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Source: The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionAug.迷你倉新蒲崗 24--It may have been the last place you'd think to find a flashy money man accused of swindling members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and other congregations out of millions of dollars. Ephren Taylor was discovered by a camera crew this week in a suburban Kansas town where his wife worked as a masseuse under a glamorous pseudonym.The couple's whereabouts had been a mystery to all but a few for months after the Securities and Exchange Commission took him to court in a civil suit seeking to stop what it claimed was a Ponzi scheme targeting black church members nationwide. But tracking down the 31-year-old may have been the easy part."We are so happy that he's been located," said Lillian Wells, a 62-year-old Covington Realtor who claims that Taylor duped her out of $122,000. "But locating him is one thing. Now we're just hoping the feds can do something about it."Taylor, who declined to comment through an attorney, stands accused in several lawsuits of duping worshippers in Georgia and at least four other states of millions of dollars with promises of eye-popping rewards. The suits allege that Taylor's former company, City Capital Corp., used incoming funds from new investors to repay existing ones.And in March, a federal judge in Georgia issued a default judgment ordering Taylor and City Capital to repay more than $11.7 million.Federal prosecutors and state authorities declined to comment on whether Taylor could face criminal charges. But plaintiff's attorney Cathy Lerman, who filed a lawsuit against Taylor in North Carolina, said she hopes authorities take "real action against him before he tries to disappear again."To build a criminal case, federal prosecutors may have to develop evidence beyond what investigators gathered in pursuing the civil case.With tales of success dating to his pre-teen years and a healthy sense of self-confidence, Taylor built a mystique through appearances on national news networks and by penning financial books with lofty titles such as "The Elite Entrepreneur" and "Creating Success From the Inside Out."After he was named in 2006 as the chief executive of a publicly traded company called City Capital, he'd ask ministers to let him deliver a Sunday sermon and urge worshippers to invest in businesses tied to the firm, the lawsuits said. The presentations often featured flashy videos and client lists packed with celebrities, they said.One of his stops was a 2009 visit to New Birth, Bishop Eddie Long's Lithonia megachurch, where he told the congregation that his real estate investments were a surer bet than risking money on Wall Street stocks. Long h迷你倉出租s urged Taylor to "do what's right" in a February 2011 YouTube video and said in a statement Friday that he and his church are cooperating with authorities.Taylor's whereabouts were long unknown to plaintiff's attorneys and federal authorities, who initially filed an SEC complaint against him without knowing his location. In the complaint, attorneys claim that money that investors thought would fund real estate and other ventures instead supplemented Taylor's ritzy lifestyle and his wife's singing career.In a 2011 email to The Associated Press, Taylor didn't disclose his location but vowed to use his own money to help those who feel "negatively impacted" by their losses. "Sometimes," Taylor said, "people will participate in a game they don't have a stomach for, and when it goes south, they put the blame on those that led that game."SEC spokesman Kevin Callahan said the agency has recently been able to communicate with Taylor through his attorney, Christopher Bruno, who declined to comment. But Taylor's location was largely unknown until ABC News tracked Taylor and his wife to the tiny Kansan town of Lenexa, a Kansas City suburb.Tipsters called the network after they overheard the Taylors bemoaning their lost fortune, the report said, and the crew found Taylor's wife, Meshelle, working at a salon called Panacea Massage under the name Liz Taylor. When confronted by reporters, Ephren Taylor responded to questions with a curt "I don't know."Plaintiffs' attorneys who fear they won't be able to recover client investments from Taylor have expanded their lawsuits to try to recoup losses. Wells' complaint targets Long, his church and a company called Equity Trust that it accuses of endorsing Taylor. Her attorney, Jason Doss, says church members would not have given their money to Taylor "without the support of Bishop Long, New Birth and Equity Trust."Equity Trust, based in Ohio, didn't immediately return a call seeking comment. Long said through a statement that he's cooperating with investigators and hopes "the responsible parties will restore the funds they took from congregants at New Birth and churches around the country."Wells, for her part, said she turned to Taylor after tiring of losing money in the stock market during the late 2000s. She hopes prosecutors hear her story and file charges against him. And she still holds out hope she can recoup her losses."When retirement comes," she said, "I hope I have that money back so I can enjoy my life."Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) Visit The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Atlanta, Ga.) at .ajc.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉

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Source: The Blade, Toledo, OhioAug.迷你倉 26--Two miles to march to stop gang violence.More than 100 people shouted it again and again -- loud enough for cars stopped at red lights to hear, loud enough to stir people from their homes, loud enough to entice a few others to join the 2 Miles 2 Stop Gang Violence march along North Detroit Avenue -- starting at Central Avenue and ending just beyond Dorr Street, passing through numerous gang territories on Sunday."The time for action is now," said Ray Wood, president of the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at the pre-march rally. "It's not about saying, it's about doing. And look at all of these beautiful minds out here. There's a whole lot of beautiful minds being lost, being shot and killed ... [people who] don't make it to their 20th birthdays because of gang violence."Willie Knighten, a former gang member whose life sentence for murder was commuted in 2009, told the crowd that, coming up, he was told two things happen to gang members: you go to prison or you end up dead.Now he knows there's a third choice: Change.Paul Parker, 28, who had the idea for the march and rally -- which is in its third year -- knows that too.Parker spent years representing X Blocc, a Crips gang, until he was sent to prison on a drug charge. Now he and the friends he came through the gang with -- like the Rev. Chris McBrayer, 26, and Justin Coffey, 28 -- are pushing back against the very things they stood for.Two shots to the head and a 98 percent chance of dying started Coffey on a different path.Coffey joined X Blocc when he was 13 -- nothing serious happened until guns were introduced when he was about 18. That's when his friends started to die, he said.Thanksgiving, 2005, Coffey got into a fight with some Bloods at a gas station. He left, came back with his "right-hand man," and threw up gang signs at the Bloods."All you heard was shooting," Coffey said.There was screaming; someone shouting, "Somebody gonna die tonight, somebody gonna die tonight."Doctors told police Coffey would be another homicide victim; hours later they文件倉told Coffey's father he was, somehow, still breathing.Waking up in the hospital, in a diaper, with no friends around, slowly started to change Coffey's thinking."I really banged hard for X Blocc," Coffey said. "I wanted to make it the best in the city. When I got shot and only a couple people visit, you think, 'Really? All I did for that gang?' "Eventually he left the block and met people who were successful without the dangerous side effects of gang banging."They showed me my purpose," Coffey said. "I thought it was on Cherry Street watching these guys sell crack and trying to break into a dice game."Others like Coffey, Parker, and Mr. McBrayer joined the ranks of the march -- like their friend and former 12-year member of X Blocc Richard Perry, 31."I'm tired of all the killings and random shootings," he said during the march. "You can't go out and have a good time without worrying about gang violence."Being there was personal for LaSonya Holman.Her 19-year-old niece, Summer Ware, was shot six times Thursday in the 2800 block of Nebraska Avenue."Shot six times -- that's a miracle child," Mrs. Holman said about her niece surviving the attack.Whether he meant it when he said it, a member of the Lawrence Blood Villains, LBV, joined the march at Delaware Avenue."Gotta walk to end gang violence," the 20-year-old, who would only identify himself as "Rob da god," told a friend on the phone.Later he said, "This ain't gonna stop nothing. I like this though."Parker, during an interview Friday, said the impact of the march might not be felt for 5 or 10 years -- not until the children of gang members grow up and have to decide whether they'll follow in their parents' footsteps."I personally think it's going to get worse," Parker said about gang violence in Toledo. "I think it's going to get better, but it's going to get worse before it gets better."Contact Taylor Dungjen at: tdungjen@theblade.com, 419-724-6054, or on Twitter @taylordungjen.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) Visit The Blade (Toledo, Ohio) at .toledoblade.com Distributed by MCT Information Services存倉

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信息來源於四川新聞網 / Cited from .newssc.org/  開幕式上,迷你倉極限運動員們給觀�帶來精彩的自行車飛躍表演。    昨日,“美麗汶川?騎樂游2013環汶川旅遊景區自行車邀請賽”正式�動。此次活動由汶川文化旅遊發展集團主辦,參與此次活動的運動員將在風景優美的汶川特別旅遊區體驗到真正的“有氧運動”。這次活動中,不僅有專業刺激的自行車邀請賽,展現羌族女性魅力的“有氧寶貝”選拔賽,趣味盎然的自行車花式表演,還有感受汶川風情的自行車“騎樂游”活動。齊聚水磨300余名自行車手  著名的“羌西名鎮”??水磨古鎮的歷史悠遠,最早可以追溯到商代。這裡的建築融合了羌、藏、漢的藝術風格,使得古鎮的風光別具一格。  昨日上午10點30分,來自全國各地的300余名自行車選手匯聚于水磨古鎮,參加此次邀請賽的開幕儀式。在開幕式上,著名國家山地自行車運動員封寬高作為代表宣誓,為即將參加比賽的運動員們打氣助威。  與此同時,以“體驗天然氧吧,展現活力青春”為主題的“‘尋找美麗羌姑’有氧寶貝選拔賽”新蒲崗迷你倉在有條不紊進行中。在經過層層選拔後,16位美麗“羌姑”進入了決賽。在開幕式上,“羌姑”們身著羌族的傳統服飾公開亮相,現場觀�們親眼見證了羌族姑娘的魅力。夫妻組隊老兩口牽手玩騎游  昨日下午3點,環汶川景區騎游活動分別在水磨古鎮和天地映秀開�。參與騎游的150名自行車愛好者被分為兩組,分別開始了他們的騎遊行動。  從成都專程趕來參加騎游活動的黃先鈺今年已經60歲了,他不僅是資深的自行車愛好者,也是一個戶外論壇的版主。他和妻子邱生蘭結婚30餘年,這次的騎游活動,他們倆也一塊來參加了。黃先鈺說,“水磨古鎮的空氣很新鮮,非常適合在這裡進行有氧運動。”  專業的自行車競技賽將在今天上午舉行,來自全國各地的150余名專業自行車競技選手將從水磨古鎮出發,衝刺著名的“幸福十八彎”,在騎行近30公里的路程後,到達藏鄉水寨??夢幻三江生態景區。  雷永龍是成都哈泳雅車隊的領隊,昨日下午,他已經帶領車隊成員提前前往賽道熟悉了情況。他說:“對賽道多熟悉一點,就能多一點勝利的希望。”  華西都市報記者王預涵攝影郝飛mini storage

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懷舊情愫害人不淺。作為時代的標簽式產物,迷你倉沙田把它的變化與發展放在兩個截然不同的時代背景下看待之,的確是一件值得玩味和讓我著迷的事情,比如老幹部休養所。曾幾何時,幾乎每一個地方都開始至少有一個老幹部休養所。小時候經過,總覺得這些地方戒備森嚴,令人肅然起敬,至於這些地方是幹什麼用的,似懂非懂,唯一明白的是這裡並不是收門票就可以進去的公園。後來,當溫泉景區大量興起,療養度假地盛行,才慢慢明白所謂老幹所,實際上是很多溫泉療養景區的前身,它們所代表的也是現代度假山莊的萌芽及啟蒙狀態。實不相瞞,我的這種恍然大悟是在度假目的地競爭硝煙四起、溫泉療養景區群雄割據的局面之後獲得的:有些老幹所紛紛下海,走起了市場化之路,開門納客;部分則繼續保持神秘莊嚴的面孔,只是偶爾打打市場的“擦邊球”。相對而言,這種由於社會變化所導致的市場轉型,老迷你倉價錢所比一出生就“風華正茂”、走國際範的度假景區低調得多,雖然更名的不少,但在市場偏見的作用下,老幹所再也不是一件華麗的外衣。從目前的度假療養熱潮來看,這類型景區最不缺乏的是花里胡哨的洋氣包裝,比如從化、中山等溫泉療養資源豐富的地區,在空氣、天然水質都差不多的條件下,老幹所特定的歷史文化及時代情結卻可以成為一個普通療養景區不可能具備的核心競爭力。經營理念可以複制,自然地理環境也不再是什麼競爭殺手�,歷史底蘊卻不是可以一蹴而就的東西。我突然想起有一次在從化公辦,同隊的某歸國老華僑看到某從化溫泉景區變化時老淚縱橫的樣子,我想他流下的不是欣慰的淚水,而是懷舊的淚水。在香氣飄騰的紅酒泡池,水蒸氣幾乎模糊了歸國華僑的老花鏡,那些煙霧繚繞,不僅僅代表他一個人的情感,而是一個時代,甚至是一個行業———旅遊度假業的生態劇變和社會變遷。迷你倉

