a favorite excursion for Marilyn Goldberg, a retired teacher from Braintree, who has been going on Wacky Women excursions for about six years.
"I enjoy the convenience of sitting back and relaxing, rather than driving somewhere myself. It also allows me to enjoy the company of my friends,'' said Goldberg, 63.
"I also enjoy Dolores as a director,'' she added. "I think she adds a lot of personality and fun to the trips.''
Michele Fallon, a 53-year-old Randolph resident, said she thought her traveling days were over after being left handicapped and visually impaired from a car accident.
Thirteen years ago, a neighbor introduced her to the Wacky Women Wanderers.
Since then, Fallon has traveled to Alaska, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon and Amish country, among other trips, and she saw the Tall Ships when they sailed through Boston in the late 1990s.
In June, she is going to Connecticut to see the play "The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore,'' starring Olympia Dukakis, and to enjoy lunch in a Hartford museum.
"I love what we do with the Wackies,'' said Fallon. "I've been to the opera, which I never would have done without the Wackies, and it's enhanced my life so much because I can't drive and the group, no matter who goes, is always fun, friendly and social.''
That, said Sheehan, makes all the countless hours of planning trips worthwhile.
"Running the Wacky Woman Wanderers is a lot of work,'' Sheehan said, "but the rewards are there. My favorite part of a trip is when people get off the bus, smile and say 'Thank you for such a good day.'''
For more information on the Wacky Women Wanderers, call Sheehan at 781-769-5633 or e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com.
- Women took 32 million trips last year.
- Women will spend about $125 billion on travel in the next year, despite rising fuel costs.
- Seventy-five percent of people who take cultural, adventure or nature trips are women.
- An increasing portion of solo female travelers are baby boomers and single mothers.
Sources: www.gutsytraveler.com and U.S. Census


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Yesterday, I was proof reading chapter 11 of the book (and chapter 12, and chapter 13 – it was a long night). Reading my own text about how query expressions work led me to wonder just how far I could push the compiler in terms of understanding completely bizarre query expressions.
Query expressions in C# 3 work by translating them into "normal" C# first, then applying normal compilation. So, for instance, a query expression of:
where x.Length > 5
select x.ToUpper()
… is translated into this:
.Select(x => x.ToUpper())
Now, usually the source expression (
words in this case) is something like a variable, or the result of a method or property call. However, the spec doesn't say it has to be… let's see what else we could do. We'll keep the query expression as simple as possible – just
from x in source select x.
What if the source expression is a type? The query expression would then compile to
TypeName.Select(x => x) which of course works if there's a static
Select method taking an appropriate delegate or expression tree. And indeed it works:
public class SourceType
public static int Select(Func<string,string> ignored)
Console.WriteLine("Select called!");
return 10;
class Test
static void Main()
int query = from x in SourceType
select x;
That compiles and runs, printing out
Select called!.
query will be 10 after the method has been called.
So, we can call a static method on a type. Anything else? Well, let's go back to the normal idea of the expression being a value, but this time we'll change what
Select(x => x) actually means. There's no reason it has to be a method call. It looks like a method call, but then so do delegate invocations…
Delegates via properties
Let's create a "LINQ proxy" which has a property of a suitable delegate type. Again, we'll only provide
Select but it would be possible to do other types – for instance the
Where property could be typed to return another proxy.
using System.Linq.Expressions;
public class LinqProxy
public Func<Expression<Func<string,string>>,int> Select { get; set; }
class Test
static void Main()
LinqProxy proxy = new LinqProxy();
proxy.Select = exp =>
Console.WriteLine ("Select({0})", exp);
return 15;
int query = from x in proxy
select x;
Again, it all compiles and runs fine, with an output of "Select(x => x)". If you wanted, you could combine the two above approaches – the
SourceType could have a static delegate property instead of a method. Also this would still work if we used a public field instead of a property.
What else is available?
Looking through the list of potential expressions, there are plenty more we can try to abuse: namespaces, method groups, anonymous functions, indexers, and events. I haven't found any nasty ways of using these yet – if we could have methods or properties directly in namespaces (instead of in types) then we could use
from x in SomeNamespace but until that time, I think sanity is reasonably safe. Of course, if you can find any further examples, please let me know!
