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__label__wiki	0.629423	0.629423	Economics Job Market Wiki 2018 Wiki 2017 Wiki 2016 Wiki 2015 Wiki 2014 Wiki 2013 Wiki 2012 Wiki Add Job + Version History RSS Feed 2232 - 01/22 02:53:44 (Current) 2231 - 01/22 02:52:07 University/Company: Select Type Senior (Full or Associate) Professor Assistant Professor Visiting Professor Open Rank / Multiple Professor Lecturer Postdoc Private Sector / Industry Central Bank Public Sector Non-profit / NGO Other Select Country United States United Kingdom Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, The Democratic Republic of The Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote D'ivoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and Mcdonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and The Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and The South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Allowed markup: <b> <strong> Apply Link / Email Address: Link to Discussion on EJMR: N/A 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 N/A January February March April May June July August September October November December N/A 2020 2021 ASSA/AEA: Earliest call: Most recent call: Rejection: Campus Invitations: Earliest Invitations: Offer Made: Offer Accepted: Earliest call Most recent call Campus Invites Offer Made Offer Accepted Aalto University School of Business Assistant Professor Any AP Finland 12/01/19 no Yes 01/07/20 Edit Aalto University School of Business Department of Finance Postdoctoral Researcher in Finance Finance PD Finland 12/15/19 Description Apply ASSA 11/06/19 Edit Abt Associates Senior Analyst / PhD Economist IND US 11/19/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Acumen, LLC Policy Associate IND US 01/31/20 Yes 12/12/19 12/18/19 Edit Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow Lecturer Economics AP UK 12/08/19 Apply European Job Market for Economists 12/09/19 Yes 01/21/20 Edit Advanced Analytical Consulting Group PhD Economist US 12/30/19 09/20/19 Edit AIG Senior Quantitative Analyst Asset Management IND US 01/31/20 12/09/19 Edit Air Liquide Data Scientist / Economist US 09/20/19 Edit Airbnb, Inc. Data Scientist IND US 12/08/19 12/08/19 Edit Aix-Marseille School of Economics International Visiting Chairs 09/25/19 09/20/19 Edit Albion College Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/17/19 Edit Amazon Economist IND US 01/30/20 12/06/19 12/27/19 Dec 27, 2019 yes 01/10/20 Edit American Institutes for Research Health Economist NGO US 12/17/19 12/18/19 Edit American University Assistant Professor Applied Microeconometrics AP US Yes 12/30/19 Edit American University Assistant Professor (Public Finance and Budgeting) AP US Yes, mid-November Yes Yes 12/07/19 Edit American University Assistant/Associate Development AP US 11/15/19 12/05/19 01/07/20 yes 01/07/20 Edit Analysis Group Associate IND US ASSA 12/10/19 Yes Yes 01/08/20 Edit Arizona State University Associate/Full - Open Field US 10/19/19 09/20/19 Edit Arizona State University Clinical Assistant Professor Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Arizona State University Assistant Professor Any AP US 10/20/19 Description Apply 12/04/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Arizona State University Assistant Professor - Open Field AP US 10/19/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit Arizona State University Assistant Professor Finance AP US Zheng (UCLA), Tomunen (Columbia), Naaraayanan (HKUST), Tang (HEC Paris) https://bit.ly/2ThTKqS 01/12/20 Edit Asian Development Bank Young Professional (Economics) OTH Philippines 10/30/19 Yes 12/24/19 Edit Assumption College Assistant Professor of Finance Tenure-Track Finance AP US 11/26/19 Edit Auburn University Assistant Professor of Quantitative Method AP US yes, mid-December Yes 01/20/20 Edit Auburn University Assistant Professor of Agribusiness/Experimental Economics AP US 10/31/19 yes, mid-December 01/07/20 Edit Auburn University Assistant Professor Econometrics AP US 11/23/19 Description Apply 12/11/19 12/11/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Australian National University Lecturer AP Australia 11/25/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 12/12/19 Edit Ball State University Assistant Professor Pubic, Urban, Regulatory AP US 12/01/19 Description Yes 11/22/19 11/28/19 Edit Banca d'Italia 4 Research Fellowships for Economists Macro, Financial econ, Trade, International econ, Public econ OTH Italy 11/22/19 Description Apply EJM, ASSA 12/03/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit Banco de Portugal Research Economist Economics CB Portugal EEA 12/04/19 12/04/19 12/05/19 Edit Bank for International Settlements PhD Fellowship Programme 09/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Bank for International Settlements Economist / Senior Economist CB Switzerland 11/26/19 12/04/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit Bank of Canada Senior Economist or FSS Senior Analyst (2019-2020 PhD Job Market) CB Canada 01/30/20 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Bank of England Economist CB UK 11/29/19 11/29/19 Edit Bank of Japan Economist, Central Banker 09/20/19 Edit Bank of Japan Economist 09/20/19 Edit Baruch College Assistant Professor Finance AP US ASSA 12/20/19 12/20/19 yes 01/14/20 Edit Baruch College (CUNY) Assistant/Associate Professor of Economics Economics; Applied Microeconomics; Applied Macroeconomics AP US Description ASSA 12/04/19 yes 01/14/20 Edit Bates College Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/30/19 12/04/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit Bates White Economic Consulting Economist IND US 11/19/19 12/06/19 12/13/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit Bates White Economic Consulting Economist (Machine Learning Focus) IND US 11/19/19 Yes 12/09/19 12/09/19 12/18/19 Edit Behavior and Inequality Research Institute (briq) Postdoctoral Fellow in Behavioral Economics/Economics of Inequality Behavioral econ, econ of inequality PD Germany 12/01/19 Description Apply EJM 09/30/19 Edit Beihang University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Economics and Management AP China 12/14/19 12/03/19 01/17/20 Edit Beijing Foreign Studies University Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor AP China 01/30/20 12/07/19 12/08/19 Edit Bellarmine University Assistant Professor of Economics (112636) AP US 12/11/19 12/13/19 Edit Beloit College Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP US Yes 12/16/19 yes 01/09/20 Edit Ben-Gurion University Tenure-Track Position 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Berlin Universities + Institutes Berlin Economics Research Associates Any PD Germany Apply no Häckl (Vienna), Madio (Toulouse), Sandmann (Toulouse), Tripodi (EUI), Ronayne (Oxford), Smirnov (Zurich), Chen (Bonn), Fernandez-Navia (Barcelona), Camilo Castillo (Stanford University), Müller(Uppsala), Ostrizek (Princeton), Palikot (Toulouse) 01/17/20 Edit BI Norwegian Business School Assistant Professor in Economics AP Norway Apply EEA, ASSA 12/03/19 12/18/19 yes 01/08/20 Edit BI Norwegian Business School Full-time tenure-track faculty positions Finance AP Norway ASSA 11/26/19 yes 01/16/20 Edit Binghampton University Assistant professor Environmental Economics AP US 11/25/19 Yes 12/09/19 Mathes (ASU), Farah (Calgary) 01/20/20 Edit Birkbeck, University of London Lecturer A/B Economics AP UK 09/11/19 Description Apply 29 Sep 12/04/19 Edit BlackRock Associate, Quantitative Researcher Asset Management IND US 01/31/20 Yes 12/12/19 12/17/19 12/19/2019 01/13/20 Edit Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/19/19 Edit Boston College Research Economist Retirement, aging NGO US Description Yes 12/04/19 12/10/19 Edit Boston College Open Rank (Tenured, Tenure-Track) Faculty Position in Finance beginning Fall 2020 Finance AP US 11/25/19 Description Boston University Assistant Professor AP US 01/11/19 ASSA 11/25/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Boston University Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/06/19 Edit Boston University Department of Earth & Environment Assistant Professor of Earth & Environment US 10/31/19 09/20/19 Edit Bowdoin College Tenure Track Position in Economics Open Economy Macroeconomics OPN US Yes 12/06/19 12/24/19 Edit Bowdoin College Assistant Professor Applied Econometrics AP US ASSA 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Bradley University Assistant Professor in Residence Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Bradley University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/05/19 12/07/19 12/07/19 Edit Brandeis International Business School Assistant Professor Finance AP US Description Yes 01/11/20 Edit Brandeis University International Business School Assistant Professor of Data Analytics and Operations (Tenure Track) US 09/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Brigham Young University Economics CFS Faculty OPN US 11/14/19 10/31/19 Hill (MIT), Golightly (UT Austin), Swift (Minnesota) 01/09/20 Edit Bristol University, School of Economics, Finance and Management Lecturers (Assistant Professors) in Finance Finance AP UK 12/01/19 Description Apply EJM, ASSA 12/10/19 12/16/19 Received 8 emails stating rejection 12/11 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Brock University Probationary Tenure Track Appointment Macroeconomics, Labour AP Canada Apply Yes 01/15/20 Edit Brown University Lecturer LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Brown University Assistant Professor AP US 11/14/19 12/05/19 12/05/19 12/08/19 Edit Brown University Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor SNR US 11/14/19 Thomas Mariotti (TSE) 01/18/20 Edit Bucknell University Tenure Track Position in Macroeconomics AP US Yes 12/17/19 Edit Bucknell University Tenure Track Position in Economics, Inequality Econometrics AP US 12/03/19 12/05/19 Edit Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Economist PUB US 12/01/19 12/02/19 12/02/19 Edit California Institute of Technology Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Smith (MIT) Knudsen (Copenhagen) Wagner (Yale) 01/15/20 Edit California Institute of Technology Linde Postdoctoral Fellow PD US 12/13/19 12/13/19 Edit California State University Fullerton Assistant/Associate professor Environment/Health AP US 11/18/19 Yes 01/07/20 yes 01/07/20 Edit California State University Northridge Assistant Professor Microeconomics AP US Yes 12/05/19 12/09/19 12/10/19 Edit California State University San Bernardino Assistant Professor AP US 12/05/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit California State University, Bakersfield Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/12/19 12/18/19 Edit California State University, East Bay Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/06/19 12/18/19 Edit California State University, Long Beach Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/17/19 Edit California State University, Sacramento Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/17/19 Edit Capital One Principal Quantitative Modeler Financial Services IND US 01/31/20 Apply Yes 12/13/19 yes 01/06/20 Edit Carleton College Assistant or Associate Professor AP US 11/26/19 12/03/19 Dec 30, 2019 12/30/19 Edit Carleton University Canada Research Chair Tier II - Sustainable Energy and Environmental Economics Sustainable Energy and Environmental Economics AP Canada 11/25/19 Edit Carnegie Mellon University Tenure-Track Position in Behavioral Economics AP US 10/31/19 12/05/19 Thaler (Harvard) Tripodi (EUI) Somerville (Cornell) Graeber (Bonn/Harvard) 01/15/20 Edit Carnegie Mellon University Tenure Track Position in Business Technology AP US 10/30/19 12/05/19 12/05/19 12/13/19 Edit Catholic University Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio) Assistant/Associate Professor AP Brazil 11/27/19 De la O (Stanford), Alves (NYU), Graziano (Maryland), Muñoz (UIUC), Sollaci (Chicago), Joaquim (MIT), Zarate (Berkeley), Brugues (UCL), Rogantini (EUI) 01/16/20 Edit CEMFI Economics AP Spain 11/29/19 Todorov (LSE), Passalacqua (Harvard), Xiao (Yale), Audoly (UCL), Wong (Warwick), Jensen (Berkeley), Almagro (NYU), Azkarate (Toulouse), Zeleneev (Princeton), Joaquim (MIT), Poyker (Columbia), Navarro-Sola (Northwestern), Humlum (Princeton), Martellini (University of Pennsylvania) -> tinyurl.com/yeeryohc 01/08/20 Edit Center for Global Development 2020-2021 Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship PD US 12/01/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 12/18/19 Edit Center for Retirement (Boston College) Research Economist labor econ/ retirement NGO US yes 01/13/20 Edit Center for Science and Society at Columbia University Postdoctoral Scholar/Scientist or Associate Research Scholar/Scientist Interdisciplinary PD US 12/18/19 Edit Center for the Economics of Human Development Postdoctoral Scholar Economics PD US 01/31/20 Description Apply 10/02/19 Edit Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellowship Fellow US 01/16/20 09/20/19 Edit Central Bank of Chile Economists/Senior Economists CB Chile 12/14/19 12/23/19 12/23/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit Central College Assistant Professor AP US 11/20/19 12/16/2019 Yes Yes 12/17/19 Edit Central University of Finance and Economics Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor School of Economics AP China 11/20/19 Yes 12/17/19 yes yes 01/20/20 Edit Central University of Finance and Economics Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP China 12/16/19 Edit Central University of Finance and Economics Assistant, Associate, and Full Professor School of Finance AP China 12/08/19 12/31/19 12/31/19 12/31/19 Edit Central University of Finance and Economics Assistant Professor or Associate Professor China Center for Human Capital and Labor Market Research AP China 12/14/19 12/07/19 12/20/19 Yes 01/16/20 Edit Centre College Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 01/09/20 Edit CERGE-EI Assistant/Associate Professor OPN Czech Republic Ferrari (EUI), Almuzara (CEMFI), Lee (LSE), Wong (Warwick), Szoke (NYU), Friedman (Columbia), Ostrizek (Princeton), ziegler (Northwestern); https://tinyurl.com/t7f5tj6 01/20/20 Edit Chapman University Associate/Full Professor of Economics US 09/20/19 Edit Chapman University Associate/Full Professor of Economics, Tenured, Fall 2020 US 09/20/19 Edit Charles River Associates Senior Associate (2020 Start) IND US 11/21/19 12/09/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit cheung kong graduate school of busines Assistant Professor AP China ASSA 12/03/19 12/09/19 Edit Chewy Pricing Data Scientist IND US 12/18/19 Edit Chicago Booth School of Business Assistant/Associate Professor in Finance Finance AP US 03/15/20 Gupta (Northwestern); Clayton (Harvard); Mabille (NYU); Myers (stanford); Koby (Princeton); Calder-Wang (Harvard); Antill (Stanford); Howard (Berkeley); Jiang (Austin); Vandeweyer (Science Po) 01/07/20 Edit Chicago Booth School of Business Assistant/Associate Professor in Finance and Economics Macro AP US 03/15/20 Bilal (Princeton), Wolf (Princeton), Rubbo (Harvard), Lian (MIT), Myers (Stanford), Vasquez (Berkeley), Manelici (Berkeley), Hazell (MIT) 01/08/20 Edit Childrens Mercy Kansas City Health and/or Behavioral Economics US 09/20/19 Edit Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Assistant Professor Economics AP China 12/09/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP China ASSA 12/09/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit Citadel & Citadel Securities Quantitative Researcher Asset Management IND US 01/31/20 12/07/19 12/20/19 12/07/2019 yes 01/08/20 Edit City University of Hong Kong Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor (Economics) AP Hong Kong 11/30/19 12/16/19 12/16/19 Edit City University of Hong Kong Assistant Professor Finance AP Hong Kong AEA 12/04/19 Core (LSE), Lee (NYU), Liu (Boston), Xu (Michigan)https://www.cb.cityu.edu.hk/ef/research/seminars/finance/ 01/09/20 Edit Claremont Graduate University Assistant and Associate Professor Positions Law & Economics OPN US 12/29/19 Edit Claremont McKenna College Charles M. Stone Endowed Chair in Finance Finance SNR US 11/27/19 11/26/19 Edit Clarkson University Assistant Professor AP US 11/30/19 12/06/19 12/09/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Clemson University Assistant Professor AP US Yes 12/06/19 12/08/19 Edit CNA Research Analyst - Economist, Resources and Force Readiness IND US 12/18/19 Edit Colby College Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 12/06/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Colgate University Open Rank Economic Development OPN US Yes 12/04/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit Colgate University Open Rank Gender Economics OPN US Yes 12/04/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit College of Europe Full Professor SNR Belgium 10/31/19 Description Collegio Carlo Alberto Assistant Professor Any field AP Italy Sandulescu (Lugano), Schoenleber (Frankfurt), Krohn (Copenhagen), Sichert (Goethe), Pecheu (UCLA), Kulka (Wisconsin), Tancheva (Tilburg), Munoz (UIUC), Caroline Le Pennac (Berkeley) Martinez-Toledano (PSE), Gazze (MIT), Navarro-Sola (Northwestern), https://tinyurl.com/vorfc5s 01/21/20 Edit Colorado State Assistant Professor AP US 12/17/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Columbia Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 01/10/20 Edit Columbia Business School Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/05/19 Katherine Wagner (Yale); Pierre Mabille (NYU); Huan Tang (HEC Paris); Nuno Clara (LBS); Alejandro Lopez Lira (Wharton); Sean Myers (Stanford); Sophie Calder-Wang (Harvard) 01/10/20 Edit Columbia Business School Assistant, Associate or Full Professor Position AP US Yes 01/08/20 Edit Columbia University Earth Institute Postdoctoral Research Program in Sustainable Development US 10/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Columbia University Senior Research Scholar Oil Markets US 09/20/19 Edit Columbia University Senior Research Scholar or Research Scholar Global Natural Gas Markets US 09/20/19 Edit Commodity Futures Trading Commission Research Economist US 11/13/19 09/20/19 Edit Compass Lexecon Senior Economist IND US 11/15/19 12/06/19 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit Congressional Budget Office Experienced Health Economist PUB US 11/22/19 Yes 12/03/19 12/10/19 Edit Connecticut College Assistant Professor Development AP US 11/30/19 Yes 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Connecticut College Assistant Professor Macro AP US 12/17/19 Edit Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Economist PUB US 11/17/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit Convoy Inc Senior/Principal Economist IND US 01/30/20 Yes 12/19/19 12/20/19 Edit Copenhagen Business School Assistant Professor Finance AP Denmark 12/05/19 12/05/19 Edit Cornell University Assistant Professor AP US 12/01/19 12/09/19 12/10/19 Chiang (Vanderbilt), Kosterina (Princeton), Li (UPenn), Lee (chicago), Qiu (LSE), Zeleneev (Princeton), Delfino (LSE), Garrett (Duke), Risch (Princeton), Levy (Yale), https://events.cornell.edu/search/events/1?event_types%5B%5D=117392 01/21/20 Edit Cornell University Bruce F. Failing, Sr. Professorship of Personal Enterprise and Small Business Management US 09/20/19 Edit Cornell University Faculty Position(s) SC Johnson College of Business and Cornell Tech (All Ranks) US 09/20/19 Edit Cornerstone Research Associate IND US 12/02/19 12/05/19 Yes Yes Yes 01/21/20 Edit Cornerstone Research Summer Associate IND US 12/18/19 Edit Cornerstone Research Senior Economist IND US 01/07/20 01/07/20 Yes 01/08/20 Edit Council on Foreign Relations 2020-2021 CFR International Affairs Fellowship (IAF) in International Economics, sponsored by Kimberly Querrey US 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit CREI Positions in Macroeconomics, International Economics and Related Fields AP Spain 11/21/19 EJM 11/28/19 Pearce (Chicago), Wu (Chicago), Moneke (LSE), De Ridder (Cambridge), Azkatere (TSE), Hazell (MIT), Wolf (Princeton), Bilal (Princeton). https://bit.ly/35CTfKu 01/09/20 Edit Cubist Systematic Strategies Quantitative Alpha Researcher Asset Management IND Singapore 01/30/20 Description 11/25/19 Yes 12/16/19 Edit CUNEF Assistant Professor Economics, Finance, Quant Methods AP Spain Terskaya (Alicante), Hagen (Carlos III), Petit (CEMFI), Cormun (Boston College), Le Moglie (Bocconi), Grillo (Toulouse) 01/21/20 Edit Dalhousie University Assistant Professor Open Field AP Canada 11/25/19 Edit Dalian Maritime University Lecturer/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor 12/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Danmarks Nationalbank - Research Unit Economist/Senior Economist/Adviser Macro, Monetary, International Macro, Finance and Banking CB Denmark 11/21/19 Description Apply EJM, ASSA 11/29/19 11/29/19 Edit Dartmouth College Associate or Full Professor US 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Dartmouth College Post Doctoral Fellowship US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Dartmouth College Assistant Professor AP US 11/14/19 12/05/19 01/07/20 Allende (Columbia/Princeton); Wagner (Yale); Wu (Wisconsin); Heldring (Oxford/Briq); Gupta (Northwestern); Alp (Penn); Ramos-Toro (Brown); Van Patten (UCLA); Berkouwer (Berkeley); Wong (Warwick); Weiss (NYU); Haseeb (Warwick) 01/18/20 Edit Deakin University Assistant Professor Development Economics AP Australia Yes 12/17/19 12/18/19 Edit Deloitte Transfer Pricing Senior Consultant IND US Yes 12/17/19 12/17/19 01/21/2020 01/21/20 Edit Denison University Assistant Professor of Economics Global Commerce AP US Yes 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Denison University Assistant Professor of Economics Macroeconomics / Econometrics AP US Yes 12/11/19 12/17/19 Edit Department of Defense Economist US 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Department of Economics, Bocconi University Assistant Professor in Economics Any AP Italy 11/22/19 Description Apply EJM 11/29/19 Porcher (Princeton), Fiorin (UCSD), Oh (Columbia), Navarro-Sola (Northwestern), Manelici (Berkeley), Vasquez (Berkeley), Schwarz (Warwick), Wong (Warwick), Tricaud (Ecole Polyt), Delfino (LSE), De Ridder (Cambridge). shorturl.at/aAGPS 01/08/20 Edit Department of Economics, Ghent University Assistant Professor in Behavioural Economics and Finance Behavioral econ, behavioral finance AP Belgium 12/06/19 Description Department of Finance, Bocconi University Assistant Professor Finance AP Italy Pursianen (Hong Kong), Vihriala (Oxford), Filali Adib (Insead), Sandulescu (SFI); https://bit.ly/3058Yk4 01/09/20 Edit DePauw University Assistant Professor of Economics Labor Economics AP US Yes 12/17/19 Edit DePauw University Assistant Professor of Economics International Economics AP US Yes 12/05/19 12/17/19 Edit Deutsche Bundesbank Research Economist Any CB Germany 12/01/19 Description Apply EJM, ASSA 10/18/19 Edit Dickinson College Assistant Professor (Microeconomics) AP US 11/14/19 12/06/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit Dickinson College Assistant Professor (Macroeconomics) VIS US 11/14/19 Description 12/05/19 Edit Diego Portales University Assistant or Associate Professor in Economics 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Digonex Technologies Economist IND US 12/15/19 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit Dimensional Fund Advisors Research Internship (PhD) US 12/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Dimensional Fund Advisors Researcher Asset Management IND US 11/23/19 Yes 12/06/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Dongbei University of Finance and Economics Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Full Professor AP China 01/30/20 YES 12/09/19 12/23/19 12/23/19 Edit Drew University Assistant professor Environment/Development/Health AP US 12/11/19 Yes 12/17/19 12/17/19 Edit Duke University Assistant Professor AP US 01/30/20 12/11/19 Allende (Columbia/Princeton); Lian (MIT); Manelici (Berkeley); Baron (Florida State); Demirer (MIT); Xiang (Penn State); Wen (Yale); Xiao (Yale); Lee (Chicago); Van Patten (UCLA); Wagner (Yale); Almagro (NYU) http://ipl.econ.duke.edu/seminars/slist/recruiting/2020/Spring 01/14/20 Edit Duke University Assistant Professor of Strategy AP US 01/30/20 Yes Yes 01/10/20 Edit Duke University Professor in Public Policy and Economics OPN US 09/27/19 09/24/19 Edit Duke University, Fuqua AP Finance Finance AP US 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Duke University, Fuqua (Business) Economics AP US 12/09/19 Edit Duke UniversitynSanford School of Public Policy Lecturer in Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Durham University Assistant Professor in Finance Finance AP UK 11/30/19 ASSA, EEA 12/13/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 Edit Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics (DICE) at Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Postdoctoral Researcher in Industrial Organization, Behavioral Economics, or International Economics IO, Behavioral, International PD Germany 12/13/19 Description Edgeworth Economics Principal Economist IND US 12/17/19 Edit EEIF - Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance Assistant Professor AP Italy 11/26/19 Galli (UCL), Montenegro (MIT), Spector (MIT), Szoke (NYU), Huang (Duke), De Ridder (Cambridge), Joaquim (MIT), Martellini (Penn), Tortarolo (UC Berkeley), Baumont (Paris-Dauphine), Tricaud (CREST), Alp (Penn), Eckardt (LSE), Herreno (Columbia) 01/16/20 Edit Emory University Lecture-Track Faculty Economics Cluster Hire LEC US 12/20/19 Edit Emory University Economics Cluster Hire AP US 10/29/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Emory University Assistant or Associate Professor Quantitative Methodologist US 09/20/19 Edit Emory University Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/11/19 Edit Environmental Defense Fund High-Meadow Post-doctoral Economist Environmental resource economics PD US ASSA 12/16/19 12/16/19 Edit EPFL Faculty Position in Finance Finance OPE Switzerland 01/31/20 Description Erasmus University Rotterdam Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Netherlands 11/24/19 Description Erasmus University Rotterdam Assistant Professor in Urban and Regional Economics Urban and Regional Econ AP Netherlands 11/15/19 Description Apply EJM 12/04/19 12/04/19 Edit ESCP Europe Assistant/ Associate Professor Finance AP France 12/01/19 Description Apply yes 12/20/19 12/24/19 Edit ESCP Europe Business School Assistant/ Associate Professor of Finance Finance AP Italy 12/01/19 Description ESMT Berlin Tenure-track Assistant Professor Position Applied Microeconomics or Theoretical and/or Empirical Industrial Organization AP Germany Description ESSEC Business School Assistant Professor Finance AP France 12/04/19 Edit Essent Guaranty, Inc. Director of Modeling Risk Management IND US 01/31/20 No 01/08/20 01/16/20 01/16/20 Edit European University Institute Assistant Professor Any AP Italy 11/25/19 Description Apply EJM Knoepfle (Bonn), Delaney (UCL), Mauring (Vienna/UCL), Askasua (Tolouse), Aboutalebi (Warwick), Tsur (Vienna/NYU) 01/15/20 Edit EY Data Science Manager Financial Economics IND US 12/17/19 Edit Facebook Economist IND US 12/12/19 12/17/19 Edit Facebook Calibra Research Scientist Economics IND US 12/17/19 Edit Fannie Mae Research Associate OTH US 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Financial Economist PUB US 12/01/19 12/05/19 12/10/19 12/13/19 Edit Federal Housing Finance Agency Economist PUB US 12/16/19 Yes 12/06/19 12/10/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of Boston Economist CB US 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Research Economist or Senior Research Economist - Macroeconomics CB US 11/29/19 Yes 12/04/19 12/12/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Economist CB US 12/05/19 12/10/19 12/11/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City Agricultural Economist PUB US 12/06/19 12/07/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of New York PhD Economist CB US 11/28/19 12/03/19 12/07/19 Yes 01/08/20 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Data Scientist/Machine Learning Economist economics, econometrics CB US 12/01/19 Description Apply yes 12/05/19 12/05/19 12/06/19 Edit Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco Economist CB US 11/26/19 12/04/19 12/04/19 Edit Federal Reserve Board of Governors Economist All CB US 11/14/19 Yes 11/27/19 12/12/19 12/13/19 Edit Federal Reserve Minneapolois Quantitative Fellow CB US 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Federal Trade Commission Economist IO PUB US 12/01/19 Description FGV/EESP - São Paulo School of Economics Assistant Professor AP Brazil Barsanetti (Northwestern), Araujo (Pittsburgh), Sollaci (Chicago), Graziano (Maryland), Luduvice (UPenn), Oliveira (AP - Penn State) 01/16/20 Edit Flagship State University PhD All AP US Description 10/30/19 Edit Florida State University AP AP US 12/05/19 Ballis (UC Davis) Tuttle (Maryland) Curtis (AP Wake Forest) 01/15/20 Edit Florida State University Assistant Professor Finance AP US Yes 01/10/20 Edit Ford Motor Company Economist/Econometrician IND US 12/10/19 12/13/19 Edit Fordham University Assistant Professor of Economics Game Theory, Microeconomics AP US 11/11/19 Description Apply ASSA 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/13/19 Edit Foreign Service Institute International Economist US 09/20/19 Edit Fortress Investment Group Predictive Analytics Modeler US 09/20/19 Edit Frankfurt School of Finance and Management Assistant Professor Finance AP Germany 11/20/19 Apply ASSA 11/29/19 https://www.frankfurt-school.de/en/home/research/research-seminars 01/09/20 Edit Franklin & Marshall College Two Tenure-Track Positions in the Department of Economics AP US 11/14/19 11/26/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Freddie Mac Quantitative Analytics Senior IND US 12/20/19 AEA 12/16/19 01/15/20 Yes 01/15/20 Edit Fudan University, School of Management Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP China AFA 12/25/19 Edit Georgetown University Assistant Professor US 10/31/19 09/20/19 Edit Georgetown University Assistant Professor Finance AP US Yes 01/11/20 Edit Georgetown University in Qatar Core Faculty Positions in Economics AP Qatar 12/06/19 12/12/19 12/20/19 Edit Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) Non-Core Faculty Position in Economics LEC Qatar 12/06/19 ASSA 12/10/19 Edit Georgia College and State University Assistant Professor of Economics Behavioral/experimental economics AP US 12/15/19 Description Apply Yes 11/25/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Assistant professor Environmental and Energy AP US 11/15/19 11/27/19 11/27/19 12/13/19 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Assistant Professor of Economics Health AP US 12/29/19 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Assistant Professor of Economics Econometrics AP US 12/29/19 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Public Policy - Public Finance AP US 12/29/19 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Academic Professional and Associate Director of Academic Programs US 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Georgia Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Finance AP US Yes 01/11/20 Edit Georgia State University Assistant Professor - Public AP US 12/03/19 Tortarolo (Berkeley), Hoehn-Velasco (AP Bryn Mawr) 01/15/20 Edit Georgia State University Endowed Chair US 09/20/19 Edit Georgia State University Assistant or Advanced Assistant Professor Macro AP US Deng (Rochester), Alder (AP UNC) 01/17/20 Edit Georgia State University Clinical Assistant Professor LEC US Yes 12/11/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Gettysburg College Assistant Professor of Macroeconomics Macroeconomics AP US Yes 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit Getulio Vargas Foundation Assistant Professor 11/24/19 09/20/19 Edit Ghent University Assistant Professor in Corporate Finance Finance AP Belgium 11/25/19 Description Apply EJM 12/04/19 yes 01/21/20 Edit Goethe University Frankfurt Research Assistant (all gender welcome) (Post Doc) asset pricing, derivatives PD Germany 09/23/19 Description Goethe University Frankfurt Postdoctoral Researchers Quantitative Macro PD Germany 11/24/19 Description Goldman Sachs Macro Research Associate Financial Services IND US 12/03/19 12/09/19 Edit Graduate School of Business - Stanford University Faculty Positions in Economics AP US 11/29/19 12/06/19 Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Almagro (NYU), Yang (Chicago) 01/09/20 Edit Grand Valley State University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 12/05/19 12/10/19 Edit Grinnell College Assistant Professor of Economics (Microeconomics) Tenure Track AP US 11/14/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Grinnell College Assistant Professor of Economics (Macroeconomics) Tenure Track AP US 11/14/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Harbin Institute of Technology Assistant Professor Economics AP China ASSA/AEA 12/09/19 12/09/19 12/08/19 Edit Harvard Assistant Professor AP US Bai (Chicago), Grigsby (Chicago), Manelici (Berkeley), Ball (Yale), Mckelway (MIT), Bilal (Princeton) 01/09/20 Edit Harvard Business School Tenure-Track Position in Finance Finance AP US 11/27/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Harvard Business School Tenure Track or Tenured Faculty Position OPN US 11/14/19 12/02/19 12/03/19 Edit Harvard Business School Tenure Track Assistant Professor US 11/18/19 09/20/19 Edit Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Strategy AP US 11/15/19 01/11/20 Edit Harvard Business School Tenure Track Position in Economics BGIE Unit AP US 11/15/19 01/11/20 Edit Harvard University Harvard Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship US 09/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Harvard University Tenure-Track or Tenured Professor in Ethnic Studies US 09/20/19 Edit Hausdorff Center for Mathematics Hausdorff Postdoc 10/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Hausdorff Center of Mathematics Bonn Junior Fellow (Prof. W2) 09/30/19 09/20/19 Edit HealthCore Researcher IND US 12/18/19 Edit HEC Lausanne Assistant Professor Finance AP Switzerland ASSA 12/11/19 12/11/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit HEC Montreal Assistant Professor Finance AP Canada 11/27/19 12/15/19 Yes 01/15/20 Edit HEC Montreal Assistant Professor AP Canada 11/27/19 yes 01/07/20 Edit Henan University Faculty Position in Microeconomics 11/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Henan University Faculty Position in Macroeconomics 11/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Hertie School, Berlin Professor of Macroeconomics (Open Rank) Macroeconomics AP Germany 12/15/20 Description Apply Rotterdam (EEA) 12/01/19 Edit Hiroshima University Full or Associate Professor 10/10/19 09/20/19 Edit Hong Kong Baptist University Assistant Professor Finance AP Hong Kong AEA 12/04/19 Edit Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Assistant Professor Finance AP Hong Kong AEA 12/04/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Horny University Dr. Sexy Dayum NGO Afghanistan 01/25/20 Description HSE Game theory Lab, St.Petersburg, Russia Postdoc (1-3 years) game theory, matching, social choice PD Russian Federation 02/09/20 Description Apply no 12/21/19 Edit Hubei University of Economics Assistant/Associate/Full Professor 12/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Hunan University Assistant Professor AP China 12/09/19 11/05/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 Edit Hunan University Assistant Professor or Higher 12/06/19 09/20/19 Edit I.M. Systems Group Environmental and Natural Resource Economist US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit IDinsight Economist 12/07/19 09/20/19 Edit IESE Business School Assistant, Associate or Full Professor Finance AP Spain 11/28/19 Description IIES-Stockholm University Tenure-Track Assistant Professor AP Sweden 11/20/19 Eckardt (LSE); Pellegrino (UCLA); Xiao (Yale); Thibaud (Zurich); Navarro-Sola (Northwestern); Weiss (NYU); Sander (Berkeley); Okuyama (Yale); Ridder (Cambridge); Berkouwer (Berkeley); Jensen (Berkeley) https://www.iies.su.se/research/seminars/current-seminars 01/13/20 Edit IMF 2020 Economist Program (EP) Any NGO US 12/15/19 Description Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur Assistant Professor AP India 01/30/20 09/25/19 Edit Indiana University Assistant Professor AP US ASSA 12/10/19 yes 01/09/20 Edit Indiana University McKinney Professor of Environmental Resilience and Philanthropy US 09/20/19 Edit Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research All Levels Assistant Professors / Associate Professors 09/20/19 Edit Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Assistant Professor 02/28/20 09/20/19 Edit Innovations for Poverty Action and Universidad del Rosario Postdoctoral Researcher 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit INSEAD Assistant Professor Finance AP France 12/04/19 12/05/19 Edit INSEAD - Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses Faculty Positions in Finance Finance OPN Singapore 11/15/19 Description Insper Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa Assistant, Associate and Full Professor Position 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) Postdoctoral Fellowship PD UK Eckardt (LSE), Xiao (Yale), Tortarolo (Berkeley), Spiganti (Edinburgh), McKelway (MIT), Humlum (Princeton), Rubens (KU Leuven) 01/20/20 Edit Institute of Economics, TU Braunschweig Postdoctoral Researcher Empirical econ, econometrics PD Germany 11/15/19 Description Institute of Quality Development Strategy of Wuhan University Assistant Professor 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Intensity Economist IND US Yes 12/16/19 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit Inter-American Development Bank (IADB) Research Economist Any OTH US Yes Bancalari (LSE), Caicedo (Chicago), Montenegro (MIT), Pedemonte (Berkeley), Varela Varela (Columbia), Vidart (UC San Diego) 01/10/20 Edit Iowa State University Assistant Professor - Environmental and Resource Economics Environmental and Resource Economics AP US 11/17/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 Edit Iowa State University Associate or Full Professor in Economics US 10/06/19 09/20/19 Edit IRDES - Institute for Research and Documentation in Health Economics Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Health Economics – Undocumented Migrants access to care in France Health econ PD France 10/31/19 Description Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Canada AFA 12/16/19 Edit IZA (Institute of Labor Economics) Research Associates Labor, Demographic econ PD Germany 11/15/19 Description Jacobs Levy Equity Management Senior Quantitative Equity Researcher Asset Management IND US 01/31/20 12/09/19 Edit Jinan Assistant Professor AP China 12/13/19 12/15/19 12/15/19 Edit Johns Hopkins Carey Business School Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/06/19 Edit Johns Hopkins University Faculty Position in Financial Economics US 09/20/19 Edit Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School Assistant/Associate Professor Applied micro AP US 12/06/19 Description Apply 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Joint Committee on Taxation, United States Congress Quantitative Economist US 12/12/19 09/20/19 Edit Joint Committee on Taxation, United States Congress Policy Analyst Economist PUB US 12/12/19 12/06/19 12/19/19 12/19/19 Edit JPMorgan Chase Quantitative Model Developer Financial Services IND US 12/01/20 Yes 12/04/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit JPMorgan Chase & Co Compliance Analytics Associate Corporate Compliance IND US 01/31/20 No 01/16/20 01/16/20 Edit Jönköping International Business School Assistant Professor in Finance Finance AP Sweden 01/12/20 KDI Associate Fellow any NGO Korea, Republic of yes 01/13/20 Edit KDI School of Public Policy and Management Assistant Prof AP Korea, Republic of 11/09/20 yes Yes 01/14/20 Edit Kelley School of Business Assistant/Associate Professor, Kelley School of Business AP US 12/05/19 12/10/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Kennesaw State University Assistant Professor AP US 11/30/19 Yes 12/04/19 01/06/20 yes 01/07/20 Edit Keystone Strategy Economist US 11/24/19 09/20/19 Edit Kobe University A Full-Time Position to Teach Economics in English 11/23/19 09/20/19 Edit Kobe University One-Year Assistant Professor (without tenure) 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Kookmin University Assistant/Associate Professor Any field AP Korea, Republic of 01/31/20 Description Korea Institute for International Economic Policy Fellow Any OTH Korea, Republic of Yes Yes 01/09/20 Edit Korea Institute of Public Finance Fellow Any OTH Korea, Republic of Yes Yes 01/09/20 Edit Korea Labor Institute Fellow Labor, Micro, Macro, Metrics OTH Korea, Republic of ASSA Yes 01/09/20 Edit KPMG Economic and Valuation Services Senior Associate IND US Yes Yes 01/17/20 Edit Krannert School of Management Assistant Professor Micro Theory AP US 12/10/19 12/10/19 12/13/19 Edit Krannert School of Management Associate or Full Professor US 09/20/19 Edit KU Leuven Academic Position in Econometrics AP Belgium 11/14/19 Wang (UPF); Almuzara (CEMFI); Rothfelder (Tilburg); Marx (MIT); Lapenta (TSE) 01/15/20 Edit Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Postdoctoral Scholar Development; Growth - Environmental; Ag. Econ. - Finance - Labor; Demographic Economics - Macroecono AP Ukraine 11/22/19 Description EEA 12/24/19 Edit Lake Forest College Assistant or Associate Professor of Economics Macro, Financial, International AP US 12/01/19 Lancaster University Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Finance Finance AP UK 12/05/19 Description Apply ASSA 12/13/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit Lancaster University Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Applied Microeconomics Microeconomics LEC UK 11/29/19 Apply European Job Market for Economists 12/06/19 12/09/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit Lancaster University Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Macroeconomics Macroeconomics LEC UK 11/29/19 Apply European Job Market for Economists yes 01/10/20 Edit Lebanese American University Visiting Assistant Professor Any field AP Lebanon 11/03/19 Description Lebanese American University Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP Lebanon 12/01/19 Description Lehigh University Assistant Professor (Applied Economics), Tenure Track Position AP US 11/30/19 12/05/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 Edit Lehigh University Assistant Professor (Health Economics), Tenure Track Position US 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Leiden University Postdoc / Assistant Professor Labour Economics AP Netherlands 11/17/19 Description Leiden University PhD Candidate on Economics and Governance of Migration Political Economy & Labour Economics OTH Netherlands 10/15/19 Description Lingnan (University) College, Sun Yat-sen University Assistant / Associate Professor 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Lingnan University Associate Professor / Assistant Professor in the Department of Economics AP China 12/09/19 12/11/19 Edit London Business School Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP UK AFA 11/27/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit London School of Economics and Political Science Assistant Professor Economics AP UK 10/05/19 Mukhin (AP Wisconsin), Manelici (Berkeley), Webb (Stanford), Rubbo (Harvard), Ding (Harvard), Sandmann (TSE), De Ridder (Cambridge), Tricaud (CREST), Castillo (Stanford), Heldring (Oxford/Briq), Hazell (MIT), Humlum (Princeton) 01/19/20 Edit London School of Economics, Department of Economics Assistant/Associate Professorial Lecturer (Education Career Track) Any LEC UK 11/13/19 Description London School of Economics, Department of Finance Assistant Professor in Finance Finance AP UK Description Apply ASSA 11/29/19 11/29/19 Edit Longwood University Assistant Professor Applied Micro AP US 12/02/19 12/12/19 Edit Louisiana State University (LSU) AP AP US 12/01/19 ASSA 12/05/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich Assistant Professor Any AP Germany 12/05/19 yes 01/14/20 Edit Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich 15 LMU Research Fellowships 11/11/19 09/20/19 Edit LUISS Assistant Professor AP Italy Sarkisian (TSE), Escudé (EUI), Hagen (Carlos III), Pietrosanti (UPenn) 01/11/20 Edit Luohan Academy (Ant Financial/Alibaba Group) Economist/Senior Economist IND China ASSA 12/23/19 12/29/19 12/29/19 Edit Lyft Research Scientist IND US 12/15/19 12/18/19 Edit Manhattan College Assistant Professor of Macroeconomics Experimental/Behavioral AP US Marquette University Assistant Professor Public Economics, Health, Education, and Welfare AP US 11/26/19 Description Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assistant Professor AP US 11/14/19 12/09/19 out Rubbo (Harvard), Webb (Stanford), Bilal (Princeton), Wolf (Princeton), Ball (Yale), Graeber (Bonn), Marone (Northwestern) 01/09/20 Edit Massachusetts Institute of Technology Assistant Professor US 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit MASSIVE Medical and Subrogation Specialists Economist US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Mathematica Human Services Research Economist Human Services OTH US 01/31/20 Description 12/18/19 Edit Matrix Economics, LLC Associate IND US Yes 12/06/19 12/17/19 Edit McGill University Assistant Professor of Economics AP Canada Couture (Berkeley AP), Wagner (Yale), Chiang (Vanderbilt), Xiang (Penn State), Heldring (Oxford/Briq), Haushofer (Princeton AP), Zarate (Berkeley), Eckardt (LSE), Samaee (Penn), McGee (UCL), Qiu (LSE) - https://tinyurl.com/wcxu57o 01/21/20 Edit McGill University Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Canada ASSA Yes 01/09/20 Edit McGill University (Econ/Policy) Assistant/Associate Professor Environmental Policy OPE Canada 12/01/19 Description 12/10/19 Edit McMaster University Associate Professor, Economics and Tier 2 Canada Research Chair SNR Canada 01/30/20 Yes 01/06/20 Edit McMaster University Assistant professor AP Canada ASSA 12/09/19 yes 01/12/20 Edit Medical College of Wisconsin Assistant or Associate Professor Health AP US Miami University Assistant Professor (Microeconomics) AP US 12/06/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Miami University Assistant Professor (Macroeconomics) AP US 12/04/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Miami University Assistant Teaching Professor (Macroeconomics) LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Microsoft Research Postdoctoral Research Economist PD US 11/27/19 11/27/19 12/02/19 Edit Middlebury College Macroeconomics AP US 11/21/19 y 01/15/20 Edit Millikin University Assistant/Associate Professor of Financial Economics (Tenure-Track) US 09/20/19 Edit Mississippi State University Assistant or Associate Professor of Economics AP US 01/30/20 12/16/19 yes 01/15/20 Edit Mississippi State University Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP US Yes 12/08/19 Edit MIT Sloan Assistant Professor Applied Economics Group AP US ASSA Almagro (NYU), Calder-Wang (Harvard), Ide (Stanford GSB), Demirer (MIT), Manelici (Berkeley), Marone (Northwestern), Ball (Yale) 01/16/20 Edit MIT Sloan Assistant Professor Finance AP US Myers (Stanford), Antill (Stanford), Simone (Columbia GSB), Abrams (Chicago), Howard (Berkeley), Ring (Northwestern) 01/16/20 Edit MIT Sloan School of Management TIES Assistant Professor or Associate Professor (without Tenure) AP US 11/14/19 12/06/19 12/07/19 Edit Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) Faculty - Assistant, Associate and Full Professors Any Field AP Morocco 01/31/20 Description yes 01/10/20 Edit Monash University Assistant Professor Any AP Australia 12/18/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit Moodys Analytics Research Associate Financial Services IND US 11/16/19 12/02/19 12/17/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit Murray State University Assistant Professor AP US 11/30/19 12/06/19 12/11/19 12/13/19 Edit Nanjing Audit University Assistant Professor Institute of Banking and Money AP China 12/15/19 Yes 12/19/19 12/24/19 12/24/19 Edit Nankai University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor AP China 12/04/19 12/05/19 12/05/19 yes 01/20/20 Edit National Bank of Ukraine (Junior/Senior) Researcher CB Ukraine 11/22/19 Description National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. Full Time Research Assistant US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit National Chengchi University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor 02/14/20 09/20/19 Edit National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) Professors/Senior Fellows/Fellows/Associate Fellows 09/20/19 Edit National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Any OPN Japan 01/31/20 Yes 12/08/19 12/09/19 Chi (Columbia), Kim (UCLA), Gupta (Michigan), Le (Louisiana State) https://preview.tinyurl.com/wj9ewr9 01/10/20 Edit National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow (Faculty of Economics) Assistant Professor in Economics Any AP Russian Federation Apply ASSA Seo (Queen's), Smirnov (Zurich), Smirnyagin (Minnesota), Kovalenko (U of Texas), Gorn (Cambridge), Rossi (Carlos III), Novak (CERGE-EI), Aragon (Carlos III), Dupraz (Warwick), Van Patten (UCLA), Poyker (Columbia), Grishina (SSE), https://tinyurl.com/sqkdupx 01/19/20 Edit National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow (International College of Economics and Finance) Assistant Professor in Economics or Finance Any AP Russian Federation 11/22/19 Description Apply ASSA Baranov (Boulder), Seong (UC Davis) 01/20/20 Edit National Taiwan University Assistant Professor Level or Above AP Taiwan 12/02/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 Chi (Columbia), Chu (Wisconsin), Seong (UC Davis), Karlman (IIES), Bussy (LSE). 01/20/20 Edit National University of Singapore Tenure Track Position (Economics) AP Singapore 11/29/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit National University of Singapore Visiting Faculty 09/29/19 09/20/19 Edit National University of Singapore Assistant Professor in Economics AP Singapore 11/14/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit National University of Singapore (NUS) Dept of Real Estate Assistant Prof Real Estate AP Singapore 01/13/20 Edit National University of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy Faculty Search in Economics for Assistant / Associate Professors AP Singapore 11/14/19 AEA 12/05/19 01/07/20 Yes 01/10/20 Edit National University of Singapore, NUS Business School, Department of Finance Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors Finance OPN Singapore 11/23/19 11/26/19 Edit Naval Postgraduate School Assistant and/or Associate Professor Economics OPE US Yes 12/15/19 Edit Navarra Center for International Development (NCID) Assistant professor AP Spain Lehne (PSE), Bancalari (LSE), Vilela (NOVA), Garcia-Hernandez (NOVA) http://ncid.unav.edu/en/events/year/2020 01/15/20 Edit Nazarbayev University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor in Economics 11/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Neoma Business School AP Finance AP France Yes yes 01/15/20 Edit NERA Economic Consulting Consultant (Job Market) IND US 11/23/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit NERA Economic Consulting Consultant (Experienced Hire) US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Netflix Data Science & Engineering IND US 01/31/20 12/18/19 Edit New Jersey Department of the Treasury Economic Policy Research Analyst US 09/20/19 Edit New York University Assistant Professor of Economics and Public Service AP US 10/14/19 11/27/19 12/02/19 12/02/19 Edit New York University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/02/19 Ball (Yale), Liang (Penn), Humlum (Princeton), Van Patten (UCLA), Xiang (Penn State), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Bai (Chicago), Zeleneev (Princeton), Holzlein (Berkeley), Marone (Northwestern) 01/18/20 Edit New York University Abu Dhabi Postdoctoral Researcher Division of Social Science, NYU Abu Dhabi 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit New York University School of Professional Studies Adjunct Faculty Positions Economics US 09/20/19 Edit New York University Stern School of Business Clinical Assistant Professor Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit New York University Stern School of Business Assistant Professor of Finance, tenure-track Finance AP US 11/30/19 Description NHH Norwegian School of Economics Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Finance Finance AP Norway 11/22/19 Description Norges Bank (Central Banlk of Norway) Research Economist at Norges Bank (Oslo, Norway) economics, financial economics CB Norway Description Apply EJM, ASSA 11/27/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit North Dakota State University Assistant Professor of Economics International Finance AP US Yes 12/05/19 Edit North Dakota State University Assistant Professor of Economics International Finance AP US 12/08/19 Edit Northeastern University Assistant Professor Finance AP US 11/20/19 11/20/19 12/13/2019 12/15/19 Edit Northern Michigan University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 10/31/19 Walden (Kentucky); Wang (MSU); Pittacker (Berkeley) 01/20/20 Edit Northwestern Kellogg Finance Assistant Professor Finance AP US Antill (Stanford); Abrams (Chicago); Calder-Wang (Harvard); Pellegrino (UCLA); Myers (Stanford); Mabille (NYU); Howard (Berkeley); Simone (Columbia GSB); 01/17/20 Edit Northwestern University Open Rank Teaching Track Faculty Position Economics LEC US 12/10/19 Sederberg (Bowdoin), Hardwick (Northwestern), Lin (Gettysburg, Letsou (Boston College), Surro (UCLA) https://www.economics.northwestern.edu/events/seminars/junior-recruiting.html 01/10/20 Edit Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management Faculty Positions in Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences Managerial Economics and Decision Sciences AP US Yes Ide (Stanford), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Manelici (Berkeley) https://www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/faculty/events.aspx?dept=6C39C5C7-B597-406A-B1CB-6FFEB28E99FE 01/19/20 Edit NYCEDC Assistant Vice President Economic & Fiscal Modeling US 10/18/19 09/20/19 Edit Oberlin College Visiting (Assistant, Associate) Professor (Instructor) of Economics VIS US 10/30/19 12/17/19 Edit Occidental College Associate/Advanced Assistant Professor (Global Political Economy) US 09/30/19 09/20/19 Edit OECD Economist NGO France 11/14/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 Edit Ohio State University Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/02/19 12/02/19 yes 01/06/20 Edit Ohio State University Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP US 12/18/19 Edit Oregon Health & Science University Assistant/Associate Professor (Research) AP US 11/11/19 11/22/19 12/10/19 yes 01/15/20 Edit Oregon State University Director, School of Public Policy AP US 12/03/19 12/03/19 12/03/19 Edit Oregon State University Assistant Professor Trade AP US 11/25/19 Yes 12/03/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit Oxford College of Emory University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/01/19 ASSA 12/04/19 Yes 01/19/20 Edit Oxford College of Emory University Assistant Professor of QTM, Tenure Track AP US 01/30/20 Yes Yes 01/17/20 Edit Pace University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 01/20/20 01/20/20 Yes 01/20/20 Edit Paris School of Economics Assistant Professor AP France Liang (Stanford), McGee (UCL), Yang (TSE), Goni (Wien), Geerolf (UCLA), Ostrizek (Princeton), Oh (Columbia), Ghose (Virginia) 01/14/20 Edit Pathrise Data Science Fellowship US 09/20/19 Edit PBCSF Assistant Professor Finance AP China Yes 12/12/19 Edit Peking University Assistant/Associate/Full Professors ISSCAD AP China 11/10/19 Yes 12/13/19 12/16/19 Edit Peking University Assistant/Associate/Full Professors Guanghua Finance OPN China 11/19/19 Apply 12/06/19 12/07/19 12/10/19 Edit Peking University Assistant / Associate Professor of Economics Schools of Economics AP China 12/01/19 Apply AEA 12/10/19 12/11/19 Edit Peking University HSBC Business School Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Economics Economics and Finance OPN China 12/01/19 Peking University, INSE Assistant Professor AP China 01/09/20 Edit Peking University, National School Assistant Professor AP China 11/10/19 Penn Wharton Budget Model Economist NGO US https://tinyurl.com/ttwxv9c 01/17/20 Edit Pennsylvania State University Assistant/Associate Teaching Professor Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Pennsylvania State University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/05/19 12/05/19 Root (UC Berkeley), Porcher (Princeton), Thurk (AP, Notre Dame), Rubens (KU Leuven), Herreno (Columbia), Brugues (UCL), Alp (U Penn) 01/10/20 Edit Pennsylvania State University Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Real Estate AP US 01/30/20 12/04/19 12/04/19 Edit PIMCO Ph.D. Researcher Asset Management IND US 11/30/19 Yes 12/20/19 12/20/19 Edit Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Assistant Professor AP Chile 11/23/19 Yes 01/17/20 Edit Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (Business School) Assistant/Associate Professor Finance, Marketing, IO/Strategy AP Chile 11/24/19 Description Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Assistant Professor 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Assistant Professor AP US 01/30/20 12/04/19 12/04/19 Mountjoy (AP Chicago), Lindner (Berkeley), Grigsby (Chicago), Wu (Chicago), Rubbo (Harvard), Mu (AP Columbia), Bai (Chicago), Rose (Berkeley), Coen (LSE), Sandmann (Toulouse), Roth (Harvard), Wagner (Yale), Tang (HEC París), Marone (Northwestern) 01/20/20 Edit Princeton University Lecturer LEC US 01/30/20 12/17/19 Edit Princeton University Postdoctoral Research Associate US 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Niehaus Center for Globalization & Governance Postdoctoral Fellowship US 12/08/19 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Postdoctoral Research Associate US 11/28/19 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Postdoctoral Research Associate in Regional Political Economy US 12/08/19 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Visiting Fellow US 11/28/19 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Peter B. Kenen Visiting Fellowship US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Post-Doctoral Research Associate or Visiting Research Scholar US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Postdoctoral Research Associate/Senior Researcher US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Princeton University Professor US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Prysm Group Economist US 09/20/19 Edit Purdue University Lecturer/Senior Lecturer Economics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit Purdue University Assistant Professor of Economics Microeconomic Theory AP US Yes Yes 01/10/20 Edit Purdue University Assistant Professor of Economics Experimental and / or Behavioral Econ AP US Yes Yes 01/10/20 Edit Purdue University Assistant Professor Finance AP US Yes 01/11/20 Edit Purdue University Post Doc US 09/20/19 Edit PWC Transfer Pricing Associate IND US Yes 12/19/19 12/19/19 Yes 12/29/19 Edit Queen Mary University of London Open Rank positions in Economics or Finance Economics or Finance OPN UK 11/20/19 ASSA 12/05/19 Doval (Caltech), Schenone (Caltech), Vasquez (Berkeley), Eckardt (LSE), Alves (NYU), Wang (Oxford), Schwartz (Warwick), Ferrari (EUI), Kanik (MIT), Friedman (Columbia), Hong (Nottingham), Ghose (UVA), Mendes (NOVA), Honkanen (HEC Paris), Spray (Cambridge), Shi (University of Washington), Chiang (Vanderbilt), Shishkin (Princeton), Wang (HEC Paris), Ziegler (Northwestern), Lanier (Ecares) Fiorin (University of California), Girshina (Stockholm) 01/12/20 Edit Queen's University Assistant Professor of Economics AP Canada 12/05/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 Edit Queen's University Assistant Professor of Economics 1 opening w preference for Energy & Environment + Another in Institutions, Tech, & Markets AP Canada Yes 01/08/20 Edit Queen's University Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Canada AFA 12/12/19 12/12/19 Yes 01/11/20 Edit Queen's University, Smith School of Business Tenure-track Positions in Finance Finance AP Canada Description RAND Corporation Research Positions in Applied Microeconomics IND US 11/11/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit Reed College Tenure-Track Position in Economics- Macroeconomics AP US 12/07/19 12/11/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Reed College Tenure-Track Position in Economics- Microeconomics US 09/20/19 Edit Regional Economic Models, Inc Economist US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Renmin University of China Assistant Professor AP China 01/31/20 12/17/19 12/23/19 Yes Yes 01/15/20 Edit Research Affiliates Senior Researcher Asset Management IND US 12/15/19 Yes 12/16/19 12/16/19 Edit Resolution Economics, LLC Senior Consultant / Ph.D. Economist US 09/20/19 Edit Rice University Assistant Professor AP US 01/30/20 12/09/19 12/09/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation Director of Learning and Evaluation US 09/20/19 Edit Rollins College Assistant Professor, Economics US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit RTI International PhD Research Economist IND US 01/31/20 12/18/19 Edit Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Assistant Professor Macroeconomics AP US ASSA 12/06/19 Macro: Xu (Wisconsin), Lee (OSU), Morelli (NYU), Magistretti (Northwestern), Armella (Northwestern); Econometrics: Xu (MSU), Chiang (Vanderbilt), Zhang (Duke), Feng (Columbia), Zeleneev (Princeton) 01/22/20 Edit Ryerson University Assistant Professor Immigration / Health / IO / International Trade / Political Economy AP Canada Yes 12/20/19 Edit Ryerson University Assistant Professor Public/ Labor / Environmental / Urban / Behavioral AP Canada Yes 12/20/19 Edit Saint Bonaventure University Assistant/Associate Prof. Economics Any AP US Saint Louis University Assistant Professor of Economics Development AP US 12/19/19 Edit Saint Louis University Assistant Professor of Economics Applied Microeconometrics AP US 12/19/19 Edit Sam Houston State University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 12/11/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit San Diego State Assistant Professor AP US 12/13/19 12/13/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit San Francisco State University Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Urban Economics AP US 11/21/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 12/09/19 Edit San Jose State University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/14/19 yes 01/09/20 Edit Santa Clara University Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/10/19 12/11/19 Edit Santa Clara University Assistant Professor in Economics Economics AP US Yes 12/12/19 Yes 01/19/20 Edit School of Business, Renmin University of China Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP China AFA 12/19/19 Edit Sciences Po Assistant Professor AP France Description Abeler (Oxford), Moneke (LSE), Porcher (Princeton), Almuzara (CEMFI), Delfino (LSE), Kattwinkel (Bonn), Berkouwer (Berkeley), Gazze (MIT/Chicago), Mabille (NYU), Galli (UCL), Almagro (NYU) 01/12/20 Edit Seattle University Assistant, Associate or Full Professor AP US 10/31/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit Seton Hall Assistant Professor AP US ASSA 12/03/19 01/17/20 Edit Shandong University AP AP China 12/13/19 12/22/19 Yes 01/20/20 Edit Shandong University of Economics and Finance Assistant Professor Economics AP China ASSA/AEA 12/18/19 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF), Shanghai Jiao Tong University Assistant Professor in Finance Finance AP China 11/29/19 Shanghai Jiao Tong University Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor Any AP China 11/19/19 ASSA, CICE 12/03/19 Yes Yes Lim (Columbia), Wang (UCSD), Xu (UPenn) 01/17/20 Edit Shanghai Maritime University School of Economics & Management Assistant/Associate/Full Professor AP China 01/30/20 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit Shanghai University Lecturer/Assistant/Associate/Full Professor SNR China 11/30/19 12/09/19 yes 01/20/20 Edit Shanghai University of Finance and Economics Assistant Professor School of Economics AP China 12/01/19 Yes 12/23/19 12/27/19 Edit Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE), School of Finance Tenure-Track Faculty Positions in Finance Finance AP China 11/29/19 12/05/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 Edit Shanghai University, SILC Business School Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Economics/ Finance/ Management AP China 12/01/19 12/15/19 12/15/19 12/15/19 Edit Simon Fraser University Assistant/Associate Professor of Economics AP Canada 11/30/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit Singapore Management University Assistant Professor Finance AP Singapore Smith College Open-Rank Professor OPN US 11/21/19 12/16/19 12/16/19 yes 01/15/20 Edit Southern Methodist University Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/03/19 12/03/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Southern Methodist University Assistant Professor AP US 12/30/19 11/22/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) Faculty Positions in the Department of Finance of SUSTech 09/20/19 Edit Southwest Jiaotong University Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professors 12/19/19 09/20/19 Edit Southwestern University of Finance and Economics Assistant Professor or Associate Professor The Research Institute of Economics and Management (RIEM) AP China 11/26/19 Yes 12/10/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit St John's University Assistant Professor Micro AP US Description ASSA 12/09/19 Edit St. Catherine University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/06/19 12/17/19 Edit St. Edward's University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 01/20/20 01/20/20 Yes 01/20/20 Edit St. Lawrence University Assistant Professor of Economics AP US Yes 12/05/19 12/17/19 Edit St. Olaf College Tenure Track Positions in Statistics and Data Science US 09/20/19 Edit St. Olaf College Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/13/19 12/13/19 12/16/2019 12/17/19 Edit Stanford Faculty Positions in Political Economy US 11/29/19 09/20/19 Edit Stanford GSB Assistant Professor in Finance AP US Weitzner (Austin), Coen (LSE), Zheng (UCLA), Lian (MIT), Jiang (Austin), Clayton (Harvard), Ring (Northwestern) 01/11/20 Edit Stanford University 2020-2021 Shorenstein Postdoctoral Fellow in Contemporary Asia US 12/19/19 09/20/19 Edit Stanford University Hoover Fellows - A New Path For Early-Career Scholars US 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Stanford University Postdoctoral Fellowship US 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit Stanford University SIEPR Postdoctoral Fellowships in Applied Economic Policy US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Stanford University Assistant Professor AP US 12/05/19 Thaler (Harvard); McKelway (MIT); Wolf (Princeton); Rubens (KU Leuven); Ball (Yale); Bilal (Princeton); Bai (Chicago) 01/10/20 Edit Stanford University (Department of Economics) Assistant Professor Any AP US 11/22/19 Description Apply EJM 12/06/19 12/06/19 yes 01/07/20 Edit Stevens Capital Management LP Quantitative Research Analyst Internship US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit Stevens Capital Management LP Quantitative Research Analyst Asset Management IND US 01/30/20 12/09/19 Edit Stevens Institute of Technology Tenure-Track Assistant/Associate Professor of Econometrics/Financial Econometrics US 09/20/19 Edit Stockholm School of Economics Faculty Positions in Finance Finance OPN Sweden 12/04/19 Pasaj (CASS), Desai(Tilburg), Tenekedjieva (Chicago Booth), Sichert (Goethe), Abad (CEMFI), Pegoraro (University of Chicago), Mabille (NYU), Sarkar (LBS), Gianinazzi (SFI), https://tinyurl.com/sf5qenv 01/09/20 Edit Stockholm School of Economics Assistant Professor in Economics AP Sweden 11/23/19 11/27/19 Spray (Cambridge), Moran (Oxford), Kulka (Wisconsin), Horvath (Boston College), Brugues (UCL), Vihrialla (Oxford), de Ridder (Cambridge), Haller (Zurich), McGee (UCL) 01/10/20 Edit Stockholm University Assistant Professor Any field AP Sweden Haller (Zurich), Magistretti (Northwestern), Hut (Brown), Kulka (Wisconsin), Azkarate-Askasua (Toulouse), Yu (Columbia), Lee (Ohio State), Navarro-Sola (Northwestern), Wong (Warwick), Lee (LSE), Audoly (UCL), Paz-Pardo (UCL), Giardili (Queen Mary), https://tinyurl.com/vk3b9co 01/09/20 Edit SUNY Oswego Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP US Yes 12/19/19 01/11/20 Edit Sveriges Riksbank Research Economist CB Sweden Apply EEA 12/03/19 12/03/19 12/03/19 Edit Swiss Re Economist - Macro Strategy Economics IND Switzerland Description Syracuse University Assistant Professor of Sport Analytics US 09/20/19 Edit T. Rowe Price Quantitative Analyst (Multi-Asset/Global Macro) Asset Management IND US 01/31/20 12/09/19 Edit TD Securities Associate - G10 Rates Quantitative Strategist US 09/20/19 Edit TED University Assistant / Associate / Full Professor 12/19/19 09/20/19 Edit TED University Assistant / Associate / Full Professor Any OPN Turkey 12/20/19 Description Tel Aviv University Tenured and Tenure Track Positions 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Tel Aviv University Lecturer/Senior Lecturer/Associate/Full Professor 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Temple University, Fox School of Business Assistant Professor Finance AP US Yes 01/11/20 Edit Texas A&M International University Assistant Professor of Economics International AP US Yes 12/08/19 Edit Texas A&M University Assistannt Professor - Agricultural Marketing & Quantitative Analysis US 09/20/19 Edit Texas A&M University Assistant or Advanced Assistant Professor AP US 01/30/20 12/06/19 Edit Texas A&M University Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/03/19 Yes 01/11/20 Edit Texas State University Assistant Professor of Economics Macroeconomics AP US Y 11/26/19 12/03/19 Y 01/09/20 Edit Texas Tech University Assistant Professor of Economics Macroeconomics AP US 12/12/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit The Australian National University Research Fellow / Fellow 10/25/19 09/20/19 Edit The Brattle Group Associate - Early Decision IND US 10/06/19 12/03/19 12/05/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit The Chinese University of Hong Kong Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Full Professor Econometrics OPN Hong Kong Ronayne (Oxford), Lee (Chicago), Feng (Michigan), Feng (Columbia), Hyun (Columbia), Sun (Michigan), Murayama (Northwestern), Heese (Bonn), Xu (MSU), Qiu (LSE); http://www.econ.cuhk.edu.hk/econ/en-gb/news-event/seminars 01/20/20 Edit The Chinese University of Hong Kong Professor / Associate Professor / Assistant Professor (Business Economics) Economics AP Hong Kong 12/30/19 12/02/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit The Chinese University of Hong Kong Assistant Professor Finance AP Hong Kong 12/03/19 12/03/19 Edit The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Professor /Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Economics 09/20/19 Edit The College of Wooster Assistant/Associate Professor AP US 11/29/19 Description 12/06/19 12/07/19 12/13/19 Edit The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Faculty Positions (Public Management) 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Faculty Positions (Public Policy) 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Professor (Applied Economics) Applied Economics AP Hong Kong 12/04/19 12/04/19 12/05/19 Edit The Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE Postdoctoral Researchers financial intermediation, household finance, international finance, or money & finance PD Germany 11/10/19 Description The Lewin Group Consultant/ Senior Consultant/ Managing Consultant IND US 12/17/19 Yes 01/12/20 Edit The MITRE Corporation Senior Economist US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit The MITRE Corporation Sr. Principal Economist US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit The MITRE Corporation Senior Economist IND US 01/30/20 12/02/19 12/06/19 Edit The New Economic School Assistant or Associate Tenure-Track Professor AP Russian Federation 01/30/20 12/07/19 Seo (Queen's) 01/20/20 Edit The Ohio State University Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics and Policy US 10/26/19 09/20/19 Edit The Sunwater Institute Scholar US 09/20/19 Edit The Swiss National Bank (SNB) Economist Macro CB Switzerland Description The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Assistant/Associate Professor of Econometrics and Statistics AP US 03/14/20 12/03/19 12/04/19 Edit The University of Hong Kong Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/ Assistant Professor in Finance 11/19/19 09/20/19 Edit The University of Hong Kong Tenure-Track Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor in Economics 11/30/19 09/20/19 Edit The University of Hong Kong Assistant Professor Finance AP Hong Kong AEA 12/04/19 Edit The University of Luxembourg Associate Professor (Promotion Track) in Finance and Asset Management (M/F) Finance, Asset Management SNR Luxembourg 01/20/20 Description Apply ASSA Yes 01/09/20 Edit The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Assistant Professor Econ AP US 11/15/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Head, Department of Economics US 09/20/19 Edit The University of Queensland Economics Lecturer Any field AP Australia 11/04/19 Description The University of Tampa Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/29/19 11/29/19 Edit The University of Tennessee Assistant Professor Applied Micro AP US Yes 11/27/19 12/03/19 Yes 01/15/20 Edit The University of Tennessee Assistant Professor Macro AP US Yes Yes 01/15/20 Edit The University of Texas at Austin Tenure/Tenure Track Business and ESG/CSR Position US 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit The University of Texas at Austin Tenure/Tenure Track Business and Public Policy Position US 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit The University of Texas at Austin Assistant Professor/Associate Professor/Full Professor Any OPN US 12/01/19 12/05/19 01/14/20 Edit The University of Texas at Austin Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor of Finance Finance AP US 11/17/19 12/05/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit The University of the South Assistant Professor in Macroeconomics AP US 12/09/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit The University of the South Assistant Professor Development Economics AP US 12/09/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit The University of Tulsa Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/14/19 12/08/19 12/08/19 Edit The Urban Institute Research Associate (Education and Data Policy) US 09/20/19 Edit The World Bank Group Research Economist OTH US 11/14/19 12/11/19 12/11/19 Edit Tianjin University Faculty Positions AP China 11/24/19 12/20/19 Yes 01/20/20 Edit Tilburg University Assistant Professor Finance AP Netherlands 12/05/19 12/06/19 Edit Tilburg University Assistant Professor Any field AP Netherlands 11/24/19 EEA 11/24/19 Qiu (LSE), Hansen (Copenhagen), Seo (Queens), Seong (UC Davis), Almagro (NYU), Xiao (Yale), Zeleneev (Princeton), Brugues (UCL), Rubens (KU Leuven), Bui (Vanderbilt), Lapenta (Toulouse), Meeuwis (MIT), Humlum (Princeton). https://www.tilburguniversity.edu/about/schools/economics-and-management/news-and-events/seminars/econometrics-and-statistics 01/08/20 Edit Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Economics and Management Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Netherlands 11/30/19 Description Toulouse School of Economics Assistant Professor AP France 12/04/19 Zorzi (MIT), Matray (Princeton), Hemou (Zurich), Lee (Chicago), Missirian (Columbia), Thibaut (Zurich), Capelle (Princeton), Castillo (Stanford), Schwarz (Warwick), Coen (LSE), Fattinger (Melbourne), Vandeweyer (Sciences Po), Vivalt (AP ANU), Jochmans (AP Sciences Po), Escudé (EUI), Porcher (Princeton), Carroll (AP Stanford) 01/16/20 Edit Towson University Assistant Professor IO/Health AP US 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit Towson University Assistant Professor of Economics Labor AP US Yes 12/10/19 12/18/19 Edit Trinity College CT Assistant Professor Development/East Asia AP US 11/04/19 Yes 11/20/19 12/05/19 Edit Trinity University Assistant Professor of Economics US 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit Trinity University (CT) Assistant Professor Macroeconomics AP US 11/11/19 Description Trinity University TX Assistant Professor of Economics International AP US Y 12/05/19 12/05/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit Tsinghua University Professor, Associate Professor and Assistant Professor AP China 12/14/19 12/02/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit Tulane University Finance Faculty Finance OPN US U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Research Economist PUB US 11/30/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit U.S. Department of Justice Economist PUB US 11/22/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Financial Economist Visiting Scholar US 09/20/19 Edit U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission SEC Fellow (Financial Economist) US 09/20/19 Edit U.S. Treasury Office of Financial Research Research Economist PUB US 12/02/19 12/02/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit Uber Economist IND US ASSA 12/04/19 12/10/19 yes 01/09/20 Edit Uber Driver Transportation IND US Description 12/18/19 Edit UC Denver Assistant Professor AP US 12/10/19 yes 01/10/20 Edit UCD School Of Business Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 Or 2 Finance PD Ireland 10/31/19 Description Union College Assistant Professor of Economics Micro, IO, Ag, Environmental AP US 12/01/19 Yes 12/12/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Assistant Professor 11/19/19 09/20/19 Edit Universidad Carlos III de Madrid Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP Spain 11/20/19 Description Apply EJM 12/12/19 12/12/19 Garrido (Georgetown), Galli (UCL), Martinez-Toledano (PSE), Campos-Mercade (Lund), Allocca (Mannheim), Tripodi (EUI) 01/08/20 Edit Universidad de los Andes Assistant Professor AP Colombia 11/28/19 Rosa (CEMFI), Helo Sarmiento (UCSB), Sobrino (Princeton), Luduvice (UPenn), Laverde (Chicago), Graziano (Maryland), Herreno (Columbia), Naef (Cambridge), Marx (Northwestern), Sarmiento (UIUC), Poblete (UCL), Zarate (Berkeley), Montenegro (MIT) 01/16/20 Edit Universidad de Los Andes - Chile Assistant, Associate or Full Professor AP Chile 01/30/20 12/02/19 12/08/19 Edit Universidad del Rosario Assistant/Associate/Full Professor AP Colombia 11/30/19 12/03/19 Munoz (UIUC), Ramos (Brown), Rosa (CEMFI), MacDonald (ASU), Helo (UCSB), van der Werf (UCD), Uribe-Castro (Maryland), Sobrino (Princeton), Capera (Tilburg), Bohorquez (Tilburg), Laverde (Chicago), Jaimes (Tilburg), Graziano (Maryland), Zarate (Berkeley), Montenegro (MIT) 01/13/20 Edit Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Nova School of Business and Economics) Assistant, Associate or Full (tenure track) Professor in the field of Economics Any AP Portugal 11/30/19 Description Apply EJM 12/05/19 Petrella (Warwick), Palikot (TSE), Paz-Pardo (UCL), Folty (IIES, Stockholm University) 01/17/20 Edit Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Nova School of Business and Economics) Assistant, Associate or Full (tenure track) Professor in the field of Finance Finance AP Portugal 11/30/19 Description Apply EJM 12/04/19 Girshina (Stockholm School of Economics), Schoenleber (Frankfurt), Schwenkler (Questrom School of Business), Desai (Tilburg), Sichert (Goethe University) 01/17/20 Edit Università della Svizzera italiana (University of Lugano) Post-Doctoral Position in Applied Microeconomics Applied Micro PD Switzerland 12/02/19 Description Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona Lecturer (Applied Economics) Any field AP Spain EEA 01/14/20 Edit Universitat Pompeu Fabra Assistant Professor Open AP Spain 11/29/19 Haller (Zurich), Bustos (CEMFI), Tricaud (Ecole Polytechnique), Coen (LSE), Bilir (AP, Wisconsin), Delfino (LSE), Carril (Stanford), De Ridder (Cambridge), Almuzara (CEMFI), Azkarate-Askasua (TSE), Rubens (KU Leuven); http://tiny.cc/sucdiz 01/14/20 Edit Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) AP AP Canada Description ASSA 12/07/19 Edit University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Assistant Professor Macroeconomics, Monetary Economics AP US 12/16/19 12/16/19 Edit University at Buffalo, The State University of New York Clinical Assistant Professor Economics LEC US 12/17/19 12/17/19 12/18/19 Edit University College Dublin Lecturer/AP AP Ireland 12/03/19 12/05/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit University College Dublin, UCD School of Business UCD Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Level 1 Or 2 Financial econometrics, Empirical Finance PD Ireland 10/31/19 Description University College London AP AP UK 12/10/19 12/10/19 Tenekedjieva (Chicago), Guenzel (Haas), Ulyssea (Oxford), Wu (Chicago), Friedman (Columbia), Almagro (NYU), Adib (insead), Rubbo (Harvard), Pegoraro (Chicago), Sandmann (TSE), Kattwinkel (Bonn), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Chiang (Vanderbilt), Pazaj (Cass), Meuwis (Chicago), Doval (Caltech), Zeleneev (Princeton) 01/20/20 Edit University of Akron Assistant Professor Macroeconomics AP US 12/09/19 Yes 01/10/20 Edit University of Akron Assistant Professor Microeconomics AP US Yes 12/19/19 Edit University of Alabama at Birmingham Assistant, Associate, Full Professor of Economics applied microeconomics AP US University of Alberta Tenure-Track Faculty Position - Business Economics AP Canada 11/26/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit University of Amsterdam AP Finance AP Netherlands ASSA 12/08/19 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit University of Amsterdam (UvA) Assistant Professor Financial Stability AP Netherlands University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/15/19 12/15/19 Edit University of Arkansas Assistant Professor of Economics Macro, International AP US 12/13/19 Yes 01/19/20 Edit University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Assistant Professor (Fisheries and Natural Resource Economics) US 09/29/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Post Doctoral Fellow US 10/14/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Auckland Lecturer, Senior Lecturer International econ / macro AP New Zealand 12/01/19 12/11/19 12/12/19 12/17/19 12/18/19 Edit University of Bergen Associate Professor 10/05/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Bologna Assistant Professor Macro / Finance AP Italy Abad (CEMFI), Karlman (IIES), Girshina, Greimel (Mannheim), Boccanfuso (PSE), Gorn (Bocconi/Cambridge), Rogantini (EUI), Galli (UCL), Cormun (BC), Pietrosanti (Penn) 01/08/20 Edit University of Bonn Assistant Professor Finance AP Germany 12/02/19 Rola-Janicka (Amsterdam), Reynolds (Lugano), GHANBARI (NHH), Iliewa(MPI) 01/14/20 Edit University of Bristol Assistant Professor (Economics) Any AP UK 11/29/19 EEA yes 12/11/19 Edit University of British Columbia Assistant Professor International Trade, Environmental Economics and Macroeconomics AP Canada 11/20/19 Moran (Oxford) Berkouwer (Berkeley) Mathes (Arizona State) Paz Pardo (UCL) Rubinton (Princeton) Wu (Wisconsin) Zarate (Berkeley) Wagner (Yale) Haseeb (Warwick) Spray (Cambridge) Porcher (Princeton) https://economics.ubc.ca/news-events/seminars/ 01/14/20 Edit University of Calgary Assistant or Associate Professor, Energy and Environmental Policy 12/30/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Calgary Canada Research Chair in Environmental, Energy and Resource Economics Environmental, Energy and Resource Economics AP Canada 11/25/19 Edit University of California Berkeley AP Any AP US 12/04/19 Arnold (Princeton), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Lian(MIT), Yang (Chicago), Humlum (Princeton), Almagro(NYU), Ball (Yale), Shishkin (Princeton) 01/11/20 Edit University of California Berkeley Haas Assistant Professor Finance/Entrepreneurship AP US 12/02/19 Pecenco (Berkeley), De Ridder (Cambridge), Calder-Wang (Harvard) (Joint with Real Estate and Department of Economics), Gupta (Northwestern), Zator (Northwestern), Tang (HEC Paris), Webb (Stanford) No No 01/22/20 Edit University of California, Berkeley Assistant Professor International Development and Security US 09/20/19 Edit University of California, Berkeley Assistant/Associate/Full Professor - Real Estate US 12/01/19 09/20/19 Edit University of California, Berkeley Associate Director (Academic Coordinator II) US 09/20/19 Edit University of California, Irvine Assistant Professor IO, Applied Micro, Applied Macro AP US yes 01/19/20 Edit University of California, Los Angeles Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/06/19 Hjort (Columbia AP); Allende (Columbia/Princeton); Root (Berkeley); Rafey (MIT); Wolf (Princeton); Rubens (KU Leuven); Bilal (Princeton); Ball (Yale); Engbom (NYU) https://economics.ucla.edu/workshops/recruitment-workshop/ 01/13/20 Edit University of California, Los Angeles - Anderson Assistant Professor Global Economics and Management AP US 12/05/19 Edit University of California, Los Angeles - Anderson Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/09/19 Tomunen (Columbia GSB); Simone (Columbia GSB); Antill (Stanford); Adib (INSEAD); Jiang (Austin); Myers (Stanford); Ring (Northwestern); Clara (LBS); Tang (HEC) 01/17/20 Edit University of California, Merced Assistant Professor Applied Micro, Applied Metrics AP US Description Apply yes yes 01/06/20 Edit University of California, Riverside Postdoctoral Research Associate US 09/20/19 Edit University of California, Riverside Tenured Associate Professor in Empirical Public Economics US 09/20/19 Edit University of California, Sacramento Assistant Professor AP US 12/10/19 12/10/19 12/12/19 Edit University of California, San Diego Assistant Teaching Professor in Econometrics and/or Applied Econometrics LEC US 12/17/19 Edit University of California, San Diego Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/11/19 12/11/19 De Ridder (Cambridge), Somerville (Cornell), Graves (NYU), Martellini (U Penn), Wagner (Yale), Gregory (NYU), Liang (Stanford), Shishkin (Princeton), Thirkettle (Cornell) 01/16/20 Edit University of Cambridge Research Assistant/Associate (Empirical Finance) (Fixed Term) Empirical Finance PD UK 01/31/20 Description University of Cambridge Research Assistant/Associate - Theoretical Finance (Fixed Term) Theoretical Finance PD UK 01/31/20 Description University of Chicago Assistant Professor Any AP US 12/02/19 12/02/19 Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Marone (Northwestern), Wolf (Princeton), Eckardt (LSE), Bilal (Princeton), Xiang (Penn state), Root (Berkeley), Wagner (Yale), Rose (Berkeley) 01/16/20 Edit University of Chicago Booth Assistant/Associate Professor of Economics Microeconomics AP US 11/15/19 Description Apply 12/03/19 Rose(Berkeley), Webb(Stanford), Rubens(KU Leuven), Humlum(Princeton), Tuttle(Maryland), Yang(Chicago), O'Connell (Institute for Fiscal Studies), Ball (Yale), Marone(Northwestern), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Almagro (NYU), Levy(Yale) 01/10/20 Edit University of Chicago Crime Lab Research Director Machine Learning US 02/28/20 09/20/19 Edit University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Assistant Professor - Economics US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Associate or Full Professor - Political Economy US 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Associate/Full Professor-Development US 06/29/20 09/20/19 Edit University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Full Time Lecturer - Development US 09/29/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy Full Time Lecturer - Economics US 12/30/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Chile Assistant Professor 11/21/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Colorado, Boulder Assistant Professor Microeconomics AP US 11/25/19 11/25/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit University of Connecticut Assistant Professor Macroeconomics, Quantitative Economics AP US 11/15/19 12/09/19 01/07/20 Alder (UNC) Liu (UCLA) Braxton (Minnesota) Vidart (UCSD) 01/14/20 Edit University of Connecticut Assistant/Associate Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/01/19 University of Copenhagen Tenure Track Assistant Professorship in Financial Economics Finance AP Denmark Kragh-Sørensen (IIES), Liaudinskas (UPF), Moran (Oxford), Muller (Norges Bank), Jensen (Berkeley), Picariello (University of Naples Federico II), Olsson (Uppsala), Bertheau (CREST), Girshina (SSE), Gorn (Cambridge), https://tinyurl.com/ws5j48e 01/16/20 Edit University of Dallas Assistant Professor of Economics Any AP US 12/04/19 Edit University of Delaware Assistant Professor AP US 12/06/19 Yes 01/07/20 Edit University of Delaware Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/11/19 Edit University of East Anglia Lecturer Any AP UK 11/27/19 11/29/19 yes 01/20/20 Edit University of Essex Associate Professor Any SNR UK 01/13/20 University of Essex Assistant Professor Any AP UK 01/13/20 University of Exeter Assistant Professor AP UK 11/19/19 Yes 12/04/19 Edit University of Exeter Business School Open Rank positions (Professor to Lecturer) in Finance & Accounting Finance, Accounting AP UK 12/01/19 Description University of Florida Assistant Professor AP US 11/15/19 12/05/19 12/06/19 12/13/19 Edit University of Georgia Assistant and/or Associate and/or Full Professor Positions in Finance Finance AP US 12/13/19 Description University of Georgia Assistant Professor of Economics Any Field OPE US Yes 12/17/19 Edit University of Georgia Assistant Professor/Professor IO OPN US 12/06/19 Thurk (AP Notre Dame) Garrido (Georgetown) 01/11/20 Edit University of Georgia Assistant Professor of Economics Health/Labor OPN US Yes Mangrum (Vanderbilt) Lagos (Columbia) Cunningham (Prof Baylor) Ruffini (Berkeley) Callaway (AP Mississippi) Chen (Stanford) Knepper (BEA) Harris (A Prof Tennessee) 01/11/20 Edit University of Gothenburg Post-doc Researcher Health econ PD Sweden 12/01/19 Description University of Groningen Tenure Track Assistant Professorship in Econometrics Econometrics AP Netherlands 12/01/19 Description University of Guelph Assistant Professor Tenure Track AP Canada 12/14/19 11/28/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit University of Hamburg Assistant Professor Labor, Health AP Germany 01/12/20 Edit University of Houston Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/02/19 12/05/19 12/05/19 Edit University of Illinois at Chicago Tenured/Tenure-Track Position in Finance Finance OPE US 11/15/19 Description University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Post Doc Economic - Environmental US 09/30/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Assistant/Associate Professor OPN US 10/14/19 Description 12/10/19 Xie (UCSD) Rubinton (Princeton) Jacobson (Indiana) Han (AP UT-Austin) Coughlin (Cornell) Pedemonte (Berkeley) Chiang (Vanderbilt) Howes (UT-Austin) https://economics.illinois.edu/resources/events/all-seminars 01/15/20 Edit University of International Business and Economics Assistant/Associate/Full Professors School of insurance and economics AP China 12/20/19 Yes 12/11/19 12/16/19 Edit University of Iowa Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor Finance AP US 12/08/19 University of Kansas Assistant Professor Econometrics AP US ASSA Yes 01/09/20 Edit University of Kansas Assistant Professor of Economics and Oswald Scholar Micro AP US 11/01/19 Description ASSA 12/04/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit University of Kent Lecturer (Assistant Prof) AP UK 12/01/19 12/05/19 Edit University of Kentucky Endowed Chair in Public Finance SNR US Yes Yes 12/10/19 Edit University of Kentucky Assistant, Associate, or Professor in Public Policy and Administration SNR US Yes 01/07/20 Edit University of Liverpool Lecturer AP UK EEA 11/29/19 12/10/19 yes 01/08/20 Edit University of London, Cass Business School City Academic Positions within the Faculty of Finance (all levels) Finance AP UK 01/03/20 Description University of Louisville Applied Equine Economist (Non-Tenure Track) US 09/20/19 Edit University of Luxembourg Post-Doctoral position in Labour Economics (m/f) Labor econ PD Luxembourg 12/15/19 Description University of Luxembourg Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) in Innovation & Finance Finance AP Luxembourg 11/01/19 Description University of Manchester Assistant Professor AP UK 11/28/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit University of Manitoba Assistant Professor AP Canada 11/27/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit University of Mannheim Assistant Professor Macroeconomics, Development AP Germany 11/17/19 12/03/19 Capelle (Princeton), Azkarate-Askasua (TSE), Alp (UPenn), Paule-Paludkiewicz (Goethe), de Ridder (Cambridge) 01/10/20 Edit University of Mannheim Assistant Professor Economic Policy, Political Economy AP Germany 11/17/19 12/03/19 Martinez-Toledano (PSE); Schwarz (Warwick); Le Pennec (Berkeley); Haller (Zurich); Loebbing (Cologne); Tricaud (Ecole Polytech) 01/10/20 Edit University of Maryland Assistant Professor AREC AP US 12/12/19 12/13/19 Spray (Cambridge), Mamidipudi (Harvard), Behrer (Harvard), Oh (Columbia), Cicala (Chicago), Tolhurst (Davis), Leon (Pompeu Fabra AP), Gupta (Northwestern), Smith (MIT), McKelway (MIT), Bahel (Virginia Tech) 01/16/20 Edit University of Maryland Baltimore County 2 Assistant Professor Positions in Public Policy, Public Administration, or Public Management Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Management AP US 12/19/19 Edit University of Maryland, Baltimore County Assistant Professor of Economics Applied Empirical Micro, Public Econ, IO AP US 12/09/19 12/30/19 Edit University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Professor Public Finance or Industrial Organization AP US 10/31/19 12/03/19 12/05/19 Edit University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Professor of Health Economics AP US 12/04/19 12/04/19 12/05/19 Edit University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant/Associate Professor - Economics of the Environment/Political Economy of the Environment US 10/31/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Massachusetts Amherst Associate/Full Professor Economic Development US 10/31/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Professor of Econometrics AP US Yes 12/05/19 12/10/19 yes 01/07/20 Edit University of Melbourne Lecturer / Senior Lecturer Any AP Australia 12/02/19 University of Melbourne Fellow Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research AP Australia AEA 12/09/19 Yes 01/14/20 Edit University of Miami Assistant, Associate or Full Professor Position in Applied Economics AP US 01/30/20 12/30/19 12/30/19 Edit University of Michigan Assistant Professor Any AP US 12/02/19 12/03/19 Snashall-Woodhams(Yale), Doval(Caltech),Zahur(Cornell) 01/09/20 Edit University of Michigan Presidential Post-Doctoral/Assistant Professor US 10/14/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Michigan WCED Postdoctoral Fellowship US 01/14/20 09/20/19 Edit University of Michigan LSA Collegiate Fellow PD US 10/31/19 12/17/19 12/17/19 Edit University of Michigan, Ross School of Business Assistant Professor Finance AP US yes 01/07/20 Edit University of Minnesota Advanced Assistant or Associate Professor in Global Policy US 10/30/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Minnesota Tenure Track Assistant Professor AP US 11/21/19 Xiao (Yale); Partow (UCLA); Chen (Duke); Root (Berkeley); Van Patten (UCLA); Marone (Northwestern); Humlum (Princeton); Bilal (Princeton) 01/10/20 Edit University of Minnesota Assistant Professor in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics AP US 12/01/19 Description Yes Yes 01/16/20 Edit University of Missouri-St. Louis Assistant Professor, Macroeconomics and Time Series Econometrics US 09/20/19 Edit University of Naples Federico II, Department of Economics and Statistics Research Fellowship PD Italy 11/20/19 Description Apply EJM Burro (Warwick), Ferrari (EUI), Moneke (LSE), Jerphanion (Tilburg), Allocca (Mannheim), Parlasca (Oxford), Cormun (Boston College), Lichtig (Hebrew University of Jerusalem). tinyurl.com/uoagcsm 01/13/20 Edit University of Nebraska - Lincoln Assistant Professor Applied Econometrics AP US Description ASSA 12/15/19 Edit University of Nevada, Las Vegas Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship AP US Yes 12/09/19 Edit University of Nevada, Las Vegas Assistant Professor IO, Health, Labor AP US 12/01/19 Description University of New Hampshire Associate Professor/Professor of Health Economics US 09/20/19 Edit University of New Mexico Assistant/Associate Professor Energy Economics OPN US 11/22/19 Description University of North Texas Assistant/Associate Professor Regional Economics OPE US 12/24/19 Edit University of North Texas Assistant Professor of Economics Micro/Labor/Environmental/Urban & Regional AP US 12/24/19 Edit University of Notre Dame Assistant/Associate/Full Professor of Environmental Policy AP US 10/31/19 11/02/19 12/16/19 Edit University of Notre Dame Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/04/19 Yes 01/11/20 Edit University of Notre Dame Assistant Professor Economics AP US Acton (MSU), Mulhern (Harvard), Royer (UCSB), Kapustin (Chicago), Sabety (Harvard), Manelici (Berkeley), Vasquez (Berkeley), Root (Berkeley), Hoelzlein (Berkeley), Walsh (Yale), Allende (Columbia/Princeton), Van Patten (UCLA), Ostrizek (Princeton), Bai (Chicago), Jackson (Stanford), Xiao (Yale), Wolf (Princeton) 01/19/20 Edit University of Nottingham Assistant Professor Any AP UK 11/29/19 AEA, EJM 12/06/19 12/06/19 01/09/20 Edit University of Oklahoma Assistant or Associate Professor of Finance Finance AP US University of Oregon Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/14/19 12/06/19 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit University of Otago Lecturer / Senior Lecturer in Economics Any LEC New Zealand ASSA 12/12/19 12/18/19 12/18/19 Edit University of Ottawa Assistant Professor AP Canada 11/21/19 12/18/19 Yes 01/08/20 Edit University of Oxford Associate Professor Any field AP UK 01/01/20 Edit University of Pennsylvania Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/06/19 Wolf (Princeton); Ordin (Duke); Castillo (Stanford); Humlum (Princeton); Demirer (MIT); Golub (AP Harvard); Bilal (Princeton); Calder-Wang (Harvard); Van Patten (UCLA); Herreno (Columbia); Boerma (Minnesota); Seo (Booth); Almagro (NYU) https://economics.sas.upenn.edu/events?tid=103&page=0 01/16/20 Edit University of Pennsylvania Assistant, Associate and Full Professors of Finance Finance OPN US 11/30/19 11/26/19 Edit University of Pennsylvania (Department of Economics) Assistant Professor of Economics at Penn Any AP US 11/18/19 Description University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School Assistant Professor of Finance Finance-Macro AP US 12/10/19 Herreno(Columbia); Antill(Stanford); Koby(Princeton); Myers(Stanford); Guenzel(Hass);Wallen(Stanford);Bilal(Princeton);Garrett(Duke);Calder(Harvard);szoke(NYU),Wolf(Princeton);Boerma(Minnesota);Pegoraro(Chicago); Grigsby(Cicago) 01/21/20 Edit University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School Assistant, Associate or Full Professor of Real Estate AP US 12/04/19 Adrien Bilal (Princeton), Milena Almagro (NYU), Clemence Tricaud (Ecole Polytechnique), Cameron LaPoint (Columbia), Sophie Calder-Wang (Harvard) https://bepp.wharton.upenn.edu/research/seminars-conferences/ 01/21/20 Edit University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School Assistant, Associate or Full Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy AP US 11/14/19 Apply 12/04/19 Allende (Columbia/ Princeton), Rafey (MIT), Wen (Yale), Chen (Duke), Raj (CREST), Douenne (PSE), Moneke (LSE), Leder-Luis (MIT), Haller (Zurich), Berkouwer (UC Berkeley), Arnold (Princeton), Lagos (Columbia), Wagner (Yale) https://bepp.wharton.upenn.edu/research/seminars-conferences/ 01/21/20 Edit University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor AP US 01/30/20 12/04/19 12/09/19 Heumann(HEC), Kosterina (Princeton) Coughlin (Cornell) Levra (Stockholm) Duquennois (Berkeley) Wang (Pompeu Fabra) Sharifvaghefi (USC) Oztrizek (Princeton) Doval (Caltech) Almuzara (CEMFI) 01/15/20 Edit University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor US 11/14/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Pittsburgh Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/07/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit University of Potsdam Assistant Professor Quantitative Economics AP Germany 01/10/20 Edit University of Reading Lecturer AP UK 12/03/19 12/06/19 Kastoryano (Mannheim), Mahmud (Oxford), Merfeld (NYU), Ksoll (Yale), Zheng (UEA), Fernandez-Navia (Barcelona) 01/09/20 Edit University of Redlands Assistant Professor, Economics AP US 12/05/19 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit University of Richmond Assistant Professor of Economics Public AP US 12/01/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit University of Richmond Assistant Professor of Economics Environmental Economics AP US 12/12/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit University of Rochester Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/06/19 Edit University of Rochester Assistant Professor, Economics & Management AP US 12/12/19 Edit University of Rochester Assistant Professor, Economics & Management AP US 11/30/19 12/11/19 12/12/19 Edit University of Rome Tor Vergata Assistant Professor Any AP Italy Pommey (PSE), Aboutalebi (Warwick), Escudé (EUI), Vivès (Aix-Marseille), Madio (TSE), Trafach (Vienna) 01/11/20 Edit University of San Diago Assistant Professor Macro, Monetary AP US 11/25/19 12/03/19 12/06/19 Edit University of San Diego Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 11/01/19 Description Yes 12/02/19 12/06/19 Yes 01/08/20 Edit University of San Francisco Assistant Professor, Term, Economics US 09/20/19 Edit University of San Francisco Assistant Professor - Economics AP US 12/01/19 12/04/19 Yes 01/18/20 Edit University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) Assistant/Associate/Full Professor 01/30/20 09/20/19 Edit University of South Alabama Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/21/19 12/21/19 Edit University of Southern California Assistant or Associate Professor of Economics US 09/20/19 Edit University of Southern California Director, Co-Director US 10/31/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Southern California Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/03/19 12/10/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit University of Southern California (USC), Marshall Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP US 12/09/19 12/09/19 Edit University of Southern Denmark Assistant Professor of Finance Finance AP Denmark 11/24/19 Description University of St Andrews Lecturer Applied Micro AP UK 11/25/19 Yes 01/11/20 Edit University of Surrey Lecturer / Senior Lecturer AP UK 12/03/19 12/10/19 12/12/19 12/17/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit University of Sydney Lecturer AP Australia 11/30/19 12/05/19 12/10/19 Yes 01/09/20 Edit University of Technology Sydney Assistant Professor (Lecturer / Senior Lecturer) AP Australia 12/19/19 12/09/19 12/16/19 Yes 01/13/20 Edit University of Texas at Arlington Assistant Professor Health, Environment, or Urban AP US University of Texas at Dallas Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/06/19 Mace (Utah), Naaraayanan (HKUST), Paradkar (Georgia Tech), Sarkar (LBS), Ring (Northwestern), Wang (Rochester), Tang (HEC Paris), https://tinyurl.com/smghxvs 01/09/20 Edit University of Texas, Dallas Assistant Professor Economics AP US Yes Yes 01/10/20 Edit University of the Pacific Assistant Professor of Economics Environmental AP US Yes 12/19/19 Edit University of the Pacific Instructor Economics LEC US Yes 12/19/19 Edit University of Toronto Assistant Professor Any AP Canada 12/02/19 12/03/19 Oh (Columbia), Donna (OSU), Almagro (NYU), Gorback (Wharton), Vivalt (AP ANU), Martinez-Toledano (PSE), Carroll (AP Stanford), Wagner (Yale), Trottner (Princeton), Ding (Harvard), Demirer (MIT), Coughlin (Cornell), Chen (Duke), Stepner (NBER), Koffi (Montreal) Sood (Minnesota) Varela (Columbia) Yue(Columbia); https://tinyurl.com/s2rmvam 01/21/20 Edit University of Toronto Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream Economics LEC Canada 12/17/19 Edit University of Toronto (Mississauga) Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream Economics LEC Canada 12/17/19 Edit University of Utah Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/10/19 12/10/19 Edit University of Utah Assistant Professor (Lecturer)/Associate Professor (Lecturer)/ Professor (Lecturer) AP US 12/06/19 12/06/19 Edit University of Vaasa Researcher/Project Researcher, Economics Economics PD Finland 10/18/19 Description University of Vienna Post-Doc Position in Finance Corporate Finance, Financial Intermediation PD Austria 11/30/19 Description University of Virginia Open Rank in Labor/Applied Microeconomics AP US 11/24/19 12/09/19 yes 01/16/20 Edit University of Warwick Assistant, Associate and Full Professors in Finance Finance OPN UK 11/24/19 ASSA 12/04/19 12/05/19 yes 01/06/20 Edit University of Washington Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/06/19 Edit University of Waterloo Assistant Professor Management Science AP Canada 01/04/20 yes 01/14/20 Edit University of Western Ontario Assistant, Associate, Full Professor AP Canada 01/30/20 11/22/19 12/12/19 Nelson (Oxford), Newberry (AP, Penn State), Robinson (Toronto), Dyer (Toronto), McGee (UCL), Barsanetti (Northwestern), Mabeu (Ottawa), Samaee (UPenn), Moran (Oxford), Wu (Wisconsin), Wang (CREST-ENSAE), Capelle (Princeton), Cook (UVA), Brugues (UCL), Chen (Duke), Wang (Warwick); https://tinyurl.com/rjhuxvz 01/18/20 Edit University of Wisconsin - La Crosse Assistant Professor of Economics AP US 12/04/19 12/05/19 Edit University of Wisconsin - Madison Assistant, Associate or Full Professor AP US 11/30/19 Chiang (Vanderbilt), Herreno (Columbia), Bai (Chicago), Kinnerud (Stockholm), Humlum (Princeton), Tortarolo (UC Berkeley), Cook (UVA), Boerma (Minnesota), Rubinton (Princeton), Sood (Minnesota), Martellini (UPenn), Braxton (Minnesota), Marone (Northwestern), Almagro (NYU). shorturl.at/acAK3 01/09/20 Edit University of Wisconsin-Madison Assistant Professor AP US 11/14/19 11/28/19 11/29/19 Edit University of Wisconsin-Madison Assistant Professor, Public Policy Approaches to Sexual Violence US 10/14/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Wisconsin-Madison Assistant, Associate, or Professor of Economic Development US 10/14/19 09/20/19 Edit University of Wisconsin-Madison Assistant Professor Finance AP US 12/12/19 Miller (Duke), Kankanhalli (Cornell), Deng (Minnesota), Huang (Duke), Wallen (Stanford), Wang (Rochester), Clara (LBS), Tancheva (Tilburg) https://bit.ly/3al3UwM 01/18/20 Edit University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Business Assistant Professor Real estate AP US 12/15/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 12/12/19 Edit University of Zurich Assistant, Associate or Full Professorships - Economics Applied Microeconomics OPN Switzerland Yes 01/18/20 Edit University of Zurich Assistant, Associate or Full Professorships - Economics Macroeconomics OPN Switzerland Yes 01/18/20 Edit University of Zurich Assistant, Associate or Full Professorships - Economics Child and Youth Development OPE Switzerland Yes 01/18/20 Edit Universität St.Gallen School of Finance Assistant Professor in Finance Asset Pricing, International Finance, Market Microstructure, Regulatory and Monetary Policy, or Fina AP Switzerland 11/01/19 Description Universiy of Pennsylvania Health Policy Faculty Positions in Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy US 09/20/19 Edit Univesitat Pompeu Fabra Assitant Professor Any field AP Spain 01/03/20 Edit Ursinus College Assistant Professor of Business and Economics Macro AP US 12/08/19 12/17/19 Edit US Census Bureau Economist PUB US US Treasury Financial Economist PUB US 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__label__wiki	0.789123	0.789123	School of History, Classics & Archaeology School of History, Classics & Archaeology home HCA privacy policy History, Classics & Archaeology Main SHCA Staff page History subject area staff Dr Roger Collins M.A., D. Litt., F.R.A.S., F.R.Hist.S., F.S.A. Scot. Honorary Fellow; Medieval Eurasian History Email: r.collins@ed.ac.uk School of History, Classics and Archaeology, William Robertson Wing, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG Affiliated research centres Edinburgh Centre for Global History He studied in the University of Oxford (Queen's and St. Cross Colleges) under Peter Brown and Michael Wallace-Hadrill, and then taught Medieval and Ancient History in the Universities of Liverpool and Bristol. He came to the Institute of Advanced Studies in the Humanities in the University of Edinburgh in 1994, and became an Honorary Fellow in the then Department of History in 1998. Member of the Advisory Board of the Journal of International History Research, Knowledge Exchange and Impact Summary of research interests Comparative & Global History The history of Spain in the early Middle Ages, the history of the Papacy in all periods, Jacobitism in Perthshire; the comparative cultural and religious history of the Eurasian continent and northern Africa in the period c.200-900 CE. Completing a book on the history of Eurasia in the period c.200-900 CE Preparing an edition of the Historia vel Gesta Francorum, or second version of The Chronicle of Fredegar First Millennium A. BOOKS 1. Early Medieval Spain: Unity in Diversity, 400-1000 (London: Macmillans, 1983); reprinted in 1988 and in 1991. US edition by St. Martin’s Press. Spanish translation: España en la alta edad media(Barcelona: Editorial Crítica, 1986). Second, revised and partly rewritten edition published in 1995. 2. The Basques (Oxford and Cambridge Mass.: Blackwell, 1986); a volume in the Blackwells ‘Peoples of Europe’ series. Spanish translation: Los Vascos (Madrid: Alianza, 1989). Second enlarged and revised English edition published September 1990 (in paperback); reprinted 1992 and 1994. French translation: Les Basques, with additional final chapter (Paris: Perrin, 1991). Czech translation: Baskové (Prague: Nakladatelstvi Lidové Noviny, 1997). 3. The Arab Conquest of Spain, 710-797 (Oxford and Cambridge Mass.: Blackwell, 1989); a volume in the ‘Blackwell History of Spain’ series. Revised reprint (in paperback) published in 1994, reprinted 1995, and 1998. Spanish translation: La Conquista Arabe, 710-797, (Barcelona: Crítica, 1991). 4. Early Medieval Europe, 300-1000 (London: Macmillans, 1991); a volume in the ‘Macmillan History of Europe’ series; reprinted 1992, 1993. US edition by St. Martin’s Press. Spanish translation: La Europa de la alta edad media (Madrid: Akal Ediciones, 2000). Polish translation: Europa Wczesnośredniowieczna (Warsaw: Panstwowy Instytut Wydawniczy, 1996). Second English edition, revised and rewritten throughout, published 1999. Czech translation of the second edition: Europa raného středovĕku 300-1000 (Vysehrad, 2006). Third, revised and rewritten English edition published in 2013. 5. Law, Culture and Regionalism in Early Medieval Spain (Aldershot: Variorum, 1992). 6. (with Judith McClure) Bede’s Ecclesiastical History: Introduction and notes, together with translations of Bede’s Letter to Egbert and his Greater Chronicle (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press World’s Classics, 1994; revised reprint 1996, reissued 1999 and continuously thereafter) 7. Fredegar, vol. 13 in the series Historical and Religious Writers of the Latin West, ed. Patrick J. Geary, (Aldershot: Variorum, 1996) 8. Oxford Archaeological Guide to Spain (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 1998). Spanish translation: Guía archeológica: España (Madrid: Acento Editorial, 1999) 9. Charlemagne (London: Macmillans,1998); North American edition by University of Toronto Press. 10. Visigothic Spain, 409-711 (Malden MA and Oxford: Blackwell, 2004); in the ‘Blackwell History of Spain’ series; reprinted 2005. Spanish translation: La España visigoda, 409-711(Barcelona: Crítica, 2005); Polish translation: Hiszpania w czasach Wizygotów (Warsaw: Wydawnictwo Naukowe Pwn, 2007). 11. Die Fredegar-Chroniken (Hanover: Hahnsche Buchhandlung for the Monumenta Germaniae Historica, 2007) = vol. 44 of the MGH Studien und Texte series. 12. Keepers of the Keys of Heaven: A History of the Papacy (London and New York: Weidenfeld & Nicholson in London and Basic Books in New York, 2009); Dutch translation: Sleutel Bewaarders(Amsterdam: Bert Bakker, 2009); Spanish translation: Los guardians de las llaves del Cielo: una history del Papado (Barcelona: Ariel, 2009). 13. Caliphs and Kings: Spain, 796-1031 (Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012, paperback 2014), a volume in the Wiley-Blackwell 'History of Spain' series; Spanish translation: Califas y reyes: España, 796-1031 (Barcelona: Crítica, 2013). 14. Eurasia Transformed, c.200-900 CE (for Palgrave-Macmillan, due for submission in 2019). B. EDITED BOOKS 1. Ideal and Reality in Frankish and Anglo-Saxon Society: Studies presented to Professor J.M. Wallace-Hadrill (Oxford and Cambridge Mass.: Blackwell, 1983), edited by Patrick Wormald, Donald Bullough and Roger Collins. 2. Charlemagne’s Heir: New Approaches to the Reign of Louis the Pious (Oxford and New York: Oxford University Press, 1990), edited with Peter Godman. 3. Medieval Spain: Culture, Conflict and Coexistence (Studies in Honour of Angus Mackay), edited with Anthony Goodman (Basingstoke and New York: Palgrave-Macmillan, 2002) C. ARTICLES 1. ‘Julian of Toledo and the Royal Succession in Late Seventh Century Spain’, in P.H. Sawyer and I.N. Wood (eds.), Early Medieval Kingship (Leeds, 1977), pp. 30-49. 2. ‘Mérida and Toledo, 550-589’, in E. James (ed.), Visigothic Spain: New Approaches (Oxford, 1980), pp. 189-219. Reprinted with additional notes in item A.5 above. 3. ‘Charles the Bald and Wifred the Hairy’, in M. T. Gibson and J.Nelson (eds.) Charles the Bald: Court and Kingdom (Oxford, 1981), pp. 169-189; corrected and revised reprint published by Variorum in 1990. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 4. ‘Poetry in Ninth Century Spain’, in F. Cairns (ed.), Papers of the Liverpool Latin Seminar, vol. IV (1983), pp. 181-193. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 5. ‘Theodebert I: Rex Magnus Francorum’, in P. Wormald, D. Bullough, and R. Collins (eds.), Ideal and Reality in Frankish and Anglo-Saxon Society (Oxford and New York, 1983) (=III.1 above), pp. 7-33. 6. With Gordon Campbell: ‘Milton’s Al-Mansur’, Milton Quarterly, vol. 17 (1983), pp. 81-84. 7. ‘The Basques in Aquitaine and Navarre’, in J. Gillingham and J.C.Holt (eds.), War and Government in the Middle Ages: Essays in Honour of J.O. Prestwich (Cambridge, 1984), pp. 3-17. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 8. ‘Sicut Lex Gothorum continet: law and charters in ninth and tenth century León and Catalonia’, English Historical Review, vol. 100 (1985), pp. 489-512. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 9. ‘Visigothic law and regional custom in disputes in early medieval Spain’, in W. Davies and P. Fouracre (eds.), Early Medieval Dispute Settlement (Cambridge, 1986), pp. 85-104; also Section I of the ‘Conclusion’, pp. 207-14. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 10. ‘The Autobiographical Works of Valerius of Bierzo: their Structure and Purpose’, in A. González Blanco (ed.), Los Visigodos: Historia y Civilización (Murcia, 1987), pp. 425-442. Reprinted in corrected form in item A.5 above. 11. ‘The Vaccaei, the Vaceti, and the Rise of Vasconia’, in Studia Historica (Historia Antigua), vol. VI: memorial volume for D. Marcelo Vigil (Salamanca, 1988), pp. 211-23. Reprinted in corrected form in item A.5 above. 12. ‘Doubts and Certainties on the Churches of Early Medieval Spain’, in D.W. Lomax and D. Mackenzie (eds.), God and Man in Medieval Spain: Studies in Honour of J.R.L. Highfield(Warminster, 1989), pp. 1-18. Reprinted with additional note in item A.5 above. 13. ‘Pippin the First and the Kingdom of Aquitaine’, in Charlemagne’s Heir: New Perspectives on the Reign of Louis the Pious, eds. Godman and Collins (Oxford, 1990) (=II.2), pp. 363-389. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 14. ‘The Ethnogenesis of the Basques’, in H. Wolfram and W. Pohl (eds.), Typen der Ethnogenese unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Bayern, vol. I (Vienna, 1990), pp. 35-44. Reprinted in item A.5. 15. ‘Literacy and the laity in early medieval Spain’, in R. McKitterick (ed.), The Uses of Literacy in Early Medieval Europe (Cambridge,1990), pp. 109-133. Reprinted in item A.5 above. 16. ‘El cristianismo y los habitantes de las montañas en época romana’, in Cristianismo y aculturación en tiempos del imperio romano, (= Antigüedad y Cristianismo vol. VII), ed. A. González Blanco and J.M. Blázquez Martínez (Murcia, 1990), pp. 551-58. An English version, ‘Christianity and the Basques’ was published in Law, Culture and Regionalism (Item A.5 above). 17. ‘¿Donde estaban los arianos en el año 589?’, in El Concilio III de Toledo: XIV Centenario (589-1989 (Toledo, 1991), pp. 211-23. An English version, ‘King Leovigild and the Conversion of the Visigoths’ was published in Law, Culture and Regionalism. 18. ‘Julian of Toledo and the Education of Kings’, in Law,Culture and Regionalism in Early Medieval Spain (see section A, item 5 above), 22pp. 19. ‘Queens Dowager and Queens Regent in Tenth-century León and Navarre’ in Medieval Queenship, ed. J.C. Parsons (New York, 1993), pp. 79-92. 20. ‘The Christian Kingdoms and the Basques, 718-910’ in The Cambridge Medieval History, vol. II, ed. R. McKitterick, (Cambridge, 1995), pp. 272-89. 21. ‘The Spanish Kingdoms, 910-1035’ in The Cambridge Medieval History, vol. III, ed. T. Reuter (Cambridge, 2000), pp. 670-91. 22. ‘The Western Kingdoms, 425-600’, in The Cambridge Ancient History vol. XIV: Late Antiquity: Empire and Successors A.D. 425 - 600, ed. A. Cameron, M. Whitby, B. Ward-Perkins (Cambridge, 2001), 112-34. 24. ‘Deception and Misprepresentation in Eighth Century Frankish Historiography: Two Case Studies’ in Karl Martel in seiner Zeit, (= Beihefte der Francia 37) ed. J. Jarnut, U. Nonn and M. Richter (Sigmaringen, 1994), pp. 227-47 25. ‘Isidore, Maximus and the Historia Gothorum’ in A. Scharer and G. Scheibelreiter (eds.), Historiographie im frühen Mittelalter (Vienna, 1994), 345-58. 26. ‘Les Basques dans l’histoire. Récurrences et fractures’, in Denis Laborde (ed.), La question Basque (Paris: Editions L’Harmattan, 1999), pp. 79-102. 27. ‘State of Research: The Carolingians and the Ottonians in an Anglophone world’, The Journal of Medieval History vol. 22 (1996), pp. 97-114. 28. ‘The Reviser Revisited: Another Look at the Alternative Version of the Annales Regni Francorum’ in A.C. Murray (ed.), After Rome’s Fall: Narrators and Sources of Early Medieval History (U. of Toronto Press, 1998), pp. 191-211. 29. ‘Law and Ethnic Identity in the Western Kingdoms in the Fifth and Sixth Centuries’ in Alfred P. Smyth (ed.), Medieval Europeans (London, 1998), pp. 1-23. 30. ‘Charlemagne and his Critics, 814-829’ in Régine Le Jan (ed.) La royauté et les élites dans l’Europe carolingienne (Lille, 1998), pp. 193-211. 31. ‘Visigothic Spain’ in Spain: A History, edited by Raymond Carr (Oxford, 2000; various reprints), pp. 39-62. 32. ‘The Basques: a Case Study’ in Tim Unwin (ed.), A European Geography (London, 1998), pp. 89-91. 33. ‘The Frankish Past and the Carolingian Present in the Age of Charlemagne’, in Peter Godman, Jörg Jarnut and Peter Johanek (ed.), Am Vorabend der Kaiserkrönung (Berlin, 2002), pp. 301-322. 34. ‘The Lorsch Annals and Charlemagne’s imperial coronation’, in J. Story (ed.), Charlemagne: Empire and Society (Manchester, 2005), pp. 52-70. 35. ‘Continuity and loss in Medieval Spanish Culture: the evidence of MS Silos Archivo Monástico 4’, in Medieval Spain: Culture, Conflict and Coexistence (Studies in Honour of Angus McKay), edited by Roger Collins and Tony Goodman (London, 2002), pp. 1-22. 36. ‘Angus MacKay and the History of Later Medieval Spain’, ibid., pp. vii-xvi. 37. Commentaria historica ad Consularia Caesaraugustana et ad Iohannis Biclarensis Chroniconin C. Cardelle de Hartmann (ed.), Victoris Tunnunensis Chronicon cum reliquiis ex Consularibus Caesaraugustanis et Iohannis Biclarensis Chronicon, = Corpus Christianorum Series Latina, vol. CLXXIIIA (Turnhout: Brepols, 2001 recte 2002), pp. 94-148. Portuguese translation: João de Santarém, Crónica (Lisbon, 2002), pp. 151-184. 38. ‘Pippin III as Mayor of the Palace: the Evidence’, in Matthias Becher and Jörg Jarnut (ed.), Der Dynastiewechsel von 751: Vorgeschichte, Legitimationsstrategien und Erinnerung (Münster, 2004recte 2005), pp. 75-91. 39. (with Judith McClure) 'Rome, Canterbury and Wearmouth-Jarrow: Three Viewpoints on Augustine's Mission', in Simon Barton and Peter Linehan (ed.), Cross, Crescent and Conversion. Studies in Memory of Richard Fletcher (Leiden: Brill, 2008) pp. 17-42. 40. 'Ambrosio de Morales, Bishop Pelayo of Oviedo and the lost manuscripts of Visigothic Spain', in Wisigothica. After M.C. Díaz y Díaz, ed. Carmen Codoñer and Paulo Farmhouse Alberto (Florence: SISMEL Edizioni del Galluzzo, 2014), pp. 609-632. 41. ‘The Burning of Strathearn’, Newsletter of the Friends of the Perth & Kinross Archives, vol. 40 (2016). 42. ‘Ambrosio de Morales and the Codex Vetustisimus Ovetensis’, to be published by Boydell & Brewer in 2020 in a volume of essays in honour of Tom Brown. A draft can be found on my publications page on Academia.edu 43. ‘Oxford 1968-1975: Crucible of Late Antiquity?’, to be published online in honour of Ian Wood. A draft can be found on my publications page in Academia.edu 44. ‘Historical Introduction’, in José Carlos Martín-Iglesias (ed.), Bachiarii Opera: de Fide necnon Epistula ad Ianuarium, Corpus Christianorum Series Latina vol. LXIXC (Turnhout, 2019), pp. 5-33. 45. ‘Angus Iain Mackay’, a memoir for The Proceedings of the British Academy (2020); it can be accessed online at https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/Memoirs_18-10%20MacKay.pdf 46. ‘The Sixth-Century Documents of the Monastery of Asán in Context’, in the procedings of the conference on Asán, held in the University of Bordeaux, ed. Céline Martin (Bordeaux, 2020) 47. ‘El Reino de Asturias en la Europa de los siglos VIII a X’, in the proceedings of the conference to mark the 1300th anniversary of the Battle of Covadonga (held in Oviedo, 2018), due for publication in 2020. 48. 'The Seventh Century' in Jamie Wood et. alii (ed.), The Brill Handbook to Visigothic Spain (forthcoming) 49. 'Making Sense of the Early Middle Ages' in English Historical Review vol. 124 (2009), pp. 641-665. This article was published on 17 Jun, 2019	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1451
__label__wiki	0.669946	0.669946	RWF Collaborate to Keep Memories Safe with EditShare RWF World founders Gwynne Roberts and Sadie Wykeham have embarked on a 30-plus year mission with a single purpose: to tell the world about human rights violations through the eyes of its survivors. Through the course of their journey, these truth-seekers have informed the world of late 20th-century injustices and genocides through a number of groundbreaking stories. Their renowned work has earned RW Films major recognition, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism for documentary, “Saddam’s Road to Hell,” and the Edward R. Murrow Award for Best TV Documentary on Foreign Affairs for “Iraq’s Killing Fields.” Proving RWF’s innate ability to factually document human rights violations over time, footage excerpts from “Iraq’s Killing Fields” were used as evidence during the trial of Saddam Hussein for his crimes against humanity. With a focus on the Middle East, and more specifically Iraq, Gwynne and Sadie have established a vast network of connections that have allowed them to amass an unusually large archive of footage shot in the Kurdistan region of Iraq during the past 60 years. The irreplaceable content, which now contains interviews of more than 700 survivors of the Anfal, Saddam Hussein’s genocidal campaign against the Kurdish people during the late 1980s, serves as the foundation for RWF’s The Kurdistan Memory Programme (KMP). The ambitious research project documents the triumphs and tragedies of the Kurds in modern times and aims to inform the world about the significance of Kurdish history. “The Iraqi Kurds thought of it as vitally important to have a filmed testimony of what happened during Anfal,” comments Sadie Wykeham, co-founder, RWF. “Anfal survivors were keen to tell their stories. It’s critical for us to capture their testimony, and even more so to keep them safe so their stories can live on.” With the production team located in UK, America, Brussels, Hong Kong and Iraq, RWF needed to re-envision the access to their archives. “At the beginning of this project, we had very little digital infrastructure that would properly manage the volume of content we were about to deal with, never mind allow for global access,” states Tom Roberts, IT and post production supervisor, RWF. “We knew we needed to move to a platform that was not only secure and could hold a mass amount of content, but that would also allow us to collaborate around the world. We found those capabilities in EditShare.” The RWF team first began shooting interviews for the KMP in 2009 with a Sony PMW-EX3. Soon after, they added a Canon 5D and Nikon D800 using an Atomos Ninja external device for recording from the SLRs. “Simply put, the SLR cameras were more portable. For the territories we needed to work, this was key,” Tom says. But using an assortment of cameras resulted in a plethora of formats to work with. “In the beginning, all of our media was stored on individual drives. If we needed to cut anything with material stored on a particular drive, we would import it as an MXF into a separate drive attached to the NLE. We were essentially duplicating the archive which was both time and space consuming.” RWF utilises Avid for editing and began standardizing media into the DNxHD format to simplify the media management. But with the sneakernet set-up, the storage multiplied quickly. The team reached out to EditShare for a solution. Tess Booysen, archive and postproduction manager at RWF World, recalls the evolution of the storage infrastructure. “We initially started with a small EditShare Metro, which eliminated the need for duplicating media, as content was copied directly from the camera. We then upgraded to EditShare Energy and eventually on to the full media management platform that consisted of Flow, XStream and Ark, giving us tremendous media oversight and the ability to realize the full potential of the archival material.” RWF invested in an EditShare XStream HT 32TB workflow storage solution with integrated Flow and AirFlow Media Asset Management. They also purchased an EditShare Ark 2U Tape Library, building a robust media management infrastructure designed to securely store decades-worth of valuable content. Flow’s clever media management tools offload manual tasks, such as logging on Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, while opening doors for collaboration with access to media from any Flow-enabled location. Tess elaborates on the workflow benefits of the new platform saying, “Flow really improved the level of detail we could capture and the way we could track it. Not only were we able to track the data that was once tracked in the Excel spreadsheet in Flow, we are able to search from any RWF location and pull up the media with all of the related information. This is a significant improvement in the way we are able to do our research.” Flow manages media ingest straight to the EditShare XStream simultaneously, transcoding material into DNxHD and creating a proxy database of searchable assets. Flexible metadata forms let the team log footage details against a specific project, such as “Historical Event,” “Kurdish Culture,” “Tribes,” “Political Party,” “Religion,” and more. Each Flow Asset contains information such as copyright, language, location and other important attributes that make searching deep into the RWF archives much faster, and with better results. “Because it’s digital and fully integrated, EditShare has made it much easier to back up content and make sure it is kept safe in the archive,” says Tess of the ability to back up their interviews. “It takes just one pass for ingest – no need to copy media from one drive to another. We log the important details and set the media to be stored in the tape library. Instead of combing through spreadsheets to find a specific shot, we can just search the Flow database and review the media right from our desktops. With a click or two, we can pull the actual file from the archive and restore to the main EditShare storage.” Flow serves as the control layer over the EditShare Shared Storage and Ark Archiving, tracking media assets and managing migration of media from one storage platform to another. Tess’s colleague, Tom, echoes the value of the new workflow: “Because we were storing media on so many drives, it was hard to get your head around the content and what you actually had in front of you. Having a system that encapsulates all of the content in a way that is digestible for not only editors, but our researchers as well, is incredibly valuable.” The end goal is to have EditShare Ark eventually maintain the entirety of the RWF archive. Tom explains, “We have an array of legacy content that came from various VTRs such as Umatic and DigiBeta. This existing archival content is being migrated to the EditShare Ark and once that content is co-located, we will be able to search, review and retrieve it as easily as the content we capture today.” Though the team is not in full edit mode with KMP, they are leveraging some of the cutting edge remote collaboration features in AirFlow. Tom explains, “While the primary use of AirFlow is for the team in remote locations to access the archive research or to do translations, our DOP, Kawa Akrawi, who spends part of his time in Iraq, along with our edit producer, Helena Appio, who is based in Hong Kong, use AirFlow to edit content and share packages with team members back in the UK. This type of collaboration was impossible before the installation of Flow.” And because AirFlow is a private cloud-based production tool, RWF can ensure that politically and personally sensitive content that they capture is safe and secure. Sadie talks about EditShare and its future use saying, “While right now we are doing research and continuing our interviews for KMP, we also have plans to make documentaries and EditShare is a key component that will continue to help us tell our story. It’s much more than storage. EditShare is a creative tool that allows us to better mine our vast archives in their entirety and in a manner that brings that critical piece of content we are looking for right to our desktop with all the details required for making the most high quality and informative documentary that RWF is known for.” http://www.editshare.com/assets/pdfs/casestudies/rwfilms.pdf	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1453
__label__cc	0.558713	0.441287	In today’s disruptive world, setting a strategic course can be elusive. Strategists cut through the noise, clarifying aspirational yet achievable goals and pathways to reach a client’s full potential. Bill Achtmeyer EY-Parthenon Global Senior Managing Director CEO advisor dedicated to pragmatic, breakthrough thinking in a complex global environment. Passionate advocate for arts, education and community. Husband, father, grandfather. Areas of focus Strategy Transaction advisory services Consumer products and retail Office Boston, US A recognized authority in M&A and corporate and business unit strategy, Bill leads the EY-Parthenon teams in our Transaction Advisory Services group. He has guided Parthenon’s vision since its founding in 1991. Parthenon combined with EY in 2014. Previously, he founded and led the M&A and integration practice for a global management consulting firm. He was also a director at a Fortune 1000 manufacturer. He holds a BA in Public and International Affairs from the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. How Bill is building a better working world “As a CEO and strategic advisor, I know the complexities that churn today’s highly-competitive business environment. Using data-driven analysis, I help corporations chart a path toward maximizing their full potential. I believe that social and economic prosperity flows from free enterprise, and that applying the sound business principles we uphold benefits both for- and non-profit organizations.” Bill has served as chairman for the board of overseers at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, Tenacity, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Massachusetts High Technology Council. He has also participated on the UNICEF USA New England and Boston Museum of Fine Arts boards. Bill’s latest thinking	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1455
__label__wiki	0.671275	0.671275	Colorectal cancer risk varies based on Latino subgroup affiliation IMAGE: Some 14.7 million Latinos live in California. They represent 38.4 percent of the state's population and 27 percent of the entire US Latino population, according to the US Census Bureau.... view more Credit: Chris Lewis via Flickr In a first study of its kind, USC researchers have found that colorectal cancer risk in Californian Latinos vary widely depending on their country of origin. Latinos are the largest and fastest growing minority ethnic group in America. Some 14.7 million Latinos live in California. They represent 38.4 percent of the state's population and 27 percent of the entire U.S. Latino population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. "Hispanics are a very heterogeneous population, which is not really recognized in most cancer studies," said Mariana Stern, lead author, a cancer epidemiologist and associate professor of preventive medicine in the Keck School of Medicine of USC. "Their risk factors might be different; their clinical characteristics could be different. We have to zoom into these observations and understand these disparities because they may affect how patients are educated about the disease and how they are treated by doctors." The study was published online Nov. 23 in Cancer Causes & Control. USC researchers used California Cancer Registry data. They examined the profiles of 36,133 Latinos and 174,710 whites who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1995 and 2011. Latinos were further identified by their country of origin: Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Central or South America, or not specified. USC researchers hope to pave the road toward personalized cancer care. "Nowadays, most of the information we have on the molecular characteristics of colorectal cancer comes from the white population," said Stern, who is Latina. "There is little information specific to Latinos. Plus, they are typically clumped as a group." Finding Highlights Latinos from Mexico have the lowest chance of getting colorectal cancer when compared to other Latino subgroups. More Mexicans (20 percent) and Central or South Americans (20 percent) were diagnosed with colorectal cancer before age 50 compared to other Latino subgroups. Among Latinos in California, Cuban colorectal cancer patients had the highest proportion of deaths (63 percent), followed by Puerto Ricans (58 percent). Mexicans had a higher percentage of rectal cancer (35 percent) than other Latino subgroups. Study Significance "We have pioneered surveillance of ethnic differences in cancer risk," said Lihua Liu, senior author, assistant professor of clinical preventive medicine at Keck Medicine of USC and a research scientist in the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program. "We have previously shown dramatic differences in cancer risk among Asian subgroups. It's time to also examine the heterogeneity within Latinos." However, hospitals and clinics in California do not have a standardized practice for collecting detailed ethnic and birthplace information, which resulted in a large proportion of Latino patients without country of origin information, posing a notable weakness of the study. Standardizing ethnic and birthplace data collection will help guide future cancer control strategies, Liu said. The objective is to reduce the impact of cancer, the leading cause of death in the Latino community. In contrast, the No. 1 cause of death among whites is heart disease, followed by cancer. Genetics, varying degrees of inter-mixing as well as acculturation to the U.S. lifestyle could all influence colorectal cancer incidence rates. For example, Latinos from the Caribbean generally have more African and fewer indigenous American forefathers. People from Mexico, however, have a larger proportion of indigenous American ancestry than Puerto Ricans or Cubans, Stern said. "Maybe the biology of people from Mexico protects them from developing colorectal cancer," she added. "This has been reported for breast cancer too. The heterogeneity of Latino populations presents a unique opportunity to disentangle the complex role of socio-demographics, culture, lifestyle and genetics as potential determinants of colorectal cancer risk among Latinos and other populations." Zen Vuong zvuong@usc.edu @USC http://www.usc.edu Cancer Causes & Control California Department of Public Health, National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program, Cancer Prevention Institute of California, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Program of Cancer Registries Latinos in Los Angeles (IMAGE)	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1459
__label__wiki	0.50113	0.50113	Challenges and prospects in the EU: Quality of life and public services Chapter 7 81 Introduction Between 2014 and 2016, over three million asylum-seekers arrived in the EU. This posed serious immediate and continuing challenges for both the Member States and the EU. It also prompted EU-level responses (there is an ongoing review of the relevant legislative framework and rules – this has to be agreed by the Member States). Initially, in 2015 and 2016, the average duration of asylum procedures in the most affected countries increased considerably due to the high inflow. At the same time, the need for quick integration and early intervention was recognised and moved higher on the agenda. This chapter considers the key role played by public services – individually and in more coordinated efforts – in the integration of refugees primarily, but in some cases asylum-seekers as well (while reception could be more relevant for the latter, some measures may include services relevant to them, especially for those who have a high chance of staying). The chapter highlights challenges and lessons learnt which can inform policy decisions for the future. The number of first-time asylum applicants in the EU increased substantially from 562,680 in 2014 to 1.26 million in 2015 – a rise of more than 100%. In 2016, despite efforts to contain the high inflow (such as the closure of the ‘Balkan route’ and the Turkey–EU Statement), the number of new asylum applicants still amounted to 1.21 million. At present, more than two million recognised refugees and almost one million asylum-seekers with pending applications for asylum are present in the EU, most of whom arrived in 2015–2016. While the inflow decreased in both 2017 and 2018 (the number of asylum applications in the EU more or less halved, at 654,610 and 581,775, respectively), EU countries granted protection to close to half a million (437,555) asylum-seekers in 2017 and almost a quarter of a million (217,400) in 2018 (first-instance decisions; the figures do not necessarily include those who came in 2017 or 2018). 16 The greatest challenge was posed not only by the size of the inflow but also by the varied nature of integration measures that were needed. For example, initiatives had to be designed to meet the specific needs of refugees with mental health issues following their traumatic experiences. Therefore, substantial capacity building was required. From the perspective of public services specifically, the most visible difficulty was to increase resources. While EU funding (e.g. the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund) could help, this provided complementary resources only. Increasing budgets was more difficult given the increase in negative public attitudes and the rise in the anti-immigration rhetoric of populist parties that were gaining ground. Integration of migrants (not only refugees) is defined at EU level as a ‘dynamic, long-term, and continuous two- way process of mutual accommodation .… It demands the participation not only of immigrants and their descendants but of every resident.’ 17 Within the context of the process, the EU’s Common Basic Principles for Immigrant Integration Policy also emphasises rights and responsibilities which the immigrants should adopt in relation to the host country (Council of the European Union, 2004, p. 19). Whether or not this process is successful can hardly be decided without the voice of the specific target group being heard – be they migrants, refugees or asylum-seekers (Pace and Simsek, 2019). A lot of attention is given to the role of integration for entry to the labour market. Refugees and asylum-seekers do not have a job arranged prior to their arrival (unlike many labour migrants). Moreover, in terms of employment, experiences have shown that it could take 20 years for them to catch up with the natives of the host country (OECD, 2019). In order to be ready to enter the labour market, refugees and asylum-seekers first require access to services. They rely on certain preparatory measures (language training, orientation courses) and, mainly, public services (e.g. housing, health, education – the importance of these services in this phase was also emphasised by the European Migration Network, 2019). Moreover, they often have suffered trauma, lose time in the asylum stage, become demotivated when staying for months in reception facilities without much to do and face uncertainties over the prospect of residing legally and permanently, even after asylum is granted. All these circumstances underline the importance of social 7 Public services for the social and economic integration of refugees 16 Eurostat [migr_asydcfsta] 17 The theoretical framework underlying immigrants’ adaptation to the host society, however, includes three other strategies as well as integration: assimilation, separation and marginalisation. Integration is regarded as the best approach, since it implies that immigrants maintain their identity ‘while engaging in daily interactions with other groups’ (see Robila, 2018, p. 2, which refers to Berry’s study on immigration, acculturation and adaptation). RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQzODgw	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1460
__label__wiki	0.87054	0.87054	Tag Archives: government spying The Damage Crossfire Hurricane Did To FBI’s Counterintelligence Division ‘Will Last For Years’ Says Former Counterspy By Sarah Lee • RedState When Attorney General Bill Barr told Congress in April he believed spying did occur against the Trump campaign, he was referring to the work of the formerly respected FBI division of counterintelligence, where Peter Strzok clocked in every day. The Washington Free Beacon details the almost mythical history of the division and how now, following its fall from grace as stooges for the powers-that-be that wanted Trump out of the game, it is the focus of the Department of Justice’s special investigation into the origins of the Russia collusion probe. Two senior counterintelligence officials no longer with the bureau are among likely targets of the investigation by John Durham, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut. Both were key managers of the high-profile investigations in 2016 into classified information found on Hillary Clinton’s private email server, and the now-discredited counterspy operation into links between the Trump presidential campaign and Russian government. A central figure is Peter Strzok, deputy assistant FBI director for the counterintelligence division, who was fired in August. Another key player was his boss, Bill Priestap, assistant FBI director for counterintelligence, who quietly resigned in December. In the three years since the controversial investigations, the FBI counterintelligence division has sought to rebuild its reputation by conducting aggressive operations untainted by past allegations of liberal political bias through recent high-profile spy cases. This merry band of partisans has nearly destroyed what was once a highly respected division doing impressive work. In fact, the Free Beacon reports, during the presidency of Bill Clinton onward, the division began to suffer from terrible mishaps of duty. Since the 1990s, however, FBI counterintelligence has suffered numerous failures. They include botched counterspy investigations into Chinese nuclear spies that stole American warhead secrets; a Chinese double agent who worked as an informant for the FBI in Los Angeles; and, most damaging, failing to uncover FBI turncoat agent Robert Hanssen who worked as an FBI counterspy and Moscow agent undetected for more than 20 years. Other counterintelligence lapses included a Cuban mole that operated secretly inside for the Defense Intelligence Agency, the loss of more than two dozen recruited CIA assets in China, and the arrests of numerous recruited intelligence agents in Iran beginning in 2010. Strzok is the newest member who is the source of the division’s ills, and while Barr indicated in his interview with CBS This Morning that he could see a scenario in which these agents felt they were doing what’s right, Strzok is being criticized for being particularly ill-suited to any role in counterintelligence due to extramarital affairs, accepting media favors against FBI policy et al. The cumulative effect of a department run by employees with loyalty to a political outcome rather than to the work of counterintel to protect their country is highly damaging, reports the Beacon. “The damage they’ve done to the FBI will last for years,” said former FBI counterspy I.C. Smith. DeGraffenreid said the fallout from Crossfire Hurricane likely will further weaken an already poor FBI counterintelligence capability. Bureaucratically, the fallout will further erode support for aggressive counterintelligence and dissuade the most capable people from seeking counterspy positions. Strzok, based on his congressional testimony and publicized text, revealed himself to be ill-suited for counterintelligence. The FBI counterspy came across as “an arrogant bureaucrat” in his congressional testimony, deGraffenreid said. “He’s not George Smiley.” Also, as outlined by the Justice IG, the FBI’s protective bureaucratic culture is in need of correcting. “There’s extreme bureaucratization there with a culture that thinks the bureau is something other than the United States,” said deGraffenreid who worked with senior FBI officials in government for more than 30 years. “More than any other government bureaucracy, the FBI will openly lie to protect the FBI’s reputation,” he said, adding that of all the intelligence disciplines, counterintelligence requires the smartest and best analysts and operators free of political bias like that shown by Strzok. It is beyond frightening that one of the most important and secretive divisions within the federal police force was thick with partisanship and so far removed from their proper mission that they would engage in spy games to unseat a president. But that appears to be exactly what happened. We’ll know more when all the subsequent “investigations into the investigators” are released. But one thing is already certain: the FBI needs to do a little housecleaning. Before this is all over, I suspect we’ll find other agencies do as well. Tags: FBI, Government Corruption, government spying A Brief History of the CIA’s Unpunished Spying on the Senate By Conor Friedersdorf • The Atlantic This is the story of John Brennan’s CIA spying on Congress and getting away with it. Last March, Senator Dianne Feinstein accused the CIA of spying on the Senate intelligence committee as it labored to finalize its report on the torture of prisoners. “I have grave concerns that the CIA’s search may well have violated the separation of powers principles embodied in the United States Constitution,” she said. “I have asked for an apology and a recognition that this CIA search of computers used by its oversight committee was inappropriate. I have received neither.” CIA Director John Brennan denied the charge. “Nothing could be further from the truth,” he said. “We wouldn’t do that. That’s just beyond the scope of reason in terms of what we’d do.” It would be months before his denial was publicly proved false. “An internal investigation by the C.I.A. has found that its officers penetrated a computer network used by the Senate Intelligence Committee in preparing its damning report on the C.I.A.’s detention and interrogation program,” The New York Times reported. “The report by the agency’s inspector general also found that C.I.A. officers read the emails of the Senate investigators and sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department based on false information.” A statement issued Thursday morning by a C.I.A. spokesman said that Continue reading → Tags: CIA, Congress, government spying U.S. government reveals breadth of requests for Internet records By Dustin Volz • Reuters The Federal Bureau of Investigation has used a secretive authority to compel Internet and telecommunications firms to hand over customer data including an individual’s complete web browsing history and records of all online purchases, a court filing released Monday shows. The documents are believed to be the first time the government has provided details of its so-called national security letters, which are used by the FBI to conduct electronic surveillance without the need for court approval. The filing made public Monday was the result of an 11-year-old legal battle waged by Nicholas Merrill, founder of Calyx Internet Access, a hosted service provider, who refused to comply with a national security letter (NSL) he received in 2004. Continue reading → Tags: accountability, Government Abuses, Government Corruption, government spying, internet	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1462
__label__wiki	0.795351	0.795351	FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 5 August - 24 August select edition France 2018 Papua New Guinea 2016 Canada 2014 Japan 2012 Germany 2010 Chile 2008 Russia 2006 Thailand 2004 Canada 2002 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Third-place contenders talk regrets and pride Julie Thibaud and Grace Fisk are the respective captains of France and England The two teams will face each other in the Play-off for third place on Friday Pride at stake for both sides English and French heads were very much down when they took their leave of the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes on Monday. Respectively beaten by Japan and Spain, the Young Lionesses and Les Bleuettes were forced to put their FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup dreams behind them, coming up just short at the final hurdle. Visibly disappointed, the English and French players were understandably reluctant to share their thoughts with the media following their sides’ France 2018 exits. Two of them who did, though – and with heads held high – were respective team captains and centre-halves Grace Fisk and Julie Thibaud. Both skippers were rueful when they spoke. While England failed to make the most of their speedy counter-attack play against the Young Nadeshiko, France had a golden opportunity to get back into their match with La Rojita, following Aitana Bonmati’s dismissal and the award of a penalty kick. The hosts passed up the chance, however, and were left, like England, to ponder what might have been. Fisk: “There’s a huge sense of disappointment. We had high hopes of winning and making the final for the first time, but Japan just did what they had to and stopped us from achieving that. They were the better side and they deserved to win. We can only wish them the best for the final.” Thibaud: “I hate losing, especially like that. It’s hard to take. We’re frustrated because we were obviously the better side, because we’re playing at home, because it’s the first World Cup for most of us, and because the opportunity was there for us to go through.” pic.twitter.com/J1ZNfhN8Xz — Julie Thibaud (@JulieThibaud) August 21, 2018 …and Pride Despite the disappointment, England and France will have the opportunity to end this tournament on a high. All that is left is a Play-off for third place and a bronze medal to win. Both Fisk and Thibaud have re-focused on Friday afternoon’s game after their semi-final defeats. Fisk: "We are very proud to have created history. We are the first England team to reach the semi-finals of this tournament, and that counts for something. There is a chance for us to go a little further by finishing third, and we will do everything we can to not miss that opportunity." Thibaud: “We're not going to give up, we’re going to regroup quickly, and get back on track. This is the moment to show our character and our ability to bounce back. It is imperative that we try and claim third place. Our honour is at stake. Defeat is not an option.” France U20 (women) England U20 (women) Buy France 2018 tickets FIFA Women's World Cup on Twitter FIFA Women's World Cup on Facebook FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup 2018 France 0-1 Spain (France 2018) Sun Wen: Individual ability of the players has impressed me Sundhage: It could be a beautiful final Spain hero Coll rides a rollercoaster of emotions	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1463
__label__wiki	0.638809	0.638809	John Kassab: Looking for a Diverse Cinespace The Australian filmmaker is on a mission for a more realistic depiction of this country’s diversity on our screens. “I left Australia almost a decade ago because of what I felt at the time was a lack of diversity and opportunity to tell the types of stories I wanted to a broad mainstream audience,” says John Kassab. An award-winning sound designer (short films The Lost Thing and Deeper than Yesterday), he turned to producing in the US with the documentary 12 O’Clock Boys which is currently being adapted into a Hollywood feature film by screenwriter by Barry Jenkins (Moonlight), and directed Hannah Gadsby’s web series Renaissance Woman in 2015. “I saw the United States as an international platform that welcomed more voices into the mainstream,” Kassab continues. “In Australia, the majority of the ‘ethnic oriented’ shows that were doing the rounds at the time led me to the realisation that whilst we may have come some way in accepting one another socially, we have a long way to go before mainstream media will give space to bold and authentic stories about this nation’s racial diversity without exploiting, laughing at or bringing shame to it. Most depictions of ethnicity in the mainstream media focused more on what separates us rather than what unites us. Although there is still a strong thread of this, it is reassuring to see the great work that people like Warwick Thornton, Waleed Aly, Osamah Sami, Ben Law and Que Minh Luu are doing to change this landscape. I have been inspired to join the fight and write.” As a producer, Kassab read hundreds of scripts but very few resonated, which led to the realisation that he should write them himself. Back in Melbourne, he applied for the Cinespace Screenwriter’s Fellowship. Can you tell us more about the Cinespace Screenwriter’s Fellowship? The Cinespace Social Change on Screen Fellowship hosts a series of workshops with leading academics and industry leaders to discuss linkages between screenwriting practice and social cohesion, addressing themes or impact relating to issues such as race and racism, religion, identity, (mis)representation, power, and social cohesiveness, as well as the relationship to mainstream media. I am one of 9 fellows this year that is writing and researching screen narratives that reflect the migrant experience of living in Australia. The ultimate goal of most people in this fellowship is to see Social Change both on screen, and in the community who watch screens. For too long most ethnic depictions on screen have been through the lens of stereotype, poverty porn or wog-bafooning and thankfully we are now seeing positive changes particularly out of studios like Matchbox Pictures who have taken the bull by the horns. What’s common to all fellows this year is we seek to tell stories which are bold, thoughtful and authentic, and which normalise instead of ‘other’, the diversity that exists in the community around us. You spent time in the US, can you speak to the way that diversity is/isn’t practiced in the US film industry? America is an epic melting pot of cultures and voices and has way more of an entrepreneurial spirit, which means private equity investment is far more available to empower every niche imaginable. There are also over 320,000,000 people living there – which is a fair justification of why there is not only more diversity on screen but why there are more screen outlets – and certainly the streaming giants have completely changed the game. Whilst still a minority in the vast ocean of programming in the US, current shows like Master of None, Atlanta, Broad City, Dear White People, Transparent, Black-ish, Fresh off the Boat and Jane the Virgin add to a strong tradition that goes all the way back to the 1980s in America. Whilst all the aforementioned shows are problematic in one way or another, each is uncompromising in its vision to give a voice to real experiences lived by and relevant to ethnic people in America (and around the world). In Australia, we are certainly seeing a shift with a wave of exciting new talent infiltrating the mainstream and I am also very happy to see funding organisations like Film Victoria taking the initiative and requiring its funding applicants to answer to how their shows address diversity in this country whilst lowering their eligibility pre-requisites. This is certainly a step in the right direction, and this should continue to breed shows that seek to normalise and represent diversity, or tackle issues relating to diversity and multiculturalism, more accurately from voices which may have not previously had the chance. We recently had The Combination Redemption release in cinemas, which represents diversity in Australia. Can you speak to that production in terms of what you are trying to achieve? I think George Basha is a huge talent and I wish him and his film every success. However, at a glance the trailer looks like a lot of angry dangerous brown people with guns and intolerant white people. This imagery, whilst relevant to some people I’m sure, does not speak to diversity in any way that I can relate. I have been brown and living in Australia for 36 years and the only guns I have ever seen have been strapped to cops and most white people I have come across have been quite lovely. What I am trying to achieve in my writing is to build upon the authentic image of middle-class Australian people of colour – an image that is prevalent throughout the country and yet for some reason, is rarely seen or celebrated on screen. We are highly educated, hold professions, are integrated and integral to mainstream Australian society. We identify as and are grateful to be Australians. We also have one foot firmly planted in the old country’s culture, religion and customs. It is in this friction between the new and old worlds that a lot of quality drama and comedy can explore without guns and aggression. Can you tell us about any of your upcoming projects that are examples of your remit? For the past year, I have been developing a slate of TV and film projects with my creative partner Khaled Abdulwahab (rapper from the legendary African Australian rap group Diafrix). We were shortlisted for development funding last year by Film Victoria with one of our shows. We are currently applying for development funding for another show through the Stan and Film Victoria development fund and are in the process of developing a highly original reality TV show. Together, Khaled and I are seeking to help shift the cultural landscape of media in this country – not only on screen but behind the camera as well. We seek to create a platform that can usher in more stories and voices that reflect the Australia we know, understand and love, so that audiences around the world may know, understand and love us too. For more on John Kassab, head to the website. For more on Cinespace, head to the website. right on , great article Leave a Reply to Eli Cancel reply Why Stars Stop Being Stars: Ryan O’Neal In what we can only hope is an ongoing series of articles, Stephen Vagg explores the two cold streaks of ... 