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Source: The Indianapolis StarAug.文件倉 25--Jason DeHaven rarely makes a trip to the bank -- four, maybe five, times a year.He went when he had to get a mortgage for his house and when he needed an auto loan. He goes when he has a big check to deposit.The rest of the time, the 36-year-old Georgia resident and son of the Indiana Bankers Association president turns to the Internet for his banking need."That's where I do most of my banking," he said.DeHaven illustrates an ongoing shift within the banking industry: a subsiding need for the face-to-face interaction that comes with a trip to the bank as online and mobile technologies make transactions more convenient.Along with banking consolidations and mergers, this change in consumer behavior is eliminating the need for as many bank branches, a decline some experts say could grow larger in the future as the technologically savvy generation comes of age.Although new branches still open as customer needs warrant, only five states saw more openings than closings in the 12 months that ended March 31. Indiana experienced a net decrease of 55 branches, the fourth highest in the U.S. Nationwide, 1,107 branches opened, while 2,164 closed, according to research firm SNL Financial.Retail experts say these closings have left a number of former bank locations vacant, though they say that because of high traffic and visibility, the sites are fairly desirable.The bigger question is this: Could more branches close, eliminating your local branch and your friendly relationship with a familiar teller?Some experts say no.Others say yes."My personal belief is that we will see a continuing decrease in the gross number of branches nationwide as time goes on," said S. Joe DeHaven, president and chief executive officer of the Indiana Bankers Association and Jason's father. "I don't think it'll be rapid. I think it'll be a fairly slow and steady decrease over probably the next 25 years."On Aug. 30, Old National Bank will close 13 of its branches within retail centers such as Marsh and Kroger.After acquiring Charter One's Indiana franchise in 2009, the company was left with too many locations too close to one another. Leases for many branches were coming due for renewal, and the company decided to close some."We've got other branches that are within reasonable proximity to take care of those customers," said Randy Reichmann, president and CEO of Old National's Indianapolis region. "It's just an efficient thing that we think can still decrease costs."Acquisitions have prompted closingsRetail experts say such acquisitions have prompted the closure of many of the branch closings. When Old National acquired Monroe Bank in 2011, the company was left with banks that were across from each other, said Bill French, senior managing director and principal at commercial real estate firm Cassidy Turley. When First Merchants Bank acquired Lincoln Bank in 2008, there were duplicate branches."What I see more than anything," said Steve Delaney, a principal with the retail real estate firm Sitehawk, "is bank branches closing not because of lack of business but because of banks consolidating or banks buying other banks."Over the past three years, according to an April report by financial consulting services firm Bancography, the inventory of U.S. bank and credit union branches has declined by almost 2,500 units. About half of those closures, it found, directly followed in-market mergers.Amid the wave of mergers, changing consumer behavior plays a role, too."There's going to come a time when I think they will be used less as the next generation comes of age," Reichmann said. "There'll be an evolution. There's no question about it. As I look at my kids and their banking habits now, they're certainly different from mine when I was 30 because of what technology offers."Customers can pay their bills online with the click of a computer mouse. They can tap the screens of their smartphones and check their account balance. They can snap a photo of a check with their phone and deposit it remotely. Indianapolis-based Salin Bank recently became the first in Indiana to use a virtual teller -- an ATM machine with a video monitor that shows a remotely located human teller who can assist with transactions.A 2012 American Bankers Association report found that 39 pe存倉cent of surveyed adults most often used Internet banking to manage accounts, up from 36 percent in 2010. Eighteen percent said visiting a branch was their preferred method, down from 25 percent in 2010.Bancography reported that median branch transaction counts declined to 7,600 per month in 2012, down from 10,200 five years prior."It's probably just a symptom of the fact that we don't need that personal interaction as much as we used to," Jason DeHaven said, "because we have more self-service channels like the Web and the ATM."What happens to the empty space?When bank branches do close and leave vacant spots, retail experts say it is not too hard to fill them.Banks tend to be well-constructed, they say, and be in areas with high traffic and good visibility and access.French, of Cassidy Turley, has seen everything from yogurt shops and insurance offices to chiropractic facilities and veterinarian clinics go into former banking centers."Generally banks were very pragmatic about acquiring sites with good access and visibility," he said, "so the demand for those should be very strong."But some design elements of bank branches can present challenges, Delaney of Sitehawk said."It was designed as a bank branch," he said, "so it can be difficult to retrofit a bank branch because they're designed with drive-thrus and they have a vault inside. The configuration of a bank branch does not necessarily lend itself to other types of retail."Because of the valuable locations, however, the vacant centers are still relatively easy to sell or lease."If the location is desirable," Delaney said, "the new retailer will tear down the existing branch and build the type of retail that they need."Even with the challenges, retrofitting a location is feasible.Delaney is working on a deal right now that involves a Panda Express moving into a former bank location in Evansville.The restaurant is using the building mostly as it is, converting the drive-thru space into one that works for fast-food purposes."It can work," Delaney said.When vacant branches are within larger retail centers such as grocery stores, retail consultants say, other services may take their place: nail and hair salons, computer repair shops, optometry centers. For those spaces, the number of people going through the store will determine whether other retailers take interest."If it's a high-value store, there will be a number of people that will want that space," French said."If it's a lower-volume store, it's going to be more challenging to refill that space."Banks will find ways to adjust to needsAs the generation that grew up on the Internet and cellphones ages, some industry experts say banks will have to find ways to adjust to their habits.Because online transactions are going to take away a lot of the necessity of branches, S. Joe DeHaven said, large branches could be replaced with much smaller branches.There will be more automation and self-service opportunities in those branches.And their focus also may change, going from a transaction-based operation to a consultative one. Staff will focus on opening accounts and talking to people about loans or offer financial planning rather than deposit checks and make withdrawals."Those folks who are less technologically oriented and older, they're going to be replaced with by a generation that is technologically advanced and does most everything online," DeHaven said. "The branch will become much less transactional."In 30 years, he said, the bank teller as consumers know it today may not exist."The customers aren't coming in anymore," he said. "The customers are not pursuing that relationship."Other industry professionals say the need to provide personal interaction will remain."Customer behavior has changed, and customers bank differently than they did in the past, and a lot of that has to do with technology," said Tara Burke, spokeswoman for Bank of America."But a lot of them tell us face-to-face interaction is still important."If an exodus of bank branches were to happen in the future, it would not concern Jason DeHaven too much. If he needs the human interaction, he will seek it out."It's not a huge problem," he said.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Indianapolis Star Visit The Indianapolis Star at .IndyStar.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉

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Non-lenders are now able to conduct online payments, sell wealth management products and offer loans, fuelling fierce competitionOnline payment services, wealth management products and lending businesses offered by non-bank companies are changing the landscape of the mainland banking sector.迷你倉“It has become very difficult to predict the future of the banking sector,” said Wang Xiaoming, a vice-general manager of personal banking at Bank of China.“New technologies are bringing in sweeping changes to the way people manage their wealth, companies finance their operations and banks do business.”The central government would seek to break the monopoly in the banking sector, former premier Wen Jiabao said early last year. Since then 250 third-party payment licences have been issued, allowing non-bank companies to offer online payment services, issue and accept pre-paid cards, and handle bank card transactions through point-of-sale devices.Thanks to this mushrooming online e-commerce service, an increasing number of payments are being made on platforms operated by internet companies. Transactions made through this third-party non-bank payment system totalled 3.8 trillion yuan (HK$4.8 trillion) in the second quarter of this year, according to market research company Enfodesk.Over the same period, non-cash payments – transactions through banks and non-bank companies – amounted to 388.5 trillion yuan, according to the People’s Bank of China.The 1 per cent market share of non-cash payments commanded by third-party non-bank systems might appear to be tiny, but the share is set to increase substantially, according to sector participants.“With the help of big data and cloud computing, internet finance has enormous room to grow because it lowers information asymmetry (democratising the distribution of information and data) to a minimum,” said Xie Ping, a vice-president of China Investment Corp, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.Alibaba was among the pioneers of internet finance services with its third-party payment system Alipay, and the mining of transaction data from its business-to-customer and customer-to-customer businesses.That data has now been used by Alipay to establish a credit rating system making use of the ability to access massive data sets (big data), through cloud computing (web-based and accessed hardware, networks, storage, services, and interfaces). Alipay is reportedly ready to launch a consumer loan service soon, but the company declined to comment.The latest expansion of credit services from Alipay follows the launch three自存倉years ago of a loan service to small and micro companies which trade through its e-commerce platforms.At the end of June, it had extended 100 billion yuan in loans and had a non-performing ratio on the portfolio of 0.87 per cent, it said.The growing presence of Alibaba and Alipay in the financing sector posed a “severe challenge” to banks, according to Hong Qi, the president of China Minsheng Banking.The medium-sized bank, which focuses on small companies, had 300 billion yuan of outstanding loans to small and micro companies at the end of last year.Alipay is also the first internet company to offer wealth management products. In June, it launched a service to allow its more than 600 million users to subscribe to the Tianhong mutual fund through their Alipay accounts.The service attracted 2.5 million users and 5.7 billion yuan of investments in 18 days, resulting in Tianhong becoming the fund with the largest number of subscribers on the mainland, Alipay said.Tencent, another leading internet company, recently partnered four fund management firms to enable transactions through its WeChat smart-phone messaging application, which has more than 300 million users globally.To make the competition fiercer, about 1,000 peer-to-peer micro-loan companies across the mainland are matching credit for customers and offering wealth management products. Such lending, which essentially ends banks’ middleman role, lets savers lend directly to pools of individuals.About 30 billion yuan of loans were matched over the system between 2007 and last year, data from the Central University of Finance and Economics showed.“Confronted with the sizzling competition, conservative banks which just maintain the status quo will ultimately fail,” said Jin Lin, an analyst with Orient Securities.Cash businesses, now dominated by traditional finance, including banks and brokerages, would gradually be taken away by internet finance, which had an edge also in credit risk management and actuarial analysis, thanks to big data’s strong analytical ability, Jin said.“The fight for market share among internet finance players will also escalate and it’s difficult to see who’s going to emerge as winners. But while the big players are fighting it out, smaller banks could collaborate with smaller internet companies to benefit both parties,” he said.On Thursday, China Citic Bank announced it would team up with telecommunications company China Unicom to launch a “mobile phone wallet” through which mobile phone users can link their devices with a Citic Bank card to make payments.迷你倉新蒲崗

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楚天都市報訊 昨日,自存倉市民吳先生反映,他家新房裝修好準備入住時,卻發現因空調孔向屋內傾斜,以致雨水倒灌,家里的牆壁和地板都被泡壞了。他向物業、開發商、施工方等反映數次,常被“踢皮球”。吳先生介紹,他在東湖新技術開發區珞喻東路世紀花園買了一套新房。上個月剛裝修完,準備近期找個好日子搬家。前幾天,他來新居打掃衛生時,卻發現其中一間臥室的地板全都泡在水中,潔白的牆壁上也起了皮。仔細一看,原來,牆壁上打的空調孔是向屋內傾斜,因下了大雨,雨水順著空調孔流進室內,導致牆壁、地板遭秧。昨日,記者在吳先生家看到,地板已經部分變形,凹凸不平迷你倉新蒲崗牆面斑駁可見(如圖)。“新房變成了這個樣子,翻修要花幾千元不說,主要是影響心情。”吳先生說著直搖頭。據記者瞭解,和吳先生家有相同遭遇的,還有多家住戶。該小區3棟的畢女士剛搬進新家1個月,前幾天她探親回家後發現,客廳里滿是積水,部分地板鼓了起來,牆壁上甚至出現了霉點。記者隨即走訪了該小區物業公司,相關負責人解釋,施工方鑿洞時確實存在漏洞,但維修不歸物業負責,他們已向開發商和施工方反映過。昨日,經協調,該負責人稱,已敦促施工方開始維修,近日可將受損業主家的損壞處復原,並會就此提醒其他尚未入住的業主,以免遇到相同麻煩。記者揭明玥迷你倉出租