Why is this useful?
It's not. It's really, really not – at least not in any way I can think of. The "proxy with delegate properties" might just have some weird, twisted use, but I'd have to see it to believe it. Of course, these are useful examples to prove what the compiler's actually doing, and the extent to which query expressions really are just syntactic sugar (but sooo sweet) – but that doesn't mean there's a good use for the technique in real code.
Again, if you can find a genuine use for this, please mail me. I'd love to hear about such oddities.


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CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP) — An American-born clerk at a home improvement store on New York's Long Island has been charged by federal prosecutors with conspiracy to commit murder abroad, obstruction of justice and attempting to support terrorists.
Twenty-five-year-old Marcos Alonso Zea has pleaded not guilty. He was arraigned and detained without bail following his Friday arrest. His lawyer did not comment after his court appearance.
Albaro Zea speaks to reporters outside the U.S. District Courthouse in Central Islip, N.Y., following the arraignment of his son Marcos Alonzo Zea, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013. The younger Zea was ordered held without bail after pleading not guilty to charges that he sought to join an al-Qaida group in Yemen.(AP/Frank Eltman)
Authorities say Zea planned to travel overseas to wage violent jihad. They say in January he attempted to fly to Yemen by way of London to join Ansar al-Sharia, a group authorities say is an alias for al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula. But customs officials in London rejected him and returned him to the U.S.
A co-conspirator has pleaded guilty to charges including attempting to provide support to terrorists.


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Isabey, Jean Baptiste
Isabey, Jean Baptiste zhäN bätēst´ ēzäbā´ [key], 1767–1855, French portrait painter and miniaturist. He was a pupil of J. L. David and was greatly influenced by Fragonard. His portraits are graceful and strongly individualized. Isabey prospered under all the changing regimes, portraying in turn Marie Antoinette, Mirabeau, David, Napoleon (Versailles), Josephine (National Gall., London), and Louis Philippe. He was one of the first painters to make lithographs. Much of his work, which constitutes a historical document of great interest, is in the Louvre. His son,
Eugène Louis Gabriel Isabey, 1804–86, was a marine and genre painter who also made lithographs. He is well represented at the Louvre; the Metropolitan Museum has one of his paintings.
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2023, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: European Art, 1600 to the Present: Biographies


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A popular restaurant and a high-end hotel in East Honolulu are offering their version of a Fourth of July barbecue, with food and drinks right on the ocean.
Roy's Restaurant in Hawaii Kai is serving up classic barbecue fixings including ribs, mac-and-cheese and lemonade on July 4. The event, which is held on the restaurant's front lawn, runs from 5:30 to 9 p.m. with front-row seats to the fireworks in Maunalua Bay. Cost is $65 for adults, $30 for children. To make reservations or for more information, call (808) 396-7697.
The Kahala Resort & Hotel is hosting the Great American 4th of July Bar-B-Q with an all-you-can-eat barbecue on July 4 at the oceanfront Plumeria Beach House.
The menu features hand-pressed hamburgers, jumbo all-beef hot dogs, grilled chicken, homestyle baked beans with bacon and fried garlic, short ribs, tater tots, a salad bar and a slew of desserts including old-fashioned apple pie and chocolate cherry lollipops.
There will be picnic-style fun on the beach, too, with horseshoes, croquet, bocce ball and sack races.
This event, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m., costs $49 for adults, $22 for children 5 to 12. Call (808) 739-8760 for more information or to make reservations.
Like Haute Living Hawaii? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingHI. Want Haute Living Hawaii delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.


text:
Help and Support
When is it time to get help?
Grief is painful and exhausting. It is not always easy to decide when it might be time to get help. You might choose to seek help if you:
- continue to feel numb and empty some months after the death
- cannot sleep or suffer nightmares
- feel you cannot handle intense feelings or physical sensations such as exhaustion, confusion, anxiety or panic, chronic tension
- feel overwhelmed by the thoughts and feelings brought about by a loved one's death, eg. anger, guilt, rejection
- feel the need to share your grief but have no-one with whom to do so
- keep constantly active in order not to feel (e.g. working all the time)
- find you have been drinking or taking drugs to excess
- find you are worrying and thinking about suicide yourself
- feel afraid that those around you are vulnerable and not coping
Some sources of support and how they might help you:-
Self-help groups
enable you to meet and share feeling and experiences with others and
may provide you with reassurance
Local doctors
- can listen, talk and offer emotional support
- can help you with problems such as sleeplessness, anxiety or depression
- can advise you on other sources of help
Support will vary from doctor to doctor. It is not always possible to talk about what has happened in a short appointment. You could write to the doctor before your appointment to get round this.
