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Health and Justice Community Services include a variety of mental health services that provide care across a number of different criminal justice settings. GMMH provides Liaison and Diversion services in Trafford, Salford, Bolton and Manchester. There is a resident mental health team based at St Joseph’s Approved Premises in Eccles and two Street Triage Projects in Salford and Trafford. There is also a Liaison and Diversion case management service in Manchester called MO:DEL (Manchester Offenders: Diversion Engagement Liaison).
Liaison and Diversion interventions are aimed at diverting people with mental health problems and learning disabilities away from the criminal justice system at the earliest opportunity and into appropriate treatment. This work is usually undertaken across police custody, the courts and Probation and focuses on facilitating access to and navigation of support networks within health and social care.
MO:DEL also provides a Liaison and Diversion however the service will work with patients for up to 6 months of case management and works with service users from the city of Manchester.
St Joseph’s approved premises has an on-site mental health team who work with offenders who are released on licence and have mental health needs. This involves case management and coordination of care on release from prison and discharge from St Joseph’s back into the community.
Street Triage is part of a national pilot scheme which involves the police identifying a cohort of individuals who call the police repeatedly for inappropriate reasons or use the emergency services when in mental health crisis. Street Triage practitioners then work closely with the police and individuals to address their mental health needs with the aim of reducing the number of responses from the police.
To refer youself or someone you know to one of our community teams, please complete the referral form below.
Which service would you like to contact?
Note: Questions marked by * are mandatory
Bolton Health and Justice Team
Salford Health and Justice Team
St Joseph’s Approved Premises
MODEL Manchester
Trafford Health and Justice Team
You are here: Page 1 of 4
MO:DEL
April House, 104 Fairfield Street
Manchester. M1 2WR
Please note the above is the central base for the service
St Joseph’s Bail Hostel
Miller Street, Eccles, Manchester. M30 8PF
Bolton Service
Bentley House, Viking Works, Weston Street, Bolton. BL3 2RX
Telephone: 012045 44640
Trafford Service
Crossgate House, Cross Street, Sale, Cheshire. M33 7FT
Salford Service
St James's House, First Floor, Pendleton Way, Salford. M6 5FW
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Manchester Community Central
Voluntary Support Organisations
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gordsellar.com
Blogging the Cantos
Obtenebrations (Campaign Site)
Stellar Region (PBeM Game Archive)
Music: Profile & Tracks
What We Talk About When We Talk About Music
SF in South Korea
Brutal Rice Productions
Homeplus, Do You Want My Business? UPDATE: Yes, It Seems You Do! (And Emart Too!) Er, Maybe Not?
UPDATE #2: You can register, but as of right now (24 January) you’re not going to be able to actually order. See here for more information, and further updates.
It’s really pretty cool that foreigners can sign up for home delivery of groceries from Tesco/Homeplus.
(It strikes me as a sad sign of how bloody low my expectations have sunk that I find it exciting and cool that the same commercial services available to everyone else in the country are made available to us. It’s so little trouble to make a site basically accessible, but so few companies do it. So anyway, yes, it’s sad, but I still can’t help but say, “Cool.”)
But it’s really NOT cool that to register an account, I have to enter my Alien Registration Number ID# and my name to match. (Do my grocery purchases really need to be tracked against my legal ID? Does everyone’s?)
But this becomes especially uncool when the name on my Alien Registration Card is too long to enter into the blank provided.
So will I get access to the Homeplus website? I guess I’ll have to call them tomorrow and ask. Maybe someone will pretend like they give a crap and want my business, and find a way to set up an account for me?
I’ll try, but this is me not holding my breath.
UPDATE: It’s resolved, I have an account at Homeplus (and, incidentally, one at Emart as well, which was easier by far, though I have reasons for wanting both). So I guess Homeplus DOES indeed want our business, or at least, someone there doesn’t want to be embarrassed by denying us access! Any foreigners with names 21 or more characters long should be able to register now, and you owe it all to Lime.
Wanna know why?
This afternoon, Lime called Homeplus and talked to someone at the service center. The discussion went something along the lines of her saying, “Hey, look, Gord’s got his Alien Registration Card number right, it’s just your website only allows 20 character-long names in Roman letters.”
“Really? Let me try enter that in our system…” (And after about five minutes of Lime spelling it, respelling sections of it, and finally the lady on the other end getting the spelling, the lady saying this:) “Oh! I can’t type it all! There’s not enough space!”
“Exactly. And that means any foreigner with a name longer than 20 characters cannot register on your site. And you can’t have their e-shopping business.”
“Ah. Well, I’m going to talk to the tech guys and see if we can get this sorted out.”
The lady called back a while later to say, “Oh, we’re really sorry, but it’s a website issue, and it’s going to take a long time to sort out, there’s nothing we can do, it’s unfortunate, we’re really sorry, but, um…” In other words, We’re not gonna really fix this anytime soon, so could you please piss off?
So Lime got creative. She sent an email to the Homeplus Head Office (or, well, someone) and she said, essentially, “You know, I know all these foreigners who want to do online grocery shopping, and I told them Homeplus is the best. And then one of them tried to register and he couldn’t. Not because he’s a foreigner, but because your stupid website limits foreigners’ names to 20 characters or fewer. 23 characters? No registration. It’s a tiny software change, and it’s not being made, and I have to say, it’s really embarrassing for me, it’s so stupid, and you know, I’m pretty sure these foreigners who are being turned away from your website are going to start blogging complaints about it. Can’t you do something to prevent the embarrassment?”
A couple of hours later, the lady called back with good news. “It turns out it’s all fixed! Your foreigner friends should be able to register now!”
And I was. And you should be too, thanks to Lime’s strategic thinking and creativity. Excellent work, Lime!
(Though, the one drawback? You can’t order any alcohol on the website. Nor any of that lovely wheat beer Emart’s been carrying. None of it. The major irony is that despite the fact you’re required to use your national ID number or alien registration number — ie. to demonstrate who you are, and, by the very nature of your ID including your birth date, demonstrate your age — with every login, everyone knows that kids can easily sign in under their parents’ IDs, and often do, so you still can’t order alcohol on their website.
(At least, I’m assuming that’s why there’s a consistent restriction on selling alcohol on these sites. I might be wrong, but it seems weird, given how readily available alcohol is in most shops here.)
I’ll try do up a guide to registering and a vague guide to the website, for anyone who is interested in following suit. Because, believe me, ordering your groceries online really beats going down to the shop and wrangling with the ajummas just to get by. For those who just cannot wait to give it a try, one word of advice:
When you enter your name into the registration page, enter it exactly as you see it on your alien registration card. Which is not just to say enter the full name, in the exact order shown (ie. family name, first name, middle/other names) but also to say that, and yes, this is the thing that held me back, it is CASE-SENSITIVE and your name needs to be in ALL CAPS. That is, I had to enter SELLAR GORDON ALEXANDER, not Sellar Gordon Alexander.
Stafford, that should work for you. Let me know whether it does, and I’ll proceed on writing a signup howto soon.
Tagged as: expat, KOREA
Categorized in: KOREA
January 15, 2009 January 24, 2009 gordsellar9 Comments
Closer To the Mark
Hitting the Gym
9 thoughts on “Homeplus, Do You Want My Business? UPDATE: Yes, It Seems You Do! (And Emart Too!) Er, Maybe Not?”
cmm says:
hope you let us know how it turned out
gordsellar says:
Will do. The process is somewhat convoluted, and it seems their head-office software has the same limitation as the website: no entering names of more than 20 characters. So if you have a middle name and even one of them is sizeable, you’re gonna hit the same hassle I have.
(As well, before even bothering to figure that out, they’re going to ask you to call immigration, utterly pointlessly, to confirm that you name and Alien Registration # are matched in the system. Which, of course, they will be.)
That said, it may well get resolved. Either way, I’ll be updating the post or posting a follow-up.
Stafford says:
So upon reading this I immediately went and tried to register at homeplus.co.kr.
Entered my (lengthy) name without any problem, but it wouldn’t accept my foreigner number.
What am I doing wrong? Do I HAVE to call them?
I’m not sure. They fixed the name thing this afternoon — as I’ll be mentioning in the updated version of this post in a minute — but I just got home and haven’t yet tried to register. (Though it should work… I’ll be updating after I register.)
You need to make sure your name is exactly as it appears on your Alien Registration Card. Not sure if it needs the same order and all. (ie. family name, first name, middle name.)
If it doesn’t work after that, I’d guess you might call 02-580-0580, which is the number you can call to confirm your name and Alien Registration # match properly in the national system. Thereafter, contacting Homeplus would be the next course of action. (There’s a phone number on the site.) But hang tight, I’ll try register and update this post with the result.
(PS: The original name length was 20 characters. I don’t know what they’ve expanded it to.)
See the update. It should work for you now if you type your name exactly as it appears on the alien reg card… in all-caps. Please let me know if it doesn’t work.
Yeah, I may have found the problem…
Was doing it in Firefox.
I mean c’mon!? What was I thinking!?
Yeah, just for good measure I did it on a Korean installation of Windows XP, in Explorer. (Though I’m wondering whether English Windows XP with Explorer would work.)
You’re also gonna have to have created an online password for your credit card or BC card if you want to do online shopping. I suppose that’s another howto to write.
got to the point of creating an ISP password, got stuck…it figures out who I am and has all my card details but can’t figure out how to get a password.
Looks like I’ll starve this week.
Ah, well, I seem to remember some kind of requirement in terms of password content — like it had to include numbers and letters. (Or was it Emart? One of the two tested for password strength. Come to think of it, I think it was Emart.)
Also, the Homeplus site is somewhat unstable. I found it would hang or time out and the best way to get it to reload was to close Explorer and start again.
(Here’s hoping Microsoft’s ending support for ActiveX and growing interest in Firefox among Korean internet users makes for more interoperable, and stable, websites! Because, seriously, it’d be nice to get past the front page of either one in Firefox. Argh!)
Writing Projects Tracker
At the Mountains of Baekdu—revision 75%
Asshole Island—expansion 100%
Zymurgic, Book 1—revision stage 3 1%
Untitled Short Story WIP 50%
RECENT/UPCOMING PUBLICATIONS
"Vol De Nuit" is in Broken Eye Books' Ride the Star Wind: Cthulhu, Space Opera, and the Cosmic Weird is available now!
Get it in Kindle/Paperback formats at Amazon.com or order a Paperback or Hardcover straight from the publisher!
"Prodigal" was reprinted in The Year's Top Ten Tales of Science Fiction 9 edited by Allan Kaster, published by AudioText. Audiobook version read by Tom Dheere, Nancy Linari and Henrietta Meire.
Buy it now in a range of formats: Audiobook: Audible; Ebook: Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or iTunes; Trade paperback format: Createspace; Audio CD collection: Audiotext.
"Prodigal" was reprinted in The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirty-Fourth Annual Collection edited by Gardner Dozois (St. Martin's Griffin, July 2017).
Buy it at Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.co.jp, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, eBooks.com, Google Play, Books-A-Million, Indiebound, or Powells.
"Focus" was recently published in Analog Science Fiction and Fact (May/June 2017).
Buy it on newsstands or get a subscription from one of the sites listed here.
"Prodigal" was reprinted in The Best Science Fiction of the Year, edited by Neil Clarke. (Night Shade Books, April 2017).
Buy it from one of the places listed here.
"Prodigal" (Czech translation by Ľudovít Plata) appeared in XB-1 (06.2017).
Il paese della giovinezza. (Future Fiction: 25 March 2017). Digital collection of short stories in Italian translation. (Edited by Francesco Verso, translated to Italian by Fabiano Fiore, cover art by Chiara Topo.)
Available at Amazon.it or from the publisher's website.
"Prodigal" appeared in Chinese translation in Science Fiction World (03.2017).
“Prodigal” in Analog Science Fiction and Fact, December 2016.
Get a copy on newsstands, at Amazon.com, direct from Analog, or through one of these digital vendors listed on Analog's website: Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Magzter | Kobo
“The Incursus, by Asimov-NN#71” at Big Echo, Summer 2016.
“ἱερὸς γάμος [Hieros Gamos]” in Cthulhusattva: Tales of the Black Gnosis. Martian Migraine Press. 23 May 2016.
Buy a print or digital copy direct from Martian Migraine (worldwide shipping available), or at Amazon.com.
“The Bernoulli War” reprinted in Forever. Issue 14, March 2016.
Buy this issue from:Amazon, Apple, B&N, Kobo, Weightless Books, Wyrm Publishing.
"Beyond Mere Lotophagi." (A Scenario Generator for Lamentations of the Flame Princess and Other FRPG Games.) Green Devil Face #6. (March 2016)
Available in Print from the LotFP webshop. Print edition sold out, but coming soon in digital format!
"Sunshine," free to read online at Cosmos, 4 January 2016.
See a complete list of my publications and forthcoming work.
An annex of free stuff to read: stories, poems, & nonfiction.
SERIES & STANDOUT POSTS
ON WRITING & READING
For Writers. A collection of exercises & Intuition Pumps
My ongoing series Blogging Ezra Pound's The Cantos.
My ongoing (but only occasionally updated) series on SF in South Korea.
ON MUSIC
What We Talk About When We Talk About Music. A lengthy discussion of music and the arts, and what we've let corporations do to our culture:
ON KOREA & LIVING THERE
Five Expat Social Fallacies, a riff on the famous geek social fallacies.
On Teaching Writing in a Korean University
ON RPGS & GAMES
With a Side of Kimchi: My First Brush with Fiasco, an actual play report on my first game of Fiasco.
Talent Night: a prep/actual play report on my first RPG game in a decade and a half, back in 2013, played with Dread, including a free copy of the scenario.
ON OTHER SUBJECTS
How to Kill Your Successful Business in Five Easy Steps, a series on really bad business practices I've seen in action.
Dabang Band/다방밴드
Check out the Dabang Band website:
My SoundCloud Stuff
You can also check out a lot of my own music over on Soundcloud.
CONSUMPTIVE
What I'm reading now.
What I've read this year.
TV/movies I've watched this year.
Older watchlists on my IMDB account.
TUMBL’D LATELY (MUSIC STUFF)
I’m not sure why I feel like I’ve heard this song a many times... May 13, 2018
Video May 13, 2018
Back in Jeonju, there was a place called “Saebyeok Kang” (”Dawn... May 12, 2018
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Two weeks earlier, the council approved the first reading of the proposal with a 4-3 vote in favor of the ban. Much of the council’s discussion then was about individual liberty versus public health.
The ordinance represents another step in the city’s efforts to regulate smoking. In 2009, the council banned smoking in all enclosed spaces such as schools, businesses and city property. Smoking is also prohibited in city-owned vehicles. Both bans apply to traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Piedmont Medical Center, Winthrop University, York Technical College and all public schools in Rock Hill are smoke-free campuses.
Mayor Doug Echols said at the first reading there was plenty of support for the ban.
“I think the impression that’s given to young children in and around our playgrounds is not one that we want,” he said. “We don’t allow alcoholic beverages to be consumed out there.”
Council member Kevin Sutton argued that government should only go so far to regulate health habits, and advocated to allow designated smoking areas in parks away from playgrounds.
“We sell soft drinks, we sell hot dogs, we sell nachos at concession stands,” he said. “If government is going to come in and save the world and protect us, we should outlaw bacon to our city employees. At some point, people have to live their lives. They shouldn’t infringe on others.”
The ban would be enforced as any other park rule, with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department responsible for enforcing it by asking violators to either stop smoking or leave the park.
Council member Kathy Pender said designating certain areas for smoking would be complicated.
“A lot of our parks, they are used and a lot of the park is used,” she said. “For example, in Cherry Park, I think it would be very difficult to find a smoking area on the park grounds that is not in use by those who are there for health and wellness.”
Dave Keely, vice chair of Tobacco Free York County Coalition, said his group has received multiple complaints about litter and secondhand smoke due to smoking, particularly in Cherry Park.
A similar measure failed early last year. After discussing whether and how to best regulate smoking in the city’s parks and recreation centers, council members split 3-3 in the 2015 vote, with Sutton and council members John Black and Ann Williamson voting against the measure, arguing any limits on smoking in parks would be too restrictive.
Black was absent from Monday’s meeting.
Council member Sandra Oborokumo was not present at the 2015 council meeting, depriving the council of a potentially decisive vote.
David Thackham: 803-329-4066, @dthackham
By John Marks
Haile Gold Mine work near Kershaw South Carolina will move grave sites from one cemetery to another. OceanaGold plans expansion of the gold mine. Lancaster County Council approved the Baker Cemetery move.
A dog pooped on a Rock Hill porch. Then a gun came out, cops say
Man walks into Rock Hill hospital after he was shot twice. Who shot him is a mystery
Dead pit bull found in Rock Hill with dog fighting injuries. PETA offers $5k reward
‘Community on the move’: Dozens applied to be the new York manager. Here’s who will.
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OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (CITY OF OXFORD) (JERICHO (PARKING PLACES AND CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE) (VARIATION NO.25) ORDER 2018
Notice ID: MF0285713
Notice effective from
19th July 2018 to 18th August 2018
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(CITY OF OXFORD) (JERICHO (PARKING PLACES AND CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE) (VARIATION NO.25) ORDER 2018
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on 16 July 2018 Oxfordshire County Council proposes to make the above Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling powers. The order, which comes into force on 23 July 2018 further amends the City of Oxford (Jericho) (Parking Places and Controlled Parking Zone) Order 2000 and the effects of the order are as follows:
1). The keep clear zig-zag lines in Hart Street outside St Barnabus School have been reinforced with a Prohibition of Waiting 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday; 2). In Worcester Place following development of Ruskin College and associated road safety and improvement measures, adjustments are made to various parking restrictions as follows:
a) on the north side, the disabled persons parking bay outside what was the surgery is removed lengthening residents only permit parking;
b) at the west end of the road the residents only permit parking will be extended by one car length in place of the double yellow lines;
c) on the south side, there will be an 11.5 metre length of one hour permitted parking - 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Saturday (excluding Bank Holidays) starting 5 metres from Walton Street (no exemption for resident's permit holders); followed by
d) a short section of pavement build-out and the provision of cycle parking;
e) the area of 'permit holders parking from which businesses are exempt' west of No.10 Worcester Place will be replaced with resident's permit parking only;
f) a 13 metre loading bay (1-hour stay, no return within 1 hour all days) is provided outside Nos.8 & 9; and residents only parking extended, in place of the existing 38 metre length of 24 hours general parking.
Documents giving detailed particulars of the order are available for public inspection at County Hall, New Road, Oxford, OX1 1ND between 8.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and at Summertown Library, South Parade, OX2 7JN, Monday & Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm, Tuesday & Thursday 9.30am to 7.00pm, and Saturday from 9.00am to 4.30pm. If you wish to question the validity of this Order or of any provision contained in it on the grounds that it is not within the powers conferred by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, or on the grounds that any requirement of this Act or of any instrument made under it has not been complied with in relation to this Order, you may within six weeks from the 16 July 2018 apply to the High Court for this purpose. (Ref.AK/12.6.320)
(WHEATLEY & HOLTON AREA) (SPEED LIMITS) ORDER 20**
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Oxfordshire County Council
proposes to make the above order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and all other enabling powers. The effect of the order, as a result of road safety concerns raised by Holton Parish Council, is to introduce a 20mph speed limit (in place of 30mph) on the Holton Village roads. i.e. to the north of Wheatley Park School and north of Waterperry Road
For administrative reasons the Oxfordshire County Council (Restricted Roads) (Wheatley Parish) Order 1999, and the Oxfordshire County Council) (Wheatley 20 mph Speed Limit) Order 1998 will be revoked and incorporated into the new order.
Documents giving more details of the proposals are available for public inspection online by visiting: https://consultations. oxfordshire.gov.uk, or in person at County Hall, Oxford, OX1 1ND, between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday; and at Wheatley Library, The Merry Bells, High Street OX33 1XP from 2pm to 7pm Tuesday, 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm Wednesday, 2pm to 5pm Thursday, 9.30am to 1pm and 2pm to 6pm Friday, and from 9.30am to 1pm Saturday. Objections to the proposal, specifying the grounds on which they are made and any other representations should be sent in writing to the address below (or via the web address above) no later than 17 August 2018. The County Council will consider objections and representations received in response to this Notice. They may be disseminated widely for these purposes and made available to the public. (Ref: CM/12.6.251/407)
Traffic Regulation Team for the Director for Infrastructure Delivery, County Hall, Oxford OX11ND. Tel 0845 3101111.
MF0285713.pdf Download
County Hall , New Road , Oxford , Oxfordshire , OX1 1ND
online@oxfordshire.gov.uk http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/ 01865 792 422
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1) Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Oxford, Castle Street &
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Premisises Licence Application
To whom it may concern. Oxford Leisure Ltd give notice that they have applied to Oxford City Council for a Variation Premises Licence
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(QUEEN STREET AREA) (TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2016 ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1), (2), (5) & (7)
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL (QUEEN STREET AREA) (TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT) ORDER 2016 ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1), (2),
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LICENSING ACT 2003 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE
LICENSING ACT 2003 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PREMISES LICENCE NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT DB Prop 3 Ltd has applied to Oxford Council on 6 October 2017
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR A PREMISES LICENCE UNDER THE LICENSING ACT 2003 Victors Restaurants Limited has applied to Oxford City Council for a
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OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL I give notice that Hanson Quarry Products Europe Limited, Hanson House, 14 Castle Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6
Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015 NOTICE UNDER ARTICLE 15(2) OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMISSION WHICH IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT DEVELOPMENT PLANNING CONSULTATION
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ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1), (2) (5) & (7)
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1), (2) (5) & (7) Notice of Temporary Traffic Order Oxford,
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Senior at San Francisco State University.
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AMAs Predictions 2018
The American Music Awards have finally arrived and HC: San Francisco is here with our predictions! Scroll down to see the list of nominees...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Entertainment October 9, 2018
HC: San Francisco’s Top 10 Songs Of The Week
The week just started and HC: San Francisco is here with our top 10 songs for the week of Oct. 8 to Oct. 12 “Wake Up In The Sky”, Gucci...
My Summer As A Junior Giants Ambassador
Meet Allison Cospin, a student at San Francisco State University. This past summer Allison had an internship with the Junior Giants program...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Lifestyle September 22, 2018
HC San Francisco's Top 10 Songs of the Week
Happy Saturday! Here’s our list of our favorite bangers of the week. ‘Self Care’, Mac Miller In honor of the late rapper, we chose this one...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Entertainment September 22, 2018
Winnie Harlow is the Newest Victoria’s Secret Model
Winnie Harlow is headed for the Victoria’s Secret runway! The 24-year-old Canadian model has made an impact in the modeling world with her...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Entertainment September 8, 2018
Remembering The Spix’s Macaw That Influenced The Film 'Rio'
The Spix’s Macaw, that inspired the 2011 movie, Rio, is now extinct in the wild. According to CBS News , “the species is now considered...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • News September 8, 2018
Fall 2018 Bay Area Concerts
Fall is here and so are concerts! Here’s Her Campus at San Francisco’s list of September Concerts. Stay tuned for October’s list. September...
Campus Profile - Her Campus at San Francisco President, Celine Herrera
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By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Lifestyle September 8, 2018
It’s Been Five Years since the 2013 MTV VMAs
VMAs season is finally here and what better way to celebrate the awards show is by going down memory lane to one of the most memorable...
By Alondra Vega • San Francisco Contributor • Entertainment August 20, 2018
MTV VMAs 2018 Predictions
The 2018 VMAs are right around the corner and HC San Francisco is excited to see what’s in store for the night. We can’t wait to see...
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All Nephrology
Anemia Management
Bone and Mineral Metabolism Disorders
Home Dialysis
Kidney Care Community
All Buyer's Guide
Nephrology Topics
Becton, Dickenson buys TVA Medical for its access technology
Pursuing newly FDA-approved vascular access technology for patients on dialysis, Becton, Dickenson and Company has agreed to buy TVA Medical in an all-cash transaction. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
With the acquisition, Becton, Dickenson and Company (BD) can offer the everlinQ endoAVF System, a new endovascular arteriovenous fistula technology developed by Teva Medical and approved by the FDA in June that adds to BD’s ESRD portfolio of dialysis catheters, drug-coated balloons, standard angioplasty balloons and endovascular stent graft products.
“The addition of TVA Medical allows BD to provide another innovative device to physicians who treat patients suffering from chronic kidney disease requiring hemodialysis,” said Steve Williamson, worldwide president of peripheral intervention at BD, in a company press release. “This technology is highly complementary to our peripheral intervention offerings, and we will continue to bring new technologies to market that improve our category-leading ESRD portfolio. This is a great example of our continued strategy to use tuck-in acquisitions to advance category leadership.”
According to a company press release, the everlinQ endoAVF System uses two, thin, flexible, magnetic catheters that are inserted into the ulnar artery and the ulnar vein in the arm through a small puncture. When placed close to each other, the magnets in each catheter attract, pulling the vessels together. After confirming alignment, an electrode from the venous catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to create the connection between the artery and vein. The fistula is confirmed with an angiogram to show that arterial blood is flowing to the low-pressure venous system. The procedure minimizes the amount of vessel and skin trauma compared to traditional fistula creation using open surgery, the company said.
“BD will enable us to deliver to physicians and patients what we believe is a highly desirable and transformative endovascular technology as an integral part of a broader ESRD-focused portfolio of solutions,” said Adam L. Berman, co-founder of TVA Medical.
The device is commercially available in Europe and Canada. The product name will be transitioned to WavelinQ EndoAVF System during integration, the company said.
http://investors.bd.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=64106&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=2357325
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College basketball: Barnes' new deal contains revised buyout
Staff and wire reports Oct. 21, 2014
AUSTIN - Heading into a season many believe could vault the Texas men's basketball program back into the national elite, the Longhorns administration expressed its faith in Rick Barnes. But it also made sure he'd have to keep working to earn it.
Barnes' latest two-year contract extension, approved in August by UT's regents and obtained this week by the San Antonio Express-News through an open records request, includes a buyout clause that would enable the Longhorns to get out of the deal for less than a year's salary at any point before it expires.
Barnes, whose team is ranked 10th nationally in the coaches' poll heading into his 17th season at UT, had his $2.55 million-per-year deal extended from 2017 to 2019 in August. The extension, signed last month by Barnes and this month by UT's vice president for legal affairs, adjusts and extends the buyout dates in the previous version of his contract.
If Barnes is fired before April 2015, UT would owe him $1.75 million. That amount drops to $1.5 million before April 2016, to $1 million before April 2017, and to $500,000 before April 2018.
Barnes, who led UT to a Final Four and five Sweet 16s from 2002-08, faced widespread questions about his job security after the Longhorns missed the NCAA Tournament in 2013. But last season they rebounded with a 24-11 record and a trip to the round of 32.
Touted recruit commits to A&M
Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Kennedy has added another piece of a large puzzle to getting back into the NCAA Tournament, at least verbally, with the pledge of touted Lancaster forward Elijah Thomas to the Aggies.
Thomas (6-9, 230 pounds) chose the Aggies over offers from LSU, Oklahoma State, Illinois and SMU during a ceremony at his high school.
A&M women third in SEC poll
Texas A&M was picked to finish third behind defending champion South Carolina at the Southeastern Conference women's basketball media day in Charlotte, N.C.
South Carolina (210 points) was ahead of Tennessee (191) in the media voting. Following A&M were Kentucky, Vanderbilt Georgia and LSU.
From staff and wire reports
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Prairie View A&M picked to finish second in SWAC West preseason poll; TSU 4th
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Home / News / HUUB Design announces continued partnership with six-time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott
HUUB Design announces continued partnership with six-time Ironman World Champion Dave Scott
Multi-award winning Triathlon outfitters HUUB Design are pleased to announce a continued partnership with six-time Ironman world champion, Dave Scott, for a further three years.
The continued affiliation between HUUB and Scott will see them embark on advanced research projects and bring exciting new developments to the best selling Dave Scott line, designed to ensure comfort and breathability in a faster garment.
The new line will feature training items and improved suits which will continue to set the benchmark for ultimate triathlon comfort across the three disciplines, whilst ensuring enhanced performance with improved aerodynamics.
Dean Jackson founder of HUUB Design said; “Dave is a hugely influential individual in the industry and having him on board for another three years is a huge asset to our brand. He is pivotal to the line’s success, giving us invaluable intel and development ideas so we’re every excited to continue to work closely together in order to bring more innovation to the new line.”
“I’m very proud to attach my name to the award-winning HUUB Dave Scott line of triathlon apparel. It represents our mutual commitment to producing the very best. Its innovative fit, style and function make it the preferred choice among serious triathletes worldwide. I’m honoured to work with a company like HUUB that is always raising the standards of what’s possible in technical apparel,” said six-time Ironman world champion Dave Scott.
Coach to some of the world’s greatest triathlete's, Dave Scott will also be supporting HUUB with training advice and guidance which can be found on the website www.huubdesign.com.
2016 has been another hugely successful year for HUUB Design; winning 'Best Triathlon Wetsuit Brand’ for the fourth year in a row at the 220 Triathlon Awards and picking up the award for ‘Best Tri Suit Brand’, supporting several Paralympians and Olympians including the Brownlee brothers who won gold and silver at Rio 2016 and also announcing an exciting new partnership with Swim Serpentine, London's newest open water festival. They have also pioneered scientific research with their Measuring Active Drag (MAD) system, a key component in empirically proving performance enhancement in developed suit technology.
For more info go to:
www.huubdesign.com
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John Legend's "All Of Me" Join YouTube 1 Billion Views Club
Battle Over Public Performance Rights Of Old Music Heats Up: NY Rejects, Supreme Court Petitioned
Music Publishing News 12.23.16: Nielsen Buys Gracenote • Facebook vs Publishers • Loudr Pays Out $1M
Nielsen Co. has purchased Tribune Media Co.’s Gracenote video, music, and sports for $560 million (in cash). Metadata giant Gracenote, acquired by Tribune Media in 2014, provides reference information for more than 200 million music tracks.
John Batter, Gracenote’s CEO, said, “Nielsen is a natural home for Gracenote. Both companies have entertainment data at their core and have spent years delivering services to the world’s top media brands. Bringing together our data for driving discovery and tune-in with Nielsen’s deep insights about what people are watching, listening to and buying makes a formidable combination.”
• Unsigned artists are begging Facebook to reach an agreement with music publishers on the use of copyrighted content on the social media platform. In October, covers of popular songs began being pulled down from Facebook following a spate of copyright infringement notifications from music rights-holders, and the takedowns have only gotten more vigorous since then. In the meantime, artists who have had great success posting covers on Facebook–like UK-based, unsigned artist Samantha Harvey, who has 1.97 million “likes” on her official Facebook page–have been encouraging their fans to migrate to YouTube.
• Mechanical licensing and administration service Loudr has distributed over $1 million in royalties to music publishers worldwide over the last few years. Since the sale of their digital distribution business earlier this year, Loudr has focused on solving the problem of how to identify music publishers, songwriters, and other rightsholders and issue royalty payments and statements for the use of their compositions. Loudr CEO Chris Crawford said, “Loudr’s goal is to provide infrastructure to address rights and royalties in the real world. Since we’re well past the brick-and-mortar era of music distribution, it’s important to make sure that the systems for paying creators and rights holders keeps up with the pace of digital music.”
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Songtrust on 12/23/2016 in Music Business, Publishing & Songwriting | Permalink | Comments (1)
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Caleb and Kit
by Beth Vrabel
From award-winning author Beth Vrabel comes a powerfully moving story about a magical friendship, coping with disability, and the pains of growing up and growing apart.
Twelve-year-old Caleb is shorter, frailer, and more protected than most kids his age. That’s because he has cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis meaning lungs that fill with mucus and a shortened lifespan. Caleb tries not to let his disorder define him, but it can be hard with an overprotective mom and a perfect big brother.
Then Caleb meets Kit–a vibrant, independent, and free girl–and his world changes instantly. Kit reads Caleb’s palm and tells him they are destined to become friends. She calls birds down from the sky and turns every day into an adventure. Her magic is contagious, making Caleb question the rules and order in his life. But being Kit’s friend means embracing deception and danger, and soon Caleb will have to decide if his friendship with Kit is really what’s best for him–or her.
Genre: Children's Books / Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
On Sale: September 12th 2017
Hardcover Arrow Icon
Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year (2018)
A VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers 2017 Selection
Finalist for the 2017 Cybil Awards, (Middle Grade Fiction)
Diverse Books Club pick (February 2018)
"A realistic story with strong, recognizable characters that doesn't reduce cystic fibrosis to a tragedy."
—-Kirkus Reviews
"Filled with smart, witty, and magical writing, Kit and Caleb, and those around them, come to vibrant life in this heartbreaking story about the ties that bring people together, and the difficulties of facing the truth."—-Booklist
Vrabel weaves all these elements into a story reminiscent of Katherine Paterson's classic Bridge to Terabithia that highlights day-to-day life with a common but devastating disease. Hand to readers looking for a novel about both the magic and the pain of friendship.—-School Library Journal
"A compelling story of two struggling kids making their own safe haven."
—- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"A can't-put-it-down tale. Caleb's discoveries about his own strength and resilience during his friendship with free-spirited, imaginative Kit will expand your heart and fill your soul. From the beautiful cover to the last sentence, this book is a favorite to savor and share."—Bibi Belford, author of Canned and Crushed
"Having a disability myself, my heart broke for Caleb who wants nothing more than to feel like a normal twelve-year-old kid - at any cost. Caleb and Kit will forever be entwined, the roots of their friendship solid, rich, and strong, just like this beautiful story."—Kerry O'Malley Cerra, author of Just a Drop of Water
"In the midst of Kit's self-constructed fantasy world, Caleb's heroism is the real deal. He's determined, courageous, and witty despite his unusual physical challenges. Beth Vrabel doesn't shy away from the tough stuff that can complicate the lives of tweens. Readers young and old will find this a unique novel well-deserving of a permanent place on the family bookshelf."—Melissa Hart, author of Avenging the Owl
Caleb and Kit Study Guide
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Steampunk Mechs Invade Nintendo Switch in Ironcast
September 5, 2017 Vincent Mahoney Leave a comment
Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Steam OS, Xbox One
Dreadbit
Match 3 games are a special breed of game that can draw ire or easy amusement from just about every gamer. Everyone has an opinion on them, whether it be good or bad. Ironcast, recently released on the Nintendo Switch, is a rogue-like style gem matching game, very similar in play to Puzzle Quest’s battle elements and Binding of Isaac’s random item generation. Players must pilot their mighty mecha against invading French forces in a very steampunk take on Victorian England. So, is Ironcast up to brass, or does it run out of steam? Let’s find out.
Ironcast is a rogue-like (or rogue-lite, depending on who you ask), which means that a game over results in starting over from the beginning of the game, and gamers are encouraged to make multiple, “Runs” of the game before achieving success, making much of the gameplay focus on replayability. Ironcast features different Commanders, each with their own bonus, and different mechs for you to control called Ironcasts, which also have their own starting stats and bonus, as well.
Set in Victorian England, your Commanders are all dialogue-interchangeable portraits who speak in mannerly prose to HQ at the start of every mission. Due to the fact that missions are random, a lot of the dialogue is actually unimportant, and the only missions with dialogue that matter (from what I can tell) are the bosses and the mission immediately following the first boss.
While story is an afterthought, the actual mechanics of the game are very fleshed out. Unlike Puzzle Quest or Bejeweled, players don’t swap the places of tiles in order to match 3 of them at once, you actually draw a line through as many tiles as you can- very similar to Dungeon Raid, actually. Matching more tiles at once gives an experience point bonus (this is actually where you’ll get the lion’s share of your XP), and you get two match actions per turn.
There’s also a phase where you get to attack and activate skills of your Ironcast, which can be done before, in between, or after making your matches for the turn. Once your turn is over, the enemy will make its matches on an invisible board, activate its shield or drive, and shoot at you. You’ll get shot a lot in this turn-based match 3 game, and that’s okay.
What separates Ironcast from the myriad other match 3 games out there is the simple inclusion of defensive mechanics. Matching ammo panels gives you what you need in order to shoot down enemies, while matching an energy tile gives you the energy necessary to activate your shields, which reduce incoming damage, and drives, which allow you to move and give a chance to avoid damage entirely. Both shields and drives can be activated multiple times, doubling or tripling the base effect. Coolant tiles are incredibly important as firing your weapons or using shields and drives uses up your coolant, and running out damages your hull each time you try to use something without it, which can lead to a loss quickly. Repair tiles let you repair your weapon, shield, or drive systems when an enemy damages them and causes them to break, though you can’t repair your Ironcast’s hull (overall health) using this method.
Due to the fact that you only have two matches per turn, it’s important to balance what you match and think ahead as much as possible. Being in a position where you require repair tiles to fix your shields, need energy to activate those shields once fixed, but also need coolant so you don’t take damage while activating them is a miserable situation to be in, and typically something that occurs right before a mission is failed. Shields do seem to be incredibly important, though- always prioritize keeping your shield up as high as possible, because having a strong shield means spending less of your reward money repairing the hull damage of your Ironcast. You read that correctly, you have to spend your earned money to repair hull damage in between missions: Having a high health Ironcast can be a boon during a difficult mission, but it can sting when you have to spend 600 to repair your machine and only acquired 690 in the last mission, as that money could have otherwise been used to purchase better weapons, a shield, or even permanent stat boosts like added health or energy reserves to your Ironcast.
Performing matches and completing missions gives you the experience necessary to level up your character. Each level up, you’re offered a variety of augments that can be equipped to your Commander, Ironcast, or gear slots. Some offer passive skills, while the ones that you equip to your Ironcast require you activate them and have a cooldown, so many can be used multiple times per mission. These skills and augments can be everything from incredibly useful to mundane, such as refilling all of your coolant at once, to giving you 1 bonus repair when you match 6 or more repair panels at once. Choosing the proper time to activate your Ironcast’s skills can mean the difference between continuing to the next stage or restarting for another run, so always be mindful of the most optimal moments to utilize them as well as their cooldowns.
Of course, in Puzzle Quest, you could level grind past a tough stage if you were having a rough time, but Ironcast doesn’t give you such a luxury: You’re on a time limit. A set number of missions is all you have before the appearance of a boss you must face, so you have to make sure you obtain as much XP, money, and war assets, the latter of which just reduces the boss’s health by a specified amount. Your number of war assets from successful missions can be fairly important too, as it can reduce the health of the first boss by 1,500 to 2,000, which is a considerable amount since your Ironcast may only have 900 health and the boss has over 5,000 normally.
There are, at least, a variety of missions available for the player to beat. You’re offered three missions each day until the boss appears, and they can range from the standard, “Defeat the enemy Ironcast or steamtank” to, “Survive for X turns,” negotiation missions that require you select the proper dialogue choices or fail, and supply collection missions where you match a specified number of crates into your regular matching chains before time runs out. You can fail missions as often as you need- the game will continue on so long as your Ironcast still has health. Once your Ironcast’s HP hits 0, however, it’s game over and back to the start for you.
Thankfully, you earn Commendations based off how much experience you gained in the last run of the game, and these Commendations can be used to offer you new augmentations or abilities on level up, new and more powerful Commanders and Ironcasts, and static, permanent upgrades that forever increase your starting health or XP gain by small increments, all to make the next run a little bit easier. These benefits are where the rogue-lite aspects really come into play, because much like Binding of Isaac and 20XX, you’re merely unlocking abilities that you may or may not see in future runs. Many of these abilities are also extremely powerful, such as refilling all of your coolant, which can normally be a massive pain when you start running low and the enemy’s gunfire barrage is unrelenting.
There is one small niggle with bringing Ironcast to a portable system like the Switch: Because it is a rogue-like, if you turn the system off at any time you’re in a mission, your save data for that run gets erased. Waiting for the train home from work, I accidentally ran my battery out a single mission before the final boss because I apparently missed the low battery notification while holding the system and getting on the train. After getting home and charging the system, I booted up the game again but was greeted with no “Continue” button, only “New Game.” It didn’t even save the Commendations I had earned from that prior run; everything was gone. On one hand, the game informs you that if you don’t save and quit at the base, the game won’t save your data. On the other hand, however, it tells you that once during a text box information dump within the first half hour of the game, and fifteen hours later it can be frustrating to see all of your progress gone, even if you had saved/quit previously in the run, because of a dead battery. So, keep that in mind if you play the game while out and about, and always pay attention to your battery even during a turn-based game. Lesson learned.
Overall, Ironcast is a good game. It has a fantastic musical score and reasonable graphics for the style of game it is. A strategic take on the match 3 genre, Ironcast has a lot to offer as it can boast a large amount of replayability for its $13 price. Its difficulty is quite high, and even though there isn’t a tremendous amount of content available in that there are only two bosses, it will most likely take hours of play before seeing the final scene and being given the Victorian Medal, which isn’t really a spoiler as the story is largely nonexistent aside from a couple interesting lines of dialogue. Those who appreciate rogue-like difficulty and aren’t afraid to restart, as well as those who enjoy puzzle games with strategy elements will undoubtedly love Ironcast, as it’s a very strong title. For its price, it’s somewhat hard to beat, especially in the Switch’s library at current.
Wolfenstein Comes Screaming Back With Bite
Deep Dungeon Diving Into UnExplored: Unlocked Edition
Mario Kart 8 Races onto Wii U
Steaming to Greatness with Frostpunk
Publishers: Ripstone
Developers: Dreadbit
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, Steam OS, Xbox One
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Sarah Climaco
Oregon Senate Passes Bill to Halt Cannabis Licensing for 2 Years
Wed / May 1st
A bill to temporarily cap Oregon’s cannabis business licenses has passed the Senate and now moves to the House; Oregon currently has an oversupply of cannabis products that would last the state more than six years at current consumption rates.
An Oregon bill to place a two-year moratorium on cannabis licensing backed by Gov. Kate Brown has passed the Senate and moves next to the House, the Portland Mercury reports. The legislation comes nearly three months after the state Liquor Control Commission reported the state had more than 6.5 years of oversupply with the current market’s demand.
In a statement, Democratic State Sen. Floyd Prozanski said the bill “will protect the existing legal market,” in the state.
“We currently have a flood of cannabis production happening in our state. There is a ‘green rush’ happening in our state right now and, while we support a healthy and thriving new cannabis industry, the oversupply has caused plummeting product costs. Much of the product created by this oversupply is going into the illicit market that legalized cannabis was intended to curb.” — Prozanski, in a statement, via the Portland Mercury
The measure, deemed “emergency legislation,” passed the Senate 18-0 on Tuesday; it failed in the same chamber 17-3 last month, according to a Willamette Week report.
According to the CanbyNow Podcast, the price-per-gram has dropped from $14 in 2015 to less than $7 by the end of last year. A study released last month by Oxford Treatment Center found Oregon had the lowest price for “high quality” legal flower products with an average of $210.75 per ounce.
In testimony in support of the measure, Obie Strickler, CEO of licensed producer Grown Rogue, said the industry needs to remain “financially healthy” to remain beneficial to the state.
Cannabis Policy Medical Marijuana News Recreational Marijuana News
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Droid Bionic specs briefly confirmed on Moto dev site
By Sal Cangeloso 08.03.2011 :: 12:52PM EDT 08.03.2011
@salcan
On their developer site, developer.motorola.com, Motorola briefly posted what seem to be the specifications of the upcoming Droid Bionic. Supposing these are accurate they would be confirmation–straight from Motorola–of what the upcoming 4G dual-core handset will be running. Along with an official release date this is exactly what potential buyers have been wanting, though we already have compiled a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Bionic. Since the listing was discovered it has since been removed from the site, but screenshots were captured.
Readers who have examined the image above, and who have been closely following that saga that has become the Droid Bionic release, will have noticed that the old model number was used. (The original Bionic design was XT865, while the new one is XT875.) This might cause some to doubt the accuracy of the specs, but the processor is listed as the 1GHz OMAP4430, which means this is the new model (the old one ran the Tegra 2).
The other specifications include:
4.3-inch capacitive touchscreen at qHD (960×540, 240 dpi)
Webtop compatibility
8MP camera with 1080p video, VGA front camera
Verizon 4G LTE
As you can see above the Droid Bionic listing did not use a real shot of the handset, where the Droid 3 and Photo 4G did. Both of those phones and their specifications are still viewable on the developer site.
These findings pretty much confirm everything we had previously heard about the Droid Bionic (XT875 that is) and reiterate that this is looking like a standout device for Verizon. It is still slated to be the first dual-core 4G handset, though a release date has yet to be confirmed. Last we heard the Bionic was said to be landing some time in September, according to Motorola CEO Sanjay Jha.
Motorola Developer Site via Droid-life
droid bionic
motodev
OMAP4430
webtop
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by Ashad Hajela, Gotham Gazette
@GothamGazette
Read more by this writer.