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無�新聞有個《當年今日》環節,儲存倉回顧某年同日發生過的重要事件或政策,舊片段反映眾生苦與樂。不過《當年今日》是單向的,它說,你聽,又那及跟隨三位八十後短遊北角英皇道炮台山一段,聽他們口述歷史,有問有答,重構此區昔日的華麗畫面。記者:邵超攝影:陳盛臣模特兒:Chee@ Portamento(服裝提供:AMENPAPA)春秧街=四十間三位八十後都是「活現香港」行街團的創辦人,包括前食物及�生局政治助理陳智遠、旅遊指南《Lonely Planet》作者鄒頌華及本地文史發燒友祁凱達。行街團主旨不是純粹的行街街,而是想帶出香港城市遊並非只有購物與娛樂,還可以人文角度發掘香港好事物。眾所周知,北角是上海和福建族群的聚居地,從來不是旅遊點,即便鄒頌華是北角老街坊,祁凱達住在�魚涌,陳智遠熟悉政策政治,三人也要做足功課才能導賞,娛樂、時事、佚聞、老街坊的口述歷史無一放過,最重要的是搜索個人記憶,填補消失地標的空白。陳智遠說:「要有城市驚喜,期待參加者有嘩嘩聲的感覺,每走一小段路,都有故事聽。」鄒頌華說:「寫旅遊書不能盡情抒發我對香港的感受,我們不只講歷史,還會做到今昔對照。」祁凱達說得最直接:「我喜歡收集口述歷史,百聽不厭,總覺得老香港更像國際大都會。」採訪當日,我們來到北角春秧街,在陳智遠眼中,電車緩緩駛入春秧街街市,是香港一道獨特的文化風景。他想像力倒豐富:「每當電車駛入街市,總伴隨�叮叮聲,兩邊人流就會自動分開,情景就像摩西過紅海。」這奇景自1953年出現,當時電車公司想在東行線的終點站由銅鑼灣延伸到北角,但英皇道的闊度卻難以讓電車迴旋掉頭,於是想到一條絕橋,設立春秧街支線,鋪設單軌路軌,經春秧街轉入糖水道的總站上下乘客,電車再從糖水道右轉回英皇道向西行。春秧街也見證了北角如何先後變身「小上海」和「小福建」,話說早在1921年,南洋福建巨富郭春秧投得新填海地皮興建糖廠。陳智遠說:「最後計劃擱置,卻一口氣建立一排四十間的相連樓房,所以老街坊稱這�為『四十間』。」國共內戰時期,不少上海人逃難至香港,聚居於堡壘街、建華街一帶的高尚住宅,因此於五十年代北角有「小上海」之稱,在郭春秧開設的「麗池夜總會」打工的上海人,也聚居於春秧街。其後六十年代,上海迷你倉沙田漸漸富起來,遷往半山雲景道和跑馬地一帶居住,反而因為印尼排華,吸引了不少福建華僑回流,開設雜貨舖,又把內地的親人申請到港,春秧街又慢慢由「小上海」轉型至「小福建」,所以來到春秧街,說廣東話的人反而像外來人。看西片=時尚細說北角名廈,「皇都戲院大廈」有段星光傳奇。祁凱達對陶傑一篇文章記憶猶新:「他感慨皇都戲院由全盛期變成一家三等商場,就像繁華的香港變成特區政府,兩者看似毫無關連,看罷全篇文章的脈絡,便覺嘲諷得有道理。」那時看電影是時尚,當年陶傑到「皇都戲院」看七點半場,會先到「溫莎西餐廳」吃晚飯,又說但凡放映西片的大戲院,周圍自然有西餐廳的名牌,如尖沙嘴「樂宮戲院」有「車厘哥夫」、中環「皇后戲院」有「占美廚房」、「利舞臺」有「金馬車」和「美施」等,文章隨後不忘暗諷一句:「那時何須空喊甚麼與國際接軌,這樣的感覺就很國際。」「皇都戲院」前身是「璇宮戲院」,在1952年開幕,據稱老闆是個粵劇迷,祁凱達發揮講古佬本色:「1949年北角已是二線富豪區,那時戲院格調非凡,開幕邀請到摩士爵士主持典禮,還有警察銀樂隊表演助興,摩士是誰?日佔時期,他當匯豐銀行主席,銀行金庫力保不失。」昔日戲院是地標,每區總有一間街坊戲院方便觀眾,如今連UA時代廣場也被迫結業,令人欷歔。璇宮戲院於1957年結業易手,於1959年改建成皇都戲院大廈,附設的皇都戲院佔地33,000平方呎,座位劃分為前座、後座、超等和特等,曾賣廣告有標語謂「地底車場」、「遠東僅有」、「藝術浮雕」、「高尚名貴」,老一輩戲迷都曾經到過這兩間戲院,看西片大片、粵劇、國際級音樂會及海外歌舞團如日本松竹歌舞團、台灣藝霞歌舞團等等,現在的迷你戲院哪有這等氣派!至1997年皇都戲院結業,亦是城市熱話。祁凱達�我們抬頭,看看戲院頂的混凝土飛拱支架,設計屬蘇聯1920年代前�的建構主義,像在提醒大家,北角是左派大本營。建構主義的建築物很像雕塑品,幾何造型是基礎,結合鋼筋水泥,組成富強烈視覺效果的抽象建築物。此外,「國都戲院」亦是北角重要戲院,鄒頌華記得小學時代的某天,赫然發現阿信裸體,三點貼上星星出現在日本三級片《北齋漫畫》的大型手繪電影廣告板上,其實她並非主角,只因當時太紅,被畫師亂畫。場地提供:天龍會 迷你倉價錢

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經平潭綜合實驗區管委會批准,迷你倉價錢平潭綜合實驗區環境與國土資源局(以下簡稱出讓人)決定公開出讓一幅國有建設用地使用權。現將有關事項公告如下:一、出讓地塊基本情況和主要規劃指標(見附表)二、申請人範圍中華人民共和國境內外的自然人、法人和其他組織均可申請參加競買,但有拖欠工程款及用地行為不良者除外。三、參加競買申請方式及截止日期申請人可于2013年9月9日至2013年9月17日工作時間內,憑競買保證金繳交票據到平潭綜合實驗區招標投標交易中心領取本次出讓文件。申請人應在2013年9月9日至2013年9月17日,上午8:00至12:00,下午2:30至5:30,提交有效的營業執照、法定代表人證明、身份證(或護照)、競買申請表、競買保證金的繳款憑證及相關證明文件(申請人的競買保證金必須于2013年9月17日下午5:00前匯至指定的賬戶)等,提出競買申請(報名地點:平潭縣潭城鎮龍景路原建設局旁,平潭綜合實驗區招標投標交易中心),經出讓人審核後,獲得競買資格。四、出讓具體方式出讓人將根據競買申請截止時的申請情況,在2013年9月17日下午確定上述宗地公開出讓的具體方式並告知所有申請人。若符合資格的申請人超過3人(含3人),則該宗地採用拍賣方式出讓;若符合資格的申請人不足3人,則該宗地採用掛牌方式出讓。拍賣定于2013年9月18日上午9時30分在平潭綜合實驗區招標投標交易中心舉行;掛牌交易期限為2013年9月18日至2013年9月27日(含休息日),2013年9月25日前繼續接受競買申請,競買登記時間為上述交易期限上午8:00—12:00,下午2:30—5:30(其中2013年9月27日截止時間為上午9:30),競價欄地點設在平潭綜合實驗區招標投標交易中心。五、給付成交地價款方式競買保證金為出讓起始價的20%;土地出讓價款自國有建設用地使用權出讓合同簽訂之日起30日、120日、180日內分三期(比例分別為50%、30%、20迷你倉)支付,成交價款幣種為人民幣。申請人支付競買保證金(人民幣)的銀行賬戶為:戶名全稱:平潭綜合實驗區國庫支付中心開戶銀行:中國農業銀行平潭縣支行賬 號:13165101040014422 境外(含港澳台)匯入競買保證金(美元)的銀行賬戶為:戶名全稱:平潭綜合實驗區區直單位代理結算中心開戶銀行:中國農業銀行平潭縣支行(swift代碼:ABOCCNBJ130.)賬 號:13165114040000234 境內匯入競買保證金(美元)的銀行賬戶為:戶名全稱:平潭綜合實驗區區直單位代理結算中心開戶銀行:中國農業銀行平潭縣支行(swift代碼:ABOCCNBJ130.)賬 號:13165114040000242六、其他事項1.申請人繳納競買保證金時,應提交該競買保證金不屬於銀行貸款、股東借款、轉貸和募集的承諾書及商業金融機構的資信證明。2.土地競得後,競得人應在平潭註冊成立其相應的開發公司或獨立核算的項目公司,在所在區稅務部門依法納稅;建設施工單位亦應在平潭稅務部門依法納稅。3.出讓土地成交價款,包括徵地補償費、地上物(含人員)的拆遷安置費用,以及地段差價、“三金”(土地收益金、工業用地成本調節金、農業土地開發金)及土地出讓業務費等政府的土地收益。城市基礎設施配套費、契稅由競得人另行繳納。地塊成交價款幣種為人民幣。4.受讓人可憑國有建設用地使用權出讓合同依照有關規定向省、市、區有關部門申請立項(或增資、增項)及公司的營業執照,申報建設用地規劃許可及房地產開發等有關手續。5.本次公開出讓地塊詳細資料和具體要求,見公開出讓文件,本次公告與出讓文件內容不一致的,以出讓文件為準。七、聯繫方式聯繫地址:平潭縣潭城鎮龍景路(原建設局一樓)聯繫人:魏由文、盧宏聯繫電話:0591—62520677、62520669網 址:.pingtan.gov.cn.landchina.com平潭綜合實驗區環境與國土資源局2013年8月26日新蒲崗迷你倉

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  The brother of slain (n.殺死) tour guide (n.導遊) Masa Tse Ting-chun (n.謝廷駿) slammed (v.猛烈抨擊) Leung Chun-ying (n.梁振英) for failing (v.無法做到) to get an apology (n.道歉) from the Philippines (n.菲律賓) nearly three years after the Manila (n.馬尼拉) hostage (n.人質) bloodbath (n.流血事件).  Speaking from the floor (n.台下) of the townhall(n.地區政府)-style forum (n.論壇) in Kwun Tong (n.觀塘), Tse Chi-kin (n.謝志堅), who got an admission (n.入場) ticket (n.門券) from People Power (n.人民力量) supporters (n.支持者), wanted to know why Taiwan (n.台灣) was able to get an apology and compensation (n.賠償) from the Philippines within three months of a fisherman (n.漁民) being killed by Filipino (adj.菲律賓的) coastguards (n.海岸警衛隊) while (conj.但是) Hong Kong (n.香港) was unable to get anything.  Masa Tse and seven Hong Kong tourists were shot (v.射殺) dead and seven others wounded (adj.受傷的) on August 23, 2010, during a botched (adj.糟透的) rescue (n.拯救) operation (n.行動).  Leung said the government has not forgotten the tragedy (n.慘劇). The government has met with Philippine (adj.菲律賓的) officials (n.官員) 23 times since 2012, the latest (adj.最近的) as recent as Monday, he said.  The issue (n.問題), however, raised temperatures (v.使氣氛緊張) at the forum. A People Power supporter screamed (v.大叫) at Leung, accusing (v.指責) him of being "invincible (adj.天下無敵的) in words but incapable (adj.無能為力的) in acts (n.做事)."(The Standard, August 19)  遭殺害的導遊謝廷駿,迷你倉他的哥哥猛烈抨擊梁振英,指梁在馬尼拉人質流血事件發生差不多三年後,仍然無法令菲律賓道歉。  在觀塘一個政府地區論壇中,獲人民力量支持者給予門票入場的謝志堅在台下發言時,想知道為何台灣三個月內便可就一名漁民給菲律賓海岸警衛隊殺死而獲得道歉與賠償,但香港卻甚麼都爭取不到。  在二○一○年八月二十三日一次糟透的拯救行動中,謝廷駿及七名香港遊客被射殺,另外有七人受傷。  梁振英表示港府並沒有忘記這宗慘劇。他說,政府自二○一二年已跟菲律賓官員會晤二十三次,最近一次是剛過去的星期一。  然而,此問題令論壇的氣氛變得緊張。一名人民力量支持者向梁振英大叫,指責他「講就天下無敵,做就無能為力。」(《英文虎報》,八月十九日)1. slam (v) /slam/,s-LAM 猛烈抨擊、強烈譴責 知多點:slam本指砰一聲關上,例如slam the door / window shut是砰一聲把門╱窗關上;它也可指用力一放╱推╱摔等,例如slam down the phone是啪一聲放下電話聽筒;報章則常用slam來表示猛烈抨擊。2. botched (adj) /b t�t/,BOTCH-t 糟透的、一塌糊塗的 知多點:動詞botch解作笨拙地弄糟,後面可加介系詞up,例如botch (up) the concert是笨拙地搞砸了音樂會;過去分詞botched可用作形容詞,意思便是(弄得)糟透的,例如文中第三段的botched rescue operation是糟透的拯救行動。3. invincible (adj) /In'vIns bl/,in-VIN-sa-bl 戰無不勝的、天下無敵的 知多點:invincible的中間部分,字源與victory(勝利、戰勝)一樣,而前綴in-則解作不,因此invincible便是解作無法被他人戰勝的、戰無不勝的,在本文的中文原文則是天下無敵的;留意不要把它跟invisible(看不見的、隱形的)混淆。請把下列5個英文字填在句子的橫�上,並使用適當的單複數、大小寫、時態等。botch  incapable  invincible  slam  slay1. Over fifty passengers have been _____ by the hijackers.2. Manchester United seems _____ these days.3. Several ministers have been _____ by the newspapers for the scandal.4. I must say the renovation was a(n) _____ job.5. Some teenagers are completely _____ of taking care of themselves.Answers1. slain  2. invincible  3. slammed  4. botched  5. incapable文︰范斌