- provides more time to talk things through or longer term support
- does not force you to delve into the past but instead offers help with the emotional crisis and life changes you may be facing
- might be a relief as it enables you to talk to someone who is a stranger in a safe environment
- can be a source of strength and support if you hold religious beliefs
- local religious leaders might be an invaluable source of support
Befrienders centres
- provide confidential support to anyone who is in distress or despair or who might be experiencing suicidal feelings. To find a helpline near you click here.
Specialist Bereavement Organisations
Some bereavement organisations are listed on the following links:-
International Association for Suicide Prevention
American Association of Suicidology
Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention
UK resources
A full listing of UK bereavement organisations, and useful books, is outlined in the full version of the Royal College of Psychiatrists bereavement pack. You can download a pdf of the full pack here.
© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 1997
Taken largely from the Bereavement Information Pack by Kate Hill, Keith Hawton, Aslog Malmberg and Sue Simkin
Reproduced with kind permission from The Royal College of Psychiatrists


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Your getaway.
Luxurious bathrooms redefined.
Luxury bathroom designs
Luxury is the freedom to create a space that is connected to one's own senses and needs - a place for inner contemplation, regeneration, and revitalization. Dornbracht's individual solutions for exclusive master bathrooms redefine this personal space and offer inspiration for modern, one-of-a-kind bathroom design.
Feel at home. How can high-end bathroom design meet our various health and wellness needs?
The bathroom is one of the most private places we can retreat to for self care and tending to our personal needs. It is in the bathroom we are able to cultivate daily rituals that give us well-being and confidence, rituals which help us find ourselves. Therefore, it is essential that this sanctuary is a reflection of one's unique needs and values – in every form and function.
Create balance: The mix of traditional and modern style elements results in a timeless and luxurious bathroom atmosphere. Its smooth, flowing design language ensures the VAIA fitting in Platinum matte blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
Tradition meets modernity: Achieve a progressive style bathroom by blending different styles together. The streamlined form of VAIA in DARK PLATINUM MATT complements the mix of smooth, finely crafted surfaces and rough, original materials.
Designer bathrooms: A screen system that functions as a flexible room divider serves as the basis for this modular bathroom, ideal for smaller spaces. The VAIA fitting in DARK BRASS MATT blends harmoniously with warm wood and pastel tones.
Welcoming atmosphere: Soft color accents and varying textures give off a harmonious and vibrant effect. The LISSÉ fitting in Platinum matte is assertively unique due to its geometric design language.
Confident and assertive: This modern bathroom design is captivating in its geometric and minimalist design. Highly sculptural in nature, the SUPERNOVA fitting perfectly complements the interior.
Icon of a new age: Bathrooms that skillfully unite industrial character with luxury. The CL.1 fitting combines technology with aspirational design that blends perfectly into interiors.
Industrial elegance: The progressive interior style captivates with extravagant color and contrasting materials.
Minimalism in its purest form, the META fitting is an impressive accent in bright yellow.
Tranquility, elegance, and sensory appeal: The META fitting embodies new minimalism with its latest color offerings that enable a variety of design styles.
When luxury meets clean lines: behold the SYMETRICS fitting. Clear and defined, the design offers creative flexibility.
Modern landscape architecture served as inspiration for the interior. The DEQUE fitting's sculptural accent provides a striking contrast to the softness of the water.
Elegant reduction: The DEQUE fitting blends seamlessly into the high-contrast designer bathroom with its warm wood tones and concrete. Its flat, basin-like shape draws the eyes to the water flow.
Truly one-of-its-kind, the HORIZONTAL SHOWER ATT offers relaxation at the highest level. Replenish your body and mind as you shower lying down.