300 views	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1466
__label__wiki	0.676704	0.676704	Trailer: At Eternity’s Gate – Schnabel does Van Gogh Artist/filmmaker Julian Schnabel recruits a stellar cast for another take on the life of Van Gogh. We’ve had Kirk Douglas as the artist in Vincent Minnelli’s Lust for Life (1956), John Hurt in Paul Cox’s Vincent (1987), Tim Roth in Robert Altman’s Vincent & Theo (1990), even Benedict Cumberbatch in 2010’s Van Gogh: Painted with Words. Last year, the animated Loving Vincent proved to be a surprise hit, and now Julian Schnabel (Basquiat, Before Night Falls, The Diving Bell & The Butterfly), artist, gallery owner and filmmaker tells another story about the Dutch artist, of his time in France’s Arles, and what inspired him to paint like a man possessed in At Eternity’s Gate, featuring Willem Dafoe as Van Gogh, Rupert Friend as his brother Theo, Oscar Isaac as contemporary Paul Gauguin, and Mads Mikkelsen, Mathieu Amalric, Emmanuelle Seigner and Niels Arestrup. The film just premiered at Venice, with no release date set for Australia yet, but we reckon that audiences here will go mad for it. At Eternity’s Gate screens at the Adelaide Film Festival, which is on October 10 – 21, 2018 The Reasons Behind Netflix’s Success The base of Netflix subscribers is continually growing both in the USA and abroad. The chart available on Statista.com shows ... 400 views	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1467
__label__wiki	0.877695	0.877695	All posts by Ragini Sharma Articles posted by Ragini Sharma Nov 28,2019 Leave a comment entrance exam, Exam Overview, foolsden, hotel management, mhcet 2019, nchmct, top clat online coaching NCHMCT JEE 2020 Exam Dates has been released. NCHMCT stands for National Council of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (Society). NHMCT JEE 2020 is a national level exam conducted for students who wants to take admissions in 3 years B.Sc (HHA). From the year 2019, NHMCT JEE 2020 will be conducted by NTA (National Test Agency). NCHMCT was established in 1982. It will be an offline written exam (pen-paper based) both in English as well as Hindi Language. Read this article, to get the latest update about NCHCT JEE 2020 including dates, eligibility, pattern admit card, syllabus and much more. NCHMCT JEE 2020 Exam Dates has been released. The examination will be conducted on 25th April 2020. NCHMCT JEE 2020 Exam Dates Some of the important events & exams dates of NCHMCT JEE 2020 will be as follows: Events Dates (Announced) Application form starting as 1st January 2020 Last date of form submission 29th February 2020 Admit card release 1st April 2020 Exam Date 25th April 2020 Result Declaration 10th May 2020 Result Correction (if any) Last week of May 2020 Counselling Last week of May 2020 NCHMCT JEE 2020 Application Form Check application details of NCHMCT JEE 2020 from below: The forms will be filled only through online mode. NCHMCT JEE 2020 applicarion form will be provided from 1st January 2020. After registration, students will fill their personal & educational details and upload passport size photograph & signature with given instructions. If the student has not given qualifying exam, he/she should check the “Appearing Box” Students will have to register themselves before the due date. After form submission, students will submit the fee through online mode. The application fee for various categories are as follows: For General & OBC – Rs. 800/- For Reserved – Rs. 400/- NCHMCT JEE 2020 Eligibility Criteria Before filling the application form, Candidates must check the Eligibility Criteria for NCHMCT JEE 2020 which are as follows:- Qualification: Candidate must have clear the secondary & senior secondary level exam with English as mandatory subject. Age Limit: Upper age limit is 25 years (general/OBC) and 28 years for reserved categories as on 1st July 2020. Appearing Candidates: Candidate who will be appearing in class 12th exam 2020 can also take the NCHMCT JEE entrance exam. It is compulsory for candidate to clear in English subject in the 12th exams. Medical: Candidate should have a certificate from a recognized medical practitioner to prove that they are physically fit. Candidates qualified Intermediate or two year pre university examination conducted by recognized Institutions are also eligible. NCHMCT JEE 2020 Exam Pattern The exam pattern for NCHMCT JEE 2020 will be as follow: Duration & Mode: NCHMCT JEE 2020 will be a written examination of 3 hours. Medium: Hindi as well as English languages both. No. & Type of Questions: NCHMCT will consist of 200 MCQ Questions along with 5 sections. Marking Scheme: Each correct answer will carry one mark whereas negative marking of 0.25 marks will also be applicable. NCHMCT JEE 2020 will consist of 200 MCQ questions in the below subjects: Subjects No. Of Questions Numerical ability & Analytical aptitude 30 Reasoning & logical Deduction 30 GK & Current Affairs 30 English Language 60 Aptitude for service sector 50 NCHMCT JEE 2020 Syllabus Students can study from official syllabus along with class 12th syllabus. Some important topics of the NCHMCT JEE Syllabus are mentioned below: Numerical Ability & Analytical Aptitude. Reasoning & Logical Deduction. GK & Current Affairs. English Language. Aptitude for Service Sector. NCHMCT JEE 2020 Preparation Tips Some preparation tips for NCHMCT JEE exam are mentioned below: Candidates have to study in detail for every section. GK & Current Affairs- Read good GK books & newspaper. Candidate can also go through information provided in internet. Candidate can also go through previous year Question Papers of NCHMCT JEE to know the exam pattern. English Language which includes good command in English and is mandatory. Aptitude for service sector, for this section, student can go through previous years question papers. Exam Centers: NCHMCT JEE 2020 exam centers have not been declared yet but according to previous year could be as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Dehradun, Goa, Gurdaspur, Guwahati, Gwalior, Hyderabad, Jammu, Jabalpur, Jaipur, Jamshedpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur , Patna, Puducherry, Pune, Raipur, Shillong, Shimla, Siliguri, Srinagar & Varanasi. Jul 13,2019 Leave a comment “Operation Thirst” launched by RPF i. RPF launched “Operation Thirst” to crack down selling of unauthorised Packaged Drinking Water in the railway premises. During the operation, 1371 persons were arrested for selling of packaged drinking water of unauthorised brands. Extra Info- Union Minister for Railways: Piyush Goyal. Government waives duty on products imported for nuclear plants i. GoI has waived off basic customs duty (BCD) on products imported for nuclear plants. “All goods for use in generation of nuclear power” and “all forms of uranium ores and concentrates for generation of nuclear power” will now have to pay no basic customs duty. Ukraine inaugurates world’s largest Metal Dome i. Ukraine has inaugurated the world’s largest movable metal dome encasing the destroyed reactor at the infamous Chernobyl plant. It is a 108-meter high dome which weighs 36,000 tonnes. Capital of Ukraine: Kyiv; Currency of Ukraine: Ukrainian Hryvnia. Defence Ministry signs MoU with IPFC and NRDC i. Defence Ministry has signed an MOU with the Intellectual Property Facilitation Cell and National Research Development Corporation in connection to the mission Raksha Gyan Shakti. ii. The MoU will bridge the capacity shortfall and provide a major fillip to the ongoing efforts of the Defence Ministry towards promoting a culture of Innovation and Intellectual Property Rights in the Defence industry. iii. The aim of Raksha Gyan Shakti is to inculcate Intellectual Property culture in Indian defence manufacturing ecosystem. Union Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh. Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur signs MoU for research collaboration i. Prasar Bharati and IIT Kanpur signed an MoU for research collaboration in newly emerging technologies and broadcasting-related areas in New Delhi. ii. The move is likely to boost research activities in the broadcasting field. CEO of Prasar Bharati: Shashi Shekhar Vempati; Prasar Bharati HQ: New Delhi. Established in: 23 Nov1997. MP Govt announces cow welfare fund, hikes Haj committee grant i. Highlights of the state budget presented by Madhya Pradesh government: Allocation of Rs 8,000 crore has been made to waive loans of 20 lakh farmers of the state. The grants for the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board and the Haj committee have been hiked. A grant of Rs 132 crore has been proposed for the welfare of cows. Madhya Pradesh CM: Kamal Nath, Governor: Anandiben Patel. Economy and Business News ICSI launches UDIN to improve corporate governance i. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India has rolled out an initiative a Unique Document Identification Number to pursue heightened sense of self-governance and strengthen the practising side of company secretaries. ii. UDIN will provide ease of maintaining register of attestation and certification services. The ICSI functions under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Union Minister of Corporate Affairs: Nirmala Sitharaman. RBI panel moots changes in timings for foreign exchange market i. Internal committee of the RBI has suggested that the foreign exchange market could function from 9 am to 9 pm. At present, the currency market works from 9 am to 5 pm. The panel suggested call money market timings could be extended till 6 pm instead of the 5 pm now. ii. The extension of market timings is expected to provide benefits such as better pricing of post-market hours information/data, improved onshore price discovery and a possible shift of offshore volumes to onshore. RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata. MN Rao appointed DG of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard i. The Central government appointed M Nageswar Rao, as the Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guard. Rao will replace former CBI Chief Alok Verma. LinkedIn appoints Ashutosh Gupta as country manager for India i. LinkedIn has appointed Ashutosh Gupta as the new country manager for India operations. Gupta will replace Mahesh Narayanan, who was the country manager for India for period from January-June 2019. LinkedIn’s CEO: Jeff Weiner; HQ: California, United States. Summits & Conferences 36th Meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) i. The Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship organised the 36th meeting of the Central Apprenticeship Council (CAC) in New Delhi. ii. The 36th CAC meet under the chairmanship of Minister of MSDE, aims to meet the aspirations of the Indian youth who strive to gain on-the-job training and secure better opportunities for employment. Minister of Skill development and Entrepreneurship: Mahendra Nath Pandey. 14th conference of Parties to be hosted by India i. India will host the 14th conference of the parties from September 02 to 13 in Greater Noida. 197 countries are expected to participate in the conference. ii. Three crucial issues in this conference are desertification, land degradation and drought. Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Prakash Javadekar. India-Myanmar: Exchange crucial information on drug trafficking i. 4th Director General level talks between Narcotics Control Bureau (India) and Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (Myanmar) was held in New Delhi. ii. India and Myanmar have resolved to exchange crucial information relating to drug trafficking and precursors. Capital of Myanmar: Naypyitaw; Currency of Myanmar: Burmese Kyat. Fergus Kavanagh to conduct camp for Indian hockey defenders i. Fergus Kavanagh has been roped in to conduct a 7 day camp with Indian defenders at the Sports Authority of India Centre in Bengaluru. ii. He will be working closely with 14 Indian defenders identified by Hockey India. iii. Kavanagh was part of the Australian dream team that won the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi and the 2014 World Cup in The Hague. Gold medals for India in Commonwealth Championships i. Rakhi Halder and Davinder Kaur has won a gold medal each in the senior women’s section of weightlifting in the Commonwealth Championships. ii. Davinder Kaur has won the gold medal in women’s 59kg event. While Rakhi Halder has won the gold medal in the 64kg category. The Championship is taking place in Apia, Samoa. World Population Day: 11 July i. The United Nations observes 11 July every year as World Population Day. This year’s World Population Day calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. United Nations Headquarters: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945. Antonio Guterres is the Secretary General of the United Nations. Taylor Swift Topped 100 highest-paid Forbes Celebrity list i. Singer Taylor Swift has topped the Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list and emerged as the highest-paid celebrity with her 2019 estimated earnings of over USD 185 million. ii. Taylor Swift replaced Kylie Jenner. Jenner is now 2nd in the list. iii. India’s Akshay kumar is placed 33rd in the list. Isha Kanth bags ICJ internship programme i. Indian girl, Isha Kanth is one of the two persons in the world to have bagged an internship programme at the International Court of Justice. ii. She has earlier worked in rural Bihar spreading awareness on the right to education and women empowerment among children belonging to the marginalised sections. Headquarters: The Hague (Netherlands); Established: June 1945. President: Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf (Somalia). Brazilian bossa nova pioneer Joao Gilberto passes away i. The legendary Brazilian musician and songwriter Joao Gilberto passed away. He was the pioneer of the lilting, melodious and famous music known as Bossa Nova. North Korea revises the constitution i. North Korea has revised its constitution to make Kim Jong Un as the official head of state, a promotion that could help normalise the isolated country’s diplomatic relations with the rest of the world. ii. Earlier Kim ruled as a chairman of state Affairs Commission. The previous constitution stated that the chairman of SAC served as a Supreme Leader. Imp Info: North Korea Capital: Pyongyang; Currency: North Korean won. The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index i. UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released the 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index. Highlights of the reports are: India’s MPI value reduced from 0.283 in 2005-06 to 0.123 in 2015-16. India has lifted 271 million people out of poverty between 2006 and 2016, recording the fastest reductions in the multidimensional poverty index. India and Cambodia has reduced their MPI values the fastest among the 10 selected countries for which changes over time were analysed. Gains for India according to the report: deprivation in nutrition from 44.3% in 2005-06 to 21.2% in 2015-16. child mortality dropped from 4.5% to 2.2%. people deprived of cooking fuel reduced from 52.9% to 26.2%. deprivation in sanitation from 50.4% to 24.6%. people deprived of drinking water reduced from 16.6% to 6.2%. The administrator of UNDP: Achim Steiner. Kalyani JV gets missile kits order i. A joint venture of a Kalyani group firm and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Systems has secured a $100 million contract for manufacturing 1,000 Barak-8 MRSAM missile kits. ii. Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems will manufacture the kits at its production facility near Hyderabad and supply them to Bharat Dynamics for further integration. The product will be used by the Indian Army and the Air Force. Capital of Israel: Jerusalem; Currency of Israel : Israeli New Shekel. India hands over pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar i. India handed over 250 pre-fabricated houses to Myanmar in Maung Daw for use of displaced returnees from Bangladesh. ii. The Indian government had taken up the project under its Rakhine State Development Programme for $ 25M for a period of five years. BCC signs MoU with BRICS chamber to promote trade i. The Bharat Chamber of Commerce and the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi, signed an MoU for promoting trade and investments between the BRICS countries and the eastern part of India. BRICS Headquarters: Shanghai, China; President of BRICS: K V Kamath. Members of the BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Rajghat coal plant to be turned into solar park i. The Delhi government has announced that the Rajghat thermal power plant will be officially shut and turned into a solar park. A 5,000 KW of solar power will be produced at the 45 acre plant site. ii. The coal-based plant, whose current units were commissioned in 1989, has been lying in a shutdown mode from 2014. Chief Minister of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal; Lieutenant Governor of Delhi: Anil Baijal. Vikas Swarup appointed as Secretary of Overseas Indian Affairs i. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Shri Vikas Swarup, High Commissioner in Ottawa as Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa and Overseas Indian affairs) in the Ministry of External Affairs with effect from 01.08.2019. Capital of Canada: Ottawa; Currency of Canada: Canadian dollar. Minister of External Affairs: Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. First Global Conference for Media Freedom in London i. The first Global Conference for Media Freedom co-hosted by the UK and Canada in London. ii. A three members Indian media delegation, including Prasar Bharati Chairman A.Surya Prakash, Rajya Sabha MP and journalist Swapan Dasgupta, and journalist and political analyst Kanchan Gupta, have attended the first Global Conference for Media Freedom. World Press Freedom Index 2019: Rank of India 140th out of 180. USISPF second annual leadership summit held in Washington i. The US India Strategic and Partnership Forum 2nd annual leadership summit held in Washington. “US India Bilateral Trade Report” was released on the occasion. ii. Some findings of the report are: US India bilateral trade could reach USD 238 billion by 2025. Sectors such as defence trade, commercial aircrafts, oil and LNG, coal, machinery and electronics are areas of potential growth. The US-India trade balance has grown 3.8 per cent on an average in favour of India. President of United States: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, DC. 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London i. The 19th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting was held in London. External Affairs Minister conveyed India’s stand at the meet. External Affairs Minister of India: S. Jaishankar. UK Capital: London; Currency: Pound sterling. 4 gold medals for India in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships i. India has won 4 gold medals in Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships held in Apia, Samoa. The Indian medallists are: Men (Elite and junior): Achinta Sheuli has won 2 gold medals in the 73kg event. Junior: Gulam Navi has won a gold medal in 67kg event. Junior and youth: L. Sadananda Singh has won Bronze & Gold medals in the 73kg event. Women (Elite): Manpreet Kaur has won silver medal in 76kg event. Junior: R. Arockiya Alish has won a silver medal in 76kg event. Mexico wins CONCACAF Gold Cup final i. Mexico defeated USA to claim their eighth CONCACAF Gold Cup title. Jonathan Dos Santos scored the winning goal in 73rd min for Mexico in the thrilling final. Capital of Mexico: Mexico City; Currency of Mexico: Mexican peso. Film Divisions to launch documentary film club in Mumbai i. Film Divisions will launch documentary film club “KSHITIJ” in Mumbai. The club will be launched by Films Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, in association with Indian Documentary Producer’s Association (IDPA). ii. The acclaimed documentary film “Secret Life of Frogs” by Ajay & Vijay Bedi will be screened as the inaugural film. Soumendranath Kundu passes away i. Former Bengal and Railway leg-spinner Soumendranath Kundu passed away. Kundu was conferred the CAB Kartick Bose lifetime Achievement Award 2014. ii. Kundu took 127 wickets in 30 First Class matches between 1958-59 and 1968-69. He also took 10 wickets in a match thrice. Airtel Payments Bank to sell Bharti AXA Life’s term insurance i. Airtel Payments Bank has partnered with Bharti AXA Life Insurance to offer a life term insurance plan. ii. The product, Bharti AXA Life (Point of Sale) Saral Jeevan Bima Yojana, is a pure life term insurance plan which is aimed at the under insured and uninsured segments in India. MD & CEO of Bharti AXA Life Insurance: Vikas Seth. MD & CEO of Airtel Payments Bank: Anubrata Biswas. AYUSH, MeitY ministries collaborates for digitisation of AYUSH sector i. The Ministries of AYUSH and Electronics and Information Technology have signed a MoU to collaborate on the digitization of the AYUSH sector. ii. The ministry aims to digitize the entire AYUSH, leading to transformation in the field of health care delivery at all levels, along with greater research, education, delivery of various health care programmes and better drug regulations. Minister of State (Independent charge) of AYUSH Ministry: Shripad Yesso Naik. Minister of Communications and Information Technology: Ravi Shankar Prasad. Delhi Police signs pact with SECI for rooftop solar energy systems i. Delhi Police has signed a pact with Solar Energy Corporation of India. Under this, the SECI will support the implementation of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic systems on the establishments of Delhi police. ii. The Delhi police will set up rooftop solar energy systems in over 200 of its buildingsacross the city. Chairman of SECI: Praveen Kumar. Ajay Banga, Azim Premji to receive excellence awards from USISPF i. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum has announced that Mastercard CEO and President Ajay Banga and Wipro Chairman Azim Premji will receive the 2019 Global Excellence Awards. ii. This is the Second Annual Leadership Summit of USISPF. iii. They have been honored with the awards for their significant contribution to strengthening economic ties between the US and India. Business and Banking News Ola gets green light for London taxi business i. India’s biggest ride-hailing platform Ola Cabs, has received approval from London’stransport regulator to start private hire vehicles (PHV) in the capital city of the UK. ii. Ola will be the first ever platform to offer both PHVs and black cabs in the UK. CEO of OLA: Bhavish Aggarwal; Headquarters: Bengaluru. ‘Vasool So-Ft’ launched to digitize NPA recovery process i. Karnataka Bank Ltd has launched the web tool ‘Vasool So-Ft’ (Vasool So-Fast) for digitalising the Non Performing Asset recovery process of the bank. ii. The digital tool for the recovery of stressed assets will provide an end to end digital solution. It will enable easy and faster processing, real time information and immediate decision making in the recovery area. MD & CEO of Karnataka Bank Ltd: Mahabaleshwara MS; Headquarters: Mangaluru. Ursula von der Leyen elected as next EU president i. European Commission has elected Ursula von der Leyen as its new president. ii. She will replace Jean Claude Juncker. She has become the first woman to be elected to lead the EU’s executive arm. Headquarters of European Commission: Brussels, Belgium. Duty Free shops at Dubai airports to accept Indian currency i. Dubai Duty Free has announced that Indian Rupee will now be an accepted currency at all the retail outlets of the Dubai airport. ii. The move makes the Indian rupee the 16th international currency to be accepted at Dubai’s airports. iii. Stores at the Dubai Airport will accept notes of various denominations, including 100s, 200s, 500s and 2000s. First ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendra’ in Delhi and Vijayawada i. Unique Identification Authority of India has opened its first ‘Aadhaar Seva Kendra’ in Delhi and Vijayawada. ii. The Aadhaar card issuing authority has an ambitious plan to set up 114 such centresby the year end. iii. These centres will provide the facility to apply for a new Aadhaar card or update the existing ones. These centres are similar to Passport Seva Kendras run by the Ministry of External Affairs. CEO of UIDAI: Ajay Bhushan Pandey; Founded: 12 July, 2016. Arjen Robben announces retirement from football i. Dutch winger Arjen Robben has announced his retirement from football at the age of 35 after a 10-year spell with German giants Bayern Munich. ii. He has played 96 international matches for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals, and starred in the team which reached the 2010 World Cup final. India’s first Design Development Centre launched in Gujarat i. India’s first Design Development Center ‘Fashionova’ was launched in the Textile city Surat. ii. The centre will promote the city in the field of the fashion design sector. iii. It will also fulfill the business needs from co-working space, technicians, expert advises to cognitive workshops and exposure to the industry. Gujarat CM: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Om Prakash Kohli; Capital: Gandhinagar. Longest electrified railway tunnel in India commissioned i. The South Central Railway has commissioned the longest electrified tunnel of India. ii. The tunnel which is between Cherlopalli and Rapuru stations is 6.6 km long, is built at a total cost of ₹460 crore. iii. The horse shoe shaped tunnel is of 6.5 metres height with ballastless track and LED lighting provided at 10 metre intervals inside. Army Chief releases Kargil Tribute Song i. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat has released a Kargil Tribute Song to honour, salute and pay homage to the Kargil martyrs and war veterans. ii. The song has been composed by eminent Hindi lyricist Sammer Anjaan and sung by Shatadru Kabir. iii. The song was released as part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas to be celebrated on 26th of July. Cabinet approves India-Maldives MoU for passenger, cargo services i. The Union Cabinet has approved the pact signed between India and Maldives to start passenger and cargo services via sea route. ii. The MoU will pave way for ferry services between Maldives and India. The proposed ferry service would contribute in a big way to promote people to people contact and to boost bilateral trade. Capital of Maldives: Male; Currency: Maldivian Rufiyaa. President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. CCMB and CDFD sign MoU to improve genetic disease diagnostics i. An MoU has been signed between CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) and Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD). ii. The aim of the MoU is to enable better ways of diagnosis and treatment of genetic disorders. Tripura gets Rs 358 crore from GoI for road projects i. The GoI has sanctioned an additional amount of Rs 358 crore for the construction of new roads in rural areas of Tripura. Capital of Tripura: Agartala, CM: Biplab Kumar Deb, Governor: Kaptan Singh Solanki. Hong Kong govt grants over $9 million for cyclone-hit Odisha i. The Hong Kong government has approved over $9 million for relief and rehabilitation work in cyclone-hit Odisha. ii. The grants will benefit around 45,100 victims of “Fani cyclone” and will be used to provide hygiene kits, kitchen kits, water, education, household items and shelter kits. CM of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor: Ganeshi Lal. Punjab & Sind Bank sets up Cen-MARG i. Punjab & Sind Bank has set up a centralised hub “Centralised MSME & Retail Group”. It will process retail and MSME loans for the better efficiency of branches in business acquisition. ii. The Cen-MARG has been envisioned to ensure qualitative improvement in credit appraisal, improved turnaround time, uniform documentation, and efficient monitoring. MD & CEO of Punjab & Sind Bank: S. Harisankar. Ranks & Reports India ranked 86th in the Henley Passport Index 2019 i. The Henley Passport Index 2019 have ranked the Indian passport on the 86th positionwith a mobility score of 58. ii. The score points out that Indian passport holders can access 58 countries around the world without a prior visa. Japan and Singapore holds the top spot with a score of 189. iii. The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations including micro-states and territories. Nasscom, NSDC launch Global Cloud Computing challenge i. Nasscom partners with National Skill Development Corporation to organise ‘World Skills India’s International Cloud Computing Challenge 2019’. ii. Ten countries including India are participating in the competition, along with New Zealand, Belgium, Japan, China, South Korea, Russia, Oman and Ireland. iii. “WorldSkills India” is an NSDC initiative launched in 2011. President of NASSCOM: Debjani Ghosh. Chairman of NSDC: A M Naik; MD & CEO: Manish Kumar. Iraq’s Babylon listed as World Heritage Site by UNESCO i. UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee has listed Iraq’s Babylon as a World Heritage Site. ii. Babylon is developed as a walled city of mudbrick temples and towers, constituting the Tower of Babel, and the Ishtar Gate. iii. The city was the centre of the ancient Babylonian empire more than 4,000 years ago. Capital of Iraq: Baghdad; Currency: Iraqi dinar. Headquarters of UNESCO: Paris, France; Director General: Audrey Azoulay. i. The United Nations observes first Saturday of July every year as International Day of Cooperatives. ii. The day is celebrated to increase the awareness of cooperatives. The event underscores the contributions of the cooperative movement in resolving the major problems addressed by the United Nations. iii. Theme for 2019: COOPS 4 DECENT WORK. Secretary General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres. PM Narendra Modi launches plantation drive in Varanasi Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a mega plantation drive in Uttar Pradesh. Modi unveiled a tall bronze statue of late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, outside the terminal building of the Varanasi Airport. The plantation drive was launched at Harahua primary school Anand Kanan forest on the Panch Kosi Marg . A total of 27 lakh saplings and trees were being planted with the help of farmers and residents to increase the green cover. Uttar Pradesh- Capital City (Lucknow) CM (Yogi Adityanath) Governor (Ram Naik) Govt to invest 50 lakh crore rupees in railways by 2030 Railway Minister Piyush Goyal announced that the government is eyeing investment of 50 lakh crore in railways by the year 2030 to make it the best in the world. the rail infrastructure in the country increased by mere 30 per cent in the last 65 years due to the lack of adequate investment, while freight and passenger traffic increased by 1500 per cent The entire Konkan Railway route from Mumbai to Mangaluru via Goa would be electrified at the cost of 11,000 crore rupees. Railway Minister- Piyush Goyal Assam Govt to develop over three hundred tourist spots Assam government has taken a step to develop 316 tourists spot in the state. Managing Director of Assam Tourism Development Corporation Bhaskar Phukan announced that 150 crore rupees will be spent to develop these locations under Axom Darshan. Assam- Capital City(Dispur) CM(Sarbananda Sonowal) Governor(Jagdish Mukhi) Central Govt to set up three CoE in Sports at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju has announced that central government is going to set-up three Sports Centre of Excellence in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The three centre of excellence will be for Martial Arts, Weight Lifting and Boxing. These centres will have a capacity of 300 sportspersons with residential facility. The government will also set up 12 to 15 football stadiums with Astro-turf football pitches across the state in the next three years. This year Arunachal Pradesh will host the North East Youth Festival. Arunachal Pradesh- Capital City (Itanagar) CM(Pema Khandu) Governor(B. D. Mishra) Smriti Irani lays foundation stone of Govt Girl’s Degree College at Jagdishpur in Amethi Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Textile Smriti Irani laid the foundation stone of Government Girl’s Degree College at Jagdishpur in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. CM Bhupesh Baghel inaugurates ‘Jan Choupal’ programme in Raipur CM Bhupesh Baghel inaugurates ‘Jan Choupal’ programme in Raipur,Chattisghar. Under this new ‘Jan Choupal program, public meetings will be held once every week to discuss the issues of the people. The concept of ‘Jan Choupal’ has been taken from the practices of our ancestors in the village, who used to gather and solve the issues faced by them. Chhattisgarh- Capital City(Raipur) CM(Bhupesh Baghel) Governor(Anandiben Patel) Telangana government has introduced the Miyawaki method of afforestation Under the Telangana ku Haritha Haaram (TKHH) Telangana government has introduced the Japanese Miyawaki method of afforestation to grow urban forests and expand the green cover as well as to meet the stipulated plantation target. Telangana Ku Haritha Haram or Haritha Haram was launched by Chief Minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao on July 2015. Miyawaki is a Japanese technique introduced by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, that helps build dense, native forests in a short time. Telangana- Capital City (Hyderabad) CM (K. Chandrashekar Rao) Governor (E. S. L. Narasimhan.) India’s Ola Cabs received approval from London’s transport regulator to start private hire vehicles (PHV) in the capital city of the UK. Ola UK Pvt. Ltd received a one-year carriage licence from TFL to operate “PHV vehicles” across London. Ola would become the biggest threat to Uber in the UK, since it has raised far more capital than the rest of the app-based taxi operators It is raised around $190 million to $280 million in funding Ola’s massive war chest of $3.8 billion. Ola first entered the UK in August 2018. They got with licences to operate across south Wales. It has a presence in 150 cities across India It operations in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Ola: Ola Cabs, is an Indian origin online transportation network company. Founded: 3 December 2010, Mumbai Headquarters: Bengaluru Founders: Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati CEO: Bhavish Aggarwal Reliance Jio partners with Facebook to launch literacy drive MDigital Udaan” for first-time internet users in India Indian mobile network operator, Reliance Jio partnered with Facebook to launch a digital literacy initiative named “Digital Udaan” The main aim is to empower first-time internet users with digital literacy and understanding of the Internet in real time. Jio will engage with its users to help them learn about features of JioPhone, apps and Internet safety, including the use of Facebook. The initiative is launched in nearly 200 different locations across 13 states. It is expected to reach over 7,000 locations in the country. Through this program, it has audio-visual training in 10 regional languages. Founded: February 2004 Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States CEO: Mark Zuckerberg Tata Steel Kalinganagar included in WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) has been included in World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Lighthouse Network. TSK in Odisha’s Jajpur district is the first and the only Indian manufacturing plant to be included in the WEF’s Lighthouse Network. The factories join a network of 16 existing lighthouses across multiple geographies and industries. Tata Steel: Founded: 25 August 1907, Jamshedpur CEO: T. V. Narendran Punjab & Sind Bank sets up centralised hub ‘Cen-MARG’ to process retail and MSME loans Punjab & Sind Bank set up a centralized hub named “Centralised MSME & Retail Group” (Cen-MARG). The purpose is to process retail and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) loans for better efficiency of branches in business acquisition. It will ensure qualitative improvement in credit appraisal, improved turnaround time, uniform documentation, and efficient monitoring. They will help branches focus better on lead generation for retail lending and MSME and enhanced customer service. It is headquartered in New Delhi. Punjab & Sind Bank: Punjab & Sind Bank is a government-owned bank Headquarters: New Delhi MD & CEO: S Harisankar Tag line: Where service is a way of life APPOINTMENT & RESIGNATION Dr.Nalin Shinghal appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited(BHEL) Nalin Shinghal appointed as its chairman and managing director for five years. The appointment of Nalin Shinghal as chairman and managing director BHEL. BHEL: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited owned and founded by the Government of India, is an engineering and manufacturing company CEO: Atul Sobti Founder: Government of India Virat Kohli retains top position among batsmen in latest ICC rankings Team India skipper Virat Kohli has retained the top position among batsmen in the latest ICC rankings. Rohit Sharma bridged the gap at No. 2 following his record five World Cup tons. Babar Azam of Pakistan ranked third. Extra Shots: The International Cricket Council is the global governing body of cricket. It was founded as the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 by representatives from Australia, England and South Africa. It was renamed as the International Cricket Conference in 1965, and took up its current name in 1989. Founded: 15 June 1909 Chairperson: Shashank Manohar Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates CEO: Manu Sawhney UNESCO report says, 1 in 4 children in Pakistan would be uneducated by 2030: UNESCO • According to the report by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) every one in four children in Pakistan will not be able to finish their primary education by 2030. • Apart from that 50% of youth still not completing upper secondary education in Pakistan at the current rates. • UN’s 2030 agenda for sustainable development (SDG) emphasis on no one behind yet only four percent of the poorest 20 percent complete upper secondary school in the poorest countries compared to 36 percent of the richest. Crime kills more people than armed conflict: UN Report • The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) published a study on homicides which states that people killed in homicides across the world are five times higher than those killed in armed conflicts and that the organised crime is responsible for 19% of homicides. • Globally, young men aged 15–29 years face the highest risk of homicide, with a rate of 16.6 per 100,000 males in that age group; while men aged 30–44 years face the second-highest risk, at 14.7 per 100,000. • About India, the report states that the overall homicide rate decreased by 10 per cent over the period 2009–2015, from 3.8 to 3.4 per 100,000 population. Kim Darroch, UK ambassador to US, resigns • British ambassador to the USA, Kim Darroch, has resigned after series of leaked diplomatic information revealed he told 10 Downing Street that the Trump administration was “inept” and “clumsy.” • In a letter to Simon McDonald, the permanent under secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Darroch said he wanted to “put an end to speculation” about his position and remaining term as ambassador. • The resignation, which was announced by the UK Foreign Office, came after US President Donald Trump said that the White House would no longer deal with Darroch. India’s lowest power-play score in WC2019 • India scored 24/4 in the first 10 overs against New Zealand in the semi-final match. It is India’s lowest power-play score in this world cup. • Three top batsmen of Indian cricket team got out for 1 run each in India’s inning. Earlier, New Zealand scored 239 in first innings. • The previous lowest power-play score in 2019 World Cup was recorded by New Zealand (27/1) in the same match. UAE Foreign minister arrives in India i. United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in India. He will hold talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar to boost cooperation in key sectors such as trade and energy. ii. The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner and fourth-largest energy supplier. Imp Info- President of the UAE: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Capital of the UAE: Abu Dhabi. Currency of the UAE: Dirham. Tata Steel Kalinganagar joins WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network i. Tata Steel Kalinganagar has been included in World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network. TSK in Odisha’s Jajpur district is the first and the only Indian manufacturing plant to be included in the WEF’s Lighthouse Network. ii. Global Lighthouse Network is a community of manufacturers showing leadership in applying Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to drive financial and operational impact. Indian Haj mission adopts Digital India, equality of women i. Indian Haj mission in Saudi Arabia adopts Digital India, equality of women. It aims to reach out to a large number of pilgrims as part of the Government of India’s initiative of Digital India. ii. The App ‘Indian Haj Information System‘ developed by the consulate will receive feedback and grievances from Hajis. Another app E-MASIHA will retrieve pilgrims’ health information to apply appropriate treatment whenever he or she visits Indian medical facilities during Haj. Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh, Currency: Saudi Riyal. ISRO ties up with Russian agency to select, train Indian astronauts i. Indian Space Research Organisation has signed a contract with Russia’s Glavkosmosfor selection support, medical examination and space training of Indian astronauts. ii. ISRO has planned to send two unmanned missions before the mission ‘Gaganyaan-1’. ISRO Director: K Sivan, Headquarters: Bengaluru, Established: 1969. Meghalaya fined Rs 100 cr for illegal coal mining i. The Supreme Court of India has directed the Meghalaya government to deposit the Rs 100 crore fine. ii. The fine was imposed by the NGT for failing to curb illegal coal mining with the Central Pollution Control Board. Meghalaya Capital: Shillong; Chief Minister: Conrad Sangma; Governor: Tathagata Roy. Bonalu festival kicks off in Telangana i. The annual Bonalu festival kicked off at the Jagadamba temple in historic Golconda Fort, Telangana. ii. Bonalu is celebrated every year in the state during the first month of the monsoon season. Bonalu is the “state festival” of Telangana. CM of Telangana: K Chandrashekhar Rao; Capital of Telangana: Hyderabad. Governor of Telangana: ESL Narasimhan. J&K govt approves Aadhaar-linked payment for pension disbursal i. The Jammu and Kashmir government approves Aadhaar-linked payment mode for pension disbursal. ii. The aim is to distribute pension to the beneficiaries under various central and state sponsored schemes in order to ensure transparency and to avoid delay. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir: Satya Pal Malik. DRDO successfully tested Nag missiles in Pokhran i. DRDO successfully tested Nag missiles in Pokhran ranges. The system includes a third generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile, the NAG, along with the Missile Carrier Vehicle (NAMICA). ii. The Nag Missile has top attack capabilities that can effectively engage and destroy all known enemy tanks. DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy, Established: 1958, Headquarters: New Delhi. Operation ‘Sudarshan’ launched along the Pakistan border i. BSF has launched the operation ‘Sudarshan’ to fortify the ‘anti-infiltration grid’ along the Pakistan border in Punjab and Jammu. ii. It was launched on July 1 and will cover the entire 1,000-kms length of the India-Pakistan International Border. iii. The Border Security Force is the primary force guarding this frontier as the ‘first line of defence’. Nalin Shinghal appointed CMD of BHEL i. Nalin Shinghal has been appointed as the chairman and managing director of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. ii. He will replace Atul Sobti as the chairman and managing director of BHEL. Harideesh Kumar appointed as Director of IBPS i. B Harideesh Kumar has been appointed as director of Institute of Banking Personnel Selection for a period of three years. Earlier, he was the Executive Director of Canara Bank. Chairman of IBPS: Rajkiran Rai G. “Vivekadeepini” book released by the Vice President of India i. The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has released the book ‘Vivekadeepini’ in ten languages. ii. It is a concise book of aphorisms that contains glimpses of India’s wisdom. The book will be published by Vedanta Bharati. 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis C’ship to be hosted in Odisha i. Odisha will host the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship in Cuttack, from July 17 to 22. ii. The tournament has received entries from 14 associations, consisting of India, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, England, Scotland, Wales, Jersey, Australia, Cyprus, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan. CM of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor of Odisha: Ganeshi Lal. U.S. wins FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 i. United States wins FIFA Women’s World Cup 2019 held in Lyon, France. ii. They defeated the Netherlands with a scrore of 2-0. This is the 4th world cup title for the US’s women football team. Rohit Sharma records maximum hundreds in the single World Cup i. Rohit Sharma has set a world record of maximum hundreds in the single World Cup. ii. He has become the first batsman in the world to score five hundreds in a single World Cup and break the record of Former Sri Lankan skipper Kumar Sangakarra. iii. He has also equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s record of the total number of World Cup hundreds. Venue of ICC World Cup 2019 : England and Wales. 4 Gold medals for India in Kutno Athletics Meet Indian athletes have won 4 gold medals in the Kutno Athletics Meet held in Poland. Following is the list of winners in the different categories: Hima Das won the gold while V.K. Vismaya bagged the silver in the women’s 200m race. Muhammed Anas won the gold in men’s 200 m race. M P Jabir won the gold while Jithin Paul bagged the bronze medal in the men’s 400m hurdles. P Saritaben (gold), Sonia Baishya (silver) and R Vithya (bronze) won the women’s 400 m race. Canada Open Badminton: Li Shi Feng won the men’s singles title i. Li Shi Feng has won the men’s singles title of Canada Open Badminton. He defeatedIndia’s Parupalli Kashyap in the title clash. Copa America 2019: Brazil wins Title on home soil i. Ten-man Brazil held on to win the Copa America on home soil despite Gabriel Jesus’s dismissal with a 3-1 victory over Peru. ii. Jesus scored the decisive goal after a penalty from Peru captain Paolo Guerrero canceled out Everton’s opener for hosts Brazil at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium. iii. A last-minute penalty from substitute Richarlison sealed a win for Brazil which handed the South American giants their ninth Copa triumph and first since 2007. World Youth Cup: Arinjeeta Dey wins silver medal i. Arinjeeta Dey, a 10-year-old girl, has won a silver medal in the World Youth Cup held in Umag, Croatia. ii. The tournament was organised by World Karate Federation affiliated to the International Olympic Association. Capital of Croatia: Zagreb; Currency of Croatia: Croatian kuna. Jul 10,2019 Leave a comment current affair 9 july, Current Affairs Kyriakos Mitsotakis becomes Greece’s new PM i. Kyriakos Mitsotakis was sworn in as the prime minister of Greece. ii. Mitsotakis is the son of former prime minister Constantine Mitsotakis, one of the country’s longest serving parliamentarians. Capital of Greece: Athens, Currency: Euro. Sri Lanka inaugurates model village built with Indian assistance i. Sri Lanka has inaugurated first model village built with Indian assistance. The village is a part of housing project meant for war affected people. ii. India has partnered with the ministry of housing and construction and cultural affairs of Sri Lanka to build 100 model villages with Indian grant of Rs 1,200 million. Capitals of Sri Lanka : Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee. Sharjah issues 1st permanent residency visa to Lalu Samuel i. Sharjah’s first Golden Card visa was issued to an Indian expat businessman Lalu Samuel. ii. The move is a part of the permanent residency system tailored for investors. iii. The Golden Card is a 10-year long-term visa eligible for investors and entrepreneurs to engage them in the renaissance and development of the UAE. iv. Lalu Samuel is a Chairman and Managing Director of Kingston Holdings and Chairman of Sharjah Industry Business Group. Capital of UAE: Abu Dhabi; Currency: Dirham. NHAI and NIIF Signs MoU for funding highway projects i. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) signed an MoU for funding highway projects. ii. The MoU is related to co-operation in formation of SPVs to execute the fund arrangement for large size road projects particularly green field projects to be executed by NHAI in future. Minister of road and highway: Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari. 316 tourist spots to be developed by Assam Govt i. Assam Tourism Development Corporation will spent 150 crore rupees to develop the 316 locations under Axom Darshan. Assam Capital: Dispur; CM: Sarbananda Sonowal; Governor: Jagdish Mukhi. 10k monthly allowance to Padma Shri awardees by Odisha govt i. Odisha government has decided to give monthly allowance of Rs 10,000 to Padma award winners of the state facing financial problems. ii. The decision has been taken on the basis of the Culture Department’s report on the economic conditions of the Padma award winners of the state. RBI board finalises ‘Utkarsh 2022’ i. The Reserve Bank of India board has finalised a three-year roadmap ‘Utkarsh 2022’. ii. It is a three-year road map for medium term objectives to be achieved for improvingregulation and supervision of the central bank. Indian Naval Ship Tarkash arrives in Morocco i. Indian Naval Ship Tarkash arrived at Tangier, Morocco. The visit is part of an ongoing Overseas Deployment by the Indian Navy to the Mediterranean Sea, Africa and Europe. ii. On its departure, INS Tarkash will carry out a Passage Exercise at sea with ships of the Royal Moroccan Navy. Chief of the Naval Staff: Karambir Singh. India successfully tests a new version of Brahmos missile i. India has successfully tested the vertical steep dive version of the Brahmos supersonic cruise missile. ii. Made in India ‘Brahmos Aerospace’ is also ready with a longer 500 km range version of the Brahmos missile that can be fired from Sukhoi 30 fighter jets. iii. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture company owned by the governments of Indiaand Russia and its missiles are produced in India. CEO of BrahMos Aerospace: Sudhir Mishra. Shailesh Tinaikar assumes charge as Force Commander of UN mission i. Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar of India assumes charge as Force Commander of United Nations Mission in South Sudan. ii. Shailesh Tinaikar has been awarded the Sena Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal for Distinguished Service. UN Secretary-General: António Guterres; Headquarters: New York, United States; Established: 24th October 1945. Rahul Dravid appointed NCA’s Head of Cricket i. BCCI has formally appointed Rahul Dravid as the National Cricket Academy’s Head of Cricket. ii. Dravid will oversee all cricket related activities at NCA and will be involved in mentoring, coaching, training and motivating players, coaches and support staff at the NCA. Magnus Carlsen won the 2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour title i. Magnus Carlsen won the 2019 Croatia Grand Chess Tour title. He scored 8 points. ii. Wesley So finished second with 7 points. India’s Viswanathan Anand ended up with 4.5 points and finished 11th. Commonwealth Senior Weightlifting Championships i. 4 gold medals for India in Commonwealth Senior Weightlifting Championships. ii. Following is the list of winners in the different categories: Mirabai Chanu wins gold in the senior women’s 49 kg event. Jhilli Dalabehra wins gold in the senior women’s 45 kg event. Soroikhaibam Bindyarani Devi wins gold while Matsa Santoshi wins the silver medal in the senior women’s 55kg event. Rishikanta Singh grabbed the gold in the senior men’s 55kg event. Vinesh, Divya wins gold at Wrestling Grand Prix of Spain i. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has won a gold medal in the 53kg category, while Divya Kakranhas won the gold medal in the 68kg category at the Grand Prix of Spain. ii. Pooja Dhanda (57kg) has won a silver after losing the title clash to Russia’s Veronika Chumikova. Capital of Spain: Madrid; Currency of Spain: Euro. ‘Gully Boy’ wins NETPAC award in Bucheon film festival i. Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar’s directorial ‘Gully Boy’ has won the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award at the 23rd Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFAN) in South Korea. Capital of South Korea: Seoul; Currency of South Korean: South Korea won. 31 MAY 2019, CURRENT AFFAIRS Jun 1,2019 Leave a comment 31-05-2019, Current Affairs, foolsden Union Cabinet Ministers Portfolio 2019: Check Complete List Here i. A day after the incoming Union Council of Ministers was sworn in, the portfolios of ministers were announced. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier sent the list of portfolios for his Council of Ministers to President Ram Nath Kovind, after which the same was unveiled. ii. Modi took oath as the PM for a second consecutive term. 57 other members of the Council of Ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Sadananda Gowda, also took the oath. A total of 24 Cabinet Ministers took oath at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, followed by nine Ministers of State (Independent Charge) and 24 Ministers of State. iii. Here’s the full list of the Union Council of Ministers and their portfolios, under the Modi Government 2.0. Narendra Modi – Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space; all important policy issues; and all other portfolios not allocated to any minister ‏Rajnath Singh – Defence Amit Shah – Home Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman – Finance; Corporate Affairs Subrahmanyam Jaishankar – External Affairs Nitin Gadkari – Road Transport and Highways; Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises DV Sadananda Gowda – Chemical and Fertilizers Ram Vilas Paswan – Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Narendra Singh Tomar – Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Rural Development; Panchayati Raj Ravi Shankar Prasad – Law and Justice; Communications; Electronics and Information Technology Harsimrat Kaur Badal – Food Processing Industries Thawarchand Gehlot – Social Justice and Empowerment Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank – Human Resource Development Arjun Munda – Tribal Affairs Smriti Irani – Women and Child Development; Textiles Dr. Harsh Vardhan – Health and Family Welfare; Science and Technology; Earth Sciences Prakash Javdekar – Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Information and Broadcasting Piyush Goyal – Railways; Commerce and Industries Dharmendra Pradhan – Petroleum and Natural Gas; Steel Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi – Minority Affairs Prahlad Joshi – Parliamentary Affairs; Coal; Mines Mahendra Nath Pandey – Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Arvind Sawant – Heavy Industries and Public Enterprise Giriraj Singh – Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries Gajendra Singh Shekhawat – Jal Shakti Ministers of State (Independent Charge) Santosh Kumar Gangwar – Labour and Employment Rao Inderjit Singh – Statistics and Programme Implementation; Planning Shripad Yesso Naik – Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH); MoS Defence Dr. Jitendra Singh – Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region; MoS PMO; Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions; Department of Atomic Energy; Department of Space Kiren Rijiju – Youth Affairs and Sports; MoS Minority Affairs Prahalad Singh Patel – Culture; Tourism Raj Kumar Singh – Power; New and Renewable Energy; MoS Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Hardeep Singh Puri – Housing and Urban Affairs; Civil Aviation; MoS Commerce and Industry Mansukh L Mandaviya – Shipping; MoS Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministers of State Faggansingh Kulaste- Steel Ashwini Kumar Choubey – Health and Family Welfare Arjun Ram Meghwal – Parliamentary Affairs; Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises General (Retd) VK Singh – Road Transport and Highways Krishan Pal – Social Justice and Empowerment Danve Raosaheb Dadarao – Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution G Kishan Reddy – Home Affairs Parshottam Rupala – Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ramdas Athawale – Social Justice and Empowerment Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti – Rural Development Babul Supriyo – Environment, Forest and Climate Change Sanjeev Kumar Balyan – Animal Husbandry, Dairying, and Fisheries Dhotre Sanjay Shamrao – Human Resource Development; Communications; Electronics and Information Technology Anurag Singh Thakur – Finance; Corporate Affairs Angadi Suresh Channabasappa – Railways Nityanand Rai – Home Affairs Rattan Lal Kataria – Jal Shakti; Social Justice and Empowerment V Muraleedharan – External Affairs; Parliamentary Affairs Renuka Singh Saruta – Tribal Affairs Som Parkash – Commerce and Industry Rameswar Teli – Food Processing Industries Pratap Chandra Sarangi – Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises; Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Kailash Choudhary – Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Debasree Chaudhuri – Women and Child Development entre launches song ‘Hawa Aane De’ on air pollution i. As the World Environment Day is approaching, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched a theme song ‘Hawa Aane De’ on air pollution. The song was launched in the national capital. The aim is to spread awareness regarding protecting the environment. Secretary of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the song in the presence of actor Shekhar Suman and singer Shaan. World Environment Day is celebrated on June 05. Binny, India’s Only Orangutan Dies In Odisha Zoo i. A 41-year-old orangutan at Odisha’s Nandankanan Zoological Park died following a prolonged illness. ”Binny”, the country’s lone orangutan passed away around 9:40 pm due to old-age related ailments followed by respiratory tract infection. ii. The great ape was under treatment for the last one year by experts from the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry OUAT who were under constant advice of the Orangutan experts from UK and Singapore. Narendra Modi takes oath as PM for the second term i. National Democratic Alliance leader Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister for the second consecutive term. President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of Office and Secrecy to him and a team of 57 ministers at a glittering ceremony on the forecourts of the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi. ii. Besides 24 Cabinet ministers including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Nitin Gadkari, Smriti Irani, and Piyush Goyal, 9 were sworn in as Minister of State with Independent charge and another 24 as Minister of State. 1. After Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Narendra Modi is the third prime minister of the country who has been able to retain power for a second term with full majority in Lok Sabha. 2. The NDA together has a strength of 353 MPs in the 543-member Lok Sabha out of which the BJP has a majority of 303 MPs. IIT Guwahati signs MoU with ISRO to set up space technology i.Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati has signed an MoU with The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set up an IITG-ISRO Space Technology Cell (STC) at the institute where Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi inaugurated a new academic complex and research and development building. ii.IITG-ISRO STC would be first of its kind in the North-east region to augment research and capacity building processes in the field of space technology. 1. The ISRO is the space agency of the Government of India headquartered in Bengaluru. 2. Kailasavadivoo Sivan is the chairperson of ISRO. World No-Tobacco Day: 31st May i. Every year, on 31st May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD). The annual campaign is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, and to discourage the use of tobacco in any form. ii. The focus of World No Tobacco Day 2019 is on “tobacco and lung health.” Economy/Banking/Financial News FICCI survey forecasts India’s GDP growth at 7.1% for FY20 i. The country’s median GDP is forecast at 7.10 percent for Financial Year 2020 and 7.20 percent for Financial Year 2021. The industry body FICCI’s economic outlook survey stated that the minimum and maximum growth estimate stood at 6.80 per 0cent and 7.3 percent for 2019-20. ii. The survey was conducted in May 2019 among economists belonging to the industry, banking, and financial services sectors. Inflation is expected to remain moderate and the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation rate is projected at 3.1 percent in 2019-20, While, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflation has a median forecast of 4 percent for 2019-20. 1. FICCI stands for Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. 2. Headquarters of FICCI is in New Delhi. 3. FICCI established in 1927. Trump announces tariffs on all Mexico goods i. US President Donald Trump has announced tariffs on all goods coming from Mexico in a bid to curb illegal immigration. From 10th June 2019, a five percent tariff would be imposed and slowly raised until the Illegal Immigration problem is remedied. ii. President Trump has declared a national emergency to tackle what he claims is a crisis at the US southern border. 1. President of Mexico is Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. 2. Capital of Mexico is Mexico City. 3. The Mexican peso is the currency of Mexico. May 31,2019 Leave a comment 30-05-2019, Current Affairs, foolsden States in News Goa celebrates its statehood day i. Goa celebrates its statehood day on 30th May. It was on this day in 1987 Goa became the 25th state of the Indian Union.2 It was a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu from December 1961 onwards when Goa was liberated from the colonial rule. ii. Once Goa was liberated there was a controversy regarding merging Goa with the neighbouring state of Maharashtra or Mysore. However, an opinion poll of 1967 suggested that Goa, Daman, and Diu be Union Territory. 1. Pramod Sawant is the 13th and current Chief Minister of Goa. 2. Panaji is the state capital of Goa. 3. Mridula Sinha is present Governor of Goa. Jagan Reddy sworn in as Andhra Pradesh CM i. YSR Congress party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has taken oath as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. Governor ESL Narasimhan administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium in Vijayawada. Mr. Reddy is the second Chief Minister of the bifurcated Andhra Pradesh. ii. In the presence of a large number of his followers who came there to witness his swearing-in-ceremony, Jagan Mohan Reddy has put his first signature on the file hiking social security pensions from next month. Military tribunal allows Karambir Singh to take charge as new Navy Chief i. The Armed Forces Tribunal cleared the way for Vice Admiral Karambir Singh to become the next Navy Chief, while it deferred for four weeks the matter of Vice Admiral Bimal Verma which seeks to quash Singh’s appointment. ii. Karambir Singh, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, will take over as the Navy Chief on 31st May 2019. 1. Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba will retire on 31st May after completion of his tenure. 2. The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy. SC extends the tenure of NCDRC’s judicial member by one year i. The Supreme Court has extended the tenure of Justice VK Jain, a judicial member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), which was expiring on 30th May 2019. A vacation bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Aniruddha Bose stated the extension of tenure would be for one year or till the process of fresh appointment is completed. ii. Justice Jain was appointed as a judicial member of the NCDRC on 30th May 2014. 1. The NCDRC is a quasi-judicial commission in India which was set up in 1988 under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. 2. The head office of NCDRC is in New Delhi. Banking/Economy/Financial RBI sets up committee on corporate loans i. RBI has constituted a six-member committee on the Development of Secondary Market for Corporate Loans to come up with recommendations to increase the efficiencies of the debt market and aid in the resolution of stressed assets. ii. The committee, headed by TN Manoharan, Chairman, Canara Bank, will make recommendations on required policy/regulatory interventions for facilitating the development of the secondary market in corporate loans, including loan transaction platform for stressed assets. International Everest Day: 29th May i. International Everest Day is being observed on 29th May. Nepalese Tenzing Norgay and New Zealand’s Edmund Hillary had climbed the Mt. Everest on this day (29th May) in 1953, as the first humans to achieve the feat. ii. Nepal decided to observe the day as International Everest Day since 2008 when the legendary climber Hillary passed away. Everest Day on May 29 every year in memory of the first summit of Mt. Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa on the day in 1953. The day is celebrated with memorial events, processions, and special events in Kathmandu and the Everest region. 1. Mount Everest, known in Nepali as Sagarmatha and in Tibetan as Chomolungma, is Earth’s highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. 2. The international border between Nepal and China runs across its summit point. Indian Writer Annie Zaidi Wins USD 100,000 Global Book Prize ‘Nine Dots’ i. Indian writer Annie Zaidi was announced as the 2019 winner of the USD 100,000 Nine Dots Prize, a prestigious book prize created to award innovative thinking that addresses contemporary issues around the world. ii. Mumbai-based Annie Zaidi, a freelance writer whose work includes reportage, essays, short stories, poetry, and plays, won for her entry ‘Bread, Cement, Cactus’- combining memoir and reportage to explore concepts of home and belonging rooted in her experience of contemporary life in India. US-UAE defense agreement comes into force i. The United States and the United Arab Emirates have announced that mutual defense cooperation agreement had come into force, amid increasing tensions between Washington and Tehran. The DCA (Defense Cooperation Agreement) will enhance military coordination between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, further advancing an already robust military, political, and economic partnership at a critical time. ii. US President Donald Trump bypassed Congress to sell USD 8.1 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia and other Arab allies, citing the alleged threat from Iran. 1. Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is President of the UAE. 2. Washington, D.C. is Capital of the USA. 3. Abu Dhabi is the Capital of the UAE. 4. The United Arab Emirates dirham is the currency of the UAE. James Marape elected new Papua New Guinea PM i. James Marape, a former finance minister and critic of a major global gas development deal, has been elected by parliament as the prime minister of Papua New Guinea. ii. His election came after weeks of political turmoil that saw his predecessor, Peter O’Neill, resign having lost the support of the House after more than seven years in power. 1. The kina is the currency of Papua New Guinea. 2. Port Moresby is the capital of Papua New Guinea. Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari sworn in for second term as president i. Muhammadu Buhari has been sworn in for a second term as Nigeria’s president, following a campaign that focused on tackling security threats and rooting out corruption. He did not make a speech during the low-profile event attended by members of the diplomatic community. ii. Buhari, a former military ruler, won 56 percent of the votes to defeat his main challenger, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2019 election. 1. Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria. 2. The naira is the currency of Nigeria. Nepal celebrates its 12th Republic Day i. Nepal is celebrating its 12th Republic Day on 29th May 2019. A number of programmes are being organized in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. The main function was held at Army Pavilion in Kathmandu, which was attended by the President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, heads and representatives of various diplomatic missions and other dignitaries. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 begins today i. The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 will begin today (30th May 2019). England will open the tournament at The Oval in London when they will take on South Africa. ii. The World Cup will span 48 matches in all, of which 45 will make up the group stage. Each team will play nine group stage matches, and the top four will progress to the semifinals, similar to how the 1992 World Cup was held. Europa League final: Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 i. Chelsea got the better of its English Premier League rivals to win the Europa League final, beating Arsenal 4-1 in the Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan. Despite a bright start from the Gunners, Chelsea ran riot in the second half with three goals in quick succession. ii. Chelsea won their fifth major Uefa European competition final, with only Liverpool winning more among eight English clubs. Godfather actor Carmine Caridi dies aged 85 i. Carmine Caridi, known for roles in The Godfather franchise, has died at the age of 85. The veteran actor also appeared in the final part of “The Godfather” trilogy in a different role – Albert Volpe, an investor in Michael Corleone’s casinos who is killed in an attack at a hotel in Atlantic City. Correct Answer Key of CLAT 2019 May 30,2019 Leave a comment Official Answer key of CLAT 2019 is here… NSIC signs MOU with Ministry of MSME i. The National Small Industries Corporation Limited (NSIC) signed an MoU with Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) for the year 2019-20. The MoU envisages provision of enhanced services by NSIC under its marketing, financial, technology, and other support services schemes for MSMEs in the country. ii. The Corporation projects to increase Revenue from Operation by 22% from Rs. 2540 crore in the year 2018-19 to 3100 crore in the year 2019-20. 1. NSIC Limited is established by the Government of India in 1955. 2. NSIC falls under Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises of India. 3. Headquarters of NSIC is in New Delhi. US removes India, Switzerland from its currency monitoring list i. The Trump administration removed India from its currency monitoring list of major trading partners, citing certain developments and steps being taken by New Delhi addressing some of its major concerns. Switzerland is the other nation that has been removed from the list. However, the list includes China, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam among others. India moves up to 43rd in competitiveness; Singapore tops chart i. India has moved up one place to rank 43rd most competitive economy in the world on the back of its robust economic growth, a large labour force and its huge market size, while Singapore has toppled the US to grab the top position, a global study showed. ii. Singapore has moved up to the top, from the third position last year, while the US has slipped to the third place in the 2019 edition of the IMD World Competitiveness Rankings. Hong Kong SAR has held onto its second place, helped by a benign tax and business policy environment and access to business finance. Record 78 women MPs elected to 17th Lok Sabha i. Record 78 women candidates have been elected to the Lok Sabha in the recently held general elections. According to the Election Commission, the number has grown from the previous 62 women who were elected to the 16th Lok Sabha in 2014. ii. In the country’s first general elections in 1951, twenty-four women were elected to the Lower House, and since then, the number has been increasing. Banking/Economy/Financial News RBI extends timings for RTGS from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm i. RBI has extended timings for customer transactions in the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) system to 6:00 pm from 4:30 pm. The new time window for RTGS will come into effect from 01st June 2019. ii. The customer is charged a ‘time-varying charge’ on each outward transaction in addition to the flat processing charge. The fee for transfers between 8 am to 11 am is nil, from 11 am to 1 pm is Rs 2, and from 1 pm to 6 pm is Rs 5. The fee for transfers made after the initial cut off of 6 pm will be Rs 10. The initial cut off for customer transactions will be 6 pm and the final cut off for inter-bank transactions will be 7:45 pm. The IDL reversal will take place between 7:45 pm and 8 pm. 1. The RTGS is an online fund transfer system, supported by the RBI. 2. RTGS enables transmission on a real-time basis. 3. The minimum amount for the transaction to be eligible as an RTGS transfer is Rs 2 lakh. Corporation Bank launches loan scheme for MSME sector i. State-owned Corporation Bank has launched ‘SMESuvidha’ scheme to provide loans to the GST-registered MSMEs at affordable interest rates. The product is designed as a part of the lender’s efforts to improve service and provide the best products to the MSME sector. This is a unique product for GST-registered Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). ii. The bank is actively participating in the government’s flagship programmes including ‘MUDRA’ and ‘Stand-up India’ to provide the much-needed push to the MSME sector. 1. Headquarters of Corporation Bank is in Mangaluru. 2. PV Bharathi is Managing Director and CEO of Corporation Bank. Saudi Arabia lifts export ban on fruits and vegetable from Kerala i. Kerala’s fruits and vegetable exporters have heaved a sigh of relief following the lifting of the export ban by Saudi Arabia after the Nipah virus attack last year. With the lifting of the embargo, he said Kozhikode airport was alone handling 20 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per day valued at $50,000 to various destinations in Saudi. ii. Kerala ships around 150 tonnes of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis to various gulf countries and of this, the consignment to Saudi alone was 30-40 tonnes. Naveen Patnaik takes oath as Odisha CM for 5th term i. Naveen Patnaik took oath as the Chief Minister of Odisha for the fifth time after a decisive victory in the state elections that were held along with national elections. The 72-year-old is the longest-serving chief minister of the coastal state. ii. Odisha Governor Prof. Ganeshi Lal administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Patnaik and his twenty councils of ministers. The council of ministers comprises 11 cabinet and nine state rank ministers. BJP leader Pema Khandu sworn-in as Arunachal CM i. Pema Khandu was sworn- in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for a second term. Along with Pema Khandu, 11 other ministers of the cabinet were also sworn in. ii. Governor Dr. BD Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy to the council of ministers. Scott Morrison sworn in as Australia’s PM i. Scott Morrison has been sworn in as Australia’s Prime Minister, 11 days after retaining the position in the country’s general election. Along with Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, Morrison was sworn in by Queen Elizabeth’s official representative in Australia, Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, in the capital, Canberra. ii. Also sworn in was Morrison’s revamped Cabinet, which includes a record seven women, and Australia’s first Aboriginal federal Cabinet member, Indigenous Affairs Minister Ken Wyatt, who wore a traditional kangaroo skin. Horticulture award for TNAU V-C i. N Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has been conferred the lifetime recognition award by the Confederation of Horticulture Association of India. The award has been conferred for his outstanding contribution in the field of horticulture and academic leadership focussed on human resource development in agriculture. Appointments News Walmart Appoints Suresh Kumar as Chief Technology Officer i. US-based retail chain Walmart has appointed Suresh Kumar, an IIT Madras graduate and former Google executive, as chief technology officer and chief development officer. The appointment comes at a time when Walmart is transforming its customer and associate experiences. Agreements News Sri Lanka signs tripartite agreement with India and Japan i. Sri Lanka has signed a tripartite agreement with India and Japan for development of eastern terminal of Colombo port. The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) was signed in Colombo by Sri Lankan ports minister Sagala Ratnayake, Indian high commissioner to Sri Lanka Taranjit Singh Sandhu and a Japanese representative. ii. As per the agreement, Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) will hold 51 percent majority stake in the port development while Japan and India will have combined stake of 49 percent. ICC launches criiio campaign on eve of World Cup i. The ICC has launched the criiio campaign on the eve of the men’s World Cup, bringing together 460 million people playing cricket globally to celebrate the magnificent diversity of cricket. The ICC asked the fans to join the social cricket tribe by sharing pictures and videos of where and how they play cricket across the world using the newly launched #criiio and visiting criiio.com. ii. This builds on the success of the recent user-generated social media initiative #WorldWideWickets and is the first of a series of programs that will be launched by the ICC over the next 12 months. Saurabh Chaudhary wins 10m Air Pistol gold; beats own World record i. In ISSF shooting World Cup, in Munich Germany, India’s Saurabh Chaudhary has won 10m Air Pistol Gold beating his own World Record. The 17-year old Chaudhary scored 246.3 bettering his previous best of 245 points that was set in New Delhi World Cup Shooting in February this year. ii. Chaudhury has already secured a berth for the Tokyo Olympics. This is India’s second Gold in the championship. India elected to Executive Board of first UN-Habitat Assembly i. India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly, announced by Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. India has been elected to the Executive Board of the first UN-Habitat Assembly at the Plenary Session of the Assembly being held in Nairobi. ii. The first session of the UN-Habitat Assembly started on May 27th at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi and will go on till May 31st. The special theme for the UN-Habitat Assembly is “Innovation for Better Quality of Life in Cities and Communities”. Pema Khandu to take oath as Arunachal Pradesh CM for 2nd term i. Pema Khandu will be sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh for the second time on 29th May. After having a landslide victory in the Assembly elections with 41 seats in the 60-seat house, the BJP held it’s Legislature Party Meeting in Itanagar. ii. Mr. Khandu met Governor Dr. BD Mishra and staked claim to form the government. Madhya Pradesh to tentatively have new UNESCO heritage site i. Orchha town in Madhya Pradesh has a plethora of historical sites with the Bundela dynasty architectural style. The Archaeological Survey of India has included that heritage town of Orchha in a tentative list of UNESCO world heritage sites. It was included in the proposal sent by the ASI to the UN body in April 2019. ii. UNESCO’s rules state that to be a part of the World Heritage sites, the heritage or historical site must first be on the tentative list. After making it to that list, yet another proposal is sent to the UNESCO. In their initial proposal, the ASI had requested that Orchha be included as a cultural heritage site. Government invites BIMSTEC leaders for the swearing-in ceremony on May 30 i. Leaders of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) have been invited for PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony to be held on 30th May. However, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina will not attend the event due to her prior commitments. Myanmar State Councillor Aung Saan Suu Kyi’s presence is also uncertain as she is travelling overseas. Kyrgyzstan, the current chair of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), too, has been invited for the event. ii. Apart from India, BIMSTEC comprises Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar. Indian-origin Mauritius PM Pravind Jugnauth, who visited India for Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in January, has also been invited for the May 30 event. VD Savarkar’s birth anniversary being celebrated i. Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s birth anniversary is being celebrated on 28th May. Born on 28th May in 1883 near Nasik in Maharashtra, Savarkar was popularly called Veer Savarkar. ii. He was a revolutionary who fought against the British Government. On the occasion, a function to pay floral tributes to him will be held in the Central Hall of Parliament House. India’s first all-women medium-lift chopper crew flies the battle mission i. Two women IAF officers from Punjab were part of the country’s first all-women crew to fly a medium-lift helicopter Mi-17 V5. ii. Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj (Captain), Flying Officer Aman Nidhi (co-pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal (Flight Engineer) flew the chopper, which took off from a forward air base in South Western air command. Govt sets up tribunal for adjudicating ban on LTTE i. The government has constituted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal to adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as an unlawful association. The Tribunal is comprised of sitting Judge of Delhi High Court Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal. ii. LTTE was banned in India after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991. New version of Akash missile test-fired successfully i. The DRDO successfully test-fired the new version of the Akash surface-to-air defence missile system with a new indigenously-developed seeker in Balasore off the Odisha coast. ii. The medium range multi-target engagement capable missile was developed as part of the Integrated Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) other than Nag, Agni, Trishul, and Prithvi missiles. The supersonic missile has a range of around 25km and up to the altitude of 18,000 meters. Maldives Ex-Leader Mohamed Nasheed Tipped As New Speaker i. The former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed has been nominated as the country’s parliamentary speaker. Nasheed was unanimously chosen to head the People’s Majlis, or the parliament, by his Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) which won a near three-quarter majority in the 87-member assembly in April. 1. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is the current President of the Maldives. 2. Male is the capital of the Maldives. 3. The Maldivian rufiyaa is the currency of the Maldives. Indian Army officer appointed the commander of UN Mission in South Sudan i. UN Secretary, General Antonio Guterres, has appointed Indian Army officer, Lieutenant General Shailesh Tinaikar, as the new Force Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). ii. Mr. Tinaikar graduated from the Indian Military Academy in 1983 and is currently serving as the Commandant of the Infantry School since July 2018. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz ousted in the no-confidence vote i. Austrian Parliament has removed Chancellor Sebastian Kurz from office as he lost the no confidence in a special Parliamentary session. His previous coalition ally, the far-right Freedom Party (FPO) and the opposition Social Democrats (SPO) backed the no-confidence motions. ii. Austria’s President Alexander Van der Bellen named Vice Chancellor Hartwig Loger as the interim leader. Loger will serve until a new transitional government can be appointed ahead of elections expected in September. Russia launches new nuclear-powered icebreaker in bid to open up Arctic i. Russia launched a nuclear-powered icebreaker, part of an ambitious programme to renew and expand its fleet of the vessels in order to improve its ability to tap the Arctic’s commercial potential. The ship, dubbed the Ural and which was floated out from a dockyard in St Petersburg, is one of a trio that when completed will be the largest and most powerful icebreakers in the world. ii. The Ural is due to be handed over to Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation Rosatom in 2022 after the two other icebreakers in the same series, Arktika (Arctic) and Sibir (Siberia), enter service. 1. Vladimir Putin is President of Russia. 2. Moscow is the capital city of Russia. 3. The Russian ruble is the currency Russia. 4. Dmitry Medvedev is PM of Russia. Indian Overseas Bank launches ‘Bank on Wheels’ facility i. Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) has announced that it has launched ‘Bank on Wheels’ facility in 14 of its lead districts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, besides Vijayawada. The mobile van facility will enable the public, especially senior citizens, conveniently get door-step banking facility available at identified locations of the lead districts. ii. A dedicated banking correspondent will accompany the vehicle with a micro-ATM inside the van to take care of services such as account opening, enrollment of customers in Social Security Scheme, passbook printing, and other financial inclusion activities. 1. R Subramaniakumar is MD & CEO of IOB. 2. The headquarters of IOB is in Chennai. PM reiterates commitment to regional peace Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism is essential for fostering peace and prosperity in the region. External Affairs Ministry said, it was Mr Khan who called up Mr Modi to congratulate him on his re-election.Recalling his initiatives in line with his government’s neighbourhood first policy, Mr Modi referred to his earlier suggestion to Mr Khan to fight poverty jointly. Mr Modi also received telephone calls from the former president of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed and former prime minister of Nepal Madhav Nepal on his poll victory. Former Maldivian president congratulated Mr Modi on the historic mandate and noted that the relationship between the Maldives and India had deepened in recent times. Mr Nasheed stressed the importance of close cooperation to fight the forces of extremism and radicalisation in the region. On his part, Mr Modi thanked Mr Nasheed for his felicitation and reiterated his commitment to continue fostering a strong, mutually beneficial and all-round partnership between the two countries. IMD claims unfavourable flow of air hindering progress of Monsoons The India Meteorological Department today said, unfavourable cross-equatorial flow over the Arabian Sea that aids in the progress of the monsoon is one of the reasons for its delay. It said, monsoon reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on 18th May but it is yet to cover the entire region. The IMD said, conditions are likely to become favourable for the movement of the southwest monsoon into some more parts of south Bay of Bengal, Andaman Islands and north Andaman Sea during Wednesday-Thursday. On the other hand, heatwave conditions are very likely to continue over Vidarbha and at isolated pockets over central Maharashtra, Telangana, east Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, east Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha during the next four-five days. IRDAI to simplify norms for fire cover A working group of insurance regulator IRDAI, that revisited the structure of products providing cover to homes, offices, commercial establishments and MSMEs, has recommended many changes, from simplification of the policy wordings and provision of adequate cover to insuring homes in multi-storeyed apartments for total saleable price. Seeking comments on the group’s report, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) said wordings and terms and conditions of the basic policy for fire and allied perils for all categories of risks are driven by the erstwhile All India Fire Tariff, 2001. Insurers, however, have been permitted to sell add-ons to the basic cover. IRDAI had set up the group in view of the huge gap between economic losses and insured losses, post catastrophic events, for homes, offices, commercial establishments and MSMEs. The group submitted its second and last part of the report in November. Towards this, it wanted the General Insurance Council or the IIB (Insurance Information Bureau) to create a database of cost of construction for each square feet of carpet area for different geographies and construction types. Renewable energy sector struggling due to lack of support When the BJP Government assumed office in 2014, the Indian solar industry was on tenterhooks. The Ministry of Commerce had recommended anti-dumping duties ranging between ₹6 and ₹47 per watt of solar modules imported from China, Malaysia, Taiwan and the U.S., and the recommendation had to be only formally notified by the Ministry of Finance. Solar power had barely begun to take roots in India, and the country had a total installed solar power capacity of 2,632 MW. The industry was taking baby steps with the aid of cheap, imported modules. The anti-dumping duty was going to kill it. On the other hand, a clutch of domestic players had set up module manufacturing plants in India, eyeing business from a sunrise industry. Crushed by cheap imports, they looked up to the government for protection. The way the government handled a rather ticklish problem engendered confidence, which strengthened soon when the government set up an ambitious target of 175 GW for renewable energy — 100 GW for solar, 60 GW for wind and the rest for biomass and small hydro — to be met by 2022. Since the solar target was five times that set earlier by the previous government, it caused ripples of excitement around the world. European parliament votes for people’s party group European Parliament published the provisional results for this year’s elections, showing the European People’s Party group winning 178 seats and remaining the largest political group in the legislature. The second largest group is the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D) with 152 seats, in the 751-member legislature. The combination of two largest parties, traditionally forming a grand alliance big enough to be in the control in the legislature, fell short of a majority. The third largest group is the ALDE group plus France’s Renaissance with 108 seats. The group of Greens and European Free Alliance came in fourth place with 67 seats. The European Conservatives and Reformists group is the fifth-largest with 61 seats. European Parliament announced that EU-wide turnout has risen over 50 per cent, the highest in 20 years and the first significant increase in turnout since 1979. Sea water from ice age era discovered from Indian ocean In a first, scientists have discovered the remnants of seawater dating back to the Ice Age, tucked inside rock formations in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Researchers from the University of Chicago in the U.S. made the discovery during a months-long scientific mission exploring the limestone deposits that form the Maldives. The ship, the JOIDES Resolution, is specifically built for ocean science and is equipped with a drill that can extract cores of rock over a mile long from up to three miles beneath the seafloor. When they extracted the water, they noticed their preliminary tests were coming back salty much saltier than normal seawater. Further studies showed that the water was not from today’s ocean, but from the last remnants of a previous era that had migrated slowly through the rock. Scientists are interested in reconstructing the last Ice Age because the patterns that drove its circulation, climate and weather were very different from today’s. Understanding these patterns could shed light on how the planet’s climate will react in the future. Indian Men’s team wins medal in archery worldcup The men’s compound team of RajatChauhan, AbhishekVerma and AmanSaini earned India a solitary bronze medal in the Archery World Cup Stage III at Antalya in Turkey yesterday. The trio put up a solid performance to edge out higher seeded Russian team of Anton Bulaev, Alexander Dambaev and PavelKrylov 235-230 in the bronze medal play-off.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1474
__label__cc	0.721519	0.278481	The Undergraduate Program The Graduate Program Classics Faculty and Contacts Outside of the Classroom Donate to Classics Support Classical Languages and Civilizations. HomeAcademicsAcademic DepartmentsClassics The Fordham Museum of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Art located on our Rose Hill campus. Salvete! The Department of Classics teaches courses in Ancient Greek, Latin, and classical civilization on both the Rose Hill and Lincoln Center campuses. The civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome are fundamental to the development of western history and continue to have an important influence today. The study of the Greco-Roman classics has always been central to Jesuit education, and Fordham is the only American Jesuit university to offer the Ph.D. in this field. One studies the classics and the classical world not only for themselves, but also to understand better western history, literature, art and architecture, philosophy, and Christian theology. Although we are a small department, we support the much larger presence of (ancient) philosophy, early Christian studies, and Medieval Studies on the campus. Two areas of major or minor concentration are offered: classical languages and classical civilization. The Department also offers at the Graduate level the M.A. and the P.h.D degrees. The Ph.D. in Classics and the Master of Arts in Classics programs have been placed on hiatus and will not be accepting applications at this time.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1475
__label__wiki	0.686093	0.686093	Twitter Earnings: Not Enough User Growth By Andrs CardenalFool.com Twitter stock was falling by almost 6% on Tuesday after official market hours, as investors reacted with negativity to the company's earnings report for the second quarter of 2015. Both sales and earnings came in ahead of expectations; however, user growth remains a big disappointment for investors in Twitter stock. The headline numbersTotal sales during the second quarter of 2015 came in at $502 million, up 61% year over year. Excluding the impact from changes in foreign exchange rates, revenue would have increased by a healthy 68% versus the second quarter in 2014. Sales came in above the company's own revenue guidance in the range of $470 million to $485 million, and the number was also considerably better than the $481.8 million Wall Street analysts estimated on average, so top-line performance was broadly better than expected. Source: Twitter. Management said it's expecting revenue of between $545 million and $560 million during the third quarter, roughly in line with Wall Street expectations for $555.8 million. Sales guidance for the full year 2015 compares favorably against forecasts, though. Twitter expects revenue of $2.2 billion to $2.27 billion versus an average forecast of $2.2 billion for the current year. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.07 during the second quarter, better than the $0.04 average forecast. Strong monetization; disappointing user growthOne crucial area to watch is user growth, since disappointing performance in this important metric has been one of the biggest reasons for negativity surrounding Twitter stock over the past several quarters. The company is implementing a series of initiatives to attract more users and increase retention levels, but the latest earnings didn't provide a lot of encouragement for investors. The company ended the quarter with 316 million average monthly users, a 15% increase versus the same quarter in 2015, and up by nearly 8 million new monthly users sequentially. The number was better than most analysts expected. However, most of this growth came from SMS Fast Followers, meaning those who use Twitter through text messages, as opposed to logging in to the platform. Excluding SMS Fast Followers, monthly active users were 304 million during the second quarter, a 12% year-over-year increase, and only 2 million new users were gained sequentially. Even when including SMS Fast Followers, growth seems to have stalled in the U.S., as the company ended the last quarter with 66 million users in the country, an increase of 9% year over year and flat versus the first quarter. The U.S. market is particularly important for companies in online advertising, since monetization levels are typically higher than in international markets, so Twitter needs to find a way to jump-start growth in this key region. The company did a sound job regarding ad engagement during the past quarter, and this was one of the main positives in the report. Engagement jumped by 53% year over year and by 21% versus engagement levels in the first quarter of 2015. Interim CEO Jack Dorsey admitted in the earnings press release that the company is doing well on the monetization front but that it still needs a lot of improvement when it comes to user growth: "Our Q2 results show good progress in monetization, but we are not satisfied with our growth in audience," Dorsey said. It's good to see Twitter delivering solid sales numbers on the back of improving monetization, and expanding the company's reach with initiatives such as SMS Fast Followers could be a smart move. However, that's no substitute for user growth. Investors and analysts are demanding stronger growth in Twitter's user base, and management acknowledges that it needs to do much better in this area. The article Twitter Earnings: Not Enough User Growth originally appeared on Fool.com. Andrs Cardenal has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Twitter. The Motley Fool owns shares of Twitter. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2015 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Trump: ‘Very big’ middle class tax cut coming	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1476
__label__wiki	0.823865	0.823865	'I couldn't believe it': NC grandfather wins $10M in lottery, plans to spoil grandkids (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) - Theodore Duncan of Oxford, North Carolina plans to retire and get his dream house after he won a $10 million lottery prize, officials with the NC Education Lottery said. "I'm 52, and now that I've won this, I can finally stop working," said Duncan, a machine mechanic. "I'm going to retire and get a brand new three-bedroom house with a big pool. I'm also going to use some of the money to spoil my 12 grandkids." Duncan's good fortune happened Monday, April 1 when he stopped by the Berea Mini Mart on U.S. 158 West in Oxford on his way home from the landfill. While there, he bought a $10,000,000 Colossal Cash scratch-off ticket. "When I saw the money symbol I knew I won something," Duncan said. "When I scratched off the prize I couldn't believe it. I was so shocked I couldn't drive. I had to call my brother to come get me." Duncan celebrated his prize Thursday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. He had the option of taking a $10 million annuity that has 20 payments of $500,000 a year or a lump sum of $6 million. He chose the lump sum and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, he took home $4,245,009. According to the lottery, Duncan plans to also donate a portion of his winnings to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. "I always told people that one day I'd hit the lottery," Duncan said when he got the check. "Today's that day. It feels so good." The $30 ticket launched in August with four top prizes of $10 million and 16 $1 million prizes. Two $10 million prizes and nine $1 million prizes remain. Starving lions in Sudan park prompt worldwide campaign to save them	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1477
__label__wiki	0.790232	0.790232	Ohio AG 'encouraged' by prospect of multi-state opioid settlement By Amy Lieu \| Fox News FILE Aug. 15, 2017: An arrangement of pills of the opioid oxycodone-acetaminophen, also known as Percocet, in New York. Cities and counties of all sizes have sued companies that make and distribute prescription opioids. Among the plaintiffs so far: Philadelphia; the state of Ohio; Princeton, West Virginia; the Cherokee Nation; and a consortium of counties across Wisconsin. (Associated Press) As settlement talks begin for lawsuits involving the nation's opioid epidemic, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said Wednesday he’s encouraged by a federal judge’s understanding of and comittment to resolving the crisis. U.S. District Judge Dan Polster in Cleveland oversees the settlement talks for the more than 250 federal lawsuits filed against pharmaceutical companies and distributors over the opioid epidemic. He’s called the epidemic “100 percent man-made” and that other branches of government have “punted” on solving it. “He’s dead serious about getting something resolved,” DeWine said. “I’m very encouraged.” Some 42,000 people died of opioid overdoses in 2016, a number that’s expected to climb even higher once 2017 deaths are tallied later this year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many plaintiffs hope there will be a global settlement with the pharmaceutical industry that would encompass lawsuits filed in state courts. Attorneys general from Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and Virginia attended the settlement talks, along with dozens of attorneys from both sides who answered Polster’s questions in a courtroom. Communities across the country have been ravaged by an epidemic that involves highly addictive painkillers like OxyContin and Vicodin, their generic equivalents and deadly street drugs like fentanyl and heroin. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine (Associated Press) Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear, a Democrat, said efforts to hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable for the damage they’ve wrought is a bipartisan effort. DeWine, a Republican, wouldn’t say how much compensation he wants from pharmaceutical companies and distributors, Bloomberg reported, but noted a study from Ohio State University said opioids were costing the Buckeye State as much as $8 billion a year. Beshear said he hopes to see multinational corporations that have made billions of dollars selling painkillers become part of the solution. “If you call yourself a health care company, and not simply a for-profit corporation, you should be willing to do that,” Beshear said. Industry attorneys approached outside the courtroom declined to be interviewed. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Americans exposed to toxic chemicals in drinking water 'dramatically underestimated': report Coronavirus: What to know about the mysterious illness 5 countries with the highest declining birthrates	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1478
__label__wiki	0.717196	0.717196	Pilkington Immigration Services - Fredericton Serving Fredericton, NB 1 Call 844-386-2836 30 Hughes Street Unit 3D, Fredericton, NB E3A 2W3 Spouse Sponsorship Family Green Card L1 Visa Visa Law 30 Hughes Street Unit 3D Fredericton, NB E3A 2W3 The L-1 visa enables a U.S. employer to transfer an executive or manager from one of its affiliated foreign offices to one of its offices in the United States. This classification also enables a foreign company which does not yet have an affiliated U.S. office to send an executive or manager or specialized knowledge worker to the United States with the purpose of establishing one. To qualify for L-1 classification in this category, the employer must: -Have a qualifying relationship with a foreign company (parent company, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate, collectively referred to as qualifying organizations); and - Currently be, or will be, doing business as an employer in the United States and in at least one other country directly or through a qualifying organization for the duration of the beneficiary’s stay in the United States as an L-1. While the business must be viable, there is no requirement that it be engaged in international trade. - Doing business means the regular, systematic, and continuous provision of goods and/or services by a qualifying organization and does not include the mere presence of an agent or office of the qualifying organization in the United States and abroad. To qualify, the named employee must also: -Generally have been working for a qualifying organization abroad for one continuous year within the three years immediately preceding his or her admission to the United States; and -Be seeking to enter the United States to provide service in an executive or managerial capacity for a branch of the same employer or one of its qualifying organizations. -Executive capacity generally refers to the employee’s ability to make decisions of wide latitude without much oversight. Managerial capacity generally refers to the ability of the employee to supervise and control the work of professional employees and to manage the organization, or a department, subdivision, function, or component of the organization. It may also refer to the employee’s ability to manage an essential function of the organization at a high level, without direct supervision of others. For foreign employers seeking to send an employee to the United States as an executive or manager to establish a new office, the employer must also show that: -The employer has secured sufficient physical premises to house the new office; -The employee has been employed as an executive or manager for one continuous year in the three years preceding the filing of the petition; and -The intended U.S. office will support an executive or managerial position within one year of the approval of the petition. Qualified employees entering the United States to establish a new office will be allowed a maximum initial stay of one year. All other qualified employees will be allowed a maximum initial stay of three years. For all L-1A employees, requests for extension of stay may be granted in increments of up to an additional two years, until the employee has reached the maximum limit of seven years. The transferring employee may be accompanied or followed by his or her spouse and unmarried children who are under 21 years of age. Such family members may seek admission in L-2 nonimmigrant classification and, if approved, generally will be granted the same period of stay as the employee. Spouses of L-1 workers may apply for work authorization after the primary L1 visa holder is approved. 9:00 to 5:00 by appointment Copyright © 2020 Pilkington Immigration Services - Fredericton. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Please consult a lawyer for advice about your individual situation. This site and its information is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be. Feel free to get in touch by electronic mail, letters, or phone calls. Contacting us does not create a solicitor-client relationship. Until a solicitor-client relationship is established, please withhold from sending any confidential information to us.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1481
__label__wiki	0.876863	0.876863	Home Insights Mason Receives ADL Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award Mason Receives ADL Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award 22 March 2011 News Jessica Glatzer Mason, a labor and employment associate in the Houston office of Gardere Wynne Sewell LLP, has been named a recipient of the Anti-Defamation League's prestigious Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award for her leadership, dedication and commitment to the ADL's goals. Ms. Mason will receive the Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award at the National Leadership Conference dinner in Washington, D.C., on April 3, 2011. The Daniel R. Ginsberg Award is given each year to one or more outstanding candidates who have demonstrated a working commitment to furthering the organization's mission on a national level. Ms. Mason has been an active member of the ADL for many years, and has held several leadership positions, including serving on the executive committee of the board of directors of the Southwest region and as co-chair of its civil rights committee. She is currently focused on developing a formal young leadership development committee. "I am truly honored to receive the Daniel R. Ginsberg Leadership Award from the ADL," Ms. Mason said. "The ADL works each day to stop hate and secure civil rights for everyone in our community, and to make our schools a safe and inclusive place for all students. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of these efforts." "We have an honored tradition of encouraging our attorneys not only to be leaders in the Firm, but also in the community and the justice system," said Steve Good, Gardere's managing partner. "Jessica is a prime example of how Gardere's attorneys have a great impact on the world around them." Ms. Mason's past honors include being named a 2010 Rising Star. In addition to her work with the ADL, she is a member of the Houston Bar Association, Houston Young Lawyers Association and the Labor & Employment Section of the Texas Bar Association. Jessica Glatzer Mason jmason@foley.com	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1490
__label__cc	0.550867	0.449133	GEORGEHAM, a small straggling village, in a valley 8 miles W.S.W. of Barnstaple, has in its parish 923 souls and 4650 acres of land, extending westward to Croyde and Morte Bays and the long narrow promontory called Baggy Point, where the rocky cliffs rise boldly from the Bristol Channel. Most of the parishioners are in the villages and hamlets of Croyde, North Buckland, Darracott, and Puttsborough. Croyde is a pleasant sea bathing place, with a fine bay, and much romantic scenery in its vicinity. The manor of Georgeham was anciently the seat and property of the knightly family of Pickwell, and now belongs to Earl Fortescue. C.H. Webber, Esq., is lord of the manor of Croyde, or Crede; but a great part of the parish belongs to John Dunning, W.V. Richards, (of Incledon House,) the Rev. F. Hole, and a number of smaller owners, mostly free and partly lease holders. The Church (St. George,) is a fine antique structure, and among its monuments is the tomb of a crusader, supposed to be that of Sir Mauger St. Albyn. In the churchyard are buried Simon Gould and his wife Julian, who died in March, 1817, each in the 101st year of their age, and having been married upwards of 75 years. From White’s Devonshire Directory (1850) 54Mb Click below to read full book. Ref pages: 588-589, 565, 569, 570, 583	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1491
__label__cc	0.559701	0.440299	General Washington Suite Mount Vernon Retreat Surveyor Retreat Martha Washington Suite Inn The News LAVENDER FARM The Story Behind A Washington Venture About halfway between Sequim and Port Angeles, along Finn Hall Road, the stately George Washington Inn bedazzles passersby and visitors alike. It does, after all, closely resemble George and Martha Washington’s mansion more than 2,000 miles away at Mount Vernon, near Alexandria, Virginia. George Washington Inn on a summer day As if the sight of the inn isn’t enough, when the fields of lavender are in bloom during the summer months, travelers find it difficult to resist driving along the flower-lined driveway leading up to the inn, the farm and the gift shop. The best times of all to explore the George Washington Inn and Washington Lavender Farm is, of course, during the Washington Lavender Festival and the Sequim Lavender Weekend. The owners, Dan and Janet Abbott, always encourage visitors to stop by the farm during the mid July farm festival and to bring their friends as well. The farm store is open during the summer months and other times by appointment (360-452-5207). The bold and beautiful waterfront inn and estate is one of several farms featured on the Tour de Lavender in early August. A reenactment of the Battles of Lexington and Concord takes place on the estate during the Northwest Colonial Festival towards the end of the lavender harvest. Afternoon Tea on the oceanfront piazza is hosted on special occasions and intimate musical events are sometimes held both inside and outside the inn. These events are updated on the website throughout the year. High Tea at George Washington Inn More than 5,000 lavender plants and millions of wildflowers are planted in multiple fields and line the 1,200 foot driveway on each side. The contrast between the dark purple plants and the snow-white structure is breathtaking, not to mention the Strait of Juan de Fuca peeking out at guests from behind the inn. Fifteen years ago, the Abbotts relocated from South Carolina to build and manage the Mount Vernon-inspired inn. They purchased the initial five acres in 2002 after reading an article in the Wall Street Journal about Sequim and later bought an additional five acres to open the bed and breakfast. While the floor plan is not an exact replica of the founding father’s home, the exterior is almost identical. The only really obvious differences are an enclosed veranda on the noth side and the front portico with pillars. The main floor of the home serves as common areas for the guests and also houses one guest suite – Martha’s Retreat. The upstairs contain the other four guest suites: the Presidential and General Washington Suites and the Surveyor’s and Mount Vernon Retreats. The oceanfront of George Washington Inn that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca Dan splits his time between Sequim and South Carolina. His goal is to retire from his job as a financial advisor after the inn becomes successful and profitable enough to support itself. Janet keeps busy as the innkeeper and making lavender products from their farm. The Finn Hall Road property has a unique history of its own. A man-made ditch in the ground not far from the inn once served as a machine gun nest during World War II to guard against the Japanese, according to neighbor John Jarvis, a Sequim resident since 1931. Once the inn was up and running, lavender won them over and was found to thrive in Sequim’s unique climate, which has become known as America’s Provence. When people ask Dan Abbott, “Why lavender?” he responds with, “Why not? Lavender is the most versatile herb with its antiseptic, aromatic and culinary properties. There are so many ways to develop the product taken from the lavender plant.” And you can see that from the lavender products offered for sale in the farm store and gift shop. The farm has become a vital part of the Sequim Lavender Farmers Association, a non-profit that promotes agritourism on the Olympic Peninsula. Each year the Abbotts gain a better understanding of what it takes to make it all happen. No longer the “new kids on the block,” they help lead by sharing the inn and lavender farm with the community and tourists. “When we bought the property 15 years ago it was just a worn-out hay field,” Janet Abbott said. “We never set out to do this originally. It’s evolving and we find it fulfilling to see how it has come together.” The inn has a farm store and gift shop that is open year-round for guests or by appointment. The couple also decided to convert the three-car garage of the carriage house and transform it into a larger seasonal gift store. Products include lavender basics such as soaps, lotions, bath salts, candles, teas, spices, essential oils, sachets and pillow as well as several new products that have been added this year – all handmade and marked with the “Martha’s Own” or “By George” labels. The Carriage House and Lavender Farm Store Like so many successful couples, Dan and Janet Abbott balance each other. He’s the “visionary” of the relationship and she’s the “one who makes it work.” As they walk the property and enjoy its incredible panorama, they hold hands and smile at each other, reflecting on all that they’ve accomplished together over the past decade. George Washington Inn and Washington Lavender Farm is located between Sequim and Port Angeles at 939 Finn Hall Road (Port Angeles, WA). For more information, visit the website. Story adapted from the Sequim Gazette. Featured in The Seattle Times. mckenzie 2017-10-16T07:53:14-08:00 Share With Your Social Network Do you want to stay up to date on what's happening at George Washington Inn? Sign up for our newsletter! Would you like our Vacation Guide to help plan your trip to the Olympic Peninsula? Request our Vacation Guide 939 Finn Hall Road Port Angeles, WA 98362-9499 Sequim, WA 98382-2915 Less than two hours from Seattle and Victoria, you can find this romantic getaway on an oceanfront estate nestled between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic National Park, near Port Angeles and Sequim, Washington. Day trips can easily be made to Victoria, the Butchart Gardens, Cape Flattery, the Hoh Rain Forest, Port Townsend and other places along the way. Where to Catch the Best Sunsets in Port Angeles The Most Romantic Spots on the Olympic Peninsula Making Handcrafted Cold Process Soap For Our Guests The History of America’s “National Drink” Charles Wilkes and the Pacific Northwest Best Places to Shop in Sequim George Washington Coffee Washington Lavender Farm Gift Certificates to George Washington Inn make the perfect gift for family and friends. Simple Software for Innkeepers by Odysys \| Selected Photos by Phil Tauran Photography \| Sitemap Please add info@georgewashingtoninn.odysys.net to your safe senders list to assure that we land in your inbox. If you do not receive the e-mail in a timely fashion, please check your spam folder. Request Vacation Guide Thank you for your interest in our Vacation Guide, a comprehensive 22-page guide to all that there is to see and do in Olympic National Park and on the Olympic Peninsula. Please complete this form to be redirected to a page to download your Vacation Guide.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1492
__label__wiki	0.794595	0.794595	African All Stars Huddersfield Town’s Mounie sets sights on Southampton FA Cup tie Gbenga Adewoye 13:33 GMT 03/01/2020 The Benin international is looking forward to his 14th appearance this season when the Terriers take on the Saints at St. Mary's Stadium Huddersfield Town striker Steve Mounie has expressed his readiness for their FA Cup third-round fixture against Southampton on Saturday. The 25-year-old Benin international struggled for form at the start of the season which limited his playing time to 13 Championship appearances. However, the forward shone, scoring his third goal this term in their defeat against Stoke City on New Year’s Day and hopes to replicate that performance when they face the Saints. “It was hard at the beginning of the season. I’m very pleased to be back in the team and scoring goals again,” he said in a pre-match conference. “You have to try and work hard every day and try to improve every day. You have to be ready for the opportunity to come and then take it. “I was telling myself I will get a chance and I have to take it.” You have to try and work hard every day and try to improve every day. “It’ll be a good game to play against Southampton. I’m looking forward to it.” Mounie enjoyed playing time last season, featuring in 32 games and scoring two goals, although his effort was not enough to prevent Huddersfield from relegating from the Premier League. The forward will hope to help the Terriers, who are currently three places above the bottom three, maintain their Championship status at the end of this campaign.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1495
__label__wiki	0.965994	0.965994	Phil Neville appointed England Women's manager The former Manchester United defender replaces Mark Sampson, who was sacked in September England Women's new manager has been confirmed as former Manchester United defender Phil Neville, succeeding the sacked Mark Sampson. The Lionesses have been without a manager since Sampson was dismissed in September, with misdemeanours during his time with Bristol City's academy leading to his departure. Sampson had also been embroiled in a race row having allegedly discriminated against Eniola Aluko, though the Football Association (FA) insisted at the time that his dismissal was not connected. A number of candidates had been linked with replacing Sampson – who led the team to unprecedented success, including a semi-final spot at the 2015 World Cup – but Phil Neville appeared to emerge as the favourite in early January. Neville came through the ranks at United as a member of the famous 'Class of 92' alongside brother Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, going on to play professionally at Old Trafford for 11 years. The 41-year-old's playing career came to an end in 2013 and he has since held several coaching roles, including under David Moyes at United and as Gary Neville's assistant with Valencia. Speaking of his appointment, Phil Neville told the FA's official website: "I am honoured to be given the chance to lead England. "With the new coaching team we are putting in place, we can help the players build on their great progress in recent years. This squad is on the verge of something special and I believe I can lead them to the next level."	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1496
__label__wiki	0.630608	0.630608	World’s Best Banks 2012: Africa Author: Gordon Platt, Jonathan Gregson By Thomas Clouse, Jonathan Gregson, Antonio Guerrero & Gordon Platt Not only is Africa rich in natural resources, but it also offers the promise of fast economic growth in a number of countries, and a population lacking basic banking services. Most of Sub-Saharan Africa is in the World Bank’s lowest income category of less than $765 per person annually. With the help of smart phones, bankers are leaping generations of technology and are bring banking services to remote areas without brick and mortar establishments. ATM networks are also expanding rapidly across the continent. The future of banking in Africa is bright. The introduction of innovative retail services via technologically advanced delivery channels will make banking services more convenient and reliable. As young Africans have embraced new technology, mobile banking has become a growth industry. The World Bank predicts Ghana’s economy to expand by more than 12% in 2012. Nigeria has been a major economic power for years, as a result of its vast oil reserves. Some of the poorer countries of the region, such as Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are now starting to grow rapidly, thanks in part to infrastructure investments by China. Many banks in Africa have entered into cooperation agreements with Chinese financial institutions to promote trade finance and investments between Africa and China. REGIONAL WINNER Ecobank, based in Lomé, Togo, is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative banking groups in Africa. Ecobank is present in 32 of Africa’s 55 countries, far more than any other bank. It boasts 7.8 million customers. The bank offers retail, corporate and investment banking services. Ecobank’s unrivaled network across Africa comprises over 1,100 branches. The bank is now shifting its focus from geographic expansion to consolidating its presence in key markets by offering its customers improved services through greater operational efficiencies. “With Africa’s financial services sector projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 15% between now and 2020, driven by rising retail banking penetration and demand for increasingly sophisticated banking products from an emerging middle class, the main challenge facing Ecobank now is to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to support that growth,” says Arnold Ekpe, group CEO. In 2011, Ecobank acquired 100% of Oceanic Bank International in Nigeria, which was rescued by the central bank. Earlier this year, it completed the acquisition of the Trust Bank Ghana. Ecobank also entered a joint venture agreement with Bharti Airtel to offer mobile banking services in 14 African countries. “From its inception, Ecobank’s vision has been to provide world-class pan-African services to its customers, while also enhancing the financial integration of Africa,” Ekpe says. "Africa’s financial services sector projected to grow at a compounded annual rate of 15% between now and 2020" – Arnold Ekpe, Ecobank Arnold Ekpe, group CEO / www.ecobank.com COUNTRY WINNERS Arab Banking Corporation Algeria Arab Banking Corporation Algeria offers a full range of services, including credit facilities, ATM cards and trade finance. It is a subsidiary of Bahrain-based Arab Banking Corporation (ABC), which has a presence in 22 countries. ABC was the first international bank to open in Algeria, an oil and gas exporter, after the banking sector was liberalized in 1998. In addition to ABC, which holds a nearly 88% stake, main shareholders of the Algerian bank are the Arab Investment Company, Riyadh; the Compagnie Algérienne d’Assurance et de Réassurance; and the IFC. The government controls 85% of the banking assets in Algeria. ABC Group’s profit for 2011 rose 43% to $204 million. Noreddin Nahawi, CEO / www.arabbanking.com.dz Banco Espírito Santo Angola Banco Espírito Santo Angola (BESA) has 30 branches in Angola, a country rivaling Nigeria as Africa’s biggest oil exporter. The two biggest importers of Angola’s oil are China and India. The Angolan bank is a 52%-owned subsidiary of Portugal-based Banco Espírito Santo. Established in 2001, toward the end of Angola’s 27-year civil war, Banco Espírito Santo Angola was the first bank to offer private banking services in the country. It is now the second-largest bank in Angola. BESA has a strong international trade unit, which is efficient in issuing letters of credit. The bank also offers investment funds and pension fund management services. Álvaro Sobrinho, CEO / www.besa.ao Standard Chartered Bank Botswana Standard Chartered Bank Botswana, the country’s oldest and largest bank, operates a network of 18 branches and agencies. Botswana, the world’s largest diamond producer, is diversifying into tourism and financial services. Standard Chartered Bank Botswana was locally incorporated in 1975, and 25% of its shares were listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange. In consumer banking, Standard Chartered’s Botswana unit leads in lending, wealth management and services for small and medium-size enterprises. Its wholesale bank offers products and services for local corporations and multinationals. Moatlhodi Lekaukau, CEO / www.standardchartered.com/bw Ecobank Burkina Faso Ecobank Burkina Faso is the leading bank in the country in terms of assets, customer deposits and the size of its network. The bank has 40 branches and offers a broad range of services, including a financing program adapted to the needs of small and medium-size enterprises. It is active in financing the agricultural sector, as well as infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and tourism. In 2009, Ecobank Burkina Faso acquired a 90% stake in the Banque Agricole et Commerciale, greatly increasing the size of its network. It is responsible for managing two programs in Burkina Faso on behalf of German bank KFW: a project to reclaim the country’s lowlands and another project that supports grassroots investment in water, sanitation and other public works. Cheick Travaly, managing director / www.ecobank.com Ecobank Cameroon With 27 branches, Ecobank Cameroon has the second-largest banking network in the country. Ecobank Cameroon recently launched Rapid Transfer, which enables clients to transfer and receive money within the entire Ecobank network. The service is competing successfully in the local market with Western Union and MoneyGram. The bank has offered many electronic banking products since 2008. Only about 5% of Cameroonians have access to a bank account. Assiongbon Ekue, managing director / www.ecobank.com Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading cocoa producer, and Ecobank Côte d’Ivoire is heavily involved in financing commodities for export. As a result of its commodity finance activities, the bank has access to significant volumes of foreign currencies. It is a key partner for nongovernmental organizations, embassies and foreign institutions that need to conduct local currency operations. The bank has expanded its local network to get closer to its retail clients in an effort to increase deposits, enabling it to boost lending. Charles Daboiko, managing director / www.ecobank.com Standard Bank Congo Standard Bank Congo, part of South Africa’s Standard Bank Group, began operations in 1973 as Grindlays Bank (Zaire), which was acquired by Standard Bank in 1992. The Democratic Republic of Congo has some of the world’s largest copper and cobalt deposits. The bank employs more than 80 people and focuses on commodity-related financial services. Being part of the Standard Bank network enables it to facilitate cross-border trade and investment flows. The bank sees significant potential in mining, telecommunications, transport, power and agribusiness. Jean Rey, managing director / www.stanbicbank.cg International Commercial Bank–Djibouti Djibouti is a small country located on the Horn of Africa, with a total population of about 800,000. Djibouti is one of 10 countries in Africa that are served by the ICB Financial Group Holdings, which is incorporated in Switzerland and listed on the AIM section of the London Stock Exchange. ICB Global Management, based in Malaysia, provides support services to members of the ICB Banking Group. Overlooking the Gulf of Aden where it connects to the Red Sea, Djibouti is the only Sub-Saharan African country to host a US military base. ICB-Djibouti achieved a growth in assets of 28% last year. Its loans and advances rose more than 45% in 2011. Podila VS Phanindra, CEO / www.icbank-djibouti.com Nib International Bank Nib International Bank (NIB) has been rapidly expanding its network and now has 51 branches in Ethiopia. A reduction in provisions for nonperforming loans contributed to an increase of 7.3% in profits last year. Nib International Bank sold 80,000 shares to the public in half a day at a 40% premium last September. NIB signed an agreement in January with Switzerland’s Temenos, the world’s largest supplier of packaged banking software, to interface with the central bank’s national payment system and to upgrade its core banking solutions. NIB has been working with the International Finance Corporation to disburse loans to coffee growers. Amerga Kassa, president / www.nibbank-et.com Standard Chartered Bank Gambia Standard Chartered Bank Gambia was the first bank to introduce ATMs in the country. The bank derives much of its earnings from foreign exchange trading. Its dealing room in Banjul trades currencies, commodities and derivatives. The bank has five branches in Gambia and employs more than 150 people who serve more than 22,000 customers. Gambia’s economy is largely agricultural, although tourism is increasingly important. Humphrey Mukwereza, CEO / www.standardchartered.com/gm Ghana Commercial Bank Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), Ghana’s largest bank, has a network of 157 branches. It was the first bank in Ghana to offer MasterCard services. Ghana’s banks have grown rapidly in recent years due to a combination of rapid economic growth and a tight fiscal policy. In 2011, GCB introduced free ATMs and debit cards, as well as mobile and Internet banking. The country is viewed as a potential high-growth market thanks to the discovery of new offshore oil deposits. Simon Dornoo, managing director / www.gcb.com.gh Ecobank Guinea Conakry Ecobank Guinea Conakry has a network of 15 branches in Guinea, The country exports bauxite and alumina, iron ore, gold and diamonds. Like all Ecobank affiliates, the Ecobank Guinea Conakry is connected to Flexcube, an automated banking platform provided by Oracle. All of Ecobank’s African markets experienced double-digit growth in 2011. Mamadou Moustapha Fall, managing director / www.ecobank.com Barclays Bank Kenya is the leading retail and commercial bank in Kenya. It has 115 branches and more than 250 ATMs. The bank’s earnings fell 24% in 2011 from the results of a year earlier, which included the sale of its custody business. There was an 11% increase last year in underlying pretax profit. The bank cut costs by eliminating some middle-level managers and rolling out more ATMs. Adan Mohamed, managing director / www.barclays.com/africa/kenya Bank of Africa–Madagascar The Bank of Africa–Madagascar has a market share of more than 30% in this island country in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa. The Bank of Africa group has a presence in 14 African countries, as well as a representative office in Paris. Madagascar’s economy is largely agricultural, although mining operations are gaining a foothold. The country’s main exports are textiles, fish, vanilla, cloves and spices. The Bank of Africa has 55 outlets in Madagascar. Mohamed Bennani, group president / www.boa.mg Bank of Africa–Mali Bank of Africa’s first office was established in Bamako, the capital of Mali, in 1982, and the bank now has numerous branches throughout the country. Cotton and peanuts are Mali’s main cash crops. The country produced about 44 metric tons of gold in 2011, making it Africa’s third-largest producer of the metal. President Amadou Touré’s government was overthrown in March. Elections had previously been scheduled for April 29. Mohamed Bennani, group president / www.bank-of-africa.net Mauritius Commercial Bank Mauritius Commercial Bank, the country’s oldest and largest bank, was established in 1838 and began expanding in the region in the early 1990s. It has 42 branches, in addition to subsidiaries in Madagascar, Mozambique and the Seychelles. It accounts for 40% of bank loans and deposits in Mauritius. Sugar cane remains the main export of this middle-income country, which is gradually diversifying its economy. Pierre Guy-Noel, group CEO / www.mcb.mu Attijariwafa Bank Attijariwafa Bank, based in Casablanca, is Morocco’s largest lender. The bank has more than 750 branches in Morocco and 1,400 branches in the group’s international network. The bank controls nearly 40% of the lending market in Morocco. Attijariwafa Bank posted a 12% rise in earnings last year, reflecting gains in market share. The bank has subsidiaries in eight African countries, as well as branches in Europe that cater mainly to Moroccan expatriates. Mohamed El Kettani, CEO / www.attijariwafabank.com Millennium bim Millennium bim, Mozambique’s largest bank, with 138 branches and a 40% market share, is majority owned by Millennium bcp, based in Portugal. The bank’s client base passed the 1 million mark in 2011, and its earnings rose by 52%. Mozambique’s economy is largely agricultural, and its largest trading partner is South Africa. Millennium bim’s goals include further expansion of the branch network in rural areas, and improved alternative banking channels. Manuel Duarte, CEO / www.millenniumbim.co.mz Standard Bank Namibia Standard Bank Namibia is the country’s oldest and largest bank, with 45 branches and 135 ATMs. As part of the pan-African Standard Bank Group, it offers a wide range of financial services. Its corporate and investment bank has a significant market share in the public, mining and financial services sectors. Namibia’s economy is heavily dependent on mining, livestock and fisheries and is closely linked to that of South Africa. Mpumzi Pupuma, managing director / www.standardbank.com.na First Bank of Nigeria First Bank of Nigeria (FirstBank) is Nigeria’s largest bank by assets and earnings. It serves more than 5 million customers from 660 branches and 11 subsidiary companies. FirstBank was the first financial institution in Nigeria to introduce fingerprint authentication to its ATMs. Its mobile-banking services enable customers to pay bills and send and receive money from all of its “touch points,” without using cards. The bank is upgrading its core banking software from Finnacle 7 to Finnacle 10. The Nigerian economy was affected in 2011 by the shutdown of the Bonga offshore oil field, which supplies close to 10% of the country’s crude oil output. Shell Petroleum Development declared force majeure on its Forcados pipeline export program for the fourth quarter of 2011 due to sabotage leaks. Nigeria’s real gross domestic product grew by 7.7% in the fourth quarter, down from 8.6% in the same period a year earlier. Bisi Onasanya, group managing director and CEO / www.firstbanknigeria.com Banque Commerciale du Rwanda Banque Commerciale du Rwanda, based in the capital city of Kigali, was privatized in 2004, with the government keeping a 20% stake. The bank’s main shareholder is Actis Capital, which is 40% owned by the UK government. BCR concentrates on lending to small and medium-size enterprises and local corporations, as well as retail customers. It offers 20-year home mortgages with a 20% down payment. “We are working on a long-term campaign of banking the unbanked through electronic platforms,” says Sanjeev Anand, managing director of Banque Commerciale du Rwanda. “Customers in both rural and urban areas enjoy the convenience of banking using their mobile phones, with low transaction fees.” Sanjeev Anand, managing director / www.bcr.co.rw Ecobank Senegal Ecobank Senegal was incorporated in 1999 and currently has 24 branches. The Senegalese economy slowed in the first half of 2011 because of persistent power cuts. The electricity supply improved following measures to secure fuel purchases and economic growth should surpass 4% this year, according to the International Monetary Fund. The country’s financial authorities are drafting regulations on private credit agencies. They are also preparing a study on the supervision of the microfinance sector. Yves Quam-Dessou, managing director / www.ecobank.com International Commercial Bank–Sierra Leone ICB Sierra Leone saw its earnings rise by 115% last year. The bank’s strategy is to gather deposits at relatively low cost and to lend at competitive rates to sound companies and projects. “We have performed well in all the major areas, including increasing assets, improving deposits, containing nonperforming loans, enhancing returns and controlling costs,” says Viswanathan Sundaram, CEO. “We have earned a reputation for being a safe and sound bank.” Viswanathan Sundaram, CEO / www.icbank-sl.com Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, reported a 21% rise in earnings last year, helped by a decline in nonperforming loans. The bank, which is 20% owned by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, said its lending to South African personal and business customers rose by nearly 50% in 2011. Standard Bank operates in 39 countries, including 18 in Africa. The bank said it expected subdued growth in 2012 as it focused on cutting costs. The bank’s operations in Africa outside of its home market are showing strong results, with earnings up 38% last year. The continued investment in infrastructure is paying off, as revenues grow with a larger customer and deposit base. South Africa’s economy grew 2.9% in 2011, with manufacturing providing a boost. Economists remain cautious on the economic outlook for this year, however, as the country struggles to reduce its 24% unemployment rate. Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings both lowered the country’s debt outlook to negative in the past six months, citing profligate government spending and uncertain global financial markets. Jacko Maree, group CEO / www.standardbank.co.za Ecobank Togo Ecobank was founded in Togo in 1985, and it now operates in 32 African countries, more than any other bank. In December 2009, Ecobank Transnational signed a strategic cooperation agreement with South Africa–based Nedbank. The South African bank has secured the rights to acquire up to a 20% stake in Ecobank Transnational within the next three years. In 2010 the bank reorganized along three business lines: retail banking, corporate banking and Ecobank Capital, the capital markets and investment banking arm. It operates 22 branches in and around Lome, the political and commercial capital of Togo, and employs 276 people. Didier Lamine Correa, managing director / www.ecobank.com Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie Banque Internationale Arabe de Tunisie (BIAT) is the largest private-sector bank in Tunisia, with 138 branches. Three of its branches were damaged during the Jasmine Revolution, which led to the ousting of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011 and sparked the Arab Spring uprisings. In February 2012, Fitch Ratings affirmed the support ratings of five major Tunisian banks, including BIAT. Slaheddine Ladjimi, general manager / www.biat.com.tn Stanbic Bank Uganda Stanbic Bank Uganda is the country’s largest bank, with more than 90 branches. It is majority-owned by South Africa’s Standard Bank. Stanbic’s Uganda roots reach back to 1906, when its predecessor operated as National Bank of India. In 2011, Stanbic Bank Uganda introduced a building loan product that will enable borrowers to build their own houses using contractors of their choice. There currently is a shortage of housing in Uganda. Philip Odera, managing director / www.stanbicbank.co.ug Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Standard Chartered Bank Zambia is one of the leading banks in Zambia, whose economy is highly dependent on copper and agricultural products. Standard Chartered has 16 branches in Zambia and a market share of about 20%. It employs approximately 650 people. The bank has disbursed more than $2 billion to the mining sector in Zambia to finance various projects in the past five years. Mizinga Melu, country CEO and managing director / www.standardchartered.com/zm Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe Standard Chartered Bank Zimbabwe is the country’s largest bank by assets. In 2011, it introduced a mobile banking service in partnership with Telecel and NetOne. The country needs at least $14 billion to revive its economy following a lengthy downturn, according to finance minister Tendai Biti. Prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai has criticized the government for forcing foreign firms to surrender 51% of their shares to local people. Ralph Watunga, CEO / www.standardchartered.com/zw World’s Best Banks 2012 Back to The Main Article World’s Best Banks 2012: Asia World’s Best Banks 2012: Europe World’s Best Banks 2012: Latin America World’s Best Banks 2012: Middle East World’s Best Banks 2012: North America This article appeared in issue May 2012	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1498
__label__cc	0.701012	0.298988	Newt's Inner Circle \| Login Join Today Newt’s World Podcast TV & Documentaries Our POV Winning Elections Ellis the Elephant Passing on the Lessons of American History Gingrich Productions Newt and Callista Gingrich To receive Newt and Callista’s newsletters, click here. This month’s government shutdown and the frenzy surrounding it are a perfect reminder of why it is crucial that every American learns American history. The context of this conflict is much larger and more important than the daily public relations maneuvering we see on the news. The Founding Fathers wanted to protect the freedom they had fought so hard to win from devolving into a dictatorship. They understood from their experience with the British king that the executive needed to be restrained by the people. As a result, they wanted tension between the legislative and executive branches, and consciously divided power to protect liberty. The strongest power they gave the Congress to restrain the president was the power of the purse. When we see a conflict that causes the government to shut down temporarily, it is not a sign that our system is broken. It is an expression of deep disagreement between two branches of government. Sadly, many Americans seem to lack this context today. They do not appreciate the virtues of our system of government, the traits that made America great, who made America great, or the ideas and events that motivated them. These are the very lessons Ellis the Elephant explores in Yankee Doodle Dandy, Callista’s new children’s book about the American Revolution. The need to pass on the story of our nation is what prompted Callista to create Ellis the Elephant and the New York Times Bestsellers Sweet Land of Liberty, in which Ellis learns about American exceptionalism, and Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride, in which he explores colonial America. Yankee Doodle Dandy may be Ellis’s most important adventure yet, as he learns about the courage, determination, and wisdom of the men and women who won our freedom and laid out the principles upon which our government is based. In Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis discovers: the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party the “shot heard ‘round the world” at the Battle of Concord, marking the beginning of the American Revolution the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence Betsy Ross sewing the first American flag in Philadelphia General George Washington sustaining his troops through the long winter at Valley Forge and many more critical moments of the American Revolution! It’s crucial that we pass on to the next generation of Americans an appreciation of the courage and dedication earlier generations have shown in defense of freedom. That’s the only way our children will grow up knowing what it means to be American. If they don’t know about the men and women who made America exceptional, they will have a hard time defending our country’s founding principles, and an even more difficult time preserving freedom for themselves. Tragically, we’re doing a poor job of teaching our children about America’s past. A recent Department of Education survey shows an alarming lack of knowledge of U.S. history among our students. Just 20 percent of fourth-graders, 17 percent of eighth-graders, and 12 percent of twelfth-graders were at grade-level proficiency in American history in the 2010 NAEP exams. Our students struggled with even the very basics. Only one in three fourth graders could identify the purpose of the Declaration of Independence. Not even half understood why George Washington was an important leader in American history. Most did not know why the Pilgrims left England. The American Revolution was a defining moment in our history–and indeed, in the history of the world. The Declaration of Independence was a radical founding document which remains at the core of how we think about government today. It’s very sad that most of our children do not understand its importance. It’s equally sad that they know little about the heroic men and women who fought to win our independence. We believe it’s incredibly important that young people feel proud of America and the values it represents in the world. We encourage you to talk with your children and grandchildren about the patriotic heroes who have preserved our freedom and the system of government we are so fortunate to have today. Yankee Doodle Dandy is the perfect place to start! 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__label__cc	0.581576	0.418424	Boys We Like, Family Life ‘Dear Daughters’ Photo Project Capturing Fathers Talk To Their Daughters About Feminism Ray and Vida \| “Dear Daughters”\| Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina A new photo series that has been getting a fair amount of press attention has got us excited. The ‘Dear Daughters’ project comes from photographers Marzia Messina and Sham Hinchey, and captures 22 men and their daughters, all between 8 -11 years old, talking about feminism. The series of images are accompanied by video and text, giving readers more insight into each of the conversations between the girls and their fathers. The images, which have been shared on their Facebook Page (as well as with The Huffington Post) were created to mimic the old-school family portrait style, but this time with the daughters positioned to show their confidence. Marzia and Sham, who are more commonly known as Mars and Sham, not only create great photography together, they also have a 10 year old daughter together named Penelope, who was essentially the catalyst for this project. It was because of her that the 8-11 y/o age group was chosen. To spark conversations about feminism and gender equality, Mars and Sham created their own board game which asked each dad and daughter a set of questions, such as “what do you think it means to be a feminist?”, “what worries you about bringing up girls in a chauvinist world?” , “what do you think the phrase ‘Boys will be boys’ suggests?” and “pretend you’re in Congress and come up with a new law about women’s rights.” From the responses they were getting it was clear that some of the dads had never considered such ideas about equality, and it took participating in this project and having a daughter in the first place to really see first hand the type of world that exists for women today, even in the most advanced countries on earth. Manu and Nandini \| “Dear Daughters”\| Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina Mars and Sham say their own daughter has influenced them in this way and recognized the importance of having conversations about equality and gender from a young age. “Through her we have seen how children of this age start asking questions regarding social issues and it is interesting to watch them process news, trying to rationalize and decipher events which in their minds are absurd or unjust,” said mom Marzia to HuffPost. Through recent political and social news stories, there has been dialog about the need for men to recognize women as equals outside of mentioning their own wives, sisters, mothers, daughters etc. But as dad Sham explained to Glamour Mag’s Shay Maunz, they felt this was at least a good place to begin. “We really wanted to hear men talk on the question of feminism and women’s rights and the role of a woman in the society. We thought a good place to start was with fathers who have daughters, because it might be easier for them to empathize with their young daughter so they could kind of learn through them,” he said. Chris and Christina \| “Dear Daughters”\| Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina Sham not only participated in the project with Penelope, he pointed out how it was important for the couple to portray dads talking with daughters about feminism because typically society expects this type of conversation to be carried out by mothers. “We always delegate those kinds of conversations to the mom. But if we do put ourselves in that place as dads, it can strengthen our relationship with our kids. And I think that putting men in women’s shoes for a while—that’s how we get them on board with the movement for equality,” he said. Some of the board game conversations can be read on the Dear Daughters Facebook Page, and were also shared in a feature on Life Framer. One of the fathers outlined his concerns for his daughter in the current political environment, when asked what worried him most about raising a girl in a chauvinist world. “I don’t want my daughter to lose her confidence, to lose hope and say this is what we have, this is the way the world is, there is no hope. With the recent political events it’s almost like we’re going back again. We’re here and all of a sudden women are being objectified again, they are losing all the ground that has been gained since the dark ages. I still want you to have confidence, we can still win this battle, we’re still in it,” said Chris, father of Christina. Sham and Penelope \| “Dear Daughters”\| Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina Sham and Penelope discussed a scenario where a woman and a man were applying for the same job but the man, who was less qualified ended up landing the gig. In their conversation, they touched on a topic that was the underlying thread throughout the 2016 presidential election – sexism – leading to the eventual result of Donald Trump, who is a known sexual predator, getting elected. “A lot of men don’t like taking orders from a woman. They’ll say “who are you? I’ve always had this privilege, I tell you what to do.” He’s always been used to giving the orders and all of a sudden one day a woman is making the decisions and maybe he is not comfortable with that or maybe even simpler than that a lot of men feel uncomfortable working around women,” said Sham. “I don’t think they like being under a woman’s control… Maybe they feel uncomfortable being under a woman’s power, having to be on a lower standard than the woman,” said Penelope. These interactions are so powerful. They are the kind of conversations we hope to see more of in families, not just with young girls, but also and especially with young boys. After all, if people like Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein and heck even Donald Trump were raised with even half of the values these fathers are passing onto their daughters, perhaps we would be seeing very different headlines over the past couple of years. Just sayin… The pictures we included in this article can be found on the Dear Daughters Facebook Page, along with videos and test of the conversations between each couple. Mars and Sham say they plan on expanding the project by including more dads and daughters from around the US, and eventually collate it into a published book. Watch the video of the ‘Dear Daughters’ project below: Tags: dear daughters × fathers × feminism × girls × Marzia Messina × photography × Sham Hinchey	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1500
__label__cc	0.573814	0.426186	Why Going Green Is Chicer Than Ever Lily Kwong has a message we all should read this Earth Day. By Victoria Lewis Kwong with her preferred car alternative, wearing "cozy and superchic" Amour Vert, of course. Growing up in California, I always had an appreciation for the environment; I spent much of my childhood hiking in the redwood forests or walking on Stinson Beach. In high school I learned about sustainable farming, recycling programs, and water conservation. It didn't feel like a special interest; nature was just part of my life. I landed in the fashion industry almost by accident. While walking around New York City's West Village one day, I was approached by someone about modeling. I was 18 and clueless, and before I knew what was happening, I was on a plane to Paris for a fit modeling job at Dior. It sounds more glamorous than it was—I wasn't even in front of the camera! I touched down on French soil and immediately reached out to my only family there, my cousin Joseph Altuzarra. In a strange twist of fate, Joseph had left his job in the design studio at Givenchy that exact same day to launch his own line. I started working closely with him as a model and his studio manager, and eventually landed jobs modeling with other incredible labels, from Louis Vuitton to Calvin Klein. After two years on the road, I finally felt like I was "making it" in fashion. But while my career was a lot of fun, it didn't feel particularly meaningful. I got to wear beautiful clothes, but I didn't feel as though I had a voice. I come from an academic family who had been shocked when I'd dropped out of school to model. So I applied to Columbia University for a degree in urban planning. A lot of the classes focused on sustainability and green infrastructure, and I began to think about ecological issues. I took a job after graduation with Island Planning Corporation, a firm that creates eco-friendly natural settings. At this point I thought I was completely out of the fashion game. Then a new label called Amour Vert reached out to me about a collaboration. They gave me a T-shirt to try out, and it was love at first wear. I was constantly on the road for work, and this soft tee was the only thing I wanted in my suitcase. Plus, the shirts were made from eucalyptus and beech trees, which are fast-growing and don't require artificial irrigation and pesticides. And for every one sold, Amour Vert planted a tree (the name is French for "green love"). Wearing this piece, I felt like I was actually doing good as a consumer. It was a total game changer. The label's bomber, made in California, is printed with low- impact dyes. As I did more research, I was shocked to discover that the textile industry is one of the biggest water polluters in the world. The pesticides we use in cotton production, the toxic dyes we employ to color fabrics, and the extreme amount of water we draw on in manufacturing (you can't imagine how many hundreds of gallons it takes to make one pair of jeans) all pose major threats to our global clean water supply and marine ecosystem. But of course no one wants to give up fashion—and Amour Vert and companies like it show you don't have to. So when Amour Vert offered me a position last September, I took a leap of faith and accepted a role as the company's director of brand strategy. Amour Vert's ultimate goal is to reduce the environmental impact of fashion at every step of the clothing production process. So we do everything from using low-impact, nontoxic vegetable dyes to developing a zero-waste design philosophy that involves carefully cutting patterns so we throw away almost no extra fabric. I went to a tree planting that Amour Vert hosted and was really moved to see everyone at the company (even the execs) roll up their sleeves and get dirty. But what I really love about this brand is the way everyone is always thinking about new ways to be sustainable: We recently discovered that in California, where we do our production, trucks drive almost daily from Napa Valley to Los Angeles to deliver wine—but they usually return empty. So we hired some of these trucks to drive our product from L.A. to San Francisco. The thing is, not every change needs to be made on a corporate scale. I've started to reduce my own personal footprint in a major way since starting my job. There are plenty of things you can do: If you are going to buy something new, look for products like ours that are made with nontoxic or vegetable dyes and without pesticides. Labels won't always tell you the whole story, but clothes made out of organic cotton or Modal (a plant-based fiber) are good bets. To date, Amour Vert has planted 27,000 trees and counting. My goal for 2015 is to increase that number exponentially. And I especially love that we're part of a movement—from high-end designers like Stella McCartney to accessible ones like Reformation—seeking to change fashion's environmental impact. People aren't going to buy something just to plant a tree; they still want their clothes to be desirable. It feels great to be part of a community of creative people finding ways to make conscious clothes chic! Topicslily kwongearth dayeco friendly clothing	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1502
__label__wiki	0.59364	0.59364	Sélim el Sayegh, Ph.D. Sélim el Sayegh, Ph.D., is a globally renowned educator and an accomplished former governmental leader of Lebanon. He is currently director of the Center for the Analysis of Disputes and their Modes of Settlement (CADMOS) and director of the Master’s Program in Diplomacy & Strategic Negotiations at the University of Paris, where he has been a Professor of Law and International Relations since 1993. He is also the co-founder and vice-president of the American Graduate School of Diplomacy and International Relations in Paris. He has served as a visiting professor at 25 universities around the world, mostly in China, Asia, Europe, North America, and North Africa. His main area of specialization is conflict resolution, negotiation, diplomacy, and development. Dr. el Sayegh was the Minister of Social Affairs in Lebanon from 2009 to 2011, serving under the Hariri Government. In this role he developed policies and strategies that greatly expanded and enriched the social sector in Lebanon. He led the development of the Social Pact and the National Strategy for Social Development in Lebanon; oversaw the implementation of Good Governance Standards for NGOs; created the first Middle Eastern Master’s Degree of NGO Management; established the National Documentation Center for Childhood; launched the “Child Friendly Cities Initiative” in three pilot municipalities; and developed standards for elderly caretaking centers. He also established the National Poverty Targeting Program, the National Program Against Addiction, and published the “Nahar al Kafif,” the first braille language weekly paper in the Arab World. Dr. el Sayegh currently serves as Senior Adviser for the UNESCO Program on Intercultural Dialogue and has been on the board of the World Bank for Social Policies in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) since 2012. He has received many international academic professional awards and appointments and is the author of numerous publications in French, English, and Arabic. Dr. el Sayegh received his Ph.D. in International Law from Paris University in 1992. He also received a DEA (M. Phil) in History from the Sorbonne University (Paris I) and in Diplomacy and International Relations from Paris-Sud University in 1990 and 1989, respectively, as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Political Science, Law, and Business Management at Lebanese universities.