</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2019/georgetown_madisonida.jpg" alt="georgetown madisonida" width="600" height="362" /></p> <p>Former Camp Georgetown Correctional Facility is expected to soon become Camp Brihat Yoga Retreat (photo: Madison County IDA)</p> <hr /> <p>As New York continues to drastically reduce its incarceration rate, many prisons have become surplus. The state prison population has fallen from its peak of approximately 72,600 in 1999 to 47,400 this year.</p> <p>Governor Andrew Cuomo, under whom 24 prisons and juvenile detention centers have already been shuttered, introduced and passed legislation as part of the new state budget that would allow him to shut down two or three more prisons, depending on the number of beds in the prisons chosen. While the overall trend is a positive sign to many given the fight against mass incarceration and, according to executive chamber estimations, the additional closures could save state government tens of millions of dollars every year, prison closures can leave local economies vulnerable.</p> <p>Some areas have historically relied on prisons for employment and as commerce centers. Local elected officials often fight prison closure plans, fearful of what a shuttered prison may mean for local jobs and economic activity. When prisons close, guards and administrators are often transferred to other facilities, meaning jobs remain but they change location. Local businesses lose customers and towns look for other means to boost their economies.</p> <p>Repurposing prison facilities can cushion the loss of a ‘prison economy,’ and with the growing number of shuttered prisons around New York, the effort to spin prisons into new uses has become an enticing endeavor for both the public and private sectors.</p> <p>Some former New York prison facilities have already found new life -- a film studio, an office park, a planned yoga retreat -- while others sit vacant, some for sale. One has been been converted into a venue where nonprofits serve formerly incarcerated people. Empire State Development (ESD), the state’s economic development wing, has been tasked with offloading the closed correctional facilities that have been shut down, as well as supporting the redevelopment of the communities they were located in. They have funded projects in all the regions where prisons were shut down.</p> <p>While former downstate prisons are flourishing anew, the state faces challenges with many others. Most prisons successfully repurposed are within New York City, where there is more limited space and high demand for real estate, and a thriving economy. Repurposing prisons upstate is more often than not an uphill battle.</p> <p>On the south shore of Staten Island, the former 900-bed Arthur Kill Correctional Facility was bought from the state for $7 million, with an additional $20 million also invested, by Broadway Stages, a film and television production company that has been part of Emmy winning shows like Master of None and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The company has converted the facility into a studio to film shows set in prisons like Orange is the New Black, also an Emmy winner. Previously, Broadway Stages filmed prison scenes upstate.</p> <p>The purchase of the prison has brought roughly 1,000 jobs to the facility itself thus far, with that number expected to triple once the second phase of the facility is refurbished, according to Samara Schaum, a spokesperson for Broadway Stages.</p> <p>Other prisons in New York City have been taken over by not-for-profit companies.</p> <p>In the Bronx the former Fulton Correctional Facility was handed over by the state to the Osborne Foundation, which repurposed it as a community re-entry center, providing temporary housing and job training to former prisoners. About $9.5 million was required to refurbish the old building, for which Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.’s office and Empire State Development provided financial support.</p> <p>The NoVo Foundation is also in the process of converting the closed Bayview Correctional Facility in Chelsea into “The Women’s Building.” which “will bring diverse organizations together, as they envision and build a better world for girls and women,” according to its website.</p> <p>In a phone interview, a spokesperson for Empire State Development explained the two processes by which the state offloads prisons: through auction and requests for proposals.</p> <p>Auctions are handled by the state’s Office of General Services, with prisons sold to private bidders. When a prison becomes private property through auction, it has to go through environmental review and the applicable municipal land use approval process.</p> <p>ESD prefers to put out requests for proposals to ensure that the sites are repurposed in ways that benefit the surrounding communities the most, according to the ESD spokesperson. “We try and figure out a use that is compatible with the community and compatible in terms of creating jobs,” said the spokesperson, who requested anonymity.</p> <p>Last year, ESD put out a request for proposal for the shuttered Mount McGregor Correctional Facility in Saratoga, for which there has been one proposal to turn the facility into a resort. The Camp Chateaugay Correctional Facility was up for auction last year too. It appeared as though a Canadian company bought it for $600,000 to turn it into a Jewish summer camp. However, the deal fell through. The state tried selling it again, but the last date to submit a bid was November 8, 2018.</p> <p>Some prisons change ownership but don’t see new life particularly quickly.</p> <p>Gilbert Rybicki, a Canadian business person, bought the Lyon Mountain Facility, in remote Dannemora, New York through a 2013 auction for $140,000. The prison continues to sit vacant today.</p> <p>“He bought the prison to influence the town of Dannemora,” said Town Supervisor Bill Chase. According to Chase, Rybicki has been in business with Dannemora indirectly for one of the town’s resources, ore sand -- a byproduct of iron ore mining, used in construction. Chase believes that Rybicki was hoping to obtain a contract for Dannemora’s ore sand himself, and bought the prison to turn it into an ore sand processing center. However, he was outbid at an auction for the ore sand contract.</p> <p>Chase believes that the facility has a lot of potential and can be turned into a variety of things, including a car repair center in the garage the prison left behind, a gym using the prison’s old gym facility, or a drug treatment center. “I’ve even had some people try and help him do something with the building, but all he has done is put a sign out there trying to rent it,” said Chase.</p> <p>Contacted by Gotham Gazette, Rybicki said he is still not sure what he will do with the facility, and will likely wait for the summer before making a decision.</p> <p>Another prison buyer has ideas, but has had trouble making his vision a reality because of state bureaucracy, he said. Also in 2013, Shekhar Patel bought the former Camp Georgetown facility located an hour from Syracuse. He originally intended to turn it into a technology summer camp for middle and high school students. However, he changed his mind and now hopes to turn the facility into a yoga retreat, called Camp Brihat. But in order to make it functional for his purposes, Patel said he had to modify a wastewater treatment plant.</p> <p>In April 2017, Patel requested a permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to modify the wastewater treatment plant and has spent the past two years following up, trying to get the state to act on his permit, he said. Patel finally received a response from the DEC on March 25 of this year.</p> <p>The email from a DEC representative, Tara Blum, said, “Unfortunately due to other priorities, I have not had time to work on your SPDES permit modification. However, today I was directed by my supervisor, Tom Vigneault (he is copied on this email) to work on your facility, the Camp Brihat draft permit immediately.”</p> <p>Patel was given a tentative acceptance for his permit request on April 11. He must now advertise the modification of the wastewater treatment in the local paper for a month and allow the public to comment on the modifications. The DEC will grant him the permit within the next month based on community reaction.</p> <p>Patel was apparently lucky to have completed his purchase. Other prison sales are hindered by bureaucracy and conflict. In Franklin County, the sale of the Camp Gabriels Correctional Facility has been stalled as the facility belongs to one government agency while the land belongs to another. Camp Pharsalia, in Chenango County, lies on Forest Preserve land.</p> <p>Because some of these facilities have not been sold or repurposed, the state has attempted to provide a cushion to the towns in which they reside.</p> <p>In 2012 and 2014, Governor Cuomo introduced tax incentives and capital funding as part of the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) to aid communities impacted by prison closures. Roughly $82 million was expected to go to 15 communities impacted by prison closures.</p> <p>In the Mohawk Valley, funds are going towards the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council, Marcy Nanocenter, Griffiss International Airport, and a river walk in the city of Rome. So far, almost $60 million of the ETP funding has been committed while almost $40 million has already been disbursed.</p> <p>There are some hopeful signs for prison refurbishment upstate. The former Mid-Orange Correctional Facility in the town of Warwick was closed in 2011 and transferred to the Warwick Valley Local Development Corporation. The site is perhaps the most successful prison rehabilitation upstate, as several innovative companies have decided to build and invest there.</p> <p>The site’s previous main occupier, Yard Sports Village, filed for bankruptcy, but new investors have been swarming in, according to Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton. The new businesses include the Hudson Valley Sports Complex, Craftify, a craft brewer has a production facility with a tasting room on site, Eden Restorations, which provides custom building restorations, Transtech, a company that puts bodies on buses, and Citiva, a medical marijuana producer whose site is currently under construction.</p> <p>“It’s taken a little bit, but it is really rolling now and we really believe we are going to have it built out in the next year or two and we are really excited about that,” said Sweeton. “People are employed in the town and people are coming to the area as well.”</p> <p>
</p> The Fuzzy Fine Print of Amazon’s Queens Real Estate Deal 2018-12-10T05:00:00+00:00 2018-12-10T05:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/130-opinion/8132-the-fuzzy-fine-print-of-amazon-s-queens-real-estate-deal Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/lic_via_edc.jpg" alt="lic via edc" width="600" height="375" /></p> <p>(image via NYC EDC)</p> <hr /> <p>The first of several New York City Council <a href="https://council.nyc.gov/amazon-hearings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public oversight hearings</a> on the deal to bring an Amazon campus to Long Island City will be held Wednesday at City Hall. Titled by the Council as “Exposing the Closed-Door Process,” the questions should concern not just the big-picture issues but also some fine print regarding the company’s acquisition of city-owned real estate.</p> <p>Of course, the estimated $3 billion in tax breaks and subsidies in the deal made among Amazon, the state, and the city deserve scrutiny, though, except for a state capital grant that could reach $505 million, those questions -- as Gotham Gazette previously <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/8110-a-closer-look-at-the-tax-incentives-in-the-amazon-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> -- mostly concern revising existing policy.</p> <p>For example, the Citizens Budget Commission <a href="https://cbcny.org/research/breaking-down-amazon-hq2-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warns</a> that "offering Amazon benefits that go well above the current cap and expiration date" of the Excelsior Jobs Program -- up to $1.2 billion in state tax credits -- "sets a concerning precedent.”</p> <p>National subsidy watchdog Good Jobs First <a href="https://www.goodjobsfirst.org/sites/default/files/docs/pdfs/Statement%20day%20after%20HQ2%20finalized%2011-14-18%20V5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">points out</a> that the city's decision to have Amazon contribute PILOTs, or payments in lieu of taxes, into a local infrastructure fund, would "further enhanc[e] Amazon’s property value," a benefit worth quantifying.</p> <p>But Council members also should look at two maddeningly complicated passages in the non-binding <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/393104424/Amazon-Agreement-With-ESD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Memorandum of Understanding</a> (MOU) Amazon signed with <a href="https://esd.ny.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empire State Development</a> (ESD), Gov. Andrew Cuomo's economic development authority, and the <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York City Economic Development Corporation</a> (NYCEDC), Mayor Bill de Blasio’s economic development entity.</p> <p>They rather cryptically describe some contemplated transactions that deserve far more sunlight, both now and if/when they move toward fruition.</p> <p>First, look at the proposed map (below), which shows two private development sites, two public development sites, and one city-owned building, known as DOE (Department of Education) Premises.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image1.jpg" alt="image1" width="450" height="462" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Let's put aside the private development sites, which are owned by a company called Plaxall, and were intended to be part of a <a href="http://www.anablebasinlic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large project called Anable Basin</a>.</p> <p>Instead, let's focus on the two public development sites, which were previously part of a <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/press-release/new-york-works-nycedc-announces-plan-bring-first-its-kind-industrial-commercial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planned projec</a>t called the <a href="https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2018/37/licwaterfront_2018_09_14_q.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long Island City Innovation Cente</a>r, involving developer TF Cornerstone and other partners. (The DOE site was not to be part of <a href="https://a002-ceqraccess.nyc.gov/ceqr/ProjectInformation/ProjectDetail/13102-18DME003Q#b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that project</a>.)</p> <p><strong>An $850,000 lease</strong><br /> The agreement contains a major parenthetical: Empire State Development will lease the public development sites "for a total agreed base rent payment, exclusive of PILOT, of $850,000 per annum (such price being consistent with the competitively procured terms of NYCEDC's prior agreement with the Company's development partner and reflective of the costs to be assumed by the Company that include but are not limited to City agency relocations... and the Specific Infrastructure and Community Commitments...)"</p> <p>That’s a lot to unpack.</p> <p>First, $850,000 won't buy much in New York's rental market: that sum is the same <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/09/former-duane-reade-space-on-west-72nd-street-to-become-child-care-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> of a child care center in the Upper West Side (in a former Duane Reade) or that which <a href="https://www.6sqft.com/mcnally-jackson-bookstore-is-the-latest-victim-of-astronomical-rent-hikes-for-small-businesses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drove</a> a bookstore out of SoHo. (I earlier mentioned this issue in <a href="https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/11/15/for-amazon-hq2-deal-atlantic-yards-serves-as-a-warning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an essay</a> for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.)</p> <p>And if that $850,000 reflects "the costs to be assumed by the Company that include but are not limited to City agency relocations," how are those presumably considerable costs calculated?</p> <p>If those costs are absorbed in the first years of the Amazon lease, wouldn't the deal get better for them over time?</p> <p>How exactly was that sum "consistent with the competitively procured terms" of the prior agreement? Why should that prior agreement apply to the Amazon project, given the latter’s scope and the suite of subsidies?</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image3.jpg" alt="image3" width="580" height="463" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Also, unlike other tenants in Long Island City, Amazon will not be at the mercy of a landlord aiming to raise rent after an initial lease period. The rent, according to the document, "will escalate in accordance with an agreed upon schedule based on the Consumer Price Index" or CPI.</p> <p>Note that, while that verbiage suggests that the rent increases will correlate with the CPI, that doesn't mean direct correlation. In other words, an "agreed upon schedule" could be a percentage of the CPI. That's worth asking about. And, of course, this non-binding document only presages future negotiations.</p> <p><strong>The DOE building</strong><br /> Now consider the DOE Premises, a hulking <a href="https://newtownpentacle.com/2018/11/29/inquire-what/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">former city warehouse</a> -- approximately 672,000 square feet -- on Vernon Boulevard. According to the city/state memo, Amazon's initial base rent shall not exceed "the value of $500 per built gross square foot multiplied by 6.25%."</p> <p>Why make that calculation so convoluted? It's hard to believe that was not presented as a way of obscuring the math that leads to $31.25 per square foot.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image2.jpg" alt="image2" width="580" height="171" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Note that the base rent "shall equal the fair market rental value as determined by an Appraisal," but...the parties have already stipulated a ceiling of $31.25. That seems like a sweet deal.</p> <p>How would that appraisal work? It might not happen until 90 days before the lease closes, but it will take "into account sales of, and income generated at, comparable commercial use properties exclusively for the period prior to the date of the MOU," as well as capital investments made by New York City.</p> <p>Though an appraisal seems meaningless, the comps could use more attention. Consider the Falchi Building, a former factory building recently spiffed up in another section of Long Island City, below Sunnyside Yard. In 2016, the Commercial Observer reported asking rents <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/08/following-ubers-expandsion-lyft-ups-space-at-lics-falchi-building/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"in the $40s"</a> and also <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/08/uber-expands-to-more-than-36k-sf-at-falchi-building-in-lic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$55 per square foot</a>.</p> <p>Of course, asking rent is not contract rent, and these relatively small deals don't compare to leasing a full building. Still, it's hardly clear that $31.25 is the market rent in the area. Nor do we know how to value the "capital investments" factor cited in the MOU. (Update: However, according to the city's just-released <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Industries/4_Amazon_HQ2_NY_Metro_Proposal_appendix.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Industries/4_Amazon_HQ2_NY_Metro_Proposal_appendix.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1544798706749000&usg=AFQjCNGwMgew9RGNN-zmRf0jV44LRFGi8w">response</a> to Amazon's RFP, that site was presented as having a net illustrative rent between $24 and $49.)</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image4.jpg" alt="image4" width="580" height="111" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Note that the base rent will increase by the lesser of either 3% or the area CPI. Is such a cap on inflation standard operating procedure? </p> <p>Maybe city and state officials often come to such seemingly generous agreements. (If so, maybe reconsider those practices, too.) Or perhaps they can defend them as tougher than they seem. But the fuzzy fine print should provoke reason for skepticism—and some hard questions from our elected officials.</p> <p>***<br /> Norman Oder is a Brooklyn journalist who writes the watchdog blog <a href="http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report</a>. On Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AYReport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@AYReport</a>.</p> <p>
Have an op-ed idea or submission for Gotham Gazette? Email opinion@gothamgazette.com
</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/lic_via_edc.jpg" alt="lic via edc" width="600" height="375" /></p> <p>(image via NYC EDC)</p> <hr /> <p>The first of several New York City Council <a href="https://council.nyc.gov/amazon-hearings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">public oversight hearings</a> on the deal to bring an Amazon campus to Long Island City will be held Wednesday at City Hall. Titled by the Council as “Exposing the Closed-Door Process,” the questions should concern not just the big-picture issues but also some fine print regarding the company’s acquisition of city-owned real estate.</p> <p>Of course, the estimated $3 billion in tax breaks and subsidies in the deal made among Amazon, the state, and the city deserve scrutiny, though, except for a state capital grant that could reach $505 million, those questions -- as Gotham Gazette previously <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/8110-a-closer-look-at-the-tax-incentives-in-the-amazon-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> -- mostly concern revising existing policy.</p> <p>For example, the Citizens Budget Commission <a href="https://cbcny.org/research/breaking-down-amazon-hq2-deal" target="_blank" rel="noopener">warns</a> that "offering Amazon benefits that go well above the current cap and expiration date" of the Excelsior Jobs Program -- up to $1.2 billion in state tax credits -- "sets a concerning precedent.”</p> <p>National subsidy watchdog Good Jobs First <a href="https://www.goodjobsfirst.org/sites/default/files/docs/pdfs/Statement%20day%20after%20HQ2%20finalized%2011-14-18%20V5.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">points out</a> that the city's decision to have Amazon contribute PILOTs, or payments in lieu of taxes, into a local infrastructure fund, would "further enhanc[e] Amazon’s property value," a benefit worth quantifying.</p> <p>But Council members also should look at two maddeningly complicated passages in the non-binding <a href="https://www.scribd.com/document/393104424/Amazon-Agreement-With-ESD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Memorandum of Understanding</a> (MOU) Amazon signed with <a href="https://esd.ny.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empire State Development</a> (ESD), Gov. Andrew Cuomo's economic development authority, and the <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New York City Economic Development Corporation</a> (NYCEDC), Mayor Bill de Blasio’s economic development entity.</p> <p>They rather cryptically describe some contemplated transactions that deserve far more sunlight, both now and if/when they move toward fruition.</p> <p>First, look at the proposed map (below), which shows two private development sites, two public development sites, and one city-owned building, known as DOE (Department of Education) Premises.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image1.jpg" alt="image1" width="450" height="462" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Let's put aside the private development sites, which are owned by a company called Plaxall, and were intended to be part of a <a href="http://www.anablebasinlic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">large project called Anable Basin</a>.</p> <p>Instead, let's focus on the two public development sites, which were previously part of a <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/press-release/new-york-works-nycedc-announces-plan-bring-first-its-kind-industrial-commercial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">planned projec</a>t called the <a href="https://www.timesledger.com/stories/2018/37/licwaterfront_2018_09_14_q.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Long Island City Innovation Cente</a>r, involving developer TF Cornerstone and other partners. (The DOE site was not to be part of <a href="https://a002-ceqraccess.nyc.gov/ceqr/ProjectInformation/ProjectDetail/13102-18DME003Q#b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that project</a>.)</p> <p><strong>An $850,000 lease</strong><br /> The agreement contains a major parenthetical: Empire State Development will lease the public development sites "for a total agreed base rent payment, exclusive of PILOT, of $850,000 per annum (such price being consistent with the competitively procured terms of NYCEDC's prior agreement with the Company's development partner and reflective of the costs to be assumed by the Company that include but are not limited to City agency relocations... and the Specific Infrastructure and Community Commitments...)"</p> <p>That’s a lot to unpack.</p> <p>First, $850,000 won't buy much in New York's rental market: that sum is the same <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/09/former-duane-reade-space-on-west-72nd-street-to-become-child-care-center/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> of a child care center in the Upper West Side (in a former Duane Reade) or that which <a href="https://www.6sqft.com/mcnally-jackson-bookstore-is-the-latest-victim-of-astronomical-rent-hikes-for-small-businesses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drove</a> a bookstore out of SoHo. (I earlier mentioned this issue in <a href="https://brooklyneagle.com/articles/2018/11/15/for-amazon-hq2-deal-atlantic-yards-serves-as-a-warning/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an essay</a> for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle.)</p> <p>And if that $850,000 reflects "the costs to be assumed by the Company that include but are not limited to City agency relocations," how are those presumably considerable costs calculated?</p> <p>If those costs are absorbed in the first years of the Amazon lease, wouldn't the deal get better for them over time?</p> <p>How exactly was that sum "consistent with the competitively procured terms" of the prior agreement? Why should that prior agreement apply to the Amazon project, given the latter’s scope and the suite of subsidies?</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image3.jpg" alt="image3" width="580" height="463" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Also, unlike other tenants in Long Island City, Amazon will not be at the mercy of a landlord aiming to raise rent after an initial lease period. The rent, according to the document, "will escalate in accordance with an agreed upon schedule based on the Consumer Price Index" or CPI.</p> <p>Note that, while that verbiage suggests that the rent increases will correlate with the CPI, that doesn't mean direct correlation. In other words, an "agreed upon schedule" could be a percentage of the CPI. That's worth asking about. And, of course, this non-binding document only presages future negotiations.</p> <p><strong>The DOE building</strong><br /> Now consider the DOE Premises, a hulking <a href="https://newtownpentacle.com/2018/11/29/inquire-what/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">former city warehouse</a> -- approximately 672,000 square feet -- on Vernon Boulevard. According to the city/state memo, Amazon's initial base rent shall not exceed "the value of $500 per built gross square foot multiplied by 6.25%."</p> <p>Why make that calculation so convoluted? It's hard to believe that was not presented as a way of obscuring the math that leads to $31.25 per square foot.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image2.jpg" alt="image2" width="580" height="171" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Note that the base rent "shall equal the fair market rental value as determined by an Appraisal," but...the parties have already stipulated a ceiling of $31.25. That seems like a sweet deal.</p> <p>How would that appraisal work? It might not happen until 90 days before the lease closes, but it will take "into account sales of, and income generated at, comparable commercial use properties exclusively for the period prior to the date of the MOU," as well as capital investments made by New York City.</p> <p>Though an appraisal seems meaningless, the comps could use more attention. Consider the Falchi Building, a former factory building recently spiffed up in another section of Long Island City, below Sunnyside Yard. In 2016, the Commercial Observer reported asking rents <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/08/following-ubers-expandsion-lyft-ups-space-at-lics-falchi-building/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"in the $40s"</a> and also <a href="https://commercialobserver.com/2016/08/uber-expands-to-more-than-36k-sf-at-falchi-building-in-lic/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$55 per square foot</a>.</p> <p>Of course, asking rent is not contract rent, and these relatively small deals don't compare to leasing a full building. Still, it's hardly clear that $31.25 is the market rent in the area. Nor do we know how to value the "capital investments" factor cited in the MOU. (Update: However, according to the city's just-released <a href="https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Industries/4_Amazon_HQ2_NY_Metro_Proposal_appendix.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nycedc.com/sites/default/files/filemanager/Industries/4_Amazon_HQ2_NY_Metro_Proposal_appendix.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1544798706749000&usg=AFQjCNGwMgew9RGNN-zmRf0jV44LRFGi8w">response</a> to Amazon's RFP, that site was presented as having a net illustrative rent between $24 and $49.)</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/amznplan/image4.jpg" alt="image4" width="580" height="111" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></p> <p>Note that the base rent will increase by the lesser of either 3% or the area CPI. Is such a cap on inflation standard operating procedure? </p> <p>Maybe city and state officials often come to such seemingly generous agreements. (If so, maybe reconsider those practices, too.) Or perhaps they can defend them as tougher than they seem. But the fuzzy fine print should provoke reason for skepticism—and some hard questions from our elected officials.</p> <p>***<br /> Norman Oder is a Brooklyn journalist who writes the watchdog blog <a href="http://atlanticyardsreport.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park Report</a>. On Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/AYReport" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@AYReport</a>.</p> <p>
</p> Pointing to Amazon Announcement, Long Island City Co-op Renews Calls for Similar Tax Relief 2018-11-20T05:00:00+00:00 2018-11-20T05:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/city/8092-pointing-to-amazon-announcement-long-island-city-co-op-renews-calls-for-similar-tax-relief Super User <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/640px-long_island_city_new_york_may_2015_panorama_3.jpg" alt="640px long island city new york may 2015 panorama 3" width="600" height="300" /></p> <p>CityLights, second building from right (photo: King of Hearts/Wikimedia Commons)</p> <hr /> <p>Amazon’s announcement that it will locate one of its two new “headquarters” in Long Island City, Queens triggered immediate backlash among some elected officials and residents of the community who fear the effects it will have on local housing prices and already strained infrastructure, among other consequences. But the residents of CityLights, the largest affordable co-op in Queens, are particularly incensed by the deal, and are calling out city and state officials for giving the nearly trillion-dollar technology giant billions in public subsidies while continuing to deny their own demand for an extension of a property tax abatement that they enjoyed for two decades.</p> <p>Amazon, CityLights residents also say, will pay far less for leasing land for its new campus than the co-op does each year.</p> <p>CityLights is a 42-story, 522-unit building home to 1,000 mostly middle- and fixed-income New Yorkers, and is managed by Queens West Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Empire State Development (ESD), a non-profit economic development agency. The building phased out of a 20-year tax abatement program in July and also saw a nearly doubling of its tax assessment by the city. The building now faces a $5.1 million tax bill -- it was $5.8 million but was reduced after the residents appealed to the city -- which threatens, they say, to push residents out of their homes because of a roughly 60 percent increase over five years in payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT). (The Amazon deal with the city and state also includes a PILOT program, whereby instead of paying taxes an entity contributes to some other fund, such as an infrastructure bank.)</p> <p>Built on state-owned land, CityLights’ ground lease alone costs nearly $500,000 annually for the 700,000-square-foot building. By comparison, Amazon is expected to pay about $850,000 for the roughly 4 million square feet that the company will occupy in Long Island City. </p> <p>In a letter sent Tuesday to ESD President Howard Zemsky, Citylights Board President Joanna Rock called for the CityLights ground lease to be forgiven. “It is absurd that we are forced to pay half-a-million-dollars a year to ESD when our apartments were sold to us by the State under the guise of affordability,” she wrote. “But it adds insult to injury that Amazon will be charged far less than our “affordable” complex for the privilege of being in Long Island City.”</p> <p>In a phone interview, Rock said it was “shameful” that CityLights residents have had to fight the city and the state for over a year-and-a-half for much-needed relief while Amazon was enticed with untold incentives (the negotiation process was in secret, with non-disclosure agreements signed).</p> <p>“We watched the neighborhood go from dilapidated warehouses to high-rises and we’re being valued based on the rental buildings around us because that’s how the city does it,” she said, “and then Amazon comes in, and not only are they getting all these incentives, but [their ground lease] is like 85 percent less than what we pay. We’re a co-op, a not-for-profit. They are one of the wealthiest companies in existence.”</p> <p>In a letter to CityLights residents in June, Zemsky indicated that ESD was working with the city “to craft a tailored solution.” But, he noted that the state could not act without approval from the city’s Department of Finance. Neither ESD nor the city Department of Finance responded to requests for comment for this article.</p> <p>“I’m not even sure how to put into words how upsetting this is,” Rock said.</p> <p>Local elected officials also took umbrage at the plight of CityLights residents in light of the Amazon deal. “Empire State Development is supposed to promote and protect our local economy, not pad the pockets of the richest man in the world,” City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents Long Island City, said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is ridiculous that the bad HQ2 deal would charge Amazon a significantly lower rate per square foot for its ground lease than Citylights, the largest affordable housing co-op in Queens. The State must preserve the affordability of Long Island City and prioritize longtime residents and working families when dishing out tax breaks, not large corporations.”</p> <p>
by Samar Khurshid, senior reporter, Gotham Gazette
@samarkhurshid @GothamGazette
</p> <p>Note - This article has been updated to note that CityLights' tax bill was $5.1 million, not $5.2 million. </p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/640px-long_island_city_new_york_may_2015_panorama_3.jpg" alt="640px long island city new york may 2015 panorama 3" width="600" height="300" /></p> <p>CityLights, second building from right (photo: King of Hearts/Wikimedia Commons)</p> <hr /> <p>Amazon’s announcement that it will locate one of its two new “headquarters” in Long Island City, Queens triggered immediate backlash among some elected officials and residents of the community who fear the effects it will have on local housing prices and already strained infrastructure, among other consequences. But the residents of CityLights, the largest affordable co-op in Queens, are particularly incensed by the deal, and are calling out city and state officials for giving the nearly trillion-dollar technology giant billions in public subsidies while continuing to deny their own demand for an extension of a property tax abatement that they enjoyed for two decades.</p> <p>Amazon, CityLights residents also say, will pay far less for leasing land for its new campus than the co-op does each year.</p> <p>CityLights is a 42-story, 522-unit building home to 1,000 mostly middle- and fixed-income New Yorkers, and is managed by Queens West Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Empire State Development (ESD), a non-profit economic development agency. The building phased out of a 20-year tax abatement program in July and also saw a nearly doubling of its tax assessment by the city. The building now faces a $5.1 million tax bill -- it was $5.8 million but was reduced after the residents appealed to the city -- which threatens, they say, to push residents out of their homes because of a roughly 60 percent increase over five years in payments-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT). (The Amazon deal with the city and state also includes a PILOT program, whereby instead of paying taxes an entity contributes to some other fund, such as an infrastructure bank.)</p> <p>Built on state-owned land, CityLights’ ground lease alone costs nearly $500,000 annually for the 700,000-square-foot building. By comparison, Amazon is expected to pay about $850,000 for the roughly 4 million square feet that the company will occupy in Long Island City. </p> <p>In a letter sent Tuesday to ESD President Howard Zemsky, Citylights Board President Joanna Rock called for the CityLights ground lease to be forgiven. “It is absurd that we are forced to pay half-a-million-dollars a year to ESD when our apartments were sold to us by the State under the guise of affordability,” she wrote. “But it adds insult to injury that Amazon will be charged far less than our “affordable” complex for the privilege of being in Long Island City.”</p> <p>In a phone interview, Rock said it was “shameful” that CityLights residents have had to fight the city and the state for over a year-and-a-half for much-needed relief while Amazon was enticed with untold incentives (the negotiation process was in secret, with non-disclosure agreements signed).</p> <p>“We watched the neighborhood go from dilapidated warehouses to high-rises and we’re being valued based on the rental buildings around us because that’s how the city does it,” she said, “and then Amazon comes in, and not only are they getting all these incentives, but [their ground lease] is like 85 percent less than what we pay. We’re a co-op, a not-for-profit. They are one of the wealthiest companies in existence.”</p> <p>In a letter to CityLights residents in June, Zemsky indicated that ESD was working with the city “to craft a tailored solution.” But, he noted that the state could not act without approval from the city’s Department of Finance. Neither ESD nor the city Department of Finance responded to requests for comment for this article.</p> <p>“I’m not even sure how to put into words how upsetting this is,” Rock said.</p> <p>Local elected officials also took umbrage at the plight of CityLights residents in light of the Amazon deal. “Empire State Development is supposed to promote and protect our local economy, not pad the pockets of the richest man in the world,” City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer, who represents Long Island City, said in a statement on Tuesday. “It is ridiculous that the bad HQ2 deal would charge Amazon a significantly lower rate per square foot for its ground lease than Citylights, the largest affordable housing co-op in Queens. The State must preserve the affordability of Long Island City and prioritize longtime residents and working families when dishing out tax breaks, not large corporations.”</p> <p>
</p> <p>Note - This article has been updated to note that CityLights' tax bill was $5.1 million, not $5.2 million. </p> State-Backed, Scandal-Plagued Entities Seek New Chapter 2018-06-12T04:00:00+00:00 2018-06-12T04:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/7732-state-backed-scandal-plagued-entities-seek-new-chapter Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/govcuomo-roswell.jpg" alt="govcuomo roswell" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky, of ESD, in Buffalo (photo via the Governor's office)</p> <hr /> <p>Alain Kaloyeros, the former head of SUNY Polytechnic Institute heading to trial this month for alleged corruption, was known for his luxury sports cars, self-aggrandizing boasts, and awkward social media posts.</p> <p>The new face of the state’s tech development projects, Doug Grose, strikes a different image: subdued, old-school business executive.</p> <p>Coming after Kaloyeros’ fall from grace and amid twin corruption trials, Grose’s appointment seems aimed at assuring taxpayers that state government is turning a new page when it comes to investing public funds in ambitious research and business ventures.</p> <p>Last month, Grose became president of the Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road management corporations -- the state entities at the center of the Kaloyeros bid-rigging and bribery case. The two nonprofits have doled out state grants and overseen projects spearheaded by Kaloyeros, who was empowered by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and will be merged to form a new organization, called NY CREATES. Grose will be president of that nonprofit body once the ongoing process is complete.</p> <p>Empire State Development, the state’s main economic development agency, partnered with SUNY to form NY CREATES -- or New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering and Science. The new organization filed its certificate of incorporation with the state last month and plans to file for 501(c)3 status, according to an ESD spokesperson. Since shortly after the indictments of Kaloyeros and other top Cuomo aides, associates, and donors, ESD was charged with overseeing the nonprofits associated with SUNY and the governor’s extensive economic development programming. It was a move announced by the governor in response to the scandals involving some of his signature projects.</p> <p>After the November 2016 indictments of Kaloyeros, former Cuomo top aide and campaign manager Joseph Percoco, and others, Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road became synonymous with corruption, leading to the effort to rebrand and reorganize.</p> <p>Fort Schuyler awarded multimillion-dollar contracts that Kaloyeros allegedly helped rig in 2013 so they went to major Cuomo campaign donors. Along with Fuller Road, which was not named in the Kaloyeros indictment, Fort Schuyler has overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment in the governor’s economic development programs, namely the Buffalo Billion. Some of them have been associated with SUNY Polytechnic, an advanced science research institution founded by Kaloyeros, a physicist.</p> <p>As NY CREATES launches and seeks to attract both trust and partners, Grose is seen at ESD and elsewhere as the right person for the job. He insists NY CREATES will bring transparency to the economic development programs under its umbrella. Those range from a <a href="http://www.ftsmc.org/utica/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.5-billion computer chip center in Utica</a> to a sprawling <a href="http://www.frmc.us/statewide-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$24-billion nanotechnology complex at SUNY Polytechnic in Albany</a>.</p> <p>“How I want to run this has the elements of a business, with sound fiscal and legal controls and a focus on return on investment,” Grose told Gotham Gazette in an interview.</p> <p>Grose’s long resume includes a stint as executive vice president of NanoTech Resources in 2004. Kaloyeros, who oversaw growth in the nanotech complex at SUNY Polytechnic, was Grose’s boss at the time.</p> <p>“My leadership style is quite different,” Grose said of Kaloyeros. “It’s much more, I’ll say, business-based, and you got rewarded or you got in trouble if you didn’t provide the return on investment made.”</p> <p>Grose, 68, came out of retirement to helm NY CREATES, which he said will pay him $280,000 a year. ESD and SUNY leaders and the former president of Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road, Bob Megna, worked to draft Grose. His job will have a tighter focus than that of Kaloyeros, who made nearly $1 million per year helming all of SUNY Polytechnic.</p> <p>“I didn’t come here, honestly, for financial reasons. I came here because of an allegiance that I have to New York State,” said Grose, who was raised in the Mohawk Valley and earned multiple degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.</p> <p>He previously held numerous roles in the upstate tech industry, often overseeing public-private partnerships.</p> <p>In 1979, he began a more than 20-year-long run at IBM, where he was in charge of chip production at labs in East Fishkill and Vermont, <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Return-to-trust-in-tech-school-12891469.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the Times Union</a>. He came back to the company in 2004, helping lay the groundwork for a public-private partnership that has seen IBM establish <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/SUNY-Poly-signs-new-leases-with-IBM-Research-12711815.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a large lab</a> at SUNY Polytechnic.</p> <p>Grose is also a former CEO of GlobalFoundries, one of the biggest semiconductor makers in the world. It began receiving <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/7day-business/article/GlobalFoundries-may-be-getting-more-NYS-funding-11172783.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">state funds and tax breaks</a> in 2006, under then-Governor George Pataki.</p> <p>Empire State Development touts GlobalFoundries as a success story. The company, which runs <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmoorhead/2018/02/04/the-u-s-already-has-bleeding-edge-technology-manufacturing-with-globalfoundries-fab-8-in-malta-ny/#3c0d55a923af" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a computer chip lab called Fab 8</a> in Saratoga County, has created 3,500 jobs, according to the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth.</p> <p>Grose has kept a low profile throughout his career. That marks a strong contrast with Kaloyeros, who was was known to <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/5912-alain-kaloyeros-powerful-centerpiece-of-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speed around Albany</a> in a Ferrari Spider. “Dr. Nano,” as his license plate said, made immature Facebook posts and was known for braggadocio, as the New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/26/nyregion/public-lives-behind-a-research-center-a-geek-with-great-cars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pointed out</a> in 2002. After a Gotham Gazette profile in 2015, spurred by reports that SUNY Polytechnic had been subpoenaed, Kaloyeros offered, then rescinded an interview, <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5925-buffalo-billion-boss-offers-cancels-interview-claims-threat-of-jail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">citing the “threat of jail.”</a></p> <p>While Grose sought to distinguish his style from that of Kaloyeros, he also had praise for SUNY Polytechnic’s former leader.</p> <p>“He was a visionary in terms of what he wanted to create and he had big ideas,” Grose said of Kaloyeros. “Many of them came true.”</p> <p>Asked about improving transparency into Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road (and, soon, NY CREATES) projects, Grose noted steps that boards of those organizations took before he came on about a month ago.</p> <p>They voted to voluntarily conform to the state’s Freedom of Information Law in 2016 and 2017. <a href="http://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A05854&term=2017&Summary=Y&Actions=Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A bill</a> ensuring that FOIL applies to agencies like Fort Schuyler has been introduced in the state Assembly, though it is currently stalled in the Governmental Operations Committee.</p> <p>Cuomo, a Democrat, appoints the head of ESD, currently Howard Zemsky. The governor in the past pushed both more funding through Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and resisted calls to increase transparency and oversight of their projects. He also appears to have a fairly tight grip over what legislation moves through the Democrat-led Assembly. A variety of accountability measures that have passed the Republican-controlled Senate are <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/7718-attention-shifts-to-assembly-hesitation-on-accountability-bills-opposed-by-cuomo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently stalled</a> in the Assembly.</p> <p>Recent months have seen Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road open their meetings to the public, and they have begun posting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKb1tyhvr9_5h-rWuyvC1vQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recordings</a> of their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIjOusMd8u2u6h1_pHbD8g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sessions</a> to YouTube.</p> <p>However, hard numbers about Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road projects remain difficult to come by. Their websites do not detail how much money the state has actually invested in their projects so far, and they don’t show proof of job growth -- the stated goal of the those investments. One bill in the accountability agenda that has not moved through the Assembly is for a “database of deals” that would catalog such spending and its results across all state economic development programming.</p> <p>Grose said NY CREATES will dispel the mystery. He said his approach is to make sure “there is no doubt about what an investment may be for and who’s involved and what the result is.” He did not provide specifics for what that will look like.</p> <p>Asked how much debt projects under Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road have accumulated, Grose said, "I can't give you a sense. I have no context where I would say I've seen it all added up." Asked whether it would be fair to say the projects were facing hundreds of millions in debt, Grose replied, "I think that's an accurate portrayal." He added, "It’s related to building facilities in Albany. It’s basically paying back loans to build Albany campus facilities."</p> <p>Cuomo has been keeping his distance from Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and is yet to comment on NY CREATES. His office did not respond to requests for comment for this article.</p> <p>Shortly after the criminal complaint against Kaloyeros became public, the governor announced that Empire State Development would assume oversight of all the projects under SUNY Polytechnic’s aegis.</p> <p>"I want the taxpayers of New York to know that every dollar is guarded and guarded professionally,” <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2016/09/23/suny-polys-ongoing-projects-move-to-esd-control.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cuomo said</a> in announcing the move in September of 2016.</p> <p>However, government watchdogs have decried that change -- and the creation of NY CREATES -- as inadequate. To groups like Reinvent Albany, Cuomo is doing too little, too late.</p> <p>“Ultimately, we would look at NY CREATES as shuffling around the deck chairs on the titanically confusing and corruption-prone apparatus that the state has created to hand out tax dollars,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, which closely tracks state economic development efforts.</p> <p>He noted that Cuomo has blocked the reform legislation that includes a bill to restore the state comptroller’s power to pre-audit state contracts over $250,000 that flow through SUNY-affiliated nonprofits -- a power that was stripped by Cuomo and the Legislature in the governor’s first year in office, 2011. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has repeatedly said it should be brought back.</p> <p>“Whatever marginal gain comes out of this is going to be so tiny as not to warrant the pixels on the press release that will come from it,” Kaehny said of NY CREATES.</p> <p>ESD argues that NY CREATES is not just a rebrand, but that it represents a new way of doing business that will be more transparent and less conducive to exploitation.</p> <p>Government watchdogs say irrespective of the bureaucracy surrounding development projects, under the status quo, Cuomo ultimately calls the shots.</p> <p>Grose said he will be answerable to the boards of Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and, later, the board of NY CREATES; ESD is getting a say in who joins the board of the new organization, and Zemsky will serve as an “ex-officio” member. “I also report to the chancellor of SUNY as a direct boss,” Grose said.</p> <p>Grose indicated his vision is at least as ambitious as Kaloyeros’ was -- even if it comes without the boasting.</p> <p>Grose plans to expand the scope of the state’s public-private tech partnerships to include educational institutions outside SUNY Polytechnic -- and even in other states.</p> <p>He said he will continue Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road’s focus on nanotechnology, and seek to further develop its work in photonics, tech dealing with data transfer through light waves.</p> <p>“I haven’t really focused on what’s happened in the last 10 to 12 years,” he said, alluding to the scandals. “My view going forward is to focus on core objectives and develop strong partnerships that have the right agreements that back them up.”</p> <p>
by Shant Shahrigianh, Gotham Gazette
@ShantRS @GothamGazette
</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2018/govcuomo-roswell.jpg" alt="govcuomo roswell" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky, of ESD, in Buffalo (photo via the Governor's office)</p> <hr /> <p>Alain Kaloyeros, the former head of SUNY Polytechnic Institute heading to trial this month for alleged corruption, was known for his luxury sports cars, self-aggrandizing boasts, and awkward social media posts.</p> <p>The new face of the state’s tech development projects, Doug Grose, strikes a different image: subdued, old-school business executive.</p> <p>Coming after Kaloyeros’ fall from grace and amid twin corruption trials, Grose’s appointment seems aimed at assuring taxpayers that state government is turning a new page when it comes to investing public funds in ambitious research and business ventures.</p> <p>Last month, Grose became president of the Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road management corporations -- the state entities at the center of the Kaloyeros bid-rigging and bribery case. The two nonprofits have doled out state grants and overseen projects spearheaded by Kaloyeros, who was empowered by Governor Andrew Cuomo, and will be merged to form a new organization, called NY CREATES. Grose will be president of that nonprofit body once the ongoing process is complete.</p> <p>Empire State Development, the state’s main economic development agency, partnered with SUNY to form NY CREATES -- or New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering and Science. The new organization filed its certificate of incorporation with the state last month and plans to file for 501(c)3 status, according to an ESD spokesperson. Since shortly after the indictments of Kaloyeros and other top Cuomo aides, associates, and donors, ESD was charged with overseeing the nonprofits associated with SUNY and the governor’s extensive economic development programming. It was a move announced by the governor in response to the scandals involving some of his signature projects.</p> <p>After the November 2016 indictments of Kaloyeros, former Cuomo top aide and campaign manager Joseph Percoco, and others, Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road became synonymous with corruption, leading to the effort to rebrand and reorganize.</p> <p>Fort Schuyler awarded multimillion-dollar contracts that Kaloyeros allegedly helped rig in 2013 so they went to major Cuomo campaign donors. Along with Fuller Road, which was not named in the Kaloyeros indictment, Fort Schuyler has overseen hundreds of millions of dollars in state investment in the governor’s economic development programs, namely the Buffalo Billion. Some of them have been associated with SUNY Polytechnic, an advanced science research institution founded by Kaloyeros, a physicist.</p> <p>As NY CREATES launches and seeks to attract both trust and partners, Grose is seen at ESD and elsewhere as the right person for the job. He insists NY CREATES will bring transparency to the economic development programs under its umbrella. Those range from a <a href="http://www.ftsmc.org/utica/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1.5-billion computer chip center in Utica</a> to a sprawling <a href="http://www.frmc.us/statewide-facilities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$24-billion nanotechnology complex at SUNY Polytechnic in Albany</a>.</p> <p>“How I want to run this has the elements of a business, with sound fiscal and legal controls and a focus on return on investment,” Grose told Gotham Gazette in an interview.</p> <p>Grose’s long resume includes a stint as executive vice president of NanoTech Resources in 2004. Kaloyeros, who oversaw growth in the nanotech complex at SUNY Polytechnic, was Grose’s boss at the time.</p> <p>“My leadership style is quite different,” Grose said of Kaloyeros. “It’s much more, I’ll say, business-based, and you got rewarded or you got in trouble if you didn’t provide the return on investment made.”</p> <p>Grose, 68, came out of retirement to helm NY CREATES, which he said will pay him $280,000 a year. ESD and SUNY leaders and the former president of Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road, Bob Megna, worked to draft Grose. His job will have a tighter focus than that of Kaloyeros, who made nearly $1 million per year helming all of SUNY Polytechnic.</p> <p>“I didn’t come here, honestly, for financial reasons. I came here because of an allegiance that I have to New York State,” said Grose, who was raised in the Mohawk Valley and earned multiple degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.</p> <p>He previously held numerous roles in the upstate tech industry, often overseeing public-private partnerships.</p> <p>In 1979, he began a more than 20-year-long run at IBM, where he was in charge of chip production at labs in East Fishkill and Vermont, <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/Return-to-trust-in-tech-school-12891469.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">according to the Times Union</a>. He came back to the company in 2004, helping lay the groundwork for a public-private partnership that has seen IBM establish <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/business/article/SUNY-Poly-signs-new-leases-with-IBM-Research-12711815.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a large lab</a> at SUNY Polytechnic.</p> <p>Grose is also a former CEO of GlobalFoundries, one of the biggest semiconductor makers in the world. It began receiving <a href="https://www.timesunion.com/7day-business/article/GlobalFoundries-may-be-getting-more-NYS-funding-11172783.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">state funds and tax breaks</a> in 2006, under then-Governor George Pataki.</p> <p>Empire State Development touts GlobalFoundries as a success story. The company, which runs <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmoorhead/2018/02/04/the-u-s-already-has-bleeding-edge-technology-manufacturing-with-globalfoundries-fab-8-in-malta-ny/#3c0d55a923af" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a computer chip lab called Fab 8</a> in Saratoga County, has created 3,500 jobs, according to the Albany-based Center for Economic Growth.</p> <p>Grose has kept a low profile throughout his career. That marks a strong contrast with Kaloyeros, who was was known to <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/5912-alain-kaloyeros-powerful-centerpiece-of-" target="_blank" rel="noopener">speed around Albany</a> in a Ferrari Spider. “Dr. Nano,” as his license plate said, made immature Facebook posts and was known for braggadocio, as the New York Times <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2002/07/26/nyregion/public-lives-behind-a-research-center-a-geek-with-great-cars.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pointed out</a> in 2002. After a Gotham Gazette profile in 2015, spurred by reports that SUNY Polytechnic had been subpoenaed, Kaloyeros offered, then rescinded an interview, <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5925-buffalo-billion-boss-offers-cancels-interview-claims-threat-of-jail" target="_blank" rel="noopener">citing the “threat of jail.”</a></p> <p>While Grose sought to distinguish his style from that of Kaloyeros, he also had praise for SUNY Polytechnic’s former leader.</p> <p>“He was a visionary in terms of what he wanted to create and he had big ideas,” Grose said of Kaloyeros. “Many of them came true.”</p> <p>Asked about improving transparency into Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road (and, soon, NY CREATES) projects, Grose noted steps that boards of those organizations took before he came on about a month ago.</p> <p>They voted to voluntarily conform to the state’s Freedom of Information Law in 2016 and 2017. <a href="http://nyassembly.gov/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A05854&term=2017&Summary=Y&Actions=Y" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A bill</a> ensuring that FOIL applies to agencies like Fort Schuyler has been introduced in the state Assembly, though it is currently stalled in the Governmental Operations Committee.</p> <p>Cuomo, a Democrat, appoints the head of ESD, currently Howard Zemsky. The governor in the past pushed both more funding through Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and resisted calls to increase transparency and oversight of their projects. He also appears to have a fairly tight grip over what legislation moves through the Democrat-led Assembly. A variety of accountability measures that have passed the Republican-controlled Senate are <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/7718-attention-shifts-to-assembly-hesitation-on-accountability-bills-opposed-by-cuomo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">currently stalled</a> in the Assembly.</p> <p>Recent months have seen Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road open their meetings to the public, and they have begun posting <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKb1tyhvr9_5h-rWuyvC1vQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recordings</a> of their <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIjOusMd8u2u6h1_pHbD8g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sessions</a> to YouTube.</p> <p>However, hard numbers about Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road projects remain difficult to come by. Their websites do not detail how much money the state has actually invested in their projects so far, and they don’t show proof of job growth -- the stated goal of the those investments. One bill in the accountability agenda that has not moved through the Assembly is for a “database of deals” that would catalog such spending and its results across all state economic development programming.</p> <p>Grose said NY CREATES will dispel the mystery. He said his approach is to make sure “there is no doubt about what an investment may be for and who’s involved and what the result is.” He did not provide specifics for what that will look like.</p> <p>Asked how much debt projects under Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road have accumulated, Grose said, "I can't give you a sense. I have no context where I would say I've seen it all added up." Asked whether it would be fair to say the projects were facing hundreds of millions in debt, Grose replied, "I think that's an accurate portrayal." He added, "It’s related to building facilities in Albany. It’s basically paying back loans to build Albany campus facilities."</p> <p>Cuomo has been keeping his distance from Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and is yet to comment on NY CREATES. His office did not respond to requests for comment for this article.</p> <p>Shortly after the criminal complaint against Kaloyeros became public, the governor announced that Empire State Development would assume oversight of all the projects under SUNY Polytechnic’s aegis.</p> <p>"I want the taxpayers of New York to know that every dollar is guarded and guarded professionally,” <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2016/09/23/suny-polys-ongoing-projects-move-to-esd-control.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cuomo said</a> in announcing the move in September of 2016.</p> <p>However, government watchdogs have decried that change -- and the creation of NY CREATES -- as inadequate. To groups like Reinvent Albany, Cuomo is doing too little, too late.</p> <p>“Ultimately, we would look at NY CREATES as shuffling around the deck chairs on the titanically confusing and corruption-prone apparatus that the state has created to hand out tax dollars,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, which closely tracks state economic development efforts.</p> <p>He noted that Cuomo has blocked the reform legislation that includes a bill to restore the state comptroller’s power to pre-audit state contracts over $250,000 that flow through SUNY-affiliated nonprofits -- a power that was stripped by Cuomo and the Legislature in the governor’s first year in office, 2011. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has repeatedly said it should be brought back.</p> <p>“Whatever marginal gain comes out of this is going to be so tiny as not to warrant the pixels on the press release that will come from it,” Kaehny said of NY CREATES.</p> <p>ESD argues that NY CREATES is not just a rebrand, but that it represents a new way of doing business that will be more transparent and less conducive to exploitation.</p> <p>Government watchdogs say irrespective of the bureaucracy surrounding development projects, under the status quo, Cuomo ultimately calls the shots.</p> <p>Grose said he will be answerable to the boards of Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road and, later, the board of NY CREATES; ESD is getting a say in who joins the board of the new organization, and Zemsky will serve as an “ex-officio” member. “I also report to the chancellor of SUNY as a direct boss,” Grose said.</p> <p>Grose indicated his vision is at least as ambitious as Kaloyeros’ was -- even if it comes without the boasting.</p> <p>Grose plans to expand the scope of the state’s public-private tech partnerships to include educational institutions outside SUNY Polytechnic -- and even in other states.</p> <p>He said he will continue Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road’s focus on nanotechnology, and seek to further develop its work in photonics, tech dealing with data transfer through light waves.</p> <p>“I haven’t really focused on what’s happened in the last 10 to 12 years,” he said, alluding to the scandals. “My view going forward is to focus on core objectives and develop strong partnerships that have the right agreements that back them up.”</p> <p>
</p> First Annual State Economic Development Report Falls Short, Watchdogs Say 2018-02-14T05:00:00+00:00 2018-02-14T05:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/7480-first-annual-state-economic-development-report-falls-short-watchdogs-say Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2017/30900390955_2c459ccf1a_z.jpg" alt="Zemsky economic development" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky (photo: Govenor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Starting this year, the state’s central economic development agency is required to produce an annual comprehensive report of all of the state-funded programs it oversees. The requirement of Empire State Development (ESD) was part of the state budget agreement reached last April amid intensifying criticism of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s approach to economic development.</p> <p>With the report due on December 31 of each year, ESD must compile the past fiscal year's “aggregate totals” for each economic development program administered by the agency, examining “program progress, program participation rates, economic impact, regional distribution, industry trends, and any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner," according to the 2017-2018 enacted budget.</p> <p>The inaugural report was late.</p> <p>“It will be out this week -- and that’s my fault, truthfully,” ESD president and CEO Howard Zemsky told state legislators somewhat sheepishly during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXFM8uvQwD0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the joint legislative budget hearing</a> on economic development in Albany on January 29. He added, “I think you’ll find it to be very thorough, very forthcoming, and very extensive.”</p> <p>Cuomo’s economic development czar, who is appointed by Cuomo, was queried on the report’s status by Senate Finance Chair Cathy Young, an Upstate Republican, who cited <a href="https://www.osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093017/16s40.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an audit</a> by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that found ESD failed to meet more than half of the reporting requirements for tax credit and job creation programs that were due between April 2012 and September 2016.</p> <p>“Some of them have been successful, but many of these programs have run into substantial issues, such as far lower job creation than expected…In light of these issues, ESD is often unwilling to share information with the legislature and the public on these projects,” said Young.</p> <p><a href="https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/ESD_2017_Annual_Report_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The annual report</a> was released last week, on February 5, but watchdogs and experts say it falls far short of a comprehensive analysis drawing clear connections between the state’s numerous investments and job growth, and only highlights the need for a comprehensive “database of deals.”</p> <p>Much of the 128-page document offers a photo-heavy, though thorough overview of the state’s “holistic” approach to transforming New York State, through business grants and tax incentives, as well as workforce development, Regional Economic Development Councils, downtown revitalization programs, and more. The latter third of the report provides a more data-centric breakdown of the economic impact of 1,153 projects overseen by ESD that received financial assistance in state fiscal year 2017 (April 1, 2016-March 31, 2017).</p> <p>“This report highlights all of these strategies throughout and also includes a section of detailed statistical information. Extensive additional information on thousands of economic development projects throughout the state is available on our website,” writes Zemsky in his opening message. “Our strategy is not only providing positive economic results in the short term but also planting seeds for sustainable economic prosperity over the long term.”</p> <p>The investments are broken down into four categories: tax expenditure programs -- which includes the Excelsior jobs program, the entertainment tax credit and Start-Up NY -- loans and grants, marketing and advertising, and innovation. In total, $1.8 billion was provided by ESD in support of these projects, which are expected to leverage nearly $18.6 billion in business and partner investments. According to the report, 162 projects have direct job commitments that leverage $14 billion and require the creation and retention of over 65,000 jobs in New York, for an average cost of $13,205 per job.</p> <p>Among watchdogs who reviewed the ESD report, the primary criticisms are that it lacks recipient-level data, it at times only shows “net new job commitments” instead of actual jobs created, and has inconsistent definitions for what constitutes a job.</p> <p>Recipient-level data, which shows return on investment from individual projects, is crucial for determining any program’s true cost-per-job, according to David Friedfel, director of state studies for Citizens Budget Commission (CBC).</p> <p>“Taxpayers should know if individual projects are receiving benefits under multiple programs, the total amount of state and local spending, the number of jobs promised and created, and the amount of capital expense committed and expended by the company,” said Friedfel in an email, noting that such information could be made available with the creation of an online “database of deals,” a key recommendation repeatedly <a href="https://cbcny.org/research/blueprint-economic-development-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed by CBC</a> and other fiscal watchdogs and government reform groups.</p> <p>A spokesperson for ESD pointed out the statute specifically requires the agency to provide “aggregate totals” for the programs and noted that report provides links to quarterly reports offering more granular details.</p> <p>The Excelsior jobs program issued $25.3 million in tax credits to 62 businesses, according to the report. Those business pledged to create 10,072 jobs, retain 30,279 jobs, and invest more than $2.4 billion. The total tax credits committed to these 62 businesses is $174.2 million over the life of the projects. This amounts to $4,318 in tax credits committed per job created and retained.</p> <p>The report should also show actual jobs created, not just commitments under the Excelsior jobs program, something the database of deals would document in real time, according to Friedfel, since companies often commit to creating a certain number of jobs, and then the project either fails to come to fruition, or the actual number of jobs created falls short of expectations. At times, more jobs are created than originally expected.</p> <p>“The committed jobs are just the goals, the report should have actuals,” said Friedfel. “Also, the difference between commitments and actual job creation is the reason why economic development spending should be pay-for-performance, with companies being reimbursed after job creation goals are met.”</p> <p>While much of the report’s tax credit data does a better job of presenting actual job creation numbers, critics say the figures are still misleading because the term “job” is defined differently throughout.</p> <p>In part due to the broad scope of the report, jobs for different types of economic development programs are counted using different sets of criteria. In an attempt to preempt this criticism, the report classifies jobs associated with the entertainment industry tax credit as “hires” rather than “jobs” because these are typically short-term gigs that are counted regardless of how long the employees work. The cost-per-job for these roles is considerably lower than more permanent, full-time positions produced by other programs. The state’s controversial film and television tax credit has benefited 289 projects, resulting in $2.9 billion in private investment and a cost-per-hire of $2,841.</p> <p>Another anomaly is Start-Up NY, which, due to the particulars of its tax requirements, only counts employees that are full-time and permanent for at least six months -- a threshold that should probably be applied for all job counts, some critics say. In 2016, businesses in the Start-Up NY program reported business tax benefits of $949,868 and reported their employees received $3 million in personal income tax benefits, which brings the state investment to a $3.9 million total, according to the report. The businesses also report investing over $31 million and creating a total of 1,135 new jobs, of which 722 were "net new jobs," or jobs that lasted longer than six months. The ESD report omits a cost-per-job breakdown for Start-Up NY, perhaps because the 2017 data is unavailable yet, but it notes that 67 businesses were approved in 2017, projecting the creation of 1,000 jobs and $28 million in investment. Based on 2016 jobs numbers provided, the cost was $5,470 per net new job.</p> <p>The program has been the source of significant criticism of those who point to weak job creation, including, most recently, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, who called for an end to the program <a href="https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/start-up-ny-flanagan-1.16741920" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on Tuesday</a>. (Ongoing questions about the effectiveness of Governor Cuomo’s job creation efforts also come as elements of his economic development programs are at play in twin corruption trials happening this year, where Cuomo associates and donors are accused of bid-rigging and bribery.)</p> <p>Critics argue that the same job-counting criteria should be applied across the board and question whether jobs created by companies benefiting from more than one public subsidy have been counted twice.</p> <p>"The charts and data in the report are in different formats and don't allow for apples to apples comparisons of different subsidy programs,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, a leading advocate for the database of deals. “There is no baseline data showing existing jobs or growth rates for regions. What's striking about the report is how little actual data there is that sheds light on performance by region, program or recipient."</p> <p>The report also highlights 378 projects investing in infrastructure, marketing, and capacity building, leveraging $2.2 billion in private investment.</p> <p>Many long-time critics of the state’s economic development programs are not likely to be appeased by the numbers regardless of how they are presented. E.J. McMahon, research director of the Empire Center for Public Policy, calls himself “close to atheistic ” on the field of taxpayer-funded economic development.</p> <p>“Part of the problem is distinguishing between what incentive claims to have delivered and what would have happened anyway without the incentive,” said McMahon, who frequently rails against the state’s entertainment tax credit, which disproportionately benefits economically-thriving New York City.</p> <p>The credit grants tax reimbursements of up to 30 percent for production companies that film in New York City or its suburbs. Farther upstate, the entertainment incentive grows to 40 percent. The number of entertainment ventures filmed in the city has ballooned in recent years, but naysayers note that New York City has always been a coveted filming location for the movie and television industry.</p> <p>“The people who are fans of the film credit have consistently pretended for years that no one would have been making films in New York City without the tax credit. All it proves is if you pay someone to do something, they will do it,” said McMahon.</p> <p>Getting lost in the conversation is what economists call “opportunity costs,” which is “what we didn't do because we gave you the money," according McMahon. "The true cost of filming ‘Blue Bloods’ in Queens is not that we gave them $25 million, it’s what could the State of New York have spent that $25 million on? What kind of mental health services could you have provided to people on the street for $25 million? What’s the societal value of that over having Tom Selleck walking around Queens?”</p> <p>A spokesperson for Comptroller DiNapoli’s office declined to comment on the ESD report, stating that the agency currently has an audit of ESD underway. Senator Young was unavailable for comment due to all-day budget hearings Monday and Tuesday, a spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Correction: An earlier version of this article miscalculated the cost per job for Start-Up NY. The article has been amended to reflect this correction.</em></p> <p>
by Rachel Silberstein, State government reporter, Gotham Gazette
@RachelSilby @GothamGazette
</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2017/30900390955_2c459ccf1a_z.jpg" alt="Zemsky economic development" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky (photo: Govenor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Starting this year, the state’s central economic development agency is required to produce an annual comprehensive report of all of the state-funded programs it oversees. The requirement of Empire State Development (ESD) was part of the state budget agreement reached last April amid intensifying criticism of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s approach to economic development.</p> <p>With the report due on December 31 of each year, ESD must compile the past fiscal year's “aggregate totals” for each economic development program administered by the agency, examining “program progress, program participation rates, economic impact, regional distribution, industry trends, and any other information deemed necessary by the commissioner," according to the 2017-2018 enacted budget.</p> <p>The inaugural report was late.</p> <p>“It will be out this week -- and that’s my fault, truthfully,” ESD president and CEO Howard Zemsky told state legislators somewhat sheepishly during <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXFM8uvQwD0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the joint legislative budget hearing</a> on economic development in Albany on January 29. He added, “I think you’ll find it to be very thorough, very forthcoming, and very extensive.”</p> <p>Cuomo’s economic development czar, who is appointed by Cuomo, was queried on the report’s status by Senate Finance Chair Cathy Young, an Upstate Republican, who cited <a href="https://www.osc.state.ny.us/audits/allaudits/093017/16s40.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">an audit</a> by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli that found ESD failed to meet more than half of the reporting requirements for tax credit and job creation programs that were due between April 2012 and September 2016.</p> <p>“Some of them have been successful, but many of these programs have run into substantial issues, such as far lower job creation than expected…In light of these issues, ESD is often unwilling to share information with the legislature and the public on these projects,” said Young.</p> <p><a href="https://esd.ny.gov/sites/default/files/ESD_2017_Annual_Report_0.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The annual report</a> was released last week, on February 5, but watchdogs and experts say it falls far short of a comprehensive analysis drawing clear connections between the state’s numerous investments and job growth, and only highlights the need for a comprehensive “database of deals.”</p> <p>Much of the 128-page document offers a photo-heavy, though thorough overview of the state’s “holistic” approach to transforming New York State, through business grants and tax incentives, as well as workforce development, Regional Economic Development Councils, downtown revitalization programs, and more. The latter third of the report provides a more data-centric breakdown of the economic impact of 1,153 projects overseen by ESD that received financial assistance in state fiscal year 2017 (April 1, 2016-March 31, 2017).</p> <p>“This report highlights all of these strategies throughout and also includes a section of detailed statistical information. Extensive additional information on thousands of economic development projects throughout the state is available on our website,” writes Zemsky in his opening message. “Our strategy is not only providing positive economic results in the short term but also planting seeds for sustainable economic prosperity over the long term.”</p> <p>The investments are broken down into four categories: tax expenditure programs -- which includes the Excelsior jobs program, the entertainment tax credit and Start-Up NY -- loans and grants, marketing and advertising, and innovation. In total, $1.8 billion was provided by ESD in support of these projects, which are expected to leverage nearly $18.6 billion in business and partner investments. According to the report, 162 projects have direct job commitments that leverage $14 billion and require the creation and retention of over 65,000 jobs in New York, for an average cost of $13,205 per job.</p> <p>Among watchdogs who reviewed the ESD report, the primary criticisms are that it lacks recipient-level data, it at times only shows “net new job commitments” instead of actual jobs created, and has inconsistent definitions for what constitutes a job.</p> <p>Recipient-level data, which shows return on investment from individual projects, is crucial for determining any program’s true cost-per-job, according to David Friedfel, director of state studies for Citizens Budget Commission (CBC).</p> <p>“Taxpayers should know if individual projects are receiving benefits under multiple programs, the total amount of state and local spending, the number of jobs promised and created, and the amount of capital expense committed and expended by the company,” said Friedfel in an email, noting that such information could be made available with the creation of an online “database of deals,” a key recommendation repeatedly <a href="https://cbcny.org/research/blueprint-economic-development-reform" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pushed by CBC</a> and other fiscal watchdogs and government reform groups.</p> <p>A spokesperson for ESD pointed out the statute specifically requires the agency to provide “aggregate totals” for the programs and noted that report provides links to quarterly reports offering more granular details.</p> <p>The Excelsior jobs program issued $25.3 million in tax credits to 62 businesses, according to the report. Those business pledged to create 10,072 jobs, retain 30,279 jobs, and invest more than $2.4 billion. The total tax credits committed to these 62 businesses is $174.2 million over the life of the projects. This amounts to $4,318 in tax credits committed per job created and retained.</p> <p>The report should also show actual jobs created, not just commitments under the Excelsior jobs program, something the database of deals would document in real time, according to Friedfel, since companies often commit to creating a certain number of jobs, and then the project either fails to come to fruition, or the actual number of jobs created falls short of expectations. At times, more jobs are created than originally expected.</p> <p>“The committed jobs are just the goals, the report should have actuals,” said Friedfel. “Also, the difference between commitments and actual job creation is the reason why economic development spending should be pay-for-performance, with companies being reimbursed after job creation goals are met.”</p> <p>While much of the report’s tax credit data does a better job of presenting actual job creation numbers, critics say the figures are still misleading because the term “job” is defined differently throughout.</p> <p>In part due to the broad scope of the report, jobs for different types of economic development programs are counted using different sets of criteria. In an attempt to preempt this criticism, the report classifies jobs associated with the entertainment industry tax credit as “hires” rather than “jobs” because these are typically short-term gigs that are counted regardless of how long the employees work. The cost-per-job for these roles is considerably lower than more permanent, full-time positions produced by other programs. The state’s controversial film and television tax credit has benefited 289 projects, resulting in $2.9 billion in private investment and a cost-per-hire of $2,841.</p> <p>Another anomaly is Start-Up NY, which, due to the particulars of its tax requirements, only counts employees that are full-time and permanent for at least six months -- a threshold that should probably be applied for all job counts, some critics say. In 2016, businesses in the Start-Up NY program reported business tax benefits of $949,868 and reported their employees received $3 million in personal income tax benefits, which brings the state investment to a $3.9 million total, according to the report. The businesses also report investing over $31 million and creating a total of 1,135 new jobs, of which 722 were "net new jobs," or jobs that lasted longer than six months. The ESD report omits a cost-per-job breakdown for Start-Up NY, perhaps because the 2017 data is unavailable yet, but it notes that 67 businesses were approved in 2017, projecting the creation of 1,000 jobs and $28 million in investment. Based on 2016 jobs numbers provided, the cost was $5,470 per net new job.</p> <p>The program has been the source of significant criticism of those who point to weak job creation, including, most recently, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, who called for an end to the program <a href="https://www.newsday.com/news/region-state/start-up-ny-flanagan-1.16741920" target="_blank" rel="noopener">on Tuesday</a>. (Ongoing questions about the effectiveness of Governor Cuomo’s job creation efforts also come as elements of his economic development programs are at play in twin corruption trials happening this year, where Cuomo associates and donors are accused of bid-rigging and bribery.)</p> <p>Critics argue that the same job-counting criteria should be applied across the board and question whether jobs created by companies benefiting from more than one public subsidy have been counted twice.</p> <p>"The charts and data in the report are in different formats and don't allow for apples to apples comparisons of different subsidy programs,” said John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, a leading advocate for the database of deals. “There is no baseline data showing existing jobs or growth rates for regions. What's striking about the report is how little actual data there is that sheds light on performance by region, program or recipient."</p> <p>The report also highlights 378 projects investing in infrastructure, marketing, and capacity building, leveraging $2.2 billion in private investment.</p> <p>Many long-time critics of the state’s economic development programs are not likely to be appeased by the numbers regardless of how they are presented. E.J. McMahon, research director of the Empire Center for Public Policy, calls himself “close to atheistic ” on the field of taxpayer-funded economic development.</p> <p>“Part of the problem is distinguishing between what incentive claims to have delivered and what would have happened anyway without the incentive,” said McMahon, who frequently rails against the state’s entertainment tax credit, which disproportionately benefits economically-thriving New York City.</p> <p>The credit grants tax reimbursements of up to 30 percent for production companies that film in New York City or its suburbs. Farther upstate, the entertainment incentive grows to 40 percent. The number of entertainment ventures filmed in the city has ballooned in recent years, but naysayers note that New York City has always been a coveted filming location for the movie and television industry.</p> <p>“The people who are fans of the film credit have consistently pretended for years that no one would have been making films in New York City without the tax credit. All it proves is if you pay someone to do something, they will do it,” said McMahon.</p> <p>Getting lost in the conversation is what economists call “opportunity costs,” which is “what we didn't do because we gave you the money," according McMahon. "The true cost of filming ‘Blue Bloods’ in Queens is not that we gave them $25 million, it’s what could the State of New York have spent that $25 million on? What kind of mental health services could you have provided to people on the street for $25 million? What’s the societal value of that over having Tom Selleck walking around Queens?”</p> <p>A spokesperson for Comptroller DiNapoli’s office declined to comment on the ESD report, stating that the agency currently has an audit of ESD underway. Senator Young was unavailable for comment due to all-day budget hearings Monday and Tuesday, a spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Correction: An earlier version of this article miscalculated the cost per job for Start-Up NY. The article has been amended to reflect this correction.</em></p> <p>