In its purest form: The minimalist MEM fitting in chrome is the perfect intersection between design and user.
The bathroom as a personal oasis and escape from everyday life: In an open space with flowing lines and harmonious interiors, eye are drawn to the MEM fitting in Brushed Durabrass.
Fascinating lighting effects: A traditional interior conveys contrast with minimalist details. At the center, the Experience Shower SENSORY SKY ATT provides a multi-faceted play of colors, fragrances and spray modes.
Washbasin Steel 19
Discover our premium washbasin Steel 19*: It combines the best of both worlds into a symbiotic whole. Charming and contemporary forms and the contrasting composition of materials make the washstand a prime example of a new purism.
*only available in North, Central and South America
The perfect bathroom is one that aligns with the needs of its user-whether that's personal design preferences or functional requirements. Discover the breadth and variety within our design collections to achieve the bathroom that's perfectly you.
x-tra Service
It all starts with your idea. Our x-TRA SERVICE team can bring the vision you have for your bathroom to life. From custom made-to-order designs, to logos and enhancements, we work closely with you to achieve the highest level of personalization of our products.
Bathroom inspiration from all over the world: References
432 Park Avenue - New York © Courtesy of DBOX for CIM - Macklowe Properties
Hotel Raffles Europejski - Warsaw © Hotel Raffles Europejski | JBcomm
M/Y Vertige - Yacht
Storchen Zürich - Zurich © Storchen Zürich | Ina Rinder Knecht Interior Achritecture AG | Photographer Agi Simoes
Private residence - Kralingen © private owner
Britannia Hotel - Trondheim © Britannia Hotel | Photographer Will Lee-Wright
Hotel Raffles Europejski - Warsaw © Hotel Raffles Europejski | JBcomm


text:
You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry. James 1:19
It's Monday morning. After a late night, a 4:30 a.m. "Wake up mom even though I have been sleeping through the night for 3 weeks" cry from my 7-month old baby girl, "sleeping" on the chair with her waking up multiple times, and an early morning feeding, I was praying for a good day despite my rough night (…although snuggling my baby girl was so wonderful). I tumbled out of bed to start my 15-minute Prayer Punch before my other five kids woke up. Everything was going well, my prayer time was powerful, and then it happened…the tickle.
I was reading my devotion and Scripture and…well…that tugging, pulling, weird feeling started happening in my heart. You know the kind where you know you need to do something but you are not doing it? The feeling when you know the Holy Spirit is speaking to your heart about something? Ever have that feeling? I call it the "Holy Spirit Tickle." The Lord put it on my heart today to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. This may come easily for some, but for me this is CRAZY hard.
As I reflected on this scripture, I began to see how I can be so busy being a mom that I can miss the opportunities to embrace the JOYS of being a mom. I am constantly moving on to the next task, the next school subject, the next meal, the next chore, the next sport's practice, the next, next, next….and in all the busyness I can miss the opportunities to stop and and be quick to "listen" to the ones around me. Can I stop and be quick to listen?
In many of my conversations, I catch myself being quick to speak. Sometimes, people just need someone to listen, nothing more. Can I be slow to speak?
With never ending to do lists, school schedules and life, my busyness can also cause me to be quick to get irritated when tasks are left undone, or something doesn't turn out as planned, or I fall behind schedule. Can I be slow to get angry?
"I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" I said as I walked out my bedroom door and faced the mission field ahead of me. My home, the mission field God has placed before me, is where I live for Him daily. How can I glorify you Lord?
On my mission field today, I was quick to listen when my 7-year old son asked me to make eggs for breakfast. I wanted to do something fast and easy and move on with the school day, but I stopped and listened. It was a memory he will keep for a long time because I taught him how to use a knife for the first time which was "AWESOME" in his book. We made some delicious eggs together and he is still talking about it.
On the mission field today, I was slow to speak when I was faced with comments multiple times that would have otherwise stirred up anger and triggered a long-winded response from me. I made every effort to keep it simple and positive.
On the mission field today, I was slow to get irritated when it was 2:30 p.m. and we were still finishing lunch and school while my baby girl was crying for mommy's attention. I made every effort to be JOYFull for what we DID accomplish!