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1504
__label__wiki	0.638907	0.638907	Greece Travel Secrets Macedonia & Thrace Western Greece NE Aegean Isles Driving in Greece Greece for Beginners Greek Ferry Guide Greek Poets Quick Guide to Greece Sailing in Greece Tipping in Greece Weddings in Greece Which Greek Island? Our Greece Blog Greece Book Reviews Best Things to Do on Thassos The best things to do on Thassos in the North East Aegean islands of Greece include enjoying its beaches, doing mountain hikes, and visiting its ancient archaeological sites. Potamia on Thassos Thassos is in the group of islands in the North East Aegean Sea and is easily reached on a short ferry ride from the mainland city of Kavala. To read more about how to get to Thassos and some more information about the island, visit our main Thassos page. Meanwhile, to help you plan a visit or decide whether to put Thassos on your Greek itinerary, here are... The Best Things to Do on Thassos Thassos Town Thassos Town (Limenas) You can read about Thassos Town, also known as Limenas, on our main Thassos page but here's a reminder of some of the things you can do there. Ancient City of Thassos We recommend visiting the Archaeological Museum (see below) before visiting the remains of the Ancient City, as it helps put the site into perspective. The two are right next to each other. The site of the Ancient City spreads over a large area and includes the remnants of a marketplace. There's a temple to Artemis, beyond which a narrow road leads up towards the acropolis where there are terrific views and a theatre which is still used today. The Theatre in Ancient Thassos The Thassos Archaeological Museum was established back in 1934 and is a large and spacious building, with a lot of natural light to show off its exhibits. Admission is inexpensive. There's a courtyard outside with sculptures and other ancient objects. The most precious item in the archaeological museum is a 6th-century BC sculpture of a young man carrying a ram. It was found on the island in 1911 and at 11.5 feet (3.5 metres) high it is undeniably impressive. Some of the oldest items date from the Palaeolithic Age and include tools from an ochre mine discovered near Limenaria. Around the Island Although it's tiny, Aliki has a lot to recommend it. The nearby site of Ancient Aliki is one of the best archaeological sites on the island, with the remains of a temple and the remnants of some ancient quarries. It's also convenient for the Archangelos Monastery and the little lagoon at Giola (see below). There's a small beach and a handful of tavernas and places to stay. Archangelos Monastery Perched dramatically above a cliff between Aliki and Giola, this is one of the most important monasteries on the island (although it's actually a nunnery). It's very scenic from a distance and provides you with panoramic views when you get there, as far as Mount Athos in the distance.. No-one knows for sure how old it is but there was a reference to the monastery in papers dating from 1287, though most of the present buildings date from the 18th century. Its most prized possession is what is said to be part of a nail from the cross on which Christ was crucified. There are good beaches all around the island, too many to list, but one of the best has to be Paradise Beach on the east coast and about 15 miles (24 kms) south of Thasos Town. There are no fewer than three different parking areas, which tells you (a) how popular it is, and (b) how big it is. Its size usually means you can find your own patch of beach. The sand is beautifully soft, there's a scenic backdrop of forest, and the beach shelves gently so is good for children. There's also an offshore island which adds to the scenic nature of this spot. The longest beach on Thassos is Golden Beach, which runs for 1.25 miles (2 kms) and is 7.5 miles (12 kms) south of Thassos Town on the east coast. Giola About 6 miles (9.7 kms) west of the little beach village of Aliki on the south coast is this unusual phenomenon where rock formations create a natural swimming pool adjoining the sea. It does get very busy as it seems a lot of people like jumping from a height into the water. Limenaria on the south coast is the second-largest town on the island after Thassos Town, and is an attractive holiday resort with plenty of places to stay and to eat. There are lots of good beaches, both in the town and within easy walking distance, which is one of the reasons it's so popular. Thassos Has a Mountainous Interior Mountain Hikes Thassos is a fairly small and fairly round island with a mountainous interior. This means it's ideal if you want to combine a bit of beach laziness with some hiking. No matter where you stay on the coast, you can head inland and start climbing, and getting scenic views. The most challenging walk is naturally to the island's highest peak, Mt Ipsario (3953 feet/1205 metres), which takes at least three hours so it does need some planning. There's a mountain hut for shelter at the top. Olive Oil Mill and Panagia The Sotirelis Olive Oil Mill is in the traditional village of Panagia, about 4.5 miles (7.4 kms) due south of Thassos Town. It's fascinating to tour the water-powered mill and learn how this family business used to produce its olive oil. It's no longer operational but acts more as a museum, but it's still an interesting place to visit. Panagia itself is beautiful and very photogenic. While there, don't miss the lovely Church of the Kimisis tou Theotokou. Where to Stay on Thassos Travel information about Antiparos near Paros in the Cyclades Islands of Greece from the Greece Travel Secrets website. Greece Grants Honorary Citizenship to Tom Hanks Greece Grants Honorary Citizenship to Tom Hanks, who has a holiday home on Antiparos, for his charitable work and philhellenism. Aegina in the Saronic Gulf Islands of Greece Aegina in the Saronic Gulf Islands is an easy day trip from Athens. This page from Greece Travel Secrets also gives details of ferries and what to do.. Best Greece Guide Of all the many guides to Greece we've seen, this is the one we recommend as best of all: Take a Look at Our Corfu Guide Which are the Top Ten Biggest Greek Islands? Click here to find out! FTC Disclosure : If you make a purchase via a link on this site, we may receive a small commission on the transaction - at no added cost to you. Thank you! Copyright 2020 by Mike Gerrard and Donna Dailey. No words or images to be used without prior permission. We do not sell personal information: see our Privacy Policy. California Consumer Privacy Act - CCPA: Sale Of Personal Information Greece Travel Secrets does not sell any information it gathers for any reason. It has not collected or sold any personal information in the last twelve months or ever in the past. This website was built using Site Build It!	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1510
__label__wiki	0.920189	0.920189	What Tesla’s Big-Box Retail Play Says About Its Place in the Solar Market As Tesla’s solar business slows, it looks to Home Depot and Lowe’s for growth. Katie Fehrenbacher February 07, 2018 Katie Fehrenbacher Katie Fehrenbacher is a journalist who's been covering energy technology for over a decade. She's been a reporter for Fortune, Gigaom, Red Herring, Engadget and the Japanese daily newspaper the Yomiuri Shimbun. Her work has also been published in The Guardian, Bloomberg, the New York Times, CNN, and The Economist. Tesla may soon sell solar roofs at Home Depot and Lowe's. As Tesla continues the process of eradicating the SolarCity brand, it is now doubling down on a sales tactic once used by the solar company it acquired. Tesla is now building kiosks in Home Depot stores that show off its solar panels and Powerwall home batteries, Bloomberg News reported. According to the report, Lowe’s is in discussions with Tesla about similar solar and battery demo zones. The big-box retailers could eventually sell Tesla’s Solar Roof products when they become more widely available. To Tesla watchers, the move is curious, though familiar. SolarCity had a similar relationship with Home Depot for several years. While SolarCity’s early years focused on growth at all costs (in lieu of profits), Tesla is running the solar division more conservatively. Tesla is aggressively looking to slash its customer-acquisition costs for solar. It stopped selling solar systems door-to-door, cut its advertising spending, and started focusing on selling through Tesla-owned stores. But GTM Research Solar Analyst Allison Mond said that customer-acquisition costs in retail locations tend to be high, potentially higher even than those associated with selling solar door-to-door, which can be anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 per customer, according to Mond. However, selling solar through channel partners (such as a Home Depot) could cost between $2,500 and $7,000, she said. “It’s hard for me to believe that it’s not going to be expensive for them,” said Mond. Retail channel costs tend to be high for a variety of reasons. First, retailers can charge high prices for the space or per customer acquired. Second, the kiosks are often staffed by company sales personnel seeking to educate shoppers (a task the staffers need to be paid for). Lastly, potential customers can be difficult to convince when they’re busy shopping, and the sales closure rates are low. Tesla no longer breaks out many of the financial details of its solar business like SolarCity did before the acquisition, so it’s hard to determine how much Tesla is planning to spend on its big-box retailer play. It’s possible that Tesla’s cachet helped it secure a lower-cost deal with the brick-and-mortar stores compared to the standard deal. But Tesla clearly is looking for some kind of edge to help its solar division. Tesla just started producing its own Solar Roof tiles. Its partner, Panasonic, has been producing solar cells in Gigafactory 2 since last summer. Tesla CTO JB Straubel has said the company wants to make 2 gigawatts per year of solar panel capacity. Tesla and Panasonic have also found themselves in an interesting, and possibly advantageous, position following the recent introduction of the new tariffs on solar imports. Gigafactory 2 is one of a few places where U.S. domestic solar cell manufacturing is actually occurring right now. The last year has been difficult for Tesla’s solar arm. It is no longer the top third-party-ownership financing provider in the residential solar market. Competitor Sunrun can now boast about holding that title. Growth has slowed so much that it caused a slide in residential solar sales in the U.S., according to GTM Research. Tesla previously forecasted that its solar arm would return to growth mode in the fourth quarter of 2017, as compared to the third quarter of 2017. The company is hosting an earnings call on Wednesday. Big-box retailers could be a way to kick-start growth. Bloomberg reported that the Home Depot kiosks will feature Tesla’s solar and Powerwall products on large 12-foot by 7-foot displays and provide visual demos of how the products work. Tesla employees will sell the gear, enabling the company to own the sales process and educate consumers about energy products that aren’t yet mainstream. Tesla is considered a leader in high-tech innovation and marketing. But now it's turning to old-school brick-and-mortar businesses to help its wavering solar business. Join us for the 11th annual Solar Summit 2018 in San Diego, May 1-2. Powered by the unique blend of research and economic analysis from the GTM Research team, this year's agenda will feature themes from beyond traditional project finance to innovations in solar and the transformation of electricity. powerwall solar roof solar summit The global PV inverter and MLPE landscape 2019	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1511
__label__wiki	0.501112	0.501112	"GTC has quickly justified its reputation for customer service in its work with Bovis Homes" Senior Civil Engineer, Bovis Homes. "Their proactive approach is refreshing and their can-do attitude makes them a popular contractor across our company" "GTC provide a reliable service and good office backup in the provision of mains and connections onto new residential developments" Engineering Manager, Taylor Wimpey. "All the staff are extremely helpful" Project Manager, Integrated Services & Utilities "Recommend GTC, competitive price and high levels of service" Senior Engineer, Taylor Wimpey "Excellent. Responsive to our requirements" "GTC one person point of contact - the Regional Sales Manager - fits exactly with our requirements" Senior Civil Engineer Bovis Homes. "GTC offers first class customer services, delivery on time and in budget" Development Engineer, Bellway Homes "GTC is the utility company you can trust to deliver" “GTC quote was very keen" Director, Headstart Media Consultant "GTC are efficient, they always get back to me as quickly as possible with a quote". Services & Adoptions co-ordinator, Jelson "Application process is easy, customer services are efficient, site engineers are informative and prices are competitive within the current market." Services Buyer, Shropshire Homes "Would recommend GTC to others, long may this continue" Services Buyer, Shropshire Homes "Using GTC for electric and gas mains and services has been a breath of fresh air for our region" Technical Manager, Persimmon Homes " GTC staff, from all aspects of their business operate in an efficient and co-operative manner, exactly what a developer has been needing from a service provider" Technical Manager, Persimmon Homes "Barratt & David Wilson Homes have formed a strong partnership with GTC over the recent years and enjoy a successful relationship" Senior Technical Manager, Barratt & David Wilson Homes "We have formed a strong partnership with GTC over the recent years and enjoy a successful relationship. With the professionalism of both businesses will continue to do so" Householders Joint initiative to install Smart Meters by User Not Found \| Jul 29, 2011 In a significant joint initiative, GTC, E.ON and Larkfleet Group, (through their contractors, F E Peacock Construction Ltd) have installed their first dual fuel Smart Meters on a new Council development in Corby, Northamptonshire. The meters bring benefits to house-builders, householders and the environment, more than a year ahead of the start of the government mandated roll out of Smart meters. Nationwide independent network provider, GTC, has put in place all the necessary dual fuel utility infrastructure and E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, is supplying the gas and electricity. All this is taking place in 30 of Corby Borough Council’s new build properties, constructed by F E Peacock Construction Ltd, just off Mull Drive on the Lodge Park Estate in Corby. The new Council tenants will now benefit from the latest Smart Meter technology for both their gas and electricity supplies. To ensure the success of the project, the team has been working closely with Corby Borough Council. Simon Perkins national new connections manager at E.ON, said: “Smart Metering is an important part of our energy future here in the UK and by 2020 UK government plans to have one in every home. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Larkfleet Group and other developers in bringing Smart Meters into people’s homes and enabling them to benefit fully from this exciting new technology.” Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “The two-way communication allowed by Smart Meters means that gas and electricity meters will no longer need to be visited and read in person. The householder will benefit from no more estimated bills, more flexible tariffs and the ability to see exactly how much energy is used at any given time. Any reduction in usage of energy will also have a positive impact on the environment and fuel poverty. GTC installing its first Smart Meters is an important step in providing house-builders with the technologies their customers require and supporting them in meeting their obligations for building lower carbon homes.” Karl Hick, Managing Director of Larkfleet Group, said: “The Smart Metering is a great initiative and we are really pleased to install this path-finding technology with Corby Borough Council, one of our key partners” Corby Borough Council’s Head of Housing, Angela Warburton, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to work with the organisations involved on the initiative and get it up and running in our new Council properties. We are very aware that at the moment it is especially important to our residents to save as much money as possible and keep an eye on where every penny goes. This technology will help them do just that within their own homes and I’m sure will make a big difference to their bills.” gtc wins contract for 3,000 new homes in cambridgeshire GTC wins contract for 3,000 new homes in Cambridgeshire GTC has been awarded a significant contract to provide the essential energy infrastructure for a new community in Cambridgeshire, comprising of over 3,000 new homes, built by Barratt Homes. The prestigious site is land previously owned by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and the development will take place in three phases, known as NIAB1, 2 and 3. Building work has not yet begun and the first show homes are not expected to be opened until early 2014 but Barratt Homes understood the advantage of contracting early with GTC to secure the energy capacity to serve the development keen, as demand for electricity in the Cambridge area is expected to rise rapidly in the near future. Barratt Homes awarded the contract to GTC having reviewed a selection of options proposed by Utilities Consultants Ltd. Mark Lane, Regional Sales Manager at GTC, says: “With a phased approach to the build and a large number of plots, it is essential that the installation of the utilities infrastructure is carefully planned to ensure energisation occurs to meet the precise schedule of the developer. Securing the necessary utilities early in the project cycle is prudent and does not constrain our ability to flex to the changing needs on the site as it develops. Both Barratt Homes and Utilities Consultants Ltd are well aware of our successful delivery performance and customer service record. These are elements that should never be underestimated as they often have a significant impact on overall cost.” Of the 3,000 plus plots, 40% is allocated as affordable housing. A new library, health facility, primary and secondary school will also be energised by GTC. All housing will meet the agreed environmental standards set out in the code for sustainable homes.GTC wins contract for 3,000 new homes in Cambridgeshire GTC has been awarded a significant contract to provide the essential energy infrastructure for a new community in Cambridgeshire, comprising of over 3,000 new homes, built by Barratt Homes. The prestigious site is land previously owned by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) and the development will take place in three phases, known as NIAB1, 2 and 3. Building work has not yet begun and the first show homes are not expected to be opened until early 2014 but Barratt Homes understood the advantage of contracting early with GTC to secure More > gtc and persimmon homes brings blazing-fast fibre to the broads GTC today announces that it has been contracted to work with Persimmon Homes to deliver truly blazing-fast fibre optic communications, of 300Mbps, to a new housing development in the Norfolk Broads. GTC offers a range of standard packages with speeds from 50Mbs to 300Mbps, vastly exceeding the UK average of 17.8Mbps, as recently reported by Ofcom, and significantly faster than the Government’s best definition of ‘superfast’, which is for speeds of 24Mbps. The Pastures at Brundall, near Norwich, will have the leading technology, allowing new homeowners to enjoy the fastest internet speeds available. More importantly, the fibre optic network is reliable with the capability of supporting future technological advancements and delivering the increasing bandwidth associated with on-demand services. Deploying fibre all the way to the home will set these properties apart from competition, where even those that boast fibre networks generally still utilise traditional copper cables at least for partial delivery from the local cabinet. GTC is also installing the essential gas and electricity infrastructure to the 150 home development, delivering a seamless utility solution under one agreement, via a single provider. This time and cost effective approach simplifies the onsite construction process for Persimmon Homes. Paul Summers, local Account Manager for GTC, says: “While many fibre providers install high-speed fibre optic cables to the edge of a development and then rely on the existing copper cables for the last leg of the network, GTC only installs fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). This brings the fibre optic cables right into each home and has the advantages of a consistent, reliable, super-fast service, for every household.” Persimmon Homes’ managing director, Andrew Fuller, added: “The Pastures is situated on the bank of the River Yare, just seven miles from Norwich City centre. Whilst enjoying an enviable rural location in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, it is vital that we also provide our customers with homes fitted with the latest in available technologies. Fibre-to-the-home gives our customers next-generation superfast broadband and provides the flexibility and high-speed access required for both work and leisure. This service will be a key differentiator between our properties and others in the area that rely on slow copper connections.”GTC today announces that it has been contracted to work with Persimmon Homes to deliver truly blazing-fast fibre optic communications, of 300Mbps, to a new housing development in the Norfolk Broads. GTC offers a range of standard packages with speeds from 50Mbs to 300Mbps, vastly exceeding the UK average of 17.8Mbps, as recently reported by Ofcom, and significantly faster than the Government’s best definition of ‘superfast’, which is for speeds of 24Mbps. The Pastures at Brundall, near Norwich, will have the leading technology, allowing new homeowners to enjoy the fastest internet speeds available. More importantly, the fibre optic network is More > gtc awarded gold safety award GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new build market, has been awarded a Gold Certificate by the International Energy Group (IEG) for successfully completing a period of 18 months with no three-day lost time incidents (LTIs). This is the second time in less than 4 years that GTC has recorded an incident-free period of 18-months without an LTI. Such a good health and safety record is a great achievement for any organisation but especially so where daily work is with live gas and electricity networks on inherently hazardous construction sites. Health & Safety is embedded as the first priority within every employee of GTC, which extends across all areas of operations and not just on site. The company believes that a well trained and experienced workforce is a major factor in its strong health and safety record. Every member of staff has a personal safety improvement target and construction teams are regularly refreshed on safety and technical issues. All GTC’s construction supervisory staff hold IOSH Managing Safely certificates, as well as Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) cards, as proof of occupational competence. GTC also holds all four technical accreditations from Lloyd’s, for electricity, gas, water and multi utility. These standards, and the training involved in reaching them, are extremely important to GTC. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “We work on a daily basis in higher risk environments and we continuously focus our teams on safe working behaviours. We are very proud to have once again been awarded this accolade, which highlights our commitment to Health & Safety in all areas of the business.” The local community will also benefit from GTC’s health and safety achievement as the company is pleased to donate the prize money associated with the award to local charities.GTC, the nationwide provider of utility infrastructure to the new build market, has been awarded a Gold Certificate by the International Energy Group (IEG) for successfully completing a period of 18 months with no three-day lost time incidents (LTIs). This is the second time in less than 4 years that GTC has recorded an incident-free period of 18-months without an LTI. Such a good health and safety record is a great achievement for any organisation but especially so where daily work is with live gas and electricity networks on inherently hazardous construction sites. Health & Safety is embedded as the More > gtc reaches 500,000 connection milestone GTC has passed the milestone of 500,000 properties connected to its gas and electricity networks. GTC is expanding its connections at a higher rate than any other nationwide provider of utilities infrastructure, making it the fastest growing Independent operator in the UK. Reaching 500,000 homes connected and actively using its networks is a considerable achievement for an independent provider of energy infrastructure. It shows the increasing number of new-housing developers that recognise the advantages of using an independent provider for gas and electricity connections. This is a further accomplishment for the utilities connections market as a whole and demonstrates the growing competition within the industry, from which house builders are benefiting. The number of repeat contracts awarded to GTC is an indication of the high levels of customer satisfaction achieved. GTC was set up as an entirely new company in 1995 and reached its first milestone of 250,000 installed connections in 2006. GTC’s growth has successfully continued through the ups and downs of the housing market, showing the company’s strength and resilience through the recession. As a result, GTC is well-placed to continue to support its customers as the market recovers. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “The success achieved in developing GTC from nothing, to our position today as the UK's leading independent energy infrastructure provider, is testament to our dedicated staff and our commitment to customer services. We have influenced and driven changes in industry regulatory framework to open up the utilities market and make it much more competitive, benefitting house builders with greater freedom of choice.”GTC has passed the milestone of 500,000 properties connected to its gas and electricity networks. GTC is expanding its connections at a higher rate than any other nationwide provider of utilities infrastructure, making it the fastest growing Independent operator in the UK. Reaching 500,000 homes connected and actively using its networks is a considerable achievement for an independent provider of energy infrastructure. It shows the increasing number of new-housing developers that recognise the advantages of using an independent provider for gas and electricity connections. This is a further accomplishment for the utilities connections market as a whole and demonstrates More > independents’ day for harworth estates GTC to power 4,000 new homes in Sheffield City Region. Independent Distribution Network Operator, GTC, today announces details of the second phase of its work with Harworth Estates on the prestigious Waverley development in Rotherham. Harworth Estates has recently sold the second allocation of development land to Taylor Wimpey, Harron Homes and Barratt Homes for further house building. GTC has already provided the utilities infrastructure network for the first phase of 250 new homes and, under the land contract model with Harworth Estates, will now provide all three housebuilders with fully-serviced land for the next stages. Once all phases of the development have been completed, the utilities network will serve all 4,000 homes and associated businesses and amenities. Peter Henry, Technical Director, at Harworth Estates, says: “This is the first time we have used an independent provider of utilities infrastructure. In the past we have worked with the incumbent Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for that particular region. “As an independent company, GTC was able to offer time and cost savings, the benefits of flexibility and a high level of customer service but still with a proven track record of success. We are working with GTC under a land contract model where each of the house builders on each phase will have utilities infrastructure provided by GTC. “Ultimately, this means that new homes are finished and powered more quickly.” Waverley is South Yorkshire’s largest-ever brownfield mixed-use development and is a site of national significance. The 740 acre site is already home to world-class employers such as Rolls-Royce at the UK’s foremost Advanced Manufacturing Park, with 4,000 homes and new public open space to be completed over the next ten to fifteen years. Richard Cheeseman, who is the dedicated point of contact at GTC for the Waverley development, says: “GTC is regularly contracted for licensed area installations, allowing the landowner to offer fully-serviced parcels of land to housebuilders. This is the first time we have worked with Harworth Estates and we are delighted to be going on to deliver utility infrastructure for the second phase of this prestigious development. Harworth Estates’ focus is on adding value to the land it owns and the land contract agreement we have placed allows them to maximise the opportunities at Waverley.” GTC to power 4,000 new homes in Sheffield City Region. Independent Distribution Network Operator, GTC, today announces details of the second phase of its work with Harworth Estates on the prestigious Waverley development in Rotherham. Harworth Estates has recently sold the second allocation of development land to Taylor Wimpey, Harron Homes and Barratt Homes for further house building. GTC has already provided the utilities infrastructure network for the first phase of 250 new homes and, under the land contract model with Harworth Estates, will now provide all three housebuilders with fully-serviced land for the next stages. Once all phases of More > In a significant joint initiative, GTC, E.ON and Larkfleet Group, (through their contractors, F E Peacock Construction Ltd) have installed their first dual fuel Smart Meters on a new Council development in Corby, Northamptonshire. The meters bring benefits to house-builders, householders and the environment, more than a year ahead of the start of the government mandated roll out of Smart meters. Nationwide independent network provider, GTC, has put in place all the necessary dual fuel utility infrastructure and E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, is supplying the gas and electricity. All this is taking place in 30 of Corby Borough Council’s new build properties, constructed by F E Peacock Construction Ltd, just off Mull Drive on the Lodge Park Estate in Corby. The new Council tenants will now benefit from the latest Smart Meter technology for both their gas and electricity supplies. To ensure the success of the project, the team has been working closely with Corby Borough Council. Simon Perkins national new connections manager at E.ON, said: “Smart Metering is an important part of our energy future here in the UK and by 2020 UK government plans to have one in every home. We’re looking forward to continuing our work with Larkfleet Group and other developers in bringing Smart Meters into people’s homes and enabling them to benefit fully from this exciting new technology.” Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “The two-way communication allowed by Smart Meters means that gas and electricity meters will no longer need to be visited and read in person. The householder will benefit from no more estimated bills, more flexible tariffs and the ability to see exactly how much energy is used at any given time. Any reduction in usage of energy will also have a positive impact on the environment and fuel poverty. GTC installing its first Smart Meters is an important step in providing house-builders with the technologies their customers require and supporting them in meeting their obligations for building lower carbon homes.” Karl Hick, Managing Director of Larkfleet Group, said: “The Smart Metering is a great initiative and we are really pleased to install this path-finding technology with Corby Borough Council, one of our key partners” Corby Borough Council’s Head of Housing, Angela Warburton, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to work with the organisations involved on the initiative and get it up and running in our new Council properties. We are very aware that at the moment it is especially important to our residents to save as much money as possible and keep an eye on where every penny goes. This technology will help them do just that within their own homes and I’m sure will make a big difference to their bills.”In a significant joint initiative, GTC, E.ON and Larkfleet Group, (through their contractors, F E Peacock Construction Ltd) have installed their first dual fuel Smart Meters on a new Council development in Corby, Northamptonshire. The meters bring benefits to house-builders, householders and the environment, more than a year ahead of the start of the government mandated roll out of Smart meters. Nationwide independent network provider, GTC, has put in place all the necessary dual fuel utility infrastructure and E.ON, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, is supplying the gas and electricity. All this is taking place in 30 of More > gtc announces contract for upper heyford GTC announces contract for Upper Heyford - sole provider of FTTH, gas and electricity networks for 1,134 plots. GTC today announces that it has been awarded the contract to provide gas, electricity and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure networks on the redevelopment of Ministry of Defence land at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. As part of a combined utility solution, GTC will be providing superfast fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks to all new homes on the development. GTC’s fibre solution has been chosen to offer the homeowner the highest available speeds at the lowest possible cost. Paul Summers, Regional Sales Manager at GTC, says: “Unlike fibre to the cabinet (FTTC), fibre to the home does not suffer from declining speeds with distance from the exchange. Laying fibre optic cable right to each home ensures homeowners will be able to enjoy the best of today’s fibre offerings and know that the network is future proofed to support further advances in technology. The fibre connection will be fully installed and ready for use when the homeowner moves in.” Essential gas and electricity infrastructure will also be provided by GTC to a total of 1,134 plots. GTC’s expertise will manage the complex coordination of the removal of redundant infrastructure and construction of new connections to new homes and existing properties. The site is being developed by Bovis Homes and The Dorchester Group. Testament to its strong long-term relationships and proven track record with the leading house builders, GTC has been selected to deliver on this important multi-utility site by both developers. Bovis Homes and The Dorchester Group will benefit from ease of delivery with just one provider for all three services across the entire development.GTC announces contract for Upper Heyford - sole provider of FTTH, gas and electricity networks for 1,134 plots. GTC today announces that it has been awarded the contract to provide gas, electricity and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure networks on the redevelopment of Ministry of Defence land at Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire. As part of a combined utility solution, GTC will be providing superfast fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks to all new homes on the development. GTC’s fibre solution has been chosen to offer the homeowner the highest available speeds at the lowest possible cost. Paul Summers, Regional Sales Manager at GTC, says: “Unlike fibre to More > gtc partners with sky GTC partners with Sky to offer its fibre-optic broadband customers easy access to Sky TV It is announced today that GTC and Sky have reached an agreement to team up to provide customers on GTC's new-build fibre optic networks with the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package of premium TV services, fixed-line home phone and broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps. GTC’s super-fast fibre technology displaces the outdated copper-based solutions traditionally installed on new-build developments, and enables its customers the capacity to enjoy the full range of entertainment, home-working and social activities afforded by this 21st-century solution. Sky will offer its full range of premium TV services, including Sky+HD, to those homes who take their fibre broadband from GTC. Customers on GTC’s fibre broadband networks already enjoy the fastest nationally-available speeds, at the lowest equivalent prices. This new-build solution avoids the need for individual satellite dishes and delivers TV and all other services via fibre cables directly into homes, neatly utilising a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS). This comprises a central satellite receiver and aerial array, to serve the whole new-build site. Andrew Robinson, Commercial Operations Director at GTC, says: "The partnership with Sky means the UK's house builders can be confident that GTC's fibre networks will offer best-in-class services long into the future for the buyers of their new homes. “GTC has led the way in providing new gas and electricity networks to house builders for many years and this agreement affirms our commitment to providing new telecommunications networks also." Brendan Hegarty, Sky’s Head of Homes and Independent Retail, says: " This relationship with GTC will give owners of new homes across the UK a simple way to get great TV from Sky alongside GTC’s superfast broadband and home phone services. We look forward to making Sky TV available to even more homes through this innovative co-promotion.” GTC partners with Sky to offer its fibre-optic broadband customers easy access to Sky TV It is announced today that GTC and Sky have reached an agreement to team up to provide customers on GTC's new-build fibre optic networks with the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package of premium TV services, fixed-line home phone and broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps. GTC’s super-fast fibre technology displaces the outdated copper-based solutions traditionally installed on new-build developments, and enables its customers the capacity to enjoy the full range of entertainment, home-working and social activities afforded by this 21st-century solution. Sky will More > gtc pioneers new legal process to streamline electricity connections GTC has pioneered a simple but inspired legal process for the energisation connection between electricity networks. The new development streamlines the legal process, rationalising procedures with a pre-agreed and standardised document that unifies the methods of different companies, incorporates the rights of all parties and removes the need for extra signatories. As the leading independent provider of utility infrastructure and networks, GTC has improved industry procedures by creating a new standardised, Ofgem-supported, ‘incorporated’ legal process. All six Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have signed up to the new practice, which is already proving to reduce timescales and costs for house builders by removing unnecessary bureaucracy, which often previously delayed the live electricity connection. Dave Overman, Network Manager at GTC, explains: “Legals, as they tend to be known, are the legal agreements between the upstream DNO and the Independent Distribution Network Operator (IDNO), required for the completion of each new connection between the two networks. The ‘legals’ assign the ownership of, and responsibility for, all electricity equipment. Until now, each of the DNOs had different legal requirements with varying methods and processes in place. All required legal completion prior to energisation. Inevitably this often led to considerable delays in schedule, complexities causing confusion and excessive legal fees; all of which subsequently resulted in excessive costs borne by the house builder and delays in making live the customer’s new development.” Over the past two years GTC’s Legal Manager Sue Standring has worked with all DNOs and with Ofgem, to pioneer a new ‘incorporated’ legal process for use within England and Wales. The simple but inspired idea has led to GTC incorporating the DNO’s rights within GTC’s transfer or lease document on those sites where GTC will own the substation, meaning that only one legal transaction is used. The pre-agreed rights are set out in a standardised agreement that removes the need for the DNO as a signatory and, if nothing is changed within the document, also removes the need for any DNO involvement throughout the process and completion of the transaction. Since using this procedure, legal costs have been significantly reduced, timescales cut, administration lessened and frustrations for customers removed. Sue says “This work has further strengthened our relationship with the DNOs. Removing the need for a three-party agreement has significantly improved the timescales of gaining legal completion, reduced the administration burden and facilitated a simplified process for house builders.” GTC has now successfully presented this to the industry on behalf of all IDNOs. Every DNO has signed up to using the incorporated legal process, with just three DNOs still finalising the details and full implementation expected across all companies within the next three months. The solution has received very positive feedback from house builders and DNOs, with whom GTC continues to work closely. GTC has pioneered a simple but inspired legal process for the energisation connection between electricity networks. The new development streamlines the legal process, rationalising procedures with a pre-agreed and standardised document that unifies the methods of different companies, incorporates the rights of all parties and removes the need for extra signatories. As the leading independent provider of utility infrastructure and networks, GTC has improved industry procedures by creating a new standardised, Ofgem-supported, ‘incorporated’ legal process. All six Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) have signed up to the new practice, which is already proving to reduce timescales and costs for house More > important notice - management of utility networks on behalf of inexus With effect from 4th February 2013 GTC, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure company will be undertaking the management of gas and electricity energy networks previously managed by Envoy on behalf of Inexus. In order for your enquiry to be directed correctly, please select from the following options to link through to the appropriate page on the GTC website: Energy Supplier and Shipper If you are an energy supplier or shipper and require access to Supply Point Administration, billing or other supply point related services, please click here. House builder, Developer or Landowner If you are involved in the construction of new build properties and require information about New enquiry or quotation request, please click this link for further details. Site installation of an existing contract, please click this link for further details. For unmetered supply, please email the information to unmetered supply. Householder If you are a householder with questions relating to your energy supply or meter, please select from the following links Your Gas Supply. For current information on gas supply incidents, please see GTC incidents. Your Electricity Supply. For current information on electricity power cuts or supply incidents, please see GTC incidents. Your Water Supply and current information on supply incidents. Utility Contractors If you require an asset adoption quotation, please click link. With effect from 4th February 2013 GTC, the UK’s leading independent utility infrastructure company will be undertaking the management of gas and electricity energy networks previously managed by Envoy on behalf of Inexus. In order for your enquiry to be directed correctly, please select from the following options to link through to the appropriate page on the GTC website: Energy Supplier and Shipper If you are an energy supplier or shipper and require access to Supply Point Administration, billing or other supply point related services, please click here. House builder, Developer or Landowner If you are involved in the construction More > gtc awarded land deal for 2,550 new homes Grainger PLC has awarded GTC the licenced-area contract or ‘land deal’ for the prestigious Berewood development of 2,550 new homes near Waterlooville, in Hampshire. Under this major contract, GTC has been secured as the installer for the gas and electricity infrastructure, and construction will begin this month. GTC will install utilities infrastructure either alongside or prior to the construction of the homes. Grainger's development business focuses on creating value by assembling new-build opportunities, obtaining planning permissions, installing infrastructure and then selling areas of fully-serviced land to house builders for new homes. Fully-serviced land deals offer the advantage of economies of scale and it is sometimes more convenient for house builders to purchase ready-serviced sites. Both the landowner and the house builder benefit from an enhanced opportunity, with reduced costs and shorter timescales allowing new homes to be ready more quickly. Chris Fletcher, Development Project Manager at Grainger plc and leading on the Berewood development: “There are commercial benefits to securing the gas and electricity services to development land, alongside or even before the homes are built. It enables us to add value to the land and reduce the utilities procurement faced by the house builder. The work being carried out to provide the utilities infrastructure at Berewood is complex and wide-reaching. By contracting an expert like GTC to fulfill the whole installation before dividing up the land, the task is efficient, cost effective and lower risk. We were impressed by GTC’s performance record and emphasis on customer service.” Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “GTC is regularly contracted for licensed-area installations, which enable the landowner to increase value by offering fully-serviced land. This latest contract with industry-leader Grainger, for a MDA (Major Development Area), cements our position in the market as the largest nationwide provider of utilities infrastructure. Our independent status, performance reputation and customer service record were fundamental in securing this project.” At Berewood, GTC has been contracted by Grainger to provide the gas and electricity connections for 2,500 domestic homes, and 13 commercial plots, including two schools, a medical centre, retail and community facilities. The new electricity network will require GTC to install 18 substations and 3 points of high voltage connection to the upstream network.Grainger PLC has awarded GTC the licenced-area contract or ‘land deal’ for the prestigious Berewood development of 2,550 new homes near Waterlooville, in Hampshire. Under this major contract, GTC has been secured as the installer for the gas and electricity infrastructure, and construction will begin this month. GTC will install utilities infrastructure either alongside or prior to the construction of the homes. Grainger's development business focuses on creating value by assembling new-build opportunities, obtaining planning permissions, installing infrastructure and then selling areas of fully-serviced land to house builders for new homes. Fully-serviced land deals offer the advantage of economies of More > gtc rolls out land deal for countryside properties on bfl12 development in cambridge GTC rolls out land deal for Countryside Properties on Bfl12 development in Cambridge GTC this week completes the complex task of laying high voltage electricity infrastructure across the grounds of the world-renowned Addenbrooke’s Hospital. This is a key step in the development of Countryside Properties’ new community, known as Great Kneighton, in Cambridge. The prestigious new development is on land adjacent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. GTC has secured the contract with Countryside Properties to provide the gas and electricity infrastructure for all 2,550 new homes, as well as community amenities, including new schools, shops and health facilities. Along with the utilities services for individual parcels of land, GTC will also be future-proofing by installing the infrastructure to meet the additional capacity demands required by a growing community. While Countryside Property owns the land it is not the sole housebuilder for the development. Skanska and Bovis Homes have acquired fully-serviced land parcels from Countryside, increasing the variety of new homes on offer at Great Kneighton. The contract model with GTC has enabled the smooth phasing of this substantial and jointly-developed new community. Nigel Borrell, Senior Technical Manager at Countryside Properties, says: “The utilities aspect of this development has required careful forward planning by GTC. They have had to liaise with Addenbrooke’s Hospital, which is on the perimeter of the site, and manage the added complexities of a main line railway and a guided bus link. The contract model with GTC has been extremely successful for this multifaceted project. This approach is common place and allows all parties to benefit from the economies of scale, both in financial terms and in the timely completion of the infrastructure, bringing the houses to market.” This is a complex project with the initial infrastructure having to work around the challenges of the newly constructed access road to Addenbrooke’s Hospital. GTC has been able to work in carefully planned stages, first powering street lighting for the new access road, adjacent to the M11 motorway, and then increasing the electricity network, as required, at each phase of the development. The contract model has made it possible for GTC to work for each individual housebuilder but also on the development as a whole. Dave Overman, Electricity Network Manager at GTC, says: “It is important to consider the bigger picture on an intricate development like Great Kneighton. Working under a land deal model, also known as a licenced-area contract, allows us to offer our clients a great deal of flexibility. We are successfully managing to coordinate three different housebuilders, each with their own timings, and several phases of construction. Our client-focused approach is enabling us to meet the demands of this complicated project.” GTC rolls out land deal for Countryside Properties on Bfl12 development in Cambridge GTC this week completes the complex task of laying high voltage electricity infrastructure across the grounds of the world-renowned Addenbrooke’s Hospital. This is a key step in the development of Countryside Properties’ new community, known as Great Kneighton, in Cambridge. The prestigious new development is on land adjacent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge. GTC has secured the contract with Countryside Properties to provide the gas and electricity infrastructure for all 2,550 new homes, as well as community amenities, including new schools, shops and health facilities. Along with the utilities More > gtc contracted for first ‘get britain building’ homes GTC today announces a substantial new contract with Crest Nicholson to install gas and electricity infrastructure at the first site to be awarded under the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA’s) ‘Get Britain Building programme’. GTC will provide the utility infrastructure for over 1,100 new-build homes and 70,000 square metres of business floorspace, as well as for shops, a community/sports centre, library, church, health centre and primary school, at the Cheesmans Green development, near Ashford, in Kent. The HCA has granted £2.3m of funding to release 100 new homes as part of the first stage of this phased scheme, which will be known as ‘Stour Meadows’ Clive Linsdell, Managing Director at GTC, says: “The funding will provide a great kick-start to the development and the economic benefits will be felt by the much wider community. The timings of the connections and energisation are crucial as they must coincide precisely with the house builders needs and the programme aims to deliver the much needed new homes. We have, therefore, been working closely with Crest Nicholson and they aim to benefit from our independent status, which allows full control of timescales and costs. GTC works extensively with Crest Nicholson and this significant housing development further cements the strong and well established working relationship. Mark Osborn, Development Executive, at Crest Nicholson comments: “We were pleased to award GTC this contract following their previous performances on existing developments. Their ability to provide project assurance and delivery within our programme is essential, particularly under the HCA’s scheme.” Cheesmans Green has presented numerous challenges as the development has culverts under the main access roads, this means that the mains can not be sited under the road surface. GTC has resolved this issue, proposing to lay mains in bridle paths, which are at a suitable elevation. With further development still being finalised, GTC has designed a network that will allow for possible future expansion. GTC today announces a substantial new contract with Crest Nicholson to install gas and electricity infrastructure at the first site to be awarded under the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA’s) ‘Get Britain Building programme’. GTC will provide the utility infrastructure for over 1,100 new-build homes and 70,000 square metres of business floorspace, as well as for shops, a community/sports centre, library, church, health centre and primary school, at the Cheesmans Green development, near Ashford, in Kent. The HCA has granted £2.3m of funding to release 100 new homes as part of the first stage of this phased scheme, which will More > important notice - construction of networks for connect utilities ltd With effect from 4th February 2013 management and delivery of the on-going construction of gas and electricity utility networks for Connect customers will transfer to GTC. For developments contracted with Connect Utilities Ltd being constructed by Clancy Docwra, there are no changes to your current delivery arrangements. Connect Customers For arranging the installation of your gas and electricity network, please continue to use your existing booking in contact details or alternatively contact GTC on 0845 602 2498 or email workrequests@gtc-uk.co.uk. All calls and enquiries will be directed to GTC's Developer services team who will schedule all your gas and electricity utility site requirements. To aid the transition, wherever possible our Developer Services team will arrange for your existing construction team to be deployed to continue to deliver your developments’ utility network. All of our sites are supported by a locally based Multi Utility Project Manager. For any changes to your site development and variations to the utility infrastructure network, please discuss with your Project Manager. We are working hard to ensure that the disruption is kept to a minimum over this transition period and your patience is greatly appreciated.With effect from 4th February 2013 management and delivery of the on-going construction of gas and electricity utility networks for Connect customers will transfer to GTC. For developments contracted with Connect Utilities Ltd being constructed by Clancy Docwra, there are no changes to your current delivery arrangements. Connect Customers For arranging the installation of your gas and electricity network, please continue to use your existing booking in contact details or alternatively contact GTC on 0845 602 2498 or email workrequests@gtc-uk.co.uk. All calls and enquiries will be directed to GTC's Developer services team who will schedule all your gas and electricity utility site More > gtc makes first independent hv electricity connection New regulations have positive impact for housebuilders. Leading independent provider and operator of utilities infrastructure, GTC, has completed its first ever high voltage IDNO to DNO self connection. In an important step towards true competition, Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) are now being allowed to make their own high voltage connections to the upstream regional electricity network of the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). The inaugural IDNO to DNO high voltage connection was made by GTC and its sister company, Power On Connections Ltd, connecting to the UK Power Network supply at a development in Cambridge. As an IDNO, GTC will now continue to own, operate and maintain the new network, serving new homes. GTC has been working closely with the regulators and, Ofgem has gradually been making changes aimed at opening up the utilities market to true and fair competition. For years, GTC has been fully licenced and accredited, with a proven ability to install high and low voltage networks, make service connections and commission substations. Until now, however, the regional DNOs insisted in being directly involved in the final connection between the IDNO and DNO networks. This prevented the IDNOs from freely setting the time and cost schedules with their client, the house builder or developer, as it added a third party to the process and increased bureaucracy. Involved in the first low voltage self connection, which took place at the end of 2011, GTC now holds an accreditation for both low and high voltage self connections. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC, comments: “IDNOs have always had the same capabilities and competences as DNOs but traditionally DNO’s allowed only themselves to make these connections. This is a case of sensible evolution and is long-overdue. This is the first step in a change of practice which will mean the whole operation of installing utility infrastructure, from quotation to delivery, is now possible through a single organisation, competitively selected based on price and customer service. This will allow house builders and developers to be in full control of the process and schedule the work within the time and cost constraints of the project. With no third party obstructions, it will now be possible for GTC to deliver its higher levels of service at every stage of the process.” As an accredited independent gas transporter, GTC has been carrying out self connections to the upstream gas supply for many years. Dramatic reductions have been seen in delivery timescales and GTC has been able to offer the highest possible standards of customer service. Having made the pioneering first HV self connection, GTC hopes that the practice will become commonplace between IDNO and DNO electricity networks. House builders will see no change in the finished product itself but delivery will be more efficient.New regulations have positive impact for housebuilders. Leading independent provider and operator of utilities infrastructure, GTC, has completed its first ever high voltage IDNO to DNO self connection. In an important step towards true competition, Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) are now being allowed to make their own high voltage connections to the upstream regional electricity network of the Distribution Network Operators (DNOs). The inaugural IDNO to DNO high voltage connection was made by GTC and its sister company, Power On Connections Ltd, connecting to the UK Power Network supply at a development in Cambridge. As an IDNO, GTC will More > gtc makes landmark inaugural self connection Nationwide provider of essential utilities infrastructure, GTC, has completed the UK’s first ever independent, low voltage, self connection to the upstream electricity network of a regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Under an industry-changing pilot scheme, GTC carried out the inaugural self connection to the upstream electricity supply on a development in Burnley. Until now, regional DNOs insisted upon being directly involved in the final network connection process, preventing Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) from fulfilling their role as a truly independent solution. Having to rely on the DNO for the actual main connection has historically proved critical to customer service and the delivery timescale. The additional link in the chain often results in protracted schedules and increased costs for builders and developers. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director of GTC, comments: “While it is great news that IDNOs are now permitted to make self connections to the DNO’s network, the procedure itself is not new or pioneering. GTC has been providing electricity networks for many years, installing and energising high and low voltage mains, making service connections and commissioning substations. It is only the connection made between the IDNO and the DNO electricity infrastructure that has been subject to additional controls. Self connection to the upstream DNO is a simple and long-overdue process. We foresee the change in practice resulting in an improved service for house builders, with fewer delays and failures.” Accredited independent gas transporters have been carrying out self connections for many years and dramatic reductions have been seen in delivery timescales as well as great improvements to customer service. Clive Linsdell continues: “We are delighted that routine practices in the electricity sector are starting to catch up with other utilities.” GTC’s own team made the industry-changing, low voltage, metered, live-jointing, self connection in close communication with the regional DNO, Electricity North West. Following this successful trial, other DNO regions are now initiating similar pilot schemes to help open up competition within the electricity connections market, as required by the industry regulator Ofgem. GTC hopes that by the end of 2012 it will be common practice for IDNOs to make low and high voltage self-connections to the DNO’s upstream network. The change in approach means the whole operation of installing utility infrastructure, from quotation to delivery, is now possible through a single company, competitively selected based on price and customer service. This puts house builders and developers in full control of the process, allowing the work to be scheduled within the time and cost constraints of the project and with much higher levels of service. Nationwide provider of essential utilities infrastructure, GTC, has completed the UK’s first ever independent, low voltage, self connection to the upstream electricity network of a regional Distribution Network Operator (DNO). Under an industry-changing pilot scheme, GTC carried out the inaugural self connection to the upstream electricity supply on a development in Burnley. Until now, regional DNOs insisted upon being directly involved in the final network connection process, preventing Independent Distribution Network Operators (IDNOs) from fulfilling their role as a truly independent solution. Having to rely on the DNO for the actual main connection has historically proved critical to customer service More > blazing-fast broadband GTC launches 300Mbps as standard GTC today officially launches its fastest-ever broadband service, offering reliable speeds of 300Mbps over its Fibre-to-the-Home network. With the most recent Ofcom figures* showing that the average UK broadband speed is 17.8Mbps, GTC’s service offering for new-build properties far exceeds the ‘Superfast’ classification of 24Mbps, and significantly exceeds even the 100Mbps required to be deemed ‘Ultrafast’. Furthermore, all of GTC’s installations are Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and do not rely on traditional copper cables for the final leg of delivery from the roadside cabinet. This means that the homeowner receives the remarkable 300Mbps broadband service for which they have paid and the housebuilder benefits from a major selling feature, which is simple and cost-effective to provide. James Bland is a homeowner at the a new development in Peterborough built by Bovis Homes and supplied with FTTH by GTC. Mr James Bland says: “The broadband speed was a factor in us buying the house. It is now vital to have reliable, high-speed communications in the home. So much of life is carried out online, be it work, banking, shopping or socialising. The fact that GTC provides Fibre-to-the-Home, means that we all receive the same blazing-fast service, rather than anyone living further into the development suffering from reduced speeds.” Fibre optic cables are able to offer limitless speeds of delivery. Providing FTTH means that a development is future-proofed and that homeowners will have the service to support new technologies and requirements in years to come. GTC’s FTTH solution provides customers with some of the highest available speeds, at a very competitive price. Tom Brough, Sales and Marketing Director at GTC, says: “We provide ultrafast broadband right into each and every new home, with speeds and reliability that vastly out-perform those advertising fibre but using copper cables for the ‘last mile’ of the network. We offer a range of service packages to suit individual customers’ requirements and they can choose from one of our unlimited download options offering either 50Mbps, 100Mbps or 300Mbps speeds. This high level of service will be provided to every new property we supply.” GTC launches 300Mbps as standard GTC today officially launches its fastest-ever broadband service, offering reliable speeds of 300Mbps over its Fibre-to-the-Home network. With the most recent Ofcom figures* showing that the average UK broadband speed is 17.8Mbps, GTC’s service offering for new-build properties far exceeds the ‘Superfast’ classification of 24Mbps, and significantly exceeds even the 100Mbps required to be deemed ‘Ultrafast’. Furthermore, all of GTC’s installations are Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) and do not rely on traditional copper cables for the final leg of delivery from the roadside cabinet. This means that the homeowner receives the remarkable 300Mbps broadband service for which More > gtc milestone - 1,000th smart meter installed on our independent networks GTC Milestone for SMART Meters With strong incentives for all involved parties, GTC pioneered the installation of Smart capable Meters on their independent gas networks. In January 2012 GTC installed 1,000th smart meters and to date has been contracted to connect a further 7,000 smart meters, more than two years ahead of the start of the government’s mandated roll-out programme. Smart Meters have a positive environmental impact as they have the ability to make users aware of their energy consumption. Barratt Homes took advantage of this new offering and was among the first to have Smart capable gas Meters connected to GTC’s independent network, on its Dukes Park development at Bilston, Wolverhampton. Graydon Worthing, Sales Director at Barratt West Midlands, says: “We were very keen for GTC to install Smart Meters in the new homes at Bilston. Installing the meters has positive effects all round. It helps us towards credits to achieve compliance under the Code for Sustainable Homes. They enable our customers to save money on their utilities bills. And of course, it is the environmentally responsible thing to do.” Housebuilders who have appreciated the cost and efficiency of using an independent distribution gas transporter (IGT) are now able to combine these benefits with the opportunity to offer smart meters to new home-owners. Clive Linsdell, Managing Director - GTC, “Our house building customers value the greater flexibility they have with us, as an independent infrastructure provider, and we believe many of our customers will be pleased to obtain the advantages of Smart meters now rather than wait until 2014 when the programme to exchange the existing 50 million non-smart meters fitted in the UK is due to start. Benefits of SMART Meters Smart meters bring benefits to house-builders, the environment and homeowners alike: House-builders This initiative supports house-builders in meeting their obligations for building lower-carbon homes and in claiming credits towards the Code for Sustainable Homes. Housebuilders can also offer potential buyers the added value and incentive of being able to monitor and reduce their energy usage. Environment Any reduction in usage of energy will of course have a positive impact on the environment. This is the main aim of the Government’s initiative, which hopes to change customer behavior by making users aware of their energy consumption and therefore their ability to control usage more effectively. Homeowners The two-way communication allowed by smart meters means that gas and electricity meters no longer need to be visited and read in person. The householder benefits from no more estimated bills, more flexible tariffs and the ability to see exactly how much energy is used at any given time. This enables a reduction in any power wastage, resulting in lower bills; particularly vital for the estimated 21% of households classed as being in fuel poverty (spending more than 10% of their income on fuel to maintain satisfactory heating)GTC Milestone for SMART Meters With strong incentives for all involved parties, GTC pioneered the installation of Smart capable Meters on their independent gas networks. In January 2012 GTC installed 1,000th smart meters and to date has been contracted to connect a further 7,000 smart meters, more than two years ahead of the start of the government’s mandated roll-out programme. Smart Meters have a positive environmental impact as they have the ability to make users aware of their energy consumption. Barratt Homes took advantage of this new offering and was among the first to have Smart capable gas Meters connected to GTC’s More > mulberry awards contract for all 4 utilities to gtc GTC has been awarded a significant contract by Mulberry Homes for its new development in Thirsk, Yorkshire. The infrastructure networks for gas, electricity, water and super-fast fibre will be installed by GTC at the 925-plot development known as Sowerby Gateway. This contract is significant because it highlights how GTC has extended its traditional utilities offering, adding market leading super-fast fibre-optic services with Broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps available to the new home owners. GTC is the only provider of new utility networks able to deliver all four essential utilities together in the UK. Mulberry has selected GTC as its preferred utilities provider for this very reason: fibre optic networks are the future-proof solution able to support ever higher speeds and well beyond 300Mbps as the requirements of 21st century life evolve during future decades. This was important to Mulberry. This future-proof solution also avoids the need for individual satellite dishes, and delivers TV and all other services via fibre cables directly into homes, neatly utilising a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS) comprising a central satellite receiver and aerial array to serve the whole site. Mulberry recognises too the value of GTC’s being independent, offering flexibility of scheduling of works to suit their build programme, high-quality service and good value for money. Richard Cheeseman, Regional Sales Manager for GTC, says: "Super-fast and reliable broadband is now so important to home buyers that statistics show they are prepared to pay more for a home with fibre optic broadband and will even decide against an otherwise beautiful home if it is not serviced by super-fast broadband. We have broken the monopoly when it comes to gas and electricity connections and we now wish to support house builders with independent provision of the fastest and most reliable fibre networks."GTC has been awarded a significant contract by Mulberry Homes for its new development in Thirsk, Yorkshire. The infrastructure networks for gas, electricity, water and super-fast fibre will be installed by GTC at the 925-plot development known as Sowerby Gateway. This contract is significant because it highlights how GTC has extended its traditional utilities offering, adding market leading super-fast fibre-optic services with Broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps available to the new home owners. GTC is the only provider of new utility networks able to deliver all four essential utilities together in the UK. Mulberry has selected GTC as its More > gtc & direct save telecom provides more choice for consumers More choice on GTC's Fibre Network GTC has announced that from today householders will have more choice of broadband and phone provider via its market leading Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. Direct Save Telecom, an Independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) is now offering a range of low-cost voice and broadband services with the lowest price offer of broadband at just £4.95 per month. Together, the two providers will offer householders the very best quality service in terms of speeds and value for money. GTC is the market-leading utility infrastructure provider to the UK new-build market. The company provides open access to its fibre networks to those Internet Service Providers offering a full range of competitive packages to householders. GTC’s Fibre-to-the-Home networks deliver to householders some of the fastest and most reliable broadband speeds (up to 300Mbps) available in the UK and enable customers to take full advantage of high-speed connectivity, whether for home working, downloading content or on-line gaming. GTC’s FTTH network does not suffer the speed deterioration or contention issues associated with out-dated copper connections which are still being installed today by other providers. GTC’s open access fibre-optic networks are managed by Independent Fibre Networks Ltd, (IFNL). It is this open access to Internet Service Providers which has enabled Direct Save Telecom to team up with GTC. Direct Save Telecom is very pleased to be working together with GTC to bring additional choice and increased service options to residential customers via FTTH. Direct Save Telecom’s CEO, Stavros Tsolakis, stated: ‘I am excited to be offering our low-cost, quality service across GTC’s Fibre-to-the-Home networks on new-build housing developments. Our prices compare favourably to other service providers delivering over a copper or Fibre-to-the-Cabinet network. We have already had excellent feedback which reflects the quality of the product and the very competitive pricing levels.’ Andrew Robinson, GTC’s Fibre Business Director commented: ‘This is great news for both our house builders and their customers who already enjoy the benefits of our FTTH network. With Direct Save offering services across our networks it not only increases customers’ choice of service provider but also gives them access to the very best voice and broadband services at the lowest available prices in the market.’ Direct Save offers a range of products to suit customers requirements with unlimited downloads and speeds from 25Mbps up to 300Mbps. Customers’ packages start from as little as £4.95 per month free for the first three months which also includes free weekend telephone calls. More choice on GTC's Fibre Network GTC has announced that from today householders will have more choice of broadband and phone provider via its market leading Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. Direct Save Telecom, an Independent Internet Service Provider (ISP) is now offering a range of low-cost voice and broadband services with the lowest price offer of broadband at just £4.95 per month. Together, the two providers will offer householders the very best quality service in terms of speeds and value for money. GTC is the market-leading utility infrastructure provider to the UK new-build market. The company provides open access to its More > gtc and sky partnership to service new homes in reading GTC and Sky partnership to service new homes in Reading A partnership between GTC and Sky, collectively offering a unique package of superfast fibre broadband (GTC) and premium TV services (Sky), is due to service homes at a popular new Bellway Homes development in Reading, it was announced today. GTC has been awarded the contract to provide gas, electricity and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure networks on the site, which features a range of homes and apartments. GTC and Sky have today revealed that as a result of their partnership, the new homeowners will have the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package of premium TV services from Sky and fixed-line home phone and broadband speeds of up to 300Mbps will be supplied by GTC’s fibre optic network, both services will be available to them from the day they move into the property. Plans for the new Kings Mead development at Kenavon Drive, on the outskirts of Reading town centre, include the construction of 192 stylish properties, ranging from 1 bedroom flats to 4 bedroom detached family houses, all with excellent amenities and leisure facilities nearby. In addition to providing electricity infrastructure to the properties, and gas to many, GTC will run fibre optic cables directly to each home. Using a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS) installed by GTC, Sky will deliver premium TV services including Sky+ and HD. The FIRS comprises a central satellite receiver and aerial array which is integral to providing the service and will serve the whole site. Claire McGoldrick, Area Sales Manager, at Bellway Homes comments: “Kings Mead has been carefully planned to ensure residents enjoy all the benefits of living within a stone’s throw of the vibrant town centre. The location offers great shopping, dining and transport links, as well as proximity to a number of good schools. “However, it’s clear that the provision of utilities such as gas and electricity, along with premium broadband and TV services, plays an essential role in creating a high standard of modern living.” Tom Brough, Sales & Marketing Director at GTC comments: “By providing the site with a superior fibre-to-the-home infrastructure, we are ensuring that homeowners can enjoy the very best in broadband, for both now and in the future. Unlike other providers who install what is referred to as a superfast connection, our network is fibre all the way into the home, without using any outdated copper.” Paul Dickinson, Director of Sky Homes, says: "We are delighted to be involved in the Kings Mead development, helping to provide this new community with first class TV services.” To find out more about Sky Communal TV solutions go to sky.com/communaltv or call 08442 411 335.GTC and Sky partnership to service new homes in Reading A partnership between GTC and Sky, collectively offering a unique package of superfast fibre broadband (GTC) and premium TV services (Sky), is due to service homes at a popular new Bellway Homes development in Reading, it was announced today. GTC has been awarded the contract to provide gas, electricity and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure networks on the site, which features a range of homes and apartments. GTC and Sky have today revealed that as a result of their partnership, the new homeowners will have the opportunity to benefit from a market-leading package More > gtc’s fibre technology and partnership with sky bring winchester development bang up to date Leading independent utilities infrastructure provider, GTC, has been awarded the contract by Bovis Homes for Winchester Village, an exciting new development in the Hampshire city. The deal sees GTC installing fibre-to-the-home technology into every new home, bringing fast, reliable broadband connections, as well as free Sky TV for 12 months. A multi-utilities provider, GTC will also be supplying the connections for the more traditional utilities of gas and electricity. Bovis Homes’ Regional Marketing Manager, Candice McCabe, says: “GTC is providing us with fibre-ready homes so there is no wait for the fibre connection once the homeowner has moved in. This is very convenient for our customers and the fibre-to-the-home technology offers the reliable and fast internet access demanded in today’s market. It fits in perfectly with the vision we have for this exciting, modern location.” Winchester Village is significant in terms of the technology employed, and the vision of GTC, Bovis Homes and Hampshire County Council. Councillor Roy Perry, Leader of Hampshire County Council, explains: “It is very encouraging to see that the collaborative work we are doing with housing developers, internet service providers and district councils - to ensure that everyone moving into a new house in Hampshire has access to superfast broadband from day one - is paying off. We are committed to Hampshire’s prosperity, and access to superfast broadband for residents and businesses is a crucial element to the future prospects of Hampshire. “The good progress we are making with our rural broadband programme will see an additional 97,000 existing homes and businesses in Hampshire connected to superfast broadband by 2018 - so it really is important that any new homes have superfast broadband – and are not left behind.” GTC will be installing a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS). This means that satellite television can be received on one community dish, with the television signal transmitted via the fibre-to-the-home network. This removes the need for unsightly satellite dishes on each property, ensures a high quality signal and, through GTC’s partnership with Sky, means Bovis Homes will be able to offer new homeowners premium TV services including Sky+ and SkyHD, as part of a moving-in package. Tom Brough, Sales and Marketing Director at GTC, says, “Both FTTH and FIRS are excellent solutions for new developments. Fibre-to-the-home brings reliable high-speed broadband services directly into each home and, together with the FIRS technology and our partnership offering free SKYTV for 12 months, homeowners can also receive a wide range of TV services. In today’s competitive market, these give house builders a real edge.”Leading independent utilities infrastructure provider, GTC, has been awarded the contract by Bovis Homes for Winchester Village, an exciting new development in the Hampshire city. The deal sees GTC installing fibre-to-the-home technology into every new home, bringing fast, reliable broadband connections, as well as free Sky TV for 12 months. A multi-utilities provider, GTC will also be supplying the connections for the more traditional utilities of gas and electricity. Bovis Homes’ Regional Marketing Manager, Candice McCabe, says: “GTC is providing us with fibre-ready homes so there is no wait for the fibre connection once the homeowner has moved in. This More > gtc wins gold from rospa Leading provider of independent utilities connections, GTC, has won Gold in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2015. The Gold award has been received under the prestigious annual scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), based on GTC’s outstanding occupational health and safety performance. involvement. David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “The RoSPA Awards encourage improvement in occupational health and safety management. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as GTC, contribute to raising standards overall and we congratulate them.” Allan Davies, Group Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Manager at GTC, said: “Health and safety is our number one priority but it is always good to receive outside recognition of our hard work and commitment, especially from such a well-respected organisation. The requirements for reaching the Gold award are rigorous, involving a review of comprehensive supporting evidence of safety management systems and performance. The benefit to our staff is clear but the award also benefits our customers in terms of their confidence in our exacting standards.” The RoSPA Awards, which date back 59 years, recognise commitment to continuous improvement in accident and ill health prevention at work. Through the scheme, which is open to businesses and organisations of all types and sizes from across the UK and overseas, judges consider entrants’ overarching occupational health and safety management systems, including practices such as leadership and workforce involvement. See www.rospa.com/awards/ for more information about the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards.Leading provider of independent utilities connections, GTC, has won Gold in the RoSPA Occupational Health and Safety Awards 2015. The Gold award has been received under the prestigious annual scheme run by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), based on GTC’s outstanding occupational health and safety performance. involvement. David Rawlins, RoSPA’s awards manager, said: “The RoSPA Awards encourage improvement in occupational health and safety management. Organisations that gain recognition for their health and safety management systems, such as GTC, contribute to raising standards overall and we congratulate them.” Allan Davies, Group Safety, Health, Environment and Quality Manager More > gtc takes fibre to significant cumbrian development Story Homes awards contract to independent infrastructure provider, GTC, to deliver Fibre To The Home (FTTH) technology to its prestigious new West Cumbrian development. Story Homes is developing a new estate of over 550 units in Whitehaven and has appointed GTC to supply FTTH broadband and telephone services across the site, offering exception broadband speeds. Adding value, GTC’s FTTH technology provides both voice and broadband services of a quality that house purchasers are actively looking for. In terms of its location, the Whitehaven development has a significance disproportionate to its size. At 550 units, this is a large development for Cumbria and GTC is pleased to be appointed by Story to be a provider to such a regionally high-profile concern. An initial phase of 30 executive homes, to be known as Wilson Howe, is currently underway, with the first houses planned to be ready for occupation in January 2016. A further 109 units will form the first phase of an adjacent development named Edgehill Park. All homeowners will be able to benefit from fibre-ready homes, where they can simply plug-in to the high-speed broadband services as soon as they move in. In addition, through GTC’s partnership with Sky, Story Homes will be able to offer new homeowners premium TV services including Sky+ and SkyHD, free for 12 months, as part of a moving-in package. Louise McGuckin, Sales Director for Story Homes said: “We have had great pleasure in working alongside GTC to deliver superfast broadband to our customers on this exclusive development in Whitehaven. Our customers are looking for the wow factor and coupled with the high quality and high specification of the homes at Wilson Howe and Edgehill Park, a hi-tech offering fit for the next-generation is appealing to buyers of our homes. This offers them some of the fastest broadband of any new housing development, and also cutting edge telephony, using fibre to the home services, making slow, unreliable connections a thing of the past.” Tom Brough, Sales and Marketing Director, at GTC, comments: “We are aware that homeowners not only want the highest speed and most reliable fibre connections but also that they need it to be available from the moment they step over their new threshold. We provide this service to help housebuilders to meet with their customers’ demands and to provide that essential unique selling point.” Story Homes awards contract to independent infrastructure provider, GTC, to deliver Fibre To The Home (FTTH) technology to its prestigious new West Cumbrian development. Story Homes is developing a new estate of over 550 units in Whitehaven and has appointed GTC to supply FTTH broadband and telephone services across the site, offering exception broadband speeds. Adding value, GTC’s FTTH technology provides both voice and broadband services of a quality that house purchasers are actively looking for. In terms of its location, the Whitehaven development has a significance disproportionate to its size. At 550 units, this is a large development for More > gtc celebrates fibre milestones with two new fibre contracts GTC today announces the signing of two new contracts to deliver Fibre to the Home to developments in London and High Wycombe. This comes on the back of a series of fibre milestones: The new contracts are with Lendlease, for a development of 333 homes at Glasshouse Gardens in Stratford, London, and with Taylor Wimpey for 441 homes at Pine Trees, High Wycombe, close to the Taylor Wimpey head office. Offering fibre-to-the-home technology since 2008, GTC has secured significant market share from BT in the new-build market and works with all of the top three house builders - Barratt Homes, Persimmon Homes and Taylor Wimpey - and the majority of the top ten – including Bovis Homes, Bellway Homes and J S Bloor. A trusted partner offering telephone and broadband services, all of GTC’s broadband connections are fibre-to-the-home, meaning that ultra-fast, future-proof fibre broadband speeds are delivered right into each and every home, rather than relying on traditional copper cables for the ‘last mile’ service. Jonathan Miller, Technical Director, Taylor Wimpey, explains: “All the houses on our development have the same high speed, reliable fibre connection. Homeowners know that the fibre technology is future-proofed, in that fibre-to-the-home offers virtually limitless speeds. As the homeowners’ online needs increase, be it for work or pleasure, the fibre network will provide equally ultra-fast speed and reliability for both uploads and downloads, as well as enabling everyone in the house to enjoy the same levels of service at the same time. This is a key differentiator between our homes and others in the area.” High-speed fibre connections are becoming increasingly important to potential home owners. Misan Akporiaye, Development Manager from Lendlease, comments: “The latest figures from Ofcom show that the average broadband speed is currently around 23Mbps. GTC is offering our customers 300Mbps, as standard. With ever increasing customer demand for reliable broadband, this is not something we can afford to ignore.” Through GTC’s partnership with Sky, Lendlease and Taylor Wimpey will be able to offer new homeowners Sky’s Original Bundle as part of a moving-in package, free for 12 months. Added to this, GTC is providing a Fibre Integrated Reception Systems (FIRS), which eliminate unsightly individual satellite dishes on each new-build home. GTC’s FIRS system delivers TV services via fibre cables, directly into homes, neatly utilising a single central satellite receiver and aerial array, to serve the whole site. GTC’s fibre networks expand from Inverness to Exeter, including in the ultra-fast capital of London. GTC today announces the signing of two new contracts to deliver Fibre to the Home to developments in London and High Wycombe. This comes on the back of a series of fibre milestones: The new contracts are with Lendlease, for a development of 333 homes at Glasshouse Gardens in Stratford, London, and with Taylor Wimpey for 441 homes at Pine Trees, High Wycombe, close to the Taylor Wimpey head office. Offering fibre-to-the-home technology since 2008, GTC has secured significant market share from BT in the new-build market and works with all of the top three house builders - Barratt Homes, More > increasing choice of services providers on gtc’s fibre network GTC is pleased to announce that another Service Provider (SP) has signed up to offer services to customers on GTC’s open access network. This newest addition is Love Your Broadband, which brings its own individual offering to homeowners served by GTC’s fibre network. GTC is committed to ensuring that customers connected to any of its networks have a wide choice of suppliers and products. Love Your Broadband is not only adding five voice and broadband packages of varying speeds but also a range of call plans and an attractive Sky TV offering. These combine into a compelling offer to make to homeowners, as Love Your Broadband marketing manager, Ben Kennedy, explains: “We are extremely interested in having access to the new-build market for our services. As the newest service providers on the network, Love Your Broadband is pleased to be offering ultrafast broadband and half-price Sky TV to residents, with a focus on providing a reliable and quality service.” As more companies like Love Your Broadband join with GTC, so the choice of telephone and broadband packages available to homeowners increases. ‘We are now in a position where GTC’s FTTH network makes it possible for customers to access packages to suit all budgets and needs,’ comments GTC’s sales director, Tom Brough.’Our open access policy and ultrafast speeds have made it a win/win situation for provider and for customer, something that Love Your Broadband clearly recognises.’ GTC’s ultrafast network, enhances the housebuilder’s offer to house buyers who can enjoy the benefits and choice offered by service providers such as Love Your Broadband at speeds unrivalled in the new build sector.GTC is pleased to announce that another Service Provider (SP) has signed up to offer services to customers on GTC’s open access network. This newest addition is Love Your Broadband, which brings its own individual offering to homeowners served by GTC’s fibre network. GTC is committed to ensuring that customers connected to any of its networks have a wide choice of suppliers and products. Love Your Broadband is not only adding five voice and broadband packages of varying speeds but also a range of call plans and an attractive Sky TV offering. These combine into a compelling offer to make More > gtc goes vfast Vfast Internet is latest SP to join GTC’s ultrafast fibre network GTC today announces that it is now able to offer homeowners even more choice as Vfast Internet signs to become the latest service provider (SP) to deliver broadband on GTC’s ultrafast open access network. GTC provides fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband and telecoms networks for new-build housing developments across the UK. It is committed to ensuring that customers connected to its networks have a wide choice of suppliers and products – an important selling point for any new home. GTC’s ultrafast network is fully fibre, all the way into every property. This is unlike a number of alternative providers, whose ‘fibre’ based offers only relate to the connection to the street-side cabinet. This is known as fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), where the connection to the home is still an old fashioned copper wire, providing top speeds of less than 40Mbps. Speeds on FTTC networks will always be constrained, unlike GTC’s fibre-to-the-home network, which gives ultrafast speeds today and can be increased further as customers’ demands inevitably increase. Vfast Internet is adding a choice of four packages to GTC’s FTTH network, with a range of prices to suit different requirements. The choice of telecoms and broadband packages on GTC’s networks is growing all the time, offering more options for homeowners. “Our strategy of open access and our ultra-fast fibre-to-the-home networks make GTC an appealing option for service providers and housebuilders alike,” explains Tom Brough, Sales Director at GTC. “Home buyers now view having fast and reliable broadband as being as essential as having water and electricity, and the savvy buyer expects to have a choice of providers.” Rebecca Brown, Managing Director of Vfast Ltd, comments: “Providing a service on GTC’s fibre network gives us greater access to the fast-growing new-build market across the UK. We are able to offer new home owners a variety of high quality broadband packages and have been doing so for nearly a decade. The open access networks installed by GTC increase the options for competition in the fibre broadband market, which benefits house builders and homeowners.” Vfast Internet offers customers a range of added extras alongside its reliable, ultrafast broadband products. These include free voice lines, no monthly traffic limits, free webspace and email addresses.Vfast Internet is latest SP to join GTC’s ultrafast fibre network GTC today announces that it is now able to offer homeowners even more choice as Vfast Internet signs to become the latest service provider (SP) to deliver broadband on GTC’s ultrafast open access network. GTC provides fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) broadband and telecoms networks for new-build housing developments across the UK. It is committed to ensuring that customers connected to its networks have a wide choice of suppliers and products – an important selling point for any new home. GTC’s ultrafast network is fully fibre, all the way into every property. This More > hbf agrees national ultrafast fibre to the premise deal HBF agrees national ultrafast fibre to the premise deal with GTC for new homes The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and GTC have agreed a national deal for HBF members to provide “Ultrafast” fibre to the premise to new-build homes nationwide. GTC’s UltraStream300 fibre network enables house builders to provide their customers with the services they demand from a 21st century new home, with speeds of 300Mbps available now, and ready for 1Gbps when future higher speeds are needed by households. New homeowners will also benefit from a fixed line phone service, discounted Sky TV packages and a wide choice of broadband packages currently from four independent service providers. GTC also offers an attractive commercial package to ensure house builders will not face higher costs by choosing GTC’s market-leading UltraStream300 fibre network, achieved via a competitive structure of rebates payable to HBF members on connection. As the trusted utility provider over many years and for many HBF members, GTC’s open-access fibre network is delivered as part of a multi-utility installation ensuring live connections for all utilities, including fibre, are made prior to the new homeowner moving in. This bundled multi-utility approach gives house builders a straightforward and reliable service for their utility requirements, simplifying the installation, coordination and management of networks via one provider. Full details of the HBF agreement and technical guides can be found on GTC’s website and on GTC’s customer portal, GTC Live. The offer incorporates unlimited free site assessments, dedicated site technical management and after sales benefits which include product training, promotional marketing material and a complementary sales-suite ultrafast broadband connection. Peter Andrew, HBF’s Deputy Chairman commented, ‘Broadband speed is seen by many home buyers as being absolutely essential to the way we live and communicate today. House builders have the challenge of ensuring their new homes keep pace with future advances and the GTC agreement provides HBF Members with another option for a service that exceeds these demands today, but importantly futureproofs new homes for the greater demands to come.’ Clive Linsdell, GTC’s CEO said, “GTC is delighted to offer HBF members a market leading Fibre-to-the-Premise product, backed by the familiar long-term reliability of GTC’s service delivery. Many HBF members rely on our service to ensure housing completions are made on time, and we are pleased to extend the benefits of GTC’ s services into Telecoms where reliable service is also much needed”. HBF agrees national ultrafast fibre to the premise deal with GTC for new homes The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and GTC have agreed a national deal for HBF members to provide “Ultrafast” fibre to the premise to new-build homes nationwide. GTC’s UltraStream300 fibre network enables house builders to provide their customers with the services they demand from a 21st century new home, with speeds of 300Mbps available now, and ready for 1Gbps when future higher speeds are needed by households. New homeowners will also benefit from a fixed line phone service, discounted Sky TV packages and a wide choice of More > gtc announces triple contract for 3,650 homes in wellingborough Stanton Cross future-proofed for Fibre and Electricity Leading utilities infrastructure provider, GTC, today announces a new contract for the provision of gas, electricity and fibre networks to a major residential-led development by Bovis Homes in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Stanton Cross, a £900m development of 3,650 homes and 1.55m sq ft of commercial space will be future-proofed by GTC in terms of both the electricity and fibre connections. GTC will make the electricity connection from the primary substation which is expected to serve all the planned homes and commercial properties. To future-proof the electricity provision for the development, however, and provide for potential further homes should they go ahead, GTC will also install a second duct to allow for the installation of a new, GTC-owned, primary substation onsite. GTC’s fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) solution has the capacity to allow for infinite download and upload speeds. Fibre-optic cables, which offer virtually limitless speeds, bring fibre technology right into each and every home. Whilst some other fibre networks only install to the nearest street cabinet and then continue the service with restrictive copper cables to the home, GTC’s FTTH system brings fibre optics to where they are needed: in the home. Furthermore, to banish unsightly satellite dishes and aerials, GTC will be installing a Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS). This means that satellite and digital television can be received via a community dish and aerial, with the television signal transmitted by the fibre-to-the-home network. This removes the need for dishes and aerials on each property, yet ensures a high quality signal. Tom Brough, Sales and Marketing Director at GTC, said: “It is important to GTC that we are able to offer future-proofed, multi-utility solutions to benefit new communities for many years to come. It also makes a great deal of sense for house builders to be able to obtain all essential utilities through one reliable provider in order to ensure new home completions are delivered on time and on budget.” When complete, Stanton Cross will significantly transform Wellingborough with new homes, improved infrastructure, community facilities and green open space. The development, which is being delivered by Bovis Homes, will be the largest growth Wellingborough has seen since the 1960s and, alongside new homes, it will create in excess of 3,000 jobs and provide new commercial facilities for leisure, retail, industrial and professional service businesses. John Lougher, Bovis Homes Group Land Director responsible for Stanton Cross, commented: “We are pleased to be working with GTC at Stanton Cross. Technology plays an increasingly important role in our lives, especially in our homes and businesses where high-speed fibre and a super-fast Internet connection is in such demand. “We are delighted that future businesses and residents of Stanton Cross will benefit from this very latest technology by GTC.”Stanton Cross future-proofed for Fibre and Electricity Leading utilities infrastructure provider, GTC, today announces a new contract for the provision of gas, electricity and fibre networks to a major residential-led development by Bovis Homes in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. Stanton Cross, a £900m development of 3,650 homes and 1.55m sq ft of commercial space will be future-proofed by GTC in terms of both the electricity and fibre connections. GTC will make the electricity connection from the primary substation which is expected to serve all the planned homes and commercial properties. To future-proof the electricity provision for the development, however, and provide for More > new national phone line launched for power cuts Today sees the launch of a new national power cut phone line – 105 – to help people contact the company that looks after their electricity network. Callers dialling 105, which is free to use, will be put straight through to their local electricity network operator, helping avoid potential confusion or people contacting the wrong organisation, such as the company they pay their bill to. The number, which is available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales, will enable people to report or get information about power cuts as well as report damage to electricity power lines and substations that could put themselves, or someone else, in danger. 105 is funded and delivered by the electricity network operators, and is a first for the UK’s energy industry. The launch comes as figures reveal that 72% of people don’t know who to contact if they have a power cut, with a further 43% indicating that they would incorrectly call the electricity supplier they pay their bill to, when in fact they should contact their local electricity network operator. Electricity network operators are the companies that manage and maintain the power lines and substations that bring electricity into homes and businesses[i]. The research, commissioned by the operators’ trade body Energy Networks Association (ENA), has also found that 21% of people would contact their electricity network operator in a power cut, yet, of these, only 11% could correctly name their local operator. David Smith, Chief Executive of ENA, said: “Significant network investment means power cuts are not a regular or widespread occurrence for people, however, our research makes it clear that there’s still a need to provide a simple, memorable number they can call should they experience one. This is particularly important when there’s bad weather, as severe storms can cause damage to power networks and disrupt the electricity supply into people’s homes. This new, free number will make life easier for electricity customers. “ENA and electricity network operators across England, Scotland and Wales have worked in partnership to launch 105. We hope people will welcome it as an important step forward in helping electricity customers know exactly what to do and who to contact if they have a power cut.” People can call 105 from most landlines and mobile phones, no matter who they choose to buy electricity from. More information about 105 and electricity network operators can be found at www.powercut105.com. The new website also provides direct links and details of how to contact network operators online and via social media to get information and updates about a power cut. Today sees the launch of a new national power cut phone line – 105 – to help people contact the company that looks after their electricity network. Callers dialling 105, which is free to use, will be put straight through to their local electricity network operator, helping avoid potential confusion or people contacting the wrong organisation, such as the company they pay their bill to. The number, which is available to electricity customers in England, Scotland and Wales, will enable people to report or get information about power cuts as well as report damage to electricity power lines and substations More > gtc unveils ultrastream300 fibre network for housebuilders GTC today officially unveils its UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, providing housebuilders with a cost-effective, hassle-free way to offer the high-speed, reliable broadband service homebuyers demand. UltraStream300 offers speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready, giving 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news for housebuilders, with surveys showing that a reliable broadband signal is a ‘must have’ for the majority of UK homebuyers, valued above highly-rated schools.[1] With GTC’s excellent reputation for delivery, UltraStream300 is the hassle-free option for housebuilders. GTC streamlines the process of installation: project managing every stage from design to completion; delivering each project quickly and efficiently; and ensuring connections are live prior to homeowners moving in. A trusted utility partner, GTC’s open-access fibre network can also be delivered as part of a multi-utility installation ensuring live connections for all utilities, including fibre, are made at the same time. This bundled multi-utility approach gives house builders a straightforward and reliable service for their utility requirements, simplifying the installation, coordination and management of networks via one provider. This solution delivers a significant advantage for homeowners too, with all their utilities being available from the moment they set foot in their new home. GTC’s attractive commercial package ensures housebuilders will not face higher costs by choosing UltraStream300, achieved via a competitive structure of rebates payable on connection. This means installing the latest high-speed fibre broadband will not cost the housebuilder a penny more than old-fashioned copper-cable options. New homeowners will also benefit from a fixed phone line and a wide choice of broadband packages currently from four independent service providers. Discounted Sky TV packages are also available. Furthermore, GTC has recently agreed a deal with The Home Builders Federation (HBF) on UltraSteam300 for new-build homes nationwide. The offer incorporates unlimited free site assessments, dedicated site technical management and after- sales benefits, which include product training, promotional marketing material and a complimentary sales-suite ultrafast broadband connection. Full details of the HBF agreement and technical guides can be found on GTC’s website and on GTC’s customer portal, GTC Live. Clive Linsdell, GTC’s CEO said, “High-speed broadband is the fourth utility, essential to today’s homeowners. UltraStream300 enables house builders to offer the high-speed fibre broadband new homeowners demand, with an installation process that is low-cost and stress-free.”GTC today officially unveils its UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, providing housebuilders with a cost-effective, hassle-free way to offer the high-speed, reliable broadband service homebuyers demand. UltraStream300 offers speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready, giving 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news for housebuilders, with surveys showing that a reliable broadband signal is a ‘must have’ for the majority of UK homebuyers, valued above highly-rated schools.[1] With GTC’s excellent reputation for delivery, UltraStream300 is the hassle-free option for housebuilders. GTC streamlines the process of installation: project managing every stage from design to completion; More > ultrastream300 fibre-to-the-home network unveiled to housing associations GTC today officially unveils its UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, providing housing associations with a cost-effective, hassle-free way to offer the best high-speed, reliable fibre broadband to tenants of new-build properties. UltraStream300 offers speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready, giving 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news for housing associations, as reliable broadband is now often perceived as the fourth utility, essential for all aspects of work and social life and therefore critical to their tenants. Importantly, housing association tenants will not be tied in to a single service provider with limited speed and cost choices. UltraStream300 is an open network with four independent service providers already available on it, and more expected in the future. Together they offer a wide range of broadband packages to suit all speed and budget needs, including low-cost options. In addition, tenants benefit from a fixed phone line. Discounted Sky TV packages are also available. With GTC’s excellent reputation for delivery, UltraStream300 is the hassle-free option for housing associations building new developments. GTC streamlines the process of installation: project managing every stage from design to completion; delivering each project quickly and efficiently; and ensuring connections are live prior to tenants moving in. A trusted utility partner, GTC’s open-access fibre network can also be delivered as part of a multi-utility installation ensuring live connections for all utilities, including fibre, are made at the same time. This bundled multi-utility approach gives housing associations a straightforward and reliable service for their utility requirements, simplifying the installation, coordination and management of networks via one provider. This solution delivers a significant advantage for tenants too, with all their utilities being available from the moment they set foot in their new home. GTC offers an attractive commercial package to ensure housing associations will not face higher costs by choosing UltraStream300, achieved via a competitive structure of rebates payable on connection. This means that installing the latest high-speed fibre broadband will not cost the housing association a penny more than old- fashioned copper-cable options, whilst providing their tenants with the optimum solution. Clive Linsdell, GTC’s CEO said, “UltraStream300 enables housing associations to offer the high-speed fibre broadband required, with an installation process that is low-cost and stress-free.” GTC today officially unveils its UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network, providing housing associations with a cost-effective, hassle-free way to offer the best high-speed, reliable fibre broadband to tenants of new-build properties. UltraStream300 offers speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready, giving 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news for housing associations, as reliable broadband is now often perceived as the fourth utility, essential for all aspects of work and social life and therefore critical to their tenants. Importantly, housing association tenants will not be tied in to a single service provider with limited speed More > gtc proudly sponsors the 2016 housebuilder awards For the second year running, GTC were proud to be sponsors of the ‘Best Low or Zero Carbon Initiative’ at the 2016 Housebuilder Awards. Taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in London on Thursday 3rd November, Tom Brough, GTC’s Sales and Marketing Director, was delighted to present the award to A2Dominion for their Elmsbrook Eco Scheme. The awards run by Housebuilder magazine celebrate innovation and excellence in the house building industry and as the leading independent supplier of utility infrastructure (gas, electricity, fibre-to-the-home, water and district energy) to the new build market GTC were ideal sponsors. Tom Brough, Sales & Marketing Director at GTC said “The annual Housebuilder Awards are highly acclaimed and are supported and judged by some of the biggest names in the industry. GTC are pleased to be associated with this event, helping to celebrate the achievements of these housebuilders, many of whom we work very closely with on a daily basis, across the country." For the second year running, GTC were proud to be sponsors of the ‘Best Low or Zero Carbon Initiative’ at the 2016 Housebuilder Awards. Taking place at the InterContinental Hotel in London on Thursday 3rd November, Tom Brough, GTC’s Sales and Marketing Director, was delighted to present the award to A2Dominion for their Elmsbrook Eco Scheme. The awards run by Housebuilder magazine celebrate innovation and excellence in the house building industry and as the leading independent supplier of utility infrastructure (gas, electricity, fibre-to-the-home, water and district energy) to the new build market GTC were ideal sponsors. Tom Brough, Sales & Marketing Director More > gtc announces the appointment of a new regional sales manager, to manage midlands region GTC, the leading independent multi-utility network provider, is expanding its sales management team with the appointment of Andy Thatcher as Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands region. GTC uniquely delivers the full range of all six utility infrastructure solutions to the new-build market and Andy’s extensive experience in the utilities sector makes him particularly well-qualified to work with GTC’s customers. The expansion of the sales management team reflects GTC’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service in all aspects of its business. Andy has over 25 years’ experience in the energy supply and distribution sector and in addition has specialised in the water and communications industries, working for an extensive range of utility companies including British Gas Business, Eon, Cable and Wireless and Three Valleys Water. With a strong track record in managing projects and building valuable customer relationships, Andy also holds an MBA, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of business and management, key to understanding the priorities of housebuilders and developers. GTC’s multi-utility offering comprises gas, electricity, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH), water, wastewater and district energy. GTC, the leading independent multi-utility network provider, is expanding its sales management team with the appointment of Andy Thatcher as Regional Sales Manager for the Midlands region. GTC uniquely delivers the full range of all six utility infrastructure solutions to the new-build market and Andy’s extensive experience in the utilities sector makes him particularly well-qualified to work with GTC’s customers. The expansion of the sales management team reflects GTC’s commitment to delivering excellent customer service in all aspects of its business. Andy has over 25 years’ experience in the energy supply and distribution sector and in addition has specialised in More > gtc's fibre-to-the-home becomes the first open-access network with five service providers GTC is delighted to announce that from today customers on its ultrafast Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network will have even more choice as a fifth Independent Service Provider (ISP), Pure Broadband, goes live. Pure Broadband states it will offer homeowners a distinctive range of broadband-only packages, adding to the extensive product options already available from ISPs on the network. Pure Broadband focuses, as the name suggests, on offering broadband to customers with no requirement for a traditional telephone line. All of their standard packages offer unlimited broadband with bespoke solutions available for customers with specific requirements. GTC only ever builds open-access networks using 100% fibre all the way in to the home at an ultrafast 300Mbps (one of the UK’s fastest), and is future-ready for 1Gbps. Homeowners on GTC’s network have a wide range of packages and services available to them covering telephone, broadband and TV. Products are available to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements, and with fibre technology, network speeds can easily be increased in the future to meet customer demand. Joe Tandey, Operations Director at Pure Broadband, said: “Joining GTC’s network gives us the opportunity to reach more homeowners with our unique broadband offering. We feel that their open-access policy is the way that all networks should operate because of the choice it gives new home buyers.” Welcoming Pure Broadband to the network, Tom Brough, GTC’s Sales and Marketing Director, explains the importance of the arrival of this latest service provider: “Housebuilders want to ensure their new homeowners have a wide choice of providers so they can decide which service and products will meet their particular/individual needs rather than having this dictated by the network owner. Just as GTC’s networks have always offered choice of supplier for gas and electricity, we are proud to provide that same freedom to our fibre customers. It is an aspiration that we are fully committed to and that we know holds a strong appeal for new housebuilders and their customers.”GTC is delighted to announce that from today customers on its ultrafast Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network will have even more choice as a fifth Independent Service Provider (ISP), Pure Broadband, goes live. Pure Broadband states it will offer homeowners a distinctive range of broadband-only packages, adding to the extensive product options already available from ISPs on the network. Pure Broadband focuses, as the name suggests, on offering broadband to customers with no requirement for a traditional telephone line. All of their standard packages offer unlimited broadband with bespoke solutions available for customers with specific requirements. GTC only ever builds open-access networks More > scotland exemplar site, tornagrain, goes live on gtc’s fibre network The first homes to be built in Tornagrain, the Highlands newest town near Inverness, have now gone live on GTC’s ultrafast Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network. As on all GTC sites, every new house will be fibre-ready as homeowners move in. Tornagrain in Scotland is benefiting from GTC’s reliable, future-proofed, ultrafast fibre-optic Ultrastream300 network which, as well as offering speeds of 300Mbps, now offers users a choice of five Independent Service Providers, more than any other fibre network in the UK. GTC is delivering FTTH, on behalf of the lead developer Tornagrain Ltd (part of Moray Estates), to the initial phase of 880 new homes being constructed by house builders Zero C and A&J Stephen. The design of the Tornagrain community is based on the architectural and planning traditions of the Highlands but makes use of the latest technology. Tornagrain is an exemplar under the Scottish Government’s Sustainable Communities initiative and in addition to the new homes will have schools, shops, and offices as well as village parks, tennis courts and allotments. GTC only ever builds open-access networks using fibre all the way into the home at the ultrafast speed of 300Mbps, which is one of the UK’s fastest. Homeowners on GTC’s network have a wide range of packages and services available to them covering telephone, broadband and TV. Products are available to suit a wide range of budgets and requirements, and with fibre technology, network speeds can easily be increased in the future to meet customer demand. GTC has an excellent reputation for delivery and works with most of the leading housebuilders in the UK. With a base in Scotland, GTC is delivering fibre for Scottish housebuilders as part of a multi-utility installation. This ensures live connections for all utilities, including gas, electricity, water and fibre, are made prior to the new homeowner moving in. GTC’s multi-utility approach gives house builders a straightforward and reliable service for their utility requirements, simplifying the installation, co-ordination and management of networks via one provider. Alastair Struthers, Sales Manager of Zero C, commented: “Working with GTC has been a great experience. Their team have been exceptionally helpful in the delivery of the FTTH packages into our homes. The high speeds are unparalleled in the area and so have proved enticing to many of our customers, adding real value to their homes. The new residents have been thrilled with the consistent high speeds they are receiving and ease of getting up and running as soon as they move into their home.“ Lesley Campbell, Commercial Director for Scotland, at GTC, said “We are delighted that the first homes on our FTTH network at Tornagrain in Scotland have gone live. The team in our Scottish office has been working closely with Zero C and A&J Stephen, as we do with all our housebuilder customers, and it is very satisfying to see the new community beginning to emerge.”The first homes to be built in Tornagrain, the Highlands newest town near Inverness, have now gone live on GTC’s ultrafast Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network. As on all GTC sites, every new house will be fibre-ready as homeowners move in. Tornagrain in Scotland is benefiting from GTC’s reliable, future-proofed, ultrafast fibre-optic Ultrastream300 network which, as well as offering speeds of 300Mbps, now offers users a choice of five Independent Service Providers, more than any other fibre network in the UK. GTC is delivering FTTH, on behalf of the lead developer Tornagrain Ltd (part of Moray Estates), to the initial phase of More > getting connected - 4,800 homes at alconbury, gtc's latest ex-mod site GTC is well under way with work on the latest of 18 contracts for sites released by the MOD for the building of new homes. This contract is for the utilities connections for more than 4,800 dual-fuel plots at the former RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire for Urban & Civic PLC. In March 2016, Greg Clark, Communities Secretary said that “A key part of our ambition to build 1 million homes is to get to work on brownfield sites across the country”. The release of MOD sites for housing development is part of that policy; the intention being to reduce the MOD estate by 30%, creating 55,000 new homes. GTC has considerable experience in delivering utilities connections to ex-MOD sites, stretching back as far as 2001. Connections have been made on developments by Bellway Homes, Bovis Homes, Crest Nicholson, Grainger, Taylor Wimpey and many more. GTC will have connected well over 15,000 homes on ex-MOD land, covering areas from Aldershot and Rendlesham, to Nottingham and Chester. GTC is providing essential utilities to the new homes being created as a result of the release of MOD land and the Government’s housing plans. In addition, GTC is also furthering the Government’s ambition for the UK to have a ‘world-class digital infrastructure’1, where, on a number of these sites, the company has delivered the most up-to-date and future-proofed Fibre-to-the-Home networks. The Alconbury development, when complete, in addition to new homes, will deliver three new primary schools and a new secondary school, a health centre, community centres, a network of footpaths and cycleways, two hectares of formal open space and sports pitches, and an Enterprise zone with offices and buildings for small start-ups, manufacturing, engineering and low-carbon companies. The Alconbury project is just one example of how GTC manages the co-ordination of the existing infrastructure and the construction of new connections necessary on ex-MOD sites. GTC is installing the utilities’ infrastructure for 3,850 homes for Grainger PLC on the ex-MOD Wellesley development near Aldershot. Installing everything at the same time brought real benefits in terms of efficiency and cost, and the site was ready on time and on budget to hand over to the housebuilder to commence the first phase of new homes on this award-winning development. Tom Brough, GTC’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: ‘With additional land for new homes still to be released by the MOD, we are looking forward to working on more of these brownfield sites. Housebuilders and developers are well aware of the expertise and commitment that GTC brings to each project and for the larger developments, where we will be onsite for 10 to 20 years, the strength of those long-term relationships is vital.’ 1 ‘Fixing the foundations: creating a more prosperous nation’ July 2015GTC is well under way with work on the latest of 18 contracts for sites released by the MOD for the building of new homes. This contract is for the utilities connections for more than 4,800 dual-fuel plots at the former RAF Alconbury in Cambridgeshire for Urban & Civic PLC. In March 2016, Greg Clark, Communities Secretary said that “A key part of our ambition to build 1 million homes is to get to work on brownfield sites across the country”. The release of MOD sites for housing development is part of that policy; the intention being to reduce the More > gtc announces new even better fibre-to-the-home deal for hbf members A simplified rebate system and the inclusion of smaller developments from 40 plots upwards: the exclusive package agreed with the HBF, provides members with GTC’s reliable, high-speed UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) on new-build sites at discounted rates. This new deal benefits housebuilders by widening the range of developments qualifying for the scheme and by further reducing the cost of installing the latest high-speed fibre for their customers. UltraStream300, available as standard to all HBF members, offers reliable, ultrafast speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready to give 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news for housebuilders, with surveys showing that reliable broadband is a ‘must have’ for the majority of UK homebuyers, valued above highly-rated schools[1]. Significantly, new homes will be fibre-ready when their owners move in. New homeowners will also benefit from the widest-available choice of five independent service providers, offering an extensive range of broadband and phone packages. Discounted Sky TV packages are also available. This open-access fibre network is delivered as part of GTC’s multi-utility installation programme, ensuring that fibre is included in the live connection of all utilities prior to the new homeowner moving in. This multi-utility approach gives housebuilders a straightforward and reliable service for their utility requirements, simplifying the installation, co-ordination and management of networks via one provider. GTC’s track record as the trusted utility provider over many years and for many HBF members, is a further reassurance for housebuilders. Full details of the new HBF agreement and technical guides can be found on GTC’s website and on GTC’s customer portal, GTC Live. The offer incorporates unlimited free site assessments, dedicated site technical management and after-sales benefits which include product training, promotional marketing material and a complimentary sales-suite ultrafast broadband connection. Stewart Basley, HBF’s Chairman commented, ‘We are delighted with this new agreement with GTC, which will further assist HBF members to deliver the high-speed, future-proofed broadband that homeowners are looking for.’ Tom Brough, GTC’s Sales and Marketing Director said, ‘We are committed to offering HBF members, many of whom we have worked with for years, the best commercial terms that we can, combined with our market-leading FTTH product and the reliability of delivery for which GTC is known. With this new agreement, even more projects will be able to take advantage.’ * Subject to terms & conditionsA simplified rebate system and the inclusion of smaller developments from 40* plots upwards: the exclusive package agreed with the HBF, provides members with GTC’s reliable, high-speed UltraStream300 Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) on new-build sites at discounted rates. This new deal benefits housebuilders by widening the range of developments qualifying for the scheme and by further reducing the cost of installing the latest high-speed fibre for their customers. UltraStream300, available as standard to all HBF members, offers reliable, ultrafast speeds of 300Mbps, one of the UK’s fastest, and is future-ready to give 1Gbps when higher speeds are required. This is good news More > gtc scotland expands its operations in response to growing demand GTC’s Scottish office is moving to new, larger premises in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. GTC is the UK’s largest independent provider of utility networks and infrastructure to the new-build market. Its Scotland team, based just south of Glasgow, works with developers and housebuilders, delivering the full range of utilities required for new homes – gas, electricity, ultrafast fibre broadband, water and low-carbon district energy networks. Having worked with all the top housebuilders and developers in Scotland, as well as smaller, regional firms for many years, GTC took the decision to establish a Scottish office in 2016 in response to increasing demand. One year on and the success of the venture is clear: GTC has been involved in numerous projects across Scotland, connecting services to thousands of new homes and the team has now outgrown its current location. Operating networks which serve over one million homes across the UK, GTC is unique in being able to offer all six utilities. There are clear advantages for housebuilders to work with a single utility supplier, able to install the whole utility infrastructure in one seamless process, from quotation to connection. One project manager is able to co-ordinate and schedule everything, ensuring the smooth-running of the installation process and delivering both cost- and time-efficiencies. GTC’s Scotland team of over 40 is headed up by Commercial Director, Lesley Campbell, who has a wealth of experience in the utilities sector in Scotland. Other key individuals include sales manager, Allan McKenzie, who joined in April from Scottish Power, and David Forbes, recently appointed to work with customers wishing to develop low-carbon district energy networks. Commenting on the success of the first year, Lesley said: “Having a base in Scotland has been very important for GTC and has brought us closer to our customers. Our team here understands the needs of the Scottish construction industry and has detailed knowledge of the building regulations and the policies relating to housebuilding determined by the Scottish Government. We have enjoyed putting that knowledge to work for Scottish developers and housebuilders and are looking forward to another successful year in 2018.” From 15 December, GTC will be based at: Unit 2.1 & 2.2, Western Campus, Strathclyde Business Park, Bellshill ML4 3BF.GTC’s Scottish office is moving to new, larger premises in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire. GTC is the UK’s largest independent provider of utility networks and infrastructure to the new-build market. Its Scotland team, based just south of Glasgow, works with developers and housebuilders, delivering the full range of utilities required for new homes – gas, electricity, ultrafast fibre broadband, water and low-carbon district energy networks. Having worked with all the top housebuilders and developers in Scotland, as well as smaller, regional firms for many years, GTC took the decision to establish a Scottish office in 2016 in response to increasing demand. More > trickle of competition set to become a flood in the water market GTC, the UK’s largest independent utility network provider to the new-build market, today hailed the imminent arrival of genuine competition in the provision of new water connections for housing developments in England and Wales. From April 2018, measures introduced by Ofwat will sweep away barriers to competition and, for the first time, give housebuilders and developers a real choice of providers for new water and wastewater connections. This opening up of the water market, described by Ofwat as “a significant change from the past”1, is expected to bring developers of all sizes significant benefits including lower prices, better customer service and innovative supply solutions. Following an investigation into how the water market was operating, Ofwat is introducing changes that will make it easier for developers and competing water companies to establish what an incumbent water company will charge to connect a new development to their existing water network. The charges will also be fairer, with new connections not paying for pre-existing network issues. In addition, Ofwat has undertaken to streamline the lengthy licensing process required to appoint alternative network providers. Competing water companies, referred to as NAVs2 – ‘New Appointment and Variation’ - are licensed by Ofwat on a per site basis. Under the previous regulatory arrangements, it was only financially viable for NAVs to provide networks on large developments. GTC, for example, is already responsible for more than 8,000 live water and wastewater new connections to a number of major developments across the UK including King’s Cross and Greenwich Millennium Village in London, Priors Hall in Corby and Berryfields in Aylesbury. GTC is also contracted to build out thousands more connections on sites from Newcastle to Weston-super-Mare. With these market changes, however, hundreds of new NAV licences are now expected for developments of all sizes. Until now, in England and Wales, the default option for housebuilders was simply to obtain water and wastewater connections from the local, incumbent water company either directly or via self-lay utility companies installing on their behalf. This was a very different market environment from the already liberalised electricity and gas markets where the majority of new connections are now carried out by independent network providers such as GTC. John Marsh, GTC’s Water Director, is delighted that the water market is following the lead provided by gas and electricity. “This is a watershed moment. A real game-changer. We have been held back from offering the whole housebuilding sector the choice to benefit from our different approach to network provision. As the trusted utility provider to many of the UK’s top housebuilders over many years, we are looking forward to being able to support many more of them with the full range of utility network connections. Adopting a truly multi-utility approach, sourcing all utilities from a single network provider, is now a realistic option for all housebuilders and developers.”GTC, the UK’s largest independent utility network provider to the new-build market, today hailed the imminent arrival of genuine competition in the provision of new water connections for housing developments in England and Wales. From April 2018, measures introduced by Ofwat will sweep away barriers to competition and, for the first time, give housebuilders and developers a real choice of providers for new water and wastewater connections. This opening up of the water market, described by Ofwat as “a significant change from the past”1, is expected to bring developers of all sizes significant benefits including lower prices, better customer service More > new connections - a watershed moment This article was first published in Energy Manager magazine in March 2018 The deregulation of the water retail market for non-domestic customers has received considerable attention. There has been less fanfare, however, about another important opening up of the water market in England and Wales, that of the market for new water and wastewater connections. Measures to introduce genuine competition into this market come into force this April and represent a significant opportunity for any public-sector organisation involved in development, especially local authorities and housing associations building new communities of social housing. Following what Ofwat and industry experts are describing as a major change, independent water network providers, such as GTC, will be able to offer developments of all sizes a real choice of provider. The water market will be liberalised in the same way that the electricity and gas markets have been. Indeed, the majority of new electricity and gas connections are now carried out by independent network providers. Until now, there have been very limited opportunities for developers to source their water networks from anyone other than their local water company. This was because the old rules did not anticipate competition. As a result, the tariff and charging structures operated by the water companies hindered competition. Following an investigation into how the market was operating, Ofwat has now introduced a number of measures which will sweep away the barriers to competition, with the anticipated result that newly robust market competition will bring lower prices, a wider choice of providers, better customer service and innovative supply solutions. What choices does a developer have? In England and Wales, water companies supply domestic water and wastewater services on a monopoly basis within their specific geographical areas. They provide services to the majority of households in their regions and are referred to as the ‘incumbent’ water company. For new connections, however, developers do have a choice: To use the existing ‘statutory’ offer from the incumbent water company to deliver the new connections. To choose a competing water company, referred to as a NAV - a ‘New Appointment and Variation.NAVs are licensed by Ofwat and own the site network.NAVs can install the site network or adopt networks that are installed by Self-Lay Providers (SLPs). To date, NAVs have been restricted to large sites, but the opening of the market means full competition with NAVs operating on all sizes of development. To employ SLPs to install the site water network.The network can then be adopted and owned by a NAV or the incumbent water company.In a similar way, NAVs can own the site wastewater networks installed by the developer. Although the option to appoint an independent water company has been available since 1997, developers and housebuilders have been wary of the process and it has only made financial sense for independent providers to supply water and wastewater networks on larger developments. The new rules change this, with hundreds of new NAV licences expected to be processed in the next few years and developments of as few as 50 houses being able to benefit. The changes and what you can expect The first difference that a developer considering appointing a NAV will notice is that it will be easier to establish exactly what the incumbent water company will charge to connect the new development to their existing network. The charges will also be fairer, with new connections not paying for pre-existing network issues. In addition, developers will benefit from a speedier licensing process. Ofwat has undertaken to streamline the NAV licence application process and significantly reduce the amount of time it takes for a licence to be granted. The greater degree of certainty over timescales will mean that choice of supplier will not be determined by concerns that delays in the licensing process will impact the delivery of the overall project. Independent providers are also expected to bring fresh thinking and a more flexible approach to network implementation. They also bring experience. GTC, for example, is already responsible for more than 8,000 live water and wastewater new connections with an order book of 40,000 more homes. Finally, the opportunity for adopting a multi-utility approach will bring significant benefits to housing developments. All of a development’s utilities – water, wastewater, electricity, gas, and superfast fibre broadband - could be handled by a single network provider. Utility procurement is simplified with only one company to deal with and a single project manager to co-ordinate the installation of all the utilities, making scheduling more reliable and delivering valuable cost savings. Making the most of the new environment Everyone involved in commissioning or specifying utilities for new developments needs to consider how these changes can work for them. Even where a quotation has already been received, options can be reviewed under transitional arrangements designed to protect existing business cases. Genuine competition is about to arrive in the new water connections market. Expect change, innovation, and new ways of working. It is a watershed moment for the water industry.This article was first published in Energy Manager magazine in March 2018 The deregulation of the water retail market for non-domestic customers has received considerable attention. There has been less fanfare, however, about another important opening up of the water market in England and Wales, that of the market for new water and wastewater connections. Measures to introduce genuine competition into this market come into force this April and represent a significant opportunity for any public-sector organisation involved in development, especially local authorities and housing associations building new communities of social housing. Following what Ofwat and industry experts are describing More > all from one Originally featured in the November 2017 issue of Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer – www.phpdonline.co.uk’ Independent providers can now offer all utilities to a development. Tom Brough from GTC highlights the advantages of this multi-utility approach when developing brownfield sites. The continual pressure on housebuilders and developers to deliver new housing means that increasingly councils and developers are considering brownfield sites. The re-use of these often-derelict areas of land has many advantages for developers and planners, not least the fact that such projects are unlikely to attract opposition from local residents and indeed may be welcomed as a means of regenerating communities. Brownfield sites, however, involve particular challenges in terms of groundworks and existing utility infrastructure. Given the potential complications of preparing such sites, it makes sense to ensure that the installation of new utility infrastructure is as straightforward and streamlined as possible. Complex site preparation Whilst it may be that the “transformation of a brownfield site is a vision of hope for the future”1, the practical reality facing developers is that preparing the site for construction work can be a time consuming, complicated and expensive business. Common issues include site investigation and soil treatment; the remediation of old works; the removal of underground obstacles; the demolition of buildings; and, in some cases, the preservation of buildings which will be incorporated into the new development. Having dealt with all these, the housebuilder needs to be confident that the new groundworks and utility infrastructure will not unnecessarily further consume management time. How to keep costs down is a perennial subject that interests every housebuilder and developer. Dealing with individual utility network suppliers and an elaborate multiplicity of groundworks has the potential for project management complexity and delays that all add to costs. Avoiding those complications by adopting a multi-utility approach is an increasingly attractive solution which is now delivering further advantages for housebuilders. A multi-utility approach The list of utilities now required for developments has expanded. Gas, electricity, water and wastewater have been joined by fibre-optic broadband and in some instances district energy networks, capable of delivering both heating and cooling. It is, of course, possible to source each utility separately, working with a number of suppliers and co-ordinating the installation of each network on site. This not only increases the length of time spent in the procurement phase, negotiating with companies to achieve the best deal, but a piecemeal approach can also have implications for the construction phase. The installation of each utility is dependent on the others and if one provider in the chain fails to deliver it produces a ‘domino effect’, with the whole schedule disrupted. For example, water pipes need to be laid in the trench first; if this is delayed or scheduled out of sequence, then none of the other utilities can be installed. Independent providers, such as GTC, offer all of these utilities, in any combination, in a single package that means that developers need only deal with one project manager who co-ordinates and schedules everything, with clear efficiency and costsaving gains. Early connections Network providers who supply the full range of utilities to a development are as invested in streamlining the delivery of those utilities as the housebuilders themselves, aiming to connect all homes at the earliest opportunity. Homeowners, too, benefit from this multi-utility approach, for example by having a live fibre-optic network connection when they move in. Whilst working with a single supplier yields the greatest benefits, it is also, of course, possible to procure the multiple utilities in any combination. So, for example, GTC is providing gas, electricity, fibre, water and sewerage for domestic plots at Bishops Stortford North, with gas and electricity for six commercial plots; and gas, electricity, fibre and water connections for the domestic plots at the NES development in Crawley, West Sussex, with just gas for the commercial plots. Synchronising the installation of utilities allows for the programme to be directly aligned to the developer’s construction schedule. This can be a significant advantage, particularly for larger developments being constructed in phases. Fully-serviced land deals are another example where taking a multi-utility approach offers benefits for the housebuilder. Here, landowners are able to offer housebuilders parcels of land with all the utilities already installed on the boundary, enabling them to do what they do best – build houses. The latest technology Developing brownfield sites is often about more than just regenerating derelict industrial and residential areas. It can be seen as an opportunity to not only bring a community up-to-date, but to take it further by introducing next-generation technology and sustainable energy solutions. Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) services such as GTC’s Ultrastream300, deliver futureproofed ultrafast broadband, with speeds of 300Mbps now and ready for 1Gbps when higher speeds are demanded. Having the latest technology like this installed, can prove to be a major selling point to house buyers, especially those looking to purchase in the urban centres where so many brownfield sites are located. Any approach that can smooth the procurement and construction process must be an attractive prospect. The integrated provision of all utilities through a single provider is just such a solution, and looks set to become an obvious choice for the housing industry going forward. For brownfield-site developers in particular, it can deliver significant efficiency and cost benefits. _________________________________ MORE BROWNFIELD SITES In March 2016, Greg Clark, Communities Secretary said that: “A key part of our ambition to build one million homes is to get to work on brownfield sites across the country”. Indeed, the Government is playing its part in making such sites available through its release of land from the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD’s) built estate. This process began some years ago and GTC has extensive experience of providing utility networks to ex-MOD developments. 