</p> Assembly Takes Stock of State Economic Development Programs Ahead of Next Negotiations 2017-11-14T05:00:00+00:00 2017-11-14T05:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/7321-assembly-takes-stock-of-state-economic-development-programs-ahead-of-next-negotiations Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2017/34868772685_4a41dee04d_z.jpg" alt="34868772685 4a41dee04d z" width="640" height="427" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky in Buffalo (via Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Ahead of the 2018 legislative session, the New York State Assembly’s Economic Development Committee held a hearing Monday in Albany to evaluate the progress of the state’s multitude of economic development programs and hear testimony from companies and organizations that have benefited from state grants.</p> <p>Taking center stage was Howard Zemsky, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s economic development czar as president and CEO of Empire State Development, who defended the state’s jobs programs and was grilled for nearly an hour by members of the committee. Committee members, led by chair Robin Schimminger, a Democrat from Erie County, raised concerns about the effectiveness of Buffalo’s annual 43North competition and Regional Economic Development Council grants; lower-than-expected job production; and increased regulatory burdens on small businesses.</p> <p>Cuomo has staked much of his legacy and devoted billions of state dollars to revitalizing the upstate economy. The state has infused $8 billion a year into economic projects since he took office in 2011, according to <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2017/06/07/new-york-job-programs-investigation/102323140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a Gannett Albany review</a>. But as Cuomo’s economic development programs have multiplied each year, the Legislature has failed to pass any meaningful oversight measures to ensure transparency, that beneficiaries are meeting job creation goals, or that grants and incentives are going to well-vetted recipients. While some efforts, such as those aimed at farms and breweries, have been successful, others, like Cuomo’s Start-Up New York program, have fallen short of job creation goals.</p> <p>At Monday’s hearing, Zemsky noted that upstate cities have seen a boom in tech sector jobs, which on average pay more than non-tech sector jobs, and touted a dramatic increase in venture capital investment throughout the state. The Empire State Development head said that ESD takes a “holistic” approach, pointing to the success of its downtown and waterfront revitalization efforts, which aim to attract a younger, more vibrant talent base, and investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.</p> <p>He briefly defended the Regional Economic Development Councils, which have been accused of favoritism and conflicts of interests, and touted Buffalo as a success story -- a city that has been a major focus for Gov. Cuomo and transformed from a financially depressed post-industrial town to a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship.</p> <p>“A lot of what we have done in Buffalo we have used as a template in many other parts of the state and I’m proud that we took some risks and took some chance,” said Zemsky. “Every year we improve and make adjustments.”</p> <p>Schimminger cited an article noting that three-quarters of companies that are attracted to Buffalo by the 43North program have since left the city and inquired about whether the residency requirements, currently a year, could be extended.</p> <p>“We’re only a few years into the program, but after every year the 43North board reassesses and reevaluates what went right, what didn’t go right, just like we do in government. Is it possible that we might change the regulations, that we might change the time frame? That’s under active discussion,” said Zemsky, noting that many companies retain active connections to Buffalo even after they leave.</p> <p>Zemsky’s presentation rang hollow for at least one committee member, Assemblymember Raymond Walter, a Republican from Amherst, who told Zemsky to provide hard data about the returns delivered by the state’s Buffalo investments rather than “offering platitudes.”</p> <p>“Our job here is to draw a direct connection between what we are doing with taxpayer dollars to that renaissance and I’m not convinced you can do that,” said Walter. “If we could focus on that, rather than the platitudes, that would be great.”</p> <p>Zemsky pointed Walter to ESD’s progress report, insisting the number of new firms has grown and jobs have dramatically accelerated in Buffalo, by “almost any metric,” particularly when compared to other struggling cities.</p> <p>The conversation quickly turned personal, with Zemsky, who is a Buffalo businessman, accusing the Assembly member of opposing the state’s efforts to spur Buffalo’s economy, and demanding, “Do you go to any of the REDC meetings, do you know anything that is actually going on?”</p> <p>At one point during the heated exchange about interpreting Buffalo’s jobs data, which Walter said mostly highlights low-skill jobs growth, Zemsky snapped, “You don’t know anything about the innovation economy.”</p> <p>The biggest indicator of Buffalo’s growth, Zemsky pointed to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/20/upshot/where-young-college-graduates-are-choosing-to-live.html?mtrref=gothamist.com&gwh=8F08A0901526DF9D7B923B841CCE335E&gwt=pay" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the rise</a> of the area’s millennial population over the last decade. “Turning the corner on that is the most important thing we can do,” he said.</p> <p>After Zemsky, the Assembly panel was addressed by various industry leaders and experts, who described how programs like the Start-Up New York jobs program and the Southern Tier Startup Alliance (NYSTAR) have created or retained thousands of jobs and spurred both investment and innovation.</p> <p>A representative of watchdog group ReInvent Albany then presented the positions of good government organizations, calling for the passage of a number of bills introduced in the Legislature last year, which would increase oversight of and transparency in the state’s economic development programs.</p> <p>Among the legislative fixes proposed by Reinvent Albany and others is the creation of a “database of deals,” which would digitally list every entity receiving funds from the state along with where each dollar is going; a bill to restore the powers of the state Comptroller to review procurement contracts for SUNY, CUNY, and Office of General Services; and campaign finance restrictions to curb the appearance or reality of pay-to-play politics.</p> <p>At least two bills, including the database of deals and one requiring nonprofit organizations affiliated with government entities to be subject to the freedom of information law and the open meetings law, are sponsored by Schimminger, but did not make it to the Assembly floor. Legislation related to procurement reform appeared to gain steam early this year in light of a major bid-rigging scandal that will see close associates of and donors to Cuomo on trial for corruption in 2018, but <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/6875-ramped-up-economic-development-funding-less-transparency-in-new-state-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nothing was passed</a> as the Legislature acquiesced to the governor’s objections.</p> <p>“The only thing the Legislature did do is write a check for $1.8 billion in the extender budget passed in April, a blank check granted by the Legislature to Governor Cuomo for economic development projects with no additional oversight,” said Alex Camarda, senior policy advisor for Reinvent Albany.</p> <p>Schimminger welcomed Camarda’s comments, saying that good government groups are “preaching to the choir” when they call for increased accountability and oversight.</p> <p>“Not a single one of those bills that you mentioned have been blocked by the committee, in fact, many of them -- the database of deals, the Start-Up fix -- have come out of the committee but are delayed elsewhere,” said the Assembly member, referring to the fact that the legislation had been held up in other legislative committees.</p> <p>The wisdom behind Start-Up New York, which creates tax-free zones for new businesses, local development corporations and other economic development programs is the finding that startups create significantly more jobs than companies that have matured 10 to 30 years and drive economic development. But critics say these programs <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2017/06/07/new-york-job-programs-investigation/102323140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">continue to fall short</a> of the job creation goals and many beneficiaries of these state incentives have failed to report on sufficient or any progress made through their grants.</p> <p>Despite the fact that several members of Cuomo’s circle are set to appear in court next year for their roles in the bid-rigging scandal involving the state’s Buffalo Billion program, a second round of cash investment to the project was approved in this year’s budget, with no new accountability measures.</p> <p>While Schimminger acknowledged these problems in his opening remarks, the hearing was primarily an information-gathering session, and those outstanding issues will be addressed during the next legislative session, he told Camarda. The governor will unveil his next executive budget in January, leading to months of negotiations and hearings.</p> <p>
</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2017/34868772685_4a41dee04d_z.jpg" alt="34868772685 4a41dee04d z" width="640" height="427" /></p> <p>Howard Zemsky in Buffalo (via Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Ahead of the 2018 legislative session, the New York State Assembly’s Economic Development Committee held a hearing Monday in Albany to evaluate the progress of the state’s multitude of economic development programs and hear testimony from companies and organizations that have benefited from state grants.</p> <p>Taking center stage was Howard Zemsky, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s economic development czar as president and CEO of Empire State Development, who defended the state’s jobs programs and was grilled for nearly an hour by members of the committee. Committee members, led by chair Robin Schimminger, a Democrat from Erie County, raised concerns about the effectiveness of Buffalo’s annual 43North competition and Regional Economic Development Council grants; lower-than-expected job production; and increased regulatory burdens on small businesses.</p> <p>Cuomo has staked much of his legacy and devoted billions of state dollars to revitalizing the upstate economy. The state has infused $8 billion a year into economic projects since he took office in 2011, according to <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2017/06/07/new-york-job-programs-investigation/102323140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">a Gannett Albany review</a>. But as Cuomo’s economic development programs have multiplied each year, the Legislature has failed to pass any meaningful oversight measures to ensure transparency, that beneficiaries are meeting job creation goals, or that grants and incentives are going to well-vetted recipients. While some efforts, such as those aimed at farms and breweries, have been successful, others, like Cuomo’s Start-Up New York program, have fallen short of job creation goals.</p> <p>At Monday’s hearing, Zemsky noted that upstate cities have seen a boom in tech sector jobs, which on average pay more than non-tech sector jobs, and touted a dramatic increase in venture capital investment throughout the state. The Empire State Development head said that ESD takes a “holistic” approach, pointing to the success of its downtown and waterfront revitalization efforts, which aim to attract a younger, more vibrant talent base, and investing in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.</p> <p>He briefly defended the Regional Economic Development Councils, which have been accused of favoritism and conflicts of interests, and touted Buffalo as a success story -- a city that has been a major focus for Gov. Cuomo and transformed from a financially depressed post-industrial town to a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship.</p> <p>“A lot of what we have done in Buffalo we have used as a template in many other parts of the state and I’m proud that we took some risks and took some chance,” said Zemsky. “Every year we improve and make adjustments.”</p> <p>Schimminger cited an article noting that three-quarters of companies that are attracted to Buffalo by the 43North program have since left the city and inquired about whether the residency requirements, currently a year, could be extended.</p> <p>“We’re only a few years into the program, but after every year the 43North board reassesses and reevaluates what went right, what didn’t go right, just like we do in government. Is it possible that we might change the regulations, that we might change the time frame? That’s under active discussion,” said Zemsky, noting that many companies retain active connections to Buffalo even after they leave.</p> <p>Zemsky’s presentation rang hollow for at least one committee member, Assemblymember Raymond Walter, a Republican from Amherst, who told Zemsky to provide hard data about the returns delivered by the state’s Buffalo investments rather than “offering platitudes.”</p> <p>“Our job here is to draw a direct connection between what we are doing with taxpayer dollars to that renaissance and I’m not convinced you can do that,” said Walter. “If we could focus on that, rather than the platitudes, that would be great.”</p> <p>Zemsky pointed Walter to ESD’s progress report, insisting the number of new firms has grown and jobs have dramatically accelerated in Buffalo, by “almost any metric,” particularly when compared to other struggling cities.</p> <p>The conversation quickly turned personal, with Zemsky, who is a Buffalo businessman, accusing the Assembly member of opposing the state’s efforts to spur Buffalo’s economy, and demanding, “Do you go to any of the REDC meetings, do you know anything that is actually going on?”</p> <p>At one point during the heated exchange about interpreting Buffalo’s jobs data, which Walter said mostly highlights low-skill jobs growth, Zemsky snapped, “You don’t know anything about the innovation economy.”</p> <p>The biggest indicator of Buffalo’s growth, Zemsky pointed to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/20/upshot/where-young-college-graduates-are-choosing-to-live.html?mtrref=gothamist.com&gwh=8F08A0901526DF9D7B923B841CCE335E&gwt=pay" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">the rise</a> of the area’s millennial population over the last decade. “Turning the corner on that is the most important thing we can do,” he said.</p> <p>After Zemsky, the Assembly panel was addressed by various industry leaders and experts, who described how programs like the Start-Up New York jobs program and the Southern Tier Startup Alliance (NYSTAR) have created or retained thousands of jobs and spurred both investment and innovation.</p> <p>A representative of watchdog group ReInvent Albany then presented the positions of good government organizations, calling for the passage of a number of bills introduced in the Legislature last year, which would increase oversight of and transparency in the state’s economic development programs.</p> <p>Among the legislative fixes proposed by Reinvent Albany and others is the creation of a “database of deals,” which would digitally list every entity receiving funds from the state along with where each dollar is going; a bill to restore the powers of the state Comptroller to review procurement contracts for SUNY, CUNY, and Office of General Services; and campaign finance restrictions to curb the appearance or reality of pay-to-play politics.</p> <p>At least two bills, including the database of deals and one requiring nonprofit organizations affiliated with government entities to be subject to the freedom of information law and the open meetings law, are sponsored by Schimminger, but did not make it to the Assembly floor. Legislation related to procurement reform appeared to gain steam early this year in light of a major bid-rigging scandal that will see close associates of and donors to Cuomo on trial for corruption in 2018, but <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/6875-ramped-up-economic-development-funding-less-transparency-in-new-state-budget" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">nothing was passed</a> as the Legislature acquiesced to the governor’s objections.</p> <p>“The only thing the Legislature did do is write a check for $1.8 billion in the extender budget passed in April, a blank check granted by the Legislature to Governor Cuomo for economic development projects with no additional oversight,” said Alex Camarda, senior policy advisor for Reinvent Albany.</p> <p>Schimminger welcomed Camarda’s comments, saying that good government groups are “preaching to the choir” when they call for increased accountability and oversight.</p> <p>“Not a single one of those bills that you mentioned have been blocked by the committee, in fact, many of them -- the database of deals, the Start-Up fix -- have come out of the committee but are delayed elsewhere,” said the Assembly member, referring to the fact that the legislation had been held up in other legislative committees.</p> <p>The wisdom behind Start-Up New York, which creates tax-free zones for new businesses, local development corporations and other economic development programs is the finding that startups create significantly more jobs than companies that have matured 10 to 30 years and drive economic development. But critics say these programs <a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/politics/albany/2017/06/07/new-york-job-programs-investigation/102323140/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">continue to fall short</a> of the job creation goals and many beneficiaries of these state incentives have failed to report on sufficient or any progress made through their grants.</p> <p>Despite the fact that several members of Cuomo’s circle are set to appear in court next year for their roles in the bid-rigging scandal involving the state’s Buffalo Billion program, a second round of cash investment to the project was approved in this year’s budget, with no new accountability measures.</p> <p>While Schimminger acknowledged these problems in his opening remarks, the hearing was primarily an information-gathering session, and those outstanding issues will be addressed during the next legislative session, he told Camarda. The governor will unveil his next executive budget in January, leading to months of negotiations and hearings.</p> <p>
</p> In Wake of Charges, Cuomo Promises Change, Offers Few Details 2016-09-28T04:00:00+00:00 2016-09-28T04:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/state/6553-in-wake-of-charges-cuomo-promises-change-offers-few-details Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/29878309492_c6ac23da80_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo gaggle teacher award night" width="600" height="393" /></p> <p>Gov. Cuomo (photo: Kevin P. Coughlin/Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>A day after United States Attorney Preet Bharara unveiled a myriad of corruption charges against two of his closest allies and some of his biggest donors related to their abuse of the state’s economic development programs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo traveled to Buffalo to announce he was expanding the program that sparked Bharara’s investigation.</p> <p>Cuomo publicly acknowledged the “truly disappointing” allegations and told the gathered crowd that his administration plans to learn from revelations about bid-rigging and bribery schemes. He also promised not to “miss a beat” and pledged his administration will “redouble our efforts” on economic development projects in Buffalo and Western New York.</p> <p>What exactly Cuomo has learned and what he and his administration actually plan to do about the alleged corruption - which was uncovered by reporters and watchdogs over a year ago and outlined by Bharara last week - remains largely unclear. The lack of clarity is especially stark given the amount of time the administration has had to formulate a response to problems and change protocols.</p> <p>On Friday, Cuomo announced that the Empire State Development Corporation would take over a portfolio of projects previously overseen by SUNY Polytechnic President Alain Kaloyeros, who was suspended without pay after he was charged Thursday in two separate bid-rigging investigations (one by Bharara and one by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman).</p> <p>“We are today going to take that portfolio of responsibility, those projects, transfer them all to the Empire State Development Corporation, which is run by a fellow named Howard Zemsky is his name, and he’ll take over management of that immediately,” Cuomo said on Friday.</p> <p>Asked if the governor’s announcement would end the use of nonprofits under SUNY Poly to administer economic development projects, Cuomo spokesperson Dani Lever told Gotham Gazette that “ESDC will oversee all economic development projects.”</p> <p>Cuomo said this week that Zemsky will formulate new procedures and oversight mechanisms to be unveiled in January during the governor’s State of the State Address. Cuomo is also expected to debut a new phase of the Buffalo Billion in the same speech.</p> <p>On Friday, Cuomo also cited a report from Bart Schwartz, a lawyer retained by the governor in April after it became public that Bharara had subpoenaed a number of Cuomo officials and allies as part of his Buffalo Billion probe.</p> <p>“We engaged an organization headed by a former prosecutor to review our entire procurement system. We have that report. It recommends changes to the procurement system,” Cuomo said on Friday of Schwartz’s investigation. “We accept all the changes to the procurement system and we are going to be instituting them immediately to make sure whatever can be done to protect the taxpayer dollars is going to be done.”</p> <p>However, the Cuomo administration has not made Schwartz’s report public. Cuomo announced that the “independent” investigation came to a conclusion on the same day Bharara unveiled related charges, in an apparent attempt at moving the conversation from the charges toward reforms. The governor said earlier this year that he wouldn’t have a problem releasing Schwartz’s report, but that it may not be made public depending on whether Bharara’s office approved its release.</p> <p>Bharara’s office declined to comment on whether its representatives had spoken to Schwartz or the Cuomo administration about the report.</p> <p>Schwartz’s office declined to comment on whether the report will be made public or how it will be implemented.</p> <p>The Cuomo administration failed to return requests for comment about whether the report will be made public and what kind of changes will be made to the state’s economic development programs to reduce corruption risk. Representatives for Cuomo also failed to respond to a question about whether Schwartz looked into, or continues to investigate, malfeasance in the state’s economic development programs.</p> <p>When Bharara announced the charges at a Thursday news conference, he said that his investigation is “ongoing.” Bharara said that Cuomo was not implicated in the criminal complaint, but would not comment about whether the governor is an ongoing target. On Wednesday, Cuomo told reporters that he was not interviewed by Bharara’s office and that he did not expect to testify in Percoco’s trial, if there is one.</p> <p>David Friedfel, director of state studies for the Citizens Budget Commission, said CBC welcomes the handover of state projects to Empire State Development Corp. “We certainly think the move to the ESDC is a good idea. In general we take the view that if you can’t do what you want to do with economic development through a government entity you should not be able to do it or be allowed to create a non-government entity to do it,” he said.</p> <p>While ESDC does appear to have stricter contracting rules in place than SUNY Poly and its nonprofits, in the end both are controlled by Cuomo.</p> <p>And ESDC didn’t go untouched by the recently revealed criminal charges, which were brought against nine people and showed a system lacking oversight. One of the charges against Cuomo’s close friend and former top aide Joseph Percoco is that he took a $35,000 bribe to get ESDC to select a company for a project it didn’t technically qualify for.</p> <p>Watchdogs believe the state used SUNY Poly and the nonprofits it oversees, like Fort Schuyler Management, in an end-run around standard state contracting protocols and to reduce public scrutiny, in part to fast track expensive projects. On Wednesday, Cuomo repeatedly blamed the alleged corruption on that same system, which he has done nothing to reform. He told reporters on Wednesday that the system “had worked fine for 15 years. In retrospect I did not revisit their procurement system because they’re a separate branch, they’re a separate agency,” Cuomo said, appearing to reference SUNY Poly. “We will do just that,” he promised of such a reexamination.</p> <p>Cuomo said on Friday in Buffalo that Zemsky will “learn from what happened and to see how we can improve the system to make sure that it never happens again.”</p> <p>The idea that there isn’t already a blueprint on the table on how to avoid the pitfalls connected to the administration’s use of nonprofits to administer economic development programs is laughable to many groups that have been calling for drastic changes for years and warning of corruption.</p> <p>“Right now all we have are vague, undefined reforms wrapped in secrecy,” said John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany, a group that has followed economic development projects closely. “The questions we have about the administration’s approach remain the same as the questions we had last year.”</p> <p>While Cuomo plans to wait until January to unveil his changes to the state’s economic development procurement system, a number of watchdog groups have been clear for over a year on what changes needed to occur to better prevent corruption. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has also complained that Cuomo and the Legislature stripped him of his ability to review contracts at SUNY, something watchdogs have echoed. State legislative leaders have said little about the issue.</p> <p>In a letter dated September 23, 2015, several groups, including CBC, Reinvent Albany, Citizens Union, Fiscal Policy Institute, and the New York Public Interest Research Group, called on Cuomo to increase accountability and transparency surrounding economic development projects. The groups asked Cuomo to consider “making one state agency the sole negotiator and implementer of state subsidy deals with public review and input, and ending the use of state controlled non-profit groups and the state university system in the contract award process.”</p> <p>In a letter dated December 23, 2015, some of the same groups called on the state to implement a “database of deals” to allow for greater transparency and give New Yorkers a better idea of whether businesses that receive subsidies, like SolarCity, are actually keeping their promises to the state on deliverables like jobs.</p> <p>Wall Street’s faith in SolarCity has been shaken in recent months and the company has altered the timeline for what it will produce. Meanwhile, the state paused a payment to the company this week that would allow it to purchase factory equipment it needs for its Riverbend Plant. The state has repeatedly skipped scheduled payments to SolarCity this year, <a href="http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/09/state-delays-payments-on-solarcity-factory-equipment-105776" target="_blank">as reported by Politico New York</a>.</p> <p>Friedfel said that CBC would prefer to see the state stick to economic development programs where businesses are forced to deliver on their promises before they see payment from the state. “Our view, taken apart from the criminal charges, is that economic development should be done with set metrics that are accomplished ahead of time the state makes any payments,” he said. “The state should only spend after promises are delivered on.”</p> <p>
@DavidHowardKing @GothamGazette
</p> <p>Note: Gotham Gazette is an independent publication of Citizens Union Foundation, sister organization of Citizens Union.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/29878309492_c6ac23da80_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo gaggle teacher award night" width="600" height="393" /></p> <p>Gov. Cuomo (photo: Kevin P. Coughlin/Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>A day after United States Attorney Preet Bharara unveiled a myriad of corruption charges against two of his closest allies and some of his biggest donors related to their abuse of the state’s economic development programs, Gov. Andrew Cuomo traveled to Buffalo to announce he was expanding the program that sparked Bharara’s investigation.</p> <p>Cuomo publicly acknowledged the “truly disappointing” allegations and told the gathered crowd that his administration plans to learn from revelations about bid-rigging and bribery schemes. He also promised not to “miss a beat” and pledged his administration will “redouble our efforts” on economic development projects in Buffalo and Western New York.</p> <p>What exactly Cuomo has learned and what he and his administration actually plan to do about the alleged corruption - which was uncovered by reporters and watchdogs over a year ago and outlined by Bharara last week - remains largely unclear. The lack of clarity is especially stark given the amount of time the administration has had to formulate a response to problems and change protocols.</p> <p>On Friday, Cuomo announced that the Empire State Development Corporation would take over a portfolio of projects previously overseen by SUNY Polytechnic President Alain Kaloyeros, who was suspended without pay after he was charged Thursday in two separate bid-rigging investigations (one by Bharara and one by Attorney General Eric Schneiderman).</p> <p>“We are today going to take that portfolio of responsibility, those projects, transfer them all to the Empire State Development Corporation, which is run by a fellow named Howard Zemsky is his name, and he’ll take over management of that immediately,” Cuomo said on Friday.</p> <p>Asked if the governor’s announcement would end the use of nonprofits under SUNY Poly to administer economic development projects, Cuomo spokesperson Dani Lever told Gotham Gazette that “ESDC will oversee all economic development projects.”</p> <p>Cuomo said this week that Zemsky will formulate new procedures and oversight mechanisms to be unveiled in January during the governor’s State of the State Address. Cuomo is also expected to debut a new phase of the Buffalo Billion in the same speech.</p> <p>On Friday, Cuomo also cited a report from Bart Schwartz, a lawyer retained by the governor in April after it became public that Bharara had subpoenaed a number of Cuomo officials and allies as part of his Buffalo Billion probe.</p> <p>“We engaged an organization headed by a former prosecutor to review our entire procurement system. We have that report. It recommends changes to the procurement system,” Cuomo said on Friday of Schwartz’s investigation. “We accept all the changes to the procurement system and we are going to be instituting them immediately to make sure whatever can be done to protect the taxpayer dollars is going to be done.”</p> <p>However, the Cuomo administration has not made Schwartz’s report public. Cuomo announced that the “independent” investigation came to a conclusion on the same day Bharara unveiled related charges, in an apparent attempt at moving the conversation from the charges toward reforms. The governor said earlier this year that he wouldn’t have a problem releasing Schwartz’s report, but that it may not be made public depending on whether Bharara’s office approved its release.</p> <p>Bharara’s office declined to comment on whether its representatives had spoken to Schwartz or the Cuomo administration about the report.</p> <p>Schwartz’s office declined to comment on whether the report will be made public or how it will be implemented.</p> <p>The Cuomo administration failed to return requests for comment about whether the report will be made public and what kind of changes will be made to the state’s economic development programs to reduce corruption risk. Representatives for Cuomo also failed to respond to a question about whether Schwartz looked into, or continues to investigate, malfeasance in the state’s economic development programs.</p> <p>When Bharara announced the charges at a Thursday news conference, he said that his investigation is “ongoing.” Bharara said that Cuomo was not implicated in the criminal complaint, but would not comment about whether the governor is an ongoing target. On Wednesday, Cuomo told reporters that he was not interviewed by Bharara’s office and that he did not expect to testify in Percoco’s trial, if there is one.</p> <p>David Friedfel, director of state studies for the Citizens Budget Commission, said CBC welcomes the handover of state projects to Empire State Development Corp. “We certainly think the move to the ESDC is a good idea. In general we take the view that if you can’t do what you want to do with economic development through a government entity you should not be able to do it or be allowed to create a non-government entity to do it,” he said.</p> <p>While ESDC does appear to have stricter contracting rules in place than SUNY Poly and its nonprofits, in the end both are controlled by Cuomo.</p> <p>And ESDC didn’t go untouched by the recently revealed criminal charges, which were brought against nine people and showed a system lacking oversight. One of the charges against Cuomo’s close friend and former top aide Joseph Percoco is that he took a $35,000 bribe to get ESDC to select a company for a project it didn’t technically qualify for.</p> <p>Watchdogs believe the state used SUNY Poly and the nonprofits it oversees, like Fort Schuyler Management, in an end-run around standard state contracting protocols and to reduce public scrutiny, in part to fast track expensive projects. On Wednesday, Cuomo repeatedly blamed the alleged corruption on that same system, which he has done nothing to reform. He told reporters on Wednesday that the system “had worked fine for 15 years. In retrospect I did not revisit their procurement system because they’re a separate branch, they’re a separate agency,” Cuomo said, appearing to reference SUNY Poly. “We will do just that,” he promised of such a reexamination.</p> <p>Cuomo said on Friday in Buffalo that Zemsky will “learn from what happened and to see how we can improve the system to make sure that it never happens again.”</p> <p>The idea that there isn’t already a blueprint on the table on how to avoid the pitfalls connected to the administration’s use of nonprofits to administer economic development programs is laughable to many groups that have been calling for drastic changes for years and warning of corruption.</p> <p>“Right now all we have are vague, undefined reforms wrapped in secrecy,” said John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany, a group that has followed economic development projects closely. “The questions we have about the administration’s approach remain the same as the questions we had last year.”</p> <p>While Cuomo plans to wait until January to unveil his changes to the state’s economic development procurement system, a number of watchdog groups have been clear for over a year on what changes needed to occur to better prevent corruption. Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has also complained that Cuomo and the Legislature stripped him of his ability to review contracts at SUNY, something watchdogs have echoed. State legislative leaders have said little about the issue.</p> <p>In a letter dated September 23, 2015, several groups, including CBC, Reinvent Albany, Citizens Union, Fiscal Policy Institute, and the New York Public Interest Research Group, called on Cuomo to increase accountability and transparency surrounding economic development projects. The groups asked Cuomo to consider “making one state agency the sole negotiator and implementer of state subsidy deals with public review and input, and ending the use of state controlled non-profit groups and the state university system in the contract award process.”</p> <p>In a letter dated December 23, 2015, some of the same groups called on the state to implement a “database of deals” to allow for greater transparency and give New Yorkers a better idea of whether businesses that receive subsidies, like SolarCity, are actually keeping their promises to the state on deliverables like jobs.</p> <p>Wall Street’s faith in SolarCity has been shaken in recent months and the company has altered the timeline for what it will produce. Meanwhile, the state paused a payment to the company this week that would allow it to purchase factory equipment it needs for its Riverbend Plant. The state has repeatedly skipped scheduled payments to SolarCity this year, <a href="http://www.politico.com/states/new-york/albany/story/2016/09/state-delays-payments-on-solarcity-factory-equipment-105776" target="_blank">as reported by Politico New York</a>.</p> <p>Friedfel said that CBC would prefer to see the state stick to economic development programs where businesses are forced to deliver on their promises before they see payment from the state. “Our view, taken apart from the criminal charges, is that economic development should be done with set metrics that are accomplished ahead of time the state makes any payments,” he said. “The state should only spend after promises are delivered on.”</p> <p>
</p> <p>Note: Gotham Gazette is an independent publication of Citizens Union Foundation, sister organization of Citizens Union.</p> Reevaluating New York Economic Development Programs 2016-08-10T04:00:00+00:00 2016-08-10T04:00:00+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/130-opinion/6475-reevaluating-new-york-economic-development-programs Ben Max <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/28875889095_fd243305e8_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo Geico jobs econ dev" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Gov. Cuomo at a jobs announcement (photo: Philip Kamrass, Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Over the last few weeks, several reports and legislative hearings have once again cast an unflattering light on New York’s economic development policies. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. In my 14 years serving in the State Senate, I’ve seen the names of the programs change, but the results remain the same – huge giveaways to a select group of companies that don’t live up to their job creation promises.</p> <p>On the Friday before the Independence Day holiday – a great time to dump bad news - the state released the job creation figures for Start-Up New York, Governor Cuomo’s much-touted program of tax-free zones primarily around colleges. You had to read the fine print to find the number of jobs created for the first two years of the program: 76 in 2014 and 408 in 2015 (although closer analysis revealed the actual number for 2015 was 395). This from a program for which the state has spent over $50 million, around $130,000 per job, just for advertising alone. The report also indicates about $1.1 million in tax breaks associated with the program in addition to these expensive ads.</p> <p>At an August 3 hearing, the Assembly Committee on Economic Development grilled administration officials on these unimpressive results, and also questioned why the bulk of these government funded ads were spent in the months before the 2014 election, when the governor was seeking a second term. In his testimony, E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy, a conservative policy think-tank, provided some particularly useful analysis of just how much money is being devoted to these programs, and pointed out that the problems with Start-Up are just the tip of the iceberg.</p> <p>According to McMahon:<br />“In the 2017 fiscal year, on-budget disbursements for economic development are projected to increase by $844 million—more than doubling the fiscal 2016 figure…From 2017 through 2021, the Empire State Development Corp. is expected to spend more than $6.6 billion on these and other programs, with roughly three-quarters of the money generated by backdoor borrowing…At least a half-billion more will be spent during this period on the Excelsior Jobs Program. And another $420 million a year in refundable tax credits will flow into the pockets of film and TV producers and production companies—plus $50 million a year in newly created music and video game development tax credits.”</p> <p>Coming up with a complete accounting of all programs is extremely difficult, given the lack of transparency around economic development expenditures. Other states such as Illinois and Vermont require a Unified Economic Development Budget as part of their budget process, and I have long carried legislation that would create such a budgetary requirement in New York. Many legislators and testifiers at the Assembly hearing expressed frustration at the difficulty of evaluating the effectiveness of these programs given the lack of information about real cost and job creation numbers.</p> <p>Recent <a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/index.htm" target="_blank">reports</a> from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on the Excelsior Jobs and Power for Jobs programs have highlighted similar issues. In his review of the Excelsior program administered by Empire State Development, the comptroller found a lack of documentation that many participants were even eligible. Furthermore, because of a reliance on self-reporting, for many companies it was impossible to verify job creation claims, or that the jobs created met requirements for work hours. Additionally, the comptroller found that job-creation goals for some companies were lowered after they failed to meet their targets.</p> <p>Problems with the Power for Jobs program administered by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) were even more galling. NYPA allocates power to businesses and not-for-profits that agree to retain or create jobs in New York and to make capital investments. Among other findings, the Comptroller discovered that NYPA’s method of reporting participation in the program resulted in overstating job retention and creation by almost 30,000 jobs.</p> <p>It is understandable that the governor and economic development agencies want to appear proactive in efforts to create jobs, particularly in struggling areas of the state. However, New York’s hard-working families need real jobs, not just accounting tricks. Economic development programs need to be based on facts, not wishful thinking, and must be completely transparent about their costs and results.</p> <p>The evidence continues to pour in that New York’s current policies may benefit specific recipients, but they do not amount to a coherent or cost-effective strategy for job creation in our state.</p> <p>***<br />Liz Krueger is a New York State Senator representing the East Side of Manhattan, and the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee. On Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/LizKrueger" target="_blank">@LizKrueger</a>.</p> <p>
</p> <p>Note: this column has been updated to accurately reflect the tax breaks associated with Start-Up NY, about $1.1 million, included in the report referenced.</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/graphics/2014/03/28875889095_fd243305e8_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo Geico jobs econ dev" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Gov. Cuomo at a jobs announcement (photo: Philip Kamrass, Governor's Office)</p> <hr /> <p>Over the last few weeks, several reports and legislative hearings have once again cast an unflattering light on New York’s economic development policies. Unfortunately, this is nothing new. In my 14 years serving in the State Senate, I’ve seen the names of the programs change, but the results remain the same – huge giveaways to a select group of companies that don’t live up to their job creation promises.</p> <p>On the Friday before the Independence Day holiday – a great time to dump bad news - the state released the job creation figures for Start-Up New York, Governor Cuomo’s much-touted program of tax-free zones primarily around colleges. You had to read the fine print to find the number of jobs created for the first two years of the program: 76 in 2014 and 408 in 2015 (although closer analysis revealed the actual number for 2015 was 395). This from a program for which the state has spent over $50 million, around $130,000 per job, just for advertising alone. The report also indicates about $1.1 million in tax breaks associated with the program in addition to these expensive ads.</p> <p>At an August 3 hearing, the Assembly Committee on Economic Development grilled administration officials on these unimpressive results, and also questioned why the bulk of these government funded ads were spent in the months before the 2014 election, when the governor was seeking a second term. In his testimony, E.J. McMahon of the Empire Center for Public Policy, a conservative policy think-tank, provided some particularly useful analysis of just how much money is being devoted to these programs, and pointed out that the problems with Start-Up are just the tip of the iceberg.</p> <p>According to McMahon:<br />“In the 2017 fiscal year, on-budget disbursements for economic development are projected to increase by $844 million—more than doubling the fiscal 2016 figure…From 2017 through 2021, the Empire State Development Corp. is expected to spend more than $6.6 billion on these and other programs, with roughly three-quarters of the money generated by backdoor borrowing…At least a half-billion more will be spent during this period on the Excelsior Jobs Program. And another $420 million a year in refundable tax credits will flow into the pockets of film and TV producers and production companies—plus $50 million a year in newly created music and video game development tax credits.”</p> <p>Coming up with a complete accounting of all programs is extremely difficult, given the lack of transparency around economic development expenditures. Other states such as Illinois and Vermont require a Unified Economic Development Budget as part of their budget process, and I have long carried legislation that would create such a budgetary requirement in New York. Many legislators and testifiers at the Assembly hearing expressed frustration at the difficulty of evaluating the effectiveness of these programs given the lack of information about real cost and job creation numbers.</p> <p>Recent <a href="http://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/index.htm" target="_blank">reports</a> from Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on the Excelsior Jobs and Power for Jobs programs have highlighted similar issues. In his review of the Excelsior program administered by Empire State Development, the comptroller found a lack of documentation that many participants were even eligible. Furthermore, because of a reliance on self-reporting, for many companies it was impossible to verify job creation claims, or that the jobs created met requirements for work hours. Additionally, the comptroller found that job-creation goals for some companies were lowered after they failed to meet their targets.</p> <p>Problems with the Power for Jobs program administered by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) were even more galling. NYPA allocates power to businesses and not-for-profits that agree to retain or create jobs in New York and to make capital investments. Among other findings, the Comptroller discovered that NYPA’s method of reporting participation in the program resulted in overstating job retention and creation by almost 30,000 jobs.</p> <p>It is understandable that the governor and economic development agencies want to appear proactive in efforts to create jobs, particularly in struggling areas of the state. However, New York’s hard-working families need real jobs, not just accounting tricks. Economic development programs need to be based on facts, not wishful thinking, and must be completely transparent about their costs and results.</p> <p>The evidence continues to pour in that New York’s current policies may benefit specific recipients, but they do not amount to a coherent or cost-effective strategy for job creation in our state.</p> <p>***<br />Liz Krueger is a New York State Senator representing the East Side of Manhattan, and the ranking Democratic member of the Senate Finance Committee. On Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/LizKrueger" target="_blank">@LizKrueger</a>.</p> <p>
</p> <p>Note: this column has been updated to accurately reflect the tax breaks associated with Start-Up NY, about $1.1 million, included in the report referenced.</p> Spurred by Buffalo Billion, Reformers Look to Fix State Business Subsidies 2015-10-19T00:37:47+00:00 2015-10-19T00:37:47+00:00 https://www.gothamgazette.com/government/5940-spurred-by-buffalo-billion-reformers-look-to-fix-state-business-subsidies Super User <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/20270165526_1d289da1ce_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo Buffalo thank you" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Cuomo in Buffalo (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/20270165526/in/album-72157656766450752/" target="_blank">photo</a>: Governor's Office via flickr)</p> <hr /> <p>United States Attorney Preet Bharara's attention has been drawn away from his normal stomping grounds to Buffalo, intrigued by what critics say is a shadowy network of state authorities and state-controlled non-profits handing out large business subsidies and contracts with little to no oversight.</p> <p>Watchdogs say that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, through SUNY Polytechnic head <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5912-alain-kaloyeros-powerful-centerpiece-of-buffalo-billion-could-become-household-name" target="_blank">Alain Kaloyeros</a>, is essentially rewarding campaign donors with major contracts while using state cash to win political favor in economically-depressed areas. That sense has been exacerbated by a forceful <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5925-buffalo-billion-boss-offers-cancels-interview-claims-threat-of-jail" target="_blank">push back</a> against transparency by both the Cuomo administration and Kaloyeros.</p> <p>Last legislative session the renewal of the 421-A tax break for real estate developers was the center of debate over business subsidies thanks to Bharara's indictments of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Both face corruption charges stemming from their involvement with a major donor who sought renewal of the tax break.</p> <p>But Bharara's interest in Buffalo Billion has shifted the gaze of some reformers and legislators to discretionary subsidies that are controlled by the Governor. At the heart of the U.S. Attorney's investigation appears to be requests for proposals written in a way to ensure one company, led by a major donor to the governor, would win the lucrative contract at stake.</p> <p>"We believe many of these programs are out of control," said John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany, a group that has been focused on these subsidies. Kaehny said the programs have been "generally wasteful and driven more by pay-to-play or interest in providing local pork than derived from sound public policy."</p> <p>Kaehny, a number of other reformers, and a small group of legislators want to pull back the curtain on these deals and create a system of true accountability that would show how contracts are awarded, how many jobs the contracts create, and how much state money is spent per job. Kaehny isn't exactly holding his breath, though, because he believes the current system was designed specifically to obfuscate and confuse.</p> <p>"We do not see any reasonable motivation for the convoluted governance structure created by the governor other than to avoid oversight," Kaehny told Gotham Gazette. Kaehny said Cuomo has "created a legal fiction" involving SUNY Research Foundation and the Fort Schuyler Management Corporation, which sign contracts "on behalf of" state agencies like SUNY Poly. The state funnels money for a number of programs from Empire State Development Corporation, a state-run authority that has virtually no legislative or public oversight.</p> <p>"Funding also comes from theoretically independent state authorities like NYSERDA and the Power Authority, which are told by the governor to provide money, power and land to SUNY Poly, which then gives resources away to select businesses," said Kaehny. "We believe this complexity is a deliberate effort to avoid transparency and accountability by the governor."</p> <p>Some lawmakers are in the early stages of exploring legislative changes to how the state approves business subsidies. A few of them have been motivated by an Investigative Post <a href="http://www.investigativepost.org/2015/09/30/minority-workers-get-short-shrift-at-riverbend/" target="_blank">report</a> that the Cuomo administration dropped requirements to hire workers of color in one Buffalo Billion contract from 25 to 15 percent.</p> <p>Others have been troubled by Cuomo's <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/andrew-cuomo-ge-deal-ny-taxpayers-subsidize-general-electric-critics-slam-company-2068579" target="_blank">efforts</a> to entice General Electric (GE) to move its headquarters back to the state. So far Cuomo has refused to detail what kind of incentives he has offered the company. Some legislators are concerned the company has yet to make good on its pledge to clean up the PCBs it poured into the Hudson River years ago and that its headquarters would have no economic benefit for the state.</p> <p>"We have a real problem in New York with learning from history," said Ron Deutsch of the Fiscal Policy Institute. He said that New York has given businesses like GE, IBM, and Globalfoundries major incentives only to see them cut jobs, or move overseas. "We do nothing to hold anyone accountable" in the end, he said.</p> <p>Cuomo has made it clear in conversations with the press that he sees no reason to scrutinize the Buffalo Billion program. Asked if he thought any procedures needed to be changed because of the investigation, Cuomo <a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/10/8579002/cuomo-no-reason-question-buffalo-billion-contracting" target="_blank">responded</a>: "Do you know if there was any problem? No. If you knew there was a problem, then you would fix the problem. But we don't know any problem."</p> <p>Good Jobs First, a national policy group that tracks business subsidies, actually rated New York 8th out of all 50 states on transparency for subsidy disclosures in a <a href="http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/showusthesubsidizedjobs" target="_blank">report</a> released in January of last year.</p> <p>Another <a href="http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/megadeals" target="_blank">study</a> by the group found that New York spends more on "megadeals" than any other state. Megadeals are defined as subsidy agreements with businesses that cost $75 million or more. The 2013 report by Good Jobs First found that New York had spent $11.4 billion on such deals from 1984 to 2013.</p> <p>When asked where New York's subsidy programs rank overall compared to other states, Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, replied, "Pick your metric."</p> <p>SUNY Poly issued the following statement:</p> <p>"In fact, neither SUNY Poly nor its affiliates have ever been in a position to unilaterally approve a single Buffalo project, including Buffalo project contracts or expenditures. The New York State system simply does not allow it. There are checks and balances at every step, layers of state oversight, internal and external audits, public hearings, public board meetings, and public votes."</p> <p>So what can be done to prevent both the appearance and the reality of conflicts of interest; restore transparency and confidence in the system; and make sure someone is accountable for the way billions of dollars of taxpayer money is spent? Reformers have some suggestions.</p> <p>One simple reform would be to ban businesses that win subsidies from donating large amounts to elected officials. The state need only look to New York City to see an effective model. In 2007, then City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mayor Michael Bloomberg <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/economy/3585-what-the-campaign-finance-bill-would-do--and-not-do" target="_blank">reached a campaign financing deal</a> that drastically reduced the amount any government contractor or group with business before the city can give to any campaign.</p> <p>"Even the appearance of conflict of interest is a problem," said Deutsch, of the Fiscal Policy Institute.</p> <p>Another piece of the puzzle could be eliminating the LLC loophole so that businesses cannot create multiple fronts to pour cash into the campaign coffers of state electeds.</p> <p>To enhance transparency, advocates say the convoluted route by which money goes from the state to businesses needs to be simplified.</p> <p>Kaehny said he wants to see the Empire State Development Corporation become a one-stop shop for business subsidies. Preventing state-controlled non-profits from distributing state funds would theoretically increase transparency by streamlining the decision-making process.</p> <p>Both the Comptroller and Attorney General do have some oversight capabilities, but the Comptroller had some authority <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/DiNapoli-We-used-to-have-more-oversight-over-6554885.php" target="_blank">stripped away</a> in 2011 by a bill that limited the office's ability to audit SUNY and CUNY as well as its hospitals and construction funds. Fort Schuyler and SUNY Poly have led the distribution of Buffalo Billion funds.</p> <p>DiNapoli noted the situation during a <a href="http://www.wcny.org/oct-6-2015-comptroller-dinapoli-save-burden-lake-dr-clifton-wharton-jonathan-gradess/" target="_blank">recent appearance</a> on WCNY's Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter. "Our authority in some of these areas was curtailed a few years ago," DiNapoli said. "We complained about that at the time."</p> <p>Kaehny said he wants to see the Comptroller and the Attorney General push publically on the issue of transparency. It isn't totally obvious how hard the Comptroller has been pushing for this information or not. If we had a right-wing Republican in the office I'm fairly sure we would see someone pushing relentlessly and using their bully pulpit when they weren't given the answers," Kaehny said, referring to the fact that all of the statewide offices are controlled by Democrats.</p> <p>"The Comptroller could speak up clearly and directly and say: 'Here is what we don't know. Here are the dark spots. Here is where we see these structures created to defeat transparency,'" Kaehny said.</p> <p>Still, many calling for change would like the Comptroller's office to have complete oversight over all subsidy deals.</p> <p>One final, and perhaps farfetched possibility would be creating a State Independent Budget Office in the model of New York City's that would actually weigh the risks and possible rewards of highly nuanced tech and other business deals so that legislators and the public would understand where state money may be going. Deutsch said that someone needs to start asking a basic question: "How much is a job worth?"</p> <p>The Cuomo administration has repeatedly <a href="http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2015/09/hochul-probe-wont-stifle-buffalo-billion-jobs/" target="_blank">stated</a> that the Buffalo Billion will create 14,000 reliable jobs and attract $8 billion in investment as a result of the roughly $1 billion state expenditure.</p> <p>It seems unlikely any of the reforms being discussed to the subsidy process will pick up steam in an election year, especially as Albany waits to see if Bharara's investigation leads to criminal charges.</p> <p>"There are simple solutions," said Kaehny, "but they are very hard to get done because there is no will."</p> <p>***<br />by David King, Albany editor, Gotham Gazette<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/DavidHowardKing" target="_blank">@DavidHowardKing</a></p> <p>Note: this article has been updated with a clarification from John Kaehny that Reinvent Albany beieves "many," not "most," of the subsidy programs are "out of control"</p> <p><img src="https://www.gothamgazette.com/images/20270165526_1d289da1ce_z.jpg" alt="Cuomo Buffalo thank you" width="600" height="400" /></p> <p>Cuomo in Buffalo (<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/governorandrewcuomo/20270165526/in/album-72157656766450752/" target="_blank">photo</a>: Governor's Office via flickr)</p> <hr /> <p>United States Attorney Preet Bharara's attention has been drawn away from his normal stomping grounds to Buffalo, intrigued by what critics say is a shadowy network of state authorities and state-controlled non-profits handing out large business subsidies and contracts with little to no oversight.</p> <p>Watchdogs say that Gov. Andrew Cuomo, through SUNY Polytechnic head <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5912-alain-kaloyeros-powerful-centerpiece-of-buffalo-billion-could-become-household-name" target="_blank">Alain Kaloyeros</a>, is essentially rewarding campaign donors with major contracts while using state cash to win political favor in economically-depressed areas. That sense has been exacerbated by a forceful <a href="https://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/government/5925-buffalo-billion-boss-offers-cancels-interview-claims-threat-of-jail" target="_blank">push back</a> against transparency by both the Cuomo administration and Kaloyeros.</p> <p>Last legislative session the renewal of the 421-A tax break for real estate developers was the center of debate over business subsidies thanks to Bharara's indictments of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos. Both face corruption charges stemming from their involvement with a major donor who sought renewal of the tax break.</p> <p>But Bharara's interest in Buffalo Billion has shifted the gaze of some reformers and legislators to discretionary subsidies that are controlled by the Governor. At the heart of the U.S. Attorney's investigation appears to be requests for proposals written in a way to ensure one company, led by a major donor to the governor, would win the lucrative contract at stake.</p> <p>"We believe many of these programs are out of control," said John Kaehny of Reinvent Albany, a group that has been focused on these subsidies. Kaehny said the programs have been "generally wasteful and driven more by pay-to-play or interest in providing local pork than derived from sound public policy."</p> <p>Kaehny, a number of other reformers, and a small group of legislators want to pull back the curtain on these deals and create a system of true accountability that would show how contracts are awarded, how many jobs the contracts create, and how much state money is spent per job. Kaehny isn't exactly holding his breath, though, because he believes the current system was designed specifically to obfuscate and confuse.</p> <p>"We do not see any reasonable motivation for the convoluted governance structure created by the governor other than to avoid oversight," Kaehny told Gotham Gazette. Kaehny said Cuomo has "created a legal fiction" involving SUNY Research Foundation and the Fort Schuyler Management Corporation, which sign contracts "on behalf of" state agencies like SUNY Poly. The state funnels money for a number of programs from Empire State Development Corporation, a state-run authority that has virtually no legislative or public oversight.</p> <p>"Funding also comes from theoretically independent state authorities like NYSERDA and the Power Authority, which are told by the governor to provide money, power and land to SUNY Poly, which then gives resources away to select businesses," said Kaehny. "We believe this complexity is a deliberate effort to avoid transparency and accountability by the governor."</p> <p>Some lawmakers are in the early stages of exploring legislative changes to how the state approves business subsidies. A few of them have been motivated by an Investigative Post <a href="http://www.investigativepost.org/2015/09/30/minority-workers-get-short-shrift-at-riverbend/" target="_blank">report</a> that the Cuomo administration dropped requirements to hire workers of color in one Buffalo Billion contract from 25 to 15 percent.</p> <p>Others have been troubled by Cuomo's <a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/andrew-cuomo-ge-deal-ny-taxpayers-subsidize-general-electric-critics-slam-company-2068579" target="_blank">efforts</a> to entice General Electric (GE) to move its headquarters back to the state. So far Cuomo has refused to detail what kind of incentives he has offered the company. Some legislators are concerned the company has yet to make good on its pledge to clean up the PCBs it poured into the Hudson River years ago and that its headquarters would have no economic benefit for the state.</p> <p>"We have a real problem in New York with learning from history," said Ron Deutsch of the Fiscal Policy Institute. He said that New York has given businesses like GE, IBM, and Globalfoundries major incentives only to see them cut jobs, or move overseas. "We do nothing to hold anyone accountable" in the end, he said.</p> <p>Cuomo has made it clear in conversations with the press that he sees no reason to scrutinize the Buffalo Billion program. Asked if he thought any procedures needed to be changed because of the investigation, Cuomo <a href="http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/albany/2015/10/8579002/cuomo-no-reason-question-buffalo-billion-contracting" target="_blank">responded</a>: "Do you know if there was any problem? No. If you knew there was a problem, then you would fix the problem. But we don't know any problem."</p> <p>Good Jobs First, a national policy group that tracks business subsidies, actually rated New York 8th out of all 50 states on transparency for subsidy disclosures in a <a href="http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/showusthesubsidizedjobs" target="_blank">report</a> released in January of last year.</p> <p>Another <a href="http://www.goodjobsfirst.org/megadeals" target="_blank">study</a> by the group found that New York spends more on "megadeals" than any other state. Megadeals are defined as subsidy agreements with businesses that cost $75 million or more. The 2013 report by Good Jobs First found that New York had spent $11.4 billion on such deals from 1984 to 2013.</p> <p>When asked where New York's subsidy programs rank overall compared to other states, Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, replied, "Pick your metric."</p> <p>SUNY Poly issued the following statement:</p> <p>"In fact, neither SUNY Poly nor its affiliates have ever been in a position to unilaterally approve a single Buffalo project, including Buffalo project contracts or expenditures. The New York State system simply does not allow it. There are checks and balances at every step, layers of state oversight, internal and external audits, public hearings, public board meetings, and public votes."</p> <p>So what can be done to prevent both the appearance and the reality of conflicts of interest; restore transparency and confidence in the system; and make sure someone is accountable for the way billions of dollars of taxpayer money is spent? Reformers have some suggestions.</p> <p>One simple reform would be to ban businesses that win subsidies from donating large amounts to elected officials. The state need only look to New York City to see an effective model. In 2007, then City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and Mayor Michael Bloomberg <a href="http://www.gothamgazette.com/index.php/economy/3585-what-the-campaign-finance-bill-would-do--and-not-do" target="_blank">reached a campaign financing deal</a> that drastically reduced the amount any government contractor or group with business before the city can give to any campaign.</p> <p>"Even the appearance of conflict of interest is a problem," said Deutsch, of the Fiscal Policy Institute.</p> <p>Another piece of the puzzle could be eliminating the LLC loophole so that businesses cannot create multiple fronts to pour cash into the campaign coffers of state electeds.</p> <p>To enhance transparency, advocates say the convoluted route by which money goes from the state to businesses needs to be simplified.</p> <p>Kaehny said he wants to see the Empire State Development Corporation become a one-stop shop for business subsidies. Preventing state-controlled non-profits from distributing state funds would theoretically increase transparency by streamlining the decision-making process.</p> <p>Both the Comptroller and Attorney General do have some oversight capabilities, but the Comptroller had some authority <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/DiNapoli-We-used-to-have-more-oversight-over-6554885.php" target="_blank">stripped away</a> in 2011 by a bill that limited the office's ability to audit SUNY and CUNY as well as its hospitals and construction funds. Fort Schuyler and SUNY Poly have led the distribution of Buffalo Billion funds.</p> <p>DiNapoli noted the situation during a <a href="http://www.wcny.org/oct-6-2015-comptroller-dinapoli-save-burden-lake-dr-clifton-wharton-jonathan-gradess/" target="_blank">recent appearance</a> on WCNY's Capitol Pressroom with Susan Arbetter. "Our authority in some of these areas was curtailed a few years ago," DiNapoli said. "We complained about that at the time."</p> <p>Kaehny said he wants to see the Comptroller and the Attorney General push publically on the issue of transparency. It isn't totally obvious how hard the Comptroller has been pushing for this information or not. If we had a right-wing Republican in the office I'm fairly sure we would see someone pushing relentlessly and using their bully pulpit when they weren't given the answers," Kaehny said, referring to the fact that all of the statewide offices are controlled by Democrats.</p> <p>"The Comptroller could speak up clearly and directly and say: 'Here is what we don't know. Here are the dark spots. Here is where we see these structures created to defeat transparency,'" Kaehny said.</p> <p>Still, many calling for change would like the Comptroller's office to have complete oversight over all subsidy deals.</p> <p>One final, and perhaps farfetched possibility would be creating a State Independent Budget Office in the model of New York City's that would actually weigh the risks and possible rewards of highly nuanced tech and other business deals so that legislators and the public would understand where state money may be going. Deutsch said that someone needs to start asking a basic question: "How much is a job worth?"</p> <p>The Cuomo administration has repeatedly <a href="http://www.nystateofpolitics.com/2015/09/hochul-probe-wont-stifle-buffalo-billion-jobs/" target="_blank">stated</a> that the Buffalo Billion will create 14,000 reliable jobs and attract $8 billion in investment as a result of the roughly $1 billion state expenditure.</p> <p>It seems unlikely any of the reforms being discussed to the subsidy process will pick up steam in an election year, especially as Albany waits to see if Bharara's investigation leads to criminal charges.</p> <p>"There are simple solutions," said Kaehny, "but they are very hard to get done because there is no will."</p> <p>***<br />by David King, Albany editor, Gotham Gazette<br /><a href="https://twitter.com/DavidHowardKing" target="_blank">@DavidHowardKing</a></p> <p>Note: this article has been updated with a clarification from John Kaehny that Reinvent Albany beieves "many," not "most," of the subsidy programs are "out of control"</p>
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Web interface for uploading results
GradientOne has two types of result entries:
Result entries typically come from contain time-series plottable data in a channels object, as well as individual pieces of metadata, such as the instrument type, config values and timebase range:
"info": {
"instrument_type": "RigolDS1054Z",
"channels": [
"name": "chan1",
"start_time": 0,
"trigger_level": 1.52,
"offset": 0.48,
"time_step": 4e-07,
"y_values": [
0.0438,
"coupling": "dc"
"config_excerpt": {
"timebase": {
"position": 0
"enabled_list": [
"chan1",
"chan2"
"range": 8,
"input_impedance": 1000000,
"trigger_edge_slope": "positive",
"trigger": {
"source": "chan1",
"type": "edge",
"coupling": "dc",
"level": 1.52
"acquisition": {
"record_length": 6000,
"start_time": -0.0012,
"time_per_record": 0.0024,
"number_of_averages": 2
"timebase_scale": 0.0002,
"h_divs": 12,
"slice_length": 6000,
"timebase_range": 0.0024,
"num_of_slices": 1
"num_of_slices": 1,
"date_created": "2017-12-15T17:50:36.042800Z",
Meta Result entries are generated by running a Meta Analysis. Metadata will be compiled into a dataframe object, where metadata are grouped into lists:
"dataframe": {
"instrument_type": [
"RigolDS1054Z",
"slice_length": [
"date_created": [
"2017-12-15T17:50:36.042800Z",
With the Result entities, you can visualize and perform measurements in the timeseries data, such as looking forpatterns in data, measuring rise/fall times, and pass/fail criteria.
With the Meta Results entries, you can look for explanations as to how the presence of these patterns, or the rise/fall times, or the configuration information affects whether the result passed or failed by some other criteria. For example, it might be that the presence of a peak at a specific location in the timeseries is correlated with failure, or that failed results are more likely to come from a specific test rig.
In addition to collecting data from GradientOne-integrated testrigs, you can upload data through the GradientOne web interface. To access it, go to /uploads. We support data in JSON, xls, xlsx and csv format. In JSON, the data must be either in the info/channels format, either as a single object or in an array of multiple objects.
After adding a supported file, the page will attempt to interpret the data:
By default, the file will be iterpreted as being a table where every row is a the metadata of a single entry. In this example, Result 1 will be uploaded as:
"Average Cell Current (mA)": 4.8,
"Average Cell Gain (dB)": 3.1,
"Result": "Pass",
"Max Cell Temperature (C)": 0.2,
"Average Cell Temperature (C)": 1.6
If you instead select Rows are channels of a single result, the data will be uploaded as a single result, where Channel 1 is row 1:
"name": 0,
If you instead select Rows are single channels of multiple results, the data will be uploaded as multiple results, where Result 1 is row 1:
Result 2 will be:
If you select any of the Columns options, the columns will be painted the same instead of the rows:
If you select Columns are result metadata entries, Result 1 will be:
0: 1.4,
2: 1,3,
If you select Columns are channels of a single result, only one result will be created:
{"name": "Number",
"y_values": [0, 1, 2, ...]},
{"name": "Average Cell Temperature",
"y_values": [1.4, 1.4, 1.3, ...]},
If you select Columns are the single channels of multiple results, then Result 1 will be:
and Result 2 will be:
"y_values": [1.4, 1.4, 1.3, ...]}
Make sure that you add a config name so that you can find your uploaded results later. Click Submit when ready. After uploading, links to the generated results will appear in the Link column.
Measuring the Effect of Factors with Principal Component Analysis
Principal Component Analysis is a way of determining how important different factors are on a dependent variable, and whether they are positively or negatively correlated. This article will explain how to do PCA on GradientOne's platform and go through interpreting the results.
A manufacturer of LED TVs wants to investigate the causes of pixel failure in their TVs. If there are no dead pixels in a screen, the screen is tagged as a Pass. If a single pixel on a screen is dead, it is tagged as a Warning, because most people won't notice a single dead pixel. If more than one pixel on the screen is dead, it is tagged as a Fail.
During the testing phase, the gain (meaning how much current is produced for the incident light intensity), current, and the temperature for each pixel is measured. These results were generated by running a configuration called "pixel". The average gain, average current, average temperature and max temperature are stored in the metadata section of each result:
There are multiple factors here (Average Cell Current, Gain, Temperature) that lead to a single result (Pass/Fail/Warn). Some or all of these factors may contribute with different strengths, and some might be negatively correlated with the result, i.e., maybe a high max temperature but low average temperature lead to failures. A pretty good first guess would be to say that all factors contribute equally, i.e.:
Result = Average Cell Current + Average Cell Gain + Max Cell Temperature + Average Cell Temperature
If we were draw the histogram of this calculated "Result", it would look like this:
The X coordinate here is our sum result, and the y coordinate is the number of results with that sum. This histogram shows that our first guess was okay - the Passes are lumped to the left and the Failures to the right. There is some underlying signal in our data, but it would be hard to draw a dividing line between where the warnings end and the failures begin. Principal Component Analysis allows us to optimize the coefficients on the factors in the equation above such that we can easily separate the three results. Generating the same histogram for our PCA-optimized equation results in:
In this histogram, there is less overlap between Pass, Fail and Warn, and the Pass results are even further from the Fail results. PCA will generate as many of these equations as it has factors. Instead of histograms, GradientOne chooses to present PCA results as a scatterplot of the first component vs the second so that we can take advantage of two dimensions to show even further separation between clusters.
To run PCA, click on Principal Component Analysis on the Analysis page.
On the modal, enter pixel in the Select Data box, and wait for the modal to show showing results for "pixel". Then click on Select All:
You will need to provide additional input: the dependent variable. In this case, the dependent variable is the pass/fail Result:
Then scroll all the way down the modal to the run button. The gears will turn as the metadata is compiled, and a link to the meta result will appear after the command is complete:
Principal Component Analysis generates a list of transforming equations that attempt to explain the spread of values in a set. PCA will generate as many component equations as there are input factors. In this case, there are 4 factors (Current, Gain, Max Temperature and Average Temperature), so four equations (pca1 through pca4) are generated. Equations are sorted by how much of the spread they explain. The amount of spread explained is posted below the plot:
The largest factor in pca1 is the Average Cell Temperature, at 0.864. The next largest factors are about equal: Max Cell Temperature and Average Cell Current. The factor on Average Cell Gain is small and negative. A reasonable interpretation is then that the Average Cell Temperature can explain most of the warnings an failures, that Average Cell Current and Max Cell Temperature also have some explanatory power, and that Average Cell Gain is not important. The chart above the equations shows the data with the plotting axes transformed to pca1 and pca2:
The important things to note are that:
the data is roughly vertically aligned (there is no tilt upwards or downwards in the data) meaning that there is no other factor that hasn't been accounted for pca1 or pca2
you could imagine drawing two vertical lines that would nicely partition the passes from the warnings and failures, meaning that pca1 is able to explain most of the differences between passes, warnings and failures.
failures are on the positive side of the graph, meaning that larger Average Cell Temperatures result in failures.
Investigating Failures with Categorical Metadata
GradientOne provides several tools for performing meta-analyses of results. As devices become increasingly complex, the point or points of failure can be harder to identify. Incorporating data mining techniques such as machine learning or exploration into the process of brining new products to market can help at multiple stages in the pipeline. It can help in the research and development phase by predicting the possible avenues of implementation most likely to be fruitful. It can help in the manufacturing stage by identifying faulty equipment before the final steps in the process, thus saving operation costs and time, and it can help in the market stage by identifying devices that need to be recalled or patched before failures are reported. This first post will go over how to visualize and explore categorical data with this hypothetical example.
A robotics company wants to investigate the cause of failures. They have iterated the design of their robots over the years, such that although each robot is running the same software and has the same chassis, the components may have changed. For example, some robots have Nylon Supportsinstead of aluminum ones, some robots have a Copper Heatsink on the CPU, some robots have Mecanum Wheels instead of regular ones, and some robots have Lithium Batteries instead of Ni-Cad batteries. The robotics company has a record of all of the components that went into each of their robots, and uploads each part manifest as a result, where a 0 means that that part is not in the robot, and 1 means that part is in the robot:
"Nylon Supports": 1,
"Copper Heatsink": 0,
"Lithium Battery": 0,
"Mecanum Wheels": 1
Since this data is categorical, and not numerical, looking at the scatterplots does not yield useful results:
Instead, the Decision Tree meta analysis is the best tool for categorical data. Since the Decision Tree analysis is a supervised learning analysis, whereas the Scatterplot Matrix was an unsupervised learning analysis, the test engineer will need to provide additional input: the dependent variable. In this case, the dependent variable is the pass/fail Result:
View Results takes you to the Decision Tree. Two trees are generated: the Optimal Tree, that separates the most passes from failures using the fewest decision points:
From this tree, we can see that the combination of Mecanum wheels and a copper heatsink or a lithium battery results will likely result in a failure, and that the combination of regular wheels, alumnium supports, and a copper heatsink also leads to failures. Scrolling down to the partition plot, we can see that this tree has a good partition of passes and failures: there are relatively few passes in a section with a lot of failures, and vice-versa:
The other tree, which can be seen by changing the value in the value in the dropdown. The Symmetric Tree expands all the parameters in the same order. This can be used for data exploration:
The partition plot for the symmetric graph has more partitions than the optimal tree, but still has a good separation between the passes and failures. From this graph, we can see that the mecanum wheels are the primary cause of failures, though it's harder to tell how the other components contribute:
Investigating Failures with Numerical Metadata
GradientOne provides several tools for performing meta-analyses of results. As devices become increasingly complex, the point or points of failure can be harder to identify. Incorporating data mining techniques such as machine learning or exploration into the process of brining new products to market can help at multiple stages in the pipeline. It can help in the research and development phase by predicting the possible avenues of implementation most likely to be fruitful. It can help in the manufacturing stage by identifying faulty equipment before the final steps in the process, thus saving operation costs and time, and it can help in the market stage by identifying devices that need to be recalled or patched before failures are reported. This first post will go over how to visualize and explore numerical data with this hypothetical example.
Since this data is numerical, the first thing a test engineer can do to investigate the cause of failures is to look at the scatterplots. On the Analysis page, the test engineer would click the checkbox next to Scatterplot Matrix, under Meta Analysis Suites and then on Run Selected
On the modal, enter pixel in the Select Data box, and wait for the modal to show showing results for "pixel". Then click on Select All
Then scroll all the way down the modal to the run button:
The gears will turn as the metadata is compiled, and a link to the meta result will appear after the command is complete:
The View Results link will take you to the scatterplot. The factors that appear on the x and y axis can be changed using the drop-downs to the right of the chart:
By selecting the gain and current values as axes, we can see a cluster of passes around the high-gain low-current corner of the plot, but no clear cluster distinction between the warnings and failures:
However, when the axes are changed to average an max temperature, all three clusters become apparent:
From this, the test engineer can conclude that although there are correlations between gain, current, and passing screens, the real cause is likely to be the temperature.
CAN Logger
GradientOne provides a CAN packet sniffer, like wireshark or Copley's CANView. The CAN logger can capture all CAN frames that are written and read to the CAN interface connected to an attached interface. It can pick up frames generated by a configuration run, but the frames will only be available after the configuration has finished. The gateway client must first be in a "Ready" state before the logger can be started. This allows you to understand what is being done by the GradientOne movement configuration, or keep a record of all frames collected.
Go to /canlogs, and click on the Start button. The button will disappear while the web interface instructs the gateway client to start sending frames:
The Start button may become available before or after new frames appear in the table, depending on what commands are also in the queue. After clicking the Start button, it will remain on until the Stop button is clicked. Stop and Clear also behave like Start: they send commands to the gateway client. Once Start is pressed, you should start seeing the frames sent by the status checker. If there are no commands in the queue, the status checker will run approximately once per minute. The status checker turns on heartbeats for each node and then queries the registers via an SDO, so you will see heartbeats and SDO responses in the incoming frames:
You can use the "Filter to:" selection dropbox to view only SDO responses:
Or, you can filter out frames generated by the status checker by clicking on Exclude Status Frames:
In another window, you can run frames in the editor, such as initiating an SDO read of the motor's position:
After the editor config completes, these frames will show up in the CAN logger:
Logs can either be Downloaded as an CSV, or saved on the GradientOne instance by clicking on Save. In both cases, the log will only be the frames that are on the screen. The Logs will be saved as the unix timestamp of when the logs were saved:
Once a log is loaded, you can share it with others who have access to the GradientOne instance by copying and pasting the URL.
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Le Courrier de Russie
News Augmentation du commerce illégal d’alcool sur internet
Security Affairs
News Market volume of illegal online sales of alcohol exceeded 30 million USD in 2018 in Russia
Press Releases Group-IB and TAG.Global to fight IP violations in the Arab Region
Press Releases Group-IB: market volume of illegal online sales of alcohol exceeded 30 million USD in 2018 in Russia
News The online market for counterfeit goods in Russia has reached $1,5 billion
News Piracy is Booming in Russia, With Help From Online Casinos
News One of the most popular global cartoons gets Group-IB Brand Protection
Press Releases Group-IB endorses “Warsaw Declaration” aimed at fighting online piracy
Press Releases Beware Black Friday & Cyber Monday shoppers: fake products, credit cards scams and other types of fraud
Press Releases Group-IB Protects Lightcash Project “golden ICO”
Press Releases Group-IB Will Ensure The Cybersecurity of The Abyss — The World’s First DAICO
Press Releases Group-IB: 2018 FIFA World Cup Fans Should be Remain Astute to Online FIFA Scams
Press Releases Mixed Martial Arts in the ring and online: Group-IB partners up with Fight Nights Global
Group-IB is one of the leading providers of solutions aimed at detection and prevention of cyberattacks, online fraud, and IP protection. Group-IB Threat Intelligence system was named one of the best in class by Gartner, Forrester, and IDC.
Group-IB’s technological leadership is built on company’s 15 years of experience in cybercrime investigations all over the world and 55 000 hours of incident response accumulated in the largest forensic laboratory in Eastern Europe and a 24/7 CERT-GIB.
Group-IB is a partner of INTERPOL, Europol, and a cybersecurity solutions provider, recommended by SWIFT and OSCE. Group-IB is a member of the World Economic Forum.
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2018 IAAPA Annual Report
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Dear IAAPA Members,
It is with great pride that I write this introduction to IAAPA’s 2018 Annual Report.
I am proud of all of the achievements you will read about in this report, and I am proud of being part of the team of IAAPA volunteers and staff that made all this happen.
2018 was a year of celebration. We honored IAAPA’s centennial with events around the world. We launched a completely new brand identity. And, we broke ground for IAAPA’s global headquarters in Orlando.
But 2018 was also a year of change. With the move to Orlando many new team members were brought on board. IAAPA looked for—and found—a new CEO. And, a new strategic plan was developed—a plan that is both ambitious and unlike previous plans, setting the direction for the association’s next centennial.
Despite this continuous and fundamental change, 2018 was indeed a record-breaking year. For the first time, IAAPA exceeded 6,000 global members, and the three expos around the world were larger and better attended than ever before.
We owe the success of IAAPA to all the volunteers committing time to guiding the association forward. We also owe it to the more than 70 global IAAPA team members, representing 13 countries, while working from seven locations around the world.
We as IAAPA members, IAAPA volunteers, and the IAAPA team should be very proud of all we have accomplished in this year of celebration and change. I am very optimistic about what we can all accomplish together in the future.
Andreas Veilstrup Andersen
CEO & President, Liseberg Group
2018 IAAPA Chairman of the Board
CELEBRATE THE PAST
IAAPA proudly reached its centennial in 2018—a milestone shared by members around the globe. The celebration kicked off at IAAPA Attractions Expo in November 2017 and continued with toasts and cake cuttings at IAAPA FEC Summit 2018 and IAAPA Leadership Conference 2018. Throughout the year, IAAPA also inducted a record 18 new members into the IAAPA Hall of Fame at Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA Attractions Expo.
IAAPA traced the history of the association in a special dedicated issue of Funworld and on the centennial website (IAAPA. org/IAAPA100). The site featured the launch of the IAAPA Oral History Project—a collection of more than 30 video interviews with attractions pioneers sharing the stories that shaped the industry. Members were also able to share in the celebration with a dedicated toolkit filled with resources for spreading the message of the anniversary.
The festivities wrapped up at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 in Orlando, Florida, with celebrations throughout the week and much fanfare.
BUILD THE FUTURE: IAAPA LOOKS AHEAD OT THE NEXT 100 YEARS
As IAAPA concluded our worldwide 100-year anniversary celebration, we demonstrated our readiness to support the global attractions industry well into the next 100 years by launching a refreshed strategic plan, revealing a new logo and brand identity system, and introducing changes to IAAPA leadership and operations.
The IAAPA Strategic Plan has had a three-year focus in the past. In 2018, we expanded that range to look five years into the future. Fueled by the purpose of bringing the global attractions family together, the plan’s framework centers on the vision of a diverse and dynamic association with a global reach and impact.
Through the five-year strategic plan, IAAPA will promote safe and secure facility operations without compromises; represent and improve the people and companies in our industry; advocate on behalf of our industry with the highest integrity and ethical standards; create a robust digital strategy, including all platforms, systems, and touch points; continue the globalization of the association, based on a “think global, act local” philosophy; groom the next generation of industry professionals and globalize the IAAPA Foundation; update the association’s governance structure to reflect a new and global IAAPA; secure a solid financial framework to meet new challenges and changing market conditions; and implement a new strategic and business planning framework.
A NEW BRAND
Through a three-year project involving surveys, interviews, and extensive research, we came to better understand how members view IAAPA and what services and resources they need and want from the association. IAAPA members shared they value the vast diversity found within our industry and view IAAPA as the source to make lasting connections that provide inspiration.
The resulting new logo includes a wide, bright color palette representing the diversity of professionals and companies that make up the global attractions industry. The burst in the middle conveys the inspiration that occurs when individuals come together. The strong, solid IAAPA letters reflect the strength of the industry while their flares signify forward movement.
IAAPA’s three global expos also will receive new names beginning in 2019—IAAPA Expo Asia, IAAPA Expo Europe, and IAAPA Expo. Formerly, IAAPA’s global expos were known as Asian Attractions Expo, Euro Attractions Show, and IAAPA Attractions Expo, respectively.
A NEW HEADQUARTER
Members should expect other big changes in 2019. After breaking ground last year, IAAPA’s new $14 million global headquarters in Orlando will be complete in summer 2019. The 22,000-square-foot office, which is also the home of IAAPA North America, will be conveniently located between Orlando International Airport and the Orange County Convention Center and easily accessible from our Central Florida member facilities and companies. The contemporarily designed facility will allow IAAPA members to stop by and use meeting and conference space and will provide increased member services and programming, including committee meetings, educational seminars, and networking events.