James 1:19 is a powerful verse that can be life changing! I am taking on the challenge and praying this verse over my life for the next 30 days. This is, and will be very hard for me, but I won't give up. If I fail, I will get back up and try again. I may not be able to take advantage of EVERY opportunity, but I will be grateful for the ones I am able to enJOY. The key for me is glorifying God in how I listen, speak, and respond. While the journey may be challenging, I am tickled happy to see what God will do with me. I will keep you updated on how things are coming along every week for the next four weeks.
I don't know what challenges you may be facing, but there is so much joy to be uncovered in the midst of your busy, "nothing is going right," "I can't do this anymore" kind of life. Allow God to tickle your heart and change your life! Won't you join me on my mission?
Let's Talk
Do you notice that you are too busy to be "quick to listen" to those around you whether it is your spouse, children, coworkers, family members, or friends? What are some ways you can be "slow to speak" especially when responding to a comment that may stir up anger? How can you be "slow to anger" when you are overwhelmed or irritated and something happens that breaks the camels back?


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Standing On a Corner Holding Signs About Rape and Dictatorship is Just Another Day at the OfficeBy Greg Boose
March 10, 2008
A man stands motionless on a street corner in single-digit morning temperatures.
He's holding a sign that simultaneously calls the mayor of Chicago a dictator while demanding a certain FBI agent to stop raping his wife.
The top portion of the sign reads: "FBI Agent Chris Saviano, Stop Raping My Wife!"
And the first thing you think when you read it is: "Jesus Christ! Somebody help this poor guy whose wife is God-knows-where getting raped by this FBI agent!"
And then the next day you see him, dressed as before, in the same spot holding the same signs, you think: "Fuck! It's still happening? How is this still happening? That FBI guy should be fired and thrown in prison by now! And yeah, you know, that Mayor Daley is totally a dictator when you get down to it."
But it's on the third morning upon seeing him on the same corner with the same signs, you think: "Yikes. How long has this dude been out here doing this?"
You think about him – Farhad Khoiee-Abassi – and about the day he walked into a Kinko's or a Fast Signs where he had to explain to whoever was behind the counter that he wanted these exact signs made. And you imagine how he had to explain that he really wanted the word "Raping" to be in red and a bit slanted, and how he wanted both the T's in "Dictator" to be in capitals. He maybe said, "Oh, and let's totally underline the word 'DicTaTor' and make the word 'stop' into a stop sign. Can you guys make a stop sign? Yeah? Yeah."
Oh, and on that third morning you totally start to think he's schizophrenic.
I've worked down in the Loop on the corner of Clark and Randolph for over a year now, and Farhad Khoiee-Abassi has been there almost every morning.
Holding those signs.
Staring straight ahead.
Oblivious to the whispers and the shaking heads.
If it's cold, he's bundled up in ski pants and jacket, hat, gloves.
If it's not cold, wearing a full on suit.
The story, or so say the peoples on the 'net, is that he has been in a long-fought legal battle with his ex-wife.
Custody rights.
Protection orders.
He's self-representing himself after his lawyer quit.
He's mocking the legal and political systems, standing out there day after day after day trying to bring awareness to his cause.
He's been reported to have been seen in DC and New York City with his signs, always keeping the rape one, but substituting the Mayor Daley sing for another that says "Alberto Gonzales – Outlaw! Trial!"
Exclamation points.
He's been doing this for years now.
It's a pretty sad sight.
But the saddest thing to me is that he's not really helping his cause out there.
He doesn't acknowledge those reading his signs.
He doesn't try to retell his story, doesn't retell whatever drama has driven him to this.
He doesn't ask for donations or pity.
Doesn't verbalize his need for help.
Doesn't seem to have any other agenda than to stand there, every morning, with those signs.
So, as it appears, Khoiee-Abassi gets up every morning headed for the Loop like so many other Chicagoans.
He eats his breakfast, drinks his coffee, watches some ESPN or a little TODAY show action while he ties his shoelaces, he flosses, makes sure the cats have food, and then he heads out the door with his briefcase.
Just like me.
Just like you.
Just another day at the office.
But instead of a laptop or some manila folders, Khoiee-Abassi's briefcase holds a collapsible pole and some crazy-ass signs.