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新華社北京8月25日專電(記者 白瀛)由彭氏兄弟執導,mini storage劉青雲、古天樂、陳思誠、李心潔等主演的立體災難片《逃出生天》9月30日起在全國上映。影片講述了一場突發火災中,廣州消防官兵果敢救災、頑強戰鬥的故事。日前片方發佈的預告片中展現了火燒摩天樓、隔火層大爆炸、徒手攀火樓、高空走搖臂、電梯井逃生、水火對峙等六大災難場面。面對驚天大火,兩大男主角吃盡苦頭,古天樂飾演的前消防員不僅要徒手攀爬大廈外牆,而且要赤手空拳打破玻璃逃生,劉青雲飾演的消防特勤隊大隊長大軍要在十幾層樓的高空上走過起重機的搖臂。導演彭發表示,《逃出生天》把火災和立體技術結合在一起,之所以有這個想法,是因為很少有人知道真正的火災現場是什麼樣子self storage“在這之前,我們都是從電視新聞里看到過火災現場,但在面對火災時,沒有多少人可以真正走出來跟大家分享經驗,所以我們才決定要把這部電影拍成真正的立體版,希望觀�可以在最安全的情況下親身感受最危險的火災場面。”他說。出品人于冬說,影片全程使用立體技術加真火拍攝,拍攝現場每天都跟真正的火災現場一樣,每到一處都會需要當地消防和安保部門全員出動。“在廣州拍攝的時候,廣州幾乎出動了全城的消防車。”主演李心潔說,拍攝現場一直都在放真火,溫度高到了讓人難以忍受的地步,“當時導演也囑咐過我,如果覺得受不了,即使還在拍也可以馬上逃走。我本想堅持一下的,但是後來火放得實在太大了,我被燙得實在受不了了,就扔下陳思誠自己逃跑了。”迷你倉

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炎夏快要進入尾聲,迷你倉秋冬裝開始出籠,I.T旗下品牌Hockley創意總監Izzet Ers將復古與時尚融為一體,今個秋冬系列推出不少色彩矚目的皮草,採用了耀眼的紅、橙、螢光粉紅、啡等嘉年華般的顏色為主調,並大膽使用雙色混合皮草,打破一成不變得單色定律,令皮草變的更有生氣、更活潑。例如螢光粉紅狐狸毛拼短橙色兔毛,佻脫活潑又不失高雅;而永�的黑白配搭,萬無一失。除了外套外,還有背心設計,玩味十足,可隨意配搭不同服飾。

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晨報記者 錢鑫 孫雁如從9月13日起,mini storage上海又將迎來一個繽紛多彩的血拼季,2013上海購物節即將拉開序幕。據悉,雖然今年的購物節不再集中舉辦大型的開、閉幕式,但是500多項活動依然會帶給消費者一頓“饕餮血拼大餐”:琳琅滿目的海內外名特精品將現身上海,多家商場將狂折銷售,同時滬上多個商圈屆時還將開發新型商業APP,以期在打折促銷的同時,引領滬上消費新模式。2013上海購物節于9月13日至10月7日舉行。由上海市商務委、市經濟信息化委、市旅遊局和市文廣影視局主辦,今年的購物節在傳承歷屆經典的基礎上,創新辦節理念,基本框架為:一個主題:“體驗都市魅力,就從購物開始”;三大主線:“世界風”、“中華情”、“上海韻”;四大板塊:“品味、時尚、休閒、體驗”;聚焦六大消費:“智能消費”、“綠色消費”、“品牌消費”、“體驗消費”、“服務消費”、“主題消費”。■商家紛紛“觸網”“觸線”在順應電子商務發展的基礎上,鼓勵零售業與電子商務結合,通過虛擬網絡平台與實體零售門店聯動,拓寬消費空間。相關活動如:“新選擇、新體驗、新消費——雲商新蘇寧‘嗨購’嘉年華”,將整合線上線下渠道、以多品類商品為消費者提供購物新選擇;又如:由商務委主辦的“時尚樂淘·實惠網購——上海網絡購物節”活動,將搭建電子商務展示交流平台,通過相關主題活動推進電子商務發展。以及“雲中購物·樂行黃浦——黃浦區線上線下聯動營銷活動”,將開設官方微博、微信,攜手淘寶,吸引市內外消費者。■購物打造“跨界組合”購物和會展、旅遊、文化、金融業進行跨界結合,將能產生1+1>2的組合效應。本屆購物節將借力上海各色會展渠道,依托上海旅遊文化資源,挖掘上海商業文化內涵,展現商圈、商街、商家的特色,通過一系列“商會旅文結合”的活動,營造商業、旅遊、文化交融的氛圍,形成消費磁場,充分發揮流通引導消費、創造消費、保障消費的功能。如“崇明生態游”、“精品故事,青城之戀——2013青浦品牌產品展銷會暨兩岸美食文化節”等,將雲集地方知名品牌,精選兩岸著名小吃,讓消費者在購物消費的同時,得以足不出滬,分享各地美食,領略獨特文化氣息,感受美妙自然風光。此外,今年將製作一輛購物節彩車,參加上海旅遊節彩車的大巡遊。“商業與金融結合”,就是銀聯、銀行、大型商業企業聯手,開展形式多樣的購物刷卡有獎self storage銷活動。如,由商務委牽頭,銀聯、購物節辦公室承辦的“‘歡樂購物·銀聯有禮’——2013上海購物節營銷活動”等,將在五角場商圈主要商戶為銀聯卡持卡者提供滿額贈券、幸運抽獎等活動。■體驗式消費和市民互動如何加強顧客的消費體驗,如何讓消費者從購物消費向服務消費轉變是本次購物節的一大亮點。加強消費者與企業的互動,拓展個性化、專業化的體驗消費,引導消費者體驗商品特性,瞭解商品創新理念,借此提升消費層次、提高消費品質,促進內需。如在“中國(上海)國際時尚家具展——暨國際家居時尚周”,將展示全球高端家居生活用品,通過包含主題展示、講座論壇等特色活動,為消費者提供全新購物體驗。又如“2013光明食品節——國際食品展”,將推出國際精品以及諸多系列活動,令消費者體驗創意美食。■拓展“掌上購物”運用信息技術,發展電子商務和移動消費。擴大WIFI覆蓋範圍,開發新型商業APP,提升商業科技含量,通過現代化便捷的消費模式,助力消費增長,引領消費新模式,本次購物節上,越來越多的消費者將能實現“手指一點就能輕鬆購物”。如“指尖上的享受——虹口商街APP玩轉購物節”,將集聚購物節動態信息,推出積分換禮等消費優惠。又如,“玩轉時尚·樂享智慧購物——‘時尚楊浦’手機APP主題營銷活動”,通過手機APP在購物節期間為消費者提供各類消費便利及活動優惠。【實用看板】從今年8月起,由購物節辦公室編印發行《上海消費指南》,提供百貨、餐飲、電商、服務、銀聯刷卡等方面的優惠、折扣信息,受到廣大消費者的歡迎。今後,將每月一期,定期發行。購物節期間,將集聚上海消費資訊,編印《上海消費指南·購物節專輯》,在上海重要會展和賽事現場、主要賓館、機場、國際客運碼頭、主要商圈的商戶等處免費發放。同時,還將製作發行2013上海購物節限量版紀念交通卡,以促進消費。【相關鏈接】聚焦六大消費智能消費:發展電子商務和移動消費,引領消費新模式。綠色消費:推介節能、低碳、原生態產品,倡導循環消費、科學消費和健康消費。品牌消費:聚集和推廣國際名品以及名、特、優新品和老字號品牌。體驗消費:加強消費者和商家的互動,引導消費者體驗商品特性。服務消費:倡導服務創新,引領專業化、個性化、差異化和精細化的服務。主題消費:圍繞汽車、珠寶、美食、保健、婚慶、古玩等主題,策劃特色鮮明的營銷活動。迷你倉

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By Zhao Yanrong ( China Daily) Serbia wants to strengthen cooperation with China by providing various projects for Chinese investors in the energy, infrastructure, agriculture, textile and metallurgical industries, and tourism and culture.存倉Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic made the remarks on Sunday at the beginning of his five-day state visit to China. Nikolic is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders in Beijing this week."My visit will be aimed at strengthening our strategic partnership with China and ensuring progress in realizing existing investment projects, and also at forming initiatives for new forms of cooperation in terms of Chinese investment in the Serbian economy and other modes of cooperation," Nikolic told China Daily."Bilateral ties between the two countries are excellent, and we believe that cooperation will deepen in the future in all fields, especially economic ties. Our doors are open to our Chinese friends, and we believe that we have a lot to learn from each other." After the United States, China was the second-largest trading partner of the European Union from January to May this year, according to Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.But China has become the top target of the EU's punitive trade measures in the first seven months of this year, based on the latest report issued by the European Commission on Wednesday, Xinhua News Agency reported.Attractive potential The report said that all four EU anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations from Jan 1 through July 31 were f迷你倉led against Chinese products, including seamless steel pipes, solar glass and agglomerated stone.Meanwhile, five of the seven definitive duties imposed by the EU were levied on Chinese products, including steel products and kitchenware."The important step has already been made with the decision of the European Commission to ask member states for their agreement on a mandate to open negotiations on an investment agreement with China," Nikolic said."Serbia is one of the key players in the region, with an excellent geo-strategic position between East and West," he said. With EU integration talks coming up, it is "potentially very attractive for foreign investments", he said."Chinese investors have opportunities to invest in Serbia, with its educated workforce, cheap energy and overland export to EU countries. The only requirement is that 51 percent of the products originate in Serbia," Nikolic added.To woo more foreign investment, the Serbian government is providing many preferential policies in taxes and administrative procedures.Nikolic said that because Chinese investors are hardworking and honest like Serbian businesspeople, Serbia's experience with its Chinese partners has been very good, and both sides found it easy to understand each other."Warm friendship and understanding between our peoples, a common history - suffering and the struggle for freedom - and similar issues regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity are the things bringing us together with invisible but unbreakable ties," the Serbian president said.zhaoyanrong@chinadaily.com.cn自存倉