1. Jennifer Gray on http://www.sustainablebuild.co.uk/brownfieldsites.htmlOriginally featured in the November 2017 issue of Professional Housebuilder & Property Developer – www.phpdonline.co.uk’ Independent providers can now offer all utilities to a development. Tom Brough from GTC highlights the advantages of this multi-utility approach when developing brownfield sites. The continual pressure on housebuilders and developers to deliver new housing means that increasingly councils and developers are considering brownfield sites. The re-use of these often-derelict areas of land has many advantages for developers and planners, not least the fact that such projects are unlikely to attract opposition from local residents and indeed may be welcomed as a means of More > the choice is yours - genuine competition arrives for new water connections Originally featured in the April 2018 issue of Building Engineer April 2018 is an important date, perhaps more significant than many in the construction industry have yet realised. A fairer and more transparent charging structure, introduced by Ofwat, comes into force, sweeping aside the existing barriers to competition. This marks a fresh beginning for the new water connections market in England and Wales. For the first time, independent network operators will be able to offer housebuilders and developers a real alternative to working with the traditional water companies. It is truly a watershed moment. The 2014 Water Act included provisions to open up the water market and offer the construction industry a genuine choice to select their water company for the first time. These provisions, which Ofwat has described as ‘a significant change from the past’ come into effect this month and are expected to deliver tangible benefits such as speeding up connections, lowering prices and offering both better customer service and innovative supply solutions. The liberalisation of gas and electricity changed those markets out of all recognition, with the vast majority of new connections now being carried out by independent network providers such as GTC. In a similar way, it is anticipated that the regional water companies will no longer dominate new water connections in the future. Everyone involved in commissioning or specifying utilities for new developments – architects, consultants, engineers, developers, contractors and housebuilders – needs to be aware of these changes and how to ensure that they obtain the best value and service from the water industry. This is definitely not a case of ‘business as usual’. The structure of the water market In England and Wales, water companies supply water and wastewater services on a monopoly basis within their specific geographical area. They are referred to as the ‘incumbent’ water company. For new connections, a developer has a number of options: 1 To use the existing ‘statutory’ offer from the incumbent water company to deliver the new connections 2 To choose a competing water company, referred to as a NAV – a ‘New Appointment and Variation’. NAVs are licensed by Ofwat and own the site network. NAVs can install the site network or adopt networks that are installed by Self-Lay Providers (SLPs). To date, NAVs have been restricted to large sites, but the opening of the market means full competition, with NAVs operating on all sizes of development 3 To employ SLPs to install the site water network. The network can then be adopted and owned by a NAV or the incumbent water company. In a similar way, NAVs can own the site wastewater networks installed by the developer. The case for change Concerns about how the water market in England and Wales has been operating have been expressed to Government and regulators for many years by both developers and by potential network providers interested in entering the market. Developers wishing to appoint new providers, rather than the incumbent water companies, were faced with delays and uncertainties, disrupting development scheduling and leaving little option but to stay with the familiar local water company. Potential new entrants to the market were faced with a tariff structure that squeezed margins to the extent that only the largest projects were viable. The 2014 Water Act gave Ofwat the responsibility for the rules governing new water and wastewater connections. Ofwat consulted widely with the regional water companies, the industry body, Water UK, and experienced NAV licence holders like GTC, which is already responsible for more than 8,000 live water and wastewater new connections with an order book of 40,000 more homes. Having ascertained that market competition was not operating effectively, Ofwat conducted a formal investigation in 2017. The report was published in October and identified a number of barriers to competition and the action that was required to remove them. The barriers to competition Charges payable to the incumbent water company fall into two categories: a non-contestable charge to cover the costs of work on the off-site infrastructure of the incumbent’s network; and a wholesale boundary charge for the delivery of water to, and the removal of wastewater from, the site. Income Offset – before... The first block to competition to be examined was the implementation of income offset and relevant deficit. Incumbent water companies have historically assessed the future income that they would receive once a development has been built out and discounted the capital cost of construction of that network by making an asset value payment. In many cases this could offset the entire cost of the water network construction and in some cases also discount the cost of offsite reinforcement. However, these asset value payments and discounts were only applied where the water company itself was to become the ultimate owner of the network and not when a potential NAV licence holder was involved. This, despite the fact that the incumbent water company would still benefit from long term revenue generated by the wholesale boundary charge levied on the NAV, and the reduction in costs from not having to manage the water supply and billing to the new residential dwellings. …and after Under the new rules, regionalwater companies are obliged to offer the same income offset that they benefit from toNAVs, SLPs and developers. The income offset will be netted off resulting in a consistent cost of offsite connection for developers and housebuilders, irrespective of who is providing water network construction services to their development. Wholesale Boundary Charge – before...The second source of distortion in the water market was the wholesale charge – what NAVs were charged at the boundary for the bulk supply of water. Water companies had been using a Large User tariff as though a single large company or factory were being supplied. This completely ignored the reality of an onsite network infrastructure serving a large number of individual residences and the costs incurred in providing and managing that network. Since Ofwat rules prohibited NAVs from selling water to customers at prices no greater than the water companies, this resulted in a significant squeeze on NAV margins. Indeed, only for the largest developments did it make economic sense for a NAV to enter the market. …and after Water companies now have a duty to offer a costreflective charge and some have already developed and published NAV-specific wholesale charges. Application Process The final barrier to competition that the report identified was the length of time that it was taking for NAV licences to be processed. This could take between 6-9 months. Whilst large developments, which could be years in the planning, could live with this timescale, for small sites this was impracticable. Recognising that hundreds of applications will now be expected, Ofwat has undertaken to streamline the process. The removal of these barriers will enable the market for water connections to operate in the same way as the gas and electricity markets, and open the door to genuine choice of providers for the construction industry. Reassurance for developers and customers Major change within a market can cause understandable concerns and uncertainties for customers, unsure whether new entrants to the market will be able to provide reliable services and how the move to new regulations will be handled. The provision of new connections by NAVs has, however, already proven to be successful. Projects such as Greenwich Millennium Village in London and Priors Hall Park in Corby have shown that NAV network operators like GTC can deliver quality water connections, owning and managing networks and committed to the long-term service of customers. Developers can be reassured, moreover, that under the arrangements new appointees will have the same duties and responsibilities as the existing water companies, and that customers are not permitted to be worse off with services provided by a NAV. The Drinking Water Inspectorate, too, must be satisfied as to the quality of the water supplied. Transitional arrangements must allow developers to choose which charging regime they wish to apply to their projects where a quotation has already been obtained. This measure protects the business plans of projects already well advanced but also offers the option of requesting a new quotation if that would be more cost effective. This being so, current projects should be reviewed now to see if new opportunities are available. What effect will all this have? Ofwat states that these changes will deliver ‘clearer, more predictable and stable charges’, which are tailored to the needs of developers and other customers. Charges will also be fairer, with new connections not paying for pre-existing network issues. Industry experts predict that more effective competition will drive down costs and, by bringing in new providers, encourage improved service levels and new thinking. All developers will benefit from a speedier licensing process, and the greater degree of certainty over timescales will mean that choice of supplier will not be determined by concerns over delays to the overall project. The streamlining of the application process, and the more equitable charging structure will mean that smaller projects will now be able to exercise a choice over provider rather than being forced to default to the incumbent water company. Perhaps the most significant opportunities and benefits for developers will come through being able to work with a single network provider nationwide rather than having to build relationships with individual regional water companies. This will also open up the potential for a truly multi-utility approach, with all of a development’s utilities – water, wastewater, electricity, gas and superfast fibre broadband – being handled by a single network operator. This will reduce the length of time spent in the procurement phase and allow developers to deal with a single project manager who co-ordinates and schedules everything, with clear efficiency and cost-saving gains. The welcome arrival of genuine competition in the provision of new water connections has the potential to be a game-changer for developers and housebuilders. Utility procurement may never be the same.Originally featured in the April 2018 issue of Building Engineer April 2018 is an important date, perhaps more significant than many in the construction industry have yet realised. A fairer and more transparent charging structure, introduced by Ofwat, comes into force, sweeping aside the existing barriers to competition. This marks a fresh beginning for the new water connections market in England and Wales. For the first time, independent network operators will be able to offer housebuilders and developers a real alternative to working with the traditional water companies. It is truly a watershed moment. The 2014 Water Act included provisions More > buuk infrastructure recognised by employees as a great place to work® We are delighted to announce that BUUK Infrastructure (GTC’s parent company) has been recognised by its employees as a Great Place to Work® and was ranked as one of the highest new entrants in the Large Best Workplaces™ Category. More > sky and buuk agree strategic full fibre partnership Sky and BUUK Infrastructure today announce a strategic partnership that will see Sky obtain wholesale access to BUUK’s full fibre networks across the UK, opening up significant new headroom for growth in the new-build segment of the residential market. As part of the deal, Sky will become the anchor tenant for broadband services in new and existing residential developments connected by BUUK, the leading independent provider of last-mile utility networks in the UK. This builds on existing commercial arrangements between Sky and BUUK focussed on the availability of Sky TV in new build homes. BUUK are planning to rapidly increase the number of new homes it connects, targeting 200,000 new build properties over the next 12 months. Stephen van Rooyen, CEO UK & Ireland, Sky, said: “We’re committed to driving forward ultrafast connectivity in the UK and this deal with BUUK enables us to use our anchor tenancy to unlock infrastructure investment, while entering a new market with significant potential for growth.” Clive Linsdell, CEO BUUK Infrastructure, said: ”As BUUK continues to increase the speed with which we connect new homes to full fibre broadband, we are excited to deepen our partnership with Sky – the UK’s leading broadband and entertainment provider, present in millions of homes across the country. Together, Sky and BUUK will ensure that more consumers can access ultra-fast broadband speeds on the day they move into their new home.” GTC, Power on Connections and Metropolitan are part of BUUK Infrastructure.Sky and BUUK Infrastructure today announce a strategic partnership that will see Sky obtain wholesale access to BUUK’s full fibre networks across the UK, opening up significant new headroom for growth in the new-build segment of the residential market. As part of the deal, Sky will become the anchor tenant for broadband services in new and existing residential developments connected by BUUK, the leading independent provider of last-mile utility networks in the UK. This builds on existing commercial arrangements between Sky and BUUK focussed on the availability of Sky TV in new build homes. BUUK are planning to rapidly increase More > Sky and BUUK Agree Strategic Full Fibre Partnership (Friday, September 20, 2019 7:01 AM) GTC and House Builders GTC and Utility Contractors GTC and Energy Suppliers GTC and Householders Our Regulated Businesses Synergy House Woolpit Business Park Suffolk IP30 9UP	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1512
__label__cc	0.565795	0.434205	The title is derived from the main character and author of the book. The meaning of his name, “salvation,” is the same as that of Joshua (cf. Num. 13:8,16) and Jesus (Matt. 1:21). Hosea is the first of the 12 Minor Prophets. “Minor” refers to the brevity of the prophecies, as compared to the length of the works of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The book of Hosea is the sole source of information about the author. Little is known about him, and even less about his father, Beeri (1:1). Hosea was probably a native of the northern kingdom of Israel, since he shows familiarity with the history, circumstances, and topography of the north (cf. 4:15; 5:1,13; 6:8,9; 10:5; 12:11,12; 14:6). This would make him and Jonah the only writing prophets from the northern kingdom. Although he addressed both Israel (the northern kingdom) and Judah (the southern kingdom), he identified the king of Israel as “our king” (7:5). Hosea had a lengthy period of ministry, prophesying ca. 755–710 B.C., during the reigns of Uzziah (790–739 B.C.), Jotham (750–731 B.C.), Ahaz (735–715 B.C.), and Hezekiah (715–686 B.C.) in Judah, and Jeroboam II (793–753 B.C.) in Israel (1:1). His long career spanned the last 6 kings of Israel from Zechariah (753–752 B.C.) to Hoshea (732–722 B.C.). The overthrow of Zechariah (the last of the dynasty of Jehu) in 752 B.C. is depicted as yet future (1:4). Thus he followed Amos’ preaching in the north, and was a contemporary of Isaiah and Micah as well, both of whom prophesied in Judah. Second Kings 14–20 and 2 Chronicles 26–32 record the historical period of Hosea’s ministry. Hosea began his ministry to Israel (also called Ephraim, after its largest tribe) during the final days of Jeroboam II, under whose guidance Israel was enjoying both political peace and material prosperity as well as moral corruption and spiritual bankruptcy. Upon Jeroboam II’s death (753 B.C.), however, anarchy prevailed and Israel declined rapidly. Until her overthrow by Assyria 20 years later, 4 of Israel’s 6 kings were assassinated by their successors. Prophesying during the days surrounding the fall of Samaria, Hosea focuses on Israel’s moral waywardness (cf. the book of Amos) and her breach of the convenantal relationship with the Lord, announcing that judgment was imminent. Circumstances were not much better in the southern kingdom. Usurping the priestly function, Uzziah had been struck with leprosy (2 Chr. 26:16–21); Jotham condoned idolatrous practices, opening the way for Ahaz to encourage Baal worship (2 Chr. 27:1–28:4). Hezekiah’s revival served only to slow Judah’s acceleration toward a fate similar to that of her northern sister. Weak kings on both sides of the border repeatedly sought out alliances with their heathen neighbors (7:11; cf. 2 Kin. 15:19; 16:7) rather than seeking the Lord’s help. The theme of Hosea is God’s loyal love for His covenant people, Israel, in spite of their idolatry. Thus Hosea has been called the St. John (the apostle of love) of the OT. The Lord’s true love for His people is unending and will tolerate no rival. Hosea’s message contains much condemnation, both national and individual, but at the same time, he poignantly portrays the love of God toward His people with passionate emotion. Hosea was instructed by God to marry a certain woman, and experience with her a domestic life which was a dramatization of the sin and unfaithfulness of Israel. The marital life of Hosea and his wife, Gomer, provide the rich metaphor which clarifies the themes of the book: sin, judgment, and forgiving love. That the faithless wife, Gomer, is symbolic of faithless Israel is without doubt; but questions remain. First, some suggest that the marital scenes in chaps. 1–3 should be taken only as allegory. However, there is nothing in the narrative, presented in simple prose, which would even question its literal occurrence. Much of its impact would be lost if not literal. When non-literal elements within the book are introduced, they are prefaced with “saw” (5:13; 9:10,13), the normal Hebraic means of introducing non-literal scenes. Furthermore, there is no account of a prophet ever making himself the subject of an allegory or parable. Second, what are the moral implications of God’s command for Hosea to marry a prostitute? It appears best to see Gomer as chaste at the time of marriage to Hosea, only later having become an immoral woman. The words “take yourself a wife of harlotry” are to be understood proleptically, i.e., looking to the future. An immoral woman could not serve as a picture of Israel coming out of Egypt (2:15; 9:10), who then later wandered away from God (11:1). Chapter 3 describes Hosea taking back his wife, who had been rejected because of adultery, a rejection that was unjustifiable if Hosea had married a prostitute with full knowledge of her character. A third question arises concerning the relationship between chap. 1 and chap. 3 and whether the woman of chap. 3 is Gomer or another woman. There are a number of factors which suggest that the woman of chap. 3 is Gomer. In 1:2, God’s command is to “Go, take;” in 3:1, however, His command is to “Go again, love,” suggesting that Hosea’s love was to be renewed to the same woman. Furthermore, within the analogy of chap. 1, Gomer represents Israel. As God renews His love toward faithless Israel, so Hosea is to renew his love toward faithless Gomer. For Hos. 3 to denote a different woman would confuse the analogy. I. Adulterous Wife and Faithful Husband (1:1–3:5) A. Hosea and Gomer (1:1–11) B. God and Israel (2:1–23) C. Both Parties Reconciled (3:1–5) II. Adulterous Israel and Faithful Lord (4:1–14:9) A. Adulterous Israel Found Guilty (4:1–6:3) B. Adulterous Israel Put Away (6:4–10:15) C. Adulterous Israel Restored to the Lord (11:1–14:9)	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1513
__label__wiki	0.834018	0.834018	Exclusive: Pakistani doctors' diagnosis - Arthur has to go, and we'll pay for sacking Hendo 26th September 2018 Cash and harry: Dr Ansari's consortium want Arthur replaced by a more synergetic coaching team A group of leading Pakistani physicians have offered to pay off the final year of Mickey Arthur's contract as they urge the country's board to seek a new start after the team's disastrous Asia Cup campaign. They believe the coach has failed to fully commit to the cause in a sport which unites the disparate 220 million population like very little else. Furthermore they accuse the South African of sidelining Sarfraz Ahmed over selection and key decisions, arguing that he leaves the captain to burden the disappointment of a nation's failure. Dr Kashif Ansari, a cricket analyst who is also a global advisor to the Pakistan Super League franchise Peshawar Zalmi, fronts the consortium of half-a-dozen doctors based in the United States. In an interview with Guerilla Cricket, the leading internet alternative commentary service, he says: "My proposition to Mr Arthur is, whatever the number of months left on your contract, whatever your salary, take this salary, terminate the contract and let us look for someone who can work with Sarfraz and work with the board on a more accommodating basis. We need somebody to work with team in synergy looking at cultural, habitual and social issues along with the cricketing ones. "We put this proposition because we know the board will come back with an excuse – that there are 12 months left, we can't get him out. We will say 'here is the cheque – get him out'." Supporters of Arthur will point to the country's Champions Trophy victory in England in the summer of 2017 – albeit after having been beaten comprensively by finalists India in the group stage – subsequent one-day whitewashes of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and convincing T20I series against Sri Lanka and West Indies, but Dr Ansari, an oncologist and haematologist who practises in Houston, Texas, has a different stance. "For the past 18 months we have been witnessing some serious issues with the current coach, about his leadership, about his stubbornness in certain areas," says Dr Ansari. "This guy lives outside the country. He only comes to Pakistan about a week before the next international tour, he does three to four days of a fitness camp, a skill camp and then picks one guy, drops another guy, picks another, drops another... "It doesn't work that way. These are professional cricketers. You need to work with them day-in, day-out. Of course 50 per cent of responsibility is that of the cricketer himself but 50 per cent is the coach and the board. But the system is allowing these youngsters to get laid back, go easy on themselves. "So after several weeks' break after 23 July when Pakistan came back from Zimbabwe [for a T20I series] until they had the fitness camp, what were these guys doing?" He claims that Arthur has neglected the claims of the likes of Azhar Ali, Mohammed Hafeez – players who scored fifties in the Champions Trophy final victory – failed to understand the culture of the country and that the captain has little input into significant rulings. "On many occasions I have talked to Sarfraz about certain players and he has said: 'Mickey doesn't listen to me.' If that is the case, then Mickey should be facing the media, Mickey should be facing the whole country. But what happens is he lives outside the country, his children don't have to be raised there; Sarfraz has to live there, his children have to grow up there, face the population, face their friends. "Pakistan society is divided on many different lines. They have different religious followings, different cultures, different languages but in cricket they are all tied together; they are one knot. They are like one string to which all these little pearls are attached. When they do well at cricket they come together under one umbrella. When they lose at cricket, everyone takes it so personally that it is like they have lost the hope of their lives". Arthur's coaching career has been mired in controversy. He was sacked as Australia coach in the fallout over Homework-gate shortly before the back-to-back Ashes series of 2013. He had challenged players to produce essays on things that they could do better during the calamitous tour of India earlier that year and, when four refused to do so, he left them out of the next Test. He was appointed to his position with Pakistan in May 2016 on a two-year deal, and in October 2017, the PCB extended that arrangement until next year's World Cup, again in England. In this year's Asia Cup, Pakistan suffered two humiliating defeats at the hands of India and, handed the chance to rectify matters by setting up a final against their fiercest rivals, fell short in what was effectively a semi-final against Bangladesh yesterday after having their opponents 13 for three early in the game. Their only victories came against Hong Kong, who were recently deprived of their one-day international status, and in the tightest of finishes against the surprise package of the tournament, Afghanistan.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1514
__label__wiki	0.939712	0.939712	9 children flying alone not fed or given medication during 13-hour delay, parents say August 12, 2019 at 12:15 AM HST - Updated August 12 at 12:15 AM LONGVIEW, Wash. (KATU/CNN) - Parents say American Airlines failed to notify them of a 13-hour delay during which they say their children were not given a full meal and had no access to daily medication, among other problems. Nine children from Oregon and Washington returned home Saturday morning after a long delay in North Carolina. They had been traveling as unaccompanied minors with American Airlines on the way back from summer camp. Every child in the group has a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis, which causes tumors to grow in their nervous systems. The children had been attending a camp for kids with the condition on the East Coast. Kristie Hoyt said the airline never called parents to let them know the flight was delayed or what was happening with their children. “Not one parent was contacted by the airline. The only contact that happened was me calling a 12-year-old and having her hand the phone over to flight attendants,” she said. Hoyt says her 8-year-old son Hudson was traumatized by the delay. “He called me while they were stuck on the tarmac, terrified that he was never coming home and that he was never going to see me again, and begging me to go to North Carolina and pick him up and bring him home,” she said. The children say they were initially kept on the plane while other passengers were let off. Later, they were brought to a room for unaccompanied minors. Kelley Phillips, one of the children, says they had limited access to a bathroom. She also says they were never given a meal, only snacks. “The only thing we had were crackers and soda, which isn't good because we need real food to be able to take our medication,” Phillips said. Parents say the kids packed medication they take daily in their carry-on luggage. “We couldn’t even take our medication because they made some of us check our carry-on, saying they were too big,” Phillips said. “So, we’ve got these kids who need to take medicine, but they’re unable to because it’s in their carry-on under the plane, and they wouldn’t go get us them.” Phillips says the children helped care for each other during the delay. “One of the older kids... it’s harsh for him to deal with a lot of stress,” she said. “He could end up having a seizure if he gets over-stressed. His seizure medication was on one of the carry-ons we had to put under the plane, so we tried to keep him calm.” The parents say they are exploring legal options. Hoyt said the kids want to return to the camp next year, but they won’t fly with American. “I want to know how they’re going to fix this, so no other child or parent has to go through this,” she said. An American Airlines spokesperson said the delay was due to mechanical problems. The airline says it “sincerely apologizes for this travel experience” and will review the incident. Copyright 2019 KATU, Kristie Hoyt via CNN. All rights reserved.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1515
__label__cc	0.578299	0.421701	Nike: Local, Global Advertising. The release of Nike’s ‘Nothing Beats a Londoner’ advert was met with a lot of excitement, but what’s their overall strategy? Our first thought when watching the advert was what an incredible piece of creative work it is. The introduction to a specific London tone of voice with Skepta casually talking on the phone, a slow build in tempo, inspiration and humour blended into a punchy explosion of a heightened, dreamlike representation of athletic London. Our second thought? We need to watch that again. Third? Why London? What’s their strategy here? Fourth? We need to watch it one more time. It’s an interesting strategy, the global sports brand in focussing its efforts on twelve cities across the world: New York, London, Shanghai, Beijing, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, Berlin, Mexico City, Barcelona, Seoul and Milan. These hubs of human activity have been identified by Nike as where 80% of its growth will be in the coming years. So they’re crafting individual campaigns tailored to create a buzz amongst those specific audiences and assimilate their brand into the culture. The London advert sees amateurs, pros, musicians and comedians driving home the message all while clad head to toe in Nike apparel. Despite the injection of celebrity, the film focuses on a diverse range of young athletes each overlapping with the next, each with their own soundtrack (from Grime to Classical) encompassing as many aspects of London’s youth culture. The central point gives us a comedic breather before amping up to a soaring, energetic crescendo. It all serves to deliver an aspirational and inspirational message – anyone can get out there and be an athlete, whatever their circumstance. Like we said, we’ve watched it a few times. It’s received a lot of positive attention, especially (unsurprisingly) from Londoners, so Nike seems to have managed to capture the spirit of the capital as they intended. Even Sadiq Khan’s a fan. So does that mean that their strategy is working? Around 13% of the UK’s population live in the greater London area and some commenters* are arguing that it will lose traction the further away from London you get – saying that audiences in different cultural areas of the UK might not relate to it; so they’re potentially missing 87% of the market. Our answer to that would be, they’re targeting London, not the UK – that 13% is the goal. The fairly experienced marketing team at Nike have done their research and have identified London as one of those major growth areas and are focusing their efforts on them for good reason. And they’re engaging with the city. So, to that end, they appear to be achieving their goals. Moreover, Nike has always been something of an aspirational brand. Positioning themselves as part of certain aspirational cultures. For example, pro-football, pro-basketball, strong willed athletes and now inspirational (and undeniably cool) young London athletes. The culture on display in the ad, for example, is a brand of its own – the Grime flavoured, tongue in cheek London youth. This micro-culture is viewed across the country, by many of its contemporaries, as aspirational. Let’s not forget that it’s the brand people are buying, yes Nike have good tech, but you could argue there are better pure sports brands out there. Brands like Nike and Adidas have traditionally placed themselves as a part of urban culture, the swoosh and stripes almost badges of cultural heritage before signs of high quality sport-gear. And as a brand building (or, more accurately, brand positioning) exercise to align Nike with this kind of aspirational, relatable culture, this strategy seems to be delivering the goods. It’s certainly given us some brilliant creative work. At the very least, it’s got people talking about Nike, in and out of the industry. As to whether their long-term strategy will pay dividends beyond the media buzz of this first advert, we’ll have to wait and see. But it’s going to be exciting watching it unfold. *www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/why-nikes-ad-will-fail-connect-consumers/1457396	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1522
__label__wiki	0.676387	0.676387	American mezzo-soprano ELIZABETH BISHOP, hailed by Opera News for her “gorgeous voice,” has excelled in opera and oratorio across the country, in music ranging from the Baroque through contemporary. A winner of the 1993 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Bishop was a recent Adler Fellow with the San Francisco Opera. Highlights of Bishop’s 1999/2000 season include Fenena in Nabucco with San Francisco Opera; Emilia in Otello with the Washington Opera; and Mahler’s Symphony No. 8 with the Pacific Symphony. In the 1998/99 season, she sang her first Adalgisa in Norma with Opera Memphis, Waltraute in Götterdämmerung and Fricka in Das Rheingold with San Francisco Opera, the Hostess in Wolf-Ferrari’s Sly with the Washington Opera; and Gertrude in Hamlet with Washington Concert Opera. She also appeared as soloist in Elijah with the Louisville Orchestra, and in Messiah and the Bach Magnificat with the Phoenix Symphony. In the 1997/98 season, she returned to the Washington Opera in the leading role of the Marquise de Merteuil in Conrad Susa’s The Dangerous Liaisons.. Her orchestral engagements included the Ligeti Requiem with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Esa-Pekka Salonen; an appearance at the Brevard Music Festival as soloist in Berlioz’s Les nuits d’été; and Messiah with the Des Moines Symphony. Bishop made her Metropolitan Opera debut in Britten’s Death in Venice in the 1993/94 season, and returned the following year for John Corigliano’s The Ghosts of Versailles. Her other operatic appearances have included Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus with Western Opera Theatre; Helen of Troy in the United States premiere of Sir Michael Tippett’s King Priam with San Francisco Opera Center; Meg Page in Falstaff with San Francisco Opera’s Merola Opera Program; and Lucretia in Britten’s The Rape of Lucretia with the Juilliard Opera Center.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1524
__label__wiki	0.980024	0.980024	Coroner weighs in on Quiet Riot singer's death 4:00 AM PST 12/11/2007 by Associated Press , AP LAS VEGAS -- The death last month of Kevin Dubrow, lead singer for the 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot, has been ruled an accidental cocaine overdose. Clark County coroner spokeswoman Samantha Charles confirmed the cause Monday after toxicology results were received Monday. Dubrow was found dead Nov. 25 at his Las Vegas home. He was 52. Quiet Riot was perhaps best known for its 1983 cover of "Cum on Feel the Noize." The song, featuring Dubrow's powerful, gravelly voice, appeared on the band's album "Metal Health" -- which was the first by a metal band to reach No. 1 on the Billboard chart. DuBrow recorded a solo album in 2004, "In for the Kill," and the band's last studio CD, "Rehab," came out in October 2006.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1526
__label__wiki	0.988373	0.988373	EA Explains Titanfall's Exclusivity on Xbox and PC EA's partnership with Respawn just makes sense, EA exec says. By Mike Mahardy Posted: 19 Nov 2013 11:01 pm Titanfall - Xbox One $6.48on Amazon is releasing exclusively for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC in March, 2014, and will never make its way to the PlayStation 4. In a recent statement, an executive at publisher EA explained the business reasons behind the shooter's exclusivity. At the UBS Global Technology Conference, EA CFO Blake Jorgensen said that EA's partnership with Microsoft on Titanfall is a basic business agreement, and, for EA, it made sense to keep the next-gen title on Microsoft platforms. "That's a process that's been done through the industry for many years," Jorgensen said. "There's lots of single-platform titles. Obviously, you work with the first-parties to make sure the economics make sense for all sides, and we made that decision on Titanfall." Jorgensen described the dynamic between EA and Titanfall developer Respawn as a mutually beneficial relationship. "It's a business partnership. We're trying to make sure that we've developed a great relationship with them," he said. "We helped them on marketing, we helped them on development where they need it. And we try to maintain a strong partnership with them over time." This partnership is only one of many as the next generation approaches (and arrives, in the case of the PS4 in U.S. stores) and companies such as the aforementioned EA, and contemporary Activision make exclusivity decisions based on established marketing strategies. And while Titanfall will always be a Microsoft exclusive, EA said that any potential sequels could possibly be coming to PS4. "So obviously it's the first title that's committed to a single platform," Jorgensen said. In another partnership, Respawn announced today that it will be coordinating with K'Nex to release Titanfall-branded building sets. Titanfall releases March 11, 2014 in North America, and March 13, 2014 in Europe and Australia. Mike Mahardy is a freelance writer for various outlets, and is reading Rant by Chuck Palahniuk. To hear how much Mike loves it, you can follow him on Twitter. DeveloperRespawn Entertainment Release DateMarch 11, 2014 PlatformsXbox One, PC, Xbox 360	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1531
__label__wiki	0.508554	0.508554	The Board Executive Committee is a leadership and administrative body, whose role is to assist and advise the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to members of IIA-Australia. The Board Executive Committee is not a policy making body, but assists the Board by implementing Board policy. Its primary function is to oversee the implementation of Board/IIA-Australia policy between full board meetings. Executive Committee Charter The Audit & Risk Committee The Audit & Risk Committee assists the Board with its responsibilities for corporate governance by assuring that the appropriate mechanisms exist to monitor probity, governance, efficiency and effectiveness of the IIA-Australia’s systems, controls and operations. The IIA-Australia has appointed an internal auditor who carries out an audit program that has been formulated in conjunction with the Audit & Risk Committee and the findings of the internal audits are reported to the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee and the CEO of the organisation. Audit & Risk Committee Charter The Education Committee The role of the Education Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities by monitoring and advising on IIA-Australia's professional education program. It contributes to IIA-Australia's strategic purpose through its foresight and insight on educational matters of concern to the internal auditing profession. One of its main responsibilities is to act as an Academic Board with respect to the academic oversight of the Graduate Certificate in Internal Auditing (GradCertIA), including assessment of students and the approval of results. Education Committee Charter The Remuneration Committee The role of the Board Remuneration Committee is to assist and advise the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to members of IIA-Australia on matters relating to the consideration of bonuses, incentives and remuneration issues of the Chief Executive Officer and IIA-Australia staff. The Board Remuneration Committee is not a policy making body, but assists the Board by implementing Board policy. Remuneration Committee Charter The Nominations Committee The role of the Board Nominations Committee is to assist and advise the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities to members of IIA-Australia on matters relating to the composition, structure and operation of the Board. The Board Nominations Committee is not a policy making body, but assists the Board by implementing Board policy and recommending nominations which require Board approval. Nominations Committee Charter Professional Responsibility & Ethics Committee The Professional Responsibility & Ethics Committee assists the Board with its responsibilities in relation to ensuring the highest standards of conduct and performance of its members. The IIA-Australia takes seriously any complaint made about the behaviour and actions of its members. The objectives of the Committee include: Oversighting strategies to promote the professional responsibility for conformance with the IPPF, including the Code of Ethics, by members; review and provide input into any proposed changes to the IIA Code of Ethics by IIA Global; review and provide advice regarding conflict of interest statements by Directors, Committee members and Chapter Councillors; monitor emerging ethical issues identified by IIA Global and through any complaints received from members; investigating complaints received; and disciplining members. Professional Responsibility & Ethics Committee Charter YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE The IIA-Australia Youth Leadership Committee is a select group of young internal auditors who engage with the IIA-Australia Board and staff to recommend strategies and approaches to better engage with other young internal auditors and encourage membership of IIA-Australia. Youth Leadership Committee Charter	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1532
__label__wiki	0.886313	0.886313	Munich Pact signed British and French prime ministers Neville Chamberlain and Edouard Daladier sign the Munich Pact with Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. The agreement averted the outbreak of war but gave Czechoslovakia away to German conquest. In the spring of 1938, Hitler began openly to support the demands of German-speakers living in the Sudeten region of Czechoslovakia for closer ties with Germany. Hitler had recently annexed Austria into Germany, and the conquest of Czechoslovakia was the next step in his plan of creating a “greater Germany.” The Czechoslovak government hoped that Britain and France would come to its assistance in the event of German invasion, but British Prime Minister Chamberlain was intent on averting war. He made two trips to Germany in September and offered Hitler favorable agreements, but the Fuhrer kept upping his demands. On September 22, Hitler demanded the immediate cession of the Sudetenland to Germany and the evacuation of the Czechoslovak population by the end of the month. The next day, Czechoslovakia ordered troop mobilization. War seemed imminent, and France began a partial mobilization on September 24. Chamberlain and French Prime Minister Daladier, unprepared for the outbreak of hostilities, traveled to Munich, where they gave in to Hitler’s demands on September 30. Daladier abhorred the Munich Pact’s appeasement of the Nazis, but Chamberlain was elated and even stayed behind in Munich to sign a single-page document with Hitler that he believed assured the future of Anglo-German peace. Later that day, Chamberlain flew home to Britain, where he addressed a jubilant crowd in London and praised the Munich Pact for bringing “peace with honor” and “peace in our time.” The next day, Germany annexed the Sudetenland, and the Czechoslovak government chose submission over destruction by the German Wehrmacht. In March 1939, Hitler annexed the rest of Czechoslovakia, and the country ceased to exist. On September 1, 1939, 53 German army divisions invaded Poland despite British and French threats to intervene on the nation’s behalf. Two days later, Chamberlain solemnly called for a British declaration of war against Germany, and World War II began. After eight months of ineffectual wartime leadership, Chamberlain was replaced as prime minister by Winston Churchill. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/munich-pact-signed World War IIBritish HistoryGermany Joseph Marion Hernández becomes the first Hispanic elected to Congress On September 30, 1822, Joseph Marion Hernández becomes the first Hispanic to be elected to the United States Congress. Born a Spanish citizen, Hernández would die in Cuba, but in between he became the first non-white person to serve at the highest levels of any of three branches ...read more Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and best-selling author, is born On September 29, 1928, Eliezer “Elie” Wiesel, the human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize-winning author of more than 50 books, including “Night,” an internationally acclaimed memoir based on his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II, is ...read more USS Nautilus—world’s first nuclear submarine—is commissioned The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear submarine, is commissioned by the U.S. Navy. The Nautilus was constructed under the direction of U.S. Navy Captain Hyman G. Rickover, a brilliant Russian-born engineer who joined the U.S. atomic program in 1946. In 1947, he was put in ...read more Riots over desegregation of Ole Miss In Oxford, Mississippi, James H. Meredith, an African American, is escorted onto the University of Mississippi campus by U.S. Marshals, setting off a deadly riot. Two men were killed before the racial violence was quelled by more than 3,000 federal soldiers. The next day, ...read more Hitler appeased at Munich On this day in 1938, Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, French Premier Edouard Daladier, and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain sign the Munich Pact, which seals the fate of Czechoslovakia, virtually handing it over to Germany in the name of peace. Upon return to Britain, ...read more First large-scale antiwar demonstration staged at UC Berkeley The first large-scale antiwar demonstration in the United States is staged at the University of California at Berkeley, by students and faculty opposed to the war. Nevertheless, polls showed that a majority of Americans supported President Lyndon Johnson’s policy on the war. ...read more Babe Ruth hits 60th homer of 1927 season On September 30, 1927, Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run of the 1927 season and with it sets a record that would stand for 34 years. George Herman Ruth was born February 6, 1895, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was the first of eight children, but only he and a sister survived infancy. ...read more President Woodrow Wilson speaks in favor of female suffrage On September 30, 1918, President Woodrow Wilson gives a speech before Congress in support of guaranteeing women the right to vote. Although the House of Representatives had approved a 19th constitutional amendment giving women suffrage, the Senate had yet to vote on the measure. ...read more Wyoming legislators write the first state constitution to grant women the vote On September 30, 1889, the Wyoming state convention approves a constitution that includes a provision granting women the right to vote. Formally admitted into the union the following year, Wyoming thus became the first state in the history of the nation to allow its female ...read more First volume of “Little Women” is published The first volume of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved children’s book Little Women is published on September 30, 1868. The novel will become Alcott’s first bestseller and a beloved children’s classic. Like the fictional Jo March, Alcott was the second of four daughters. She was born in ...read more Michael Eisner resigns as Disney CEO On September 30, 2005, Michael Eisner resigns as the chief executive officer of the Walt Disney Company. During Eisner’s 21-year tenure with Disney, he helped transform it into an entertainment industry giant whose properties included films, theme parks and a cruise line, ...read more Berlin Airlift ends After 15 months and more than 250,000 flights, the Berlin Airlift officially comes to an end. The airlift was one of the greatest logistical feats in modern history and was one of the crucial events of the early Cold War. In June 1948, the Soviet Union suddenly blocked all ...read more James Dean dies in car accident At 5:45 PM on September 30, 1955, 24-year-old actor James Dean is killed in Cholame, California, when the Porsche he is driving hits a Ford Tudor sedan at an intersection. The driver of the other car, 23-year-old California Polytechnic State University student Donald Turnupseed, ...read more General George Washington complains about his militia In a letter to his nephew, Lund Washington, plantation manager of Mount Vernon, General George Washington writes on September 30, 1776, of his displeasure with the undisciplined conduct and poor battlefield performance of the American militia. Washington blamed the Patriot ...read more	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1537
__label__wiki	0.637548	0.637548	Selfridge, Thomas Oliver, Sr., Expeditions, Amazon Source: Annual Report of the Secretary of the Navy on the Operations of the Department for the Year 1879. (Washington: Government Printing Office, 1880), 320-371. Exploration, Expeditions and Voyages Primary Source Document Survey of the Amazon Report of Commander Thomas O. Selfridge United States Ship Enterprise (3d rate), SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the surveys of the Amazon and Madeira Rivers by the United States ship Enterprise, under my command. The Empire of Brazil includes an area variously estimated from 2,500,000 to 4,000,000 square miles, probably nearly one-half of the whole continent of South America. Lying almost wholly in the tropics, the great watershed of the Andes passes through its territories, giving it the most perfect water system of any country in the world. Thus it would seem that nature has prepared a way for the opening up of this vast country by the most inexpensive of all systems of transportation, but in the development of which, up to the present time, little progress has been made. The headwaters of the Parana River, flowing south on its western boundary, almost meets the Madeira, which empties to the north into the Amazon. The latter, flowing nearly east, embraces with its great tributaries the Xingu, Tapajoz, Madeira, and Negro Rivers, a belt of territory comprised within twenty degrees of longitude and fifteen degrees of latitude, and over a million square miles can be reached by this great stream and its arteries. The larger part of this vast area is an unknown country, and shielded within its limits rove tribes of wild Indians, who, taught by the experience of the past, shun all communication with the whites. From what the few explorers have gleaned and the records left by the early missionaries, the greater portion of this country south of the Amazon is a magnificent table-land, abounding in pampas, which could support countless herds of cattle, covered with splendid forests of the choicest woods and most valuable drugs. The coast range of Brazil, Sierra Borborema, running north and south at an average distance of 300 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, is the limit of the present portion of the empire devoted to agriculture, excepting narrow strips along the margin of the Amazon and Parana Rivers. Between this range and the Andes lies this great territory, watered by innumerable rivers, which finally mingle their streams with the mighty Amazon. But a barrier in the form of a range of hills extends from the boundaries of Peru to the Atlantic coast range, and breaks up the navigation of the four principal southern branches of the Amazon, viz, the Tocantins, Xingu, Tapajos, and Madeira rivers, into most formidable rapids or cachuelas. These are formed only 250 miles from the mouth of the Tocantins, and about 500 miles up the Madeira. But for such obstacles, the introduction of steam in 1853 on the Amazon would have brought us into closer communication with these rivers. Steam was first introduced on the Amazon in 1853, and at once new life seemed to be given to the country. It was something compared with the growth of the past, but soon reaching a limit, because dependent upon the productions of the forest gathered by a scattered population, with no inducements for emigration. The population of Brazil is confined in a great measure to the coast, and engaged in the cultivation of coffee and sugar. The Paraguayan war was a great drain upon its resources, and the expense of which has had to be met by severe taxation. The general government collects its --320-- duties upon all imports, as well as an export tax. Besides, every province supports itself not by internal taxation, but by imports levied upon all its imports and exports. * * * The country bordering on the Amazon, as well as the lower portion of its tributaries, being subject to overflow, is not healthy, and the soil is light and sandy. It will grow plantains and mandioca, but has not sufficient depth or richness for the more exhausting crops of sugar, coffee, and tobacco. No nation is more directly interested in the prosperity of Brazil than ourselves. Our geographical situation brings us nearer than Europe, and her coffee, sugar, and raw products of the forest we need in exchange for the manufactures and food we can furnish to her agricultural population. * * * River Amazon. The portion of this great river which flows through Brazil is that with which this report is particularly connected. From Tabatinga, the frontier post or town of Peru, to the Atlantic, it flows in all its majesty for 2,000 miles, receiving as its great tributaries from the south, the Xingu, Tapajos, Madeira, purus, and Javary Rivers, and from the north, the Negro. In its whole course it drains but two provinces of the Empire of Brazil, those of Grão Para and Amazonas - the former embracing 532,000 square miles, the latter, 550,000, or a total are twenty time that of the State of New York. It is sparsely inhabited, Grão Para not numbering over 12,000 and Amazonas about 30,000 inhabitants, by the census of 1875, these figures including everyone but Indians, or about one inhabitant for every 72 square miles. Up to the introduction of steam on the Amazon, in 1854, communication was not frequent between Para and the province of Amazonas, and was confined to a few small sailing vessels, which consumed about six months in the voyage. Steam, however, brought about a great improvement, for since 1867 the exports have doubled; but they are still insignificant, considering the territory represented, as the following table, giving the exports from Manoas for the year 1878, and from Soopa, the other port of entry of the province, will show: There are at present two large companies that control the steam navigation of the Amazon River and its tributaries. The Steam Navigation Company of the Amazon, limited, who have enjoyed up to the present a subsidy of about $500,000 a year from the government. This company are also in receipt of a tax of 3 per cent. upon all the exports from the province of Amazonas, in return for which they promised to make Manoas the capital of the province, the point of departure of all their steamers, and make there a change of freights to the regular line going to Para. * * * This company have the steamers Marajo, Belene, Manoas and Avary, all paddle-wheel vessels, built in England, from 250 to 400 tons: and thirteen smaller vessels, ranging from 80 to 150 tons. There is also the Steam Company of Marajo, which have the steamers Aonan and Arapixy, with three smaller ones. There are also the Canuman, Tocantius, Villa Bella, and a few others. These steamers nearly all make a central station at Manoas, though a few of the smaller ones are confined to the Tocantins and Lower Amazon. The voyage to Manoas, 874 miles distant from the sea, is made in from give to seven days. From the latter point these lines branch out to include the Madeira, Purus, and Negro Rivers, and to Tabatinga, 1,000 miles distant on the frontier, and from this point up the Peruvian Amazon to the mouth of the Huallaga, 415 miles, thence up the latter to Turimaguas, 65 miles, in the district of the same name. Different locations embrace very different products. The india-rubber is brought almost solely from the Madeira and Purus Rivers, and from the Lower Amazon, on the left bank of the Macapa branch and Island of Marajo. The Rio Negro exports the finest woods and drugs, while sarsaparilla and vanilla are brought principally from the Upper Amazon. Some coffee and tobacco were formerly raised in Amazonas, but their culture has been neglected for the more profitable gathering of rubber. Cocoa is confined to the settled, older portion of the Amazon, and is principally cultivated below the Madeira. Steamers burn wood entirely, and wood-yards are scattered along the river-banks wherever one is liable to come. It is sold by the one thousand sticks at $15 a thousand, which is equal to about $5 per cord. I found no difficulty in burning wood under the boiler of the Enterprise, provided it was dry, and in fact used nothing else during the last month we were on the river. In 1867 Brazil declared the Amazon open to the commerce of the world. But there is not much inducement to take advantage of this liberality, for the present steam tonnage is too large for a profitable business; and so far from being an opening to the flags of foreign nations, it is my opinion that some of the present force will have to be withdrawn unless the railway project around the falls of the Madeira proves a success. The cargoes up the river are imported through Para, and consist of breadstuffs, liquors, cotton, paint, cutlery, clothes, and small articles of foreign manufacture, such as trinkets, perfumery, and the like. Return cargoes are principally rubber, Brazil nuts, cocoa, and dried fish, to which are to be added in small quantities sarsaparilla, oil of copaiba, Peruvian bark, vanilla beans, hides, deer-skins, tallow, white pitch, bees wax, cloves, coir, hard woods, and cedar. I estimate at present the total exports of the Amazon to amount to not far from $3,000,000 annually. Of this amount dried fish, the staple article of food for the poorer classes, of a value not less than $200,000, does not go out of the country. Though generally known under the sole name of Amazon, this magnificent river, at least twice the size of any other in the world in volume, not excepting the Mississippi, is locally divided into three parts under different names. The Amazon proper extends to its juncture with the Negro, near Manaos, the capital of Amazonas, 874 miles from the sea. From this point to the Peruvian frontier at Tabatinga, 1,000 miles away, it is known as the Solimocus and in Peru as the Maranon. Either of its two large tributaries in Peru, the Ucayali or the Huallaga might lay claim in size to be the parent river, but at Nauta the junction of the Ucayali and Maranon Rivers, it becomes then immeasurably and incomparably the peer of all others. As far as the function of the Tio Negro it is navigable for a line-of-battle ship at all seasons of the year. There is, however, one point about 10 miles below the Negro where a ledge or rocks extends across, on which it is said there is found but 18 feet of water at extreme low water, but I doubt the accuracy of it, for at the time I passed over this spot there was a depth of 36 feet. It is high water in the Amazon proper about the middle of may, though the river falls but a little before the middle of July. The temperature of the river water during July and August, above Marituba Island, was found to be 83° Fah.; below, 84° with no change during the twenty-four hours. eighteen feet is about the difference between high and low water at the mouth of the Madeira, while at Tabatinga it is as high as 30 feet. This takes place in October after which a rise in the Upper Amazon brings about a fluctuation, there being a rise and fall between that period and January, when the spring rise commences, which culminates in June. The dry season begins the 1st of June, earlier than at Para, where it rains more or less all the year around. This is the season of the breezes, and the trade wind from E.S.E. blows strong during the day as far up as Obidos, dying out calm at night. During August and September, there are violent squalls with lightning and thunder from the eastward. The rainy season commences in November, and continues through the winter and early spring months, but during this period the rains are far from being continuous, but interspersed with a great deal of fine weather. The thermometer ranges between 78° Fah. In the wet, and 88° in the dry, season. The nights are not oppressively warm, but are rendered disagreeable at all times by swarms of mosquitoes. There is no relief from these pestiferous insects even in the middle of the river, for the sun is no sooner down that the air becomes alive with them. There has been a great difference in the reports of the altitudes of the different points on the Amazon. Probably none have had a standard at the ocean level, and as the diurnal fluctuation would represent several hundred feet of altitude without a base of reference for barometrical observations, they cannot but be inaccurate. Our observations represent the difference between the height of the barometer at the point of observation and one at Para, to the recording of which I am greatly indebted to Mr. Andrew Cahn, United States consul, who considerately allowed it to be hung in his house and volunteered to take charge of the readings. We found the elevation of the Amazon, at the mouth of the Madeira, to be 78.5 feet; and at Manoas, 84.8 feet. The distance between these two points being 86 miles, would give a rise a little less than an inch to the mile; and this is about the rate for all points from the sea to the mouth of the Rio Negro, as obtained by our observations. The towns or villages on the Amazon, so far from flourishing, appear to be in a state of decay, judging from the empty houses in the outskirts, neglected streets, and entire absence of all enterprise or business life. Manoas, the capital of the province of Amazonas, is, however, a marked exception, it being the distributing point for all the territory above. Its inhabitants are enterprising and the indications are that it is growing fast. Above Para we have as the principal villages Breves, Garupa, Prainha, Monte Alegre Santarem, Obidos, Villa Bella, Serpa, and Manaos. The use of steam has been detrimental to these towns in scattering their population, for formerly the products were brought to the neighboring villages in canoes and traded off for stores. Now there are hundreds of little trading-points where steamers stop, delivering goods direct from Para and receiving the freights collected, no matter in how small quantities. It is to this cause, rather than a diminution of population or decrease in the productions, that the impoverished condition of these towns is owing. The current of the Amazon varies from 3 to 21/2 miles per hour, according as it varies in width. The banks are alluvial, and during high water the surrounding country is inundated. For the first 500 miles from the ocean there is but little irregularity of direction, and there are reaches of 10 and 15 miles in length, giving the appearance of an inland sea. Above the mouth of the Tapajos the Amazon assumes a winding course, but even here it is more from a comparison with the power portion and from the fact that large islands are more frequent, which give the channel greater irregularity. The general width is about 21/2 miles, narrowing to a mile at Obidos and Serpa, and expanding to 4 and 5 miles above and below the Tapajos. It is not only in its width but in its astonishing depth and consequent volume that the Amazon exceeds all other rivers in the world. Not less than 60 feet will be found in the channel the whole distance of 874 miles to the mouth of the Rio Negro. At Serpa and Obidos, where it narrows to a mile in width, 330 feet is obtained in the center of the stream. The cross-section at Serpa was very favorable to an approximate calculation of volume; as the river was straight, the banks steep on both sides, and the surface current uniform. It was taken in August, when the river was 6 feet below high water, and gave the astonishing amount of 3,850,000 cubic feet per second. The Amazon divides just above the junction of the Xingu, 200 miles from the ocean, into two great branches, known as the Macapa and the Garupa, each of which is as large as the Mississippi, and the latter, near the town of the same name, separates again into two others, Garupa proper and the Vicira (Shell). Most geographers give the mouth of the Amazon as 180 miles wide, which would include Marajo bay, really an arm of the sea, in which the Para River empties. I am, however, of a different opinion; for though Marajo Bay is connected with the Amazon by a series of lagoons and estuaries, their characteristics show that they have no connection proper with it. The water is comparatively clear, but of a moderate depth, and the tide flows within a few miles of the outlet from the Amazon. The majestic, ceaseless flow of this great river is something striking, which effect is lost the moment you enter the intricate channels back of the island of Marajo. Its dimensions are sufficiently grand without attempting to include the net-work of lagoons that are now that communication between Para and the Amazon, and I think the Delta may be justly said to extend from Cape North, at the northern point, to Cape Maguary, on Marajo Island, as the southern limit. The Survey. Your order to me to take charge of the survey of the Amazon and Madeira rivers to the head of navigation on the latter, and assigning me to the command of the United States Steamer Enterprise for the purpose, were received April 23, 1878. Beyond the necessity [...] few extra instruments in excess of the ship's allowance but little preparation was necessary, and I sailed from Norfolk, Va., on May 2, 1878. In addition to the officers of this ship, Mr. Sparrow, civil engineer who had been engaged some years previous on a survey of the Upper Amazon, with Commodore Tucker, was detailed as my assistant. We arrived off Atalia point at noon on May 23, where we anchored, waiting for a pilot to come on board next morning. The entrance to the mouth of Marajo Bay, or river Para, is rendered dangerous by numerous reefs, and, though the main channel is marked by a light-vessel, the light is too feeble to make it advisable for strangers to run for it on account of the variable currents caused by the outflow of the Amazon. Atalia Point, 20 miles south, marked by a light, may be approached at all times with safety, using the lead, and here will be found pilots for the Para River. We anchored off Para on May 24. Visits were exchanged with the President of the province of Grão Para, who offered every facility as far as Obidos, the boundary of the province. Mode of Survey. My instructions from the Bureau of Navigation contemplated a track survey of the Amazon to the mouth of the Madeira, and up the latter to its falls or the head of navigation. These instructions directed that the courses of the ship should be steered by ranges, and a blank form was furnished called a "deck board" to be filled out with the courses, distance run on it, speed of ship, rate of current, and a column for remarks. As the bureau properly remarked, the survey was to ascertain more that navigability of these rivers rather than an accurate delineation of their beds. Consequently the course of the main channel, the depth, the position of the bars and islands, and particularly the point of crossing from one bank to the other, together with the correct topography of the banks, were the main objects in view. From our very commencement it became evident that running on ranges would not be practicable. The banks are fringed, it might be said, the entire distance with trees and undergrowth. Some tall tree could be selected, but this would be but a point, and before the course was run over it would become blended with others so as no longer to be recognizable. Strictly, a compass course would not do, for this would be constantly deflected by the current. The method of observing the bearing some point ahead was adopted, and the bearing became a course. When the ship had arrived abreast of it another course was taken, and so on. Instead of the "deck board," I adopted, with some modification, the system I used for the survey of the Atrato, and which was found by experience to fully answer all requirements, and I would recommend it to any one engaged on similar service. For a clear exemplification I will refer to the accompanying diagram. It will become evident in the course of this explanation that its success would depend upon the accuracy of two cardinal points - correct measurement of speed of vessel, and correct astronomical determination of our position at the end of our work. To maintain the first the engines were not pushed, so that a regular speed of 35 revolutions was easily maintained ascending the Madeira against the current. Going down the Amazon this was reduced to 25 revolutions. The log was hove every half-hour as a check upon the speed, and current observations were made before starting and after coming to. As our line was mainly in the channel, the current was much more uniform than if we had run on line crossing the stream. For a perfect astronomical determination of our position at the end of each day, observations for latitude were made on stars at meridian passage, one north and the other south of the zenith; and for longitude, on stars east and west of the meridian at as nearly the same altitude as possible. Summer's method was used where circumstances prevented the observation for meridian stars. The latitudes were computed using circum-meridian method given in "Professional papers Corps of Engineers, U.S.N., No. 12," and longitudes by the ordinary time-sight (Bowditch). Observations for rate were made at Para on our arrival, Araras Island, Madeira River, where an interval of fourteen days was obtained. Also at Serpa, Amazon River, on the 16th June and 2d of August, an interval of forty-seven days. This latter gave a most excellent check upon our chronometer rates, which were found to run very uniformly. On our return the error of chronometer was carefully obtained at Para on the 31st of August and 2d of September. The position of Para was taken from the French chart, and may be subject to slight error: if so, the error would be applied as a constant to all our positions, and would not in any way affect the general result. A tabulated list of these observations accompanying this report, and on inspection, the results of the two observations will be found to agree closely, while the mean was taken as a final result. Lieut. Commander S.H. baker used a Gambey sextant No. 74; Lieut. C.P. Perkins, a Gambey circle of reflection No. 21. A wooden tripod, said to be originally the invention of Passed Assistant Paymaster Tuttle, late United States Navy, was used by both observers, Mr. Perkins having made some ingenious modification to suit the use of his circle of reflection. This tripod, standing about 2 feet high, consisted of its three legs secured with brass hinges to a flat piece of wood of about 4 inches across. In the center of the latter was a socket, in which turned an upright wooden spindle in two parts, hinged together in its center, thus admitting of vertical and horizontal motion for the sextant attached to it. A hole bored through the handle of the sextant, in which a screw was inserted, secured the instrument to the spindle with a button. In this way the sextant resembled an ordinary vertical circle. With the instrument once on the reflected star in the mercury, it was not necessary to move it until the object observed had passed out of the field, and there was time enough generally to take a set of five or more observations. Without some arrangement of this nature, stellar observations with a sextant are very fatiguing: but with the sextant stationary, as above described, there can be obtained an accuracy of observations almost perfect. The accompanying diagram is a copy of a leaf taken from the field-book in the survey of the upper part of the Amazon, a little below Villa Bella, and an explanation of which will plainly show the method of our survey. The unit is five minutes, which is the value of each one of the lines. The work always commences at the bottom and proceeds upwards. On the left hand are columns for day of month, time, course, magnetic variations and deviation combined, true course distance by log, current, true distance, and soundings. The right page is the field-book, a line drawn in the center representing the course of the ship. It will be observed that the time of the lower line is nine hours twenty minutes, at which time a new course east or south 89° east true was taken. This is marked by a star on the right leaf; and every change of course is so marked. As the survey was progressing down the river, the left hand is the left bank, and the reverse. At nine hours and twenty minutes a bearing on the point of the island is taken south; at 9.25 another bearing is taken of the same point south 50° west, which fixes it, and another bearing south 27° east is taken of the other point. Now at 10.40 a new course is steered north 81° east true, showing that from nine hours and twenty minutes to nine hours and forty minutes twenty minutes have been run on the course south 89° east. As the time distance is that by log plus rate of current, or in this case eight knots, each five minutes will represent sixty-six one-hundredths of a knot. The draughtsman, in plotting, will lay off a course south 89° east, distance two and sixty-four one-hundredths knots. At the point of commencement he lays down the bearing south, then a distance sixty-six one-hundredths of a knot is laid off and at this point the two bearings south 50° west and south 27° east are taken to plot the point of island. For another example, take the time ten hours and twenty minutes. The star on the center line of right-hand page indicates a new course; we find it to be from the left page north 67° east true. We find at ten hours twenty-six minutes a bearing south 70° east was taken upon a prominent tree, and again at 10.54 a bearing south 23°30' west was taken, with the point of Isle de Conceicao and the tree in range. The draughtsman then, after laying down the course north 67° east for a distance of 3.28 miles, will lay off on this line points corresponding to the distances run during the time from the commencement of the course to the time of taking the bearings. From these points the several bearings will be drawn. Unless the system of keeping the courses in a straight line in the field-book were pursued, the course would frequently run off the page, and would require a vast amount of measuring to keep the notes clear. I think these two examples are sufficient for an explanation of the system followed. The contours of the banks are sketched in as we arrive opposite them, always taking as many bearings of the same points as necessary to fix it. This will give the distance of the river banks from the ship and the general width of the river. At times bearings were taken between the five-minutes spaces, in which cases times were recorded. For instance, at nine hours forty-three minutes a bearing south 18° east, on the course of north 81° east, as this course was begun at nine hours forty minutes, the value of the distance run for three minutes, laid off from its commencement, will indicate the point to lay off the bearing. On each side of the right-hand page are columns for remarks on each bank. For instance, at Corzalinho there were rocks, and the estimated distance was 3.5 miles. With the Madeira it was not difficult to obtain a very correct width of the river by bearings of points on the different banks, because of its numerous bends, and the fact that it rarely exceeded half a mile in width. But on the Amazon, with its long straight reaches of many miles, and intervening islands, this method was not always possible. In our survey of the Amazon, the steam-launch ran a separate line on the side opposite to the ship. Every twenty minutes a position-flag was hoisted, at which moment the bearing of the launch was recorded, and the angle of our mast-head was taken. This gave the distance between the two, and to this would be added the distance of the bank from each observer, which was generally small, and could be estimated within 100 yards. These positions of the launch, thus obtained, when plotted, acted as so many offsets to check her survey, which necessarily could not be as accurate as ours, on account of being obliged to use a dumb compass. Every morning or evening, as convenient, the bearing and distance of the point of astronomical position was taken, which marked the termination of the day's work and commencement of the new. The value of such a survey as described depends upon the accuracy of the points fixed and the correctness of distance run, and, feeling alive to these facts, every safeguard was taken to insure them. Of course a running survey of this kind would not do where close work is needed, but for all practical purposes, for the survey of a river that is annually undergoing important changes, in order to obtain a thorough knowledge of its navigability, distances position of islands, and general contour, it is all that is required. In addition, the points of all islands where shoal water would be found were sounded in the launch, and two daily cross-sections were taken. For the better accomplishment of our survey the officers were assigned to different duties. Lieut. Commander S.H. Baker and Lieut. C.P. Perkins were selected, on account of their experience in astronomical work, for the very important duty of fixing the several points of the survey. This required their constant attention every evening until near midnight, and the following day would be mostly consumed in bringing up their work. These officers performed the work assigned them with zeal and ability. To Ensigns Hunt and Peacock was given the duty of keeping the field-book, taking the numerous bearings required, and recording soundings. Lieutenants Nichols, Blocklinger, Spalding, and Master Wright had charge as officers of the deck, superintending the handling and steering of the ship, and the soundings. Lieutenant Blocklinger afterwards had charge of the launch in the survey of the Madeira River. Lieutenant Nichols, assisted by Ensign Hunt, had charge of the running survey by the launch, in connection with our own, from the mouth of the Madeira River to Para. To all these officers my thanks are due for the interest they manifested in their work, and for the accuracy and zeal they exhibited in the performance of every duty required of them. Much praise is due to Passed Assistant Surgeon M.L. Ruth for his unremitting attention to his duties, and to which I attribute in a great degree the excellent condition of our ship's company during a very arduous period. Commencement of Work. The few preparations necessary, due to a prolonged absence, having been made, the Enterprise sailed from Para at noon of June 30, 1878. In this respect I was greatly indebted to Mr. Fred. Pond, at the head of the old establishment of that name, and the only American house in Para. Mr. Pond is a large-hearted American, noted for his deeds of kindness to any of his countrymen in distress. He gave me every assistance in his power, and in numerous ways facilitated greatly my plans. Such men as Mr. Pond our government would do well to appoint as consuls, for they have an influence for good with the local authorities that a stranger from the United States unacquainted with the language, laws, and customs could be expected to acquire only after a long residence. The city of Para, or Santa Maria do Belene, is advantageously situated on the Para River, distant about 100 miles from the sea, and about 12 miles from Marajo bay, a beautiful expanse of water, and of an adequate depth for the convenient working of all classes of vessels. The river in front of the town is shoal, and vessels are obliged to lie in the stream and unload by lighters. Steamers of the larger class anchor off the port 3 miles below the town known as Forte da Barra. Para occupies to the Amazon the same position relatively that New Orleans does to the Mississippi. It numbers about 30,000 inhabitants; the business portion of the city is well built, with many handsome residences. Its importance being wholly due to the fact that it is the distributing point of the products of the Amazon; its growth has been relative to the development of the latter. In this enterprise the merchants of Para have taken the most important part, and many of them, especially the Portuguese, have amassed large fortunes. To continue the dependence upon them, the merchants here have built up a vast credit system, which holds the whole country as its debtors, but which necessarily renders them at times liable to large losses; for instance, in the almost total failure of the cocoa crop during the past year, upon which large advances had been made. Some system of wharfage by which vessels could be discharged more quickly is absolutely necessary, and, doubtless, this will come with other improvements when Brazil awakens to the value of the vast domain drained by the Amazon, and embarks in a wise system of improvement and development. The Enterprise steamed rapidly up Marajo Bay, which in many places is 15 miles wide, as I intended to take what might be called the back passage to the Amazon, which is the only one in use, instead of going outside and entering the mouth proper. We anchored for the night at the entrance of the estuary of Breves, one of the network of water passages which constitute this back way. This being our first experience, I had a little fright in the grounding of the vessel lest our pilots were incompetent, but fortunately we backed off without difficulty. Just before coming to anchor, the mouth of the Tocantins was passed, the distant shores of which, sinking away in the horizon, gave the appearance of an inland sea, so wide is the river at its entrance. But, like all the other southern tributaries of the Amazon, its navigation is impeded a few hundred miles from its mouth by rapids and cataracts. The next day was passed proceeding up the estuary of Breves, until at nightfall we reached the little town of the same name, on the western shore of Marajo Island, which is its principal settlement. Rounding to, an accident happened to the reversing gear of the engine, which at this critical moment refused go back. An anchor was let go, but failed to bring the ship up in time, and the EnterpriseI went at full speed into the bank, the head spars pushing into the thickets of the tropical forest. A whirr was heard as a large bird flew from the thicket and down on the forecastle, dropped, to the astonishment of "Jack," a nest with little ones. They were too young, unfortunately, or they would gladly have been adopted by those who had so ruthlessly deprived them of their natural protector. Breves is the center of the rubber trade of this region, but its situation is so low that the malarial fevers have made it unpopular, and it is anything but flourishing at present. Our man-of-war was almost as much of a surprise as was Columbus's galley to the natives of the new world, for the Enterprise was the first ship which had ever anchored off their town. In the evening a violent thunder-squall passed over the town, struck the ship, and drove her crashing against the bank; but this time it was the stern instead of the bow. The rain fell in torrents, the wind roared through the trees, and the darkness was of that intense blackness that one sees in the solitude of tropical forests. A flash of lightning revealed a long, sinuous-looking object, hanging from a branch over our poop deck. Snake! was cried, and it was not long before that spot was as deserted as the forest into which we had been pushed. The storm finally passed, and the bank being steep the current swept us out again into the stream. In the morning our apparent snake was seen still hanging from the bough where he was first reported, and proved to be the remnant of a large vine that had been broken when the ship struck the bank. It occasioned a good laugh, and was long treasured among the jokes of the expedition. The river at Breves was 600 feet wide. We were still within the influence of the tide, which flows as flood for four hours, and then follows eight hours of ebb. A short distance above Breves we entered a long, narrow passage, hardly wide enough for the ship. These narrow lagoons are known as furos. There are two leading up from Breves, the Paracachi, which is used in ascending to the Amazon, and the Aturia, in descending. As there is no room to pass in them, any vessel not observing this rule would be subject to heavy fine. We made the passage of the furo Paracachi without accident, though it required the most careful steering, and our yards at times almost touched the trees. At the further end there was a sandspit, which forced us to anchor till the tide, which here rises nearly three feet, was at its full, when we passed over without difficulty. To those unaccustomed to the luxuriance of the tropics, there was something extremely novel and interesting in the passage of the Enterprise up these lagoons, fringed to the water's edge with trees one hundred and thirty feet high, interspersed here and there with numerous members of the palm family, whose long fan-like branches hang down in such graceful attitudes. but the eye wearies at length with the everlasting tree-line that borders the banks of these rivers, and which, in the mighty Amazon, are also blended together that they lose the attractiveness due to the variety of growth that the narrowness of these "furos" permits the eye to dwell upon. I was strongly reminded of my sojournings of previous years upon the Atrato, which has pretty much the same flora, and I looked forward with eagerness to our approach to the great Amazon. Another day yet elapsed before we reached the point where the Amazon bifurcates into its two branches, the Macopa and Garupa, and it was late at night before we anchored at this point. I shall never forget the feelings that this mighty river inspired as in the morning we rounded the point where we had anchored, and came out upon the open river rolling down in all its resistless majesty. Four miles broad at this point, stretching out to the westward until it was lost in the dim outline of the distant horizon, it seemed hardly possible that this was a river almost dividing a continent. Can it be possible, the mind asks the question, that nature reproduces herself year after year, and carries back from the ocean, borne in the clouds overhead, the vapors that, condensed, yield a supply sufficient for the feeding of this tremendous flow of water, amounting to many millions of cubic feet a minute? Our ship was kept close to the southern bank to avoid the strength of the current, and we thus had the full flow of the river to our right as we ascended. In the distance to the north the blue Almerine hills made a pleasant background to this picture of nature's grandeur, particularly enjoyable, because it was rare on the Amazon to have any break to the forest - girt banks. A good idea of the width of the Amazon is shown in the fact that at this point we took a series of compass deviations by steaming around in a circle and observing the runs upon each point of the compass. In the afternoon of the day we entered the Amazon, June 7, 1878, we stopped to speak a schooner that was towing down the river. Upon starting ahead a crash was heard in the engine-room, accompanied by an escape of steam up the hatch. As soon as the excitement had subsided it was found that the connecting-rod bolts of the after-engine had broken short off, which let the end of the rod down into the well, and the