In addition to the offices in Orlando, Florida, IAAPA now operates five offices around the world, in Hong Kong and Shanghai, China; Brussels, Belgium; Mexico City, Mexico; and Alexandria, Virginia, United States. The new Shanghai office— located in the Puxi, the historic center of the city—opened in January and supports the attractions industry in the Asia- Pacific region through education and professional development, information dissemination, research, education, advocacy, and networking events. With these moves, we now have 72 full-time team members around the world.
Along with having more staff to better serve members’ needs, the comprehensively redesigned IAAPA.org will deliver an enhanced experience to allow making connections easier than ever. The new site will launch in late spring 2019.
A NEW TEAM: HAL MCEVOY NAMED IAAPA PRESIDENT AND CEO
Following a comprehensive worldwide executive search, IAAPA announced industry veteran Hal McEvoy as the organization’s president and CEO in October. He was named interim president and CEO of IAAPA in February 2018 and joined the team as chief financial officer in April 2017 following a successful 42-year career with Busch Entertainment Corporation/SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. McEvoy has an extensive background in corporate finance and volunteered on multiple IAAPA committees since 2005.
IAAPA 2018 HIGHLIGHTS
A look at the association’s activities and accomplishments from the past year.
MEMBERSHIP INCREASES
IAAPA’s membership continues to grow at a healthy rate, increasing 8.5 percent over last year. The Asia-Pacific region saw the largest increase at 11 percent over 2017 numbers.
The IAAPA Young Professionals Task Force became an official subcommittee of the IAAPA Membership Committee to further support the next generation of leaders, and the IAAPA Security Task Force became a full IAAPA Security Committee to further the industry’s commitment to providing the best guest experiences.
IAAPA BRINGS CHANGE TO EDUCATION AND MEMBER SERVICES
The IAAPA Global Education and Member Services (GEMS) Task Force is charged with evaluating the product and service portfolio that supports IAAPA’s member value proposition. It aims to validate if member needs are being met through the various products and services offered by IAAPA, as well as the importance of and frequency of use of those products and services.
The IAAPA GEMS Task Force and the IAAPA Global Education Committee kicked off a project to develop the association’s first-ever professional development competency framework model for the industry. When complete, this will identify approximately 10 key competencies at each career level (team member, manager, leader, and executive) along with supporting behavior examples. This framework will deliver value to IAAPA members in multiple ways:
Individuals can use the results of a self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses at their current level and identify what it will take to move up to the next level.
Organizations will have the ability to help their team members, from onboarding through succession and beyond.
Universities will understand key competencies within the industry and develop supporting curriculum.
IAAPA will have the ability to better meet members’ needs to help industry professionals grow through a targeted set of supporting content.
The task force also made several improvements to IAAPA Attractions Expo, in conjunction with the Expo Program Planning Committee, including standardizing the start and stop times of sessions; enhancing the look, décor, and audiovisual elements of the education rooms; and implementing multiple proactive speaker communications to better prepare for their sessions.
IAAPA LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCTS AND EXPANDS INITIATIVES IN 2018
The HR Sample Employee Handbook serves as a template to share with staff on the terms and conditions of working at a family entertainment center (FEC). Best practices and advice from human resources experts guide owners and operators through the process of customizing this new template to their individual needs.
McGowan Insurance’s FEC Elite Insurance Program expanded to include water parks and small parks. Now called the Elite Insurance Program, this IAAPA-endorsed risk management program is exclusively available to North American IAAPA FEC, water park, and small amusement park members.
The EU Funding Guide introduces European Union (EU) funding opportunities for businesses in the amusement park, attractions, tourism, and leisure sectors, and provides step-by-step instructions for applications. The five main EU funds that offer opportunities to the industry include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Social Fund (ESF), European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), and Cohesion Fund (CF).
Funworld magazine’s Women in the Industry project highlighted the accomplishments of female leaders in a special issue, monthly column, website, and session at IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018.
The annual “What’s New in the Industry” publicity campaign generated more than 20 million positive impressions in U.S.-based regional and national media outlets. Coverage highlighted every facet of the attractions industry from new park attractions and rides, to FEC openings, to themed land debuts, new water park attractions, and more.
IAAPA Communications continues to serve the global attractions industry in the public through the news media. Throughout the year, the team responded to media requests for information about ride safety and the industry’s commitment to a culture of safety.
IAAPA MOVES THE INDUSTRY FORWARD THROUGH THREE SUCCESSFUL EXPOS
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 (Now called IAAPA Expo)
Orlando, Florida, United States
41,000 registered attendees
26,000 qualified buyers
1,151 exhibiting companies
600,375 net square feet of exhibit space
IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018 shattered records with the highest attendance and largest trade show floor in the event’s 100-year history. Due to space constraints in recent years and the resulting extensive waiting lists for exhibit space, IAAPA created an outdoor structure named Exploration Station for the 2018 show. This custom-built, climate-controlled structure hosted 130 additional exhibitors and featured 33,000 additional square feet of products and services.
IAAPA worked with 308 members of the media who attended and covered the Expo. More than 120 broadcast stories and 50 newspaper/online articles ran in consumer and business press in the United States, earning more than 4 million media impressions. International coverage highlighted more than 80 exhibiting companies from around the world.
Euro Attractions Show 2018 (Now called IAAPA Expo Europe)
570 exhibiting companies
15,132 net square meters of exhibit space
This marked the first time attendance at Euro Attractions Show (EAS) reached more than 15,000. The number of total participants represented a 24 percent increase compared to EAS 2017 in Berlin and a 45 percent increase compared to when EAS was last in Amsterdam in 2014.
Asian Attractions Expo 2018 (Now called IAAPA Expo Asia)
9,000 registered attendees
6,500 qualified buyers
The total number of buyers in attendance represented a 27 percent increase from Asian Attractions Expo (AAE) 2017 in Singapore and a 7 percent increase from 2015 when AAE was last held in Hong Kong.
IAAPA HELPS MEMBERS AROUND THE WORLD CONNECT AND GROW VIA NETWORKING, SECURITY, AND EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
Across IAAPA’s three major conferences—IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018, Euro Attractions Show 2018, and Asian Attractions Expo 2018—the association had approximately 19,500 participants in education programming, including seminars, off-site tours, all-day training sessions, and more.
IAAPA FEC Summit 2018 drew 175 attendees from nine countries to Laguna Beach, California, United States, in January for three days of educational seminars, facility tours, and networking.
Another 150 attractions professionals in January attended IAAPA Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) Winter Forum 2018, held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Attendees visited Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and the newly opened Dubai Safari Park.
In March, more than 170 top-level attractions industry leaders from 28 countries gathered in Osaka and Tokyo for IAAPA Leadership Conference 2018. At the event, held in Japan for the first time, attendees toured five of the country’s most popular attractions and heard from executives at Universal Studios Japan, Kaiyukan Aquarium, Kabuki-za Theatre, Fuji-Q Highland, and Tokyo DisneySea.
IAAPA Latin American Summit 2018 was held in April; 114 industry professionals attended educational sessions and toured a wide array of attractions in San José, Costa Rica, including Parque Diversiones, Café Britt, Parque Zoológico y Jardín Botánico Simón Bolívar, Museo de los Niños y Museo Penitenciario, and La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The vice president of Costa Rica attended the event, as well.
Approximately 120 people attended IAAPA EMEA Spring Forum 2018 in Dublin and Belfast, Ireland, in May, where they learned from European operators and visited Tayto Park, Guinness Storehouse, Viking Splash Tours, Jameson Distillery, and Titanic Belfast.
More than 140 attractions owners and operators from around the world came together in Cancún, Mexico, for the first-of-its-kind IAAPA Safety Forum in September. Attendees examined issues on creating and maintaining comprehensive safety programs and learned the latest developments and best practices in ride standards, loss prevention, risk management, ride design, and safety compliance. In addition, the Latin America region held numerous other safety-related events throughout the year, including IAAPA Safety Institutes in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Santa Catarina, Brazil, as well as an ask-the-expert session on water park safety in Pereira, Colombia.
IAAPA Asia-Pacific Summit 2018 in September attracted more than 130 professionals to Qingdao, China, for seminars and tours of Qingdao Polar Ocean World and Qingdao Rio Carnival Theme Park.
Sixty-five people attended an October IAAPA North America member networking event at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, California.
In October, 45 people attended the IAAPA Operators Forum: Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in Lake George, New York, which focused on providing equal and appropriate access to all guests.
Three IAAPA Institutes for Attractions Managers were held globally in 2018 in Indonesia, the Netherlands, and Orlando; the combined attendance for those events was 140.
Approximately 80 participants attended a December networking event at Shanghai Disney Resort.
At the inaugural IAAPA EMEA Christmas Forum, roughly 50 attendees networked, learned how to extend the season with special openings, and toured Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, Denmark.
IAAPA hosted 32 webinars in 2018, with more than 2,300 total registrants; topics included safety, operations, marketing, and much more, and were hosted from each of IAAPA’s global regions.
IAAPA’S GLOBAL SAFETY AND ADVOCACY WORK FOCUSES ON SECURITY, STANDARDS HARMONIZATION, AND MORE
IAAPA has connected with the Asia-Pacific regional governments and regulators to continue safety harmonization efforts, as well as support the ease of international import and export. Countries include: China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau), Japan (Tokyo, Osaka), Australia (National, Brisbane, Sydney), South Korea (National, Seoul), Indonesia (Jakarta), and Singapore.
IAAPA launched the first regional security subcommittee in the EMEA region.
The European Commission’s Operators’ Forum was created to bring together private sector operators and public authorities. IAAPA has established a position within the group and delivered a presentation at the mass events sub-group where Tomorrowland provided a case study. IAAPA will continue to work on security guidelines for its members, a document we also will use in engagement with officials.
IAAPA participated in the European Tourism Forum and European Tourism Day, the European Commission’s flagship forums for the tourism sector.
The Network for the European Private Sector in Tourism (NET group), a network of representative trade associations from the private sector in European tourism, provides IAAPA with information and is a cost-efficient vehicle for lobbying. For example, the NET group successfully lobbied on the new Visa Code proposal, securing positive amendments for the tourism sector.
Latin America, Caribbean
The IAAPA Government Relations Subcommittee and local operators met with the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo on the economic and social impact of the industry and issues affecting the industry.
IAAPA presented to government authorities and industry representatives in Brazil during SINDEPAT’s event on the importance and impact of attractions. The association also met with government authorities, a Brazilian World Customs Organization representative, and operators to discuss the process of rides reclassification.
Representatives met with authorities of normalization from the Ecuador Minister of Tourism to discuss strategies to adopt ASTM F24 Standards in Ecuador.
IAAPA piloted the IAAPA Security Advisory Program (ISAP), an exclusive member benefit created to provide relevant and timely global security information to IAAPA members.
IAAPA U.S. Advocacy Days 2018 brought 35 U.S. attractions leaders to Washington, D.C., where they met with 58 congressional representatives to discuss the industry’s legislative priorities and regulatory issues.
IAAPA’s U.S. federal government relations team actively lobbied against policy changes to the U.S. Department of State’s J-1 Summer Work Travel Program; other policy issues IAAPA lobbied throughout the year included ride safety and unmanned aircraft systems (also known as drones).
In May, Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed into law House Bill 780, an amusement ride safety act strongly supported by IAAPA. H.780 requires annual in-state inspections for both fixed-site and mobile rides using ASTM Safety Standards.
IAAPA spearheaded a business coalition in New Hampshire in support of a post-Labor Day school start date. And at the request of the coalition, Governor Chris Sununu signed an Executive Order creating a task force to determine the feasibility of introducing legislation for the 2019 session.
In August, IAAPA sponsored the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ 2018 Workforce Development Summit in Alexandria, Virginia. The event featured a roundtable discussion for more than 30 state and local elected women on youth employment and the attractions industry. Topics discussed included school start date, minimum wage, and scheduling.
IAAPA hosted safety standards harmonization meetings at all three of our 2018 expos, where representatives discussed the importance of adopting and harmonizing ASTM, EN, and ISO safety standards around the globe throughout the year, meeting with several groups and public officials:
We worked with the Australian Amusement, Leisure, and Recreation Association to begin development of an Australian edition of the ASTM F24 Standards.
We participated in a full-day training session for China Special Equipment Inspection and Research Institute inspectors on ASTM F24 Standards.
We continued participation in and support of ISO/TC 254 safety standards work.
In 2016, IAAPA—sponsored by the U.S. International Trade Commission—began the appeal of the classification of attractions equipment with the World Customs Organization (WCO). Attractions equipment is currently classified as a consumer good in a miscellaneous category in the Toys, Games, and Sporting Goods chapter. The appeal recently received approval from the Harmonized System Review Sub- Committee and will be moving forward to the Harmonized System Committee for a final vote. The appeals process is long and will conclude with an update to the import and export codes in 2022. This change should positively influence import tariffs for new attractions.
IAAPA RESEARCH PROJECTS PROVIDE VALUABLE, ACCURATE, TIMELY DATA FOR MEMBERS
IAAPA completed multiple research reports in 2018, which are available online and complimentary to members. These reports include:
The IAAPA Global Theme and Amusement Park Outlook 2018-2022, which offers an overview of attendance and revenue for the global theme and amusement park industry based on data collected in 2017 and 2018. It also provides an industry forecast for 2018-2022.
The IAAPA North America Economic Impact Study, which estimates direct and indirect economic impacts for the attractions industry in the North America region.
Benchmark reports 2017-2018 for amusement parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers present metrics on a range of facility activities, including demographics, revenue, expenses, pricing, admissions, and human resources.
IAAPA FOUNDATION HELPS FOSTER NEXT GENERATION OF INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS
A nonprofit organization founded by IAAPA, the IAAPA Foundation inspires life-changing careers in the global attractions industry and cultivates tomorrow’s leaders. In 2018, it forwarded this mission by concentrating in three areas:
Support students seeking careers in the attractions industry:
Awarded three $7,000 academic scholarships to students following the attractions management track at the University of Central Florida Rosen College of Hospitality Management.
Awarded a $10,000 experiential scholarship to allow seven students from the L. Robert Payne School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at San Diego State University for an industry immersion visit to IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018.
Hosted a student forum for Breda College of Hospitality Management students at Euro Attractions Show 2018.
Established a Future Leaders program to support exceptional students motivated to pursue their careers in the attractions industry.
Support colleges and universities that offer curricula related to the attractions industry:
Connecting university staff with the industry in programs like the externship for Rosen College of Hospitality Management faculty at Silver Dollar City, sponsoring industry connections and lecturer for Anahuac University in Mexico City, and supporting Bowling Green University with curriculum development and industry connections for a new degree program in attractions management.
Hosting academic meetings and symposiums at all IAAPA Expos to foster industry connections and exchange of ideas among academics.
Expanding university connections in Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Partner with JA Worldwide to reach high school youth in more than 100 countries:
Coordinated site visits for JA Worldwide students to see the business side of the attractions industry.
Introduced JA students to the industry with programs at AAE 2018 and IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018.
IAAPA RAISES $120,000 FOR GIVE KIDS THE WORLD IN 2018
During IAAPA Attractions Expo 2018, expo attendees helped raise approximately $120,000 for Give Kids The World (GKTW) through the annual golf tournament, motorcycle ride, and fun run.
IAAPA BY THE NUMBERS
GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW
Facilities 2,336 2,454 5%
Manufacturers and Suppliers 2,671 2,831 6%
Individiuals 194 192 -1%
Students 448 650 45%
Total 5,649 6,127 8%
REGIONAL MEMBERSHIP OVERVIEW
Facilities 159 193 21% 528 552 5%
Manufacturers and Suppliers 393 426 8% 686 764 11%
Individuals 16 10 -38% 22 22 0%
Students 2 4 100% 157 178 13%
Total 580 633 11% 1,393 1,516 9%
Facilities 347 349 1% 1,302 1,360 4%
Manufacturers and Suppliers 40 52 30% 1,552 1,589 2%
Individuals 10 4 -60% 146 156 7%
Students 3 12 300% 286 456 59%
Total 400 417 4% 3,286 3,561 8%
HISTORICAL PERFORMANCE BY THE NUMBERS
2010 Actual
Revenue $14.0 $16.4 $18.4 $20.9 $23.5 $24.7
Expenses $14.1 $15.2 $17.1 $18.8 $20.5 $22.6
Surplus from Ops ($0.1) $1.2 $1.3 $2.1 $3.0 $2.1
Gain/(Loss) Investment $0.5 ($0.1) $0.8 $0.7 ($0.1) $0.1
Relocation to Orlando - - - - - -
Addition to Reserves $0.4 $1.1 $2.1 $2.8 $2.9 $2.2
Revenue $27.9 29.9 $32.1 $33.2
Expenses $24.2 $26.5 $30.1 $32.5
Surplus from Ops $3.8 $3.4 $2.0 $0.7
Gain/(Loss) Investment $0.6 $1.8 ($0.4) $0.5
Relocation to Orlando $0.3 $1.5 $0.8 $0.5
Addition to Reserves $4.1 $3.7 $0.8 $0.7
IAAPA’S CORE VALUES
We treat others with respect.
We operate with transparency.
We are courageous and seek to innovate.
We are inclusive and value collaboration.
We are passionate about our industry and our work and have fun doing it.
Download the 2018 IAAPA Annual Report
Find your passion in the attractions industry.
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Microsoft Launches Kinect For Windows In India At Rs 19,990
by Shivaank RanaAugust 7, 2012
Kinect for Windows sensor, which aims to harness Microsoft’s Natural User Interface in a bid to ‘revolutionise’ computing, is now available in India along with the Software Development Kit (SDK). The Kinect for Windows sensor is available at Rs 19,990 while the SDK is available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/kinectforwindows/.
The Xbox 360’s Kinect accessory has been quite a hit among casual gamers. Its list of accomplishments doesn’t end there though, as developers and scientists have modded it to carry out some complex tasks.
Microsoft is hoping that developers and businesses will take advantage of the cutting-edge features of this motion sensing technology like improved skeletal tracking, , enhanced speech, seated mode tracking to create innovative applications.
Kinect for Windows will include Studio – a tool which allows developers to record and play back Kinect data; Human Interface Guidelines (HIG) to guide developers on best practices for the creation of Natural User Interfaces and the Face Tracking SDK, which provides a real-time 3D mesh of facial features tracking the head position, location of eyebrows and the shape of the mouth.
Gadget, Latest, Microsoft, XBOX
Accessory, KINECT, microsoft windows, sdk, windows
Shivaank Rana
iGyaan's Carlos Santana! Shivaank loves Apple products! He stays up to date with the latest happenings of the tech world and gets his hands dirty with the latest Gadgets! Follow Him on Google Plus : Google+
GadgetLatestMicrosoftXBOX
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Minnesota | Radio Music
KTNF 950 AM
Radio Station | Language: English | 56 kBit/s
KUOM Radio K 770 AM
Pioneer 90.1 Neon HD-3
Pioneer PolkaCast
96.9 FM KMFY
97.5 Radio X
KARP 106.9 FM
KCHK
KDIO 1350 AM
KDUZ 1260 AM
KKOK 95.7 FM
KNUJ 860 AM
KQAL 89.5 FM
KTIS 98.5 FM
MPR Classical - Holiday Stream
POWER 106.3
Learn more about Gold Country
The web radio is known for its unique Minnesota music. . The web radio broadcast his program with 44 kilobit per second. The maximum capacity of the internet radio is 500 listener . By the way the radio is broadcasting always from the country Minnesota and most in English. For more details go to the website from the radio station ...
You have discovered Gold Country and wish to hear additional web radios? On hit-Tuner.net you can find totally free radio stations around the world!
More information about the online radio Gold Country you found here: http://www.countrygold.fm
As far as we are informed sends the radio station Gold Country from the country Minnesota. More Info: Minnesota is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. Known as the "Land of 10,000 Lakes", the state's name comes from a Dakota word for "clear water". Minnesota is the 12th largest in area and the 21st most populous of the U.S. States. Nearly 60% of its residents live in the Minneapolis - Saint Paul metropolitan area, the center of transportation, business, industry, education, and government and home to an internationally known arts community.
Song-History
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About HSMCC Join HSMCC Fixtures, Results & Tables How to Find Us Contact Us
About HSMCCJoin HSMCCFixtures, Results & TablesHow to Find UsContact Us
HSMCC v East Horsley
Date: Saturday 18 May 2019
Venue: Holmbury St Mary CC
Result: Holmbury win by 4 wickets
Report by Mike MacDonagh
East Horsley 233 for 8, Holmbury St Mary 236 for 6.
The strength of any team as a unit is tested only in adversity and Saturday's tense win at home to East Horsley, who finished third in the division last year, demonstrates that point. Losing the toss, we were asked to field and, with the visitors 89-4 after 18 overs, things were looking comfortable. A fifth wicket stand of almost 90 and some late hitting meant we ended up having to chase a sizeable total, although 3 wickets each for Dave Hadaway and Mat Evans and Ken Woods first Holmbury wicket for several years meant that, with a score of 233-8, we secured 4 bowling points. The catching was good, with Bradley Cooper taking three and Mat Evans two.
In reply, Dan Russell (40) and Nigel Menzies (41) survived some good early bowling to put on 82 for the first wicket in just 14 overs. A strong opening partnership is vital if we are going to make good scores consistently and, once again, Dan and Nigel didn't disappoint. At this stage a flurry of wickets saw us slip to 89-3 and then to 119-5, after 22 overs. At this stage it would have been easy to panic but cool heads, aided by a good early scoring rate meant that Mat Evans and Bradley Cooper put on 60 for the 6th wicket, at which point Mat was joined by Charles Colvile (13no) and together they saw us home by 4 wickets with about 4 overs to spare, Mat finishing on an excellent 94no.
Although there was an excellent man of the match performance from Mat, with 94 runs, 3 wickets and two catches, this was a real team performance and 29 points propels us to the top of the table, 2 points clear of Nutfield and 3 clear of Salfords.
Next week we are away to Old Suttonians, who sit at the bottom of the table, having lost two and conceded one but we have yet to beat them and can't afford to take any game less than 100% seriously.
Holmbury St Mary Cricket Club
HomeAbout HSMCCFixturesHow to Find UsJoin HSMCC
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Style Celebrity
Brad Pitt 'offers apology' to Jennifer Aniston twelve years after marriage split
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt
Independent.ie Newsdesk Twitter Email
September 2 2017 1:30 PM
Brad Pitt has reportedly apologised to his ex-wife Jennifer Aniston, more than a decade after their 2005 marriage break-up.
https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/brad-pitt-offers-apology-to-jennifer-aniston-twelve-years-after-marriage-split-36093649.html
https://www.independent.ie/incoming/article35265245.ece/ecaa7/AUTOCROP/h342/GettyImages-50833477.jpg
According to US magazine In Touch, the actor (52) has offered an apology to his ex-wife for the way he treated her in the aftermath of their split.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston started dating in 1998, they married in 2000 and divorced five years later. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The actor recently ended his marriage with his Mrs & Mrs Smith costar Angelina Jolie, with whom he has six children.
"He's been determined to apologise for everything he put her through and that's exactly what he did. It was the most intimate conversation Brad and Jen have ever had."
Actor Jennifer Aniston (L) and Justin Theroux attend Jason Bateman's star unveiling ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on July 26, 2017, in Hollywood, California. / AFP PHOTO / VALERIE MACONVALERIE MACON/AFP/Getty Images
"He apologised to Jen for being an absentee husband, for being stoned and bored. He also made amends for leaving her for Angelina," the source said.
Aniston wed actor and screenwriter Justin Theroux in 2015.
Actor Brad Pitt (L) and actress Angelina Jolie arrive at the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Pitt admitted earlier this year that he was “boozing too much” in the months before his split from Angelina Jolie, and has turned to therapy to help him through.
The Hollywood star also said he slept on the floor of a friend’s house for six weeks after his wife filed for divorce, because he could not bear to be in their family home.
In his first interview since the separation, Pitt told GQ Style he was a “professional” drinker, saying: “I can’t remember a day since I got out of college when I wasn’t boozing or had a spliff, or something … I mean, I stopped everything except boozing when I started my family.
"But even this last year, you know – things I wasn’t dealing with. I was boozing too much. It’s just become a problem.
"And I’m really happy, it’s been half a year now, which is bittersweet, but I’ve got my feelings in my fingertips again."
He continued: "I enjoy wine very, very much, but I just ran it to the ground. I had to step away for a minute. And truthfully I could drink a Russian under the table with his own vodka. I was a professional. I was good."
Pitt, who has six children with Jolie, admitted that he had "hit the lottery" but let it go to waste, and is now finding comfort in therapy.
He said: "I just started therapy. I love it, I love it. I went through two therapists to get to the right one."
He added: "For me this period has really been about looking at my weaknesses and failures and owning my side of the street. I’m an asshole when it comes to this need for justice … It’s such a silly idea, the idea that the world is fair.
"And this is coming from a guy who hit the lottery, I’m well aware of that. I hit the lottery, and I still would waste my time on those hollow pursuits."
After Angelina filed for divorce, Brad could not even bear to be in their house in the Hollywood Hills, saying: "It was too sad to be here at first, so I went and stayed on a friend’s floor, a little bungalow in Santa Monica.
“I crashed over here a little bit, my friend (David) Fincher lives right here. He’s always going to have an open door for me, and I was doing a lot of stuff on the Westside, so I stayed at my friend’s house on the floor for a month and a half.”
When asked if the split was like grieving a death, Pitt replied: “Yeah,” before adding that it has made him want to be a better father.
He said: "It’s hit me smack in the face with our divorce: I gotta be more. I gotta be more for them. I have to show them. And I haven’t been great at it."
Pitt faced an FBI probe into an alleged altercation between him and his 15-year-old adopted son Maddox on a private plane, which happened just days before Jolie filed for divorce in September.
The investigation was closed in November, with Pitt facing no charges over the incident.
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'It's brave and refreshing' - Top Irish surgeon commends Courteney Cox for ditching fillers ahead of wedding to Johnny McDaid
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By Keiran Southern, PA Los Angeles Correspondent Harry Styles is reportedly in talks to star as Prince Eric in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid.
By Keiran Southern, PA Los Angeles Correspondent Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has announced she is engaged to boyfriend Wells Adams.
By Don Babwin, Associated Press Reporter A federal judge has ordered R Kelly to be held in a Chicago jail without bond on sex-related charges.
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Cabinet Likely to Approve Rs 15,000-crore Agri-package For Farmers on Monday
The agriculture ministry has recommended several options to provide both short and long term solutions to address agrarian distress.
Updated: January 27, 2019 10:24 PM IST
प्रतीकात्मक तस्वीर
New Delhi: In what seems as an attempt to placate the distressed agrarian sector ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the cabinet is expected to approve a package for farmers aimed at boosting their income soon, PTI quoted sources as saying.
The package was expected to get Cabinet’s approval on Monday, but the meeting was later cancelled.
The agriculture ministry has recommended several options to provide both short and long term solutions to address agrarian distress. However, a final call will be taken in the cabinet meeting as a huge cost is involved, the sources said.
One of the options proposed is waiving interest on crop loans for farmers who pay on time, costing an additional Rs 15,000 crore to the exchequer, the sources stated.
There is also a proposal to completely waive premium for taking insurance policy for food crops. The centre is also evaluating the scheme followed by the Telangana and Odisha governments wherein a fixed amount is transferred directly into the bank account of farmers, the sources added.
Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh had recently indicated that the government would announce an agriculture package before the 2019-20 Budget, to be presented on February 1.
Experts said the government has less time to implement any new scheme. The measure has to be such that it can be implemented faster to reap the political gains during the election.
It may be noted that the central government has taken farmers’ issues seriously after the ruling BJP was defeated in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh in the recent state polls, where rural distress was a key factor.
Farmers are in distress owing to fall in prices of most crops in view of bumper crop.
Published Date: January 27, 2019 6:20 PM IST
Updated Date: January 27, 2019 10:24 PM IST
farmersfarmers incomeUnion Cabinet
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ISL 2018-19: Rowllin Borges, Bartholomew Ogbeche Score as NorthEast United FC Beat Mumbai City FC 2-0
Mid-fielder Rowllin Borges (4th minute) and striker Bartholomew Ogbeche (33rd minute) scored for the visitors as they grabbed three crucial points from the game played at the Mumbai Football Arena.
Updated: February 14, 2019 12:04 AM IST
NorthEast United FC players celebrate win over Mumbai City FC_ISL Website
Hosts Mumbai City FC suffered their third defeat in a row after going down 0-2 to North East United FC in a lopsided Indian Super League game on Wednesday. Mid-fielder Rowllin Borges (4th minute) and striker Bartholomew Ogbeche (33rd minute) scored for the visitors as they grabbed three crucial points from the game played at the Mumbai Football Arena.
After this loss, Mumbai City FC moved down to the third spot with 27 points, while North East have jumped to the second position with 27 points and are in fray to make the last four. Before this match, Mumbai had gone down 1-0 to Jamshedpur FC in an ‘away’ game and 2-0 to FC Goa in their previous home game.
An excellent assist and an exquisite finish ⚡️@RowllinB giving us all some major ‘one-touch strike’ tutorial! 朗#HeroISL #LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega #MUMNEU pic.twitter.com/caNmBIeeRc— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 13, 2019
North East displayed an aggressive style of play from the beginning and it paid dividends in the fourth minute itself as they took the lead following a splendid goal by mid-fielder Borges.
Keegan Pereira made an excellent run down the left-hand side and cut it back to Borges, who had ample time and space. The 26-year-old Borges, then found his spot and placed it to the top-left corner of the goal, to take his side ahead.
While the North East defense was up-to-the-mark as they kept the Mumbai strikers at bay for most part of the first half, Mumbai custodian Amrinder Singh was kept on his toes.
And 34-year-old Ogbeche doubled the lead in the 33rd minute. A powerful cross from the right flank by Reagan Singh reached skipper Ogbeche, after Panagiotis Triadis failed to collect it. The ball then ricocheted off the knee of Ogbeche and rolled into the net. With the goal, Ogbeche became the leading goal-scorer of this season, with 12 strikes to his name.
Mumbai had a couple of good chances, but failed to convert on both the occasions. At the half-way mark, North East led 2-0.
After the change of ends, the pace of the game drastically dropped. In the 57th minute, Mumbai had a chance to pull one back. Marko Klisura failed to get on a long ball from Raynier Fernandes under his control as the North East goal-keeper Pawan Kumar collected it safely.
Mumbai had some more chances but could not convert any of them as the visitors emerged triumphant.
(With PTI Inputs)
Published Date: February 13, 2019 10:45 PM IST
Updated Date: February 14, 2019 12:04 AM IST
Indian Super League 2018-19ISL 2018-19Latest Football NewsMumbai City FCNorth East United FC
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Insider: Here are the winners and losers from the Indy 500
NBC delivered in Year 1, while meteorologists have had better weeks.
Insider: Here are the winners and losers from the Indy 500 NBC delivered in Year 1, while meteorologists have had better weeks. Check out this story on IndyStar.com: https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/motor/indy-500/2019/05/27/indy-500-simon-pagenaud-won-but-here-other-winners-losers/1223590001/
Jim Ayello, Indianapolis Star Published 7:28 p.m. ET May 27, 2019 | Updated 3:29 p.m. ET May 28, 2019
Simon Pagenaud wins the 103rd Indianapolis 500. Clark Wade, Clark.Wade@Indystar.com
INDIANAPOLIS – After a wild month of May, the 103rd Indianapolis 500 is in the books with just about a million different storylines emerging from Sunday's sensational race. Unfortunately, I couldn't write about all of them (today), so I picked six.
Here are three winners and three losers from the race that was:
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, with his team during the winner's photo shoot on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. (Photo: Matt Kryger/IndyStar)
Simon Pagenaud and Ben Bretzman: Well, duh. They won the Indianapolis 500. But Pagenaud and his Team Penske engineer deserve plenty of extra attention for the road they forged together dating back a decade.
The two of them started working together in sports cars racing in 2009, earned a shot together at Schmidt Peterson Motorsports a couple years later and were members of Team Penske by 2015.
More: Indy 500 purse: Simon Pagenaud is $2.6 million richer
More: Simon Pagenaud achieves the dream he always knew he could: Indy 500 immortality
More: Doyel: Fire and rage of Alexander Rossi steal show again at Indy 500
They won everywhere they went, including the NTT IndyCar Series championship in 2016. But on Sunday, the reached a new level together -- the pinnacle of motorsports to be precise.
It's been a lot of fun, Pagenaud said Monday, but it hasn't been easy.
Motor sports insider Jim Ayello and columnist Gregg Doyel discuss Simon Pagenaud's first Indianapolis 500 win. Clark Wade, Clark.Wade@Indystar.com
"We've gone through up and downs," Pagenaud said. "It's a little bit like being a couple, you have to get along.
"But he knows me better than anyone. When he sees my face, he knows exactly what I feel about the race car. He can set the car up now without even talking to me. Just see what I react, what my body language is. It's very special."
Bretzman is a sensational engineer all year, Pagenaud said, but in May they both took it to a new level as they swept the month, winning the IndyCar Grand Prix, the 500 pole, then the race itself.
"I think Ben this month was a notch above," said the Frenchman. "I think he just (rose) to the level, to the expectation of what this race is. I think he had a lot of drive, as well. I think he felt how good I felt lately. So I can't thank him enough for all the hours."
NBC Sports Mike Tirico and Danica Patrick before the start of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Photo: Gary Mook/For IndyStar)
NBC: Whether you were a fan of the broadcast or not, there is no arguing with the results. After years of plummeting TV ratings, NBC swooped in and put the 500 back on track, delivering a 3.9 overnight rating -- up 15 percent from the final ABC broadcast. In an fast-changing media landscape where solid TV ratings are growing more and more difficult to come by, NBC delivered.
Now, is NBC thrilled by a 3.9? I doubt it. I didn't see executives taking victory laps around IMS today nor anyone making public declarations of victory. From what I've gathered this month, they're aiming for bigger and better. As well they should.
But for Year 1, a 15 percent bump isn't bad. Now, we'll have to see what they can do next year for an encore.
The top-three finishers, Simon Pagenaud (22) of Team Penske, Alexander Rossi (27) of Andretti Autosport and Takuma Sato (30) of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing head into turn one on the white flag lap during the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019, in Speedway, Ind. Simon Pagenaud (22) of Team Penske won the race. (Photo: Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar)
The Indianapolis 500: Sunday's race should go down as one of best in recent vintage. Some will want to argue that the first 100 or so laps weren't particularly memorable, but how many races do we remember for their beginnings? How many NFL or NBA playoff games do we look back and talk about the first half? Sports are about the closing moments, crunch time, athletes delivering in the clutch.
In the case of Sunday's race, it was all about those final 13 laps. They were breathtaking. Pagenaud, Takuma Sato and Alexander Rossi delivered a heart-stopping shootout for the ages. All three were hellbent on making their mark on history, and all three pushed themselves and their cars to the limit to do so.
It was exactly as my colleague Zak Keefer wrote yesterday: The end of Sunday's race was everything you want the Indianapolis 500 to be.
"A 500-mile race decided in 13 furious laps, the stakes immense, the nerves bubbling, the fans on their feet, ecstasy and agony separated by two tenths of a second.
"In other words: the Indianapolis 500 at its very best."
Simon Pagenaud, Indy 500 Winner's Photo Shoot
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, poses for photos on the yard of bricks with the Borg-Warner Trophy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500 and the Indianapolis Grand Prix, poses for photos at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, poses for photos with the Indianapolis Star and the Borg-Warner Trophy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, is swarmed by photographers at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud and team owner Roger Penske during the winner's photo shoot on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, with his team during the winner's photo shoot on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, talks with Roger Penske during the winner's photo shoot on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud, winner of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, with team owner Roger Penske and team president Tim Cindric during the winner's photo shoot on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday, May 27, 2019. Matt Kryger/IndyStar
Simon Pagenaud (22) of Team Penske crosses the finish line to win the 103rd running of the Indy 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Photo: Jenna Watson/IndyStar)
Meteorologists: Well, we did all that worrying for nothing. Forecasters predicted storms on Sunday afternoon, yet by the time most had left IMS that night, not a single drop of rain had splashed onto its hallowed grounds.
That's Indiana for you.
And while it'd be nice to say no harm, no foul -- predicting Mother Nature's whim isn't easy after all -- IMS did seem to suffer just a tad due to the faulty forecasts.
About two hours before the green flag waved, IMS President Doug Boles told IndyStar that ticket sales were down in the three to four days leading up to the race and that matching last year's attendance of around 300,000 would depend largely on a late-arriving walk-up crowd.
"We're going to have to have a good day to be right on target," Boles said.
While IMS didn't appear to have a bad day -- to the naked eye it looked like the stands were packed -- it wouldn't be stunning if the crowd fell slightly below last year's estimated attendance of 300,000.
If it did, you can blame it on the rain ... that never came.
Kyle Kaiser (32) of Juncos Racing walks away from the Indiana University Medical Center following a crash during the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Photo: Kerry Keating/for IndyStar)
The David vs. Goliath storylines. For much of May, the story of the month was David conquering Goliath. It was Kyle Kaiser and Juncos Racing bumping Fernando Alonso and McLaren from the race. It was DragonSpeed and Ben Hanley qualifying comfortably on Saturday while teams like McLaren and Arrow Schmidt Peterson Motorsports had drivers on the bubble. It was Ed Carpenter Racing squeezing three of its cars between pole-sitter Simon Pagenaud and the rest of the Penske fleet.
But on Sunday, while there were a few nice underdog stories to be sure (Dale Coyne Racing rookie Santino Ferrucci finishing seventh and Clauson Marshall Racing's Pippa Mann coming in 16th) it was a day largely dominated by Goliath. Roger Penske won his record 18th 500 while three of his cars finished inside the top five leaving the other two spots for former Indy 500 winners in Alexander Rossi and Takuma Sato.
Meanwhile, Juncos' Cinderalla story ended in heartbreak as Kaiser crashed early and finished 31st. Hanley's car suffered a driveshaft issue, as the team settled for 32nd. And despite having three cars starting in first two rows, ECR cars managed only one top-10 finish (Ed Carpenter, sixth).
While the month may have belonged to David, Goliath recovered -- and dominated --when it mattered most.
Marco Andretti (98) of Andretti Herta Autosport with Curb-Agajanian before the start of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2019. (Photo: Gary Mook/For IndyStar)
Marco Andretti: Safe to say that was not the way Marco or anyone else in the Andretti family was hoping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their family's lone 500 victory.
It is a shame that Marco Andretti, who was driving a sleek replica of his grandfather's racing-winning car from 1969, to have never been in contention. Though starting 10th, he endured problems early and could never recover, finishing last (26th) among cars still racing at the end.
"I picked a terrible day to have the worst race of my career," Andretti said afterward. "I don't know. It's pretty embarrassing. Today was, for sure, the wrong day to have a bad day. I wish I could say more, but we're just not quite sure yet what happened with the No. 98 car. We came into the day behind from the start and didn't have what we needed."
Follow IndyStar Motorsports Insider Jim Ayello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram: @jimayello.
Become an IndyStar subscriber today to support stories like this one. Get unlimited digital access here!
Divine Chaos: Photos from inside the Indy 500 Snake Pit 2019
Starting at 7 a.m. people gather at Snake Pit and dance to performers Ricky Retro, Chris Lake, Illienium, Alesso, and Skrilliex, Sunday, May 26, 2019, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Indianapolis 500. Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Cincinnati residents Tori Meyer and Daniel “Jumbo” McHugh devised a party trick at Sunday's Indy 500 Snake Pit. David Lindquist/IndyStar
Ten University of Cincinnati students spend their Indy 500 Snake Pit on a hill at the back of the temporary venue inside Turn 3. David Lindquist/IndyStar
Snake pit action during the 103rd Indianapolis 500 featuring Skrillex, Alesso, Illenium and Chris Lake on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Kylee Trattner shows off her Snake Pit fashion during the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Fabulous faces of the Indy 500 2019
Faces of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Grace Hollars/IndyStar
Maryann Riegert shows off her patriotic spirit during the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Jamin Galdamez watches the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Zach Beeson replaces his daughter Sofia's ear plug as they watch the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Kevin Sutton watches the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
A fan watches the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Bryan Wacker keeps cool with an umbrella hat during the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Landon Spurlin, left, and Emily O'Connell chow down during the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Hailey McDermott and her dog at the 103rd Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 26, 2019. Scott Utterback/IndyStar
A.J. Foyt Racing engineer Cordell Durcholz has a laugh in the garage area before the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. May 26, 2019 Alton Strupp/Courier Journal
Faces of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar
Charles "Mohawk" Barnes, right, shares a moment with his son Charlie Barnes, 4, before the start of the 103rd Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. May 26, 2019 Alton Strupp/Courier Journal
Faces of the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019. Robert Scheer/IndyStar
Faces at the 103rd Indianapolis 500, Sunday, May 26, 2019, in Speedway, Ind. Doug McSchooler, Doug McSchooler/for IndyStar
Vicki Smith, of Anderson, Ind., attends her 55th Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
Tara Marshall, of Greenwood, Ind., makes her way into Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
Faces of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday, May 26, 2019. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar
Bob Knight buys $600K Bloomington home three miles from Assembly Hall
Purdue basketball among several recruiting Hunter Dickinson
She was 15 when she made the cover of Sports Illustrated 60 years ago
Home to the greatest pick-up basketball in Indiana
He played with Dick the Bruiser and against Carl Erskine
Tom Brady asks Jacoby Brissett to start podcast
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Rumor: Android powered Lumia smartphone coming from Microsoft
The never-ending “powered by Android” Lumia rumor is back in the headlines again, this time courtesy of the leakster Evan Blass (a.k.a. Evleaks).
From his Twitter wall yesterday, @evleaks tweeted the message, “Big news: Android-powered Lumia incoming, from Nokia by Microsoft.”
Microsoft still has eighteen months to use the Lumia brand name (according to its recent acquisition of Nokia’s mobile division), so we’re not surprised to see the “from Nokia by Microsoft” wording here. As for the Android-powered, we’re certain that, should Microsoft want its Android smartphone to have Google Play Store app access, the company’ll want to make sure it also boasts the “powered by Android” label. So far, Nokia’s released Android smartphones such as the Nokia X2, Nokia X, and Nokia XL that come with forked versions of Android that lack Google Play Store access.
See Also: Nokia Lumia 930 available in the UK from July 17th with freebies
At the same time, however, the Lumia line has always been Nokia’s luxury line, and Microsoft can (and will) charge more for the Lumia than its X, X2, and XLs because the new Nokia Android smartphones are for the budget-friendly customer. Nokia’s Lumia Icon that arrived at US carrier Verizon Wireless this past February came with the $199 price tag, and Microsoft’s first Lumia out of the gate will likely maintain the $199 retail price.
See Also: Microsoft-Nokia announces Nokia X2, pushes cloud services
Many people have assumed that with Nokia’s venture into Android, Windows OS is a dying platform. While it seems that Windows only has 3% market share, Windows doesn’t look as if it’ll die anytime soon. @evleaks had something to say for those who’re already proclaiming that “Windows is doomed”: “Let me clarify something. An Android Lumia in no way spells the end of Windows Phone. That platform isn’t going anywhere, he wrote on his wall 16 hours after his Android Lumia announcement.
Google rules out intentions to become the 4th major telecom operator
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New Play Store policies aim to do away with stuff like marijuana, sex, hate speeches or loot boxes
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46432 APMG ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation
iLEARN is an ATO (Accredited Training Organization)
of APMG for ISO/IEC 27001 course.
For an online verification of accreditments, do the research with
ICONS - Innovative Consulting S.r.l. of which iLEARN is a business unit.
The ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation course is the first step to qualify for ISO/IEC 27001 standard on data security.
Curso presencial con examen
At the end of the course, provided the exam is successful, the examinee will know:
ISO/IEC 27001 scope, purpose and how the standard can be used;
ISO/IEC 27001 keywords and its definitions;
The requirements to attain ISO/IEC 27001 certification and the need for perpetual improvement;
Procedures, their general objectives and high level requirements;
Applicability and scope definition requirements;
Use of controls to mitigate IS risks;
Internal audits and external certification purposes, their operation and terminology;
The relationship between best practices, ISO/IEC 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 20000.
Resources who support the implementation, operation and maintenance of an ISMS within an organization;
Resources to who is required to audit an ISMS and to have knowledge on the standard;
Resources who work with an internal ISMS, whether the society already has an ISO/IEC 27001 certification or is considering acquiring one;
Those who wish to acquire or get ready for an ISO/IEC 27001 Practitioner certificate.
Introduction, background and terminology;
Key publications that compose the family of ISO/IEC 27001 standard;
Leadership and support of an Information Security Management System;
Planning and managing of an Information Security Management System;
Goals of control and controls for an Information Security Management System;
Acquiring ISO/IEC 27001 qualification.
Student manual: slides presented by accredited teacher with explanations
1 official mock exam
To be able to take the exam, it's necessary to have read and accepted the terms and conditions of examination institute, available in english. The acceptance of such terms and conditions will have to be confirmed when taking the exam.
ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation official certificate
APMG ISO/IEC 27001 Foundation curso presencial en desde 11 Junio 2018 en Bilbao duración 3 days entregado por iLEARN Innovative Learning
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Home \ Eat \ Who Seek: A Dessert Cafe Worth the Drive
John McNeilly February 27, 2019 9:11 am
It’s easy to get complacent about dessert.
After a great meal, on a lazy summer afternoon, or anytime, really, we often settle for the classics: the ice creams, cakes, and pies of the sweet-tooth universe.
So why not shake the dessert game up a bit?
We found the place to do just that.
Who Seek, located in Chantilly and opened in April 2018, is a Korean-style dessert and coffee shop that offers a new and exciting approach to the world of creative, tantalizing desserts, specialized coffee and tea drinks.
Anchored between a popular Korean BBQ joint and a bustling Dim Sum shop, Who Seek appears, at least at first glance, to be a small take-out shop. As you enter, you’re enveloped in an all-black, ultra-modern lobby that exudes an uber-cool hipster vibe. Guided by velvet ropes (the night club-feel is unmistakable), you find yourself in front of gorgeous back-lit signs that offer a stunning visual presentation of drinks and desserts.
It makes ordering practically painless.
But if you do have questions, and you likely will (especially if it’s your first visit). No problem: the staff’s eager to help. Like the shop’s overall aesthetic, the ordering process is calm and low-key. Curiosity is welcome, even encouraged, with no pressure to hurry orders.
The desserts are focused on traditional Korean offerings (though an assortment of Belgian waffle desserts are also available). The first, Snowflake, features shaved, sweetened ice milk as a base. Produced by a specialized machine made exclusively in Korea, a generous heap is scooped into a dessert bowl then covered with a variety of unique flavor options, including matcha, red bean, soybean, strawberry, chocolate, or tiramisu. Each dish has its own focused additions as well, including outrageously tasty macarons.
Who Seek also serves the Korean classic dessert, Honey Butter Cube, which is similar to a light pound cake cut into chunks then drizzled with honey butter and topped with ice cream and available in a variety of options, including matcha, soybean, Nutella, honey, coffee, and strawberry.
The combination of unique textures and flavors, with the snow-white foundation of shaved milk (like shaved ice only finer and sweetened), results in a delectable taste bomb that’s difficult to describe but utterly unique and delicious. It’s unlike any dessert you’ve ever tasted.
Who Seek also offers up a wide variety of custom-made drinks, including coffees, bubble teas, smoothies, and Ade, a fruit-sweetened carbonated beverage popular in Korea.
Once ordering, you can take-out or choose to sit in a small row of padded seats along a side hallway (popular with romantics). Or, you can walk to the end of the hallway where a large, seemingly immovable print screen magically slides open to reveal a large, comparatively bright room artfully appointed with couches, club chairs, and coffee tables. There’s also a convenient kitchen window where orders can be picked up once finished.
The room, a delightful contrast to the nightclub-like lobby, has a more traditional feel of an open, well-lit coffee shop. It’s often filled with groups of friends chatting, folks diligently working away on computers, individuals leisurely reading or scrolling phones, and families eagerly diving into their desserts, which are generous and easily shareable.
Jenny Lee, a Korean-American who owns the dessert shop along with her brother, Wan, says the response has been enthusiastic, with business dramatically increasing since opening, especially as word has gotten out via social media. She says they’ll continue to tweak dessert and drink concepts and hours of operation—they just lengthened their weekend late-night hours because of demand—all based on customer feedback.
And if you are still craving the more classic dessert? Good news: a slice of cake can also be had.
Who Seek is located at 13910 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Chantilly, VA 20151
John McNeilly
John McNeilly, a resident of Leesburg, has over two decades experience as a professional communicator, including holding media and public relations positions at The Washington Post and Discovery Channel. Since 2008, he’s written extensively about area food trends, farmers markets, restaurants, wineries, craft beer, and distilled spirits, local politics, and high school sports for a variety of community newspapers and magazines in the Washington metropolitan area.
Category: Eat, Featured
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WIZO names 2011 ‘Most Sexist Ad' award finalists
Women's group slams Isracard, Goldstar, L’Oreal for ads portraying women in weak, derogatory positions.
By RUTH EGLASH
AXE deodorant ad 390. (photo credit: YouTube)
Credit card provider Isracard, Israeli-brewed beer Goldstar and international beauty product manufacturer L’Oreal are among those shortlisted for creating the “Most Sexist Advertisement” of 2011, the Women’s International Zionist Organization (WIZO) announced on Sunday.
This is the third year that WIZO has identified television and print advertisements that portray women in weak or derogatory positions, as part of an anti-sexism campaign to mark International Women’s Day on Wednesday.
The women’s organization will announce the “winner” at a mock ceremony in the Knesset on Tuesday, in coordination with the parliamentary Committee on the Status of Women.
Among those included in a top 10 list of most sexist commercials are Isracard’s “Tagidi lo” (“Tell him”) television ad featuring celebrity British fashion journalists Susannah and Trinny; lingerie chain store Afrodita’s newspaper ads; billboards for AXE deodorant; and kitchen designers Do It, for showing a woman sitting in a Martini cocktail glass. Goldstar beer’s “Give thanks you’re a man” television ad was also cited.
AXE, Goldstar and Do It have been highlighted in the past by WIZO for producing particularly chauvinist ads.
“The advertisements that have been selected present a grim picture of how women and girls are often shown in degrading and humiliating ways,” WIZO Israel chairwoman Gila Oshrat said.
“They perpetuate some very distorted and primitive perceptions of women and continue to promote an old-fashioned attitude of the relationship between the sexes.”
Oshrat pointed out that some of the commercials contain elements that could be considered pornographic, and stereotypes “entrenched in showing women as submissive and superficial.”
She said that this year, the issue of how women are portrayed in mass media is particularly sensitive following attempts by some in the ultra-Orthodox community to erase the presence of women from public life.
Tuesday’s event at the legislature will also include a discussion with a wide range of parliamentarians, including Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin, high profile journalists and media professionals, academics and representatives of the marketing and advertising sector. The goal of the debate is to find a way to improve the portrayal of women in popular commercials.
A panel of professional women and experts on feminism, including Dr. Ronnie Halpern, head of the gender studies program at Beit Berl College, Michal Rozin, CEO of the Association of Rape Crisis Centers, attorney Liat Klein, blogger and researcher Shlomit Lir, and senior professionals from WIZO select the most sexist ads.
Rioting resumes throughout east Jerusalem Saturday night
By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
MK calls to ban Secret smartphone application
By LAHAV HARKOV
Confirmed: Body of Aaron Sofer found in Jerusalem Forest
US: Israeli police harassing another Abu Khdeir cousin
With another yeshiva student arrested, haredi ‘draft dodgers’ could soon number in hundreds
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NBA Killer Mindset
This is an excerpt from "Ageless Athletic Assassin" book available on Amazon
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Excerpt Ageless Athletic Assassin: Page 122
Martial arts helps basketball players with the mentality to dominate against one-on-one matchups.
The most famous basketball player to benefit from martial arts is Los Angeles Lakers Kareem Abdul Jabbar who studied Jeet Kune Do under Bruce Lee and even starred in Bruce Lee’s final film “Game of Death.” Kareem credits martial arts in providing him the discipline needed to win six championships with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Young Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant took notice and also practiced Jeet Kune Do - crediting Bruce Lee for his “Mamba Mentality” of winning five NBA championships with the Lakers.
Los Angeles Lakers great Shaquille O'Neal also benefited from martial arts - practicing boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai that helped him win four NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat.
Carmelo Anthony hopes his martial arts will help him win an elusive first NBA championship saying “As athletes, and as basketball players, you have to find different things that can help you on the basketball court. For me, that’s boxing. When I’m in the gym, it’s me versus you and I don’t want to leave that gym with a loss. So that goes into my mindset, and it puts me in that tenacious focus on the basketball court that you just don’t want to lose.”
Miami Heat James Johnson has the nickname “Blood Sport” as both his parents and 8 siblings are all karate black belts. When James played for the Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose chose James Johnson as his roommate knowing his qualifications as a bodyguard and enforcer. Chris Paul challenged James saying “I keep hearing about your fighting, but you're way too big to be a fighter” so James did a roundhouse kick within inches of Chris’ face causing Chris to step back and say “O.K. I believe you James.” In 2018 against the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons and James Johnson tussled so Ben’s teammates immediately pulled Ben aside knowing James’ martial arts background. Twitter laughed at Ben’s stupidity in challenging a karate black belt saying “In the span of an NBA quarter, James Johnson somehow managed to expose the entire Sixers team as fake tough guys - Incredible.”
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Friends launch desperate plea to find Irish backpacker missing in Australia
The Irish Consulate in Sydney have asked for information on the whereabouts of Declan Whales
Colin BrennanEditor Online Irish Mirror
Friends launch desperate plea to find Irish backpacker missing in Australia (Image: Missing person Facebook)
Friends have launched a desperate plea to find an Irish backpacker missing in Australia.
The Irish Consulate in Sydney have asked for information on the whereabouts of Declan Whales.
Declan, 30, is thought to have been backpacking in Australia for the last few months and was last seen at Gilligan's Bar and Hotel in Cairns.
A police report on his disappearance was made in Ryde, which is suburb of Sydney - almost 2,000km from where he was last seen by a friend.
Lucas Rathmann, a 26-year-old from Germany, worked with Whales, an electrician for a week.
They worked together in the rural town of Winton which is 1,400km north-west of Brisbane.
He said: “Last time we’ve seen him was on the 23rd (June).
"He started about a week earlier than we did.
"We just worked there for a couple of days and when we left on the 23rd, he was alright.
"He planned to stay a couple more weeks to save some money.
“The camp was in the middle of nowhere, no signal and the next town was 140km away.
"Maybe he’s still just out of signal.
“He was a very nice guy, always spoke to everyone.
"A really open and friendly guy.”
Friends launch desperate plea to find Irish backpacker missing in Australia (Image: Declan Whales Instagram)
Declan Whales was born in Ireland but lived in England before going to Australia.
He speaks with an English accent.
A Facebook post by the Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland said that Whales was going to Brisbane to work with a fencing contractor.
The Department of Foreign Affairs are aware of the case and are providing consular assistance.
Luke Richards , 24, from London and his girlfriend met Declan at BigFoot Backpackers Hostel in Bundaberg, a Queensland city which is known for backpackers travelling and looking to earn money through farmwork.
He said about Declan: “He’s a really nice guy, always happy, would always stop and speak with you.
"When I first met him, he came straight out, stuck out his hand and said ‘great to meet you’. He was very friendly.
“This is strange because he doesn’t seem like the type to just disappear. He was really responsible from what I saw, he was a supervisor for an electrical company in the UK. [I’m] honestly so shocked at all this.”
“He said he was a supervisor when he left but didn’t want to do that anymore as it was too much stress.
"He didn’t want to be an electrician in Australia. He wanted to extend his visa for a second year.”
World NewsWidow stripped of her life savings after putting away too much of her pensionMary Morley did not want to burden her family after retiring, so she began tucking away part of her State Pension every week - but her local council is now clawing back the cash
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Nissan LEAF ›› 2018 ›› 2018 Nissan LEAF
New Nissan LEAF For Sale
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Overview (Final Score: A)
For 2018, Nissan's legendary Leaf battery electric vehicle (BEV) is all new. This Leaf feels more energetic on the road, has a long list of safety upgrades and brings a very competitive list of features to the affordable compact EV segment.
The Nissan LEAF has been overshadowed by the Tesla Model 3, but the truth is they are in entirely different vehicle segments. A fully-loaded Tesla Model 3, which doesn't even offer some of the Leaf's key features, is literally twice the price of the Leaf after incentives for both cars, at the time of this writing.
Nissan's five-passenger Leaf is roomy inside, has much more cargo space than the Chevrolet Bolt EV, its closest rival, and does almost everything better than the more expensive and now dated BMW i3. The new Leaf will appeal to anyone who is willing to give it a test drive, if its range is sufficient to meet their needs.
What We Love About the 2018 Nissan Leaf:
Fun to drive
Competitively priced
What We Don't Love About the 2018 Nissan Leaf:
150 Mile max range is still an issue for some
Promised range doesn't seem to match up with actual miles covered
Some minor ergonomic oddities
Exterior View (10/10)
Even in a class of goofy nerd-mobiles, the previous-generation Leaf was visually challenging. It was frumpy, with a design that didn't ignite anyone's passion. The new Leaf is a fresh design that looks almost exactly like a Rogue or Rogue Sport from many angles. In the same way that Honda disguises the Fit to look like a mini CR-V, the Leaf looks like a Nissan crossover despite being a compact hatchback car, pure and simple.
Up front, Nissan's signature grill is on full display. Attractive headlights with low-mounted fog lights make the Leaf appear mainstream. The front 3/4 view that car publications always feature is particularly good on the Leaf. Throw in great-looking, normal-sized alloy rims and it looks grown up, if not snazzy.
Along the side, the Leaf has some Nissan signature elements like the floating roof highlight, shown above in offsetting black. There's not much to do with an aerodynamic hatchback to make the sides stand out, but the classy chrome door pulls look good and Nissan's "Zero Emission" logo is tasteful.
In back, the Leaf is all crossover. It looks a lot like any Nissan here and it works. From front to back, Nissan avoided any mistakes and kept the Leaf modern and neat. There is no futuristic look like the Toyota Prius Prime's to polarize shoppers, nor is there any shock value like the i3 had when it was first revealed. Nissan is playing for widespread appeal and that's what makes the most sense for vehicles like the electric Leaf, struggling to gain a broader audience.
Interior Comfort, Quality, Ergonomics (9/10)
Inside, the Leaf has many premium aspects, but also has a fair amount of hard plastic on the dash facing the front passengers. Our SL trim test vehicle had a tasteful combination of gray and black trims, with a single accent panel facing the front passenger that was, thankfully, not old-fashioned wood. The overall interior look is fresh and bright.
The Leaf's center infotainment display is perfectly sized and well placed for easy touch operation. It reminds us a lot of the Kia and Hyundai displays in current vehicles, and we like it more than the system in a Nissan Rogue we recently tested. The HVAC controls are easy to find and operate, being located just under the screen. Nissan doesn't force owners to hunt and peck through menus to change the temperature and operate the HVAC system. Heated seat controls stay where you set them and there is a heated steering wheel that also stays in its setting, located to the left of the wheel on the dash. Nissan scores top points on all of these controls.
The Leaf SL has an outstanding gauge display. It's easy to navigate, and can provide EV and trip information. We love how easy it is to reset vehicle functions like lighting and locks. Nissan also displays the tire pressure at each corner. When navigating, the display shows the next turn. It's not as good as a head-up display, but surely less expensive and very workable.
The power-adjustable seats of our Leaf SL had leather surfaces with suede microfiber trim. This added a premium feel that makes the car a little easier to accept at its price point of nearly $40,000. Seat heat was weak for both front seats, but the heater was quick to warm the cabin.
We found a comfortable seating position, but that was almost by luck. The Leaf's seats are a bit high for our taste and the bottom doesn't angle up enough. With no telescope function on the tilt-wheel, the steering position required moving forward more than we would have liked as well. Shorter drivers might not notice any of these minor issues.
The high seating may put the driver's head too close to the ceiling, making the roof feel confining. Outward visibility is only good, not great. Side and rear visibility are excellent. The rear seats are very spacious. Adults can sit in the two outboard rear seats without adults in the front needing to move their seats up.
The 2018 Leaf has 92.4 cubic feet of passenger space. By comparison, the Chevy Bolt has 95 cubic feet and the (four-passenger) Toyota Prius Prime has 91.5 cubic feet. All feel pretty roomy for a compact due to their upright designs.
The Leaf has a cargo volume of 23.6 cubic feet and the Bolt has a much lower 16.9 cubic feet - the main size difference between the two. For comparison, the Toyota Prius Prime has 19.8 cubic feet of cargo volume. From a practical standpoint, the Leaf is the largest of the three vehicles.
Technology (10/10)
The 2018 Nissan Leaf SL has an ideal mixture of real-world usable technology and a forward-looking vibe. The 7-inch color infotainment display has important buttons to the left and right of the screen. That leaves more room for information and keeps your screen relatively fingerprint free.
The HVAC controls are simple and intuitive, and not part of the menus. Instead, they reside underneath the infotainment display. We love that you can set the heated seats and steering wheel to "on" and have them stay in that position until you decide to change them. Most other vehicles require all those touches every time you get in the vehicle.
The center gauge display is also spot-on. All of the key info, such as individual tire pressure in each wheel and turn info when navigating, can be found here. Best of all, you can alter the vehicle settings. Many automakers leave that adjustability just for premium brands, but Nissan lets you select all aspects of the car's functionality.
The in-dash navigation system is good. However, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay available on the top two trims, the Leaf allows a user to plug into other cell apps. We enjoyed using Google Maps and Pandora, with full integration.
The Bose Premium Audio is sub-par. It sounds as if it has just one speaker and doesn't impress, particularly since it comes at an added cost and the Bose amp in the trunk takes up important space. We'd skip this feature for sure, except that it's tied to safety systems we would want.
EV Range and Efficiency (9/10)
The Leaf we tested had an EPA-estimated maximum range of 150 miles. That range is substantially lower than the Chevy Bolt's 238 miles. The Toyota Prius Prime is a plug-in hybrid, so it has just 25 miles of EV range but can go over 600 miles without stopping for energy. Nissan plans a longer range and more expensive Leaf for the coming year.
In our testing, range depleted at an almost alarming rate. We made multiple trips, and recorded the range miles used and the actual miles traveled. In every scenario of in-town, mixed and highway driving, the Leaf used more range miles than miles actually traveled. On our longest drive of 64 miles, the Leaf consumed 93 miles of range. EPA range miles are just estimates, and based on our testing, we would apply a multiplier of about 0.7 to the range Nissan promises.
During our testing, the Leaf SL recorded the miles per kWh we could travel. Our result was 3.7 m/kWh. At that rate, with our electric cost at $0.23 per kWh, our cost per mile for energy was 6 cents. A Bolt would be almost the same and the Prius Prime would actually be slightly less, with gasoline at $2.50 per gallon.
In our target market of Metro West Boston, the Leaf is not a less expensive vehicle to "fuel" versus cars with a 40 mpg rating or better. Nissan does offer free charging at locations in key markets.
Predicted Reliability, Initial Quality Ratings (8/10)
Being all new, it's hard to say how well the 2018 Nissan Leaf will hold up. Consumer Reports predicts it will have a 4/5 reliability rating. On the recent J.D. Power Dependability Survey that looks at the number of customer-reported problems of 3-year-old vehicles, Nissan scored above average but below both Chevrolet and Toyota.