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Source: The Tribune-Democrat, Johnstown, Pa.新蒲崗迷你倉Aug. 25--Cresson Lake Playhouse's third annual Hall of Fame ceremony will honor two inductees who worked unselfishly to foster the growth, availability and appreciation of theater arts.A ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at the playhouse to honor the late John Alexander Prosser, who was an artistic director and actor, and Tracey Ingold of Cresson, actress and house manager at Cresson Lake Playhouse.After the induction ceremony, Cresson Lake performers will present a performance at 8 of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap."Elaine Mastalski, playhouse executive director, said the selection committee aims to choose hall of fame members using two categories as its criteria."We want one person who has helped establish the foundation for the theater and a second person who has continued to work on behalf of the theater over many years," she said.She called the new inductees deserving and dedicated people who have played a big part in the success of the theater."The hall of fame recognizes outstanding individuals whose commitment, contribution and accomplishments continue to honor the historical development of the theater," Mastalski said.Prosser, who went by the stage name John Alexander, began his involvement with the playhouse in 1982 when it was called the Allegheny Highlands Regional Theater.Alexander served as the artistic director at Cresson Lake from 1986-1988 and 1996 and 1997.He joined the board of trustees in 1984.Alexander, a native of Hollidaysburg, brought a wealth of professional talent and experience to Cresson Lake Playhouse.During his tenure as artistic director, Alexander formalized and launched the professional-amateur concept for the theater, bringing in the first Actors Equity Association guest performing artists and exposing the area to a wider variety of guest scenic, lighting, costume and sound designers.He made his theatrical debut at Little Theater Garrick Yard, London, and performed in summer stock productions from Maine to Georgia and performed in many off-Broadway productions from 1972-1976.Alexander's artistic vision provided a showcase for professional and nonprofessional talent to share the joy and excitement of live theater and quality entertainment for the Central Pennsylvania arts and theatre communities.At Cresson Lake Playhouse, Alexander first appeared in 1982 as Henry II, King of England, in "The Lion in Winter." Throughout his storied career at Cresson Lake Playhouse, Alexander directed many memorable productions including "Shenandoah," "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," Evita," "Carnival," "Private Lives," "Hello Dolly" amini storaged "Barefoot in the Park."Alexander died in 1997 at the age of 49.Ingold has been associated with Cresson Lake Playhouse since 2002, when she first began her love of the "barn" as a volunteer usher and continues to contribute her time, talent and effort to the continued success of the theater.Since 2002, Ingold has volunteered and worked in many capacities at the playhouse, both on stage and behind the scenes.Her positions include box office assistant, costumer, stage manager and production manager. She has served as house manager since 2005.Ingold said her selection to the hall of fame is humbling, and she feels honored as well as fortunate to have been bestowed the honor."The past recipients have all been people I have admired as integral parts of the history-making here at Cresson Lake, so to be included in that group is a real honor," she said. "For over 10 years, I have enjoyed going to and being involved with the playhouse, and living in Cresson, I think it really is a treasure in our own backyard."She views the playhouse as a collaborate effort of community that enriches people in many ways."I know what it is to enjoy the whole experience of an evening at 'the barn,' the quiet, quaint nostalgia of our beloved little theater and surroundings, and I try, through my work there, to make that experience the best it can be for everyone involved -- the cast, the crew and our patrons,"?Ingold said. "We speak of the magic of live theater and what that brings to both the artist and the audience, the collaborate effort of people working together. I am very proud and fortunate to be part of it."Ingold's onstage credits at Cresson Lake include: "Miracle on 34th Street," a Boylen Sister in "Annie," Mrs. Parker in "A Christmas Story," Miss Darbus in "High School Musical 1," Sister Robert Ann in "Nuncrackers" and "Nunsensations," Truvy in "Steel Magnolias" and as Golde in CLP's recent production of "Fiddler on the Roof." She also appeared in several television commercials.Ingold and her husband, Tony, are the parents of three daughters Devon, Kelsey and Carley.Past inductees of the hall of fame are Eleanor Lantzy, founder; Jeanne Yahner, volunteer; Mid Whiteford, volunteer; Jonathan O'Harrow, director, music director and actor; Kenneth Resinski, artistic director, Bonnie Resinski, costumer; and Molly Riva, director.For more information, call 472-4333.Tom Lavis covers Features for the Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/TomLavistd.Copyright: ___ (c)2013 The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) Visit The Tribune-Democrat (Johnstown, Pa.) at .tribune-democrat.com Distributed by MCT Information Servicesself storage

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51區有沒有外星飛行器,self storage�說紛紜。在51區真實研發的U-2高空偵察機。位於美國內華達州南部林肯郡的51區衛星圖。51區內奇怪的三角建築。51區周圍的禁止標誌。51區周圍的禁止標誌,標明此處為軍事基地。51區附近商店的紀念品。一名當地人在她的旅館標誌前,51區的傳說刺激了當地旅遊業。曾證言51區研究外星生命的鮑勃·拉澤爾。51區,位於美國內華達州南部林肯郡,距離拉斯韋加斯市中心約130公里。這裡一直被認為是美國秘密研製飛行器的地方。而由於1947年“羅斯威爾飛碟墜毀”疑雲,這裡也被冠以“美國地外生物研究中心”的名號。與不明飛行物有關的一切,似乎都被美國政府“隱藏”在這裡。不過,盡管已在猜測、幻想、乃至電影中存在了數十年,但美國政府從來沒有承認“51區”的存在,直到2013年。“擅入者有生命危險”喬納森·特雷是喬治·華盛頓大學公共利益法教授,2013年6月的一天,當他在翻看一份中情局新解密的文檔時,一個詞讓他幾乎從椅子上蹦了起來,“51區!”這份文檔,是喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的關於美國U-2偵察機的解密文檔。在長達408頁的文檔中,雖然多處被塗黑,但在19頁上卻赫然出現了此前美國政府諱莫如深的“51區”字樣。在文檔中,首次解釋了51區用途——它是一處極為重要的秘密軍事基地,由國防部負責管理,肩負著推動軍事科技發展的重任。51區位於美國內華達州南部的一個沙漠盆地中,占地大約155平方公里。在衛星地圖上,51區最為醒目的標誌是數條呈田字形的青色飛機跑道。據稱,其中一條世界最長,長達7093米。離51區不遠的地方是內華達試驗場,它是美國能源部測試核武器的地方。在51區附近,隨處可見紅色的禁止標誌——“禁止拍照”、“禁止進入”,甚至“已被授權使用致命武器”,這些標誌隨時告訴接近者,這裡是高度機密的所在——擅入者有生命危險。當地人說,任何的不速之客都將遭遇直升機及武裝衛隊的驅逐。據悉,只有擁有極高安全級別、且受到軍方最高層或情報機構高層邀請的人才有可能進入軍事基地。在造訪51區前,所有人必須要進行具有嚴格的法律效力的保密宣誓。媒體和遊客們能看到的,只是51區森嚴的大門和紅色的禁止標誌,或者只能從衛星地圖上窺見其大概的建築輪廓,至於其內部到底有什麼設施,極少有消息透露出來。不過,還是有好奇的遊客在深夜不辭辛勞,登上51區以東40余公里的提卡布峰頂,用望遠鏡觀察基地。曾有人在蹲點數小時後,發現51區機場的燈會突然亮起,一架飛行器從停機棚中滑到跑道上,須臾,飛機加速起飛,當輪子剛剛離開跑道,整個機場的燈光立刻熄滅,整個基地再次歸於死寂。被掩蓋的飛行器研發小約翰·格林伍德是美國歷史頻道《UFO獵人》的編劇。至今為止,他已經連續17年根據美國“信息自由法案”,要求美國中央情報局、聯邦調查局等機構將大量文檔解密。之後再將這些解密文件上傳到網上。他所解密的文件中,就包含有“51區”。如今,雖然中情局解密文檔承認了51區作為軍事基地的存在,但對格林伍德來說,51區依然是一個神秘的地方。他對新京報記者說,關於51區是否存在和其用途的傳言已經流傳了相當長的時間。“沒有人說這個地方存在過,許多年前,通過蘇聯方面的間諜衛星監控和照片,我們才知道51區的確存在。即便我們知道51區的位置,但是我們無法靠近它,沙漠中全副武裝的守衛讓我們無法靠近那個地方。直到許多年後,官方文件中才證實51區的確存在。”2001年,格林伍德收到美國能源部的一份解密文檔,在這份文檔中,他第一次看到了“51區”的字樣,他說:“它真的存在!雖然他們給我的文檔只有一頁,但上邊記載著美國能源部為何運營這樣的一個機構。”這份時間為1958年6月25日的記錄文檔顯示,51區存在已有至少90年的歷史。“35年前,據美國公共土地法案,這個占地38400英畝的地區被命名為51區,不再用于公共用途,收歸美國能源部下屬原子能委員會管轄。但由於能源部並不參與其活動,所以51區從未在能源部的內華達試驗場地圖上出現。”這份文檔說。文檔還說明,“現在這塊土地已經劃歸國防部空軍基地,其空域不對民航和公�開放。”能源部並不參與51區的活動,是因為在1958年以前,這裡據傳主要進行飛行器的秘密研究。格林伍德說,將一個秘密項目置於與之風馬牛不相及的另一個部門的管理之中,就很少有人會想到從能源部和原子能委員會下手去調查51區。只是研發了U-2偵察機?2004年,格林伍德又從美國國家偵察局(NRO)處獲得了另一份關於51區的文檔,這份文檔建立于1962年,上邊記載,曾有U-2偵察機在51區上空飛過並且觀察過該區域。記錄顯示,“約翰·帕拉戈斯基(身份不明)和我(身份不明)曾討論派遣U-2偵察機採集51區的圖像,不需要具體的目標,就是整體看一下它們在從事什麼活動。”這時候的51區,已經被懷疑是一處由美國國防部牽頭,各部門秘密協作進行飛行軍事技術研究的尖端基地。為了遮掩事實,美國宇航局的前身,“國家航空咨詢委員會”不得不編造各種故事,對外界解釋為什麼會有飛機在一個從未正式存在的軍事基地飛進飛出。而實際上,U-2偵察機就誕生在這裡。喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的解密檔案顯示,U-2偵察機的研發中心就在51區,在這裡研發出的飛行器,在獲得批准後,會移交給其他軍事基地進行正式測試或服役。從1955年起至上世紀80年代迷你倉,美國多個軍事、情報部門在51區進行研發活動。但是,除了政府高層人物和具有最高安全級別的秘密項目承包者之外,很少有人確鑿無疑地知道51區的存在。但是,各種猜測從來沒有中斷過。如今,雖然51區才剛剛被正式承認,但早就亮相全球各地空域的U-2高空偵察機顯然已經佐證了其作為飛行器研發基地的存在。相對於U-2偵察機,人們更為關心的謎團是——除了U-2,51區還研究什麼?或者,研究U-2,是不是一個更大的障眼法?■ 懸疑51區僱員證實外星人存在?“這個被沙漠所隔離的地方可以讓軍方執行所有他們想低調進行,而不擔心被外界發現的項目。盡管我們終於知道這個地方是‘真實存在’的,但我保證,我們現在所知道的,還不及這個地方曾進行、現在仍在進行的秘密的百分之一。”——美國歷史頻道《UFO獵人》編劇小約翰·格林伍德喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的解密檔案顯示,在開展U-2項目後,該地區收到的有關UFO的目擊情報呈現明顯上升趨勢。但檔案中給出的解釋是,因為研發的新飛行器大多造型奇特,加上特殊的天氣原因,使人誤認為是UFO。事實真的如此嗎?對於51區是美國政府研究地外生命中心的傳言,格林伍德說,51區真正的作用仍未被揭曉。對此,必須提及的一個人是鮑勃·拉澤爾,他是一名自稱曾在51區工作過的僱員。格林伍德說,拉澤爾稱,在51區里,美軍正從外星人科技中進行“逆向工程學研究”來發展人類科技,甚至還隱藏著軍方最黑暗的機密,包括藏匿外星人的飛船。早在1989年,鮑勃·拉澤爾就公開在一檔新聞調查類節目上露面,向公�揭開51區的“謎團”。拉澤爾稱,從科學家到安保人員,數萬名曾在51區工作過的人都簽署了保密協議,而他是唯一一個打破了保密協定的人。據拉澤爾稱,自己曾在洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室里從事放射性微粒的探測工作,在匈牙利籍核物理學家愛德華·泰勒博士的推薦下,他參與到了51區的工作。工作地點位於51區地下基地。拉澤爾稱,抵達51區的第一天,他就意識到自己可能進入了某個神秘的研究機構。下了飛機,在一段土路上行駛了約半個小時後,拉澤爾被帶到了一個神秘的飛機庫區,這裡距離51區的馬夫幹湖很近。隨後,拉澤爾接受安全檢查,並被要求簽署了2份文件,一份是同意有關部門監聽自己的家庭電話,另一份是表示自願放棄美國憲法賦予自己的權利。隨後,拉澤爾稱,有人帶他來到一架飛碟前,並告訴他的職責就是逆向開發它的反重力推進系統。拉澤爾稱,在S4地下基地中一共有9架飛碟。有人拿給他一份說明書,上面顯示這些飛碟來自另一個星球。拉澤爾稱,自己還看到了一些類似外星人的照片,他認為這些大概就是外星飛船的飛行員。拉澤爾還稱,他曾在1989年3月的一天,無意中見到在2個白色制服的男子中間,有一個個頭矮小,但腦袋碩大的灰色外星人,但隨後衛兵阻止他,不讓他窺探。這一情況也成為了後世描繪外星人長相的重要推定之一。經過痛苦的掙扎,拉澤爾最終沒能堅守住51區的保密協定,將自己的所見所聞告訴了自己的妻子、好友和另一個UFO研究專家、里爾噴氣式飛機發明人之子約翰·李爾。拉澤爾約他們一起前去親眼看看51區正在發生的事情。幾個人帶著高倍望遠鏡和攝像機登上51區附近的山頂。據數人稱,在那裡等了很久以後,山谷內終於有了一絲動靜。一個閃閃發光的飛碟從山谷間騰空而起,擋住了51區的視線。此後,拉澤爾一行多次來到同一地點進行觀測。但他們第三次前往觀測時,被51區的衛兵發現並且扣留,接受盤問之後,拉澤爾一行獲釋放。第二天,拉澤爾稱,當他按時準備搭乘飛機去51區上班時,他的上司馬里亞尼早已在那裡等候,馬里亞尼告訴拉澤爾,他不用再去上班了。隨後,拉澤爾被公司解僱,並被警告如再次出現在51區附近,將立刻以間諜罪逮捕。節目播出後,拉澤爾的言論引發了極大的爭議,洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室說從未僱傭過名為拉澤爾的員工,而拉澤爾則表示,政府將他存在的信息“全部都抹掉”了。而當時有媒體記者調查發現,洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室的通訊錄中的確有拉澤爾的名字和電話。“拉澤爾說的是真的嗎?目前沒有人能夠證明這些,但是這種說法讓51區變成個充滿秘密和謎團的地方。”格林伍德對新京報記者說。“還有更多未解之謎”沒有人證實拉澤爾的證言,但有關51區秘密的猜測,卻越來越多。有人稱,美國政府在51區建有一座巨大的地下設施,來進行研究外星人和逆向工程的活動。但又有人稱:之前在51區進行的最為機密的工作已經在1990年代轉移到猶他州的試驗場了,現在在51區進行的秘密活動只不過是轉移公�視線而已。還有猜測認為,1947年羅斯威爾事件中墜毀的“UFO”和其他來自外星的材料就被儲藏在51區,政府與外星人談判的代理人“黑衣人”據說也駐紮在那裡。格林伍德說,他並不知道51區是否有外星人,或者存在他們所擁有的科技,但他說,“如果外星人及其科技的確存在,且軍方也掌握了相關的證據和技術的話,我認為,沒有任何一個地方比51區更適合來藏匿他們了。”格林伍德說,他認為,51區里掌控著美國最高級別的科技,可能是武器方面、飛行器方面或者其他各方面的混雜。“這個被沙漠所隔離的地方可以讓軍方執行所有他們想低調進行,而不擔心被外界發現的項目。盡管我們終於知道這個地方是‘真實存在’的,但我保證,我們現在所知道的,還不及這個地方曾進行、現在仍在進行的秘密的百分之一。”B04-B05版採寫/新京報記者 韓旭陽文件倉