And like you or me, he's out there doing his thing, speaking as little as possible to those around him, careful not to touch anyone, careful not to be touched.
I suppose there's nothing wrong with this.
Free speech, and all that.
He's got his agenda.
Like you and I have ours.
Now my original plan, when I finally decided that I was going to approach him, was to hand him an envelope containing a letter about how I'd like to sit down and hear his story. Get an article out of him so that he could finally explain himself. An interview for the Chicago Reader, maybe.
My girlfriend said that was a terrible idea, and after visions of him barking in tongues in my face in front of hundreds of commuters, or another one where he tries to impale me with his collapsible pole but it keeps, well collapsing against my sternum, I reluctantly agreed with her.
Then I thought I would maybe just start off by saying "Good morning" or "'Mornin'" or "Cold one, eh?" for a week or so, breaking down the barrier until we had a real conversation. Then a coffee sit-down. Then I could get his side of this story that unfolds before so many Chicagoans every morning.
But that was so hard to do, seeing as how he stands right across the street from my building where coworkers I know and don't know stream past every second. I thought that being seen regularly conversing with this guy by higher-ups would be awkward and detrimental to my ladder climbing.
All winter I almost made my move, approaching and second-guessing.
Totally pussing out, over and over.
And then on a February morning that couldn't have been over 10 degrees, I mentally lowered my balls from my warm abdomen, and I spoke to Khoiee-Abassi.
I approached from behind.
He stared straight ahead, focusing on nothing.
"Excuse me," I said, also facing straight ahead, but now right next to him. "So, I work across the street."
He says nothing.
I steal a glance and he doesn't even blink as I say: "Yeah. I see you out here all the time and I was wondering if you would like some coffee."
"Or maybe some hot water," I said.
Then there was a quick blink, but not the kind of blink that said: "Yes, stranger. I would love a cup of hot water as I can't feel my extremities. Thank you. You are very kind. I want to tell you all my secrets."
Rather, it was more of a blink that said: "My eyes are dry and so I choose to refresh them with a blink."
Nothing more.
The lights changed, people swarmed the street from both sides.
Crushed, I walked into my building without looking back.
I wonder how FBI Agent Chris Saviano, the supposed raper, handles his name being out there on the corner of Randolph and Clark.
If there even is an agent by this name, honestly.
I read that in open court, Farhad Khoiee-Abassi's wife admitted that she has never even heard of a man with this name.
Which makes this man's stand all the stranger.
He's out there right now.
I just saw him.
Holding those signs.
Not saying a thing.
Dressed the same as yesterday.
And I will try leave him alone.
But, I gotta say, it sure seems more than crazy to stand out there in the freezing morning wind and not take a man up on a cup of hot water.
After all, you have to take care of yourself so that you can make it to work the next day.


text:
Rik Mayall, one of a generation of performers that injected post-punk energy into British comedy, has died. He was 56.
Mayall's management firm Brunskill Management said the comedian died at his London home on Monday.
In the 1980s Mayall was part of the Comic Strip, a hugely influential group of alternative young comics that included Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Mayall's writing and performing partner, Adrian Edmondson.
He was best known for co-writing and performing in "The Young Ones," a sitcom about slovenly students that was much loved by those it satirized.
On television he memorably played Conservative politician Alan B'stard in the sitcom "The New Statesman" and lecherous Lord Flashheart in comedy classic "Blackadder."
He and Edmondson also created and starred "Bottom," a surreally violent slapstick series about two unemployed slobs.
U.S. & World
Film appearances included the title role in 1991 fantasy "Drop Dead Fred" — which gained him a U.S. cult following — and 1999 British comedy "Guest House Paradiso."
"There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing," Edmondson said. "They were some of the most carefree, stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard."
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. London's Metropolitan Police force said officers had been called to the house by the ambulance service on Monday, but that the death was not believed to be suspicious.
In 1998 Mayall was on life support and in a coma for several days after an all-terrain vehicle accident.
"The main difference between now and before my accident is I'm just very glad to be alive," Mayall said last year.
"Other people get moody in their 40s and 50s — men get the male menopause. I missed the whole thing. I was just really happy."