Safety (10/10)
Nissan designed its new Leaf to be a Top Safety Pick, something its outgoing generation never achieved. Although not yet tested by IIHS or NHTSA, we suspect the new Leaf will prove to have a very safe crash structure. The Leaf offers automatic emergency braking and every manner of active safety systems, such as rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning and mitigation. Many of these are in a Technology Package at an added cost (along with the Bose audio).
The Leaf also has an optional system called Pro Pilot. Similar to systems found on other cars, and Honda's Sensing, in particular, this is an adaptive cruise control system with lane centering. We enjoy using such systems and would recommend Nissan's.
Performance (10/10)
We love the way the new Nissan Leaf SL drives. It's snappy off the line, quick in all scenarios and has more than ample passing power. Like all electric-drive vehicles, the Leaf has instant and linear thrust. It's addictive, and we had to be careful not get ticketed.
The 2018 Nissan Leaf is also real-world nimble. It is easy to steer and doesn't lean much in corners. We loved back roads driving in the Leaf. Brakes are also very good, and in normal mode, there is no regenerative goofiness like on early green cars.
Nissan equips the 2018 Leaf with E-Pedal, one-pedal driving. It enables drivers to use just the power pedal and forgo the brake in most driving. We loved it around town, but on the highway and on back roads we liked the standard mode better. The mode is selectable. Nissan allows the driver to select the mode once, or it can be set to remain on each time you enter the vehicle.
Pricing and Value (9/10)
Unlike conventional cars, electric cars are a bit more difficult to gauge when it comes to pricing and value. Starting with a purchase, the MSRP plus delivery of our tester was $38,260. You'd have to be crazy to pay that for this car, but almost nobody will.
The federal tax deduction for those who qualify is $7,500. In target states for EVs, there is a $2,500 rebate. At $28,260 after incentives, the Leaf is a great deal. Plus, Nissan dealers are offering up to $1,500 off the Leaf's price. At $26,760, the Leaf SL is a fantastic deal. There are two other trims: the S trim costs $30,875 and the SV costs $33,340 before incentives and discounts.
We recommend shoppers consider leasing a Leaf. EVs suffer more depreciation than any other vehicle type. Obviously, the federal and state incentives are the primary reason for this, but the technology is evolving so rapidly that newer models offer important functionality in terms of range and features. Lessees can't use the federal tax break, but automakers include a discount in the lease price for that. Also, state incentives and dealer discounts do apply. Do more than the normal amount of research and online shopping before heading out. It could mean the difference between a good or bad deal.
Total Score and Competitive Comparison (75/80, 94%)
All three of the top-selling vehicles in this class, the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt and Toyota Prius Prime, have their pros and cons. The Leaf is the largest in terms of total space and it's our favorite in terms of total experience. However, the Bolt's added EV range and the Prius Prime's ease of use are important considerations.
The 2018 Leaf SL will impress anyone looking for a compact EV. It feels great to drive, has a perfect mix of tech and premium features, and is a terrific value if you can take advantage of all the available incentives. But shoppers should keep in mind that a longer-range version is just around the corner.
Hatchback - FWD
S S Hatchback Electric Motor FWD 29990
SV SV Hatchback Electric Motor FWD 32490
SL SL Hatchback Electric Motor FWD 36200
Comparison of 2018 Nissan LEAF with Similar Cars
2018 Nissan Leaf $29,990 $28,412
2018 Chevrolet Volt $33,220 $31,891 2018 Nissan Leaf VS 2018 Chevrolet Volt
2018 Ford Fusion Energi $33,400 $31,563 2018 Nissan Leaf VS 2018 Ford Fusion Energi
2018 Fiat 500e $32,995 $32,453 2018 Nissan Leaf VS 2018 Fiat 500e
2018 Volkswagen e-Golf $30,495 $29,275 2018 Nissan Leaf VS 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf
2018 Toyota Prius Prime $27,300 $26,209 2018 Nissan Leaf VS 2018 Toyota Prius Prime
Interested to see how the 2018 Nissan LEAF ranks against similar cars in terms of key attributes? Here are the 2018 Nissan LEAF rankings for MPG, horsepower, torque, leg room, head room, shoulder room, hip room and so forth.
1 2018 Ford Fusion Energi 188
2 2018 Nissan Leaf 147
3 2018 Toyota Prius Prime 121
1 2018 Nissan Leaf 41.2
2 2018 Toyota Prius Prime 39.4
3 2018 Ford Fusion Energi 39.2
4 2018 Fiat 500e 38.9
5 2018 Volkswagen e-Golf 38.4
6 2018 Chevrolet Volt 37.8
Nissan LEAF Cars for Sale
2019 Nissan Leaf - 29 Listings
2018 Nissan Leaf - 39 Deals Out of 93 Listings
2016 Nissan Leaf - 73 Deals Out of 225 Listings
Used Chevrolet Volt - 348 Deals Out of 1,279 Listings
Used Ford Fusion Energi - 265 Deals Out of 1,067 Listings
Used Fiat 500e - 101 Deals Out of 250 Listings
Used Volkswagen e-Golf - 84 Deals Out of 240 Listings
Used Toyota Prius Prime - 53 Deals Out of 236 Listings
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The town will create some of the signs while others will be obtained free of charge from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Total costs for the town produced signs is expected to be under $1,000. Installation is already underway, and Maglione expects them to be in place in two or three weeks.
"There are basic public education things we can do," Maglione said. "Don't feed it, don't harass it, don't touch it."
There are other options as well.
A 725-foot-long, three-and-a-half-foot-tall fence could be erected in areas with access to the water, but that would cost about $25,375, he estimated. Town manager Van Willis said that money could come from a special tax district.
If the alligator were to be removed, DNR policy requires it be killed, Maglione said. Alligators will travel long distances to return to home areas, so it moving it someplace else is not a solution, he said.
Further, if the alligator was removed, another one would likely take its place, he said.
The wetlands were designed to keep animals like alligators in the center of the habitat, away from the walkways and people, Maglione said. Most areas on the edges are shaded, which prevent the cold-blooded creatures from sunning, or have high grass and plants to create a barrier between people and wildlife.
"I think at this point, we do have a lot of eyes on the alligators because of all the visitors to the area, and if we see any unusual behavior, then that's the time to do something," Councilman Tom Klein said.
Council agreed to revisit the issue after the hatching period for birds in the wetlands. Now is a critical time for the birds, and even removing the alligator could upset them, Maglione said.
"As long as honestly this town can say we've done everything to prevent it, then we're safe, Gray-Heyward said. "But if not, then shame on us."
12-foot Cypress Wetlands gator worries Port Royal councilwoman, April 3, 2013
Resident asks Port Royal council to consider chain-free ordinance, March 13, 2013
Commission mulls growth-boundary between Beaufort, Port Royal, Feb. 5, 2013
Afraid of sharks? Here are 12 tips to reduce your chances of getting attacked
Watch this loggerhead sea turtle come ashore to nest on Edisto Beach as the sun rises
Untamed Lowcountry
This plant goes by multiple names, attracts butterflies, and may be source of new drug
By Vicky McMillan Special to The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette
Common Lowcountry SC frogfruit plant contains many substances with potential anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal uses.
MORE UNTAMED LOWCOUNTRY
New girl in town: Rare third sea turtle species nests on Hilton Head
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Unique mating behavior: Male dragonflies flutter like butterflies, then guard mates
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Fitness | KCET
Lost L.A.
How Muscle Beach Started in Santa Monica — But Ended Up in Venice
Hadley Meares
Muscle Beach started near the Santa Monica Pier as a haven for Southern California fitness advocates, frequented by some of the most well-known names in fitness today. In spite of a wildly popular reception, politics drove it to relocate to Venice.
Arrival Stories
Olga Connolly: An Amazing Olympic -- and American -- Love Story
Jeremy Rosenberg
The epic story of an Olympian who shocked her home country in the midst of the Cold War.
Venice Recreation Center
The Venice Recreation Center is a place for many forms of exercise. Its facilities include a weight pin, a skate park, basketball, handball, and paddle tennis courts and the famed muscle beach.
Joe Wheatley - Muscle Beach
Muscle Beach is an outdoor gym frequented by spectating tourists and some of the world's best bodybuilders.
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Luca Eandi
Luca Eandi is KEH Camera's Digital Content Specialist and a board-certified human person. He's served as the official street photographer for Tokyo Weekender magazine while spending time documenting Japanese illustrated street signs. His cat is somewhat popular on the internet.
3 Tough Waterproof Cameras To Capture Your Summer Fun
June 28, 2019 / by Luca Eandi
So many summer activities involve water, whether it be splashing in the pool, kayaking down a river or surfing at the beach. And while phones have certainly come a long way in water resistance, they're still not tough enough to take even a moderate fall. Plus, it almost goes without saying, but camera phones just lack the features that can take your footage from blah to booyah.
This is where tough, waterproof cameras come in. Not only can they work wonderfully underwater, most are also also shockproof and built tough, so when they take a spill, they'll keep on keeping on.
Here are three of our inexpensive favorites that won't make you think twice about saying "hold my beer" to your friends and trying something epic this summer.
GoPro Hero 6 Black Edition
The GoPro has always been the go-to when it comes to capturing video for action sports, but the Hero 6 Black was the first GoPro that made a case for using it as a stills camera as well. It can shoot RAW files on top of the usual JPEGs, and has a wide dynamic range mode to tame scenes with dark shadows and bright highlights. Plus, it's capable of shooting 12-megapixel stills in 30 frames-per-second bursts and has a time-lapse mode built-in.
Of course, it's no slouch in the video department—it shoots 4K at 60 frames per second and can do 240 fps in 1080p, which is perfect for capturing the action in glorious slow motion. It's also waterproof up to 33 feet, has built-in GPS and can automatically upload your photos and videos to the cloud for easy backup and sharing on the go.
The XP130 was born as an amphibious camera, meant to dare any terrain and adverse conditions—it's waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and even freezeproof to 14°F. It's got a 28mm to 140mm zoom lens that gives you optical versatility for a host of situations. The 16-megapixel sensor is stabilized to give users a steadying hand at lower shutter speeds or when zoomed in. The vaunted Fujifilm colors are perfect for making colorful fish pop vibrantly in your photos.
There's a large and bright 3-inch monitor on the back that's coated with anti-reflective material, so you can see clearly in bright sunlight or while below water. The video options are comparable to other underwater cams—it shoots 1080p at 60 fps and can do slow motion as well. For sharing your photos quickly and easily, the camera is equipped with Bluetooth technology that can automatically stream files to your smartphone or tablet.
Another one of our favorite underwater cameras is the AW100. Like the Fujifilm XP130, it's also waterproof, shockproof, dustproof and freezeproof and has a 16-megapixel sensor. It's designed to be operated easily while wearing gloves, whether it be in the cold air or water. It's bright orange casing makes it easier to spot in case you lose it in a wave or drop it in foliage.
Not only does it have built-in GPS to geotag your photos, it also features Nikon's electronic compass that can show you where you are on a map. This feature is perfect for documenting your rafting trips or treks through remote trails—you can create complete travelogues using just the tools on the camera. Whatever you throw at the AW100, it's ready to handle it.
SHOP ALL UNDERWATER GEAR
featured underwater camera tough camera Fujifilm FinePix XP130 Nikon Coolpix AW100 GoPro Hero 6 Black
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The Nikon FM3a Is An Effortless SLR
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HomeJamie Cullum NewsWERS 88.9 fm – Performance Wrap-Up: Jamie Cullum
WERS 88.9 fm – Performance Wrap-Up: Jamie Cullum
By Michelle March 28, 2010 Jamie Cullum News 0 Comments
Any jazz fan would have enjoyed Jamie Cullum’s concert at the House of Blues. Although the venue was crowded with an audience of all ages, Cullum’s show was as intimate as a cozy jazz bar. The English pop star improvised on his piano in every song and interacted with the audience several times. He performed an entertaining set of his most popular songs and a few from his latest album, Pursuit, released last year.
The concert began punctually at 8pm when Cullum blasted in with high energy singing the cover “Don’t Stop The Music,” originally by Rihanna. He then went on to play a set list full of crowd pleasers such as “Get Your Way,” “Gran Torino,” and “London Skies.” From his new album he played “I’m All Over It” and “Wheels,” amongst others. The quality of the sound was sublime with the perfect dosage of smooth standup bass, brushy drums, and when called for, trumpet and saxophone. All of the members of Cullum’s band wore suit and tie which added to the jazzy environment.
ALSO READ Jamie Cullum dances in shorts on the piano
As a performer, he went beyond just playing and singing and was a comical character. In many instances he would stand on his piano stool and occasionally go on top of the piano. After he would jump off then continue to rock out by dancing and running across the stage. Cullum even beat boxed in certain songs like “These Are the Days”.
He interacted and joked with the audience the audience constantly. He promised an audience member holding the sign “Play at My Wedding” that he would do so and went on talking about his own wedding. In his British accent he remembered his past performances in Boston “The first time I played in Boston I played for five people, then the second time I played for 500. I guess I played for the right five people.”
With the splendid combination of modern jazzy tunes and high excitement, Jamie Cullum left with a happy crowd now looking to explore his new album Pursuit.
-Words by Samira Winter
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Correction: Oncostatin M Suppresses Activation of IL-17/Th17 via SOCS3 Regulation in CD4+ T Cells
Hye-Jin Son, Seung Hoon Lee, Seon-Yeong Lee, Eun-Kyung Kim, Eun-Ji Yang, Jae-Kyung Kim, Hyeon-Beom Seo, Sung-Hwan Park and Mi-La Cho
J Immunol June 15, 2017, 198 (12) 4879; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.1700537
Hye-Jin Son
Seung Hoon Lee
Seon-Yeong Lee
Eun-Kyung Kim
Eun-Ji Yang
Jae-Kyung Kim
Hyeon-Beom Seo
Sung-Hwan Park
Mi-La Cho
Son, H.-J., S. H. Lee, S.-Y. Lee, E.-K. Kim, E.-J. Yang, J.-K. Kim, H.-B. Seo, S.-H. Park, and M.-L. Cho. 2017. Oncostatin M suppresses activation of IL-17/Th17 via SOCS3 regulation in CD4+ T cells. J. Immunol. 198: 1484–1491.
Contact information was omitted from the correspondence footnote in the article as originally published. The corrected footnote is shown below. This has been corrected in the online version of the article, which now differs from the print version as originally published.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Prof. Mi-La Cho or Prof. Sung-Hwan Park, Conversant Research Consortium in Immunologic Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-Dong, Seocho-Ku 137-040, Seoul, Korea (M.-L.C.) or Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, School of Medicine, 222 Banpo Daero, Seoul 06591, Korea (S.-H.P.). E-mail addresses: iammila{at}catholic.ac.kr (M.-L.C.) or rapark{at}catholic.ac.kr (S.-H.P.)
Copyright © 2017 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.
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Hye-Jin Son, Seung Hoon Lee, Seon-Yeong Lee, Eun-Kyung Kim, Eun-Ji Yang, Jae-Kyung Kim, Hyeon-Beom Seo, Sung-Hwan Park, Mi-La Cho
The Journal of Immunology June 15, 2017, 198 (12) 4879; DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1700537
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GAS PRODUCTION IN AZERBAIJAN TO EXCEED 40 BILLION CUBIC METERS IN 2020
In 2020, gas production in Azerbaijan will exceed 40 billion cubic meters, including by increasin...
EQUINOR INVESTS IN NEW PLATFORM IN AZERBAIJAN
Equinor and eight partners in the offshore Azeri Chirag Gunashli (ACG) oilfield in the Caspian Se...
SOCAR REPORTS 25% INCREASE IN GAS PRODUCTION IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2019
SOCAR commissioned its highest-capacity well drilled at Umid field; it will produce 900 millio...
TURAN DRILLING AND ENGINEERING WINS $500 MILLION BP CONTRACT IN AZERBAIJAN
Turan Drilling & Engineering Company LLC (A KCA Deutag and SOCAR AQS Company), has been awar...
WEIR OIL & GAS SIGNS MOU WITH AZERBAIJAN STATE OIL AND INDUSTRY UNIVERSITY
Weir Oil & Gas announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Azerbaijan State O...
ZENITH ENERGY ANNOUNCES MOBILISATION OF DRILLING RIG TO WELL C-37, ONSHORE AZ...
Zenith Energy Ltd. announces that its oilfield service company subsidiary, Zena Drilling Limited,...
AZERBAIJAN AND ALGERIA TO DEVELOP COOPERATION ON HYDROCARBON PROJECTS, PETROC...
Baku and Algeria plan to sign a memorandum on cooperation in the oil and gas sector, the Azerbaij...
SOCAR-TOTAL JOINT VENTURE ANNOUNCES ITS LIQUIDATION
SOCAR Absheron, a joint venture of the Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR and Total, announces...
ALTRAD GROUP ANNOUNCES AZERBAIJAN CONTRACT AWARD
The Altrad Group is delighted to announce that SOCARCape, the joint venture between the State Oil...
XOM, CHEVRON SEEK TO EXIT AZERBAIJAN’S ACG FIELD
U.S. oil supermajors ExxonMobil (XOM) and Chevron are said to be mulling the sale of their stakes...
ZENITH ENERGY PROVIDES UPDATE ON JAFARLI FIELD OPERATIONS IN AZERBAIJAN
Zenith Energy Ltd., the listed international oil & gas production company operating the l...
MAJOR CONTRACT EXTENSION STRENGTHENS EXPRO’S POSITION IN AZERBAIJAN
Leading international oilfield services company, Expro, has strengthened the opening of its n...
INVESTMENTS INTO SOUTHERN GAS CORRIDOR EXCEED $30 BILLION
As of the beginning of October this year the volume of investments in the implementation of a lar...
WOOD AND NOBEL OIL ENTER INTO JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT IN AZERBAIJAN
Wood and Nobel Oil have entered into a joint venture (JV) agreement to provide engineering and op...
ZENITH ENERGY BEGINS COMPREHENSIVE RESERVOIR STUDY IN AZERBAIJAN
Zenith Energy Ltd., the dual listed international oil & gas production company operating ...
ZENITH ENERGY REPORTS NEW GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IDENTIFIED IN WELL C-37, JAFAR...
Zenith Energy Ltd announces that additional, ongoing geological and reservoir investigations ...
SOCAR AQS AND KCA DEUTAG ANNOUNCE HISTORIC CASPIAN JOINT VENTURE
SOCAR AQS and KCA Deutag have reached an agreement to form a joint venture that will target exist...
BP ANNOUNCES THE START-UP OF SHAH DENIZ 2, AZERBAIJAN
BP and its partners announced the start-up of Shah Deniz 2 on 30th June 2018, including its f...
EQUINOR AND SOCAR SIGN AZERBAIJAN AGREEMENT
Statoil Azerbaijan (part of the Equinor group) and Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR hav...
SOCAR AND BP SIGN NEW PRODUCTION SHARING AGREEMENT FOR AZERBAIJAN EXPLORATION
SOCAR and BP today signed a new production sharing agreement (PSA) for the joint exploration and ...
AZERBAIJAN GOVERNMENT AND CO-VENTURERS SIGN AMENDED AND RESTATED AZERI-CHIRAG...
The Azerbaijan government and the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), togeth...
NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SUBSEA CONSTRUCTION VESSEL LAUNCHED IN BAKU TO SUPPORT S...
The Shah Deniz consortium announce the launch of the Khankendi - a new flagship vessel for the Ca...
SOCAR AND BP-OPERATED AIOC SIGN PRINCIPLES OF AGREEMENT ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT...
SOCAR (the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan) and AIOC (the Azerbaijan Internationa...
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About Hull
A-Z of all businesses in Hull
Home > Hull House Prices > Marshall Avenue
Sold House Prices in Marshall Avenue
This page displays sold house prices for Marshall Avenue in Hull.
Marshall Avenue in Willerby, Hull consists predominantly of semi-detached houses. Properties on Marshall Avenue typically have values around £200,000 - £300,000, but larger detached houses can command upwards of £300,000.
3 Marshall Avenue, Willerby HU10 6LL
£185,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 9th March 2007
11 Marshall Avenue, Willerby HU10 6LL
£84,500 Semi-detached house, Freehold 14th July 2000
£84,950 Semi-detached house, Freehold 28th May 1997
£194,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 3rd September 2004
£72,500 Semi-detached house, Freehold 1st November 1995
£207,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 8th June 2007
£193,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 21st June 2013
£52,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 15th January 2002
£145,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 21st October 2005
£157,000 Semi-detached house, Freehold 22nd July 2011
£148,000 Detached house, Freehold 7th August 2009
Bramhope Lodge Marshall Avenue, Willerby HU10 6LL
All sold house price data on Kingston upon Hull is provided under license from the Land Registry for England and Wales. We cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. N.B. Sold prices are reported up to 3 months in arrears from date of house sale so there may be a delay for some sold properties to appear on this site. Data produced by Land Registry © Crown copyright 2019.
Marshall Avenue
Map showing Marshall Avenue in Hull.
© 2019 CSE. All rights reserved. Kingston upon Hull is a city guide for Hull and North Humberside in UK UK. The content of the Kingston upon Hull website is provided in good faith but we cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies, omissions or visitors' comments.
Kingston upon Hull is part of the network of city guides
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THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF VIVIAN
by Vivian Livingston & Sherrie Krantz
A twentysomething woman in New York . . . sound familiar? Not surprising.
Download Macromedia Flash Player 6 and you can check out Vivian Livingston on the Web at www.vivianlives.com. Tour her cute apartment, feed her cute dog, and rummage through her cute clutter. You can even click and flush her cartoon toilet or peek at her cool clothes! Vivian’s totally cool Web site gets more than six million hits a month and bristles with marketing links. Yes, Vivian has promotional deals with car companies, beauty products, trendy stores, girl magazines, and the greatest retail shrine of all, Bloomingdale’s. At least this pretend autobiography by Vivian’s amanuensis (and shameless shill) Sherrie Krantz doesn’t require that you provide your age, sex, and home address in order to read it. But we already know so much about Vivian: she went to Penn State, ended an abusive relationship with a frat hunk, moved to New York with her BFF (Best Friend Forever) after winning a songwriting contest, has a cool job as a glorified assistant at VH1, has straight and gay friends, can’t get her life together but has a lot of fun trying. Men: studly poet Patrick is great in bed but a cheater at heart, and tall handsome John, who’s like an investment banker or an attorney or something, is all wrapped up in himself. Work keeps Vivian busy, even if arrogant boss Zack won’t give her the promotion she deserves. Still, her next assignment is a plum: an all-star auto race in California. When she’s back in New York, a new romance blossoms with Jack, an Italian-American firefighter. Tragedy is averted when Vivian’s BFF’s stupid boyfriend accidentally sets fire to her apartment, but no one is hurt and the cute dog is rescued. Life goes on!!!
Strictly for fans—mostly under18—who can’t get enough of the Web site. Warning: Gushy, girlish prose throughout, with triple exclamation points, triple question marks, and emoticons.
Publisher: Ballantine
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15th, 2002
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KUKAs System Partner Program
About KUKA/ Contacts
BaSys 4.0 is a BMBF-funded project aimed at making production processes more efficient.
Production processes that can be efficiently transformed are one of the central challenges for staying internationally competitive. Products are produced in more and more variants and in smaller quantities. Production costs must be kept low. The BaSys 4.0 project, funded by the BMBF, targets that. It is intended to develop an operating system for production facilities that enables the efficient changeability of production processes.
KUKA is focusing on the integration of robot technology into the architecture developed by the BaSys project. The solution concepts developed with the 15 project partners include the definition and implementation of an architectural model including its robot-specific interfaces as well as the simulation and visualization of versatile production processes. In addition, it is planned to create application modules that can be reused in different production facilities.
Learn more about BaSys 4.0.
Hoa-Binh Nguyen
+49 821 797 - 4077
English - Sweden
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Home ABC US News Remains found of missing Kentucky mom Savannah Spurlock, man arrested: Police
Remains found of missing Kentucky mom Savannah Spurlock, man arrested: Police
Richmond Police Dept. (RICHMOND, Ky.) -- The remains of missing Kentucky mom of four Savannah Spurlock have been recovered, authorities announced Thursday, as a man was arrested in connection with the case.
The remains were found behind a home in Garrard County, about 30 miles south of Lexington, on Wednesday night, and were positively identified on Thursday, according to the Kentucky State Police.
That property had been searched several months ago, but no body was found then, Kentucky State Police spokesman Trooper Robert Purdy said.
Spurlock's cause of death has not yet been determined, Purdy said.
Spurlock, 23, went missing in January after leaving a bar in Lexington with three men, according to authorities.
David Sparks, 23, one of those three men last seen with Spurlock, was arrested on Thursday and charged with abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence, authorities said.
Sparks' family owns the property where her body was found, Purdy said.
An official told ABC News in February that they knew the three men took Spurlock to a home in the rural county, but not "when, how she left, or what happened to her after that."
All three men were interviewed, but not charged at the time.
Authorities on Thursday did not discuss the possibility of additional charges.
"Over the coming days detectives will continue their investigation into what led to the death and disappearance of Savannah Spurlock," Purdy said at a news conference on Thursday.
Spurlock's mother, Ellen Spurlock, called her daughter's disappearance her "worst nightmare" in an interview earlier this year. She told ABC News she spoke to her daughter at about 3 a.m. on Jan. 4, while she was with the three men, and nothing seemed unusual.
"When I asked her where she was, she said she was in Lexington," Ellen Spurlock told ABC News. "She promised she would be home later that morning. She did not seem out of the ordinary."
Previous articleDrivers rush to grab cash after armored car’s door flies open on highway
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SEASON TICKET PASSES
SEASON TICKET PASS applications for the 2018-19 Lamp-Lite Season will go out in the mail sometime in mid-August 2018. If you are not on our mailing list, season ticket applications are also available at our three ticket outlets — Glass Castles, Kline’s Wrap-It-Up, and the Nacogdoches Visitors Center (CVB) — as well as at the Lamp-Lite Box Office during performances. You can also download and print out a season pass application.
Save time and money by purchasing a SEASON PASS to Lamp-Lite Theatre for the upcoming 2018–19 Season.
$40 — STUDENT, with Student ID, valid for six (6) admissions anytime during the 2018–19 season
$65 — SENIOR CITIZEN (age 60+), valid for six (6) admissions anytime during the 2018–19 season
$80 — ADULT (Regular Member), valid for six (6) admissions anytime during the 2018–19 season
$350 — PAL, valid for 30 admissions for one performance, on any day, during the 2018-19 season
$350 — PATRON, dinner coupons good anytime, valid for six (6) admissions anytime during the 2018–19 season, reserved seating (see below for reserved seating requirements)
$500 — COUPLE PATRON, dinner coupons good anytime, along with twelve (12) admissions valid anytime during the 2018–19 season, reserved seating (see below for reserved seating requirements)
SEASON PASS & TICKET OUTLETS
Both SEASON TICKET PASSES and advance INDIVIDUAL SHOW TICKETS are available for purchase at the following locations:
Glass Castles — 323 East Main, DOWNTOWN, (936) 560-3249
Kline’s Wrap-It-Up — 628 North University, (936) 564-5539
Nacogdoches Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — 200 East Main, DOWNTOWN, (936) 564-7351
Lamp-Lite Box Office — opens 45 minutes before show time
SEASON TICKET PASSES will be available for purchase beginning July 16 and will be valid for any six performances between September 21, 2018 through September 1, 2019.
NOTE TO SEASON PASS HOLDERS
All SEASON PASS holders still must pick up a ticket for the performance they wish to attend in order to guarantee a seat. This is particularly important for musicals, where all seating is reserved.
Simply bring your Season Pass to one of the ticket outlets, or the box office, where they will punch your Season Pass in exchange for a ticket to that particular performance.
The BOX OFFICE at Lamp-Lite Theatre opens at 6:45pm for Friday and Saturday evening performances, and at 1:15pm for Sunday matinee performances.
Season Pass Application
Season TICKET Application
Print out and mail a copy of the 2018-19 Lamp-Lite Season Pass application, along with your payment (either check or credit card) to:
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Leeds United transfer news RECAP - Boost in defender chase plus Sam Byram looks set for West Ham exit
Keep up to date with all the latest news from Elland Road and beyond
Joe MewisLeeds United editor
The transfer window has swung open and clubs from across the Championship are beginning to make their first moves of the summer.
While Leeds United are yet to announce any signings, the club are working on a number of targets, with the likes of Abel Hernandez, Kyle Bartley and Angus Gunn the early names being looked at by the club.
More names will no doubt be added to the mix in the coming weeks, while the club will also be looking to ship out some of the players who underperformed last season as United slumped to a 13th place finish, despite such a fast start to the season.
Keep up to date with all of the latest news and developments from Elland Road and beyond as they happen right here.
That's all for today
Time for us to call it day here, but fear not, as we’ll be back in the morning for another busy day in the life of Leeds United.
Thanks for stopping by, see you tomorrow...
Bartley boost?
A positive-looking development for Leeds’ hopes of landing Kyle Bartley next, as the agent of Martin Skrtel - another Rangers target - has cast doubts on their ability to finance any big deals.
New Gers boss Steven Gerrard is said to be keen on an Ibrox reunion with his former Liverpool team-mate, but Karol Csontó’s comments on Slovakian TV seem to have put a stop to it.
Here’s what he said.
Leeds United to sponsor Leeds Pride
Another story which broke yesterday, but is continuing to get positive feedback online today - and rightly so - is the news that Leeds United will be a premium sponsor of this year’s Leeds Pride festival on August 5.
“We have enjoyed working with Marching Out Together (the Leeds United LGBT+ fans group) over the last year on a range of initiatives to make Leeds United an LGBT+ friendly club,” said Leeds’ managing director Angus Kinnear.
“We want everyone to feel included when visiting Elland Road and to know that they will be welcomed as part of the Leeds United family.
“I am so delighted that Leeds United will be joining the celebrations as a sponsor of Leeds Pride this year, it’s a powerful way in which we can visibly demonstrate our support for the local LGBT+ community.”
Rowett in at Stoke
Stoke City last night appointed former Derby boss Gary Rowett as their new manager and he is talking about the task that faces him at the Potteries.
“The Championship is a unique league and there are certain elements that you need if you are to be successful,” he told the club’s website.
“You have to be robust enough to face 46 games, have the correct mentality to approach going to varying grounds - ones that aren’t what Premier League grounds may have been like - and you have to be ready to match the quality of opponents too because the standard of this league has gone up enormously.
Swansea snap up Dhanda
A spot of Championship transfer news next as Swansea have snapped up Yan Dhanda from Liverpool.
The 19-year-old forward, who was a regular for the Reds’ under-23s this season had been previously linked with Leeds United, but managerless and relegated Swansea have made their move.
Anyone got any Bremner '74 swaps?
Here’s one I enjoyed putting together - a history of every Leeds United player to ever go to a World Cup, complete with their Panini stickers, where available.
The good people at everyone’s favourite sticker company have been putting their albums together since 1970 and while not every Leeds player to go the tournament made the cut, there’s some cracking pictures in there.
Waste away your lunch break with that one here.
Delusion corner...
Our friends and colleagues down the road at the Huddersfield Examiner put an interesting piece last night which has got more than a few tongues wagging on Twitter.
After an article in the Yorkshire Evening Post suggested that Yorkshire football was in poor health, they’ve take it upon themselves to defend their local team, who are enjoying rather a good time of it late.
And their piece titled ‘Are Leeds United fans the most deluded in English football?’ has certainly stuck a cord.
Read it here - and let us know your thoughts about it on Twitter.
Sam Byram available?
There is speculation this morning that West Ham will make Sam Byram available for transfer this summer, following a report which appeared in the Times.
The right-back has not really gelled since moving to the East End two-and-a-half years ago, turning out just 36 times for the Hammers amid a series of injuries and the general chaos at West Ham.
Obviously Leeds fans are asking the question as to whether Leeds United should make a bid.
With Luke Ayling fit again, Lewie Coyle coming off the back of an excellent loan spell plus Gaetano Berardi available as cover, I’d dare say a right-back is not a priority this summer - which is why the club didn’t sign Andy Yiadom when his Barnsley deal expired.
More Pedersen talk
German outlet Bild have doubled-down on last week’s report that 23-year-old Union Berlin left-bacl Krisitan Pedersen will join Leeds United in the summer.
This latest report says that Christopher Lenz will return from a loan spell replace Pedersen in the Union side.
Read our profile on Pedersen here.
There are a few doubts over the likelihood of any move here though, with Tom Pearce expected to sign a new deal at Leeds when he returns from England Under-21 duty, while Leeds may not be ready yet to give up on January signing Laurens de Bock, despite his mixed start to life at Elland Road.
(Image: PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
More from Saturday night
The city of Leeds is still buzzing from Saturday night’s big fight, when Josh Warrington beat Lee Selby at Elland Road to land the IBF featherweight world title.
Former Leeds United skipper Lucas Radebe was in attendance and the club have been putting out plenty of footage of the South African over the past few days...
Hernandez latest
Premier League football is Abel Hernandez’s priority this summer, but Leeds United’s style of play has put them well in the picture, LeedsLive understands.
Hull City’s out-of-contract star is a man in demand this summer, after plundering 28 goals in 49 Championship appearances with the Tigers.
Signed for £10m by Hull in 2014, he was reportedly the subject of a £20m from Aston Villa in 2016. Picking up a player of that value for free has alerted hordes of clubs.
Read more on the Uruguay international’s future here.
(Image: Harry Trump/Getty Images)
Greetings...
Good morning folks and welcome to another day of Leeds United news, gossip, developments and more.
We’re a fair few days into the transfer window now, with the club still working to bring in their first transfer.
Abel Hernandez, Kyle Bartley and Angus Gunn are the main names in the mix, so we’ll bring you any developments that happen before the close of play tonight.
So whack on the kettle and we’ll get started...
(Image: Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
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Home > All Books > All First Editions >
A Free State
by Tom Piazza
New York, NY: Harper Collins (2015)
The year is 1855. Blackface minstrelsy is the most popular form of entertainment in a nation about to be torn apart by the battle over slavery. Henry Sims, a fugitive slave and a brilliant musician, has escaped to Philadelphia, where he earns money living by his wits and performing on the street. He is befriended by James Douglass, leader of a popular minstrel troupe struggling to compete with dozens of similar ensembles, who imagines that Henry’s skill and magnetism might restore his troupe’s sagging fortunes.
The problem is that black and white performers are not allowed to appear together onstage. Together, the two concoct a masquerade to protect Henry’s identity, and Henry creates a sensation in his first appearances with the troupe. Yet even as their plan begins to reverse the troupe’s decline, a brutal slave hunter named Tull Burton has been employed by Henry’s former master to track down the runaway and retrieve him, by any means necessary.
Bursting with narrative tension and unforgettable characters, shot through with unexpected turns and insight, A Free State is a thrilling reimagining of the American story by a novelist at the height of his powers.
Clock Dance A Shout in the Ruins The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American South Biloxi
The Weight of a Piano The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table The Guardians - First Edition Signed The Fighter
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Blah Humbug
By Theodore Dalrymple
Taki's Magazine
Doctor Johnson wisely advised writers to strike out those passages in their own work that they found particularly fine; but the opposite of this advice is followed each week by The Lancet, one of the world’s leading medical journals.
Each week, its cover bears in bold letters between quotation marks a quotation from itself. Presumably the words are chosen for their special merit; suffice it to say that they are distinctly sub-Wildean in their wit and in fact constitute by themselves an argument against the benefits of eidetic memory. They are quoted but not quotable. The great Russian neurophysiologist A.R. Luria wrote a book about the case of a man who could forget nothing. It would have been cruel to give him the covers of The Lancet to read.
Whenever the auto-quotations touch upon a political subject, or a subject with a political aspect, they are of such an unctuous sententiousness that they make Mr. Podsnap seem like a neurotic self-doubter. They are usually inexact, flatulent, self-important, and frequently stupid. The editor, I should imagine, is very proud of them.
This week’s immortal words, I noticed, went as follows:
A new agenda for sexual and reproductive rights is needed that recognises the full scope of people’s sexual needs, and enables all people to choose whether, when, and with whom to engage in sexual activity; to choose whether and when to have children; and to access the means to do so in good health.
The late John Gross, who probably had the most profound and extensive knowledge of literature in English of any man who ever lived, said in his book about Shylock that his great speech (“Hath not a Jew eyes,” etc.) never lost its impact however many times it was repeated—and this is true of many other speeches in Shakespeare. The unquenchable impact of The Lancet’s words is similar; except that the emotion they arouse is similar to that aroused by a badly scratched record or a whining child, a mixture of aesthetic dismay and impotent irritation.
Read the Whole Article
The Best of Theodore Dalrymple
Theodore Dalrymple is an author and retired doctor who has written for many publications round the world, including the Spectator (London), the Wall Street Journal (New York) and The Australian (Sydney). He is contributing editor of the City Journal of New York, and his latest book is Admirable Evasions: How Psychology Undermines Morality, Encounter Books.
Copyright © 2015 TakiMag.com
Previous article by Theodore Dalrymple: Refugee Reflections
Government Is a Death Machine
Is the Next Fed Menace Helicopter Money?
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You are here:Devolution and economic growth
Minister and leaders seek to break Yorkshire devo 'impasse'
11 March, 2019 By Jessica Hill
Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry has proposed a “rural” devolution deal around York alongside a deal for the Leeds City Region as a way of “unlocking all devolution in Yorkshire”.
Speaking at the One Yorkshire devolution conference on Friday Mr Berry said devolution was the answer to the divides and “resentment” exposed by the EU referendum in 2016.
He said: “Devolution is the golden thread of Brexit. There is no longer the need to pass London and collect your £200…
“Talk about Yorkshire devolution in a holistic way enables us now to unlock I hope in a rapid way devolution to the city of Leeds.
“I do think there is a rural deal around York.”
Last year, leaders of 18 of Yorkshire’s 20 councils and metro mayor Dan Jarvis submitted plans for a One Yorkshire mayoral authority with a goal to unlock power and funding from Westminster.
However, the government has repeatedly rejected the bid and last month made it clear that it would prefer Yorkshire to devolve into four separate functional economic areas – Humberside, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, and Leeds City Region.
On Friday, Mr Berry told the audience of council and business leader this could in effect mean devolution to all of Yorkshire.
Earlier in his speech Mr Berry said: “Yorkshire devolution really matters because if you complete devolution across Yorkshire, it will mean 70% of the UK will have meaningful devolution.
“Some devolution may be a way to unlocking all devolution in Yorkshire.
“In terms of collaboration of deals, the government has no blueprint – you don’t need permission to work together,” he said. “There’s real best practice out there: Liverpool and Manchester work very well together.
“One way is to set up collaboration committees or a joint growth strategy and all of that can be done.”
Mr Berry also said he was disappointed that “progress is still doggedly slow” with devolution in South Yorkshire.
The Sheffield City Region deal was signed in 2015, but despite the election of a mayor in 2018 it has yet to take effect after Barnsley and Doncaster MBCs withdrew their backing in favour of the One Yorkshire proposal.
“I find it deeply frustrating that the people of South Yorkshire will have missed out on £90m of government funding that should have been invested in their economies because we haven’t done that deal,” he said. “Our top priority is to complete South Yorkshire.”
Speaking later that day Sheffield City Region CA mayor Dan Jarvis, who also supports the One Yorkshire deal, told the conference a recent meeting with the housing and communities secretary James Brokenshire had “made more progress than we had in the last nine months”.
He added: “We can now put in place a series of short and medium term engagements which would give us more time and space to look at other issues of One Yorkshire devolution.”
Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake (Lab) said one solution could be “rolling forwards city deals… to unlock a deal further down the line.”
She said: “I recognise from the statement that the government has made that they are not minded to fully embrace our One Yorkshire proposal.
“But I think the genie is out of the bottle and the most important aspect now is how do we get where we want to be?”
She said talks were taking place with officials from the Ministry for Housing, Communites & Local Government.
She added: ”Our officers are talking to his officials, we will be involving the Treasury in those discussions. Hopefully we can come up with a way to break the impasse we’ve had for too long now.”
Richard Foster, the leader of Craven DC (Con), told LGC he had concerns about the impact of a separate devolution deals on small towns and villages in rural areas of North Yorkshire.
“Everything has its own problems. The conclusion we came to after a year of trying to work this out is ‘One Yorkshire’. We want to hold firm at the moment. But if there is a proper road map set out, with timelines and One Yorkshire at the end, we might have a different opinion.”
Phillip Blond, the director of the think-tank Respublica which organised the conference, said although the four ‘functional economic areas’ in Yorkshire on which the government would like to create devolution deals don’t inter-relate with each other a lot at the moment, they could work together over time and create “pan Yorkshire strategic forms of intervention”.
“Certainly in transport and I think arguably in economic development, growth partnerships, supply chain construction and smart specialisation,” he said.
“We can keep One Yorkshire on the table, we can grow the functional economic areas and create a genuine Yorkshire wide economy. But we begin locally with the city deals and that’s what I want to try to broker.
“It’s devolution at scale happening through devolution in degrees. There is an increasing support for this because it’s the only progress forwards. There is no future asking for something government has already refused.”
Jo Miller, chief executive of Doncaster, supports a One Yorkshire devolution as a way to heal the social divisions that the EU referendum in her mind laid bare.
“In Yorkshire, our brand is a massive opportunity. I’ve never met anyone on my travels who says ‘I’m from the Northern Powerhouse’ but I meet people who say they’re from Yorkshire all the time. It’s gold dust in our divided country.
“We’re at a point where we need civic renewal and we have to seize it and make it our own.”
In his speech, Mr Berry, a Lancashire MP, also acknowledged the strength of Yorkshire’s brand.
“Yorkshire as a brand is much stronger than how people feel about Lancashire – that’s a difficult thing to say.
“So I get the point that we have a world beating brand in Yorkshire and no form of devolution will ever change that.”
12 July, 2019Jessica Hill
Doncaster and Barnsley MBCs are still refusing to sign up to the Sheffield City Region devolution deal, LGC has learned, four months after the combined authority’s mayor announced the political impasse had been broken.
Think tank says poverty is up in powerhouse
21 June, 2019Mark Smulian
Pay has worsened and child poverty increased in northern England in the five years since the launch of the Northern Powerhouse, the IPPR North think tank has said.
Treasury chief secretary moots tax and planning devolution
11 April, 2019Jimmy Nicholls
The chief secretary to the Treasury has mooted devolving more planning and tax-raising powers to the English regions as part of the upcoming spending review.
Hammersmith & Fulham leader hits back against mayoral plan
5 April, 2019Jessica Hill
Updated: South Yorkshire leaders break the devolution deadlock
25 March, 2019Jessica Hill
Mayor Dan Jarvis and the four leaders of South Yorkshire’s councils have come to an agreement to pave the way forward for devolution in their region, potentially unlocking £900m in funding over 30 years
£260m pledged for Borderlands Growth Deal
13 March, 2019Jimmy Nicholls
Chancellor Philip Hammond has pledged up to £260m for the Borderlands Growth Deal in his Spring Statement.
Borderlands agree 'momentous' £400m growth deal
1 July 2019Jessica Hill
A deal that will unlock up to £394.5 million of investment into the five council areas on both sides of the English and Scottish border has been signed in what the government has hailed as a momentous deal for the region.
Pioneering town deal investment reaches £88m after funding boost
11 July 2019Jon Bunn
The government has pledged a further £3.75m for a major regeneration scheme under the pioneering Grimsby Town Deal, which has now attracted investment totalling £88m in its first year.
May moves to boost Northern Powerhouse in her final days as PM
7 June 2019Sarah Calkin
Theresa May has moved to strengthen the role of Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry during the final two months of her premiership.
Land Agent Rural Practice Surveyor - MoD - DIO
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Pace Live
A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation
Saturday, April 27, 2019 - 8:00pm
Approximate Duration:
STARRING – CEILI MOORE and BRENT PACE
CEILI MOORE performed the lead role opposite Michael Flatley in “Lord Of The Dance” on tour throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, South Africa and London’s West End Palladium Theatre. Her other dancing highlights include the Graham Norton Show, BBC Proms In The Park, Dancing Down Under and The Wiggles videos. Ceili has returned to Australia and teamed up with her partner, Choreographer and Producer BRENT PACE to perform in A Taste of Ireland. Brent was the Lead Principal in "Gaelforce Dance" and "Rhythms of Ireland”. is a World Medallist and six Time National Champion.
This year audiences have the chance to witness World Champion Irish dancers direct from the West End’s Lord of the Dance, as A TASTE OF IRELAND – THE IRISH MUSIC AND DANCE SENSATION tours Australia wide telling the tale of the world’s most loved nation in one incredible performance.
Told through Irish music and dance, A TASTE OF IRELAND explores magical tales spanning generations of Irish storytelling and culture. This world class show features World, All Ireland & National Champion Irish dancers, and musicians from around the globe performing unique music and dance that reflects the story that is, Ireland.
Melodic Celtic flute, alongside raw and rhythmic guitar are complimented with heart felt sounds of Ireland. Featuring a dynamic musical duo and impressive dancing rarely seen outside of the World Championship stage, "A Taste of Ireland" was composed and choreographed in Dublin and is quickly on its way to becoming the new frontier in Irish entertainment.
Created and produced by Pace Entertainment Group, the show will transport the audience to a time and place where tunes, taps and tradition showcase the very essence of celebrating the Irish spirit.
Pensioner Concession $62.90
Child 13 years & under $49.90
Lighthouse Theatre are the only authorised seller of tickets for this event. Please be aware that the Lighthouse Theatre has no obligation to honour tickets purchased via unauthorised re-sellers. If you attend the Event with a ticket purchased via an unauthorised re-seller such as Ticketmaster Resale, Viagogo, Ticketbis, Queen of Tickets, eBay, Gumtree, Tickets Australia or otherwise, you may be refused entry to the Event.
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Carrier Security / Mobile security
The Strange Case of Gas Pumps & Bluetooth Skimmers
Dan Jones, Mobile Editor
Comment (14)
You might not think of an IEEE Summit as the most likely place to hear an intense talk about the lack of security at America's gas pumps, but that's exactly what happened last week at the The 38th IEEE Sarnoff Symposium in Newark, N.J.
Scott Schober, president and CEO of Berkeley Varitronics Systems (BVS) , used his 20 minutes on the podium to talk about how unsuspecting customers are putting themselves at risk using a debit or credit card at a gas pump in the US.
"Security and convenience don't go in hand-in-hand," he chided the crowd.
In fact, he explained that gas pumps are one of the easiest targets around for scammers looking to clone people's cards, using data collected by bluetooth or cellular wireless "skimmers." These devices are installed in the slot where you put your card to pay and scan your data off the magnetic strip.
Typically, a bluetooth skimmer is used and the scammers sit in a car a couple of hundred feet away and collect the data. There are also, however, cellular skimmers that can text the stolen data to the scammer's phone.
"I can buy a skimmer on the dark web, and the details on how to install it, for under $100," Schober said.
So what makes the around 250,000 gas pumps in the US such an easy target for this particular brand of cyber criminal? "There are only six master keys to open up a gas pump," Schober told the crowd. That's any gas pump in the US!
These gas pumps "typically only get inspected once a year," he added. Which could give a lot of leeway to harvest card data.
Berkeley Varitronics, of course, makes several different Bluetooth skimmer scanner systems. These, however, start at nearly $1,000 and are aimed at police and other large security operations, not Joe or Jolene Public out to fill up before a ride on the weekend.
A couple of people in the crowd asked about chip and PIN systems -- where you insert the card and it reads the chip rather than a magnetic strip -- and while Schober allowed that these were moderately more secure, he reminded people: "There's no chip and pin in any gas stations in the US," and there is unlikely to be until 2020.
"We're well over a decade behind the rest of the world," Schober stated.
Checking for Bluetooth signals around you -- via your phone -- is unlikely to help either, since it is impossible to discern who is friend or foe just by looking at the signal ID tags.
So what's the average person to do?
"Cash is king," Schober said. "Use cash wherever possible."
"Use the pump closest to the attendant," he added, since this would be the one that criminals would be least likely to have messed with.
Comforting, right?
— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading
Page 1 / 2 > >>
User Rank: Light Sabre
Re: Order the bouillabaisse...
Wow! I didn't know about the banking response to early chip+pin card functionality. I can't believe the banks believed the technology was too perfect to be compromised.
@Dan: You and I haven't said it was perfect. Some have, though (more or less).
And that has created much of the problem. So many victims of ID theft via their compromised EMV cards in its earlier days in Europe were told by the credit-card companies and banks that they were on the hook for the money stolen from them because the security of chip-and-pin was so perfect that there's no way they could have been breached. The academic paper I linked to discusses at length the enhanced problems these false notions of supreme superiority of EMV have created.
(Not to mention the technical problems that are unique to EMV vs. swipe-the-stripe.)
DanJones,
User Rank: Blogger
9/29/2017 | 10:11:57 AM
Nobody said it was perfect, just marginally better.
9/29/2017 | 5:57:43 AM
@Dan: Well, come on, now. Let's not act like chip-and-pin is perfect when it comes to security (or, for that matter, necessarily a substantial improvement).
Exhibit A: (link)
Exhibit B: (link)
Exhibit C: (link)
Re: Pure click-bait scare tactics
Krebs's work on how to find skimmers by pulling on the slots, among other methods, is actually what I thought of when reading this piece. From there, I realized that a gas pump was the place I would be least likely to check because neurotic me sees them as dirty and wants to touch them as little as possible.
I wouldn't go so far as to call the piece or its (perhaps partly tongue-in-cheek) conclusion to be "fearmongering." The security, privacy, and civil-liberties problems of credit and debit cards have been on the radar for years -- and well before skimmers were being widely talked about. Cash has its distinct advantages -- and even Krebs has offered similar warnings when it comes to using cards vs. cash at certain establishments (particularly chain restaurants and hotels). Moreover, the IEEE research is worth discussing, IMHO.
I respect Krebs's work, but he doesn't hold a monopoly on skimming journalism.
Gabriel Brown,
Face ID checks your balance, and if you have enough money, you get gas, if not, no gas for you!
mendyk,
If you actually read the story, you will see that the quote came from the expert speaker, and not from Light Reading.
dcharlap,
Pure click-bait scare tactics
Brian Krebs has been writing about skimmers for seven years now. See https://krebsonsecurity.com/all-about-skimmers/ for all the articles. They will tell you far more (and far more useful) information on the subject.
Skimmers are nothing new. They have been found at payment devices everywhere, not just gas pumps and ATMs, but they are also not nearly as widespread as you would have us believe.
Your article's conclusion of "use cash or be pwned" is just fearmongering. That's something I'd expect to find on click-bait advertising banner, not from a respectable journal like Light Reading.
So Apple will pay to get pumps to support Apple Pay? Maybe...
Face ID is included in your iPhone, so no need for gas pump upgrades
Cybersecurity: Priorities & Proposals for Small ISPs
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The Vicar of Baghdad Fighting for peace in the Middle East Canon Andrew White
Digital (delivered electronically)
192 pages:
Monarch Books
Biography General »
Religious & Spiritual »
""I live with a price on my head ...The kind of people that I spend my time engaging with are not usually very nice. On the whole nice people do not cause wars ." Andrew White is one of a tiny handful of people trusted by virtually every side in the complex Middle East. Political and military solutions are constantly put forward, and constantly fail. Andrew offers a different approach, speaking as a man of faith to men of faith. Compassionate and shrewd, gifted in human relationships, he has been deeply involved in the rebuilding of Iraq. His first-hand connections and profound insights make this a fascinating document.
Canon Andrew White is something of a legend: a man of great charm and energy, whose personal suffering has not deflected him from his role as one of the world's most trusted mediators and reconcilers. As a child and young man growing up in London Andrew was frequently ill. He set his heart on working in the field of anaesthetics, an ambition he achieved, but found himself called into Anglican ministry. He has since had a considerable role in the work of reconciliation, both between Christian and Jew and between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslim. As Vicar of St George's Baghdad, the only Anglican church in Iraq, he lead a team providing food, health care, and education on a major scale and often in dire circumstances. Despite the pain from multiple sclerosis, he is frequently involved in hostage negotiations, and played a key role in ending the siege at the Church of the Nativity in Jerusalem. His personal friendships have included Yasser Arafat and Pope John Paul II. He has been kidnapped, and lives in constant danger. He is trusted by those who trust very few.
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Klaus-Dieter John
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George Whitefield
Nigel D Scotland
Taming of a Villain
Allen Langham
Give the Best Away
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Lion Books
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This Week In Vexillology #199: A Modest Proposal
So, Nebraska (right next door) is toying with the idea of giving it's flag a makeover, to which I say, 'hooray, what a good idea!' This is what they've currently got going on:
Generally speaking, it's rated as one of the worst designed state flags out there and it's not hard to see why. While the blue and gold are a good combination, color-wise this is 'Seal On A Bedsheet' at it's finest. There's way too much text. Way too much going on in the seal. You have to squint or get a magnifying glass just to see it all. I think our neighbors can do better- and it turns out the Omaha World-Herald thinks so too... they asked a bunch of elementary school kids for their best flag proposals, but I wanted to roll up my sleeves and take a crack at it as well. Keep in mind that I'm not artistic at all- though I can draw a straight line pretty good- and was working with a pretty simple doodle program on the computer- so it's not faaaaawncy. But here's what I've got:
Take One: In which I attempt to draw the state flower of Nebraska and fail. Hardcore.
Okay, I realize that apart from New Mexico, yellow is not a color featured quite so prominently on a lot of state flags- so this flag would stand out, that's for sure. But the yellow stands for the Great Plains and the blue stripe running diagonal across the flag represents the River Platte which runs through state. The gold disc in the upper canton represents the sun over the Great Plains and that green and yellow mess inside there that bears a passing resemblance to a flower is supposed to be a goldenrod, the state flower of Nebraska. So yeah. That's Take One.
Take Two: In which we get abstract, baby:
Same basic principle applies here. We're inverting the color scheme currently used in the flag- yellow stands for the Great Plains, blue for the River Platte, but we're switching things up a bit here. The circle in the lower canton near the fly is meant to represent an 'O' for Omaha, while the symbol in the Upper Canton is supposed to be a rough outline of Scotsbluff- the actual bluff, not the town- two symbol represent the two places at the opposite ends of Nebraska: Omaha to Scottsbluff.
I'm going to keep my ear to the ground and see if they get serious about this and open it up to public submissions (I'm really hoping they do.) If they do, I might actually get serious about this and put together something to submit. The only downside with these two takes is that there's a lot of yellow Maybe too much yellow. But this was fun.
Comments and criticism welcome!
In the meantime, keep your flags flying- FREAK or otherwise! Next week, we hit the big #200, so get ready for that!
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Op-Ed: Why are we wasting future MDs’ time and money with this pointless test?
(Donna Grethen)
By Christopher R. Henderson, Nathaniel P. Morris
Every physician who wishes to practice medicine in this country must pass a test most Americans have never heard of: Step 2 Clinical Skills. Approximately 20,000 medical students from U.S. and Canadian schools take it each year, paying hefty fees for a decidedly ineffectual exam. For anyone who wants to end waste in medical education, getting rid of Step 2 CS is a good place to start.
In this eight-hour test, future doctors move through a battery of standardized encounters with patient actors. Medical students have 15 minutes to meet with each actor, take a medical history, perform a physical exam and discuss next steps for the patient’s care. Afterward, students have additional time to write a patient note, as well as list relevant diagnoses and tests.
Until about a decade ago, these examinations were required exclusively of students from medical schools outside of the U.S. and Canada. Many felt, however, that it was unfair to subject only foreign medical graduates to this hurdle.
So in 2004, the National Board of Medical Examiners and the Federation of State Medical Boards introduced Step 2 CS as a universally required exam.
Step 2 CS was conceived with sound intentions: All of our physicians should meet certain standards prior to caring for patients. But it suffers from serious flaws.
To start, it’s tremendously expensive. The registration fee alone is $1,275. The test is offered only in five cities — Philadelphia, Atlanta, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. Most medical students must therefore travel to distant test centers, paying out of pocket or racking up credit card debt for flights, rental cars and hotel rooms. For each student, the bill often comes to $2,000 or more.
Altogether, the costs for students from U.S. and Canadian medical schools are estimated to exceed $36 million annually. This price tag might be justifiable if Step 2 CS served its intended quality-control purpose. But it doesn’t.
Every year, 96% to 98% of medical students from U.S. and Canadian schools pass on their first attempt. What’s more, score reports include little more than pass/fail designations. As a result, students, medical schools and residency programs learn essentially nothing from the exercise.
After 12 years of testing, there is virtually no evidence that Step 2 CS has improved patient outcomes or care.
A few studies, based on Step 2 CS numerical ratings never released to students, have found that performance on the test might predict eventual performance during residency. But those numerical ratings are inherently subjective (it’s hard to measure interpersonal skills). And the correlations are tenuous at best.
We should do away with this wasteful national test and let medical schools take over. Most medical schools already conduct clinical skills exams; they could design future exams to meet national guidelines, perhaps modeled after Step 2 CS. This transfer of responsibility would eliminate millions of dollars in unnecessary educational costs while ensuring the clinical competency of our physician workforce.
The American Medical Assn. opposed Step 2 CS in the early 2000s and endorsed a similar approach to the one we’ve suggested, stating that clinical skills exams are “best performed using a rigorous and consistent examination administered by medical schools.” The Assn. of American Medical Colleges has also expressed concern over the financial burden placed on students by this national exam.
Under our proposed system, graduates from foreign medical schools would still need to take a standardized skills exam in order to practice here. These students have historically passed Step 2 CS at far lower rates than students from U.S. and Canadian schools. And since our medical students would also need to pass clinical skills exams on par with national guidelines, there wouldn’t be a double standard.
The cost of higher education is a national crisis, with graduate and professional students carrying an especially heavy burden. Over 80% of physicians now graduate from medical school with educational debt; their average debt surpasses $180,000.
Getting rid of Step 2 CS won’t fix the larger problem, but it would save medical students thousands of dollars that they really shouldn’t have to spend.
Christopher R. Henderson and Nathaniel P. Morris are students at Harvard Medical School.
Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
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A Six-Second Six Pack? Really, Now…
Don, our CEO, has been hearing some serious grumbling about Bill, our Chief Information Officer,” she groaned. Recently, I found myself channel surfing on a Saturday morning. I was amazed by the number of ads/infomercials I saw about getting in shape! Here are some of the phrases I heard: “Six-second six pack”. Easy shaper”. Incredible – a miracle!”. “It It feels terrific! Let us show you how easy it is!”. Turn your flabby abs into that sexy six pack!”. MORE
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Chief Information Officer Technology CIO Media 8
The Building Blocks of Successful Corporate IT
The job of Chief Information Officer has never exactly been easy. If they work for a service firm, it''s probably seeking new revenue from information-based differentiation. IT management Information & technology Strategy MORE
CIO CFO Fast Follower Chief Information Officer 10
A Consultant’s Guide to Difficult Client Feedback
During one of my very first consulting assignments, a colleague and I interviewed direct reports of the Chief Information Officer of a chemical company about improving project execution. MORE
CIO Chief Information Officer Chemicals Consultative 12
Big Companies Are Embracing Analytics, But Most Still Don’t Have a Data-Driven Culture
The actual respondents are changing somewhat from the first surveys: It has always involved a high proportion of C-level executives responsible for data, but this year chief data officers are 56% of the respondents, up from 32% last year. Only 12% of firms in the 2012 survey had even appointed a chief data officer. PASIEKA/Getty Images. For six consecutive years NewVantage Partners has conducted an annual survey on how executives in large corporations view data. MORE
Survey Chief Information Officer Objective Fashion 11
Reshaping Leadership
New data-driven capabilities are breaking down barriers between formerly siloed business units, flattening out management structures and streamlining production processes, prompting many firms to redraw leadership roles and responsibilities, according to information-technology executives, industry analysts and management consultants. Blogs Business Coaching Current Affairs Leadership Memes Science Web/Tech What is Work life agile management chief information officer Companies Equifax Inc. MORE
Chief Information Officer Leadership Information Technology Agility 83
Empowering Digital Societies - SPONSOR CONTENT FROM MICROSOFT
million citizens but is larger in landmass than Switzerland; as a result, many towns do not have a nearby government office. “Essentially, we are interested in better understanding what it takes for New Zealand to become a digital society, what opportunities and challenges it presents, and what role digital government plays in getting there,” says Graeme Osborne, the general manager for system transformation at the New Zealand Government Chief Information Office (GCIO). MORE
Transportation Osborne White Paper Chief Information Officer 8
The CIO as Corporate Psychic
Chief information officers are expected to see deeply into the future and generate IT predictions that companies can build their strategies around. IT management Information & technology MORE
CIO Venture Capitalist Groupthink Conference 16
The Dangerous Tension Between CMOs and CIOs
For their part, IT executives believe marketers make promises they can''t keep and do not provide them with adequate information on business requirements. Identify the CMO as the "Chief Experience Officer." MORE
CIO Chief Information Officer Technology Survey 12
Just Adding a Chief Data Officer Isn’t Enough
One of the newest additions to the C-Suite is the Chief Data Officer. For instance, the person who was once the best at analytics may no longer hold that position if a Chief Data Officer is brought in. MORE
Incentives Aaker Chief Information Officer Execution 10
Using Big Data to Make Wiser Medical Decisions
As the chief information officer of a large academic medical center, I oversee four petabytes of data. In short, the BP data I had gathered telemetrically at home, coupled with information in my EHR, helped my clinician and me make a wise choice about my treatment. MORE
Health Care Committee Chief Information Officer Early Adopters 12
The Ballooning Executive Team
CFOs were the first functional chiefs to join, followed in the 1980s by Chief Strategy Officers (CSOs). The 1990s saw the appearance of Chief Information Officers, Chief Marketing Officers and others. MORE
Committee COO CEO Supply Chain 10
Digital Media and the Future of Your Leadership – Video
Modern Servant Leader
So, I’m sitting across from the Chief Financial Officer of a major organization and he’s going on about the next director he plans to fire. As the Chief Information Officer for the organization, it’s my unfortunate responsibility to support his behaviors. MORE
Media Video Chief Financial Officer Leadership 280
Your Biggest Cybersecurity Weakness Is Your Phone
In our Tech Pro Research survey of chief information officers, technology executives, and IT employees, 45% of respondents saw mobile devices as the weak spot in their company’s defenses. Educating upper management is a different task for information technology executives. Back up information to cloud services, and store as little as possible on the device. Mobile devices are one of the weakest links in corporate security. MORE
Wireless Chief Information Officer Download Compliance 10
Is Your C-Suite Working As A Team?
This is a great example of where the chief marketing officer needs to work closely with the chief information officer and possibly the Customer Services Manager so that the front, middle and back office systems all converge to deliver a seamless customer experience. In the VUCA world in which we now operate many businesses have become more agile, networked and team centric in order to respond to the challenges of more competition and digital disruption. MORE
Team Chief Information Officer Human Capital Wilde 202
To Create Radical Outcomes – Make Sure Every Output Has A Purpose
In many work situations, random things are created because people are not focused on a specific outcome. They do things, launch programs, take actions, but they have no business outcome in mind. MORE
CIO Guidelines Chief Information Officer Agility 207
Here’s Why Strategy Chiefs Succeed or Fail
Consider Staples, the office-supplies retailer, which had tumbled from being the market leader to being a third of the new leader’s size by 1992. So founder and CEO Tom Stemberg hired John Wilson as head of strategy and chief financial officer. Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Rick Mills has been the group strategy officer for 20 years. alicemoi/Getty Images. MORE
Chief Financial Officer CIO CFO COO 8
Target’s Fall Guy: Is Your Board Prepared?