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一個艷陽高照的周末上午,存倉女兒一家帶我們去不遠的一個公園,看那裡舉行的「排骨節」。我們聽到這個名字感到很新奇,在中國從未聽說過有這種「節」,也引起很大興趣。這個公園,實際上是一片偌大的草坪,有許多高大的樹木,中間有條條林蔭小徑,我們常到這裡來散步。而今天,這裡完全變了樣,一點都看不出是我們常來散步的公園了。許多志願者在指揮�停車,我們尋找�入口,只見裡面搭�一排排的白色帳篷,走進去一看,每個帳篷裡都擺滿各種藝術品,生活用品,動畫片中的小動物做成大個兒的毛絨玩具,一個挨一個地懸掛在帳篷之上。此時,入園的人越來越多,我們只是走馬觀花地走出這個區域。這時出現在眼前的是一個遊樂場,裡面有各種類似慣性列車模樣的空中遊戲設施,許多兒童在上面尖叫�玩耍。我想,不是說「排骨節」嗎?怎麼不見製作排骨的攤位呢?正想�,我們走進了另一個區域,遠遠就聞到炸烤排骨的香味,頓時我的肚子咕嚕嚕地叫起來,引起強烈的食慾。眼前看到,前面是一溜高高豎起的招牌,招牌下面是一個個臨時搭起的店舖,店舖前面是一個個攤位,都在炸�或烤�鮮嫩的排骨。每個攤位前面都有一張桌子,桌子上擺放�許多該店曾經得過的獎杯、獎牌和獎狀。人們在每個攤位前排起長短不一的隊,等待購買剛剛做熟的排骨。女婿選了一個最長的隊排在後面,大概人們都認為這裡的排骨最好吃吧?等在旁邊的我們,發現後面大片樹蔭下,整齊地擺放�一排排白色長條桌椅,買到排骨的人都在那裡用餐。我們也走到裡面找了一排空桌坐下等候。這時來了三個志願者,往我們的桌子灑上消毒水,用抹布擦得乾乾淨淨。女婿也買完排骨,端�幾個大餐盒過來,打開一看,不僅有紅色鮮嫩迷你倉排骨,還有大塊烤雞。外孫女隨後也端來一個大盤子,上面是一個切成花朵形狀、炸成焦黃的洋�,盛開的「花朵」中間放�一盒奶油調料,像花心中的花蕊。這種新奇的做法實在惹人喜愛,我的先生立即拿出相機將它拍照下來。我們全家在這個環境優美、涼爽宜人、又熱鬧喧嘩的地方,吃了一頓香嫩可口的午餐。視肉為最愛的我的先生就更是酒足飯飽,滿足而歸。這使我們自然而然想到北京我們住家附近的龍潭湖公園,每年春節期間都舉辦盛大的廟會,看到的多倫多公園中的排骨節感到真像北京的廟會,只不過規模小得多。所不同的、令我們感嘆的是,多倫多「廟會」熱鬧而有秩序,人多而不擁擠,飲食區配有大片乾淨衛生的桌椅,為遊客用餐提供方便。這一切讓遊客感到悠閒自在,舒適溫馨。北京的廟會盛大熱鬧,內容豐富,除設有全國各地的飲食小吃、土特產品、生活用品、書畫音像等眾多攤位外,還有來自全國各地的富有民族特色的文藝和體育表演、各種娛樂遊戲等等,讓大人孩子們玩兒個痛快。所不足的是人多擁擠,顯得雜亂無序。公園雖大,但也無處設置那麼多桌椅供那麼多遊客用餐,人們只能人擠�人,站在攤位周圍,吃�新疆的羊肉串,北京的灌腸,天津的大麻花,廣西的炒米粉……中國人對此種場面都習以為常,不管天多冷,人多擠,照去不誤。當然,人口多少是一個原因。加拿大全國人口才三千多萬,而中國一個北京就有兩千多萬,其中四五百萬是外地人,儘管春節期間北京有多個公園舉辦大規模廟會,但沒有一處能像多倫多排骨節那樣讓人悠閒自得。記得我們十幾年前剛搬到現住址不久,去過一次龍潭公園廟會,我和先生剛一入園就被擠進人流,人夾�人艱難前行,從此我們再也不想去湊那個熱鬧了。自存倉