Others say, the breach came through the magnetic stripe on the back of your credit card which stores data and personal information. Personal and private information found its way into the hands of those who have no reason to possess it and are motivated by objectionable ambitions. Rather it indicates a true technologist in the form of a Chief Technology or Chief Information Officer. By Patricia Lenkov. Chair, Executive Search, N2growth. MORE
Public Relations Committee Chief Information Officer Technology 266
Just Using Big Data Isn’t Enough Anymore
The survey gathers perspectives from a small but influential group of executives — chief information officers, chief data officers, and senior business and technology leaders of Fortune 1000 firms. MORE
Chief Financial Officer Agility Chief Information Officer Metrics 13
How to Lead Massive Change: An Interview with Lockheed Martin CIO Sondra Barbour
Sondra Barbour is the chief information officer and senior vice president of enterprise business services at Lockheed Martin. She’s a company veteran and change leader who has taken on increasingly responsible positions over the course of her career. I spoke with her recently about what she’s learned along the way. Some of the highlights from our conversation include: Leading Massive. Click headline to continue. MORE
CIO Chief Information Officer How To Career 163
More Training Won’t Reduce Your Cyber Risk
Joint Chiefs of Staff, advises ? Most importantly, the training can help leaders be much more effective in overseeing chief information officers (CIOs), and chief information-security officers (CISOs). With training, leaders can make more informed tradeoffs between purchasing the most convenient, accessible, and affordable technology (the CIO role) and keeping that technology and a company’s critical data secure (the CISO role). MORE
CIO Chief Information Officer Proposal Software 9
5 Leadership Lessons: The Velocity Manifesto
As a leader], you—not the IT department, nor the VP of IT, nor the chief information officer (CIO)—must understand, drive and be accountable for how technology is structured in order to reach the strategic goals of the operation….Technology In today’s high-velocity environment, Scott Klososky believes you need to understand how to guide your organization in the implementation and usage of technology—in short, how your organization “does” technology. [As MORE
CIO Leadership Chief Information Officer Technology 235
Win the Business with this Elevator Pitch
Luke Skywalker, a salesperson for XYZ Technologies, is attending a trade show and happens to be in the elevator with Norman Bates, chief information officer at Wonderful Telecommunications. Pretend that you are in an elevator at one of your industry's trade shows. MORE
CIO Outsourcing Telecommunications Chief Information Officer 17
Is Your Company Using Employee Data Ethically?
With the emergence of new information technologies, corporations can now amass and analyze unprecedented volumes of unstructured data — the data created by humans, such as the text contained in company documents, email, instant messaging, and social media. Today’s technology can gather all relevant information on the matter and present a complete analysis so that management can respond effectively and in a timely way. Potter Stewart, justice of the U.S. MORE
Committee Compliance Officer Chief Information Officer Analysis 9
Is Anyone Really Responsible for Your Company's Data Security?
Protecting a company''s critical information is a value proposition. Losing that kind of information can mean a plunge in stock price and market share. So who''s responsible for information security in your company? Information & technology Managing uncertainty Risk management MORE
CIO Chief Operating Officer Chief Technology Officer Chief Information Officer 11
Chief Information Officer Related Topics
Technology Operations Innovation Marketing Management Human Resources Finance Development Career Leadership More Related Topics >
Bob's blog entries “Capitalizing on Complexity: Insights from the [2010] Global Chief Executive Officer Study” IBM Institute for Business Value innovating with technology for organizational success technology leaders helping their organizations adapt to the accelerating change and complexity that mark today’s competitive and economic landscap the challenges and opportunities from increasing complexity The Essential CIO: Insights from IBM’s Global Chief Information Officer Study (2011
Chief Information Officer 76
New data-driven capabilities are breaking down barriers between formerly siloed business units, flattening out management structures and streamlining production processes, prompting many firms to redraw leadership roles and responsibilities, according to information-technology executives, industry analysts and management consultants. Blogs Business Coaching Current Affairs Leadership Memes Science Web/Tech What is Work life agile management chief information officer Companies Equifax Inc.
I hope that at least a few of these recent posts will be of interest to you: BOOK REVIEWS The Complete Executive Karen Wright Harder Than I Thought Robert D. Austin, Richard L. Nolan, and Shannon O’Donnell HR Strategic Project Management SPOMP Leon M. Hielkema INTERVIEWS Matthew E. May: Second Interview, Part 1, by Bob [.]. Bob's blog entries "Does Management Really Work?" "How
This is a great example of where the chief marketing officer needs to work closely with the chief information officer and possibly the Customer Services Manager so that the front, middle and back office systems all converge to deliver a seamless customer experience. In the VUCA world in which we now operate many businesses have become more agile, networked and team centric in order to respond to the challenges of more competition and digital disruption.
Sondra Barbour is the chief information officer and senior vice president of enterprise business services at Lockheed Martin. She’s a company veteran and change leader who has taken on increasingly responsible positions over the course of her career. I spoke with her recently about what she’s learned along the way. Some of the highlights from our conversation include: Leading Massive. Click headline to continue.
In many work situations, random things are created because people are not focused on a specific outcome. They do things, launch programs, take actions, but they have no business outcome in mind.
Others say, the breach came through the magnetic stripe on the back of your credit card which stores data and personal information. Personal and private information found its way into the hands of those who have no reason to possess it and are motivated by objectionable ambitions. Rather it indicates a true technologist in the form of a Chief Technology or Chief Information Officer. By Patricia Lenkov. Chair, Executive Search, N2growth.
As a leader], you—not the IT department, nor the VP of IT, nor the chief information officer (CIO)—must understand, drive and be accountable for how technology is structured in order to reach the strategic goals of the operation….Technology In today’s high-velocity environment, Scott Klososky believes you need to understand how to guide your organization in the implementation and usage of technology—in short, how your organization “does” technology. [As
You were the chief information officer of Maritime and Son?” I said CIO, not chief information officer. I was the clear insight officer, is what I was. Chapter 7. Cam just about swallowed his tongue.
CIO 84
Don, our CEO, has been hearing some serious grumbling about Bill, our Chief Information Officer,” she groaned. Recently, I found myself channel surfing on a Saturday morning. I was amazed by the number of ads/infomercials I saw about getting in shape! Here are some of the phrases I heard: “Six-second six pack”. Easy shaper”. Incredible – a miracle!”. “It It feels terrific! Let us show you how easy it is!”. Turn your flabby abs into that sexy six pack!”.
COO 128
So, I’m sitting across from the Chief Financial Officer of a major organization and he’s going on about the next director he plans to fire. As the Chief Information Officer for the organization, it’s my unfortunate responsibility to support his behaviors.
Douglas Merrill, the former Chief Information Officer at Google reveals that one reason behind the free food is that it encourages Googlers to sit down, interact with others outside their department and share what they are working on, what problems they’ve encountered and what counsel they can give to others in the Googleplex. No one is a fan of meetings anymore.
One of the leaders I interviewed for the new edition was Avon’s Chief Information Officer, Donagh Herlihy.
Goleman 186
I was asked to be Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Information & Communication Technologies. To strengthen our teamwork, we got out of the office and did outdoor team building exercises. We led the fight against terrorism, redesigned the higher education system in the country, formulated a five-year strategic plan for “Digital Tunisia,” created a “country chief information officer” role that reports directly to the Prime Minister.
Tourism 122
“Don, our CEO, has been hearing some serious grumbling about Bill, our chief information officer,” she groaned. I don’t watch much TV. But on a recent Saturday morning, I found myself channel-surfing for about 15 minutes. I was amazed at how many of the ads were about getting in shape. Here are some of the exact phrases I heard: “Six-second abs.” ” “Easy shaper.” ” “Incredible — a miracle!”
As technology expands the way that marketing is understood, led, and practiced, there are exciting new opportunities for Chief Marketing Officers and Chief Information Officers to drive growth by collaborating and transforming their organizations.
Chief Information Officer 8
” Survey respondents included Presidents, Chief Information Officers, Chief Analytics Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, and Chief Data Officers representing 50 industry giants, including American Express, Capital One, Disney, Ford Motors, General Electric, JP Morgan, MetLife, Nielsen, Turner Broadcasting, United Parcel Service, and USAA. Laura Schneider for HBR.
Parcell 10
The actual respondents are changing somewhat from the first surveys: It has always involved a high proportion of C-level executives responsible for data, but this year chief data officers are 56% of the respondents, up from 32% last year. Only 12% of firms in the 2012 survey had even appointed a chief data officer. PASIEKA/Getty Images. For six consecutive years NewVantage Partners has conducted an annual survey on how executives in large corporations view data.
Survey 11
Five years ago, Chief Information Officers (CIOs) were on top of the world. Chief "Infrastructure" Officers focus on cost reduction, and account for 65% to 70% of the overall IT budget. Chief "Integration" Officers connect internal and external ecosystems.
Leaders like Ellyn Shook, the chief leadership and human resources officer at Accenture, actually carry around “dumb phones,” which don’t have any apps and can’t send or receive email. Jim Fowler and Jeff Smith talked about peripheral vision in relation to the chief information officer role (Fowler is currently CIO at General Electric, and Smith was formerly CIO at IBM).
The survey gathers perspectives from a small but influential group of executives — chief information officers, chief data officers, and senior business and technology leaders of Fortune 1000 firms.
Chief Financial Officer 13
This gave ZF access to top-notch expertise in data analytics and the management of information systems. This kept everyone informed, gave them a greater sense of personal responsibility, and implicitly expressed management’s appreciation for their professional judgment.
In our Tech Pro Research survey of chief information officers, technology executives, and IT employees, 45% of respondents saw mobile devices as the weak spot in their company’s defenses. Educating upper management is a different task for information technology executives. Back up information to cloud services, and store as little as possible on the device. Mobile devices are one of the weakest links in corporate security.
During one of my very first consulting assignments, a colleague and I interviewed direct reports of the Chief Information Officer of a chemical company about improving project execution.
With the emergence of new information technologies, corporations can now amass and analyze unprecedented volumes of unstructured data — the data created by humans, such as the text contained in company documents, email, instant messaging, and social media. Today’s technology can gather all relevant information on the matter and present a complete analysis so that management can respond effectively and in a timely way. Potter Stewart, justice of the U.S.
Committee 9
What resources do you have to get something fixed?" —Chief Operating Officer. Every salesperson is trying to get into my office and explain how their wonderful products will save me tons of money. What they said didn't really apply to us." —Chief Financial Officer.
If you want driving directions from Google Maps, your app asks you for two pieces of information: your current location and your desired location. If you want to be a chief financial officer (CFO), identify five CFOs who you admire or who are well regarded in your industry.
Luke Skywalker, a salesperson for XYZ Technologies, is attending a trade show and happens to be in the elevator with Norman Bates, chief information officer at Wonderful Telecommunications. Pretend that you are in an elevator at one of your industry's trade shows.
Joint Chiefs of Staff, advises ? Most importantly, the training can help leaders be much more effective in overseeing chief information officers (CIOs), and chief information-security officers (CISOs). With training, leaders can make more informed tradeoffs between purchasing the most convenient, accessible, and affordable technology (the CIO role) and keeping that technology and a company’s critical data secure (the CISO role).
Close those gaps, keep them as healthy as possible,” says John Kravitz, its chief information officer. By focusing on population management, we are proactively identifying patients who need services and reaching out to them,” says Dr. Nirav Vakharia, associate chief quality officer for population management at Cleveland Clinic.
I was asked to be Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Information & Communication Technologies. Though it may sound a little frivolous, given the seriousness of our mandate, we got out of the office and did outdoor team building exercises. vincent tsui FOR HBR.
Tourism 12
Consider Staples, the office-supplies retailer, which had tumbled from being the market leader to being a third of the new leader’s size by 1992. So founder and CEO Tom Stemberg hired John Wilson as head of strategy and chief financial officer. Walgreens Boots Alliance’s Rick Mills has been the group strategy officer for 20 years. alicemoi/Getty Images.
Chief Financial Officer 8
As the chief information officer of a large academic medical center, I oversee four petabytes of data. In short, the BP data I had gathered telemetrically at home, coupled with information in my EHR, helped my clinician and me make a wise choice about my treatment.
In the past, IT just provided direct services to the operating groups, according to Chief Information Officer Hector Calva. Ross, principal research scientist at the MIT Center for Information Systems Research (CISR). Information & technology Technology IT Sponsor ContentThere’s no question that legacy IT systems are too slow and rigid for the agility that digital business demands.
Franchising 8
For instance, the general counsel thinks about the issue in terms of compliance with information security regulations such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation. The chief information security officer (CISO) or chief information officer (CIO) reports the technical vulnerabilities that his or her team has successfully remediated. And the chief financial officer is looking at the potential financial impact.
For their part, IT executives believe marketers make promises they can''t keep and do not provide them with adequate information on business requirements. Identify the CMO as the "Chief Experience Officer."
Chief information officers are expected to see deeply into the future and generate IT predictions that companies can build their strategies around. IT management Information & technology
CFOs were the first functional chiefs to join, followed in the 1980s by Chief Strategy Officers (CSOs). The 1990s saw the appearance of Chief Information Officers, Chief Marketing Officers and others.
Committee 10
million citizens but is larger in landmass than Switzerland; as a result, many towns do not have a nearby government office. “Essentially, we are interested in better understanding what it takes for New Zealand to become a digital society, what opportunities and challenges it presents, and what role digital government plays in getting there,” says Graeme Osborne, the general manager for system transformation at the New Zealand Government Chief Information Office (GCIO).
Protecting a company''s critical information is a value proposition. Losing that kind of information can mean a plunge in stock price and market share. So who''s responsible for information security in your company? Information & technology Managing uncertainty Risk management
One of the newest additions to the C-Suite is the Chief Data Officer. For instance, the person who was once the best at analytics may no longer hold that position if a Chief Data Officer is brought in.
In a recent article , I suggested that the role of the CIO needs to shift from Chief Information Officer to a Chief Innovation Officer, due to the massive, rapid, multiple technology-driven transformations that are occurring today.
CTO 10
The job of Chief Information Officer has never exactly been easy. If they work for a service firm, it''s probably seeking new revenue from information-based differentiation. IT management Information & technology Strategy
But too many organizations are stretching their Chief Information Officers (CIO) too thin. Chief "Integration" Officer: Bringing together internal and external data and systems. Chief "Innovation" Officer: Looking for disruptive technologies to drive innovation.
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About Chongqing
As one of the four central municipalities (alongside Beijing municipality, Shanghai municipality and Tianjin municipality), Chongqing is the largest direct-controlled municipality, even larger than one province and an autonomous region in Western China along the Yangtze River, and the municipality was given on 14 March 1997.
With more than 31.4 million people live in an area of 82,300 square km, Chongqing has over over 19 districts, 17 counties, and four autonomous counties. Moreover, Chongqing serves as the wartime capital during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), and as one of the famous historical and cultural city in China, Chongqing now also serves as the economic centre of the Upstream Yangtze area and a modern manufacturing centre, as well as a transportation hub for Southwest China.
Chongqing Municipality is divided into forty county-level subdivisions (three abolished in 1997), and the boundaries of Chongqing reach much farther into the city’s hinterland than the boundaries of the other three provincial level municipalities (Beijing, Shanghai and Tianjin), and over 80,000 square kilometers of its administrative area is rural.
Chongqing Facts
Chongqing Food
Chongqing Climate
Chongqing Transportations
Collection of Chongqing Orphanages
ChongQing Children's Home Chongqing FuLing District Social Welfare Institute XiuShan Children's Welfare Institute QianJiang Social Welfare Institute WanZhou Children Welfare Institute LiangPing Social Welfare Institute
14 Days Chongqing Children Reunion Heritage Tour
Destinations: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Shanghai
We can arrange the visiting to all the orphanages in Chongqing areas
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Little Mix fans will see the show after kind hearted stranger saves the day
Man offers tickets to family who were told theirs had been cancelled despite paying for them a year ago
A KIND hearted stranger saved the day after a teenage Little Mix fan’s concert tickets were cancelled just days before the gig.
Yesterday the ECHO reported how John Dowell from Lydiate had spent £629 on tickets for the girl band’s concert at the ECHO arena tonight - only to be told he would not be receiving them even though he paid 12 months ago .
The tickets were a Christmas present for his three Little Mix - mad daughters who were heartbroken when he had to break the news to them.
Mr Dowell, 47, explained how his 16-year-old daughter Hannah, the biggest fan of the three, ‘broke down in tears’ - sparking an outcry from ECHO readers concerned for his daughters.
However, after reading about his daughter’s plight in the ECHO, a kind hearted stranger, who did not want to be named, contacted Mr Dowell.
And earlier today the man, who had bought tickets for his own daughters who can no longer go, today handed over the tickets to an “over the moon” Mr Dowell.
John Dowell with wife Joanne, and daughters Hannah, Lilly and Daisy - who were all left disappointed when Viagogo cancelled their Little Mix tickets
Mr Dowell told the ECHO: “I was in a meeting when I got the e-mail from the ECHO, so when I called the man for the tickets I couldn’t believe it.
“I met the man, who said he didn’t really want to be named or get any publicity, and he gave me the tickets, I couldn’t believe it.
“We’re over the moon, it just shows that there are good people out there.”
Little Mix fan left in tears after website cancels tickets DAYS before concert
Where should I buy tickets from?
Little Mix Glory Days at the Echo Arena
The ECHO spoke to the ECHO Arena to ask about buying tickets from responsible websites.
Henry Brown, head of TicketQuarter, the ticketing arm of The ACC Liverpool Group which includes Echo Arena said: “We would always advise customers to purchase tickets from the venue or from the artist’s official primary ticketing agency.
“The Echo Arena and TicketQuarter websites do not re-direct customers to any secondary ticketing sites but search engines may lead customers to these sites.
John Dowell's eldest daughter Hannah, 16, with Daisy, 8 and Lilly, 5.
“We encourage customers to join our pre-sale communications and, if a show sells out, to contact our box office regularly as well as checking social media and our website for any additional availability that may be released by the promoter prior to the event.
KFC think they know what 'sickening' find in boneless meal could be
“TicketQuarter and Echo Arena are members of STAR - The Society of Ticket Agents & Retailers – which is the leading self-regulatory body for the entertainment ticketing industry across the UK and identifies reputable ticket outlets.
“If any customers have any doubt about the organisation they are buying tickets from then please contact our box office who will be able to advise.”
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SPOILER ALERT: Latest Hollyoaks trailer could reveal who murdered Amy Barnes
Eagle-eyed fans could find out Amy Barne's murderer thanks to new trailer
Hollyoaks fans could be closer to working out who killed Amy Barnes thanks to a new trailer.
The character, played by Ashley Slanina-Davis, was killed off on her wedding day.
Although the trial of key suspect Ste Hay - played by Kieron Richardson - is due to begin shortly, the new trailer suggests who the other possible murderers could be.
Suspects include James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan), who is representing Ste in court but also framing him; Ryan Knight (Duncan James) - Amy’s husband who was having an affair with Kyle Kelly (Adam Rickitt) behind her back; Ste’s fiance Harry Thompson (Parry Glasspool); and Detective Sergeant Armstrong (Andrew Hayden Smith), who has a history of terrorising young women and stalked Amy before her death.
The clip shows alternate versions of the night Amy died with each of the suspects in her flat in the hours leading up to the crime.
Viewers can also watch a Facebook Live trial special on Thursday August 31, from 4.34pm, when each of the suspects will be interviewed.
We love Hollyoaks
Where are most famous characters now?
The original cast - where are they now?
The first ever episode
The trailer is available to view from 9am on Monday and the trial episodes begin on Friday September 1 on E4 and Monday September 4 on Channel 4.
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RussiaEuropeSt PetersburgActivities
St. Petersburg 2-Day Shore Tour: Hermitage, Catherine Palace
Multi-day & Extended Tours in St Petersburg
DepartsTraveler pickup is offeredPortsSt Petersburg Port Terminal or local hotel
ReturnsCruise passenger terminal
On this 2-day cultural tour of St. Petersburg, disembark from your cruise ship and explore the city’s most impressive sights and splendors. Visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum, explore Russian Imperial palaces, venture to the Versailles-rivaling Peterhof Fountain Park, and go for a canal cruise – it’s no accident that St. Petersburg is also known as the “Venice of the North.” Guides will ensure your tour of the city goes smoothly during this 17-hour excursion. You can also sign on for an additional, 3-hour extension, during which you can experience St. Petersburg's various nighttime attractions, from the theatre to folklore performances.
Founded by Peter the Great in 1703, St. Petersburg remains one of the world’s most beautiful cities. This comprehensive, 2-day shore tour makes it easy to discover its many charms, from palaces and parks to canal trips and cultural evenings out. Lasting for roughly 17 hours across two days (or 20 hours, should you sign on for an optional, 3-hour evening extension), this tour is the perfect introduction to the city.On the first day, disembark from your ship after arriving in the city, and head straight out on a city orientation tour of the city center. You’ll have interior visits to landmarks like the Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Winter Palace, punctuated with a stop for lunch. You'll also take an hour-long cruise on the River Neva. At 5:30pm, choose to return to your ship or use your 3-hour extension to see the city after dark. Explore or dine out independently, or sign on for optional evening activities (available for an extra fee), including a visit to the Faberge Museum, a pub crawl, a visit to the ballet, or a guided walking tour.On the second day, meet your guide at 8am at your port and venture just beyond the city limits to Pushkin, where the Catherine Palace — one of the world’s great palaces — is located. Spend the morning exploring the palace and its grounds before breaking for lunch, after which you’ll visit Peterhof, a seafront palace complex that’s famous for its sprawling gardens and many fountains. Wind down the tour and return to St. Petersburg, where you’ll go for a ride on the metro, famous for its baroque decoration. The tour concludes when you’re returned to your ship one hour before departure.Please see the Itinerary for details on each day of the tour.
Transport by air-conditioned minivan with 4G high-speed internet
Still photography permits for museums (where applicable)
Umbrellas, if needed
Guide radio and headsets for groups of seven or larger
Entry/Admission - The State Hermitage Museum
Entry/Admission - The Museum Complex The State Museum St. Isaac’s Cathedral
Entry/Admission - Savior on the Spilled Blood
Entry/Admission - Catherine Palace and Park
Food and drinks, unless specified
All entrance fees included
Informative, friendly and professional guide
Small group ensures personal service
Separate driver ensures your guides full attention throughout the day
Comprehensive tour of the city
Travel by boat and see the sights from the water
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Chemtn Biological Technology LimitedCholesterol//www.lookchem.com/300w//2010/0626/57-88-5.jpg
Chemtn Biological Technology Limited
Country: China (Mainland)
Business type: Lab/Research institutions
Contact Details | Similar Products
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product name: cholesterol
synonyms: (3.beta.)-cholest-5-en-3-ol;(3β)-cholest-5-en-3-ol;3β-hydroxycholest-5-ene;5,6-cholesten-3beta-ol;5:6-cholesten-3-beta-ol;5:6-cholesten-3beta-ol;5-cholesten-3b-ol;5-cholesten-3β-ol
mf: c27h46o
product categories: cholesterol and derivativesother lipid related products;fa/fame/lipids/steroids;lipid analytical standards;lipids;sterols;sterolsfood&beverage standards;intermediates & fine chemicals;pharmaceuticals;steroids;used as emulsifier;api;pharma grade
cholesterol usage and synthesis
outline cholesterol is a kind of derivatives of cyclopentane multiple hydrogen phenanthrenes and is an important component of various parts of membrane phase structure and myelin cells of human being. for the normal person with weight of 70 kg, the body contains about 140 grams of cholesterol. since the early 18th century, people had already discovered cholesterol from gallstones. at 1816, chemist marshall named this kind of lipid-property substance as cholesterol. cholesterol is widely found and distributed in animal bodies, and is especially most abundant in the brain and nerve tissue. it also has high content in the kidney, spleen, skin, liver and bile. the solubility of cholesterol is similar to that of the fat which is insoluble in water, but easily soluble in ether, chloroform and some other solvents.
cholesterol is closely related to the body tissues, bile acids and hormones. it is an indispensable substance of animal tissue cells, which is not only involved in the formation of cell membranes, but also as the precursor for the synthesis of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin d3. there are two sources of cholesterol with exogenous sources of cholesterol coming from dietary and endogenous sources coming from the body's own endogenous synthesis. the increased exogenous cholesterol can cause feedback inhibition of endogenous cholesterol synthesis. fat in your diet can boost the cholesterol absorption. cholesterol can be metabolized into bile acids or steroids. the absorption of cholesterol also depends on the cholesterol intake with high intake causing reduction of the percentage of absorption. the absorption percentage of cholesterol in people at high levels of intake is less than 10% with the rest part excreted through the feces. dietary cholesterol is absorbed in the form of chylomicrons into the bloodstream. because cholesterol can’t be dissolved in water and transported in the form of binding with lipoproteins in the blood.
the main physiological function of cholesterol participating in forming cell membranes, myelin, brain, and can be further converted to bile acids and steroid hormones. there are two major lipoproteins which are involved in cholesterol transport: the low density lipoprotein (ldl) and high density lipoprotein (hdl). the former can transport cholesterol from the liver to the cells of whole body tissues, while the later one transports cholesterol from tissue cells back into the liver. the cholesterol level in the blood can reflect the overall metabolism condition of cholesterol. the total cholesterol content in the blood plasma of normal adult of empty stomach is about 2.83 ~ 5.17mmol/l. abnormal cholesterol metabolism could easily lead to deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessel wall, forming atherosclerosis, causing coronary heart disease and stroke.
cholesterol content of human tissue normal person of 70 kg weigh contains about 140 grams of cholesterol in the body; and its rough distribution is listed in the following table. the cholesterol content of various tissues is relatively stable. moreover, the plasma concentration of cholesterol also keeps stable instead of being like fats and fatty acids which are prone to change.
table 1. the cholesterol content of various human tissues
classification cholesterol in the body can be classified into free from and bound lipids form (cholesterol ester).
effect (1) it is involved in the formation of cell membranes.
(2) it is the raw material for synthesis of bile acids, vitamin d and steroid hormones.
(3) the total amount of serum cholesterol in china normal person serum is approximately 182.5 ± 4.3 mg%. extra high blood cholesterol level indicates that cholesterol metabolism dysfunction may occur. serum cholesterol level in patients with coronary atherosclerosis is often high. so the clinically determination of the serum cholesterol levels will help to diagnose certain diseases.
sources and absorption source: (1) exogenous cholesterol coming from dietary. (2)from the body's own endogenous synthesis.
absorption: cholesterol is absorbed in the intestines and mainly synthesized in the liver, skin and the small intestine mucosa. dietary cholesterol is mainly absorbed in the form of chylomicrons into the bloodstream. cholesterol absorption also depends on the amount; the percentage of absorption is reduced upon a high intake of cholesterol. the absorption percentage is lower than 10% upon high intake amount. after free cholesterol is absorbed, 2/3 of them quickly binds to fatty acid and esterified to form cholesterol esters, making the ability of lipoproteins on carrying cholesterol be enhanced. after cholesterol enters into cells, it will be hydrolyzed and degreased by acidic lipase inside the lysosomes. a fraction of cholesterol in the cells is converted into steroid with excess cholesterol being directly discharged to the gut; another fraction of cholesterol is oxidized in the liver into bile acid and excreted together with the bile.
the above information is edited by the chemicalbook of dai xiongfeng.
transport there are two major lipoprotein involved in cholesterol transport: the low density lipoprotein (ldl) and high density lipoprotein (hdl). the former can transport cholesterol from the liver to whole body tissue cells with the later one transporting cholesterol from tissue cells back into the liver.
determination serum cholesterol assays include measurement of total cholesterol (ct), free cholesterol (fc) and cholesterol ester (ce).
food containing high levels of cholesterol animal foods contain high content of cholesterol, such as meat, eggs, milk and so on, but there is no cholesterol in plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, legumes which almost does not contain any cholesterol, so high cholesterol people should avoid eating animal food with selecting plant food being a better choice.
the cholesterol content of animal organs are particularly high, such as lung, kidney, liver, pig intestines, pig spleen, etc., they are high in cholesterol, so you should eat less.
the cholesterol level in animal brain is also very high, especially in porcine brain, followed by bovine brain, sheep brain, brain duck, and chicken brain, etc. so to prevent high cholesterol, eat less of this kind of food.
food of low-cholesterol content: lean meat, rabbit meat, yellow croaker, hairtail, skinless chicken, carp, eel, ham square, white fish, jellyfish, milk, and sea cucumber.
food containing high levels of cholesterol (parentheses lists the number of milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams of food contains).
animal brain has the highest cholesterol content: as porcine (3100 mg), bovine brain (2670 mg), sheep brain (2099 mg).
followed by yellow eggs: duck eggs as yellow (2110 mg), egg yolk (1705 mg), quail’s egg yolk (1674 mg), yellow egg (1132 mg).
harm of high cholesterol high cholesterol is clearly related to the occurrence of atherosclerosis. modern molecular biology has showed that atherosclerotic lesions are initially begun with fatty streaks and atherosclerotic plaque disease, which is formed by macrophages which swallowed cholesterol and smooth muscle cells. on the other hand, high content of cholesterol, high blood pressure can cause harm to the integrity and function of vascular endothelium, resulting in a series of secondary damage. us national cholesterol education program states: normal adult plasma cholesterol levels should be less than 5.2mmol/l; 5.2 ~ 6.2mmol/l is the high limit. for guys which exceed the upper limit should change their diet with further examination of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein, and select related drugs for treatment. clinical data have shown 8.5% drop in blood cholesterol and 12.6% decrease in ldl can reduce the mortality of coronary heart disease by 24% as well as reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction by 19%.
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recommended, meditation, still place, inner peace
ADVERTISING FEATURE A desire to help people find inner peace prompted Robert Cookson to set up his website theStillPlace.com about 12 months ago. Offering the Nafina Meditation Technique as a free downloadable program, the Campbelltown man hopes to help people reduce the levels of stress, anxiety and anger they carry around with them. He believes such emotions can lead to addictive and compulsive behaviours which result in poor physical and mental health. "I want to help people find the peace that's already within them and to reconnect to it each day to dissolve the stress in the stillness created during meditation," Mr Cookson said. "This, in turn, has a positive effect on everybody around that person and then creates harmony and balance in their lives." If you benefit from the program you can simply make a donation via the website. You also have the option of having Nafina Meditation Technique classes at your home or workplace to learn the method quickly and easily. www.theStillPlace.com "I have kept the technique very simple so you will experience results fast, feel calmer and more relaxed and be better equipped for what life throws at you," Mr Cookson said. "You will find you start to respond to situations appropriately, instead of reacting to them adversely, which is a very common cause of conflict in the world. "What makes theStillPlace.com unique is that I approach it head on and ask people to take a look at themselves and to be honest about how they are travelling. Are they actually happy? Or could they be missing something perhaps?" Mr Cookson said he derived "a sense of togetherness and connectedness" from helping those in need. "I love working with people locally and meeting people in person as it's a far more natural and organic way to learn from each other and to do business," he said. "With communities being in decline all over the world, we should all be doing our bit to stitch those communities back together again. Helping people tackle stress and anxiety and curb addictions, lose weight and find peace - changing their experience - is hugely rewarding."
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July 3 2019 - 9:00AM
Meditation technique helps create harmony and balance
Advertising feature
DISSOLVE STRESS: Robert Cookson wants to create a calmer world through mindfulness and meditation.
A desire to help people find inner peace prompted Robert Cookson to set up his website theStillPlace.com about 12 months ago.
Offering the Nafina Meditation Technique as a free downloadable program, the Campbelltown man hopes to help people reduce the levels of stress, anxiety and anger they carry around with them.
He believes such emotions can lead to addictive and compulsive behaviours which result in poor physical and mental health.
"I want to help people find the peace that's already within them and to reconnect to it each day to dissolve the stress in the stillness created during meditation," Mr Cookson said.
"This, in turn, has a positive effect on everybody around that person and then creates harmony and balance in their lives."
If you benefit from the program you can simply make a donation via the website. You also have the option of having Nafina Meditation Technique classes at your home or workplace to learn the method quickly and easily.
This advertising feature is sponsored by:
www.theStillPlace.com
"I have kept the technique very simple so you will experience results fast, feel calmer and more relaxed and be better equipped for what life throws at you," Mr Cookson said.
"You will find you start to respond to situations appropriately, instead of reacting to them adversely, which is a very common cause of conflict in the world.
"What makes theStillPlace.com unique is that I approach it head on and ask people to take a look at themselves and to be honest about how they are travelling. Are they actually happy? Or could they be missing something perhaps?"
Mr Cookson said he derived "a sense of togetherness and connectedness" from helping those in need.
"I love working with people locally and meeting people in person as it's a far more natural and organic way to learn from each other and to do business," he said.
"With communities being in decline all over the world, we should all be doing our bit to stitch those communities back together again. Helping people tackle stress and anxiety and curb addictions, lose weight and find peace - changing their experience - is hugely rewarding."
Expect delays on Hume Highway this week
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Campbelltown-Macarthur Advertiser
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The hottest new trend in casual dining? The ‘breastaurant’ - Macleans.ca
The hottest new trend in casual dining? The ‘breastaurant’
From Twin Peaks to the Tilted Kilt, sexed-up dining chains are popping up everywhere
by Anne Kingston
Douglas R. Clifford/St. Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press/Keystone Press
If you’ve not yet heard of “breastaurants,” gird yourself: they’re about to roll out across Canada. And this new generation of mammary-centric casual dining chains—with their slick thematic formats, man-cave mentality and hyper-friendly female servers schooled in “touchology”—makes Hooters seem downright quaint.
First out of the gate is Tilted Kilt, a Tempe, Ariz.-based “Celtic”-themed sports pub chain whose servers wear tiny tartan tops and micro-mini kilts. Originating in Las Vegas in 2003, the Hooters-Brigadoon hybrid has 60 locations in the U.S. with 15 franchises in development. Its first Canadian location opened in Edmonton last December; a Toronto franchise will open in June, with a Calgary outpost slated for July. “We’re racing to have it finished before Stampede,” says Mark Hanby, Tilted Kilt’s vice-president of development. Hanby admits the company “had serious butterflies” about opening in Edmonton, but now expects the chain’s average annual per-location sales of US$2.7 million to be higher north of the border, in part because of higher prices. The Calgary location is 8,000 sq. feet, bigger than the chain’s average 6,000- to-6,500 sq.-foot floorplan in the U.S. Hanby, who has scouted the country, says Ottawa, Halifax and Saint John, N.B., are ripe for the concept. He hopes to see six locations in the Toronto area by the end of 2013.
Over the past decade, the “breastaurant” has emerged as the second-fastest growing sector in the casual dining industry behind upscale burgers, says Darren Tristano, an industry consultant with Chicago-based Technomic, Inc., who coined the “breastaurant” neologism in 2007. Puns and plaid go with the territory. Addison, Tex.-based Twin Peaks, founded in 2005, has 20 U.S. locations with plans for another 30 by year-end. It exploits an Alpine lodge theme with “scenic views” provided by “Lumber Jill” servers in skimpy plaid shirts and hiking shorts. Canada is on Twin Peaks’s radar, says marketing director Meggie Miller: “We’ve received lots of interest and we’re open to seriously considering qualified [franchisee] candidates.” Meanwhile, regional players are thriving in the U.S., among them Brick House Tavern & Tap, Honey Shack, and Bone Daddy’s House of Smoke, which boasts “BBQ, beer, and Daddy’s girls” in midriff-baring sweaters.
“Breastaurant” customers are 80 per cent male, range in age from 21 to 35, and are not necessarily single, says Tristano. Tilted Kilt’s clientele skews slightly older at 38, says Hanby, who notes they’ve had success near Florida retirement communities and military bases.
As retrogade as it may appear, the “breastaurant” trend is propelled by current cultural and economic trends. The spectre of scantily clad women that made Clearwater, Fla.-based Hooters a target of outrage when it opened in 1983 is now engrained culturally, down to near-naked barristas manning “sexpresso” stands in the Seattle area. Vancouver-based Earls Kitchen and Bar, for example, has morphed from casual preppy servers in the 1990s to female servers in form-fitting black cocktail gear. “We’ve grown up,” says Cate Simpson, spokeswoman for the 63-location chain. She admits some servers’ skirts are so short they’re thinking of imposing a dress code: “They look great but we have to keep a standard.”
The fact that Hooters allowed its brand to wither provided an opportunity, says Tristano, as did the availability of locations with good lease rates due to the economic downturn. Hooters, a US$1-billion juggernaut with 455 locations (11 in Canada), has become as dated as its servers’ suntan-coloured pantyhose and orange nylon shorts. Sales declined more than 7.5 per cent last year. Over a dozen locations have closed and its CEO recently jumped ship to Twin Peaks.
The “breastaurant” concept resonates amid economic and gender-role uncertainty. They’re proletariat men’s clubs, soothing public man caves where guys go to bond, drink cold beer and watch the game without being told to put the toilet seat down. Sales are 50 per cent alcohol; menus are defiantly masculine: pulled pork, burgers and wings. Twin Peaks taps into to the mindset with its slogan: “Twin Peaks is about you, because YOU’RE THE MAN!” Brick House Tavern & Tap offers built-in “man caves”—seats of four nestled in front of big-screen TVs. Bone Daddy’s even has a free “VIP” club.
It’s an ethos that fits with what the American cultural critic Susan Douglas calls “enlightened sexism”—the notion that formerly “sexist” depictions of women are harmless, even fun, when presented with an ironic wink. “We’re a place that makes fun of men; women are this, sports are that,” Twin Peaks CEO Randy Dewitt has said.
The big draw, says Tristano, is attentive, friendly service. “It’s all about the ambiance and the servers,” he says. “You don’t go for the food.” Tilted Kilt’s Hanby agrees: “A lot of people are selling beer and food. So to win we’ve got to be spectacular and different.” He boasts of Tilted Kilt’s “upbeat atmosphere” and “entertainment in the form of interaction.” Guests don’t just ogle the servers, they’re given permission to engage, he says. “They can open their mouths, they can have a dialogue.”
Tilted Kilt servers, or “cast members,” as they’re known, are “sassy,” “sexy fun,” and “sexy smart,” Hanby says. Training focuses on how to make a connection with the guests and provide entertainment value. “Most of the girls have a shtick, and we work with them to develop it.” Tilted Kilt’s CEO Ron Lynch has spoken of servers employing “touchology”—touching the table often, and making guests feel at home. “Sometimes waitresses are providing the best part of a guest’s day,” he says.
Twin Peaks’s servers even connect with regulars on social media, sharing what shifts they’ll be working and daily specials. Such friendly details provide ample opportunity to “upsell,” industry-speak for increasing the bill. At Twin Peaks, for instance, servers taking a beer order will ask, “Do you want the ‘man size’ or the ‘girl size’?”
Hanby, who talks of “keeping it PG13,” insists the line between banter and flirting is not crossed: “It should not be sexual in any way, shape or form.” He doesn’t shy from the “breastaurant” label but says they don’t use it internally: “We never refer to our servers using a part of their anatomy,” he says. “We’d never put the ladies in a position that would objectify them,” a comment at odds with the publication of the annual women of Tilted Kilt calendar. Hanby doesn’t deny the concept is based on the “sex sells” truism. “There’s sex appeal involved,” he says. “We don’t back away from that. It’s part of life every day, everywhere.”
Expect more of it. Tristano sees room for another 500 “breastaurants” in the U.S. and 200 to 300 in Canada. Small chains are starting to jump on the trend, he says. As for the female-equivalent “chestaurant,” Tristano sees little likelihood of that: “Women are more focused on the food experience,” he says. “There’s a big difference in what men want.”
Meanwhile, the Tilted Kilt has registered its cutesy-naughty name internationally. Asia and former Eastern Bloc countries are ripe for expansion, Hanby says. As for taking the concept to Scotland, home of the first tilted kilt? “That’s not on our agenda,” he says. “Yet.”
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Research robot
Small robot is a big number in open source.
The KUKA youBot is a small mobile robot that has been designed as an open source platform for scientific research and training. The robot consists of a mobile platform and a robotic arm. Both of these components are driven by flat brushless DC motors from maxon.
Fig. 1: © 2013 KUKA
Figure 2: The robot's control software is a Linux-based open-source system equipped with various open interfaces. © 2013 KUKA
maxon EC 32 flat This motor, which has a diameter of 32 millimeters, provides 15 W of power. The motor is installed in a maxon motor-gearhead-encoder combination in a joint of youBot.
maxon EC 45 flat The brushless maxon EC 45 flat has a simple design with high torque resistance in a compact frame.
maxon MR encoder, type L The maxon MR encoder fits into the smallest spaces and, using interpolation, has a high number of counts per turn.
Figure 4: The KUKA youBot in detail – 1: Base, 2: Platform, 3: Arm joint 2, 4: Arm joint 3, 5: Arm joint 5, 6: Gripper, 7: Arm joint 4, 8: Arm joint 1. © 2013 KUKA Robot Group.
For robotics students, teaching a robot something step by step and discussing the programs they've written themselves can be a fascinating learning opportunity and an exciting challenge. The Augsburg-based company KUKA developed the youBot robot with precisely this in mind. The mobile manipulator, which is controlled with open source software, has an omnidirectional base and robotic mechanics with five degrees of freedom. Just two years after its introduction to the market, it is already the reference platform for research and training in the field of mobile manipulation. Worldwide, KUKA is primarily known as a manufacturer of industrial robots. With the youBot robot, KUKA has created an open source reference platform for robotics research, enabling developers, researchers and students to write their own control and application software, for example for assembling IKEA tables or transporting small load carriers and components in the “factory of the future.”
The KUKA youBot consists of a chassis, which can be moved omnidirectionally, and either one or two robotic arms mounted on the chassis. An industrial PC and battery have been integrated into the chassis. Via EtherCAT, the industrial PC communicates in realtime (1 ms cycle) with its nine drives, which can be operated with current control, velocity control and position control. The robotic platform and arm can also be used independently from each other. The youBot chassis is only 53 cm long, 36 cm wide and approximately 11 cm high and moves on four Mecanum wheels. These are special wheels with rolls mounted around the circumference at a 45°angle to the wheel's plane, enabling the youBot to combine any translational and rotational movements at any time. This makes omnidirectional motion possible, including sideways and diagonal motion.
The robot's arm is approximately 66 cm long and is mounted on the platform. A two-finger gripper at the end of the arm allows the robot to move objects of up to 70 mm in length and with a weight of up to 500 g. The robotic arm consists of five joints – each driven by maxon motors. In this application, motor-gearhead-encoder combinations from maxon are put to use.
Specially developed planetary gearhead for maximum freedom of movement
The available space in the youBot is limited, yet several motors and planetary gearheads have to fit into the arm and chassis. The solution was to integrate these components directly into the joints of the robotic arm. To make this work, maxon and KUKA jointly developed a very light, precise and robust special motor that allows the joint to rotate around the planetary gearhead.
For the joints of the robotic arm, a total of five brushless DC motors from maxon (EC45 flat, EC32 flat) are used in combination with special gearheads and encoders. Four brushless EC 45 flat motors from maxon are used for the platform. The brushless maxon EC 45 flat has a simple design with high torque resistance in a compact frame. Despite their light weight of 46 g to 110 g, the flat motors have an output power of 15 to 50 W. For the measurement of the joint angles, the joints of the robotic arm are connected to maxon position encoders.
The KUKA youBot is still young, but can already be described as a milestone in robotics research and development. KUKA has taken a new approach in order to address the research market and reach out to the robotics community to support technology transfer. The robot's Linux-based open-source concept gives researchers and scientists the freedom to experiment without limits.
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12/06/2018 Tue 11:20 in Singapore by Rezwana Manjur
Singtel quietly concludes media pitch
Just as quietly as it had initially started, it seems as though the Singtel media pitch has also quietly concluded with OMG taking home the account. The pitch was led by R3, and the incumbent on the account is Havas Media.
Marketing has reached out to Singtel, R3, Havas and OMG for a confirmation on the appointment.
In the midst of the pitch, sources told Marketing that media agencies participating in the closed door pitch were asked to provide an estimate of how much business they can provide Singtel’s Amobee arm.
Meanwhile, last year, Singtel appointed BBH as its strategic brand lead agency, while OgilvyOne was tasked to handle its B2B work. Social and content work was given to Goodstuph while creative production work was handed to Hogarth.
Most recently, the Singtel Group and Razer also inked a deal to foster strategic collaboration in the high-growth areas of e-payments, esports, gaming-related digital media and telecommunication services across Southeast Asia. The Singtel Group and Razer will as such leverage each other’s strengths and capabilities to engage the region’s consumers and audiences and grow the vibrant esports ecosystem.
Both companies plan to jointly organise activities such as regional invitational events and cultivate Southeast Asian esports talents. The two will also explore the development of gaming-related telecommunications and digital media products and services such as broadband plans, mobile services and esports content for customers.
Along with Globe and Telkomsel, Singel also inked a deal with ONE Championship to deliver martial arts-related content and other digital assets to customers across Asia. The deal was announced alongside the launch of ONE Championship’s mobile app, which offers live and recorded telecasts of martial arts matches and events, in Singtel’s newly-revamped flagship store.
The collaboration will see both companies integrating the Singtel Group’s mobile wallets and carried billing services to power e-commerce functions in the recently launched ONE Championship app.
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Inbound Marketing: How a paid social media campaign drew in 1,000 new YouTube subscribers in just four days
SUMMARY: To raise greater brand awareness for Olivia Rose, a natural afro hair tutorial website, the company decided to target French-speaking websites with a paid social media campaign that could draw in subscribers.
By focusing on drawing people in using YouTube videos, they were able to gain over 200,000 Facebook video views and 1,000 new followers each for both Instagram and YouTube in just four days.
by Courtney Eckerle, Managing Editor
Olivia Rose provides hair tutorials for women who have natural afro hair, according to Stephanie Thalmensy, Founder, Olivia Rose. More specifically, English and French speaking women.
“Our customers are women who have afro hair and who would like to learn about hair styling and maintenance that is specific to afro hair,” she said.
It was decided to run a Facebook and Instagram video campaign to promote the Olivia Rose YouTube channel, and to develop greater awareness around the brand.
The YouTube channel, according to Thalmensy, had been growing organically for almost two years, purely from posting quality video tutorials. The only issue was that the organic pace of the channel was a little too slow for an area the brand wanted to focus on.
She and her team wanted to see if they could improve the visibility and awareness of the channel to the right audience.
Thalmensy and her team ran paid social media campaigns using Instagram and Facebook on different languages and geographic areas for women who have natural afro hair.
The aim of the campaign was to generate traffic to the Olivia Rose YouTube channel and to convert new viewers into subscribers. The goals for this particular campaign would impact the number of video views on the channel.
The campaign began on January 10, 2016 and focused on reaching out to Oliva Rose’s niche audience on social media channels.
Step #1. Identify the objectives
To start off, Thalmensy and her team wanted to set up clear objectives. This was especially important with this being the first undertaking of its kind for the Olivia Rose brand, where the YouTube channel had only grown organically up until then.
Click to see a larger, printable version of the chart
They decided to focus on the videos, because they were being monetized through Google’s AdSense program, and increased video views should mean increasing the advertising revenue.
Beyond that, Thalmensy listed the objectives as follows:
To increase the Facebook fan base
To increase the number of YouTube subscribers
To increase the number of subscribers to the Olivia Rose website
To increase the number of Instagram followers
Hopefully, the amount of engagement and interaction around those social media platforms would grow during this campaign as well.
Step #2. Create the ad
The ad featured a short, 20-second advertising video trailer, which was high quality and would render up to 720p (HD).
The team wanted to keep the length short, to optimize it for both Facebook and Instagram, which differ in this area — Facebook allows video content up to 30 minutes, whereas Instagram allows video content only up to 30 seconds.
The video highlighted the niche areas of hair tutorial the brand can offer, quickly showing off different unique hairstyles, treatments and steps, which conveyed in near-snapshots the value proposition of the Olivia Rose brand. It also contained a text snippet of 90 characters, in order to pitch the video content to the prospective audience.
Additionally, the team added a call-to-action at the end, which allowed the audience to click through and watch more on the Olivia Rose YouTube channel.
Step #3. Target the paid ad audience
Thalmensy and her team began identifying how to target their specific audience through Facebook’s audience targeting.
When creating an ad with Facebook’s Power Editor, ad creation or directly in a businesses’ Facebook page, companies have the opportunity to target their ads to people based on location and demographics like age, gender, connections and interests.
There is even the possibility of targeting people based on behaviors, which are determined by what people are connected to on Facebook, such as pages, apps and events.
Since Facebook owns Instagram, the same targeting options are available for that platform as the ads created on Facebook.
Companies can also target Instagram and Facebook ads to a custom audience, which is made up of existing customers, or a lookalike audience, which shows the ad to people who are likely to be interested in your business because they’re similar to your own customers.
In the first campaign, Olivia Rose targeted French-speaking women with afros in countries outside of France.
The team utilized the analytics data from the Olivia Rose YouTube channel in order to decide which country demographics to target.
The Oliva Rose campaign targeted an audience that was:
Exclusively female
Aged between 13-40 years old
In French-speaking countries outside of France, such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Martin and Reunion
Since those countries’ ethnic diversity is primarily of African descent, the team felt they didn’t need to specify any further within Facebook’s audience targeting capabilities.
Step #4. Adjust based on reach and engagement
It was decided by Thalmensy and her team to run the first campaign as a trial on a Sunday, to see what kind of response the targeted audience would have.
If successful it was, they decided that they would run another campaign from a Thursday to Monday.
After reviewing the performance from the first campaign, Thalmensy said, “We changed the campaign bid price and audience.”
The positive results encouraged them to extend the campaign into English-speaking countries, which included:
English-speaking African countries
English-speaking Caribbean countries
The United Kingdom
The United States and Canada
The campaign ran until January 25, and a couple of the videos — the ones that were 10- and 12-seconds long — saw 100% average completion rate for views. The 12-second video had been viewed nearly 12,000 times.
The campaign was extremely cost effective, according to Thalmensy and her team, if the video content that was produced was strong.
The organic growth that had originally fed the channel was still there, just amplified through the paid social media push, with viewers sharing videos to their own feed.
Some of the key results from this campaign were:
1,758 new Instagram followers
1,784 new YouTube subscribers
15,647 new Facebook fans
6 new blog subscribers
“We learned how to leverage content marketing efforts to amplify brand awareness. We were able to acquire over 15,000 fans to the Facebook page and video views, [and] enquiries and engagement has been increasing,” Thalmensy said of the results.
Creative Samples
Olivia Rose video ad
BGDM — Olivia Rose’s digital marketing agency
Inbound Marketing: 450% average ROI from Facebook advertising and organic content effort
Facebook Ads: How Zappos.com manages a $10 million strategy
Social Media Marketing: How a pharmaceutical company gained 107,000 Facebook likes in one month
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DDA Housing Scheme 2016 May Include 13,000 Old Flats
Rajkumar September 27, 2016 | Last Modified: November 19, 2016 at 11:23 am
Delhi Development Authority has all set to launch its new housing scheme 2016 for the allotment of 13,000 flats. These flats are from DDA older scheme, launched in 2014. This time, the authority plans to increase the earnest money to Rs. 5 lakh for MIG flats, which step would forfeit the applicants if they returns the flat. The plan is to attract the serious buyers, however the final decision would be taken in a forthcoming meeting of DDA to be held on 10 October.
Latest Update: DDA Housing Scheme 2016 Announced for 13148 Flats
On the other side, the people are raising their hands against these new clauses and many of them already complaining for the amendments of these clauses.
Delhi Residents’ Welfare Associations Joint Front, an umbrella body of RWAs under the Bhagidari scheme, has written to LG Najeeb Jung in this regard.
On the same, the General Secretary of the organization, Pankaj Agarwal, said that the clauses in the new scheme will discourage genuine buyers. Firstly, it is a huge amount, and secondly, the authority never returns the money on time. Those who will not get a flat will have to block Rs 5 lakh for a long duration.
Welfare Associations Joint Front has raised three issues about the scheme which to be launched in Diwali.
High earnest money
Forfeiture clause
Fully online process.
A member of joint front said that How can they forfeit the earnest money? It is difficult for people to block Rs 5 lakh. Often, people don’t like the house that is offered and want to return it. This clause should be removed.
In a reply, DDA official said that many people send their several representation for the same. And we had asked to people to go and check the flat, their location, area size etc before applying in the scheme. But a large number of non-serious people applied for the flats. These clauses will only help us,” he added.
According to the source, large number of flats to be offered in the upcoming scheme of DDA are located in Rohini, Narela and Dwarka.
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
Browse More: Latest Housing News, Schemes & Projects Tags: DDA Housing Scheme 2016, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Development Authority News
← List of Applicants for KDA EWS Scheme at Sector-4A Jawaharpuram Apply Online for HUDA Ashiana Scheme 2016 in Gurgoan & Rewari →
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“As we increase the number of women, it brings to the forefront issues of women and families in a whole different way,” said Stephanie Schriock, the president of Emily’s List, an organization that works to elect women who support abortion rights to political office. “Women bring a different life experience.”
In New Hampshire, the entire four-member congressional delegation — two senators and two House members, as well as the state’s governor — is now female.
And speaking of New Hampshire, among the current crop of female lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Republican Sen. Kelly Ayotte of the Granite State is among several who are getting early mentions as possible presidential contenders in 2016. The others are Democratic Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota.
The new Senate women comprise two Democrats currently serving in the House: Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin, who will also become the first openly gay member of the chamber. Others winners with political résumés were former North Dakota Attorney General Heidi Heitkamp, also a Democrat, and Deb Fischer, a Republican state legislator from Nebraska.
The most high-profile victor among the group, however wasn’t a current or former lawmaker at all but a Harvard law professor, who as a prominent consumer advocate is familiar with the ways of Washington. Democratic Sen.-Elect Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts led financial restructuring efforts for the Obama administration. She unseated a Republican, Sen. Scott Brown.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who led her party’s Senate campaign and herself was elected as the “mom in tennis shoes” in the 1992 watershed “year of the woman” election, said the Senate would be a different place next year, and that “will be good for the country.”
Her predecessor as the party’s Senate campaign chief, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, said he preferred to field female candidates.
“The electorate wants people to compromise and come together,” Schumer said. “Women are very good at doing that.”
Rugged campaigns
The campaigns, however, weren’t always genteel. In general, the election was about the economy. But the hot button issues of abortion, contraception and equal pay dominated many races.
Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., began the cycle as the most vulnerable Senate incumbent. In increasingly conservative Missouri, Republicans saw her seat as a sure-fire pickup. But a crafty strategic move by McCaskill in the primary and some controversial comments about rape by her general election opponent, Rep. Todd Akin, R-Mo., reversed the playing field.
“Everybody thought Claire McCaskill was going to lose,” said Schriock.
McCaskill and Democratic groups poured $1.5 million into Missouri’s three-way Republican primary race to help Akin win, gambling that he was the opponent she had the best chance of defeating. Akin, after winning the nomination, undercut his own campaign — and led many in his party to abandon him — with his comments about “legitimate rape” and suggestion that a raped woman somehow could prevent a pregnancy through her body’s natural defenses.
McCaskill went on to a comfortable 15-point win.
The effect of all the attention on rape and abortion and the presence of women on the ballot seem to have galvanized female voters, who, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University, came out to vote in greater numbers. Almost all of the 23 Senate races showed gender gaps from 5 to 13 percent, according to exit polling.
“The composition of the United States Senate in the 113th Congress would look very different if it were not for the votes of women in these races,” said Sue Carroll, a senior scholar at the center. “It’s clear that in a significant number of U.S. Senate races, women and men preferred different candidates, and women’s preferences prevailed.”
Labor Secretary Acosta resigns amid Epstein plea deal controversy
Julie K. Brown responds to Secretary Acosta
Can Trump crack down on immigration and still be a champion for Cubans and Venezuelans?
By David Smiley,
Nora Gamez Torres, and
Alex Daugherty
The Trump administration’s move to clamp down on asylum claims could disenfranchise thousands of Cuban exiles who are seeking entry into the United States through Mexico and hurt the president’s Florida campaign.
Did Florida’s CFO break law by revealing sex harassment complaint? Police look at case.
McConnell: Trump isn’t a racist, and everyone should tone down their rhetoric
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Download SQL Server 2000 Retired Technical documentation from Official Microsoft Download Center
Transform data into actionable insights with dashboards and reports
SQL Server 2000 Retired Technical documentation
The content you requested has already retired. It's available to download on this page.
SQL2000_release.pdf
Microsoft® SQL Server™ is a relational database management and analysis system for e-commerce, line-of-business, and data warehousing solutions. SQL Server 2000, includes support for XML and HTTP, performance and availability features to partition load and ensure uptime, and advanced management and tuning functionality to automate routine tasks and lower total cost of ownership
Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT, Windows XP
Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition 1 Standard Edition Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition 1 Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition 1 Windows 2000 Server Windows 2000 Advanced Server Windows 2000 Datacenter Server Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 with Service Pack 5 (SP5) or later Windows NT Server version 4.0, Enterprise Edition, with SP5 or later
The download is a pdf file. To start the download, click Download.
If the File Download dialog box appears, do one of the following:
To start the download immediately, click Open.
To copy the download to your computer to view at a later time, click Save.
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Man charged in road rage gun incident
Charles Winokoor Taunton Gazette Staff Reporter @cwinokoor
TAUNTON — A city man who authorities say pointed a loaded gun at another driver last Friday is facing two felony charges.
Shawn Holland, 24, last known address 205 Winthrop St., also known as Cohannet Village apartment complex, is charged with illegal possession of both a loaded firearm and ammunition.
Police said they confiscated a 9mm Diamondback pistol and a gun magazine containing six bullets from the trunk of the car Holland was driving at the time.
The gun, they said, had a bullet in the chamber.
A brief flash of road rage, police said, appears to have triggered the incident.
Taunton District Court Judge Michael Brennan during Monday's arraignment ordered that Holland be held until a hearing on Thursday to determine if he is a danger to the public and should be held for 120 days.
Holland was ordered released on bail following Thursday's hearing.
Police answered a call at 6:24 p.m. from a man who said the driver of a black Nissan Altima had pointed a gun at him on Route 138/Broadway in Raynham near the entrance to the Walmart parking lot.
The victim, who managed to get the license plate number of the Altima, told cops the other driver tried to cut him off as they were driving south where two lanes merge into one.
Holland pulled alongside the driver side of the victim, pointed the gun and then drove off toward Taunton, authorities say.
The other driver said he followed the Altima until it reached Jackson Street, where the speeding car turned right.
Shortly thereafter, he told police, he lost sight of the car and pulled over near Regal Liquors on Bay Street to wait for them to arrive.
Just after 6:30 p.m. police say Patrolman Evan Lavigne was driving south on Bay Street, near the Dever Drive entrance to The Business Park at Myles Standish, when he spotted the Altima heading toward him from the other direction.
Police said after they stopped the car Holland refused to get out of the car.
It wasn’t until a police detective approached the driver’s side door that police say Holland got out while leaving the car in drive.
Police said they found the gun and ammo in the trunk.
A computer check of the gun’s serial number showed it had been purchased 45 days earlier in New Hampshire, police said.
Gun laws in the Granite State are less stringent than in Massachusetts. New Hampshire residents have never been required to have a license to openly carry firearms and since 2017 have had the option of obtaining a permit from a local police department. A resident can carry a handgun at age 18 in the state but must be 21 to purchase one from a federally licensed arms dealer. A background check is done to check whether the customer is a convicted felon, has been convicted of certain drug crimes or is subject to a protective order.
Holland told police a marijuana bowl and some clothing in the trunk belonged to him but that the car belongs to his mother.
Police said they contacted Holland’s mother, who confirmed that she had been letting him use her car while his own vehicle was being repaired.
She allegedly said her son has not been living with her and added that he’s expressed concern that other people are out to get him.
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5 Ways to Effectively Engage with Your Gaming Community
Epic’s “Support-A-Creator” event has been proving a largely successful way for the company to engage with its Fortnite players. The initiative, launched on October 8, offers regular Fortnite content creators and streamers the chance to monetise their engagement with the game. Eligible creators can be supported by regular users who’s in-game purchases will contribute towards ...
Epic’s “Support-A-Creator” event has been proving a largely successful way for the company to engage with its Fortnite players.
The initiative, launched on October 8, offers regular Fortnite content creators and streamers the chance to monetise their engagement with the game. Eligible creators can be supported by regular users who’s in-game purchases will contribute towards their personal wallet. For every 10,000 V-Bucks a regular user spends in the game, their chosen creator will get $5.
This time-limited event has already seen 1730 creators sign up as of October 10 and will last until the last day of this year. Epic sees this as a way of giving thanks to all its creators during the holiday season.
With an average spend of $1.5 million within Fortnite iOS and around $2.5 million already spent since the launch of Season 6, this is quite an inventive way to engage with an active community of Fornite players.
Not all community engagement needs to involve money, however. There are plenty more ways to effectively enchant your community of fans. Here are five ways you can do so.
1. Promote your top creators
The games industry has a large and wonderfully creative community. From streamers to cosplayers, YouTubers to fan artists and even expert bakers who will spend a whole day making that perfect Fortnite cake, complete with its own balloon dropping an edible crate. Delicious!
There is no lack of talent in games communities. A fan’s dedication to a game could make them want to pour months into lovingly crafting and sewing together a costume of their favourite character.
While the praise creators get from other fans seeing their work might be satisfaction enough, nothing can compare to getting recognised by the developers of their favourite game.
[https://twitter.com/LifeIsStrange/status/992442379226333189]
When coming across fan creations, entertaining let’s plays, or engaged streamers, give them a shout-out on your social media outlets. They will feel seen by their idols and engage even more with your game. If they are a streamer they might give you a shout-out back to their viewers.
You can always have a look at the twitter hashtag FanArtFriday for a fantastic collection of fan art and examples of how other games support their creative community.
2. Run a video blog
The creation of a game can often feel like a magical black box to many in the gaming community. Putting a face (or several faces) to a game can be a great way to break down these barriers between the developers and gamers.
It is not rare for studios to run a regular video blog, detailing news, updates and keeping their communities up to speed on the game and the people making it. Videos can show behind the scenes content, from trials and tribulations to funny office moments, and give fans a chance to build an emotional connection with those involved in the creation of the game.
Videos are a great way to show your community that there are people behind your game, making your community more engaged in the journey of your game.
3. Run competitions on social media
There are plenty of fans who collect items relating to their favourite games. Figurines, cups, t-shirts, books, even larger-than-life statues can become a popular merchandise item.
There is however one thing that is better than merchandise. Free merchandise of course and competitions on social media can be a great way to give them away to engaged fans.
Make sure your prize is a well sought after item. It doesn’t necessarily have to come at an expensive cost to you. Maybe it’s an old leftover art book from your Kickstarter days and you could get your whole team to sign the inside cover. With a few pen scribbles, suddenly your prize can become invaluable to many fans.