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新任伊拉克駐美國大使盧克曼·費里帶著一項艱巨的任務去到華盛頓:請美國再向伊拉克提供價值100億美元的新武器。面對或憤怒或充滿疑慮的美國議員,迷你倉非典型性外交官費里提出一項交易:你給我武器,我就幫你攔截飛經伊拉克領空的伊朗戰機。在美國華盛頓的使館區,一間空曠但裝飾華麗的接待間里,新任伊拉克駐美國大使盧克曼·費里(Lukm anFaily)正在促成一次慈善活動,那可是個相當艱巨的任務:他指出,伊拉克對美國來說仍然是一個良好的投資選擇,美國應該更多地參與其中。費里是在最近發表在《華爾街日報》的一篇評論中提出上述觀點的。在這篇題為《開創美國—伊拉克關係的新時代》的文章中,費里寫道:“雖然大多數美國人可能認為,伊拉克人靠美國養活,但真相是,伊拉克人欣賞美國人已經做過的事情,而且正在尋求更多的美國參與———並非更多鮮血和財富的犧牲,而是更多的外交、政治、貿易、投資和經濟合作伙伴關係。”這種伙伴關係屬於費里的職權範圍,對於伊拉克外交官來說,是第二重要的事宜———僅排在與伊朗的關係之後。與他的前任不同,費里似乎不會是一個典型的外交官———那種典型的外交官,通常最習慣于出現在華盛頓使館區環城快道的某個雞尾酒會上,穿梭于人群中往來交際。這位47歲的技術專家表現得非常友好,但同時又有點不安,他似乎敏銳地意識到,美國外交政策精英們對伊拉克的態度惡化了,在這種氛圍下,任何錯誤的評論都可能導致國際事件。面相和藹、講話輕聲細語的費里,其成年後大部分時間都生活在英國,任職于各種各樣的信息技術公司,並致力于推動薩達姆·侯賽因下台。在伊拉克外交機構的官方網站上,有一篇盧克曼·費里的個人簡介。那不是一篇常規格式的人物簡歷,其開篇就給予了他不尋常的評價:“伊拉克新任駐美國大使盧克曼·費里代表了正在崛起的一代———專業人士、商界領袖和公民活動家們紛紛返鄉,致力于在故土創建一種自由市場民主。”根據上述人物簡介,費里1966年出生于伊拉克首都巴格達,能講一口流利的英語、阿拉伯語和庫爾德語。他與Lam eis結婚,育有4個兒子。1988年,費里畢業于英國曼徹斯特城市大學,取得數學和計算機科學學士學位,之後繼續深造,取得了工商管理學碩士學位(M B A )和工商計算研究生學歷。費里在英國生活了20多年,任職于一些跨國公司的信息技術部門。在英國生活的最後10年中,他曾在兩大美國公司C eridanCentrefile和電子數據系統公司(目前屬於惠普公司)擔任高管職務。費里涉及政治領域,也是從在英國生活和工作期間就開始了。當時他是大型伊拉克流亡者社區內的活躍領導者,並擔任了幾個伊拉克人N G O組織的受托人。他還在反對薩達姆政權、推動伊拉克民主與法治方面發揮了積極作用。2003年美國攻打伊拉克之後,費里返回巴格達,任職于伊拉克外交部。從2010年6月至2013年5月間,他曾擔任伊拉克駐日本大使。如今,他成為了伊拉克駐美國大使。這篇官方人物簡介指出,“費里先生在外交、商業組織管理、信息技術和公民活動方面具備豐富的經驗,並熟悉盎格魯-美利堅的傳統和體制,而他在華盛頓的新角色,也是伊拉克外交的重中之重。”因此,毫無意外地,費里上任第一周就走進美國國會山大廳,試圖說服那些持懷疑態度的美國議員們去相信,伊拉克真正需要的是更多的武器。而極端分子的行為則使費里的觀點看起來更加可信。六月份,激進組織沖進伊拉克阿布格萊布監獄,放出了大約500名武裝分子,華盛頓震驚于“基地”組織居然可以成功實施這樣一個複雜的攻擊行動。多年來逮捕危險激進分子的努力———其中很多是被美國士兵抓獲的———在一天之內都化為烏有。“‘基地’組織想要恢複他們的存在,”費里告訴《新聞周刊》記者,“我們在各條戰線上與他們的鬥爭真的是異常艱難。”除了“基地”組織在伊拉克的暴力回潮,鄰國敘利亞正在進行的殘酷內戰同時也在威脅著伊拉克的脆弱和平———基於以上所有原因,伊拉克政府堅持認為,美國政府應當提供價值100億美元的新武器。但是在華盛頓,往已經十分混亂的地區輸送更多武器被視為增加風險。此外,還有部分國會議員感到憤怒,他們相信伊拉克政府故意默許伊朗通過伊拉克領空空運軍用物資和其他各種物品到敘利亞,以幫助敘利亞總統儲存倉沙爾·阿薩德政權。“不論是情報人員還是偵測設備獲取的情報都能證明,這些武器輸送飛越了伊拉克領空。”參議員約翰·麥凱恩告訴《新聞周刊》。因此,數月以來,奧巴馬政府一直試圖說服伊拉克阻止飛越其領空的、從伊朗飛往敘利亞的飛機———美國認為這一空中走廊使敘利亞政府軍維持了對反對派的軍事優勢。雖然美國官員強調,伊朗的空中援助為敘利亞阿薩德政權提供了一個關鍵的生命線,但伊拉克官員說他們無法阻止伊朗的軍用飛機:伊拉克的空防力量太弱了。如今,最為新任伊拉克駐美國大使費里提出了一個解決外交僵局的辦法:幫助我就是幫助你。費里首先代表伊拉克政府否認了“默許”這一指控。“我們不希望被用來作為一個空中走廊,”他說。此外,他認為,如果美國政府想要伊拉克政府阻止這種武器運輸,就必須向伊拉克提供其需要的武器。在上個月的一次採訪中,費里聲稱,他忙於試圖說服美國官員,如果他們同意加強伊拉克的空防系統,那麼將有助于增強伊拉克阻止伊朗運輸武器的能力。“我們並未完全控制我們的領空,因為我們沒有到位的綜合空防系統,這就是我為什麼要和美國國會、國務院以及五角大樓談話的原因。因為我們已經請求給予總價值為100億美元的一套綜合空防系統外加阿帕奇直升機。”費里在接受採訪時說,“這對美國有利。”伊朗和伊拉克這兩個都是什葉派占主導地位的鄰國之間的關係,近年來已經引起美國部分政策制定者越來越多的關注。盡管美國每年都向伊拉克政府提供數十億美元的援助,但民族衝突、經濟問題和兩伊之間的地區聯繫等等都使得伊拉克總理馬利基成為一個不可預知的(美國)盟友。而有關敘利亞的事宜,即使美國國務卿約翰·克里付出最大努力,也沒有產生任何結果。“我向(馬利基)總理解釋得非常清楚,那些飛越伊拉克領空的伊朗飛機實際上在幫助維持敘利亞總統阿薩德及其政權。”克里在談及他與馬利基的對話時說。(伊朗飛機)飛越領空事宜左右著美國和伊拉克之間的政府對話,而伊拉克人渴望把關注焦點轉向他們自己的安全而非發生在敘利亞的悲劇。“除了那些,他們沒什麼可談的,”費里說,“對於我們來說,這是一個令人費解的局面。”對於伊拉克官員會提出這樣的交易,美國方面絲毫也不感到意外,即使是美國軍事專家也承認,費里有一點說得沒錯:即使伊拉克想阻止伊朗的武器運輸,他們也沒這個能力。伊拉克空軍由一些偵察機和輕型運輸機組成,它沒有任何固定翼機型的防守反擊空中力量。目前,已經有一項協議是美國要為伊拉克提供F-16戰鬥機,但還尚未交付。“伊拉克的立場是,在技術上來說,他們沒有綜合空防系統、沒有固定翼戰鬥機、沒有攻擊直升機去有效攔截過境的伊朗飛機,”戰爭研究學院資深分析師克里斯·哈默說。費里非常急於向美國官員闡述他的計劃。上個月,這位精力充沛的外交官向美國總統奧巴馬呈遞了國書,並請求會晤美國國防部長哈格爾。“假如不著手繼續這個,那麼對美國政府來說可沒有任何好處。”他說。然而,對於美國政府來說,這些武器應當被看做(未來對伊拉克政府的)一種獎勵。畢竟,目前伊拉克政府在敘利亞衝突上(對美國的)忠誠度尚不分明,而且其自身的獨裁傾向引人關注。因此,對美國來說,是否同意這樣的交易,問題依然在於伊拉克政府未來將如何利用其新建立的空中力量,這些武器裝備是否會被用于阻止伊朗的空中運輸?此外,伊拉克庫爾德地區領導人巴爾扎尼一再表示,擔憂馬利基政府會把這些空中力量用于對付庫爾德人。所有這些因素都使得F-16戰機的交付充滿了不確定性。但是費里強調,伊拉克政府將盡其所能地與奧巴馬政府進行任何形式的合作。“我們已經要求伊朗不要使用我們的領空作為空中走廊,我們不希望伊拉克成為向敘利亞輸送武器的空中走廊,”費里說,“但我們沒有能力阻止它。”原作:Josh R ogin原載:《新聞周刊》網址:http://w w w.thedailybeast.com/n e w sw e e k/20 13/0 7/31/b ag h dad- s-ma n - in sid e - th e - b e ltw a y- ira q - s-n e w - a mb a s s a d o r- to - th e - u - s -lukm an-faily .htm l編譯:林徵道迷你倉沙田

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  51區,自存倉位於美國內華達州南部林肯郡,距離拉斯韋加斯市中心約130公里。這裡一直被認為是美國秘密研製飛行器的地方。而由於1947年“羅斯威爾飛碟墜毀”疑雲,這裡也被冠以“美國地外生物研究中心”的名號。與不明飛行物有關的一切,似乎都被美國政府“隱藏”在這裡。不過,盡管已在猜測、幻想、乃至電影中存在了數十年,但美國政府從來沒有承認“51區”的存在,直到2013年。  “擅入者有生命危險”  喬納森·特雷是喬治·華盛頓大學公共利益法教授,2013年6月的一天,當他在翻看一份中情局新解密的文檔時,一個詞讓他幾乎從椅子上蹦了起來,“51區!”  這份文檔,是喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的關於美國U-2偵察機的解密文檔。在長達408頁的文檔中,雖然多處被塗黑,但在19頁上卻赫然出現了此前美國政府諱莫如深的“51區”字樣。在文檔中,首次解釋了51區用途——它是一處極為重要的秘密軍事基地,由國防部負責管理,肩負著推動軍事科技發展的重任。  51區位於美國內華達州南部的一個沙漠盆地中,占地大約155平方公里。在衛星地圖上,51區最為醒目的標誌是數條呈田字形的青色飛機跑道。據稱,其中一條世界最長,長達7093米。離51區不遠的地方是內華達試驗場,它是美國能源部測試核武器的地方。  在51區附近,隨處可見紅色的禁止標誌——“禁止拍照”、“禁止進入”,甚至“已被授權使用致命武器”,這些標誌隨時告訴接近者,這裡是高度機密的所在——擅入者有生命危險。當地人說,任何的不速之客都將遭遇直升機及武裝衛隊的驅逐。據悉,只有擁有極高安全級別、且受到軍方最高層或情報機構高層邀請的人才有可能進入軍事基地。在造訪51區前,所有人必須要進行具有嚴格的法律效力的保密宣誓。  媒體和遊客們能看到的,只是51區森嚴的大門和紅色的禁止標誌,或者只能從衛星地圖上窺見其大概的建築輪廓,至於其內部到底有什麼設施,極少有消息透露出來。  不過,還是有好奇的遊客在深夜不辭辛勞,登上51區以東40余公里的提卡布峰頂,用望遠鏡觀察基地。曾有人在蹲點數小時後,發現51區機場的燈會突然亮起,一架飛行器從停機棚中滑到跑道上,須臾,飛機加速起飛,當輪子剛剛離開跑道,整個機場的燈光立刻熄滅,整個基地再次歸於死寂。  被掩蓋的飛行器研發  小約翰·格林伍德是美國歷史頻道《UFO獵人》的編劇。至今為止,他已經連續17年根據美國“信息自由法案”,要求美國中央情報局、聯邦調查局等機構將大量文檔解密。之後再將這些解密文件上傳到網上。他所解密的文件中,就包含有“51區”。  如今,雖然中情局解密文檔承認了51區作為軍事基地的存在,但對格林伍德來說,51區依然是一個神秘的地方。他對新京報記者說,關於51區是否存在和其用途的傳言已經流傳了相當長的時間。  “沒有人說這個地方存在過,許多年前,通過蘇聯方面的間諜衛星監控和照片,我們才知道51區的確存在。即便我們知道51區的位置,但是我們無法靠近它,沙漠中全副武裝的守衛讓我們無法靠近那個地方。直到許多年後,官方文件中才證實51區的確存在。”  2001年,格林伍德收到美國能源部的一份解密文檔,在這份文檔中,他第一次看到了“51區”的字樣,他說:“它真的存在!雖然他們給我的文檔只有一頁,但上邊記載著美國能源部為何運營這樣的一個機構。”  這份時間為1958年6月25日的記錄文檔顯示,51區存在已有至少90年的歷史。  “35年前,據美國公共土地法案,這個占地38400英畝的地區被命名為51區,不再用于公共用途,收歸美國能源部下屬原子能委員會管轄。但由於能源部並不參與其活動,所以51區從未在能源部的內華達試驗場地圖上出現。”這份文檔說。文檔還說明,“現在這塊土地已經劃歸國防部空軍基地,其空域不對民航和公�開放。”  能源部並不參與51區的活動,是因為在1958年以前,這裡據傳主要進行飛行器的秘密研究。  格林伍德說,將一個秘密項目置於與之風馬牛不相及的另一個部門的管理之中,就很少有人會想到從能源部和原子能委員會下手去調查51區。  只是研發了U-2偵察機?  2004年,格林伍德又從美國國家偵察局(NRO)處獲得了另一份關於51區的文檔,這份文檔建立于1962年,上邊記載,曾有U-2偵察機在51區上空飛過並且觀察過該區域。  記錄顯示,“約翰·帕拉戈斯基(身份不明)和我(身份不明)曾討論派遣U-2偵察機採集51區的圖像,不需要具體的目標,就是整體看一下它們在從事什麼活動。”  這時候的51區,已經被懷疑是一處由美國國防部牽頭,各部門秘密協作進行飛行軍事技術研究的尖端基地。  為了遮掩事實,美國宇航局的前身,“國家航空咨詢委員會”不得不編造各種故事,對外界解釋為什麼會有飛機在一個從未正式存在的軍事基地飛進飛出。  而實際上,U-2偵察機就誕生在這裡。  喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的解密檔案顯示,U-2偵察機的研發中心就在51區,在這裡研發出的飛行器,在獲得批准後,會移交給其他軍事基地進行正式測試或服役。  從1955年起至上世紀80年代末,美國多個軍事、情報部門在51區進行研發活動。但是,除了政府高層人物和具有最高安全級別的秘密項目承包者之外,很少有人確鑿無疑地知道51區的存在。但是,各種猜測從來沒有中斷過。  如今,雖然5迷你倉新蒲崗區才剛剛被正式承認,但早就亮相全球各地空域的U-2高空偵察機顯然已經佐證了其作為飛行器研發基地的存在。相對於U-2偵察機,人們更為關心的謎團是——除了U-2,51區還研究什麼?或者,研究U-2,是不是一個更大的障眼法?  - 懸疑  51區僱員證實外星人存在?  “這個被沙漠所隔離的地方可以讓軍方執行所有他們想低調進行,而不擔心被外界發現的項目。盡管我們終於知道這個地方是‘真實存在’的,但我保證,我們現在所知道的,還不及這個地方曾進行、現在仍在進行的秘密的百分之一。”  ——美國歷史頻道《UFO獵人》編劇小約翰·格林伍德  喬治·華盛頓大學獲得的解密檔案顯示,在開展U-2項目後,該地區收到的有關UFO的目擊情報呈現明顯上升趨勢。但檔案中給出的解釋是,因為研發的新飛行器大多造型奇特,加上特殊的天氣原因,使人誤認為是UFO。事實真的如此嗎?  對於51區是美國政府研究地外生命中心的傳言,格林伍德說,51區真正的作用仍未被揭曉。  對此,必須提及的一個人是鮑勃·拉澤爾,他是一名自稱曾在51區工作過的僱員。  格林伍德說,拉澤爾稱,在51區里,美軍正從外星人科技中進行“逆向工程學研究”來發展人類科技,甚至還隱藏著軍方最黑暗的機密,包括藏匿外星人的飛船。  早在1989年,鮑勃·拉澤爾就公開在一檔新聞調查類節目上露面,向公�揭開51區的“謎團”。  拉澤爾稱,從科學家到安保人員,數萬名曾在51區工作過的人都簽署了保密協議,而他是唯一一個打破了保密協定的人。據拉澤爾稱,自己曾在洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室里從事放射性微粒的探測工作,在匈牙利籍核物理學家愛德華·泰勒博士的推薦下,他參與到了51區的工作。工作地點位於51區地下基地。  拉澤爾稱,抵達51區的第一天,他就意識到自己可能進入了某個神秘的研究機構。下了飛機,在一段土路上行駛了約半個小時後,拉澤爾被帶到了一個神秘的飛機庫區,這裡距離51區的馬夫幹湖很近。隨後,拉澤爾接受安全檢查,並被要求簽署了2份文件,一份是同意有關部門監聽自己的家庭電話,另一份是表示自願放棄美國憲法賦予自己的權利。  隨後,拉澤爾稱,有人帶他來到一架飛碟前,並告訴他的職責就是逆向開發它的反重力推進系統。拉澤爾稱,在S4地下基地中一共有9架飛碟。有人拿給他一份說明書,上面顯示這些飛碟來自另一個星球。拉澤爾稱,自己還看到了一些類似外星人的照片,他認為這些大概就是外星飛船的飛行員。  拉澤爾還稱,他曾在1989年3月的一天,無意中見到在2個白色制服的男子中間,有一個個頭矮小,但腦袋碩大的灰色外星人,但隨後衛兵阻止他,不讓他窺探。這一情況也成為了後世描繪外星人長相的重要推定之一。  經過痛苦的掙扎,拉澤爾最終沒能堅守住51區的保密協定,將自己的所見所聞告訴了自己的妻子、好友和另一個UFO研究專家、里爾噴氣式飛機發明人之子約翰·李爾。拉澤爾約他們一起前去親眼看看51區正在發生的事情。  幾個人帶著高倍望遠鏡和攝像機登上51區附近的山頂。據數人稱,在那裡等了很久以後,山谷內終於有了一絲動靜。一個閃閃發光的飛碟從山谷間騰空而起,擋住了51區的視線。  此後,拉澤爾一行多次來到同一地點進行觀測。但他們第三次前往觀測時,被51區的衛兵發現並且扣留,接受盤問之後,拉澤爾一行獲釋放。  第二天,拉澤爾稱,當他按時準備搭乘飛機去51區上班時,他的上司馬里亞尼早已在那裡等候,馬里亞尼告訴拉澤爾,他不用再去上班了。隨後,拉澤爾被公司解僱,並被警告如再次出現在51區附近,將立刻以間諜罪逮捕。  節目播出後,拉澤爾的言論引發了極大的爭議,洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室說從未僱傭過名為拉澤爾的員工,而拉澤爾則表示,政府將他存在的信息“全部都抹掉”了。而當時有媒體記者調查發現,洛斯阿拉莫斯核試驗室的通訊錄中的確有拉澤爾的名字和電話。  “拉澤爾說的是真的嗎?目前沒有人能夠證明這些,但是這種說法讓51區變成個充滿秘密和謎團的地方。”格林伍德對新京報記者說。  “還有更多未解之謎”  沒有人證實拉澤爾的證言,但有關51區秘密的猜測,卻越來越多。  有人稱,美國政府在51區建有一座巨大的地下設施,來進行研究外星人和逆向工程的活動。但又有人稱:之前在51區進行的最為機密的工作已經在1990年代轉移到猶他州的試驗場了,現在在51區進行的秘密活動只不過是轉移公�視線而已。  還有猜測認為,1947年羅斯威爾事件中墜毀的“UFO”和其他來自外星的材料就被儲藏在51區,政府與外星人談判的代理人“黑衣人”據說也駐紮在那裡。  格林伍德說,他並不知道51區是否有外星人,或者存在他們所擁有的科技,但他說,“如果外星人及其科技的確存在,且軍方也掌握了相關的證據和技術的話,我認為,沒有任何一個地方比51區更適合來藏匿他們了。”  格林伍德說,他認為,51區里掌控著美國最高級別的科技,可能是武器方面、飛行器方面或者其他各方面的混雜。  “這個被沙漠所隔離的地方可以讓軍方執行所有他們想低調進行,而不擔心被外界發現的項目。盡管我們終於知道這個地方是‘真實存在’的,但我保證,我們現在所知道的,還不及這個地方曾進行、現在仍在進行的秘密的百分之一。”  B04-B05版採寫/新京報記者 韓旭陽標簽:拉澤爾 美國 格林伍德 能源部 喬治·華盛頓迷你倉出租