There are many ways to run competitions on social media. A simple sweepstake where fans must retweet and follow for a chance to win might do the trick. However you could also look at running an art competition, a bake-off, or maybe have modders of your game create a level – the winner gets their level put in the game.
4. In-game holiday events
A fantastic way to get your gaming community to engage with your game again is to run special holiday events. This is particularly great at re-igniting that spark in members of the community who might have lost interest over time.
With at least eight holidays in a year and four seasons, there are plenty of chances to add some festive flavour to your game. Overcooked released a full Festive Seasoning DLC to get more families playing over their Christmas holidays meanwhile Pokemon GO increased spawn rates of certain types of Pokemon depending on the holiday.
Overcooked’s Festive Seasoning DLC added new holiday-themed levels and lore to the game. (Source: Team 17)
5. Run a discord channel
Discord is a chat platform and a very popular way for studios to engage directly with their gaming communities. Complete with bots, memes and really good community management tools, Discord has become the home of many game’s digital families.
Both developers and their gaming community can use Discord to discuss anything, from recent game patches to how their days are going. It can be used to give your community a chance to input into the development or improvement of the game as they engage directly with its creators.
Direct engagement can feel invaluable to fans of a game and can make them feel like they are part of the team. They will feel involved and invested in the game on a personal level and want to dedicate more of their time and love to your game.
Link: http://www.businessofapps.com/insights/ways-engage-with-gaming-community/
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Mirage News Sport June 19, 2019 12:55 pm AEST Date Time
HCL Technologies and Cricket Australia announce partnership
Comments Off on HCL Technologies and Cricket Australia announce partnership
HCL Technologies (HCL) and Cricket Australia (CA) have today announced a multi-year partnership, with HCL being chosen as the Digital Technology Partner of CA.
HCL, a leading global technology company, will help the Australian cricket’s governing body provide an elevated and immersive digital experience to cricket fans, players, partners, employees, and volunteers across the country and around the world, through CA’s digital offerings.
HCL will implement its Scale Digital methodology to enable Cricket Australia to unite and inspire their cricket community through advanced digital platforms.
Cricket Australia selected HCL Technologies following an extensive search for a trusted digital partner that has proven credentials in enabling digital transformation journey for leading global businesses, enhancing ecosystem orchestration, improving business agility and delivering unique experiences to all users and stakeholders.
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts said:
“Cricket is rapidly evolving here and overseas, and part of that evolution involves advancements in technology and the digital landscape.
“Cricket Australia is connecting with fans and participants through our digital platforms every minute of the day, through the stories and live match data oncricket.com.auright through to participants and community volunteers using ourMyCricketplatform.
“The usage of these platforms continues to grow significantly, so partnering with a leading global technology provider to harness this growth and help us take advantage of our leading position is a natural next step.
“HCL, as our Official Digital Technology Partner,will help take our digital offerings to the next level and allow us to better connect with and inspire communities through cricket”, Roberts said.
HCL will engineer a digital core ecosystem for Cricket Australia through a composable platform that will be modular, auto-scalable, data driven and experience-centric, integrating multiple industry standard products and services to enhance the experience for fans and participants.
As the world’s leading provider of digital transformation for major professional sports organizations, HCL will manage and elevate CA’s suite of digital products that lead the way in Australia for digital consumption, including properties such as the Cricket Australia Live App, cricket.com.au, bigbash.com.au and community cricket applications such as MyCricket andcommunity.cricket.com.au.
“We are thrilled to partner with Cricket Australia and believe that this partnership will serve as a blueprint for organisations worldwide who are exploring technology platforms that can scale existing value chains into ecosystem-centric business models, resulting in inspiring and exceptional experiences,” said Michael Horton, HCL Executive Vice President & Country Manager, Australia & New Zealand.
“The vision of this partnership is to continue igniting passion for the game and to grow lifelong fans for the wonderful sport of cricket. We look forward to providing the Australian cricket community with leading-edge digital technologies that support real-time, engaging, personalized and unified experiences.”
“HCL understands the importance of retaining and engaging fans in today’s digital world,” said Michael Horton, HCL Technologies. “We look forward to deploying our skills and experience to increase fan delight, high performance and community inspiration for the love of cricket.”
The cricket-following community is substantial in Australia, with more than 2 million fans attending cricket matches during the 2018/19 season.
Digitally, CA has an online audience exceeding 20 million globally per year and has established and maintained its position as the No.1 sports destination in Australia throughout the summer, achieving a record unique Australian audience of 2.87 million in January 2019 alone.
The HCL partnership is designed to further enhance CA’s digital presence and impact.
About Cricket Australia
Cricket Australia (CA) is the national governing body for the game in Australia.
Australian cricket is administered by one national body (CA) and its members, the six state and two territory associations. Cricket Australia’s vision is for cricket to be Australia’s favourite sport, and a sport for all Australians. Its purpose is to unite and inspire communities through cricket.
Click hereto read the Australian Cricket Strategy (2017-2022)
:https://www.cricketaustralia.com.au/about/our-strategy
About HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies (HCL) is a leading global technology company that helps global enterprises re–imagine and transform their businesses through Digital technology transformation. HCL operates out of 44 countries and has consolidated revenues of US$ 8.6 billion, for financial year ended 31st March, 2019. HCL focuses on providing an integrated portfolio of services underlined by its Mode 1–2–3 growth strategy. Mode 1 encompasses the core services in the areas of Applications, Infrastructure, BPO and Engineering & R&D services, leveraging DRYiCE™ Autonomics to transform clients’ business and IT landscape, making them ‘lean’ and ‘agile’. Mode 2 focuses on experience–centric and outcome–oriented integrated offerings of Digital & Analytics, IoT WoRKS™, Cloud Native Services and Cybersecurity & GRC services to drive business outcomes and enable enterprise digitalization. Mode 3 strategy is ecosystem–driven, creating innovative IP–partnerships to build products and platforms business. HCL leverages its global network of integrated co-innovation labs and global delivery capabilities to provide holistic multi–service delivery in key industry verticals including Financial Services, Manufacturing, Telecommunications, Media, Publishing, Entertainment, Retail & CPG, Life Sciences & Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Energy & Utilities, Travel, Transportation & Logistics and Government. With 137,965 professionals from diverse nationalities, HCL focuses on creating real value for customers by taking ‘Relationships Beyond the Contract’. For more information, please visitwww.hcltech.com.
Josh Marton
CA Communications
Arpit Gupta, ANZ
Devneeta Pahuja
HCL Technologies APAC & India
Tags:Australia, Australian, business, community, cricket, Cricket Australia, financial services, Government, healthcare, India, industry, infrastructure, New Zealand, President, telecommunications, U.S.
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DEQ tests Parchment paper mill landfill for PFAS contamination
High levels of PFAS found in the city of Parchment drinking water
Gallery: High levels of PFAS found in the city of Parchment drinking water
By Malachi Barrett | mbarret1@mlive.com
PARCHMENT, MI -- Officials are taking environmental samples at a capped landfill formerly used to dump paper-making waste to determine its connection to PFAS contamination in Parchment.
Parchment, the "Paper City," was built around paper companies which manufactured products for the food industry. Three groundwater drinking wells which provide drinking water to the city site less than a mile away from a landfill bordering the Kalamazoo River in Cooper Township, just north of Parchment city limits.
Test of Parchment water source finds PFAS at 26 times health advisory
PFAS was found at a range between 279 ppt and 2,150 ppt in the three wells.
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson Scott Dean said the state hired contractors to perform tests at the dump site. There could be other sites related to paper production in the area, which will be tested if they are found.
Mark DuCharme, DEQ incident management specialist, said monitoring wells at the site were tested Tuesday. The DEQ is working to determine where PFAS might have been used in the area.
"We're not saying that they did (use PFAS) at this facility, we're saying they may have," DuCharme said.
Vans marked with engineering logos for AECOM were moving equipment onto the former landfill site Tuesday, July 31.
An estimated 3,100 people using Parchment's municipal water supply were told late Thursday, July 26, to immediately stop drinking the water after high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were discovered in the municipal water source. A test where water entered the system came back showing total PFAS of 1,587 parts per trillion, followed by an additional test of the individual wells with showed a a range between 279 ppt and 2,150 ppt.
A paper mill that made food contact products is a good place to start looking for sources of PFAS contamination, said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit consumer watchdog group that has studied the PFAS family of chemicals for 20 years.
Kalamazoo extends water system to Parchment after high PFAS found
Kalamazoo is extending its water system into Parchment.
Stoiber said field sampling is required to confirm a contamination source, but a paper mill in the immediate vicinity of the contaminated wells raises a big red flag -- especially if the mill made food packaging. Food wrappings have historically used fluorinated compounds to repel water, oil and grease.
"If they were, in fact, producing food contact paper, it's likely they were discharging wastewater that contained significant amounts of whatever chemicals they were using to manufacture that paper, at levels thousands of times above health guidelines, of course."
In 1909, Jacob Kindleberger established the Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Co. at an abandoned sugar beet factory on the east bank of the Kalamazoo River. The mill site changed hands multiple times through the years -- from Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Co., Sutherland Paper Co., Brown Co., James River Corp. and Crown Vantage Corp. until it went bankrupt in 2000.
Through the course of its long life, the plant produced paper and printed numerous products out of parchment paper, including kitchen parchment, paper packaging, paper plates and cups, garbage paper and wax-lined maps for aviators.
Cooper Township Supervisor Jeff Sorensen said he's not sure if PFAS contamination is coming from Parchment's shuttered paper mill landfill, but it "would make sense." It's the only industry near the Parchment well fields, which are located in Cooper Township, he said.
Closure of Georgia-Pacific plant marks end of an era in Parchment
The paper-making industry in Parchment is taking its last breath after Georgia-Pacific announced plans recently to shutter its Epic manufacturing plant by the end of 2015. But Mayor Robert Heasley and others who have watched the rise and decline of Parchment's paper mill are confident the city will bounce back with new development.
Sorensen said an 80-acre landfill near the Kalamazoo River was capped after Crown Vantage closed in 2000. It was used to dump fly ash and other waste from the nearby paper mill until it was capped at the request of the DEQ.
The landfill dates back to before 1967, according to Kalamazoo Gazette archives held at Western Michigan University. Sometime later paper-production wastes began being trucked outside the county for burial.
The former landfill north of East G Avenue is owned by Cooper Township.
Wastewater from the mill was treated at a plant to the north of the site, used until Crown Vantage left town.
An access road from the former mill site runs north to the wastewater plant in Cooper Township. County records show the site at East G Avenue was obtained from Crown Vantage in March 2000.
Working with River Reach Partners LLC, the city has been trying to repurpose or demolish buildings left after Crown Vantage closed. The site is now owned by River Reach Partners, a Colorado-based property redevelopment firm organized to work in Michigan 10 years ago.
Earlier this year, the state of Washington became the first in the U.S. to ban the use of nonstick PFAS chemicals in food products like popcorn bags and hamburger wrappers.
Michigan declares state of emergency for Parchment PFAS contamination
The town hall meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., July 31, at Haven Reformed Church, 5350 N. Sprinkle Road in Kalamazoo.
Jackson-based Harvest Energy Solutions approached the township seeking to install solar panels on the old paper mill landfill last fall. Sorensen said the company signed a 1-year lease option, with possibility of extending it up to five years.
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We're expanding! Our popular DP3 Tab Pull Series is now available in 13 sizes from 1 1/4" up to 24" lengths and is also now available in 9 standard finishes, including two new colors with more on the way. Every size for every application. Plus, we can still make any custom size or color to your exact specifications.
Hello Friends:
June is a busy, busy month with two spectacular trade shows where we’ll be displaying our latest and greatest ideas in furniture hardware – booth 5275 at InfoComm in Orlando, June 12-14, and the granddaddy of furniture industry trade shows, NEOCON in Chicago, June 10-12, where we will have a lot of good stuff in a 140’ display at booth 7-9030. Please do stop by!
Sunday of Memorial Day weekend was the 103rd running of the Indy 500 race, and what a race it was! With just 20 laps to go the race was red flagged (stopped) due to an accident in which no one was injured but the wreckage blocked the track; it took 30 minutes to clear.
The cars restarted single file, one immediately behind the other – whatever advantage a car may have had before the red flag was wiped out! – in 70 years of spectating at car races big and small, the last 20 laps was the absolute best motor racing ever. Going into the last lap, any of four cars could have won. But coming out of the last turn Simon Pagenaud nosed ahead of Alexander Rossi (2016 winner with our sponsorship) and Takuma Sato (2018 winner) to take the very popular win.
If you google “2019 Indy 500” and fast forward to the last 20 laps, trust me, you’ll be on the edge of your chair!
Unfortunately, the two drivers we sponsored did not fare well – Colton Herta dropped out early with a broken transmission and Kyle Kaiser crashed out before half way. But our good friend Spencer Pigot, who qualified third, struggled with an ill-handling car but brought it home 14th, yet in the top half of the 33 starters.
Look forward to catching up at one of the shows.
Douglas A.J. Mockett
NON SEQUITUR © 2019 Wiley Ink, Inc.. Dist. By ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
See all our components for kitchen, bath, office and computer furniture on our website or in our full color catalog.
To request a free catalog, please visit our website or call us.
DOUG MOCKETT & COMPANY, INC. • PO BOX 3333 • MANHATTAN BEACH, CA 90266
800-523-1269 • FAX 800-235-7743 • INFO@MOCKETT.COM • WWW.MOCKETT.COM
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10.06.2019 Crime & Punishment
Barclays Banker Charged Over GH¢150,000 Fraud
By Staff Writer
JUN 10, 2019 CRIME & PUNISHMENT
A former employee of Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, Anthony Frimpong Asare, has been dragged to court over GH¢150,000 fraud.
The 33-year-old banker, who was a lead generator at the bank's Adum branch in Kumasi, is facing four counts of forgery, including the alleged forgery of the signature of Elvis Boapeah, the bank's relationship manager.
A Kumasi Magistrate Court granted him bail in the sum of GH¢20,000 bail with one surety. He is to reappear on June 25, 2019.
Anthony Frimpong Asare was arrested on October 17, 2018 after Barclays Bank made a formal complaint to the police at the Manhyia Divisional Command.
Presenting the facts of the case, the prosecutor, Inspector N Kwakye, told the court that the complainants, Owusu Appiah Kubi and Elvis Boapeah, are Head of Forensic Investigations and Relationship Manager respectively at the bank.
According to him, a customer of the bank, one Regina Kumi in August last year applied for a loan from the bank, adding that the application was declined on grounds that she was self-employed.
Prosecution narrated that the accused person, who was then the lead generator at the bank's Adum Branch, visited Regina Kumi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Multi Trust Lending Financial Service, at her office on September 24, 2018.
Inspector Kwakye said Frimpong Asare told Regina he could facilitate the loan for her and adopted an elaborate scheme.
The accused took the original marriage certificate and voter identity card of Regina Kumi and changed the lady's name to Regina Owusu and occupation on the marriage certificate as medical doctor instead of businesswomen.
The prosecutor revealed that the accused also gazetted the client's document which read Ms Regina Owusu, a medical doctor working with Madona Health Services.
Inspector Kwakye said the accused also doctored information in the bank's system to match the forged document, indicating that the client worked as a surgeon at the said health facility for eight years and took home GH¢11,825.35 as salary.
The accused person again prepared a corresponding pay slip for the scheme and presented same to the bank.
On September 26, 2018, the accused person, who was at the Direct Sales Centre of the bank, allegedly managed to book a loan facility of GH¢150,000 and credited Regina's account.
The bank later detected that Regina, whose loan application was declined, had been credited with the said amount.
The case was referred to the Forensic Investigation Department, whose preliminary investigation revealed the fraud perpetuated on the bank, which led to his arrest.
---Daily Guide
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30.06.2019 General News
Pure Water Can Become East Legon If You Unite -Ga East Mce Charges Residents As She Rallies Support To Address Flooding In The Area
By Okunyin Boaz Orlan-Hackman
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the Ga East Municipal Assembly (GEMA), Hon. Janet Tulasi Mensah has charged residents at Ashongman Pure Water to unite in the face of the perennial flooding in the area and join forces with the Assembly to develop the area into an "East Legon" community. She said this at a meeting with the residents on Saturday, 22nd June, 2019 at the God of Christ Church at Pure Water.
The meeting was part of the Hon MCE's Electoral Area Visits and follows a successful completion of a dredging exercise in the Pure Water area.
The Assembly, in late May and early June, this year, embarked on a 1.5-kilometer dredging exercise at Pure Water to help address the perennial, serious flooding in the area. This exercise was said to be the longest-ever stretch of dredging exercise to be executed in the Greater Accra Region.
To scale up efforts to continue with the development of the area and curb the flooding situation, the Hon. MCE, together with her technical Staff, met with the residents to discuss the follow up issues on the dredging exercise and the way forward towards the overall development of the area.
In her address, Hon. Janet Tulasi Mensah, expressed gratitude to the various stakeholders who sacrificed technically, financially and materially to during the exercise.
She observed that the Assembly committed a lot of funds into the project and urged the residents to report people who may block access along the drains.
Citing the example of South East Haatso Residents' (SEHRA), which constructed a Police Post to address their security needs and among other projects, has managed to name the streets in their area of operation and hooked them onto Google Maps, the Hon. MCE advised the residents to come together and form a formidable Association and marshal resources to support the Assembly's resolve to change the development fortunes of Pure Water.
"I'm always sharing the SEHRA example wherever I go because they're united and determined to develop their own area even though we all know and agree that it is the responsibility of the Assembly. No, they didn't wait for the Assembly but have mobilized funds to name the streets, they also built their own police station and in fact, on their platform, if they have problems with their community roads and streetlights, they mobilize funds to fix them. that area. I came to appeal to you to unite the Residents' Associations here into one great Association to help us develop the area as the Assembly, and, for that matter, the government alone cannot develop our municipality", she emphasize.
She further appealed to the residents who are financially sound to support the development efforts of the Assembly in the area.
"We must come together and stratetize as to how we want our area to look like. East Legon did not become how it is today overnight. It's a planned area and me as the chief servant, I've engaged the traditional leaders and family heads and agreed that waterways and areas earmarked as roads or public spaces will not be sold. It is now our duty as residents to unite and champion our development", the Hon. MCE remarked.
The Presiding Member (PM), Hon. Jesse Nii Noi Anum asked the residents to report their concerns to the Assembly through the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) for redress and debunked the assertion by a resident that the Assembly had no channel to receive complaints from the public.
On his part, the Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. Joshua Adams Asihene, called on the residents to support the Assembly to deliver on its mandate. He observed that the Assembly needs over 10,000 streetlights to ensure the municipality is well illuminated to ward off criminals.
He said the Assembly, though has fixed over 1,000 streetlights, it was not adequate, indicating that they will continue to engage the various stakeholders to contribute their quota towards the development of the municipality.
The Municipal Urban Roads Engineer (MURE), Aboagye Forster, noted that the Assembly invested huge sums of money into the project and still had some outstanding payment to make.
He advised the residents to be vigilant and police the project and report persons who attempt to block any part of the drains.
He assured them that the Assembly will carry out further exercise to fortify portions which were identified to be shallow following the recent rains to be able to carry heavy volumes of rain during downpours.
The Public Relations Officer (PRO), Okunyin Boaz Orlan-Hackman, educated the residents on the existence and functions of the PRCC and the Client Service Unit of the Assembly.
He said the Assembly has a Client Service Unit (CSU) which receives complaints and petitions from the public and also advised the people to make use of the Assembly's website and other social media platforms to channel their concerns and seek information.
He further educated the residents on the acquisition of Building and Temporary Structure Permits, announcing the three (3) months amnesty granted by the Assembly for owe who default and urged them to take advantage to acquire or renew their permit.
The PRO also sensitized the residents on the Household Toilet Promotion by the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project (GAMA-SWP) and advised landlords without household toilets to register and have the facility constructed for them, noting that the Assembly has started prosecuting offenders in is direction.
He also spoke about the "Operation Clean Ga East" programme which has seen the reintroduction of "Saman Saman" and cautioned the residents to desist from unacceptable sanitation practices to avoid prosecution.
He finally educated residents on their responsibility to pay up their revenues, such as Property Rates, Business Operating Permit (BOP) among others to the Assembly promptly to enable the Assembly generate more revenue for development, advising them not to make any payment to any Revenue Collector of the Assembly without being served the requisite bill.
After a fruitful discussion during the open forum session of the meeting, the Hon MCE announced that the Assembly will soon visit the community and ensure that every house constructs gutters around to minimize the flooding menace in the area.
Rev. David Anokwafo, Founder and Head Pastor of the God Christ Church, which hosted the meeting, and the Chairman for the Zone Four (4) of the Pure Water Residents' Associations (RAs), thanked the Hon. MCE and her team for the wonderful things they are doing for the community.
He pledged, on behalf of the residents, to fully back the Assembly on any initiative to develop the area and called for support from all the RAs in the area in this direction.
Also at the meeting with the Hon. MCE were Mr Daniel Baah Tenkorang, Municipal Development Planning Officer (MPO), the Abokobi District Police Commander, DSP Edward Tetteh, Chief Inspector of the Pure Water Police Post, Assembly Member for Atomic Electoral Area, Hon Cornelius Addo, the Abokobi Zonal Council Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Tettey Odai and the Deputy Youth Organizer of the Dome-Kwabenya NPP, Derick Baapogma.
Story/Pictures By: Okunyin Boaz Orlan-Hackman
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< back to our work
Repositioning world leaders in education.
WYCOMBE ABBEY
Wycombe Abbey is an exceptional boarding school. It is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading independent girls’ schools and balances its illustrious heritage with a modern international outlook and approach — nurturing the leaders of tomorrow for a global workplace.
It’s a place where pupils can be children for longer and are encouraged to discover, explore and participate in almost anything their hearts desire. However, the school’s branding did not reflect this.
To reflect the School’s new positioning and identity MONOGRAM commissioned, art directed and managed several shoots to create a living image library — ensuring the School spirit is captured in a genuine, beautiful and engaging way.
We designed and built the new website for the school and provided full copywriting services. Our streamlined UX design makes a wealth of information easy to navigate along with a number of tools that help prospective parents plan for their child’s entry into the school. All audiences were catered for, including Parents, Staff, Pupils and Alumni.
We began with a deep immersion and discovery phase with the purpose of highlighting where the current branding was falling short. Meeting with a number of pupils, teachers, staff and alumni helped us to get under the skin of the School’s culture, community, values, and aspirations. Our approach was to harness Wycombe Abbey’s treasured heritage in an accessible way.
We began with a sensitive revision of the identity elements to reflect an offer that says World Class School. This was applied to every touchpoint with a clean, contemporary treatment and focus on premium materials reflective of a modern and pioneering world leader in education.
MONOGRAM was engaged to redefine the School’s brand essence and positioning followed by a brand refresh. A critical aspect of our brief was to reinvigorate and modernise this prestigious institution while respecting traditions — to create long-lasting cultural change that everyone in the School community feels proud and comfortable with.
Our team completed a brand audit for the School which helped us explore every level of brand engagement. We then began implementing an ongoing programme which applies the new identity across a mobile first website to admissions collateral, corporate stationery and pupil led communications to signage, special event support and tactical communications — internally and externally. We also created a comprehensive set of online brand guidelines.
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Morocco Tours FAQS
3 Day Desert Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga
Ait Benhaddou Day Trip from Marrakech
Day Trip to Essaouira from Marrakech
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Enjoy The 1 Day Tour From Marrakech To Essaouira
Experience the beauty of Essaouira…
The Hippy History of Essaouira
Essaouira a coastal town in the western Moroccan economic region of Marrakesh-Safi. On the Atlantic Coast, the name means “the little rampart”. A reference to the fortress walls that still enclose part of the city. Its medina (old town) is protected by 18th-century seafront ramparts called the Skala de la Kasbah. Which were designed by European engineers.
Essaouira is known as ‘Tassort’, in the local Berber language, which means ‘the small fortress’. Away from all the hustle and bustle of Marrakech, it feels like your not in Morocco!
In the 1960s Cat Stevens and Jimi Hendrix were known to have chilled there. It’s not surprising that it’s known for its hippy vibe as its so laid back. With its lively cafes, bars, boutiques, and galleries. There is also a prestigious Unesco World Heritage Site there.
You can see the Jewish, French, Portuguese, Berber, Dutch and French influences in the town. Essaouira is a melting pot of cultures. It was once a major international sea port which linked Morocco to Europe and the rest of the world.
1-day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira
Essaouira is known as the ‘Wind City of Africa’ which is great for surfers. Also great for kites. The winds come in off the Atlantic which means that the climate is nice all year round.
If you book your 1 day Essaouria tour with us, before entering Essaouira you will experience the breathtaking view of the entire city. A skyline of blue and white architecture as far as the eye can see.
This experience will be followed by visiting the old harbour, which is known as ‘Mogador’. Conquered by the Romans and ruled by the Portuguese.
You can then explore the historic defensive ramparts. And wander the streets of the medina to see local artists selling their crafts. You will get an insight into how this old seaport city was armed against foreign threat.
As Essaouira is a coastal town, there are no guesses of what the main cuisine is here? You can enjoy a lunch of fresh fish, caught straight from the sea.
To end your magical visit you can ride a camel along the beach.
READ 30 Top Marrakech Travel Tips
Gnaoua World Music Festival
The annual Gnaoua world music festival takes place in Essaouira in June.
A music, arts and culture festival not to be missed. Join in a true North African Extravaganza in a tranquil setting.
The festival as you can imagine is vibrant. With North African sounds and traditions in the streets of Essaouira.
Essaouira is a place where cultures meet, and in true Essaouira style, the Gnaoua World Music Festival is no different! Jazz, blues, contemporary funk, and even soul is part of the festival.
If you have any questions about this tour please feel free to contact us.
06:3820:37 +01
Wind: 4km/h NNE
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Home /Alternative Bond Cars and Their Effect on 007’s Character
EditorialDecember 12, 2018
Alternative Bond Cars and Their Effect on 007’s Character
As you are well aware, Aston Martin has been the car of choice for the not-so-secret agent, James Bond 007. In fact, some go as far saying that Bond’s relationship with his Astons are a lot healthier than his relationship with the women in his life. But these days 007 is undergoing drastic changes, and it got us thinking what if they also decide to change the Bond cars? What would be the alternative and what sort effect that alternative would have on the character?
Now, I don’t think it is a stretch to say that James Bond is becoming more and more politically correct. There are talks that he should be played by a man of color, which is great, and some have even pondered the possibility of a female Bond, Jenna Bond, which I suppose is better than a gender-neutral Bond. So in the next movie there probably won’t be romantic liaison for poor old Bond before he has gotten a full consent, preferably in writing form the love interest, no ethnic characters are going to cast as baddies, he will probably play at a online casino with eurogrand rather than a real one in Monte Carlo, and as for his car, well, obviously, it has to be electric or at the very least hybrid.
Mercifully, there are some nice electric and hybrid cars that would fit the character of the 21st century Bond without making him look like an IT professional with license to hack. Aston Martin themselves have the Rapid-E electric sedan which, although a bit too family-oriented, is still exotic enough to work as at least one of Bond cars. Then there is the BMW i8 whose looks fits the bill perfectly for a 007 adventure, but it we’re honest it works better as a baddie car. There is also the Honda/Acura NSX hybrid which is a cool car, but has a bit of an brand image issue. I suppose the NSX would work as a retirement car for Bond. What about Tesla Model S, though? Now this is an interesting one. This one looks cool, goes like hell, and is almost as PC as the new Bond himself!
Of course, other characters will have to be updated accordingly, with Miss Moneypenny getting probably a Nissan Leaf, Q running around his lab in a little BMW i3, and M being chauffeured around in a PHEV Range Rover. Hmm, such a Bond movie will probably be catastrophically boring to watch, but at least it’ll have a very small carbon footprint.
Albert Swann
(Editor / Journalist) – Albert comes from an automotive background, having worked at his family’s chain of car dealerships from a young age. His passions include future technologies, automotive market analysis, and everything that has to do with driving. He keeps a close watch on the trends of the car industry and writes weekly editorials for Motorward, among other stuff.
Speculating on the Porsche 992…
Driving In a New Country…
Nissan GT-R – Still Hot,…
Tesla Model 3 Makes A…
Rear Seat Entertainment Should be…
On The Compact SUV Craze…
Braking – The Oft-Forgotten Part…
Tesla Model 3 Makes A Lot of Sense, But...
Rear Seat Entertainment Should be Standard Feature!
On The Compact SUV Craze...
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Ontario County Board of Supervisors delays North Shore vote
By Megan Brandow mbrandow@messengerpostmedia.com
A vote that would allow a controversial tax deal to be approved for the developers of the North Shore project was delayed Thursday.
The Ontario County Board of Supervisors was slated to decide on the deal already approved by the city and school, but delayed the decision until April 11 due to the absence of two board members.
The county is the last hurdle for developers Morgan-LeChase in seeking an $11 million PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) Increment Financing (PIF) agreement through the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency to build a mixed-use development on 21 acres on Lakeshore Drive. Developers say the PIF is essential for the $116 million project to move forward.
Due to the absence of two supervisors, city of Canandaigua Supervisor Rich Russell asked that the board delay its decision. While no official vote was taken Thursday, two supervisors � John Sheppard of Seneca and Ted Fafinski of Farmington � said they would not support the deal when it comes to a vote in April.
Supervisors David Baker of the city of Canandaigua, Robert Green of Bristol, Fred Lightfoote of Gorham and Russell said they will support the PIF since it is essential for the project to move forward. The other 15 supervisors did not indicate what their votes would be.
Canandaigua Mayor Ellen Polimeni and Chamber of Commerce President Alison Grems both spoke favorably of the deal, highlighting the benefits of a thriving, developed lakeshore.
�This a once in a lifetime opportunity,� Grems said. �It adds to the quality of life, creating a sense of place that we can all be proud of, instead of what is there now.�
There were community members who spoke passionately both in favor and against the deal. Some describe the deal as �corporate welfare� and are concerned about the tax impact, while others believe the development will provide tax revenue to benefit the entire county.
Gates-Chili
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Educator Honor Roll
Motorcyclist critically injured after crash in Midland County
Midland sailor serves on the USS Ronald Reagan
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2018 HS Preview
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https://www.mrt.com/news/crime/article/Ex-lobbyist-in-Arkansas-corruption-case-seeks-14093460.php
Ex-lobbyist in Arkansas corruption case seeks freedom
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — A former lobbyist who pleaded guilty to bribing three former Arkansas lawmakers in a political corruption case in Arkansas and Missouri is asking to be released from custody pending his formal sentencing.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports that request to release 58-year-old Rusty Cranford was filed Friday in federal court, saying he has fully cooperated with prosecutors and will continue doing so.
Cranford faces up to 10 years in prison for paying bribes to former Arkansas state Sen. Jon Woods, Rep. Henry "Hank " Wilkins IV and Sen. Jeremy Hutchinson, the nephew of Gov. Asa Hutchinson and son of former U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson.
Woods was convicted and is appealing. Wilkins and Jeremy Hutchinson each pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
The bribes were intended to increase revenue for the Missouri-based nonprofit Preferred Family Healthcare so Cranford and others could embezzle from the nonprofit.
Man protests Reporter-Telegram in response to Trump headline
City likely to set new sales tax collection record
Police chief: MPD down 46 sworn officers
Crisp to make a bid for west Midland council seat
'No pass, no play' part of Perot legacy
County commissioners discuss their role in Priority Midland
Former Midland County jailer found not guilty of murder
Downtown Which Wich has closed
Houston's Sanchez Energy takes another step towards bankruptcy
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Min. Price 100 /m 150 /m 200 /m 250 /m 300 /m 350 /m 400 /m 450 /m 500 /m 550 /m 600 /m 650 /m 700 /m 750 /m 800 /m 850 /m 900 /m 950 /m 1,000 /m 1,050 /m 1,100 /m 1,150 /m 1,200 /m 1,250 /m 1,300 /m 1,350 /m 1,400 /m 1,450 /m 1,500 /m 1,550 /m 1,600 /m 1,650 /m 1,700 /m 1,750 /m 1,800 /m 1,850 /m 1,900 /m 1,950 /m 2,000 /m 2,050 /m 2,100 /m 2,150 /m 2,200 /m 2,250 /m 2,300 /m 2,350 /m 2,400 /m 2,450 /m 2,500 /m 2,600 /m 2,700 /m 2,800 /m 2,900 /m 3,000 /m 3,500 /m 4,000 /m 4,500 /m 5,000 /m 5,500 /m 6,000 /m 6,500 /m 7,000 /m 7,500 /m 8,000 /m 8,500 /m 9,000 /m 9,500 /m 10,000 /m
Max. Price $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 $35,000 $40,000 $45,000 $50,000 $55,000 $60,000 $65,000 $70,000 $75,000 $80,000 $85,000 $90,000 $95,000 $100,000 $105,000 $110,000 $115,000 $120,000 $125,000 $130,000 $135,000 $140,000 $145,000 $150,000 $155,000 $160,000 $165,000 $170,000 $175,000 $180,000 $185,000 $190,000 $195,000 $200,000 $205,000 $210,000 $215,000 $220,000 $225,000 $230,000 $235,000 $240,000 $245,000 $250,000 $255,000 $260,000 $265,000 $270,000 $275,000 $280,000 $285,000 $290,000 $295,000 $300,000 $305,000 $310,000 $315,000 $320,000 $325,000 $330,000 $335,000 $340,000 $345,000 $350,000 $355,000 $360,000 $365,000 $370,000 $375,000 $380,000 $385,000 $390,000 $395,000 $400,000 $450,000 $500,000 $550,000 $600,000 $650,000 $700,000 $750,000 $800,000 $850,000 $900,000 $950,000 $1,000,000 $1,100,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000 $1,400,000 $1,500,000 $1,600,000 $1,700,000 $1,800,000 $1,900,000 $2 Mil $3 Mil $4 Mil $5 Mil $6 Mil $7 Mil $8 Mil $9 Mil $10 Mil
Max. Price 100 /m 150 /m 200 /m 250 /m 300 /m 350 /m 400 /m 450 /m 500 /m 550 /m 600 /m 650 /m 700 /m 750 /m 800 /m 850 /m 900 /m 950 /m 1,000 /m 1,050 /m 1,100 /m 1,150 /m 1,200 /m 1,250 /m 1,300 /m 1,350 /m 1,400 /m 1,450 /m 1,500 /m 1,550 /m 1,600 /m 1,650 /m 1,700 /m 1,750 /m 1,800 /m 1,850 /m 1,900 /m 1,950 /m 2,000 /m 2,050 /m 2,100 /m 2,150 /m 2,200 /m 2,250 /m 2,300 /m 2,350 /m 2,400 /m 2,450 /m 2,500 /m 2,600 /m 2,700 /m 2,800 /m 2,900 /m 3,000 /m 3,500 /m 4,000 /m 4,500 /m 5,000 /m 5,500 /m 6,000 /m 6,500 /m 7,000 /m 7,500 /m 8,000 /m 8,500 /m 9,000 /m 9,500 /m 10,000 /m
Min. Beds 1 Bed 2 Beds 3 Beds 4 Beds 5 Beds 6 Beds 7 Beds 8 Beds 9 Beds
Min. Baths 1 Bath 2 Baths 3 Baths 4 Baths 5 Baths 6 Baths 7 Baths 8 Baths 9 Baths
HAR.COM
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City Place, Chester
TARGET END DATE
Office, Leisure, Residential, Retail, Car parks
City Place is an exciting new Central Business District scheme offering prime office space on 3.5 acres of the Lloyds Banking Group campus in Chester. A vital part of Chester’s One City plan, the Business Quarter - with its proximity to Chester Station - will drive Chester’s commercial offer and economic growth, including the city’s retail and evening economies.
Cheshire West & Chester Council
Responsible Business, Urban Regeneration, Commercial development, Residential development
Muse and GMI support Stockport school initiative
Construction work underway on new headquarters for major town employer
Time Square partnership launch electric charging points
By 2028, it is planned that Chester’s Central Business Quarter will offer up to 500,000 sq ft of state-of-the art office space – housed in ten buildings – creating around 3,500 jobs. The 7.5 acre site will also include 200 homes, restaurants, leisure facilities and car parking for the station, office occupiers and residents.
One City Place, a six-storey Grade A office building near the city’s historic railway station, was completed in February 2016. The six-storey, 70,000 sq ft office development is the cornerstone of the CBD, the first of seven office buildings marking one of the city’s most significant business developments in recent years. The BREEAM Excellent building features a large ground floor foyer and reception area with five upper floors offering flexible office space and floor to ceiling glazing.
It is linked to the station by the Grade ll listed ‘Carriage Shed’, a new public space which is used as a waiting area and event space for passengers and visitors.
A 192 space car park, developed in partnership with Network Rail and Arriva Trains Wales, has also been delivered and a new Waitrose store is complete and operating.
Applications have been submitted for the redevelopment of the historic Shot Tower and leadworks site.
Improving The Environment
Development will be complemented by the provision of new public realm works, linking the scheme with Chester Station and the Shropshire Union canal.
Enhancing communities
The new development complements its campus, with its strong transport links, amenities and close proximity to the historic city centre.
Working Together With Our Supply Chain
City Place is expected to prove attractive to businesses looking for modern, sustainable premises.
Best Commercial Scheme
NWPAs 2016
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Events & Speakers
Through the regular visits of successful, working artists, Middlesex students have many opportunities to take in novel ways of seeing and creating, as well as to learn about the discipline and ingenuity that such a career demands. Offering to “talk about things you can’t find in a Google search,” visiting artist David Hilliard was generous in sharing not only his…
View Article Visual Storytelling
Understanding Intersectionality
Taking time to listen, to consider someone else’s perspective through the lens of their life experience, and to offer true support – these were a few of the goals at the heart of this year’s annual Diversity Symposium, which opened on March 1 in the Kaye Theatre. History Department Head Cal Hitzrot and senior Mary Odusami set the tone for…
View Article Understanding Intersectionality
Tiya Miles ’88 Wins Frederick Douglass Book Prize
On February 28th, Middlesex graduate Tiya Miles ’88 was awarded the Frederick Douglass Book Prize at the Gilder Lehrman Institute in New York City. The prize, given annually to the best book written in English on slavery or abolition, was awarded to Miles for her 2018 publication, The Dawn of Detroit: A Chronicle of Slavery and Freedom in the City of the…
View Article Tiya Miles ’88 Wins Frederick Douglass Book Prize
Academic Awards for Fall 2018
After each semester at Middlesex, we gather to celebrate the academic achievements of our students at the Academic Awards Assembly. At this week’s assembly, we acknowledged work done in the 2018 fall semester. For a full list of students receiving honors, please see below:
View Article Academic Awards for Fall 2018
Exploring the Distant Past
The next monumental phase of deep space research is close at hand, the Middlesex community learned on February 12, when Dr. Kathryn Flanagan addressed the School during morning Assembly. A senior scientist at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Flanagan is among those responsible for the science operations of the Hubble Space Telescope, as well as the…
View Article Exploring the Distant Past
2019 Spring Gala & Benefit Auction
Four Seasons, Five Stars
8 years ago, when the MxAA began its search for a venue suitable for its inaugural Spring Gala Benefit and Auction, there were a few prerequisites: location, luxury and premier service. The quest was brief, and one hotel distinguished itself from the rest. Because of its unparalleled qualities, we are thrilled to return to the Four Seasons Hotel Boston on Friday, April…
View Article Four Seasons, Five Stars
MxAA: Making the Connection!
The Middlesex Alumni Association (MxAA) was founded 15 years ago with the goal of strengthening the relationships within and across classes, and as a result, reinforcing their bond to the School. In other words, the MxAA is all about making and keeping connections! Since 2004, its Board of Directors has worked to establish a growing variety of programs that provide…
View Article MxAA: Making the Connection!
Why “Bold”?
Middlesex students and alumni have a long history of high achievement. From the classroom to the boardroom, MX graduates innately reach for that next level, challenging themselves and others around them to be better, do more – with confidence and courage. Be bold. The Middlesex Alumni Association strives to make those leaps and bounds more successful for those willing to…
View Article Why “Bold”?
Ambassadors of Hope
Celebrating both the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month, the Middlesex community met in the Kaye Theater on February 2, 2019, for a dynamic program of music, history, philosophy, and reflection. The morning began with an inspiring performance by the Ladies of Essence – a Tufts University women’s a cappella group specializing in…
View Article Ambassadors of Hope
Be Bold! Be Generous! Be There!
The Middlesex Alumni Association will host its fifth Spring Gala and Benefit Auction on April 5, 2019 and we hope that we can count on you to help make this year’s fundraiser as fabulous and rewarding as it has been in the past. Parents and alumni are both invited to an exciting evening filled with opportunity. An opportunity to participate in…
View Article Be Bold! Be Generous! Be There!
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See The Trail
If you have feedback or a question about the Pennine Bridleway, please contact the Trail Manager.
Follow the Trail on Google Street View.
Circular and Linear Walks
Clapham and Thieves Moss 7 mile circular ride/walk
This circular route is suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders at all times of year. The route starts at the National Park car park in Clapham and follows the Pennine Bridleway northwards along Long Lane, with views over Clapham Beck and Ingleborough Cave. This part of the route has approximately 200m (700ft) of ascent. The Pennine Bridleway is followed across dry grassy hillsides, with views of Ingleborough on a clear day, until reaching the edge of Crummack Dale, with vast views over the dale and Thieves Moss. A right turn takes you onto a public bridleway which follows the edge of Crummack Dale along a grassy track and then drops down to the farm at Crummack. The route follows a farm road towards Austwick, until a right turning back on to the Pennine Bridleway along Thwaite Lane to Clapham.
The car park in Clapham has public toilets, and the village has a pub, cafe, and small shops. The public car park is large with plenty of space for horse boxes and trailers. There are also convenient rocks to use as mounting blocks.
Horse riders should be aware that in order to access this route from Clapham you must pass through two tunnels. These tunnels are not lit, and are curved so that they are very dark in the middle. The ground surface is also formed of loose stone. Depending on the confidence of your horse, you may wish to take a torch to light the way through. Some sections of the bridleway along Long Lane are comprised of rough limestone, and others are loose stone. If your horse has sensitive feet you may wish to use hoof boots. The grassy sections in the middle of the route remain dry throughout the year and provide the opportunity for a nice canter!
Mary Towneley Loop, 47 miles
Distance: 75 km (47 miles).
Time required: two days by bike, three to four days on horse or foot.
Start point: a circular route – choose your starting point according to your transport needs. Mountain-bikers in particular may find it best to travel the Loop anti-clockwise. The route is physically challenging because it climbs up and down the steep-sided South Pennine valleys.
Access: there are good public transport links and several car parks along the route. Horse riders can use some of the car parks for loading and unloading horses. Please see map and/or website for further details on car parks.
More information is available in the leaflet.
Settle Loop, 10 miles
The Settle Loop is a 10 mile circular route that can be started and finished in Settle or joined from surrounding areas such as Malham and Stainforth. The circular loop offers stunning views of the Yorkshire Dales on foot, by bike or horse. You can find out more in the leaflet.
The loop climbs out of the lovely town of Settle into the Yorkshire Dales National Park, traverses a wonderful limestone upland, before descending back towards Settle. The trail incorporates open grassy stretches, limestone outcrops, grass/gravel paths and quiet winding lanes.
There is plenty of car parking in Settle, and you can also reach the town by train or bus. Parking for horse boxes and trailers is possible in Greenfoot car park in Settle. There is also desingated parking for horse boxes and trailers in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority car park in Stainforth. Access from here to the loop is signposted along Goat Scar Lane.
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Many California Marijuana Products Failing Safety Tests
"Testing is currently costly, slow, and inconsistent," the growers association told the state in a recent letter.
By Michael R. Blood
Published Sep 11, 2018 at 7:32 AM | Updated at 8:34 AM PDT on Sep 11, 2018
Receive the latest health updates in your inbox
Nearly 20 percent of marijuana products in California have failed tests for potency and purity since the state started requiring the checks on July 1, a failure rate some in the industry say has more to do with unrealistic standards and technical glitches than protecting consumer safety.
The testing has been especially tough on cannabis-infused cookies, candies and tinctures: about one-third have been blocked from store shelves.
In much smaller numbers, testing companies licensed by the state are finding unacceptable levels of pesticides, solvents and bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, according to data provided to The Associated Press by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control.
In the first two months, nearly 11,000 samples were tested and almost 2,000 failed. In some cases, the product must be destroyed. But many involve labeling issues that can be corrected. For example, a marijuana bud that's tested to show a different potency than what's on the label can be relabeled and sold with the right specification.
Pot Vs. Pills for Pain Relief
Medical marijuana could be the answer to overcoming the nation's opioid epidemic, but so far the only evidence cannabis can relieve pain comes from patients. That's because the federal government considers marijuana a Schedule 1 drug, highly restricting research.
To the state, the strict testing program is largely doing what it was designed to do: identify marijuana buds, concentrates, munchies and other products that are in some way tainted and unsuitable for eating or smoking.
"Mandatory statewide testing is a new thing and it's going to take some time for everything to run smoothly, but on the whole we're pleased with how things are progressing," Bureau of Cannabis Control spokesman Alex Traverso said.
But as regulators consider recasting rules governing the nation's largest legal pot economy, they are facing pressure to revamp testing requirements that are being alternately described as going too far, not far enough, or an overly costly burden.
San Diego Pot Blog In the Weeds
The California Growers Association, an industry group, is among those concerned the state is forcing growers and manufacturers to hit too tiny a target when gauging levels of THC, the psychoactive chemical that causes marijuana's high.
Rules require the THC concentration come within 10 percent of what is advertised on a product label. Company executives say some products are being rejected after landing outside the margin by tiny amounts.
The California Cannabis Manufacturers Association, another industry group, is pushing for changes that include allowing companies to challenge lab testing results.
Marijuana Farmers of Northern California's Emerald Triangle
"Even if the lab admits it made an error, there is no way to change those results," said Bryce Berryessa, an association board member who is CEO of TreeHouse dispensary in Santa Cruz County and president of La Vida Verde, which produces infused cookies.
"Labs are not perfect. Mistakes get made," he said.
At a state hearing last month, the Santa Ana-based testing company Cannalysis urged regulators to broaden their rules to include a test used in food and pharmaceutical industries that company officials say can detect a large number of potentially harmful species of mold and yeast not currently covered in state guidelines.
No Proof of Street Racing in Student's Death: Judge
The company has seen examples where mold was on cannabis but the sample passed state tests.
Swetha Kaul, the company's chief scientific officer who sits on the board of the California Cannabis Industry Association, said in an interview the state needs to "create a bigger net to catch things."
By limiting its required review to a few mold species the state is "essentially creating a loophole where every other species can get by," she said.
California began broad legal sales on Jan. 1 and gave companies six months to sell off stockpiles of marijuana, oils and edibles produced without strict testing requirements.
The rules require all cannabis products to clear a range of tests at labs before reaching consumers, from ensuring THC is distributed evenly in chocolate bars to making sure buds have not been contaminated by fuzzy blankets of mold.
From July 1 through Aug. 29, labs tested 10,695 product batches and 1,904 were rejected, a failure rate of about 18 percent.
Claims on the label, such as TCH content, accounted for 65 percent of the failures, or 1,279 tests.
This is how the rule works: If a bottled juice drink said on the label it was 25 percent apple juice, testers would have to find that the concentration in the juice was within 10 percent of that mark, plus or minus. It's the same with cannabis.
Next in line: About 400 batches were flagged for unacceptable levels of pesticides. Impurities such as bacteria and mold caused 114 rejections.
Ninety percent of the buds that were tested were sent on to shops, suggesting a mostly clean market for legal growers. The rejection rate was double that for concentrates: 20 percent of oils and "waxes" tested didn't make the cut.
In a statement, the California Department of Public Health said it had not received any verified reports of illness resulting from consumption of a cannabis product attributed to mold or bacteria, although three complaints were submitted anonymously and were unverifiable.
The debate over testing isn't just about lab procedures or allowable levels of pesticides. It all comes with a cost, which companies say is straining their budgets.
Testing for a small, outdoor marijuana farm can typically run $5,000 to $10,000 in California. There have been similar complaints in pot-friendly Colorado, where cultivators are dealing with new, required pesticide tests.
While California now has the nation's largest legal market, a huge black market still exists. Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore spotlighted the risk of buying on the illegal market last week, warning consumers that the price from money saved "can be their life."
He said unlicensed shops are known to lace their pot with Fentanyl and other narcotics. In an illegal shop "there's no telling what they're actually buying," Moore said.
Associated Press journalist Brian Melley contributed to this story.
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Harvey Weinstein Breaks With His Criminal Defense Lawyer
Benjamin Brafman has vigorously defended Harvey Weinstein throughout the case
By Michael R. Sisak
Published Jan 17, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Weinstein Sex Assault Case Going to Trial
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/Benjamin-Brafman-Withdraws-NYC-Harvey-Weinstein-Criminal-Case-504473281.html
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will go to trial after a judge refused to dismiss his case. Chris Glorioso reports.
(Published Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018)
Harvey Weinstein is recasting his legal team a month after losing a hard-fought bid to get his sexual assault case thrown out.
Weinstein and high-profile defense attorney Benjamin Brafman said in a statement Thursday that they "have agreed to part ways" and that new lawyers would be introduced next week.
The disgraced movie mogul's trial is tentatively scheduled for May 6.
He is charged with raping an unidentified female acquaintance in 2013 and performing a forcible sex act on a different woman in 2006. A conviction could put him in prison for the rest of his life.
Weinstein, 66, denies all allegations of nonconsensual sex.
Thursday's announcement came after days of speculation about Weinstein and Brafman's future together.
"Both parties have agreed to part ways amicably and Mr. Brafman has agreed to cooperate fully with new counsel for Mr. Weinstein so as to ensure an orderly transition," the statement said.
Judge Denies Motion to Toss Harvey Weinstein's Criminal Case
A judge must still approve the move.
Brafman, whose other celebrity clients have included Sean Combs and Jay-Z, has been by Weinstein's side since he was arrested and paraded out of a Manhattan police station last spring.
The 70-year-old Brafman, a tactical and pugnacious litigator, appeared to embrace his role as the "Pulp Fiction" producer's chief attack dog.
After Weinstein turned himself in on May 25, Brafman came out swinging, telling reporters: "Mr. Weinstein did not invent the casting couch in Hollywood" and that "bad behavior is not on trial in this case."
He then scored a victory in the courtroom, getting part of the case dropped in October after evidence surfaced that a police detective had coached a witness.
Last month, however, he failed to convince a judge to dismiss the rest of the charges.
#MeToo: Year After Weinstein, Hollywood Still Soul Searching
"Mr. Weinstein praised Mr. Brafman for his legal work to date and Mr. Brafman reiterated his belief that Mr. Weinstein would be exonerated of the charges that have been filed against him," their statement said. "Brafman personally wished Mr. Weinstein the best of luck as he defends the case and the accusations that Mr. Weinstein has vehemently denied."
Weinstein has played a leading role in shaping his own defense, commuting from his Connecticut home to work with Brafman at his Manhattan office as a de facto paralegal.
"He's a hands-on client," Brafman told Esquire in a profile rushed online this week. "He's relentless."
The magazine reported that Weinstein was running Brafman's strategy past other lawyers and advisers.
In the days before a Dec. 20 hearing on their failed bid to dismiss the case, Weinstein was peppering Brafman with emails and voicemails and showing up at his office after dark to work on strategy, the magazine reported.
Last week, in a statement responding to a Daily Beast article that he was looking for new lawyers, Weinstein said he was "looking to augment the team, not replace anyone."
InteractiveSexual Misconduct Allegations Against Public Figures
"Harvey is the type of guy who gets a second opinion on his tuna salad," Brafman told Esquire.
In 2001, Brafman won an acquittal for hip-hop star Sean Combs after he was accused of toting an illegal handgun into a crowded Manhattan nightclub. In 2011, the lawyer helped former International Monetary Fund director Dominique Strauss-Kahn beat an attempted rape charge. The District Attorney's office ultimately dropped the charges, saying there were inconsistencies in the accuser's story.
Brafman used some of that playbook in Weinstein's case.
He also piled onto police and prosecutors, seizing on the detective's alleged misconduct and accusing Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. of bowing to public pressure in the wake of the #MeToo movement.
Explaining his role in the Weinstein case, Brafman told The Associated Press last June: "I'm trying my best to save him in somewhat of an impossible situation he finds himself in."
Associated Press writers Tom Hays and Jennifer Peltz contributed to this report.
Copyright Associated Press / NBC Southern California
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Life Connected
Sharing the connections among Southern Californians | Sunday at 11PM on NBC4 News
Tattoo Art Embodies Proud Japanese Tradition
By Madison Wade
Published May 17, 2014 at 11:28 AM | Updated at 2:38 PM PDT on May 17, 2014
Traditional Japanese Tattoo Art Alive and Well
//www.nbclosangeles.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Traditional-Japanese-Tattoo-Art-Alive-and-Well_Los-Angeles-259662421.html
The tradition of Japanese tattooing is thriving here in LA – but is still largely underground in Japan. This detailed – lush flesh and ink art is now getting recognized as “fine art.” The Japanese American National Museum is home to the world premiere of “Perseverance - Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World.” Gordon Tokumatsu - explores this controversial and colorful tradition – and visits a local tattoo shop to see the traditional “hand-poke” method of applying tattoos. Gordon Tokumatsu reports for Life Connected in Celebration of Asian Pacific Heritage Month. (Published Saturday, May 17, 2014)
The work done at Onizuka Tattoo is painstaking.
As one may expect from any form of tattoo procedure, the feeling is painful but the people who endure this say it is worth it for every colorful, square inch.
“Taka has a real gentle touch,” says client Paul Norlein as he lays on the table and gets ready for the new addition to his tattoo.
The work done at Onizuka is traditional Japanese tattoo art.
One craftsman, a man named L.A. Horitaka carefully inserts green ink beneath Paul Norlein’s skin. In this Little Tokyo basement Horitaka visually changes Norlein’s entire body one prick at a time.
Horitaka uses a technique called Tebori as he works by hand with a long needle instead of using a machine.
Artists say Tebori is better for subtle gradations of color and detail.
When the work is all over Paul Norlein will have a body suit that will go all the way down to his ankles.
For thousands of years, Japanese practitioners have done it this way, turning human bodies into living, breathing canvases. Takahiro Kitamura is the curator to a special exhibit at the Japanese National Museum called “Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World” just blocks away from Onizuka Tattoo.
Kitamura showed us how the artists tell elaborate stories, with an attention to detail as unique as the body shapes they encounter.
The themes range from classical Japanese mythology to religious symbols to the beauty of nature. The practitioners often spend years working under masters.
Then, they must develop special relationships with their clients like Horitaka did with Paul Norlein.
Kitamura says, “these types of tattoos aren’t done overnight. They take, oftentimes, months or years to complete.”
They also cost thousands of dollars.
The commitment to this art form is life-long, like much in the culture from which it sprang.
CEO of the Japanese American National Museum Greg Kimura says, “Art is long; life is brief but this particular form of art turns that on its head. It only exists as long as its wearer is alive, and there is something very deeply Japanese about that sensibility.”
Interestingly, the country that produced this stunning visual artistry, and many of the artists themselves, does not embrace it the same way people do in the west.
Ironically, tattoos are heavily stigmatized in Japan as people often associate tattoos with organized crime.
People can even be fined for showing such designs in some public places but it is that shadowy aspect that sometimes attracts its aficionados.
Jiro, the owner of Onizuka Tattoo says, “I have been tattooing for twenty years, so I don’t know, it is like my life already.”
There is still an underground feeling as Horitaka says, “In Japan, sometimes, I feel like I am doing illegal things, but here, people call us artists.”
To highlight the artistry, Kitamura hung kites near the museum ceiling and at a distance elaborate graphic designs appear to be printed on them. But by looking closer one is able to realize that they are photos of tattoos on skin not on a canvas.
The photographer of the exhibit, Kip Fulbeck says, “These tattooers are not trying to fill every inch with ink. There is a kind of quietness to the work. It is never overdone.”
After thousands of years, Japanese tattoos are finally getting the recognition they deserve at least in cultures outside of Japan.
And if you have the time, the endurance for pain and the money, you can be part of this world too.
Paul Norlein says this art is special.
“I could have bought paintings or sculptures or something, but this is art that stays with me… and goes where I go,” Norlein said.
Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment:iPhone/iPad App | Facebook| Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | RSS | Email Alerts
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J Athl Train. 2016 Apr;51(4):321-8. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-51.5.01. Epub 2016 Apr 11.
Injuries and Associated Risk Factors Among Adolescent Elite Orienteerers: A 26-Week Prospective Registration Study.
von Rosen P1, Heijne AI1, Frohm A1,2.
Division of Physiotherapy, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden;
Swedish Sports Confederation Centre, Bosön SportsClinic, Lidingö, Sweden.
In orienteering, the number of injury-registration studies is limited. Most researchers have used a cross-sectional design during specific events and, therefore, have mainly identified acute injuries.
To determine the prevalence of injuries by registering acute and overuse injuries in adolescent elite orienteerers over 26 weeks and to study the variation of injury prevalence over the season and the potential risk factors.
Cohort study.
Two high schools in Sweden with national orienteering teams.
PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS:
All athletes (33 adolescent girls, 31 adolescent boys; age = 17 ± 1 years) from 2 high schools with orienteering teams.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):
We used a weekly Web-based questionnaire to identify the incidence and prevalence of injuries and training variables. Risk factors for injury were calculated using multiple linear regression techniques.
The average weekly prevalence of overuse and acute injuries was 35.7% (95% confidence interval = 34.8%, 36.6%) and 1.7% (95% confidence interval = 1.3%, 2.1%), respectively; overuse injuries (78.0%, n = 85) accounted for the majority. The incidence of acute and overuse injuries was highest for the foot/lower leg (48.6%, n = 53), and 71.6% (n = 78) of all injuries affected the foot/lower leg and knee area. Time to the first reported injury was associated with training volume (β = 0.184, P = .001), competition time (β = -0.701, P = .009), running on asphalt roads (β = -0.348, P = .008), and running on forest surfaces and trails (β = -0.331, P = .007), with a model fit of r( 2) = 0.50 (intercept = 2.196, P < .001). During the study, we observed a weekly increase (0.3%) in the prevalence of overuse injuries in the foot/lower leg (r( 2) = 0.33, P = .001); the highest prevalence (26.9%) was at the beginning of the competitive season.
Overuse injuries, predominately in the foot/lower leg area, were more common than acute injuries in adolescent elite orienteerers. These injuries had the highest prevalence at the beginning of the competitive season; therefore, this period can be seen as a possible risk factor for sustaining overuse injuries in the foot/lower leg.
athletes; runners; severity score; training load
10.4085/1062-6050-51.5.01
Weekly prevalence of acute and overuse injuries during the 26-week study.
Injuries and Associated Risk Factors Among Adolescent Elite Orienteerers: A 26-Week Prospective Registration Study
J Athl Train. 2016 Apr;51(4):321-328.
Weekly prevalence of all overuse and substantial injuries in the A, Foot/lower leg, B, Knee, C, Hip, and, D, Lower back over 26 weeks.
Athletes/statistics & numerical data
Athletic Injuries/epidemiology
Cumulative Trauma Disorders/epidemiology*
Musculoskeletal System/injuries*
Running/injuries*
Sweden/epidemiology
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Portland editor wants magazine 'to move and startle and amaze'
by Amy Morris-Young
Brian Doyle on the University of Portland campus (Tim LaBarge)
A Sense of Wonder is the second anthology compiled by Portland Magazine editor Brian Doyle from contributions to that quarterly Catholic university magazine. Published 14 years after the first collection, God is Love, this book is a testament not only to the consistent quality of writing in Portland Magazine, but to the remarkable enthusiasm and passion of its editor.
Doyle, a much-published author himself, is by his own account "more absorbed than ever before" in his post as editor, which he has held at the University of Portland, Ore., for more than 20 years.
He attributes this continued zeal both to "the endless river of [University of Portland] kids ... who sizzle your heart every time you talk to them," as well as that "without fail every time I slough toward despondence a story comes and thrums on my heart until I am bruised with joy."
Reading what Doyle writes feels a lot like watching a kid going to town with finger paints, only the splashes of color on his hands, his shirt, the wall, and in his hair are composed of words. His sentences often are both thesaurus-like and zing with his sense of the sublime.
He calls "the magazine and the collection ... inky, papery prayers."
"I am very proud of the writing in our magazine. We draw and share some of the best writers in the world and that seems finally not only graceful and subtle advertising for the University of Portland ... but perhaps, I hope, a holy thing," Doyle said. "Connection is everything. To see and celebrate the shard of holiness, the shimmer of the Christos, in every living being, is the work."
A Sense of Wonder displays short pieces from 36 writers, including Doyle. Most are essays, but there is also some poetry, and a few scholarly submissions discussing historical topics such as the Holocaust, the plight of native tribes, and 9/11.
Doyle chose what went into the book himself, saying, "Committees are the death of anything lively and challenging and piercing and blunt. Committees file off personality and zest." He introduces his authors with superlatives that are surprising only until you have talked with Doyle. "The World's Best Writers" is on the book's cover, and inside, he describes writers as "America's best," "superb," "wonderful," "great," "remarkable," "finest" -- which, in Doyle's crayon box of glowing descriptors, actually shows some restraint.
Describing his urge to publish this collection, Doyle said, "We have glorious writing and I dislike the thought that pieces that fine only appear the once. They ought to keep being read."
To find contributors to Portland Magazine, Doyle explained, some "pieces just arrived from the blue," but that "far more often it's ... staying in touch with lots of writers I admire, and wheedling and pleading and groveling and excerpting and asking and begging and suggesting and hoping and nagging and niggling and listening." He said, "I have lots of conversations and good things happen from them."
As to content, Doyle went on, "We never assign anything anymore. ... Assignments mean writers trying to write someone else's idea. I'd rather they write their own idea and passion and struggle and song."
As far as how he shapes what is ultimately published, Doyle said, "My ambition is not to have to edit at all. The better the writing, the less I edit."
In a November 2015 episode of "Oregon Art Beat" presented by Oregon Public Broadcasting -- watch.opb.org/video/2365599863/ -- Doyle attributes his start in writing to his parents: "My father was a newspaper man and my mother was a teacher."
Doyle's dad is veteran Catholic columnist Jim Doyle, who held leadership positions in the Catholic Press Association from 1958-1988. "Pop's great -- still writing at age 95 -- he finally stopped writing his column for Catholic New York a couple of years ago."
In the Oregon Public Broadcasting video, Doyle described his parents as "gifted raconteurs and storytellers. Stories were everywhere in the air. There were books all over the house, there were stories in every mouth."
Now, Doyle said, "he and my mom are frail and fragile and translucent and illuminated and just as witty and gentle and kind and attentive and wry as ever. I am the luckiest man ever for any number of reasons, and two of them are my parents."
Doyle's wife, Mary, and children -- a daughter, 24, and twin sons, 21 -- are apparently some of the other reasons. He attributes his move from Boston to Portland 25 years ago, when his wife, an Oregonian, was pregnant with their daughter, to Mary's basically tricking him into believing it was "paradise on Earth."
"When we were courting," Doyle said, she only brought him out to the Oregon coast "during August and September," the two months of the year when it doesn't rain.
Regardless of that subterfuge, Doyle has clearly found his home, and voice, in Portland. He has penned 20 books of essays, poems and fiction, among them the novels Mink River and Chicago. He is a nine-time finalist for the Oregon Book Awards, and won in 2016 for his novel Martin Marten.
About A Sense of Wonder, and Portland Magazine, Doyle effused: "The deepest reason for the anthology is the deepest reason for the magazine itself. ... I want our magazine to shoot for the moon, to move and startle and amaze and elevate and shiver its readers."
Doyle hopes to compile another anthology "probably in five years or so," and his book Eight Whopping Lies is set to be published next fall from Franciscan Media.
As for the future, Doyle said, "I was hoping for one fabulously rich child to take care of dad and buy me a small island in the Pacific. We'll see."
[Amy Morris-Young graduated from and taught writing at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.]
This story appeared in the Dec 2-15, 2016 print issue under the headline: Portland editor wants magazine 'to move and startle and amaze' .
Spirituality | Portland editor wants magazine 'to move and startle and amaze'
We must continue to listen to Jesus and listen deeply
St. Teresa of Avila's spirituality inspires women after 500 years
Away from the crowd
Education congress hears calls for renewal, unity
Is religious kitsch offensive? The answer is in the eye of the beholder
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Nelson Leafs
Nelson Vacation Guide 2017
West Kootenay Bride 2017
Weather in Nelson went from one extreme to the other in May.
May brings ‘extremely variable weather’ in Nelson area
A ferocious storm late in the month helped make May the wettest month on record since 1990.
During the late afternoon of May 21, a strong cold front which produced a few thundershowers and strong gusty winds hit the region. A deep upper low pressure followed with heavy rain bringing the most 24-hour rainfall ever during May.
The 2-day rainfall of 82.4 millimetres ending the evening of May 22 accounted for 74 per cent of the month’s total rainfall, says Ron Lakeman of the Southeast Fire Centre.
The total amount of precipitation during the month was 163% of normal.
The weather forecaster points to the strong winds accompanying the storm that reached speeds of 57 km per hour with gusts of 83 km per hour. Wind speeds in May were 120 per cent of normal.
Lakeman describes May as “another month of extremely variable weather.”
The mean monthly temperature averaged out to be 1.3 degrees warmer than normal despite setting a record for a cold temperature.
“The month began with a dry northerly flow and clear skies combining for a record cold temperature of -4.7 degrees during the early morning of the first,” he said. “This record daily minimum temperature is also the new record minimum temperature during the month of May, the previous was -2.5 degrees from 2002 and 2012.”
Conditions quickly reversed with an upper ridge of high pressure providing dry, generally sunny and unseasonably warm conditions the following 11 days. Record daily maximum temperatures of 29.4, 32.1 and 30.8 degrees were set on the 8th, 10th and 11th respectively.
After the big storm mid-month, a series of smaller Pacific disturbances spread frequent but lighter showers and thundershowers across the area during the remainder of the month.
Goodbye to an old Nelson fireman
Nelson filmmaker wins Knowledge Network competition
School district trustee reprimanded
Allan Gribbin was formally censured for comments and published statements
Nelson’s Walgren added to B.C.’s speed skating team
Walgren will compete at next year’s Special Olympic Speed Skating Nationals
Explore Nelson Star
Nelson News
Nelson Weather
Nelson Classifieds
© 2019, Nelson Star and Black Press Group Ltd.
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NoiseMeters Inc.
United States Canada United Kingdom Ireland Australia Other Countries
Calibration News Noise Calculators Terms & Conditions Help
Help > FAQ > Type / Class
"Type" or "Class" of a Sound Level Meter
The Type or Class of a sound level meter describes its accuracy as defined by the relevant international standards - Class 1 is more accurate than Class 2. The older standard IEC 60651 referred to the grade as "Type", whereas the new standard IEC 61672 refers to it as the "Class". Although these standards have similarities, the later standard does make more demands on the meter regarding accuracy, performance and calibration.
Older Standards
Although older meters meeting the IEC 60651 (and IEC 60804) can continue to be used for most applications, when purchasing a new meter you should get one that meets the new standard IEC 61672.
Tolerance*
Type 1 / Class 1 Precision Grade for laboratory and field use ± 0.7 dB Environmental, building acoustics, road vehicle
Type 2 / Class 2 General Purpose Grade for field use ± 1.0 dB Noise at work, basic environmental, motor sport
* These are the tolerances under reference conditions as defined in the IEC 60651 standard, section 9.1. These tolerance figures can be very misleading as they do not deal with the many different aspects of the noise measurement chain. When quoted in specifications this claim usually refers to the meter's response at a single level and single frequency. The only thing that is important is that the meter meets the standards, not just the tolerance at one level and frequency.
The class of meter that you need will depend on your application and on any regulations that you need to meet. For example, the European Noise at Work Regulations state that the lower cost Class 2 or Type 2 meter is adequate. Of course you can use a Class 1 meter if you prefer as it is more accurate.
There can be other reasons for selecting the class of meter. Our Class 1 meters tend to measure lower levels due the sensitivity of the microphone capsule. This is particularly relevant for environmental noise surveys where low noise levels are being measured. Finally, you may choose Class 1 for important legal applications as the evidence from the more accurate meter may be more convincing, even when the regulations do not demand it.
Contact | Applications | Products | Rental | Calibration | News | Calculators | Help
info@noisemeters.com
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Newham Bookshop donates 100 books to the Christmas Toy Appeal
PUBLISHED: 09:30 19 November 2018 | UPDATED: 11:50 20 November 2018
Rhiannon Long
Paula Blake from the Christmas Toy Appeal, with John Newman and May Gajjar from Newham Bookshop. Picture: Ken Mears
Newham Bookshop added its unique contribution to the Christmas Toy Appeal with a donation of around 100 books.
The Upton Park shop, which has been open 40 years, has been contributing to the appeal since it began.
This year, the bookshop gave four boxes of books.
“We’ve supported the appeal since day one and for us, it’s incredibly important as a local business that we support such a vital iniative,” said Vivian Archer, who’s been a bookseller at Newham Bookshop for 31 years.
“There shouldn’t be a child that doesn’t get a Christmas present.
“It’s even more relevant now than when it started 40 years ago, because people underestimate how many children are in families that can’t afford Christmas presents. I don’t think poverty is even nearly eradicated.”
Newham Bookshop managed to donate, despite being in the midst of its own fundraiser. The shop is moving two doors down the road, and is raising £25,000 for renovations of the new site.
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Driver of fatal Limpopo bus crash nabbed allegedly 'hiding' in trailer on way to Zim
Mxolisi Mngadi
Police (Duncan Alfreds, News24, file)
UPDATE: Road reopens following deadly Limpopo bus crash
Another Limpopo bus crash leaves at least 10 dead
Reports: 21 killed in a bus crash on a road in central Iran
The driver of the bus that crashed on the N1 south in Limpopo killing nine people on Friday has been arrested while allegedly trying to cross the border to Zimbabwe, provincial police said on Monday.
Police spokesperson Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said the driver was allegedly caught hidden inside a goods trailer trying to illegally cross the border to Zimbabwe.
Shortly after the accident, the driver was taken to hospital with 51 other injured passengers for medical treatment.
"As the process of intensive investigations by the police was unfolding, especially on the possible cause of that accident, he then disappeared following his discharge from hospital and fled towards the Beitbridge port of entry," said Ngoepe.
He will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Tuesday on nine counts of culpable homicide.
There was a possibility of additional charges at a later stage, according to Ngoepe.
Ngoepe said it was alleged that the bus was travelling from the direction of Polokwane towards the Gauteng province when the driver lost control and it overturned.
The bus was carrying 61 occupants including the driver and the crew.
"Nine out of the 61 people were certified dead at the scene, the other injured people including the driver were taken to different hospitals for medical treatment," said Ngoepe.
The identification process of all the deceased was still unfolding, according to Ngoepe.
Read more on: crime
George Jobs
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Home | Newsmax TV
Tags: Newsmax Prime | richard viguerie | house | vote | speaker | grassroots | conservatives
Viguerie on Speaker Race: Grassroots 'White-Hot With Anger' Over Lack of Leadership
By Todd Beamon | Wednesday, 07 October 2015 08:31 PM
Conservative activist Richard Viguerie told Newsmax on Wednesday that "conservatives are white-hot with anger" — and that's why some Republicans are seeking to thwart House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's chances at becoming Speaker of the House.
"People are furious — and they want changes," Viguerie, the chairman of ConservativeHQ.com, told "Newsmax Prime" host J.D. Hayworth on Newsmax TV. "We don't want this business-as-usual mentality, as the Republicans have been practicing for so long."
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The House Freedom Caucus, a group of about 40 Republicans, said they support Florida Rep. Daniel Webster as speaker over McCarthy, who became No. 2 last year after Eric Cantor was defeated in a Virginia primary election by newcomer Dave Brat.
The 248 members of the House Republican Conference plan to choose a nominee Thursday — and McCarthy is expected to win that vote.
However, the full House, including Democrats, is set to vote for speaker on Oct. 29, and the Freedom Caucus’ backing could be pivotal in the final tally.
"Not at all is he a lock," Viguerie told Hayworth of McCarthy. "The Republican leaders in the House and the Senate have gone mute for years now.
"People like the grassroots are white-hot with anger for the lack of leadership."
Former Illinois Rep. Michael Flanagan agreed, but cautioned that the House needed a leader "who's going to try and move legislation and get it forward," like Speaker John Boehner, who's vacating Congress at the end of the month.
"What you have a lot on the Hill are a whole bunch of guys who would make great speakers who wouldn't have anything to do with the job if their lives depended on it."
Richard Viguerie: Trump Support Should Send Signal to GOP
Richard Viguerie: Cruz Candidacy Has Conservatives 'On Fire With Excitement'
Newsmax-Tv
Conservative activist Richard Viguerie told Newsmax on Wednesday that conservatives are white-hot with anger - and that's why some Republicans are seeking to thwart House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy's chances at becoming Speaker of the House. People are furious - and...
richard viguerie, house, vote, speaker, grassroots, conservatives, angry
Wednesday, 07 October 2015 08:31 PM
Juan Guaido to Newsmax TV: Cuban Spies on the Ground in Venezuela
Friday, 12 Jul 2019 09:58 AM
Cuban military officials have "infiltrated" Venezuela to support the country's embattled President Nicolas Maduro and hi . . .
Bill O'Reilly to Newsmax TV: Dems Want Germany 'Plan'
Something on the level of "semi-socialist system" of Munich in southern Germany, Democrats' grand plan is wipe out the A . . .
Fleitz to Newsmax TV: Bombing Iran a Mistake
Tuesday, 09 Jul 2019 08:23 AM
Fred Fleitz, president of the Center for Security Policy, said attacking Iran should be the very last option for the Uni . . .
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On and Off the Avenue
Robert Mueller, Style Icon
By Troy Patterson
Robert Mueller, the former F.B.I. director and the special counsel who is leading the Russia investigation, leaves the Capitol in Washington, in June, 2017, his tie graced by suave geometries of small patterns.
Photograph by Doug Mills / NYT / Redux
Last month, when the Washington Post ran a dual profile of Donald Trump and Robert Mueller, the paper took care to note Mueller’s daily wardrobe when he was the director of the F.B.I.: “a traditional J. Edgar Hoover-era G-man uniform: dark suit, red or blue tie and white shirt—always white.” A consideration of Mueller’s clothes has become a commonplace of both written narratives and TV chitchat about him. In the absence of leaks from the special counsel’s office, the public is left to listen to the clothes, which are equally reticent, which is their elegance. Assembled from a narrow palette of Establishment standards, Mueller’s regular outfit communicates a moral outlook in its particulars, an unostentatious grace in its polish. One of the pleasanter aberrations of the Trump era is the emergence of Robert Swan Mueller III, the owner of a modest rotation of discreetly striped Brooks Brothers suits, as a fashion icon.
Last year, Derek Guy, of the menswear blog Die, Workwear!, wrote an admiring post about Mueller, titled “The Trad in Washington.” Guy argued that the special counsel soberly propounds traditional values by way of “soft shouldered suits with naturally rounded sleeveheads.” “Mueller is one of the only people in Washington who knows how to wear a coat-and-tie,” Guy wrote. “All the details are middle-of-the-road, but they’re so perfectly executed that they come together in a classic American way you rarely see anymore.” Mueller’s strong tendency toward foulard ties, with their navy or burgundy fields graced by suave geometries of small patterns, demonstrates a refinement that is nicely balanced by his wristwatch, with its horsey hexagonal chunk of a black plastic case. Identified by amateur horologists as a Casio DW-290 sport watch, with a list price of fifty dollars, it is synched to project an incorruptible constancy.
Mueller and his Casio DW-290 gesticulate during a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing in June, 2013, on Capitol Hill.
Photograph by J. Scott Applewhite / AP
The Casio complements the shirts on a spiritual level. “He is so straight, he always wears a white shirt,” Thomas B. Wilner, a longtime friend of Mueller’s, told the Post. “He’s conscious that he’s a public figure, and he doesn’t want anything to compromise his integrity. Even a blue shirt.”
The white shirt is a symbol of purity, yes, but it also sends security-blanket signals. Garrett M. Graff, the author of “The Threat Matrix: Inside Robert Mueller’s FBI and the War on Global Terror,” is the foremost scholar of Mueller’s taste in dress shirts. “I once asked him: Why the cult of the white shirt?,” Graff wrote in Politico, last year. “He answered more philosophically than I’d ever seen him speak before.” Mueller offered the rationale that, amid the Bureau’s shift toward counterterrorism, “he felt it important to keep recognizable totems of the past in place—like the tradition of the white shirt—to help agents understand it was still the same FBI they’d signed up to join.” Elsewhere, Graff has relayed a vision of Mueller mocking subordinates in staff meetings who deviated from his color scheme, reporting that “colored shirts are worn at one’s own peril.”
The button-down collars of Mueller’s shirts—so soft and nonchalant when compared with the spread collars underlining the smirk of Jared Kushner—are the mark of an unreconstructed preppy. A fellow needn’t have developed his sartorial manners at fancy schools to earn distinction as a prep dresser, but it happens that Mueller did, graduating from St. Paul’s School, in 1962, and from Princeton, in 1966—during the heyday of the Ivy League Look. Under the ascent of this style, with its compromise of poise and ease, all sorts of mid-century men educated themselves in the virtues of flannel trousers, madras jackets, and cordovan penny loafers. Mueller learned a way of looking smart without seeming excessively smooth.
Mueller during a news conference at the Justice Department in June, 2009, in Washington, D.C.
Photograph by Alex Wong / Getty
Within the community of men passionate about preppy clothing, there’s a lively conversation around Mueller’s preference for starch in his oxford-cloth shirt, a choice evident in the unusual curvature of the roll of his collar, which bulges where you’d expect it to arc gently. It takes a certain sort of prep to starch his oxford cloth. There is a school of thought that holds that this material looks appealing when wrinkled and creased, and Mueller pointedly does not attend it. In his emphasis on telegraphing rectitude, it is tempting to see the influence of Mueller’s tenure in the Marines. The military influence on Mueller’s dress sense is further apparent in his habit of wearing his hideous Casio turned so that the face is on the inside of his wrist, the way an infantryman would, and perhaps even in his inclination toward tailoring that is, by the boxy terms of Washington cuts, relatively trim.
This is a costume for an allegory. On the one hand, you have Trump’s onetime campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who, according to Mueller’s indictment, spent more than $1.3 million on clothes in the course of about six years, including peak-lapel suits of baronial slickness. On the other hand, you have a government lawyer with an ideally understated public image. An understatement is a statement nonetheless, and Mueller’s sartorial rhetoric encodes heroic values. He is armored in the good, clean, honest look of an extremely civil servant, unaffected and, therefore, inimitable.
Troy Patterson is a staff writer at The New Yorker.
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Putin, Russia, and Trump
David Remnick speaks with Masha Gessen about the chance that Donald Trump colluded with Vladimir Putin, whether it matters, and surprising pockets of resistance in Russia.
Trump’s State of the Union Address Broke the TV-News Cycle
Trump introduced a traditional piece of stagecraft at a nontraditional rhythm, as if the speech were organized to magnify opportunities for standing ovations.
The Aspirational Anima of the Netflix Revival of “Queer Eye”
The world now seems less binary, and the show has grown more limber and less campy.
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Home News Foreign News UNESCO adopts reggae as world heritage
UNESCO adopts reggae as world heritage
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has added Jamaican reggae, Georgian wrestling and Japanese Raiho-shin rituals, among six new elements to its list of “intangible heritage” for the world to treasure.
The UN cultural agency said the listings were meant to further improve the visibility of often little-known and understood arts traditions.
The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage is meeting until December 1 in Mauritius, inscribing new elements to its much coveted-list
A lot of music lovers were happy to learn that Jamaican reggae, originating from marginalised groups, mainly in Western Kingston, was also inscribed.
UNESCO said the genre’s “contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual”.
From the border between Asia and Europe, in Georgia, it added Chidaoba, which combines elements of wrestling, music, dance and special garments.
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The practice encourages a healthy lifestyle and plays an important role in intercultural dialogue, according to UNESCO, which called its code of conduct “chivalric,” and noted that “occasionally the wrestlers leave the arena with a Georgian folk dance”.
Hurling, a field game from Ireland, which dates back 2,000 years, and features strongly in Irish mythology, also made the grade.
Played by two teams using a wooden “hurley” stick and a small “sliotar” ball, UNESCO said, “hurling is considered as an intrinsic part of Irish culture and plays a central role in promoting health and wellbeing, inclusiveness and team spirit”.
Japan’s Raiho-shin rituals, used to admonish against laziness and teach children good behaviour, was another winner.
Stemming from folk beliefs that deities visit communities and usher in the new year or season, local people dress in outlandish costumes and visit houses as deities.
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The UN cultural agency said: “By performing the rituals, local people – notably children – have their identities moulded, develop a sense of affiliation to their community, and strengthen ties among themselves”.
Practised across many areas of Jordan, As-Samer, another new inscription, consists mainly of dancing and singing. Performed on various occasions, most commonly during weddings, UNESCO explained.
The UN agency said that poetry formed an integral part of the tradition, “expressing feelings of joy, peace, intimacy and empathy” among those in attendance.
Marking the end of the old and beginning of a new annual horse-breeding cycle, the spring festive rites of Kazakh horse breeders were also inscribed.
Rooted in traditional knowledge of nature and an age-old relation between man and horse, the rites involve skills inherited from nomadic ancestors, adapted to meet present-day conditions to ensure its continued viability.
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Also listed was a historic joint bid made by both North Korea and South Korea, to include traditional Korean wrestling known as “ssirum” or “ssireum”.
Fundamentally linked to land and agriculture, UNESCO said its Executive Director, Audrey Azoulay, was instrumental in persuading North and South Koreas to combine cultural forces, embracing both a national sport and a very popular cultural practice.
UNESCO quoted Azoulay as saying the “unprecedented result” was “a highly symbolic step towards inter-Korean reconciliation, that reminds us of the peace-building power of cultural heritage”.
The UN cultural agency said: “All the listed elements are important in maintaining cultural diversity in the face of growing globalisation, without recognising standards of excellence or exclusivity”.
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The News Scroll 20 June 2019 Last Updated at 6:57 pm | Source: PTI
Any ordinance to facilitate Ram temple construction will be challenged in SC: BMAC
Outlook June 20, 2019 18:57 IST Any ordinance to facilitate Ram temple construction will be challenged in SC: BMAC
Lucknow, Jun 20 Amid talks of taking an ordinance rout to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Babri Masjid Action Committee Thursday said it would challenge any such move in the Supreme Court.
"After the statement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there seems to be no possibility of promulgating an ordinance by the Centre. But, if any such action is initiated by the government, the Committee will challenge the move in the Supreme Court to restore status quo," said BMAC in a statement.
The Committee also accused the Yogi Adityanath government of catering to the needs of the people of only a particular religion in breach of the Constitutional mandate for the government to observe secular ethos.
"All religions must be respected and followers of all religions should be seen from the same point of view," it said.
The committee made the statement after discussing the issue in a meeting under the chairmanship of Yaseen Ali Usmani.
The Committee was briefed about the current status of the Ayodhya dispute in the Supreme Court, the statement said.
NAV RAX RAX
Next Story : Bhutan''s Mountain Echoes lit fest turns 10, focuses on homegrown talent
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Öhlins takes the Yamaha YZF-R1M even further, with the new ‘Smart EC’ Steering Damper
Öhlins Racing unveils the Öhlins Smart EC performance steering damper for the Yamaha YZF-R1M, suitable for use on the road and racetrack.
Yamaha’s YZF-R1M already features the most technologically-advanced electronic suspension system ever produced for a production roadbike, with forks, shock and software all supplied by Öhlins. Now, R1M owners can complete their bike’s handling package, with the new Öhlins Smart EC steering damper upgrade.
The Smart EC damper plugs into the Yamaha YZF-R1M bike’s existing Suspension Control Unit (SCU) to make ultra-fast changes in damping, based on parameters that include speed and acceleration. The well-proven qualities of the Öhlins steering damper are complemented by the bespoke Smart EC algorithms, which alter damping settings in real time, to suit the current riding conditions.
Feedback is excellent in both road and track conditions, with test riders reporting a reassured feeling of stability under acceleration compared with the standard damper. Öhlins’ superior materials, pressurised fluid design and narrower tolerances means reduced friction, finer adjustment, and more precise control, compared with the stock (non-Öhlins) unit. That means a more natural, ‘free’ feel at the bars, while still providing rock-solid stability when riding on the edge.
The Yamaha YZF-R1M has taken the motorcycle world by storm this year, and its Öhlins-supplied Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS) is one of the biggest talking points for owners and road testers alike. Öhlins 43mm NIX front forks and TTX36 rear shock are fitted as standard, with an onboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) measuring a host of parameters about the bike’s movements, in order to fine-tune the suspension units ‘on the fly’. With the new Öhlins EC steering damper, R1M owners can fit the final piece of the jigsaw, to give a unified, superior handling setup, that completes the R1M chassis package.
Robert Brinkmark, Öhlins Product Manager Motorcycles commented,
“The Yamaha YZF-R1M is a truly fantastic machine which we are proud to be part of. Now with the introduction of the Öhlins Smart EC steering damper, owners can give their machine even more control and stability.”
Smart EC Damper ‘at a glance’:
Designed to work with Öhlins Smart EC software
Constantly changes damping settings in real time
Reacts to speed, acceleration, gear and throttle position
Extremely low friction components
Pressurised fluid design reduces free play
Improved, more ‘natural’ riding experience
Straight replacement for standard Yamaha damper unit
Ӧhlins® Adjustable Dampers to be Offered on New Polestar 2 Electric Fastback
PREMIUM SUSPENSION COMPANY ÖHLINS LAUNCHES CUSTOM MADE DAMPERS FOR THE AUDI R8
Grand Touring feeling for your Audi R8
Moto Madness season
ÖHLINS SIGNS DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH OGC
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Cabinet expresses concern over Medha's health
New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) A meeting of the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, today expressed concern over the ''health condition'' of fasting Narmada Bachao Andolan leader Medha Patkar, who has launched an agitation against the proposed increase in the height of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
The Cabinet also took note of the fact that three Ministers -- Saifuddin Soz (Water Resources), Meira Kumar (Social Justice and Empowerment) and Prithviraj Chavan (MOS, PMO) -- would be visiting the dam site to review the rehabilitation programme for the displaced families in the light of the Supreme Court verdict and the provisions of the project.
The programme would be ''fully implemented'' under strict monitoring and this had been conveyed to Ms Patkar when the three Ministers called on her yesterday, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told reporters.
UNI SN LS RAI2028
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Leg Chicken Chiken Free Icon
Leg Chicken Chiken
Leg Chicken Chiken Comments
@ le.tra-my
Web Part Font Pack
Your Needs Vol Font Pack
Video Games Font Pack
Leg Chicken Chiken icon
Quadrangle
Quadrangle is a trademark of Typodermic Fonts Inc.
(c) 1997-2012 Typodermic Fonts Inc. See attached license agreement. If agreement is missing visit typodermicfonts.com for more info.
http://typodermicfonts.com/pages/license
NexaSlabW01-BlackItalic
Fontfabric
Svet Simov
Nexa Slab Black Italic is a trademark of Fontfabric.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Fontfabric. All rights reserved.
SabonW15-BoldItalic
Sabon is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Part of the digitally encoded machine readable outline data for producing the Typefaces provided is copyrighted 1989 - 2008 Linotype GmbH, www.linotype.com. All rights reserved. This software is the property of Linotype GmbH, and may not be reproduced, used, displayed, modified, disclosed or transferred without the express written approval of Linotype GmbH. Copyright 1989 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Sabon is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. This typeface is original artwork of Jan Tschichold and Hector Haralambous. The design may be protected in certain jurisdictions.
RotisSansSerifW01-Italic
Rotis is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. Registered in U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Font software Copyright 1998, 2007, 2009 Monotype Imaging Inc. All rights reserved.
SistinaLTW01
Sistina is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Copyright 2003 - 2008 Linotype GmbH, www.linotype.com. All rights reserved. This font software may not be reproduced, modified, disclosed or transferred without the express written approval of Linotype GmbH. Sistina is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. This typeface is original artwork of Hermann Zapf. The design may be protected in certain jurisdictions.
KeraterW00-ExtraBold
Kerater ExtraBold is a trademark of Mns Grebck.
Copyright (c) 2011 by Mns Grebck. All rights reserved. Free for personal use. Mail mawns@live.se for full fonts and commercial license.
Please read this before any use of the font.-----------------------This font is for PERSONAL USE ONLY:Do not under any circumstances use the font in public media unless permission is given from designer Mns Grebck or legal reseller. You may not share this font, neither on websites or to other computers,unless Mns Grebck's permission is given.If you do not accept these agreements, do not install or use the font. -----------------------For further information, purchase and licence, please contact designer:Mns Grebck mawns@live.se+46763068614 (Sweden)http://www.mawns.com
CelticsModernW01-Bold
Ryoichi Tsunekawa
Celtics Modern Bold is a trademark of Ryoichi Tsunekawa.
Copyright (c) 2006 by Ryoichi Tsunekawa. All rights reserved.
http://flat-it.com
Flat-it type foundry. Standard License agreementLICENSING AGREEMENT 0. GeneralThis document is a legal agreement between you, the end user, and Flat-it type foundry. By using or installing this software, you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement.In this document the term gfont softwareh refers to any program or piece of code and/or computer information containing data that can be used to output letterforms or designs to any output or display device currently known or unknown. 1. License GrantNumber of Users: In consideration for the license fee paid, Flat-it type foundry grants to you only, the Licensee, the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to use and display the Flat-it type foundry Product purchased through this service on up to five (5) CPUs at your site connected to any number of printers at your own site. If you have paid for a multi-user license for more than five (5) CPUs, the maximum number of CPUs is equal to the number of users specified in the applicable receipt. If you are using this product for your work, this agreement applies to your employer.Backups: You may make one (1) copy of the Flat-it type foundry font data solely for backup purposes provided the copyright and trademark notices are reproduced in their entirety on the backup copy.Third Parties: You may send a copy of any Flat-it type foundry font along with your documents to a commercial printer or other service bureau to enable the editing or printing of your document, provided that such party agrees to delete the font or fonts from his/her/their system upon completion of your project.Portable Documents: You may gembedh Flat-it type foundry font(s) within PostScript-Language files, .PDF files, and .EVY files for distribution, viewing, and imaging to other parties.Distributions: You may not rent, lease, sublicense, give, lend, or further distribute the font software.Modifications: You may not modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble, or create derivative works based on the Flat-it type foundry Product without prior written consent from Flat-it type foundry.2. CopyrightThe Flat-it type foundry font software data is copyrighted; unauthorized copying of Flat-it type foundry is expressly forbidden. You may be held legally responsible for any infringement of Flat-it type foundryfs intellectual property rights that is caused or encouraged by your failure to abide by the terms of this Agreement.3. Termination This Agreement will immediately and automatically terminate without notice if you fail to comply with any term or condition of this Agreement. If this Agreement is terminated, you agreed to destroy all copies of the font data in your possession. To contact Flat it type foundry or Ryoichi Tsunekawa with any questions, comments, etc. Ryoichi Tsunekawa, Parace-Kurumada #103 2-33-2 Kurumada-cho Showa-ku Nagoya-shi Aichi-ken466-0001 JAPAN+81-52-733-0124or visit http://flat-it.com
AlianzaW03-Italic700
Manuel Corradine - Sergio Ramirez
Alianza is a trademark of Manuel Corradine - Sergio Ramirez.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Manuel Corradine - Sergio Ramirez. All rights reserved.
SF Scribbled Sans SC
SF Scribbled Sans SC Italic is a trademark of ShyFoundry.
Gill Sans Ultra Bold
Monotype Typography
Gill Sans is a trademark of The Monotype Corporation, Inc. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Digitized data copyright 1997 The Monotype Corporation, Inc. All rights reserved. Gill Sans is a trademark of The Monotype Corporation, Inc. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Monotype Type Drawing Office 1928. Gill studied under the renowned calligrapher, Edward Johnston, the designer of the London Underground sans serif typeface. This influenced Gill who later experimented with sans serif designs, and in due course produced a set of capital letters. These became Monotype series 231, produced in 1923, and the forerunner of the extensive Gill Sans range now available. A twentieth century sans serif that has a simplicity of form which does not reject traditional forms and proportions, and gives the face a humanist feel. The lighter weights are highly readable in text and suitable for magazine and book work, whereas the heavier weights are best used for display in advertising, packaging, and labels.
KairosW01-CondensedMedium
Terrance Weinzierl
Kairos is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. and may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.
Copyright 2015 Monotype Imaging Inc. All rights reserved.
Kairos is equal parts traditional and digital. Inspired by 19th century wood type fonts called Grecians, its an octagonal slab serif at its core. The serif detailing makes it radiate in headlines, with the square serifs driving its performance in text. The 51 weights and widthsall with small capsoffer a flexible and usable contemporary palette of styles perfect for branding, advertising and packaging.Kairos is stout, but has energy. It often looks athletic, industrial, and stern, while the subtle rounded features can also give it a gentlemanly and gracious demeanor.
This font software is the property of Monotype Imaging Inc., or one of its affiliated entities (collectively, Monotype) and its use by you is covered under the terms of a license agreement. You have obtained this font software either directly from Monotype or together with software distributed by one of the licensees of Monotype. This software is a valuable asset of Monotype. Unless you have entered into a specific license agreement granting you additional rights, your use of this software is limited by the terms of the actual license agreement you have entered into with Monotype. You may not copy or distribute this software. If you have any questions concerning your rights you should review the license agreement you received with the software. You can learn more about Monotype here: www.monotype.com
HapshashW00-Regular
Hapshash (version 1.01) by Keith Bates 2009 www.k-type.com keith@k-type.com
DemosNextW01-Black
Monotype GmbH
Gerard Unger, Linda Hintz & Dan Reynolds
Demos is a trademark of Monotype Imaging Inc. registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and may be registered in certain other jurisdictions.
This font software is the property of Monotype Imaging Inc., or one of its affiliated entities (Monotype) and its use by you is covered under the terms of a license agreement. You have obtained this font software either directly from Monotype or together with software distributed by one of the licensees of Monotype. This software is a valuable asset of Monotype. Unless you have entered into a specific license agreement granting you additional rights, your use of this software is limited by the terms of the actual license agreement you have entered into with Monotype. You may not copy or distribute this software.If you have any questions concerning your rights you should review the license agreement you received with the software. You can learn more about Monotype by clicking here: www.monotype.com
AmorpheusW00-Regular
Amorpheus is a trademark of Rian Hughes / Device Fonts.
http://devicefonts.co.uk
RealHard
1.00 May 30, 2014, initial release
Xerographer Fonts Max Infeld
RealHard Xerographer Fonts. 2013. All Rights Reserved
Made at Xerographer Studios in San Francisco,CA
This font is made with the trial version of FontCreator. You may not use this font for commercial purposes.
Jungle's Severly Crappy Font
Boggled
1.02; Januari 29, 2000
High-Logic
High-Logic - Erwin Denissen 1999
alternika 2001 - http://alternika.hotfire.net
Bifurk
gragoury www.gragoury.blogspot.com
gragoury
Rock Prog type is a trademark of gragoury www.gragoury.blogspot.com.
Copyright (c) 2006 by gragoury www.gragoury.blogspot.com. All rights reserved.
Copyright (c) 2006 by gragoury. All rights reserved.
Xenippa
1.0; 2003
Pia Frauss
Pia Frauss fecit AD MMIII; for private use only
Xenippa was created with the Font Creator Program from High-Logic.com
Fenwick is a trademark of Typodermic.
2004 Typodermic. Do not distribute. Report piracy to piracy@typodermic.com
Updated July 2006.
AvianoWedgeW00-Heavy
Aviano Wedge is a trademark of Jeremy Dooley.
KaiW00-It
Santos Bregaa & Mikel Enparantza. Published by GarageFonts USA - -
Copyright (c) 1999 Santos Bregaa & Mikel Enparantza. Published by GarageFonts USA 301-879-6955
---------------------GARAGEFONTS---------------------Phil's Fonts/GarageFonts End User License AgreementSoftware means the computer program contained in this package (which may include digitally encoded, machine readable, scalable outline font data as encoded in special format), together with all codes, techniques, software tools, formats, designs, concepts, methods and ideas associated with the computer program and all documentation related thereto.Phil's Fonts, Inc./GarageFonts (Phil's), hereby grants you, and you agree to accept a non-exclusive, non-transferable, limited license (the License) to use the Software solely for your own customary business or personal purposes. Under the terms of this License Agreement, you have the right to use the software on up to five (5) CPUs.If you need to have access to the Software on more than five (5) CPUs, you must pay Phil's the applicable fees for typefaces used in a multi-system environment. You acknowledge that licensing fees for the Macintosh and PC formats are separate and individual fees.Fonts can be embedded in files such as Adobe Acrobat PDF files for viewing and printing purposes only.No rights are granted to you other than a License to use the Software on the terms expressly set forth in this Agreement.You agree to maintain the Software and other proprietary information in strict confidence and to establish reasonable procedures regulating access to and use of the Software.You will not make or have made, or permit to have made any copies of the Software or portions thereof, except as necessary provided, however, that you may make one copy for back-up purposes for its use with the authorized number of systems hereunder. You agree that any such copies shall contain the same proprietary notices which appear in the Software.Except as stated above, this Agreement does not grant you any right to patents, copyrights, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks (whether registered or unregistered), or any other rights, franchises or licenses in respect of the Software.You agree that you will not modify, alter, disassemble, decrypt, reverse engineer or decompile the Software.This License shall continue until the last use of the Software, unless sooner terminated. This License may be terminated by Phil's if you fail to comply with the terms of this License and such failure is not remedied within thirty (30) days after notice from Phil's. When this License expires or is terminated, you shall either return to Phil's or destroy all copies of the Software as requested.You agree that you will not export or re-export the Software in any form without the appropriate United States and foreign government licenses.The parties agree that all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose, merchantability and noninfringement are excluded.Your sole and exclusive remedy and the sole liability of Phil's in connection with the Software is repair or replacement of defective parts, upon their return to Phil's. In no event will Phil's be liable for lost profits, lost data or any other incidental, or consequential damages, or any damages caused by abuse or misapplication of the Software.You shall not sublicense, sell, lease or otherwise transfer the Software without the prior written consent of Phil's.Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at 252.227-7013.Maryland, USA law governs this agreement.You acknowledge that you have read this agreement, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms and conditions. Neither party shall be bound by any statement or representation not contained in this agreement. No change in this agreement is effective unless written and signed by properly authorized representatives of each party. By opening this package or downloading these font files from the internet you agree to accept the terms of this agreement.Call Phil's Fonts if you need to purchase additional licensing.In USA and Canada call 1-800-424-2977, all others call 1-301-879-0601.Fax: 1-301-879-0606.Phil's Fonts/GarageFonts License Upgrade ScheduleEach Phil's Fonts/GarageFonts Font package is automatically licensed for use with five (5) computers (CPUs) at a single (1) location(site) in a single format (e.g. Mac PostScript). Licenses for additional CPUs must be purchased. Additional formats and/or platforms may be purchased at the same time as the original purchase for 50% of the price of the first format. Individual sites, persons or business entities must purchase individual licenses beginning with the original price. The following upgrade cost schedule is calculated based on multiples of the original list price of each font or family:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 to 25 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 1--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------26 to 50 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 2--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------51 to 75 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 3--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------76 to 125 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 4--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------126 to 175 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 5--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------176 to 250 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 6--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------251 to 375 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 8.5--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------376 to 500 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 11--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------501 to 625 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 13.5--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------626 to 750 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 16--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------751 to 875 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 18.5--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------876 to 1000 CPUs, multiply original font or family price by 21 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For more than 1,000 CPUs use the following formula to get multiplication factor:CPUs: In increments of 250.(maximum number of CPUs divided by 100) plus 11 (=Multiplier).Example: End user has 1350 CPUs, so the Multiple User License price is to be calculated as follows:(1500 divided by 100) + 11 = 26 (= Multiplier)(c)Phil's Fonts/GarageFonts14605 Sturtevant RoadSilver Spring, MD 20905USA1-301-879-6955
MeliorW01-BoldItalic
Melior is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Part of the digitally encoded machine readable outline data for producing the Typefaces provided is copyrighted 2007 Linotype GmbH, www.linotype.com. All rights reserved. This software is the property of Linotype GmbH, and may not be reproduced, used, displayed, modified, disclosed or transferred without the express written approval of Linotype GmbH. Copyright 1985, 1987, 1990, 2002 Adobe Systems Incorporated. All Rights Reserved. Melior is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. This typeface is original artwork of Hermann Zapf. The design may be protected in certain jurisdictions.
1.00 March 3, 2015, initial release
World without end junkohanhero 2015. All Rights Reserved
CCSamaritanTallW00-Regular
Richard Starkings & John Roshell
CCSamaritanTall is a trademark of Active Images.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Active Images. All rights reserved.
Active Images Font License AgreementPlease read this license agreement carefully before you install your fonts. By installing fonts sent to you by ACTIVE IMAGES, you accept this license agreement. If you do not accept the terms and conditions of this license, do not install the fonts in question.1. LICENSE Active Images is the exclusive owner of the electronically transferred computer lettering fonts. We grant you, and you accept, a non-exclusive license to use the electronically transferred fonts, but you are not the owner of them. Your right to use the fonts under this license agreement is called the license. By fonts, we refer to the electronically transferred fonts and any embodiment or use that you make of the fonts in any form.2. AUTHORIZED USER AND USE You alone, as the purchaser of the fonts, are authorised to use the fonts under the license for personal, business or distributed projects. With few exceptions: fonts are licensed for use on 5 CPUs and/or 1 output device. Additional licenses are available on a ratio of 5 CPUs to 1 output device. Call us if you are not clear on whether you require additional licenses. Any other duplication or use by any other person or entity constitutes software piracy, a criminal offense.3. LIMITED WARRANTY Active Images makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the electronically transferred computer software, its merchantability or its fitness for any particular purpose.Active Images warrants the magnetic media to be free from physical defects for 90 days, after purchase. Active Images will replace the disk free of charge should it fail within this time. These fonts are sold for use only on the computer platform indicated on the packaging. Use of these fonts on any platform other than that for which it was originally intended is not recommended and invalidates any warranty.Active Images reserves the right to terminate this License at any time and void your license if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this License.If you have any questions about the License Agreement, our return policy, security and on-line ordering, or anything else, please feel free to contact us at orders@comicbookfonts.com, or at the telephone number below.ACTIVE IMAGES8910 Rayford DriveLos Angeles, CA 90045Tel: 310 650-7904www.activeimages.comhttp://www.comicbookfonts.com/contact/license.html
HemiHeadW00-ExtraLightIt
Hemi Head is a trademark of Typodermic Fonts
Copyright (c) 2010 Typodermic Fonts. Languages by Chikako Larabie. This font is not freely distributable. Visit typodermic.com for more info.
Piring Hitam
cenz qobbal
Piring Hitam is a trademark of cenz qobbal.
Copyright (c) 2012 by cenz qobbal. All rights reserved.
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported
MateoLTW01-Roman
Mateo is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions.
Copyright 1995 - 2008 Linotype GmbH, www.linotype.com. All rights reserved. This font software may not be reproduced, modified, disclosed or transferred without the express written approval of Linotype GmbH. Mateo is a trademark of Linotype GmbH and may be registered in certain jurisdictions. This typeface is original artwork of Hans-Jrgen Ellenberger. The design may be protected in certain jurisdictions.
ModernMT Extended
1.00 - March 2001
Monotype Modern MT is a trademark of Monotype Typography LTD. Registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions
Digitized data copyright 2001 Agfa Monotype Corporation, Inc. Monotype Modern MT is a trademark of Monotype Typography LTD. Registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office and may be registered in certain jurisdictions
Essence Sans
Paulo R
Essence Sans Bold Italic is a trademark of Paulo R.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Paulo R. All rights reserved.
This font is free for personal and commercial use. Just keep it MINE. Enjoy !
CourierPSW15-Italic
Courier is a trademark of The Monotype Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
[FreakyFonts]
.:ck!:.
ck!, mail: ckrule@geocities.com
2000 by ck! -- http://come.to/freakyfonts
inspired by http://www.triad.c64.org
free for personal use only!
MojaW00-E
Moja is a trademark of Typodermic Fonts
DylanW01-CondensedMedium
Gert Wiescher, Wiescher-Design, Munich, Germany, www.wiescher-design.de
Dylan is a trademark of Gert Wiescher, Wiescher-Design, Munich, Germany, www.wiescher-design.de.
Copyright (c) 2013 by Gert Wiescher, Wiescher-Design, Munich, Germany, www.wiescher-design.de. All rights reserved.
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Home/Uncategorized/Urbanites are hungry too | MP Machingauta.
Urbanites are hungry too | MP Machingauta.
Munya Bloggo March 21, 2016
By Pretty Chavango
Member of Parliament for Budiriro Honourable Costa Machingauta has called upon Government and local Non Governmental Organisations to consider the plight of urban citizens when handing out food aid as the El Nino drought that has caused widespread starvation exposing everyone to hunger.
Hon Machingauta made this plea while addressing members of Parliament during yesterday’s National assembly sitting. A state of disaster was declared in February by the President over the drought situation in the country which saw more than a quarter of the population in need of food aid.
The 2015-16 agricultural seasons was declared a national state of disaster owing to the erratic rainfall and high temperatures leading to most livestock and crops dying.
The El Nino induced drought has seen a lot of families especially in the rural areas go hungry as their cattle die and their crops are a complete write- off. The unfortunate part being that the most affected ones living in the rural areas account for 67 % (9.4 million) of the total population. 30 % (2.4 million) of them are said to have insecure food for the next 12 months.
The country currently has a national cereal deficit of around 650 000 metric tonnes for the 2015-16 consumption year. The Grain Marketing Board’s (GMB) Strategic grain reserve levels are reportedly standing at 76 % below their minimum requirement. Deliveries of grain to the GMB are very low this year, with only 29 % 11,500 metric tonnes received as of early July, compared to 40,000 metric tonnes by the same time last year.
While USAID has helped to patch the gaps through food and financial aid and have so far donated USD $ 35 million in response to the drought in Zimbabwe, much more help is still needed. A knowledge brief facilitated by the Humanitarian Information Facilitation Centre (HIFC) at the American Embassy recently revealed that 75 % of maize crop had failed in Masvingo while 65% had failed in Matebeleland South. The southern part of the country has been cited as the worst affected and over 22.000 cattle have died as a result of poor grazing and water shortages.
While rural dwellers have been more affected, urban residents are also feeling the pinch as food aid is mostly focused on the rural areas. Questions were raised in parliament last month as to when urban citizens will receive aid and the Deputy Minister of Public service, Labour and Social Welfare Hon Tapiwa Matangaidze promised distribution of food relief in urban area starting this month.
Meanwhile Indian delegate Nehaal Mayoor is in the country where he is assessing the drought situation with the assistance of Zimbabwe United Nations and the World food programme as a youth envoy resource person on behalf of United Nations Development of Public Information (UNDPI) .
Farmers are being urged to shift from traditional farming methods and adjust to the shifting seasons.
Small grains like Finger Millet, Rapoko and Sorghum can be planted instead of Maize as they are drought resistant . These crops can be considered in the coming years in the unfortunate occurrence of another drought. These crops are usually shunned by farmers because they have no ready market, however considering circumstances; food security is more vital then surplus for sale.
Zimbabwe has faced back to back droughts and farmers need to be aware.
Munya Bloggo
State of Zimbabwean embassies abroad a scandal – Hon Paradza
A day in Parliament & the problem with ‘proportional representation’
Pingback: Urbanites are hungry too – prettychavango
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NY Knicks, Garden boss James Dolan's offseason moves to let go of Jeremy Lin and sign Raymond Felton helping reinvent franchise
By Frank Isola
James Dolan hasn’t been heard from much over the years, but his player and coaching moves have spoken volumes. (Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News)
MIAMI - Maybe one of these days James Dolan will get around to explaining his reasons for waving goodbye to Jeremy Lin and signing off on acquiring Raymond Felton.
Understand this: the more the Knicks win, the more Dolan's recent moves look like gold, and the more likely the ruler of Madison Square Garden will end his self-imposed media boycott. You can take that one to the bank. And frankly, the leader of a blues band has earned the right to toot his horn a little bit.
After years of mismanagement, losing basketball and dysfunction, the Knicks have reinvented themselves. They defend, share the ball, play hard and most of all, they win. Mike Woodson's team, fresh off its convincing 112-92 win in Miami on Thursday, enters Saturday's game in Chicago with a 14-4 record, the best mark in the Eastern Conference.
RELATED: KNICKS STAR CARMELO QUESTION-A-BULL
They have posted two 20-point wins over the defending NBA champs, a team whose players conveniently used Hurricane Sandy as an excuse for their dreadful performance last month in New York. The Heat had no such alibis on Thursday after the Knicks, playing without Carmelo Anthony, crushed Miami and led LeBron James to admit, "we got our (butts) kicked."
It was an important regular-season win, one of the best the Knicks have produced in nearly a decade. Miami was at full strength and had revenge on its mind while the Knicks had Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert in street clothes.
The momentum shift occurred in the third quarter when Felton, who says he is playing with a chip on his shoulder, scored 11 of the Knicks' 37 points. He also had three of their eight 3-pointers in the quarter. Felton then re-injured his left hand but remained in the game and finished with 27 points as the Knicks won their fifth straight.
Before Thursday, the Knicks' last visit to Miami was in May for Game 5 of their first-round playoff series. Mike Bibby started at point guard with Baron Davis injured, Toney Douglas was ineffective and Jeremy Lin was unwilling to play despite saying his health was at 85% some six weeks after knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The implication was that Lin did not want to damage his free agent prospects by playing even though the Knicks were fighting for their season.
Two months later, Lin revealed that Dolan supported his decision not to play, and in fact, Dolan was more upset that Lin asked the Houston Rockets to increase their original offer to him during free agency. Enraged, Dolan wouldn't match the Rockets' three-year, $25 million contract and instead gave Knicks GM Glen Grunwald the approval to initiate a sign-and-trade with Portland to acquire Felton for half the price.
It was a smart money, smart basketball play. Felton gives the Knicks a presence on the floor and in the locker room that Lin didn't and perhaps couldn't considering his standing in the league as an undrafted point guard. Felton had already established himself as a solid point guard even though he was admittedly overweight and unproductive last season with the Trail Blazers.
In October, Tyson Chandler, who was one of Lin's biggest advocates, acknowledged that Felton is a better fit because the Knicks, with a roster of veterans, are in a win-now mode. Lin has zero playoff experience. That doesn't mean Lin could not have been successful in New York, especially with Jason Kidd serving as his mentor. But privately, Woodson had his own reservations about Lin as a starter while Anthony struggled to co-exist with a point guard who dominated the ball.
Dolan put his faith in Grunwald to find a cheaper and better alternative. He also placated Woodson and Anthony, the head coach and star player he personally signed to long-term contracts. It was Dolan who took over the Anthony negotiations from Donnie Walsh two years ago and it was Dolan who removed the interim tag from Woodson's job title without placing a single call to Phil Jackson.
The free-spending Dolan actually saved millions on a point guard and head coach. Where have you gone Jerome James?
It's been five years since Dolan's last informal Q&A session with reporters. A year earlier, he invited traveling beat reporters to breakfast in Memphis. Engaging, somewhat nervous and funny, Dolan at one point responded to a question by saying "It's not like I'm brain dead." Two Garden media employees immediately lowered their heads, fearing that Dolan had just provided fodder for a tabloid back page that never materialized.
All these years later it turns out that Dolan is in fact thinking. And listening. And enjoying a ride that should only get better. Dolan's just not talking.
But the Chairman of MSG won't stay silent for much longer. And why should he? After all, his team is certainly making plenty of noise.
Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan watching in the 1st half of the Knicks 100-99 overtime win. (Ron Antonelli/New York Daily News)
Jim Dolan, executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company with New York Knickerbockers Senior Vice President, Basketball Operations and Interim General Manager Glen Grunwald announced that Mike Woodson would be interim New York Knicks head coach at a press conference before the game when the New York Knicks played the Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. (Robert Sabo/New York Daily News) (Robert Sabo/New York Daily News)
President and CEO of Cablevision James Dolan watches the New York Knicks win 106-99 against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday December 2nd, 2012 (Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News). (Andrew Theodorakis/New York Daily News)
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Technology|Why Made in China 2025 Will Succeed, Despite Trump
The New New World
Why Made in China 2025 Will Succeed, Despite Trump
The rush toward automation in China’s manufacturing center suggests Made in China 2025 will succeed, in part because the effort is bigger than Beijing.CreditCreditLam Yik Fei for The New York Times
By Li Yuan
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China will succeed in building a powerful technology industry that will rival the United States, even if President Trump starts a trade war to stop it. The reason can be found on the fourth floor of a nondescript factory in a city once famous for cheap manufacturing and prostitution.
This factory floor, in the southern Chinese city of Dongguan, once employed what one employee called a “magnificent sea of people.” Rising labor costs and a new generation with little interest in toiling in factories forced a new tack. Now the sea of people is being replaced by a whirring array of boxy machines, each performing work it used to take 15 people 26 steps to finish.
The factory suggests that Beijing’s vision of Made in China 2025 — the ambitious state-driven plan to retool China’s industries to compete in areas like automation, microchips and self-driving cars — is not being pushed just by the Communist Party’s top leaders. Instead, the drive is also coming from the bottom up: from the businesses and cities across China that know they must modernize or perish.
The Trump administration is not wrong to confront Beijing over Made in China 2025. China’s top-down approach gives its companies unfair advantages and could continue to roil global trade relations long after Mr. Trump retires to Mar-a-Lago.
But Made in China 2025 is also being propelled by businesses like Dongguan Mentech Optical & Magnetic Company, the owner of the factory, which are worried about labor costs and their own futures. It comes from local governments looking for ways to stay relevant. It comes from a growing network of private-sector entrepreneurs, academics and local politicians who are increasingly working together to overhaul China’s factories and its future. Other cities — Suzhou, Wenzhou, Xuzhou and the industrial areas around Shanghai are just a few examples — have also drummed up their own automation plans.
The modernization may not happen in 2025. In fact, it may be long after that. But China will get there, mostly because it has to.
“If Made in China 2025 were a car, the engine has started and it’s definitely moving along,” said Zhang Guojun, director of Guangdong Intelligent Robotics Institute in Dongguan, one of several city-supported local research centers helping the factories upgrade. The city was automating well before Made in China 2025 came out in 2015, he said, “but the policy provided us a clear direction.”
A city of eight million people in the Pearl River Delta, Dongguan long relied on making and exporting shoes, toys and electronic parts to the United States and Europe. In many ways, it looks like the factory-dominated China of popular imagination, with whole parts of the city pervaded by rows of rectangular factory buildings, one after another.
It isn’t clear how long it will take for the rest of China to follow Dongguan’s example. Made in China 2025’s other goals, such as building world-class microchip industries or self-driving cars, remain out of sight for now.CreditLam Yik Fei for The New York Times
Then the 2008 financial crisis hit. Orders dried up. Dongguan became known as China’s capital of prostitution until a government crackdown cleaned it up.
Beyond the financial crisis, China’s very prosperity threatened Dongguan’s future. The average worker’s income rose fourfold over the past decade. Fewer young people wanted to work on dull and stressful assembly lines, preferring service jobs — like waiting tables and delivering e-commerce packages — that let them interact with people or move around. Some factories moved to lower-cost countries or shut down for good.
Dongguan’s companies and government had to do something. They committed to modernizing.
Before Made in China 2025 became policy, Dongguan kicked off a “replacing humans with machines initiative” and funded it with about $30 million a year. It later channeled more money into other automation initiatives. Companies that could prove they had a worthy research project or were willing to invest in industrial robots, software or advanced machinery could win subsidies and tax breaks. The government picked up 10 percent to 20 percent of the tab. Smartphone, furniture, machinery and even cake companies won support, official documents show.
Mentech, the telecom equipment supplier, once had hundreds of workers winding, packaging and testing magnetic wires that were thinner than hair, all by hand. Even today, the company is desperate for workers. On the side of one factory building it lists the on-the-job benefits it offers: monthly wages with overtime of up to about $1,100, air-conditioned dormitories, free Wi-Fi and even a birthday present.
“Love your employees,” reads a banner, “and they will love you back 100 times.”
But labor costs and a lack of hands were holding it back. During the Lunar New Year holiday, when most of China shuts down and goes home, some 500 Mentech executives, engineers and administrative staff had to work three-hour shifts after their normal workday to keep the factory running, said Zhang Xiaodong, a research and development manager.
Mentech asked Mr. Zhang and others to figure out how to automate the factory. They spent two years working late into the night. Machines needed tweaking. Components needed to be redesigned so that machines could make them. Several projects failed.
“Not every problem has a solution,” Mr. Zhang said. “We know that smart manufacturing is the future. But getting there isn’t easy.”
Today, a factory floor that once needed over 300 workers now needs 100. More than half of the factory has been automated. The workers clustered around the machines will probably be replaced by machines themselves in a year or two.
To help, the Dongguan government provided $1.5 million in subsidies. It is also luring start-ups and helping scientists open research centers to provide more know-how.
Founded by Forest Tian, a former venture capitalist, Precision Intelligent Technology is one of a number of tech start-ups the Dongguan government has wooed to help its industries.CreditLam Yik Fei for The New York Times
One start-up aiding Mentech is Dongguan Precision Intelligent Technology, which will provide a good chunk of the machinery the company needs to automate fully. Because the equipment will be Chinese-made, it will be cheaper than purchases of automation systems from Japan or the United States.
“The biggest trend in manufacturing is that automation is irreversible,” said Forest Tian, a former venture capitalist who founded Precision Intelligent Technology. “There will be huge demand for these machines.”
The Dongguan government has taken other steps to ensure these centers of innovation help local manufacturers. For example, it formed about 30 research institutes in partnership with major Chinese universities. Once the initial money was given, Dongguan officials told the institutes they had to figure out how to make money on their own.
The institutes teamed up with companies like Guangdong Janus Intelligent Group Corporation, a once-dowdy cellphone parts maker facing the familiar problem of high labor costs. Experts in the field became recurring visitors to its factory.
“We call it 18 Buddhas coming to Dongguan,” said Huang He, the head of Janus’s smart-factory business, alluding to the followers of the original Buddha.
At a Janus factory, rows of automated machine tools work with robotic arms and green conveyor belts in a space nearly the size of a football field. The robotic arms feed metal blocks to the machines, which then punch, grind and wash them. The housings for phones and tablets come out.
The factory requires 16 workers on a shift, instead of 103 before it was automated. The robotic arms are made in China.
No doubt many Chinese companies will fail in their effort to upgrade. Made in China 2025’s other goals, such as building up world-class microchip industries or self-driving cars, remain out of sight for now.
Yet when it comes to manufacturing, Dongguan suggests Made in China 2025 will succeed partly because the effort is bigger than Beijing. Chinese companies and local government officials are determined to climb the value chain so they will not fall into obsolescence. The best Washington can do is to make sure its policies help American companies stay ahead of the game.
Follow Li Yuan on Twitter: @liyuan6.
A version of this article appears in print on , Section B, Page 1 of the New York edition with the headline: Retooling China, From the Bottom Up. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe
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Politics|Senate Republicans Go ‘Nuclear’ to Speed Up Trump Confirmations
Senate Republicans Go ‘Nuclear’ to Speed Up Trump Confirmations
The move by Senator Mitch McConnell, the majority leader, was made in part to appease President Trump, who has been badgering him to take such a step for months.CreditCreditErin Schaff/The New York Times
By Glenn Thrush
WASHINGTON — The “cooling saucer” of the United States Senate keeps going into the microwave.
For the third time in six years, the majority party in the Senate detonated the so-called nuclear option on Wednesday to unilaterally change years-old rules of the chamber with a simple-majority vote. This time, to work through a backlog of President Trump’s judicial and administration nominations, Republicans cut the time between ending debate and a final confirmation vote on executive-branch nominees and district court judges from 30 hours to two.
The change was a provocative step that reignited a bitter partisan fight over presidential nominations that has raged for a decade and spanned presidencies from both parties. Democrats dwelled at length over the blockade that stopped Judge Merrick B. Garland from ascending to the Supreme Court in the final year of Barack Obama’s presidency to angrily question how Republicans could complain about the handling of Mr. Trump’s nominees.
“There’s no other word but ‘hypocrisy,’” said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader.
The majority leader, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, justified his actions on the Garland nomination, saying Democrats would have done the same thing to a Republican Supreme Court nominee. And he said Democrats started the process in 2003, when they began routinely filibustering a Republican president’s nominees.
Mr. McConnell’s move on Wednesday was intended to break the Democratic blockade over dozens of judicial and sub-cabinet nominations sent to the Senate by the Trump administration and to appease Mr. Trump, who has been badgering him to take such a step for months.
“We had hoped the Democrats would negotiate, but their base will roast them alive if they supported” a compromise deal unblocking Trump nominees, said Senator John Cornyn, Republican of Texas, who is a close ally of Mr. McConnell.
But the one-party rule change — which followed maneuvers by Democrats in 2013 to end the 60-vote threshold for most judges and executive-branch nominees, and by Republicans in 2017 to end the 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees — knocked down another pillar of Senate custom that separated it from the majority-rule House. And it took the chamber one step closer to ending the defining procedural bulwark of the Senate, the 60-vote requirement for moving ahead with most legislation.
“The Senate has changed so dramatically under McConnell’s influence,” said Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the second-ranking Democrat in the upper chamber. “He is corrupting the Senate into an institution that is more like the House of Lords than what the framers intended. We have walked away from amending, debating and legislating.”
Mr. Schumer declared it “a very sad day for the Senate.”
Mr. McConnell answered, “This is not a sad day; this is a glad day.”
“We know you don’t like Donald Trump, but he won an election and he is entitled” to “set up” his government, he continued.
Under the new rules, the Senate approved the nomination of Jeffrey Kessler to be assistant secretary of commerce. It was then to approve Roy Kalman Altman to the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.
Wednesday’s rule change was not as sweeping as the 2013 move, made when Democrats controlled the chamber, to abolish the 60-vote threshold on most nominees. Nor was it as provocative as 2017, when the Republican majority extended that 51-vote confirmation threshold to the Supreme Court after Mr. McConnell spent most of 2016 blocking Judge Garland’s nomination.
But Wednesday’s precedent opens the way for Mr. McConnell to speed up the nominating process for sub-cabinet-level posts and Federal District Court judges, appointments that represent as many as 80 percent of administration nominees. Democrats say that by limiting the time between cutting off debate on a nominee and voting on final confirmation, the Senate loses time needed to vet nominees.
Senate Democrats — who have been marginalized by Mr. McConnell’s hardball style of leadership — said Wednesday’s move represented an attack on institutional norms put in place to ensure full debate.
For Mr. Trump, the change is long overdue. For more than a year the White House, spurred on by Mr. Trump and officials in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs, has prodded Mr. McConnell to invoke what has been referred to on Capitol Hill as a “mini” nuclear option.
But Mr. McConnell resisted, in part because of the opposition of two moderate Republicans, Senator Susan Collins of Maine and Senator Lamar Alexander of Tennessee.
Their opposition ebbed in recent weeks after sporadic talks overseen by Mr. McConnell and Mr. Schumer to unfreeze some of the nominations fell apart. Mr. Trump expressed his frustration over the logjam during his hourlong appearance at the Republicans’ weekly lunch in the Capitol last week.
“This is crazy,” he said, according to two people in the room. “We have all these people, ambassadors, who have put their whole lives on hold” waiting to be confirmed.
A day later, Mr. McConnell, speaking at a second strategy lunch with his conference, blasted Mr. Schumer and claimed he was avoiding a compromise out of fear that he would be publicly attacked by liberals in his party.
He singled out Mr. Schumer’s own former spokesman, Brian Fallon, who now leads a progressive coalition that lobbies against the appointment of conservative judges.
“Chuck won’t make a deal because he’s afraid of Brian Fallon,” Mr. McConnell said, according to a person familiar with his remarks.
Mr. Fallon did not respond to a request for comment.
“The only thing stopping a deal is Senator Mitch McConnell, because Senator McConnell wants to change the rules,” said Justin Goodman, Mr. Schumer’s current spokesman.
Mr. Schumer has privately expressed frustration with his recent interactions with Mr. McConnell, particularly the majority leader’s unwillingness to even consider a separate deal for nonjudicial appointments. In a recent leadership meeting, Mr. Schumer complained that Mr. McConnell was offering him a deal that “chopped off four fingers” as opposed to cutting off his whole hand, Senate Democratic aides said.
Every Senate Democrat voted against the rule change on Wednesday. Two Republican senators, Mike Lee of Utah and Ms. Collins, also opposed it.
“The Senate’s rules protect the rights of the American people by balancing the competing interests of majorities, minorities and individual senators,” Mr. Lee said.
The actual nominations were less controversial than the rule, and a handful of Democrats crossed the aisle to vote for Mr. Altman.
Mr. McConnell and Mr. Schumer, who bear no great affection for each other, engaged in an uncommonly emotional duel on the Senate floor — holding in rapt attention two dozen senators who, in near unison, deposited their iPhones on their desks or laps to watch.
At one point, Mr. Schumer, speaking from a prepared text, turned to confront Mr. McConnell directly, accusing the leader of abusing “the brute power of the majority” to push the change.
“I’m sorry my Republican colleagues have gone along with Senator McConnell’s debasement of the Senate,” he said.
Mr. McConnell sat impassively at his desk a few feet away as Mr. Schumer spoke. He stared down at the carpet and fussed with his shirt cuffs, wearing a wry, mocking grin.
When he stood to defend himself, his face betrayed the strain, gradually reddening into a crimson blush that spanned from cheekbone to jaw, as he accused Democrats, under the leadership of “a fella named Chuck Schumer,” for weaponizing the filibuster over the past 15 years.
“He started the whole thing!” Mr. McConnell said, turning to face Mr. Schumer.
A version of this article appears in print on , Section A, Page 17 of the New York edition with the headline: Senate G.O.P. Alters Rules Over Backlog on Nominees. Order Reprints | Today’s Paper | Subscribe
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