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周夢清 周星彤 郝麗偉 史 晶《 人民日報海外版 》( 2013年08月24日 第 08 版)微信對陣易信近日,迷你倉價錢中國電信和網易共同宣佈合資成立浙江翼信科技有限公司,並發佈新一代移動即時通訊社交產品“易信”。當天,易信1.0版本正式登陸各大手機應用商店供用戶下載使用。易信一登場,便掀起軒然大波,業界紛紛猜測,易信能否成為微信的真正對手,占據移動及時通訊(Instant Massage,縮寫為IM)市場的一席之地。中國移動即時通訊發展史中,�多移動產品更迭替換,隨著易信的誕生,互聯網公司與運營商的融合之舉,給移動IM市場注入了新的血液。各產品輪番受檢驗IM市場總是戰國時代3年前,如果大街上有人沖著手機喊話,你一定覺得很傻;如今,微信“喊話”已經成為一種人們習以為常的聯繫方式;5年前,我們經常收到飛信的集體短信通知;10年前,畢業寫通訊錄,QQ是必填的一欄;隨著移動即時通訊產品的發展,我們的即時通訊習慣也隨著時間不斷改變。如今,電信運營商與互聯網公司聯合“出擊”,移動IM產品的家族中又增加了易信這個“小伙伴”。作為中國移動IM的“萌芽”,最初,中國移動與騰訊合作推出了短信版移動QQ,使我們在移動場景下依然能實時溝通。雖然只是傳統PC端IM的延伸,它的出現卻培養並滿足了用戶新的行為習慣,證明瞭移動IM市場存在和發展的可能。與其類似的還有微軟推出的移動MSN。“短信不要錢”的概念讓人們逐漸接受了飛信、超信、靈信、“天翼Live”等。電信大佬們不甘示弱,紛紛“試水”移動IM市場,以維護自身在移動產業鏈中的領導地位。移動IM產品在基礎通訊基礎上,增值服務也在逐漸增加。作為市場的龍頭老大,微信通過精確的把握用戶需求點,集社會化網絡、資訊、娛樂、位置服務、搜索、電子商務等為一體,在移動IM市場的發展一時呈勢不可擋之態。與其功能類似的軟件還有Kik Messenger、米聊、Talkbox等。如今,電信運營商和互聯網強勢聯手推出易信,中國移動IM發展仍在推進。對此,南京易訊通CEO、互聯網分析師于斌認為,隨著�多的移動IM產品的更迭替換,中國移動IM產品正在逐漸走向成熟。對於移動IM產品的成功因素,互聯網觀察者洪波認為主要有兩點:一是時機,二是產品。“搶佔先機很重要,微信就是在智能手機發展時期搶佔了時機,時機一旦錯過,之後就要付出更多的努力趕超;其次,通信類產品本身也很重要,尤其是功能方面,必須要吸引批量用戶,符合群體需求,才能存活。”易信大幅讓利優惠高調參戰難掩自身缺陷作為移動IM市場的新生兒,易信的勢頭可謂“來勢洶洶”,發佈後不到24小時便沖上應用商店社交類免費榜第一。為了爭奪移動IM市場的一席之地,易信一出場便使出了“殺手�”,高舉起“免費”的大旗,在“免費短信”功能外,“註冊即送300M流量”、“活躍用戶送60M流量”、“易信定向流量減免”等優惠政策層出不窮,賺足了消費者的關注。易信的另一大特色迷你倉庫是跨網互通,無論是中國電信還是中國移動、中國聯通的用戶都可以免費註冊並使用易信,同樣,易信用戶也可以免費向所有運營商用戶發送免費短信,還可以向固定電話發送免費留言。“界面清新,語音清晰,不臃腫,還有免費短信和語音留言哦。親們,趕快來試試易信吧!” 重慶大學大四學生侯思宇,看見網易新聞後,便在手機上下載了易信客戶端,做了第一批吃螃蟹的人。喜歡,便是侯思宇對於“易信”的所有評價。“易信刪去了一些我並不需要的功能,比如搖一搖、漂流瓶、遊戲等,不臃腫了,讓我第一次用就很喜歡,因為我只需要一個和朋友、家人交流的軟件。”網易CEO丁磊在易信產品發佈會上也絲毫不“吝嗇”對易信的讚美:易信使用了獨有的降噪和傳送技術,語音質量非常清晰,同時易信是一個能實現短信、通話與互聯網IM服務互轉的平台,用戶可以通過易信發送短信,還可以發送語音留言到對方的手機、固定電話,這全是免費的。但是,在易信發佈後,一些缺陷的出現被逐漸發現。“語音留言有延時和收不到的情況,聊天表情雖然豐富,但質量不高。”侯思宇在體驗中就有這樣的感受。同為體驗者,騰訊產品經理包比認為:“易信對陌生人交友的功能開發不夠,完全放棄基於位置服務的陌生人交友,相當于把自己的產品定位完全陷進了熟圈子,這個是限制其發展的一個硬傷。”易信能否挑戰微信,也成為大家最為關注的問題。對此,洪波在接受本報採訪時表示,就目前來看,微信已具有4億多用戶,幾乎所有智能手機用戶的好友關係都在微信上,微信已成為市場的支配者。運營商攜手互聯網雙劍合璧意在一統江湖作為運營商與互聯網公司聯合推出的“混血兒”產品,業界認為,易信標誌著電信運營商和互聯網公司在移動即時通訊領域實現真正“破冰”。運營商和互聯網公司“抱團”競爭的優勢也是顯而易見的。艾瑞咨詢公司分析師劉大龍認為,電信運營商的資源是易信的一大優勢,而與網易的合作正好可以填補電信在互聯網經驗上的“短板”。在OTT模式(Over The Top,意為互聯網公司越過運營商,發展基於開放互聯網的各種視頻和數據服務業務)的衝擊下,國內電信運營商也邁出了與互聯網公司聯手進軍移動互聯網領域的步伐。微信沃卡、易信的相繼推出,正是國內電信運營商與互聯網公司合作的探索,預示著電信運營商與互聯網公司之間開始從博弈走向探索融合。對於本次合作,中國電信總經理楊傑表示,“與網易成立合資公司推出易信,是中國電信戰略轉型的重要一步,是主動求變、擁抱移動互聯網時代的戰略選擇。”丁磊則認為,目前國內移動IM市場發展程度還不夠,遠沒有飽和,競爭不充分,用戶和市場都需要更多的選擇,新一代年輕群體,更需要新潮與個性化的溝通方式,這是易信的機會。正是由於移動IM市場這塊“蛋糕”的發展潛力,吸引了�多的搶奪者。“競爭最後的受益者往往是用戶。”電子商務觀察者、萬擎咨詢CEO魯振旺認為:“一毛一條的短信,在移動互聯網的衝擊下,隨著移動IM的出現,已經逐漸打破這種通信費用的壟斷。”儲存

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