crank, in making a revolution, had struck and badly bent it. This accident filled me with apprehension, for the success of the expedition was entirely dependent upon the motive-power of the Enterprise. Far away from the mouth of the Madeira, with no means of reaching there outside of ourselves, at first I was inclined to feel disheartened, but a second thought that we could move along slowly at first with one engine was reassuring. The accident was caused by water in the cylinder, which the relief valves failed to carry off. To straighten so large a piece of machinery as our rod was no slight undertaking. But it is an unfortunate state of affairs when the stores of a man-of-war will not furnish expedients to repair, Accordingly our little forge was taken forward and placed in the fore hatch, a hearth of bricks built around it, so as to enlarge its area, and the rod hung in chains over it from the carlines of the topgallant forecastle deck; a moderate heat was applied, and a hydraulic jack operating from the deck overhead, by slow stages, brought it to nearly its original form, sufficiently so, that, practically, it was not fore-shortened. It was found, too, that the connecting-rod bolts could be shifted end for end. All this required several days, but in the meanwhile the engines had been disconnected, and the ship proceeded up the river at a rate of almost five knots an hour, the condenser being temporarily changed from a surface to a jet condenser by applying a stream from the donkey-pumps. This gave a poor vacuum at first, but afterwards, at the suggestion of Assistant engineer Shewell, the flow from the donkey]pumps was divided in two streams or jets with a most marked improvement, being able to maintain a vacuum of sixteen inches. After making the required repairs we proceeded ahead very well with both engines for twenty-four hours, when, attempting to take up some of the lost motion of the after engine, the safety limit was passed and, with another crash, the connecting-rod bolts gave way, letting it down into the engine well. We were now in a worse plight than before, and it seemed as though circumstances would combine to deprive us of our motive power. It was both dangerous and awkward to work the ship with a single engine, as it was liable at a critical moment to get on the center, and the assistant engineers are entitled to great credit for the skill with which this single engine was manipulated. The expedient of turning the bolts was no longer available, and new bolts must be supplied. It was fortunately found that the transporting-axle of our large pivot-gun was the exact size, 3 inches. Four bolts were accordingly cut from it, and threads at each end of the bolts worked in by hand. Every one knows how difficult this must be, for the smallest inaccuracy would prevent the thread from entering the groove. That we did it, however, was owing only to the skill and faithfulness of one of our machinists, James Moore, assisted by another of the name of Chambers. I do not hesitate to pay this compliment to Moore, that to him, under the circumstances, though humble his station, I am indebted more than to any other person of this ship. So far no notice has been taken of his services by either the then chief engineer, Elijah Laws, or the Bureau of Steam Engineering, and I think that such meritorious conduct is entitled to some recognition from the Navy Department. The slow progress of the ship upstream and the rapid falling of the Madeira River, made it essential that I should so far modify my plans as to commence our work on that river, and proceed with the Amazon afterwards. We arrived off the mouth of the Madeira at 4 p.m. on June 17, having been fourteen days making a distance of 800 miles, and at once commenced the survey of that river. Our survey of the Madeira river, of which a detailed account is given in the latter half of this report, ended by our return to its mouth on the 24th of July. The next day was spent in measuring a base line of 400 feet on the north end of Madeira island, and fixing by triangulation the east and west points of the Madeira, the east and west points of Trinidad Island, as well as Antuz Point, on the Amazon. The north end of the base line was fixed by stellar observations. Left our coal lighter at anchor at the Madeira in charge of its crew of two Tapinjos Indians, and, getting underway at 4 o'clock p.m., steamed all night up the Amazon, carrying not less than 10 fathoms of water. July 26. - Approaching the river Negro, a curious phenomenon presents itself. The general course of the banks of the Amazon seems to connect with those of the Negro, as though they were of the same river, while the Amazon, turning off suddenly to the south, and shrinking temporarily very much in size, seems to have lost its majestic proportions and yielded the palm of greatness to its tributary, the Negro. The color of the water of the latter is nearly black, and does not mingle completely with the Amazon for several miles. So sharply are the waters of the two rivers defined, that a vessel crossing their line will be found with its bow in black water and the stern in yellow. The Negro, from its junction with the Amazon, opens rapidly into a river of such proportions as might be considered a bay rather than a river, some 4 miles wide and 12 long. On this bay is situated the town of Manoas by far the largest on the Amazon, and indeed the largest city in Central South America. It is very picturesquely placed, on a series of low hills skirting the bay. The houses, mostly of one story, are neatly constructed, plastered, with the sides either painted or covered with painted tiles. It is as regularly laid out as the nature of the ground will admit, and the principal streets well paved and lighted. Manoas contains probably 6,000 people, and is the capital of the province of Amazonas, which has a population of about 100,000, of all classes. It is the residence of the president of the province, and is the port through which passes all the trade of the rivers, Purus, Negro, and Solimoens, and its tributaries, as the Amazon is termed above its junction with the Negro. The Brazilians keep a small naval flotilla here, consisting of a side-wheel gunboat, and three large steam launches, mounting a howitzer, the whole commanded by an officer of the rank of captaine de fregate. It is the principal terminus for the steamers of the Amazonas Navigation Company, and from whence they depart for all the numerous tributaries of the Amazon. Manoas from its situation should become a town of importance. But started with capital from Para, the latter has retained in it its grasp, and until the merchants of Manoas can succeed in freeing themselves from its rival, it will continue to be as it is now, only a feeder for the older and more opulent city. The cathedral occupying a commanding situation in the center of the town, is a fine edifice, as it indeed ought to be, if the time and money spent on it are criterions, as it is said to have been fifteen years building, and to have cost a half million dollars. There is a pleasing absence of the tinsel and tawdry coverings for the numerous saints common to Catholic churches in foreign countries, and the altar and frieze of the choir is a very handsome structure of cut stone brought from Portugal. Amazon River, July 31, 1878. - Got underway from Manoas at 8.30 a.m. The river off Manoas is very deep; 500 yards from the shore is found 45 fathoms, and this ship anchored abreast the cathedral, 300 yards from the shore, in 23 fathoms. We passed the junction of the Negro and Amazon at 9.30 a.m. The water of the former is found in the north shore for 4 miles below its mouth, before it is entirely mingled with the Amazon. At about 8 miles below the junction of the Negro and Amazon, abreast the west point of the island of Morodo, and extending in a line across the river to the north shore, is a reef of rocks, whose exact position is unknown, and makes this the most dangerous point in the navigation of the Amazon from its mouth, when the river is low, during October and November. The channel runs about 400 yards from the south bank, and had at this time 7 fathoms. Allowing a fall of 3 fathoms more would give 4 fathoms at extreme low water. Passing slowly down the river, steaming 4 knots with a 3 knot current, at 2 p.m. came to in 8 fathoms at the upper end of island Eva. High land along the north shore the whole distance from the Rio Negro to anchorage. South shore low. Light easterly breezes during the day which died out at sunset; calm during the night, some mosquitoes. August 1. - Underway at 7 a.m. Attempted to work with one pair of boilers, but found it did not give sufficient steam reserve, and, therefore, started two more. Current fully 3 miles per hour; speed, 4 knots. At 1 p.m., off west end of Trinidad Island. Took on board 2,000 sticks of wood from a house on left bank, just below Trinidad. Then proceeded back to old anchorage off the mouth of the Madeira. Some bluffs 70 feet high on north bank; south bank low. The alluvial bank of the Amazon now about 10 feet out of water. Light breeze from eastward set in at 7 a.m., and died out to perfect calm at sunset. Night very close and hot; swarms of mosquitoes. Hoisted out steam-launch and prepared her for service in connection with our survey. August 2. - At 7 a.m., got under way from Madeira taking our coal-lighter alongside, and bid it a final farewell. Both banks of the Amazon from the mouth of the Madeira to below Santarem are lined with cocoa plantations, which are generally planted on a narrow strip back from the river, not three hundred feet wide. At all the plantations that I visited the trees seemed very old, and, from what I could learn, the date back as far as the Portuguese. The crop is an uncertain one, and I should judge not very profitable. A cocoal or cocoa plantation is an exceedingly pretty sight; the trees interlock their branches, and with their large leaves make a shade impenetrable to any ray of the sun. The ground is level, covered with a carpeting of dead leaves, and the large golden-colored fruit hanging by themselves from branch and trunk show through the green with a most beautiful effect. There are two harvests - one in January and February, the other, and largest, in June and July. The fruit somewhat resembles a large over-ripe cucumber; when gathered the shell or pod is broken open and the seeds spread on raised platforms to dry. They have to be frequently turned, and in about a week are ready for the market. The seed is planted in garden-beds in August. When the plants come up they must be carefully protected by arbors of palms from the sun, as well as preserved against insects. In January the plants are transplanted to their permanent place, where they are set out in squares of 4 feet apart. Indian corn or plantains are planted between the rows to give them protection against the sun while young, which are grubbed up as soon as they commence to press against the trees. The launch in charge of Lieutenant Nichols, with Ensign Hunt, left at the same time as the ship, for a survey of the rocks on the south side of Trinidad Island, and survey of the south shore, while this ship ran the north bank and channel. Arrived off Serpa at noon. Found 45 fathoms in middle of river off the town. The river was so deep on the south shore and rocks lining the Serpa side that I tied the ship up to the south bank, with 8 fathoms close to. Serpa is a town of some consequence, as the custom-house for provincial exports from the Madeira is located here for the collection of dues from produce that does not pass through the port of Manoas. It has a population of about 700 people, and the district of Serpa will number near 2,000 persons. There is but a small export trade of rubber, cocoa, and dried fish. Mr. Stone, an American, resides here, owning a cattle ranch a short distance below the town. He is an intelligent man, and much information on the affairs of the country may be obtained from him. Currents, 3 knots per hour. The volume of the Amazon at this point, as calculated from our cross-section allowing a current of 2/2 miles per hour, amounted to 3,858,000 cubic feet per second. August 3. - Passed down to the south of the long island of Serpa. The steam-launch in the parana of the north bank. Beautiful weather; light, pleasant breeze from eastward. Current, 3 knots, which may be regarded as the general average rate of the Amazon. came to at 2 p.m., off the Furo Resaca, on the south bank, in 12 fathoms. The Furo Resaca is a long igarapé which connects with the Furo Cannman, affording navigation with the Madeira or as far as the Tapajoz at Santarem. The steam-launch ran a cross-section and found the width of the river at this point 3 nautical miles. Sunday, August 4. - Remained at anchor. August 5. - Sent the large iron lighter in tow of the steam-launch to the shore for wood. Took on board 1,700 sticks. Passed down the river as far as the island of Friexal, at the head of which we came to in 10 fathoms. Found the current to-day about 21/4 knots. The banks from the Furo Resaca to the island Friexal are low on both sides, and but very sparsely inhabited. On the north bank, opposite the anchorage, there are high hills which bound an igarapé, which comes into the Amazon again at the eastern end of the island of Serpa. The volume of the Amazon, measured at this point gave 4,094,396 cubic feet per second. August 6. - Made 30 miles by river and anchored at 1 p.m., at the mouth of the Parana Pacoral, which is used by all steamers, up and down, in preference to the main river, which is much longer. Came to with stream-anchor, and on account of defective link, and also partly because anchor was let go before ship was headed upstream, the chain parted at 60 fathoms. Let go port-bower anchor. The buoy attached to stream-anchor refused to watch, and though we spent one day in dragging for the anchor, did not succeed in picking it up. The nights are much more sultry as we pass down, and mosquitoes are very numerous and troublesome. August 7. - Got under way at noon, and passed down the right bank in main stream. The river along the islands of Pacoral and Onces is very wide, and a broad plain makes out from these islands. Arrived off Villa Bella at 5.30 p.m., and anchored in mid river in 12 fathoms of water. The Brazilian chart gives too much water in cross-section opposite the town. The pilot reported rocks off the town of Villa Bella. Sent steam-launch in to sound, but could not find less than 10 fathoms close to bank. The volume of the Amazon, as calculated from our cross-section, gave, at this point, 3,899,149 cubit feet per second. August 8. - Visited Villa Bella for a short while this morning. It is located on a bluff about 60 feet above the river. Marks on banks indicate a fall of about 5 feet thus far in the Amazon. The town presents rather an imposing appearance from the river, with its long row of one-story white houses. But on going ashore one finds the whole village consisting of the single front street, the suburbs being confined to half a dozen mud huts. The town owes its chief importance to being the point of export and import for the Ramos or Carmunan, which extends for 150 mils, and connects with the river Madeira, 60 mils from its mouth. On this inland river is situated the town of Manheés settlement of the Mandirwea Indians, noted principally for its manufacture of the much-sought-for guarana. The land bordering on the Ramos is spoken of as being of more than ordinary fertility. Considerable quantities of cocoa are also exported from Villa Bella; as also dried pirarum and a little rubber. The population of the town is about 400, and of the district 5,000. Came to at 1 p.m. at the head of the islands Caldeiros. The river forms two channels at the head of these islands, and while there is good anchorage, it must be approached with caution from the south shore, as there is but 3 fathoms quite a distance from the island, which would only give a few feet in low water. A short distance above the Caldeiros Islands are the Sierras Pauntin, the boundary line between the provinces of Para and Amazonas. They are remarkable for rising directly up and a very steep slope from the river bank, to a height of 500 feet. It is the only instance of high hills jutting abruptly into the river from its mouth to Manoas. These sierras are heavily wooded from their base to summit. Fresh breezes from the E.N.E. Till 2 p.m., then a perfect calm. Night very hot and sultry. August 9. - Got under way at 7 a.m. Sent launch down the north side of the Caldeiros. Fresh breezes from N.E. From 7 a.m., and considerable sea on the river. Spoke a steamer at noon bound up the Purus, which reported that the delayed steamer Rio de Janeiro had arrived six days behind time at Para, which will assure our getting a mail upon reaching there. Sent the steam-launch around inside the island Macaraassu; found quite a large village known as Juruty. Anchored off Santa Ana at 1.30 p.m. Though there is good anchorage, care must be taken in approaching from across the river, as there is nearly a dry bar with only 6 feet not more than 300 yards inside of 12 fathoms. Pulled up little river of same name for some distance, and found it wide enough for the gig to pass easily. Cocoals of cocoa lined the banks, and I was informed it took a canoe a day to reach the head of the creek, upon which were many houses. Cattle may be obtained here from the padrone. During our stay at Santa Ana, on our passage up, the little settlement was engaged in a "festal" in honor of the christening of the few babies that had been born during the year. Had a great many mosquitoes, but a light breeze from the eastward tempered the air, and made it less close than previous evening. August 10. - The steam-launch left at 6.15 a.m., to pass around the north of the island Bon-Jardin, while we got under way later, and passed down on the south side, which is the one principally used. The river from Bon Jardin to Obidos runs nearly straight, in an easterly direction. Arrived off Obidos at 2 p.m. The water is very deep close aboard the town, there being 45 fathoms 100 yards from the shore, and a strong eddy or counter-current at this distance off. Came in slowly to within 100 feet of the beach, and anchored abreast of, and at the foot of, the bluff, upon which the fort is located, and a little west of the water-battery, in 13 fathoms. Got a line out immediately from the port bow to the shore, and also one from the port quarter. Ship laid very quietly, stern to the westward, head downstream, with the sternpost just touching in soft, muddy bottom. Obidos is a scattering town of about 500 inhabitants, skirting the river and extending back half a mile. The bluffs upon which it is located measured by my aneroid gave 80 feet for the lower, then rising to 160 feet, upon which is a small chapel dedicated to Our Savior, from the portico of which there is a fine view up and down the river. Obidos, from the many unoccupied and ruined houses, would not appear to be in a flourishing condition. It seems to be affected with the same apathy as one sees in all interior towns of South America: only enough labor is undertaken as will furnish the bare necessities of life. It is the last town on the Amazon within the limits of the province of Grao Para. It is the only fortified position on the river, there being a battery of eight 32-pounder guns on the bluff which, however, could be passed without difficulty at night. This is the extreme point, 537 miles from the sea, at which the tide makes itself felt, there being a fluctuation of a couple of inches. The district, which extends back indefinitely and up and down on both sides of the Amazon, contains about 15,000 inhabitants. There is considerable trade in cattle, the rolling country affording good pasturage, and all the Upper Amazon received its supplies of beef from this place. The banks of the Amazon are in this vicinity generally taken up with cocoals, and Obidos, in good years, will ship 30,000 arobas of cocoa, also some 500,000 pounds of castawhas or Brazil nuts, and some oil of copaiba. The river at this point is but 2,200 yards wide, and has in the middle 55 fathoms, the greatest depth we have yet found in the Amazon. August 11. - Passed a quiet Sunday at anchor: a good many persons visited the ship in the afternoon. August 12. - Got under way at 7 a.m., and stood down south bank; launch going to the north of islands. Anchored at 2 p.m. off a place called Lago Grande, the proprietor of which was engaged in the manufacture of tiles. August 13. - Under way at 8 a.m., and met the launch around by the island Marinarituba. At the end of this island the Amazon makes a sharp turn to the south, and at the angle of the bend comes in the long parana. Abreast of the island Paranatoba there is a large praia, which our pilot, not knowing the channel, attempted to cross; soundings continued to decrease to 3 fathoms, when we anchored; sent out a boat to sound, and found that the channel, with 61/2 fathoms, ran down along the south bank. Got under way at 1 p.m., and stood over to the south side. Arrived off the mouth of the Tapajoz at 4 p.m. The water of this river is clear, and the sandy bottom imparts a greenish tinge to it. Here was presented the same phenomenon as at the mouth of the Negro - the water of the Amazon not mingling with the Tapajoz, a sharp dividing line between the two rivers extends across the mouth of the latter. One mile from the mouth is the town of Santarem, the largest place on the river bank. It is beautifully situated on rising ground, in front of which is a beach fo white sand, and the junction of the two rivers gives a large river front which adds much to the situation. The country back of Santarem is hilly, as are also the banks of the Tapajoz, with numerous cattle ranches on the latter. The merit of the discovery of this place and of the friendly relations that existed between the Portuguese and the Indians is due to Capt. Pedro Texeira, who, in 1626, under superior orders, went up the Amazon in search of Indian slaves, and brought none from Santarem. Forty years afterwards the Jesuits, at the instigation of the local government, founded a mission here. In 1694 a fort was built on a small hillside to the east of what was then the village and called the "Fortress of Tapajoz." It was intended to prevent any outsider from entering the Tapajoz, and to guard against any proposed ascent of the Amazon. Under the protection of the fort many houses were erected, which formed the nucleus of the future city. In 1754 the missionary parish and neighboring village were consolidated, and the title of town given to it by the Government of Para. In 1833 the name of Santarem was changed to Tapajoz, but in 1848 a provincial law restored its former name, and it was made a city. Population of Santarem is about 3,000, and the district 5,000; this was a place of considerable importance with the Portuguese, and, judging from appearances, the ratio of improvement has not been rapid. Borracho from the Tapajoz, some guarana, cocoa, castanha nuts are the principal export. Santarem is interesting to Americans as the place where a number of American colonists from the Southern States settled immediately after the war. Most of these became discontented and returned home in the Quinnebang; but some ten or twelve families remained engaged in the cultivation of the sugar-cane, and I am glad to say they speak encouragingly of their prospects, and are making slow but sure progress ahead. The dry season commences here in July and lasts till November. August 14. - Through ignorance on the part of the pilot, though anchored in 7 fathoms when the ship swung to the ebb, it grounded aft in 21/2 fathoms, the stern tending in shore. The better anchorage is off the south end of Santarem, where the water is not so bold. Off the north end the water is deeper, and a ship must anchor in from 12 to 14 fathoms toi keep off the bank when swinging inshore. The action of the tide upon the Amazon produced a regular ebb and flow in the Tapajoz while we were at anchor. This is the more singular as the series of current measurements every hour for twenty-four hours failed to show any difference in its velocity owing to the influence of the ocean tide which is just felt on the Amazon 600 miles from its mouth. I account for this curious incident of an ebb and flow off Santarem by the fact that the Tapajoz, at this season flowing from the south, and through a drier region, is lower than the main river; while the Amazon at its normal state, uninfluenced by tid,e would be higher and would back up the Tapajoz till the difference of level of the latter became equalized to the greater height of the Amazon. This would of itself cause slackwater for a time at the mouth of the Tapajoz. Therefore, when the level of the Amazon is raised still more by the pressure of the inflowing tide, it causes at certain times a backing up of the Tapajoz and results in a slight rising of the same as a flood-tide. Nothing of this ebb or flow is met on the Amazon at this point. August 16. - Remained at Santarem till to-day, to bring up our survey, which was behind. Took on board a little orphan American girl, Alice Stroope, for passage to the United States. Under way at 10 a.m., and at 3 p.m. anchored off the north shore abreast head of island Barieros. The most dangerous shoal that I have met on the Amazon makes out from the north shore for 500 yards abreast this island, and navigators should give it a wide berth at night. during the day it is marked by a smooth line on the river surface. Upon anchoring, though we approached it as an acute angle, the sounding jumped from 9 fathoms to 1 in a single cast of the lead, and the ship struck forward heavily, but the bank was so steep that, with the helm hard astarboard and the current, she swung off at once without stopping. August 17. - Under way at 7 a.m. Launch surveying north shore. At 1 p.m. anchored abreast the Parana Monte Alegre, off and a little below the head of the island Friexal. There is excellent anchorage here in 7 fathoms. Visited during the afternoon in the steam-launch the town of Monte Alegre. This is on a beautiful parana of the Amazon, 5 miles from its mouth. An igarapé connects this parana with the Lago Monte Alegre. It was founded by missionaries of the "Fathers of Piety" early in the seventeenth century on the bank of the river. Afterwards it was moved to the top of the hill, when the Indian village of Gurupatuba became the city. There is first the fort, consisting of 200 people, close to the shore. The mountain road is then ascended to the town. Halfway up is a spring of delicious water running out of the sandstone. The top of the hill is a table-land, containing probably six or seven hundred acres. There is a large plaza, upon which is quite an imposing church for the neighborhood. The houses are arranged round the plaza, and a little off on the slope. The view of the amazon and surrounding campas, the freshness of the air, the wide grass-grown plaza, all combined to make it the pleasantest scene we have encountered in our Amazon experience. Large numbers of cattle and horses graze on the campas, which, with dried fish, make the principal exports. Here can be purchased the rudely decorated calabashes, known as cujas. The prettiest cujas are found at Monte Alegre and Brerer. A cuja is a drinking cup made from a dried gourd. The rich black ground color is produced by a dye made from the bark of a tree called comaten, the gummy nature of which imparts a fine polish. The yellow tints are obtained from tabatinga clay. The red is made with the seeds of the urnea or anatle plant, and the blue from the indigo which is planted around the huts. August 19. - Passed Sunday at anchor off Monte Alegre. Had a severe squall wind, with little rain, at 2 a.m. Got under way at 7 a.m. buoy fould of the propeller, but fortunately chaffed off. standing down the river steam-launch on south shore. Arrived off Prainha at noon. Pilot said there was good anchorage. Stood in carefully, carrying deep water, within 300 yards of the town, when suddenly shoaled form 15 to 5 fathoms, and immediately to one and one-half; grounded forward, but backed off without difficulty. stood over to island uruara in the middle of river. Water very deep close to latter, and anchored alongside of grass in 7 fathoms. Found a fall of tide of at least two and one-half, but current remained of about the same force. Prainha is a small village of about 300 inhabitants, and perhaps 2,500 in the district. It export some cattle, 200 head a year, and a small amount of cocoas and castauhas. August 20. - the channel here lies down the north side till the island Acaraassu is reached, when the south bank is followed to the junction of the Gurupa branch. There is a dangerous shoal off foot Itanda Island to look out for coming up stream at night. Anchored at 3 p.m. at the head of Jurupary Island in 8 fathoms, good anchorage. Very strong northeast breeze; ship riding over the anchor. Could not find firm ground at head of island, and observation party had to cross to north bank, and did not return until 2 a.m. From Prainha to the sea, the rise and fall of the tide rapidly increases from about 3 feet to the maximum. When the tide is out it leaves the banks surrounded by soft mud, making them difficult of access. August 21. - Under way at 7 a.m. The height of Sierra de Intahy in sight all day yesterday and to-day, forming a pleasant change to the usual background of green: and the sun setting behind them has given very beautiful sunsets. The usual channel extends down the south bank. Ran a cross-section over to the Resqueiro Islands, found 8 fathoms and more across to the islands: found a channel of 8 fathoms in the middle between the two lower Resqueiro Islands by which a ship can pass from south bank to the middle or north bank of the river. Pilot said these were connected by a praia and no passage through. At 1 p.m. came to on south bank, but having 24 fathoms close to it, ran in and tied up to the trees in 5 fathoms, nearly opposite to village of Almerim. Visited the latter in the afternoon, It consists now of but half a dozen house, but form the ruins it might have been in the time of the Portuguese a place of more consequence. There are the remains of an old fort at the bluff, which an intelligent black man said was built by the Dutch. As the latter nation were driven out of Brazil in 1654, it would make the old ruin over two centuries old. August 22. - Under way at 7 a.m., standing down on south bank, and anchored at 1 p.m. at junction of main Amazon and the Garupa Branch. Sent ashore and measured a base line of 1,100 feet for the purpose of establishing neighboring points. High water at 3 p.m.: rise about 5 feet, ship swinging, however, all the while to the ebb. This night, the first one for three, without a heavy wind squall. Light winds during day and night. August 23. - Established surrounding points form base line, and point on opposite bank. Took all the coal remaining in lighter alongside except three tons for launch. Under way at noon, passing down Gurupa branch of Amazon. Passed mouth of Xiugu at 1 p.m. At 4 p.m. came to off and just above the town of Gurupa. Found the Brazilian charts at the junction of the Gurupa and main river very much out. By chart, the village of Gurupa is distant 30 miles form this point, while our run made it but 18. The Brazilian maps indicate rocks off the town. Surveyed it carefully, the river front, and found the navigation perfectly safe within 300 feet of the shore. The Garupa branch is deep and about 11/2 miles broad. The Amazon bifurcates at Point Jarinta, the head of Gurupa Island. This point consists of about 4 feet of alluvium, overlying hard, blue clay, which presents an impassable barrier to the further advance of the Amazon, though it receives and divides the mighty forces of that river. The Gurupa branch divides again opposite the town of Gurupa, in the Gurupa branch proper, and another known as the Vieira or Shell. Set out tide-gauge and found high water August 25 to be at 4 p.m. August 26. - Anchored Sunday; under way at 6 a.m. Found the extreme rise and fall of tide to be 5 feet. It is within two days of spring tides, so that probably the tide ranges between 4 and 5 feet except during the rainy season. We were anchored on the slack-water side, and the maximum current during the ebb was 2 knots; at the time of high water this was reduced to 1 knot. The town of Gurupa, though picturesquely situated on a rocky bluff 40 feet high, overlooking the river, presents such a dilapidated appearance that it gives the impression that at one time it was much more flourishing than at present. Gurupa was formerly a village called Mariocay, inhabited by savages. The Duty took this place about 1620, fortified it, and, having made a treaty with the Indians, remained until the Portuguese, having received information of the fact, arrived with a force sufficient to drive them out. IN 1623, fearing new assaults, the colonial government fortified Mariocay with a fort, the ruins of which can still be seen to the eastward at the foot of the district. The Carmelites established a mission here in 1674. The San Francisco friars also settled here in 1695, and remained until 1774, when all the friars of this order were sent to Portugal. In fact the advent of steamers has been a blow to the larger villages, as these now touch at all the points where there is any cargo, no matter how little, to give or receive, the result of which is the establishment of a great many petty trading posts, which supply the immediate country and absorb the traffic that used to concentrate in canoes at the town. The latter, therefore, now only maintain their existence by being the voting centers of the districts, at which will assemble all the male inhabitants of the parish once or twice a year, and celebrated as a gala day. Agriculture is almost extinct. A small portion of the inhabitants still attempt to raise mandioca, but nearly all this article is imported; no better proof of the laziness of the villagers, for mandioca will brow by itself if the weeds are kept away. The cocoa plantations planted thirty years ago may be said to be abandoned, as only an insignificant part of the fruit is harvested for exportation, together with small quantities of sarsaparilla, Brazil nuts, and rubber, which is the most important of its scanty exports. The sugar-cane is only cultivated by two of the principal residents, and there are but two cane-boiling establishments and two rum distilleries, the productions of all of which are consumed in the district. While there are more than 10,000 head of cattle in the district, but little attention is paid to breeding. A few are produced in the interior, but the business is not properly conducted, owing in a great degree to the want of proper clearing near the river above the annual overflow. This description of Gurupa, once a flourishing village, is unfortunately but too common a type of civilization in the Amazon Valley, where nature in its bounty has supplied such abundant stores of fish, plantains, and the actual necessaries of life, as to result in a dolce far viente lassitude, which envelops the whole country. Spoke at 7 a.m. steamer Canumen, but was disappointed in not getting any American papers. At 10.30 went alongside of wood-yard, and took on board about 2,500 sticks of wood. Standing down the Vieira (Shell) branch of the Amazon till 2 p.m., when we came to the mouth of the Furo Itaguara, where steamers turn off for Para. The Furo is separated form the Amazon by Vieira Point: off the latter, for 300 yards from it, the water shoals to 31/2 and 4 fathoms; outside this 5 fathoms is found to the opposite shore. Just below Vieira Point is the small island Cobocta. There is good anchorage here, as 6 fathoms will be found from bank to bank. The channel runs on either side of the island. Anchored at 2 p.m. Observation party ashore at Vieira Point. Fine night. August 27. - Under way at 6.30 a.m. Passing during the day through Furos, Itaguara, Lemão, Tayapura. Anchored at 2 p.m. off the north of Furo Parachachi, the narrow passage through which the ship came on the way up. These Furos will average 700 yards, with depth varying from 5 to 15 fathoms. The channel a little toward the concave side. The passage through these narrow channels is the most picturesque on the voyage from Para to Manaos. Vegetation and water meet, the roots constantly wet from the river, and stimulated by the hot sun, exhibit the rankest profusion of tropical growth. Apparently where a vine can find room to cling, it hangs in a graceful luxuriance, broken here and there by the pretty Javary palms. At the close of the dry season the effect is particularly beautiful by the change in color of many of the trees. Looking ahead, one sees luxuriously blended all the shades of green, red, and brown. Ship swung one hour to flood, showing this point to be the highest at which the tide overcomes the current. August 29. - Sounded yesterday off the mouth of Parachachi, and found the channel very narrow, with but 31/2 fathoms, which would give 41/2 fathoms high water. The shoal water is not, however, more than 300 feet wide, with six fathoms on sea-side. Steamers are obliged to ascend the Parachachi Furo and descend the Aturia to the Breres River under the penalty of a heavy fine if disobeyed. Under way at 6.30 a.m., passing down the Tayapura Furo some 6 miles till the mouth of the Aturia Strait was reached. Had 4 fathoms at mouth, then deep water through. It is about 8 miles long and much wider than the Parachachi, as we had no trouble in passing with lighter and steam-launch secured abreast. The Aturia comes into the Breres River some 3 miles below the point where the Parachachi is entered. Passed Breres at 11 a.m. A long praia makes out from south point of the mouth of Breres River well along to the end of Dia Island; care must be taken not to approach within less than five fathoms. Anchored at 3 p.m. off Guajara lights. Squally and cloudy during the first part of night, but the weather cleared sufficiently during middle watch to obtain observations. August 30. - Under way at 5.30 a.m. High water yesterday evening at 7 p.m., several hours later than at Para. At 9.30, passed the town of Curralinho, which seems to be a larger place than Breres. At 4 p.m., found a wooding station abreast island Xipotuba; stood over to it across the channel and found 6 fathoms to the shore; pilot knew nothing of the state of the channel beyond the beaten track. Took aboard 1,500 sticks and left at 5.30. Passed by the island Januaraca, and anchored after dark, at 6.30 p.m., off the lights Goiabal. There is a very long shoal sand spit makes off the island Janaraca, upon which there is not more than 2 fathoms; also a shoal off Goiabal light. Going up or down without a good pilot, it is well to keep over to north shore, keeping lead going. Going down, do this till 5 fathoms are struck on the Goiabal spit, when stand off at once to southward and westward. Fresh squall of wind at 8 p.m., and heavy rain at 4 a.m. August 30. - Carried out 5 fathoms from anchorage. Under way at 5.30 a.m., and anchored at 11 a.m., Cotejuba light Bearing northwest, distant one mile. Burned wood alone under six boilers and made 45 revolutions - 7.2 knots. August 31. - Dispatched the steam-launch in charge of Lieutenant Nichols, to make a survey of the shoals of Gozabal light, which position we left yesterday. Under way for Para at 11 a.m., half-tide. The pilot got out of the channel and ran the ship aground, but with a rising tide backed off. A good guide for this channel is to head for the light on Cotejuba till the cathedral of Para is opened out, then steer so as to shut in the opening between the two islands, and keep this closed till you head over for the point on the right hand going up. From this point the chart is a good guide, but vessels of the draught of the Enterprise, 18 feet, should not attempt to go up until half-tide. The difference between high water at Breres, nearly the highest point within the influence of flood tide, and Para is about three hours. If steamers would leave the latter on the last of the ebb, they will be able to carry the flood with them nearly the whole way to the former point. This is important to remember, for the ebb runs very strong. The Enterprise arrived off Para in the afternoon after an absence of three months, having during this period completed a running survey of 1,500 miles. Santa Maria de Belem, or Para, situated on Para river, 100 miles from the Atlantic, is the seat of the provincial and Roman Catholic diocesan governments, and the place where the provincial assembly meets. It is the port of all the commerce of the province, and, as the receiver and distributor of the products of the Amazon, has before it a splendid future. It contains many public edifices, banking establishments, various mercantile companies, an excellent naval dock-yard, a college for grown students, and, in addition, several schools, attended by 403 male and 401 female students. In the municipality outside of the city there are twenty-one primary schools, attended by 1,418 scholars. The health of the city, except in times of epidemic, is generally satisfactory. Any climatic disease can be traced to a want of cleanliness. The streets are only cleaned by rains, and when these fail on a number of consecutive days there are places which become unbearable. Para is destined to become, if not already, one of the finest cities in the northern part of the empire, and if the municipal rents, which are estimated to amount to $100,000 yearly, are properly expended on works of utility and adornment, it will become one of the first cities of Brazil. Having fully carried out your instructions, we sailed from Para September 4 for New York, where arrived on the 25th of the same month. Madeira River. This, the greatest tributary of the Amazon, rises in the Andes, in the vicinity of Cochabamba, latitude 18° south, longitude 66° west, and, flowing generally northeast for nearly 2,000 miles, empties into the Amazon in latitude 3°22'30" south, and longitude 58°45' west. Though generally known to geographers as the Madeira throughout its whole length, it is really divided into different divisions, and known locally under as many different names. We have first the Lower Madeira from its mouth to its first falls, those of San Antonio; then the falls of the Madeira, eighteen in number, embracing 229 miles of river; the Upper Madeira to the junction of the Marmoré and Guapore rivers, an distance of 96 miles. From this point it is only known as the Marmoré River to its source. Thirty-nine miles below the upper fall, known as the Guajara Merim, opposite the fall known as the Cachoeira Madeira (on account of the large quantity of wood found here, brought down the river Beni), the Madeira receives the river Beni. A cross-section of the Beni, taken by Keller, at its mouth gave a width of 1,000 meters and an average depth of 15 meters. As it discharges at is ordinary stage of volume of 4,344 cubic meters per second, something more than the Marmoré and Guaporé at their junction, it might in justice be considered as the main river, and the two last tributaries, and the name Madeira applied to the river only below the mouth of the Beni. The exact boundaries of Bolivia and Brazil are matter of dispute; but, according to the treaty regulations of 1870, the mouth of the Beni was designated as the point where the frontier running due west between the rivers Javary and Madeira touches the shore of the latter; consequently the left shore of the Madeira or Marmoré is Bolivian territory upwards from the mouth of the Beni, while the right belongs to the Brazilian province of Matto-Grosso. A cursory glance at the map of Bolivia shows that the Madeira and its tributaries drain two-thirds of its arable territories. Confined to the miserable little port of Cobija, on the Pacific, as its only outlet to the ocean, and separated even from this by a trackless desert and the Sierras of the Andes, it is a matter of wonder that Bolivia has not made greater exertions to improve its natural outlet by the way of the Madeira. It is not in the province of this report to discuss the subject of the Bolivian water-ways, beyond showing their connection with that part of the river Madeira which it has been my duty to survey and investigate. It is sufficient to remark that the Marmoré is navigable to Vichuua, 150 miles from Cochabamba, on the river Chaparé, a branch of the Marmoré, which flows through what may be called the garden of Bolivia, as far as nature has blessed it with a most fruitful soil and equable climate. But the whole of this inland navigation is, and will be, confined to a few canoe-loads of cinchona or quinia until the means of passing the falls of the Madeira are obtained, which at present present an impassable barrier to the transportation of any but the more valuable of Bolivian products, from the danger and expense attending their passage. On the 27th of August, 1868, the concession of a canal or railroad around the falls of the Madeira and the right of navigation of the Marmoré and other tributaries were given to the National Bolivian Navigation Company, organized by George E. Church, esq., of New York City. A 6 per cent. loan of £1,700,000, authorized by act of the Bolivian Congress August 28, 19871, was placed in London in aid of the above enterprise. Notwithstanding the necessity of this enterprise for Bolivia, but little has been done towards its fulfillment, and this little gives but small encouragement for the future. Unreliable contractors, the difficulty of procuring laborers, the necessity of bringing supplies the whole way from Para, 1,500 miles distant, have all conspired to make the attempts of the originators of this work result in entire failure. Mr. Church, however, with characteristic American energy, is still struggling for the success of his pet project with a perseverance that should be crowned with success, and in my opinion will be if he can extricate the undertaking from the slow litigation of British courts, in which the discontented and disappointed bondholders of the Bolivian loan have thrown it. The engineers of the present contractors, Messrs. Collins bros., of Philadelphia, have succeeded in demonstrating the practicability of a line which, after the first 10 miles, presents no difficulties for the next 60 miles: and there is every reason to believe that having reached the elevated plateau through which the Madeira has cut its way by a series of cataracts, they will be able for the remaining 120 miles to find a desirable profile. As I remarked, at present nothing but the valuable and costly Peruvian bark will bear transportation over the falls, and the natural treasures of the Bolivian plains must remain unsought for until these natural barriers have been overcome. Let America, then, in every way possible, assist the energetic Church in his noble enterprise, for she, of all nations, should reap the greatest benefits from the success of his undertaking. It is, then, in the navigation of the Lower Madeira from the Falls of San Antonio to its mouth, in view of the probable construction of the Madeira and Marmoré Railroad, that the United States has the most interest, and to this particular portion of the river I have, under your instructions, confined my survey and investigations. Characteristics of the Lower Madeira. By the Lower Madeira will be understood that part of the Madeira between its mouth and the Falls of San Antonio. In the character of its banks and its numerous islands it resembles the Mississippi River. In one feature, however, like the Amazon, it is very different. That is, in the number of small lakes that are found on both banks throughout its course, with outlets on the river itself. These lakes embrace a vast network of internal water communication which enables the rubber-hunts to reach with canoes a large area of country that would otherwise be almost unavailable, as they would be compelled to travel long distances by land to reach the numerous rubber trees which are the great source of wealth of the inhabitants. They abound in large quantities of fish, turtle, and wild fowl, and when the river is high are the homes of numerous alligators. Nearly all these lakes, where the wild Indians have ceased to frequent them, have the little huts of the "seringuieros" on their borders, which thus accounts for the much larger population than is apparent to those who only see the inhabitants on the river bank. The Lower Madeira, through its whole course, may be said to flow through an alluvium. The only out-cropping I noticed in the first 50 miles was very small, apparently trap, at the foot of a low hill on the left bank at the foot of the island Orucurutuba. Above there is met at rare intervals, at low water, a ferruginous conglomerate underlying a bed of clay. Of such a character is a portion of the left bank abreast of the Uroa rapids. This conglomerate is one of grit stone, little pieces of dolomite cemented with oxide of iron. Its beds are generally horizontal and from four to five yards thick. This ferruginous conglomerate having more resistance than the underlying argillaceous grit stone, the latter crumbles by the action of the water, allowing the conglomerate to topple over into the bed of the river, forming bowlders which, under the general name of "pedras," are the terror of the Madeira steamboatmen. The occasional irregular resistance of the banks causes the course of the river to become serpentine. Banks of sand are formed on the convex side, and the concave side is gnawed away by the constant action of the water, causing the river to assume an irregular course; then the mighty force of increasing floods will force itself through the isthmus, straightening itself again and cutting off a portion of its bed, which accounts for the numerous lakes spoken of as peculiar to the adjoining territory of the Amazon and Madeira. This untiring work of the river floods, cutting away and forming new banks, is expressed by the inhabitants of the Amazon Valley under the terms "igapo," "varjem," and "terra firma." The igapo is the newest alluvium of the convex margin, whose elevation is not above high water mark, and is therefore annually overflowed. Its vegetation is well marked, producing woods of a soft and generally useless nature, excepting the Seringa (Siphonia elastica). The varjem includes the country whose elevation is between ordinary and extreme high water, not subject to periodical overflows. Here are found the numerous varieties of the palm family, the mulatto wood, seringa, cacao, and others. It is also suitable for the cultivation of the sugar-cane. The third, the terra firma, are the remains of ancient watercourses through which the rivers have formed their channels, and in the Madeira appear in the form of bluffs, not over 100 feet high, and formed of red and yellow clay. It is only on terra firma are found the hard and close grained varieties of wood valuable in commerce. Therefore, from the Lower Madeira will never ben exported any large quantities of valuable woods, though they abound in the vicinity of the falls of the Madeira. In a word, then, the Lower Madeira flows its entire course through a flat country, with occasional bluffs, not over 100 feet high. Its banks are annually overflowed from February to the middle of April. The lowest stage of the river is in October. It commences to fall about May 1, and averages about 6 feet a month till July 1, when it goes down more rapidly at a rate of not less than 8 feet. The average rise and fall is about 40 feet, and the extreme difference between high and low water has ranged as high as 48 feet. Climate. The temperature is always high, but the nights are not uncomfortably hot. The highest reading of the thermometer was on July 23, at 2 p.m., 91°, and form 83° to 88° may be considered the daily temperature from 8 a.m. To 8 p.m. July and August are the hottest, as well as the dryest. But there are at times a cold wind from the southwest in the summer months, when there is a great and uncomfortable fall. We experienced two such day at anchor 200 miles from the mouth, when the thermometer fell as low at 70°, and did not rise above 77°. Observations of our wet-bulb show that the moisture decreases very much as the river is ascended. At San Antonio, whole the mercury frequently goes to the nineties, the heat is not as oppressive as in the Lower Amazon, where there is not evaporation enough in the air to cause the wet-bulb to fall below the outside temperature. The nights at San Antonio are very much cooler than near the mouth, there being a difference of ten degrees. The great difference of temperature between day and night at San Antonio makes rheumatism a frequent complaint. The experience of the Enterprise, and what I have gathered from other sources, lead me to believe that the valleys of the Amazon and Madeira may be considered healthy. Persons navigating these rivers would be no more subject to disease than if engaged in similar occupations on the Western rivers. The Enterprise has been three months on constant service on the Upper Amazon and Madeira, and we have not had more than a half dozen cases of intermittent fever, and these mild. San Antonio is notoriously unhealthy. No satisfactory reason has ever been given, and it is alleged that the water remaining in the hollows in the rocks after the water falls stagnates, and throws out pestilential vapors. probably so, but the real cause, in my opinion, is in the small creeks which run into the river above the town, and a large lake back of it. As the water dries up by evaporation, there being no outlet, vegetable decomposition takes place rapidly, and no doubt is the reason for the large amount of sickness, for I have never in my life seen a more unhappy and unhealthy body of men than the workmen on the railroad at San Antonio. Hardly a single one had escaped attacks of fever, and the pale and cadaverous looks of nearly all of them was truly pitiable. The rainy season may be said to commence in November and end in April. The largest rain-fall is in the months of January, February, March, and April. The rain-fall is, however, at no time excessive, and the largest amount in any one month, as gauged at San Antonio, was a total of 15,85 inches in the month of January. The following gauge of the rainfall at San Antonio, as measured by the English engineer at this place in the year 1873, will illustrate the seasons and may not be uninteresting: January 15.85 July 0.32 February 10.87 August 1.07 March 14.89 September 5.70 April 11.01 October 1.94 May 5.96 November 11.32 June 2.56 December 10.03 There is a wide difference between what is known as the rainy season in the Valley of the Amazon and the same on the Isthmus of Darien. There is not the soaking, drenching rains for days at a time of the latter, but rain interspersed with much pleasant weather. Insect life is found here in all its varieties, and the two pests of travelers in tropical South America, mosquitoes and piums, are found in full vigor on the Madeira. The piums, a small black fly of the size of a gnat, are in great numbers at the Falls of San Antonio, and, enveloping their victims in clouds, inflict very irritating and painful bites upon every part of the body uncovered. They commence at sunrise and continue till sunset, when they give way to the mosquitoes. To Americans fresh from home the latter are annoying in the extreme, and whether anchored in the middle of the stream or at the bank is no peace form them till their attacks are evaded under the shelter of a bar. Inhabitants. It is only within the past twenty-five years that the Madeira has been peopled to any extent by any other than the wild Indians. In 1749, the Portuguese sent a large expedition from Para, by the way of the Madeira, to the mines of Matto-Grosso, on the Guaporé River, a tributary of the Madeira above the falls. When Lieutenant Gibbon descended it in 1854, in his expedition across the Andes, he found a small settlement at Crato and the town of Borba, with a few scattering huts in the lower part. What gave a great impetus to its settlement was the unrivalled excellence of its rubber, and the yearly increasing demand for it throughout the world. So that now, from the best information I could gather, there are at present, including Portuguese, Brazilians, blacks, and domesticated Indians, about twelve thousand people scattered along its banks. This whole population may be said to be engaged in the production of rubber. It is doubtful whether there will be much increase in this number, unless the price of this gum should go so much higher as to stimulate the lazy Brazilians to increase its production. The country is now generally taken up from within fifteen miles of the banks with estradas leading to all the rubber tracts, and to increase the supply the natives must go more into the interior. Here comes in the fear of attacks from the Indians, and what is almost as bad to the indolent Brazilian, the necessity of carrying his rubber a long distance by land. A quarter of a century ago the Madeira was principally peopled by wild Indians. The chief of these were the Muras, the Mundurucus, the Papunhas, Parintintins, and Capunhas. It is not probable that any of these tribes were every very numerous, because, from the natural aversion to the Indians to labor, they would be obliged to subsist principally on game, which is not plentiful. Of the above, all but the Parintintins and the Capunas have become domesticated. At every hut owned by a Brazilian laborer there will be found one or more families of Indians, who, though seemingly independent, are bearers of water and hewers of wood. What remains of these Indians have been collected by the government in the two missions of San Pedro on the Madeira, and San Francisco on the Machado, a tributary of the Madeira. The term "Tapuyo" is applied to the domesticated Indians of the Lower Amazon, and as a class are industrious and intelligent. They form the crews of all steamers upon the Amazon, in preference to whites or blacks. The girls make excellent servants, skillful with the needle, and are sought after by the Brazilians of the better classes, who bring them up from mere childhood in their families. In appearance they are far superior to our North American Indians, readily adopting the civilized habits of the whites, cleanly in their persons, faithful in their attachments, and possessing among the females much real beauty, which can hardly be said of any squaw of our home tribes. The Parintintins are, on the contrary, remarkably savage and ferocious. They have steadily refused all intercourse with the whites or Brazilians, and murder indiscriminately either the latter or domesticated Indians whenever they meet them alone. They are crafty but cowardly, always attacking by stealth. They are said to be cannibals, but whether so or not, they cut off and carry away the head and right hand of their victims. They inhabit the high land about the Machado and Timbuqué rivers about one hundred miles below the falls, and so great is the fear of them that the entire right bank, though rich in rubber, for an hundred miles is without an inhabitant, and no Bolivian dares to pass down alone in his montaria, or camp on the east side of the river within this section. The following account of this tribe was given to me by a merchant of the Madeira, and interesting as coming from a near neighbor of this dread foe: The Parintintius Indians live on the banks of the rivers Madeira and Machado (or Matamues), on the right-hand side going up. These Indians are ferocious and untamable, and their constantly repeated attacks on the neighboring villages and the passing canoes, with their attendant assassinations, make them the terror of the nearest settlements. Their last barbarities were committed during the months of January and February of this year. In January six persons who unguardedly passed through the forest on the right bank of the Machado River were murdered. In February five Bolivian merchants who were fishing up the river from the mouth of the outlet of the small lake called the Tamburguy suffered the same fate. Generally, after making incisions of a span's depth in the bodies of their victims, they cut off their heads, and sometimes one or two arms, which are carried to the festivals which immediately follow their successful attacks. They always travel naked one or two of their number using feather ornaments, to induce the belief that they are the chiefs or commanders of their tribes. Their color is nearly white (Mameluca), and report says that their children are very handsome and well formed. The barbarous acts of these Indians during the years 1871 and 1872 alarmed the Bolivians, who wished to explore the country and export its rich natural products, and seeing the impossibility of taming the savages, they formed a company of what was considered sufficient force to penetrate the forests. The real object of the expedition was conquest. Five days of foot travel brought the party to an Indian town, where there was a feast over the head of a person recently murdered on the river. They killed some, wounded others, and, their ammunition being expended, allowed many to escape. A few young children of the head men were captured, and allotted to those who were willing to "lend themselves to a work so clearly defined in favor of humanity." Their efforts produced no good results, and the report of their examination to a government unwilling to use force to exterminate "these wild beasts" or to take active measures to suppress their violence, has been of no avail. This indifference of the government and the disastrous occurrences in this district have forced the inhabitants of St. Roque and Buena Ventura to abandon their habitations, rubber-producing estates, machineries, &c., with great prejudice, if not entire ruin, to their interests. In 1871 the government established a missionary station on the Machado River, which has been put in charge of an Italian priest, Theodoro Maria Portharara, during his life or pleasure. This priest, of astute character, even at the cost of great sacrifices and the risk of his life, has been unable to penetrate near the vicinity of the Parintintins, although in his last attempt he was accompanied by 300 men from the mission of San Francisco. It would be tiresome to read an account of the barbarities committed by these Indians in this party of the country. From the opposite bank of the river the victims of the savages receive no assistance in food, fuel, or supplies. After attacking and entering a town the savages set fire to the houses. Above the Parintintins, in the interior and at the mouth of the January, an affluent of the Madeira, there is another savage tribe called the Caugapyrangas, who, although untamable, are not as ferocious as the others. Further on we find the Carypunas tribe, more domesticated. The inhabitants of the Lower Madeira may be divided into two classes, the seringueros or negociantes, and the laborantes. The former, few in number, are either Portuguese or Brazilians, and through them the whole transaction of collecting the native products of the forests are carried on. They collect about them a great or less number of the poorer classes, Brazilians, negroes, mestizoes or Indians, according to their wealth and influence. They all keep small stores, at which are supplied all the wants of their dependents, in barter for whatever the poorer classes can procure that is valuable. They buy the rubber and the copaiba at not more than half its value, and give in exchange rum or "chachaça," farinha, cotton goods, and hardware, at a profit probably of an hundred per cent. The consequence is the poor laborante is always in debt to his master. Many of them make fortunes, but the system of credit and debit is so general in this country that they lose a great deal in bad debts from their men. In no other way could I account for their not becoming wealthy, for their profits are enormous. Animals. - Fish. Ascending the Amazon or Madeira, the stranger is struck with the absence of game. Not even the all-abundant monkey was seen by the Enterprise in its passage of the river. Probably the submerged state of the banks in the rainy season causes the game to seek higher lands. The anta or tapir is met in large numbers in the vicinity of the falls of the Madeira, as also deer and peccary, and the onça or American leopard. But for the reasons above stated these animals are rare on the Lower Madeira. Parrots, paroquets, macaws, toucans, and many other varieties of birds are very numerous. But the lack of game is amply made up with the large quantity of fish in the Amazon and all its tributaries. The one fish greatly prized by the natives in the piracurù, which attains often a size of eight to ten feet in length. On account of its abundance, and the place it fills in the food supply of the inhabitants, it may well be called the codfish of the Amazon. It is not caught with hook and line, but show with bow and arrow, and on coming to the surface is harpooned and secured. The head cut off and the vertebrae removed, it is laid in large flakes on a platform of bamboo to dry. Large quantities made up in bundles of an arroba, thirty-two pound each, are sent to Para, and form an important article of diet there and the neighboring seaport villages. The peixe-boa, or cow-fish, from the resemblance of its snout to the nose of a cow, is highly esteemed. It is the same as the manati of the Rio Atrato, and in fact is not a fish, but a mammal, and should, I think, be classed with the seal family. The Madeira abounds in turtle, of which there are said to be four varieties--the Tortaruga Grande, Cabecerda, Trocajo, and Matá-Matá. The Tortaruga Grande is the one most sought after and in the most abundance. The common practice of catching the turtle is to shoot them with a loos barbed arrow. The barb is secured to the arrow of cane with a small line: When it enters the turtle's shell it is disengaged, and the shaft of the arrow floats attached by the line. They are also caught with a baited hook, but the former is the favorite method. every seringuero on the Madeira has his turtle-pond back of the house, where great numbers are kept. They constitute a favorite article of food with all classes of Brazilians, rich and poor. Owing to the destruction of vast quantities of turtle-eggs on the praias of the Madeira during the breeding season, August and September, for the purpose of making tortaruga manteca, or turtle-oil, their numbers have been greatly diminished. But as on this account the manufacture of turtle-oil on the Madeira is no longer profitable and has been discontinued, it is probable the supply of this very necessary article to the inhabitants of the Madeira will now keep up with the demand. The destruction of turtle-eggs is, however, actively carried on the Solimoes or Upper Amazon, where the tortaruga is still abundant. A species of land-turtle known as the "iabuty" is common on the low ground of the Madeira River, and it is highly prized for food. The products of the Madeira may be said to be such as are entirely extracted from the forest or river. While the lands bordering on the river are fertile, and would produce large quantities of cacao, mandioca, plantains, maize, and tobacco, one sees in passing nothing beyond a little clearing around the huts of the natives, upon which are growing a few scattering plantains. Higher up, near the falls, where the Bolivians have settled with their Mojos Indians, more attention is given to the cultivation of the soil, and they have large plantations of plantains, mandioca, and maize; but it is the exception, and confined to the more wealthy Bolivians, who make their places their homes. The Portuguese and Brazilians, only looking on their residences as temporary, seem to have no interest in the improvement of their places, and their one dream is to make a fortune in "borracha," the commercial name for rubber, and retire to Lisbon or Para, though probably few realize it. The great product of the Madeira is rubber; all other pursuits or employments are given up for the extraction of this valuable gum. From the best authorities attainable I should put the production of rubber from the Madeira at fifty thousand arrobas, or one million six hundred thousand pounds. This, at thirty-five cents per pound, the current price in Para, would make five hundred and twelve thousand dollars. The value of the other productions from the river is insignificant. The rubber tree, known here in Portuguese language as seringa, on the Atrato, another great source of supply, as cautchou (Siphonia elastica), is not found below Borba. The siphonia grows best where it is exposed to the annual overflow of the river, and therefore is found in its highest state on igapó, the more recent deposit, and vargem or older deposit. It grows also on the terra firma, for it is found about the falls of the Madeira, but I am inclined to think the sap is not of as good a quality as where the tree grows in a moister soil. The season for gathering rubber may be said to commence in June, and extends to the following February, when the different "estradas" paths become impassable from the overflow. These estradas lead out from the hut of the seringuero, embracing all the trees in the neighborhood. The sap, which resembles cow's milk, is collected in little tin cups that will hold about two gills. The collector starts at early daylight, and as he reaches the trees he eats a gash in the bark with his machete, and the cup is struck in just below, so as to catch the sap as it exudes. Four cups are used, which are placed opposite, but on the same circle. They are first arranged at the top, as high as the hand can reach, then shifted down day by day to the ground. They are then again placed at the top in different positions, the idea being in this way to cover the whole surface. The cups being set, the collection begins to gather the sap, visiting the trees and pouring the contents of the cups into a calabash. Where the trees are distant they are visited but once, nearer twice a day. Reaching home, he empties the milk into one of the large turtle shells which are always found at the door of a hut on the Madeira, and proceeds at once with the smoking process, which is generally done in a low hut constructed for the purpose, as the resinous parts will soon separate and produce an inferior article. An earthen jar, without bottom and with a short, narrow neck, is placed over a fire made of the nut anajá or uanassei palm, whose smoke alone has the power of quickly coagulating the seringa. The operator, pouring a little of the milk on the surface of a small wooden shovel or canoe paddle, taking care to distribute it thinly and evenly over the surface, turns it slowly over the smoke until thoroughly stiff. This goes on until all the sap is exhausted or the cake becomes unwieldy. A slit is then cut in the plancha, the paddle slipped out, and a stick run through the mass, on which it is suspended to allow the water to evaporate. Enough planchas are collected on one stick to make an arroba, thirty-two pounds; it is then tied up with bark, and in this condition is ready for market. The skins at the bottom of the cups, the drops at the foot of the trees are al preserved, smoked, and made up in a round mass, forming an inferior article known as semamby or cabeça de negro. One man will probably collect from five to ten pounds per day. The Siphonia elastica is a noble tree, often 100 feet high, and 24 inches in diameter. Its leaf is elliptical, about the size and somewhat resembling our elm, and of a light-green color. A tree milked as described will not last more than twelve years, and gives very little sap towards the close of this period. I am told that in fifteen years after planting they can be tapped for their sap. Under the system pursued, as the valleys of the Madeira and Purus are the producing rivers, it would seem as if the supply of this gum has about reached its maximum, for many of the trees have died, and the country has been well prospected. Before long, however, it will commence to diminish, and then the Brazilians will regret that they have not done what would have been the case in any other country, planted young trees to keep up the annual production. Destructive as is this method finally, it is not as bad as the one practiced in the valley of the Atrato and Darien, where the tree is at once cut down and destroyed, which has compelled the caoutchaudos of those regions to seek for cautchone at constantly increasing distances. On the Amazon the stranger will hear the terms seringa and borracha both applied to this staple product. Properly speaking, seringa is not only applicable to the tree, but to the sap collected in the cups, while borracha applies to the article after its prepared for market. One never hears the traders speaking of the seringa he has bought, but the borracha, and it is so termed in the market of Para. Rubber is worth about 25 cents per pound on the Madeira, when at 40 cents, the present selling price, in Para. The difference, less freight and tax, small, of course, on a pound, is what the traders make, increased probably by an hundred per cent. profit on the goods with which the rubber is bought, for rarely is money paid down to the native collector: the result of which, at the close of the season he is always in debt to his seriuguero, for if a little ahead the latter is sure to excite the desires of the native with some useless but high-priced bauble, for instance a music-box, which will bring the balance on the side of the shrewd Portuguese. Though rubber is by far the most important article of export of the Madeira, there is a good deal of oil of copaiba, castauha or Brazil nut, some guarauá, and a considerable amount of dried fish, "peracarú," produced. The oil of copaiba is not like the milk of the rubber, the sap of the tree from which it is obtained, but is an unctuous substance contained in a crack in the center of the tree. The latter is therefore bored with an auger to the center, a tap put in, and the juice flows out and is collected in large carboys. From one to five gallons may be obtained, but the flow is immediate, and the tree is not drawn upon oftener than twice a year. This strange oily substance drained form the core is as necessary to the existence of the tree as the sap taken from the rubber, and in a few years they die, diving less each time from the first yield. The noble castauheira, from which the Brazil nuts are collected, grows on terra firma, and to a great height. The nuts, so familiar to us, are contained in a very hard exterior shell of about the size of a cocoanut, fifteen nuts in a shell. The tree being too lofty to climb without inconvenience, the natives wait for the shells to drop from the tree, which occurs in February and March. This outer covering is so hard that I have seen an axe fly off at the first blow without breaking it. Turned off and polished, very pretty and ornamental cups are made from them. The natives of the Madeira press the kernel of these nuts into a paste, which they afterwards dry in large copper pans, also used in the preparation of farinha, of which they make a kind of bread, and the oil is used by the women in dressing their hair. The guaranã, made from the seeds of a small plant of the Paullinia sorbilis, is made to some extent on the Madeira, though the largest supply comes form the district of Mauhis, back from Villa Bella. These seeds are crushed into a pulp, rolled up the size of a Bologna sausage, and dried, in which state they almost exactly resemble one. The dried tongue of the Picarueú is used to grate the guaranã, of which about a teaspoonful in a tumbler of water, sweetened with sugar, is used. In taste in resembles slightly that of almonds, but a little bitter, and, though palatable, there is nothing seemingly about it which accounts for the avidity with which is it sought for in the interior of Brazil and Bolivia, where it brings $3 per pound, while selling on the Amazon for 50 cents. It is said to possess medicinal qualities, and to be very soothing to the nervous system. Survey. The Enterprise anchored off the mouth of the Madeira at 3 p.m. on the afternoon of June 17. The large island of Trinidad extends across the mouth, dividing the Amazon into two channels, while a third, caused by the island Autuz comes out by the mouth of the Madeira and is divided from it by what is known as Madeira Island. The latter flowing parallel with the Madeira would produce the impressions that it is one and the same as the Madeira, but the great difference of current marks immediately that it is a part of the Amazon and not its tributary. Considering the great length of the Madeira, its mouth is insignificant, not more than one mile wide between the point of Madeira Island and the island of Porças, to the east, with a depth of seventy feet. The lower portion of the Madeira is affected entirely by the level of the Amazon for its depth. As the Amazon does not commence falling before the middle of June, while the Madeira is much earlier, there is in consequence a backing up of the latter, so that at the time we passed up for the first fifty miles the banks were not more than two feet out of water, which was about the same as on the main river. This ship anchored at 5 p.m. 15 miles from the mouth, at the first clearing on the river, at the foot of the island Orucurutuba. Here are two small bluffs 25 feet high, the first seen; and a small outcropping of trap, the only rock met with in the first hundred miles. Thirty miles from the mouth, at the head of the island of Rosahuiha, is found the first shoal place of the river. At this time there was 6 fathoms upon it. When we passed down in the same place but five ditto, and when the Amazon is at low water there will not remain more than 2 fathoms. A survey of the Madeira soon becomes as monotonous as one of the Amazon. At first it is a great relief to be away from the vast expanse of the great river, and to be able to take in at a glance both banks, without the feeling of littleness that one experiences on the Amazon. But the same everlasting tree line, the deep silence, only broken occasionally by the screech of a parrot, the absence of animal life along the banks, except the lazy crane or the pretty kingfisher, so characteristic of the amazon and tributaries, soon wearies, and there remains little of interest to distinguish one day from another as we pass up the river. After passing the island of Rosahiuha the current increases to two miles per hour, and varies form this to two and a half knots for the first two hundred miles. There being no rubber gathering below Borba, but a few inhabitants are met with up to this point. We maintained an average speed of seven and a half knots, which gave us about five miles over the ground. The banks of the Madeira, being entirely alluvial, are constantly undergoing a great change. Numbers of islands are met with, the ends of which are to be avoided, as sand-bars always make out form them. Forty-six miles form the mouth is met the Furo Canuman, which, running 180 miles up to the eastward, empties into the Amazon under the name "Furo Ramos," just below Villa Bella. It is navigable the whole distance for steamboats, the land is reported fertile, and a considerable population of Brazilian and Mudurucus Indians are settled upon it. Sixty-four miles form the mouth is the town of Borba, on the right bank, on a bluff 30 feet above the ordinary river stage. It was the first town settled on the river, founded originally by the Jesuits, in the middle of the last century. There is a small production of tobacco, which has an excellent reputation, but the amount is insignificant. Borba presents the signs of decaying existence; the forests in the vicinity do not yield rubber, and probably most of the inhabitants who have had the energy to do so have gone higher up in the rubber region. Just above the island of José Joao, at a place known as Inatarouta, there is a praia in the middle, which should be avoided, as in the Enterprise we found but 3 fathoms upon it. The best channel runs close to the west bank, not more than one hundred feet distant. Ten miles below Sapucaiaroca there are a number of rocks in the river the whole length of the illos Gauchos. The channel lies over on the west side of the island, which is free from rocks, and as close to it as the lead will permit a vessel to go. Sapucaiaroca is a settlement of Muras Indians, the only pure Indian town to be met with on the river. The Muras are a treacherous, lazy set, and are but little liked. They may be said to be half civilized, have a tumbled-down church in the village, and non longer molest the inhabitants, though a half century ago they were much dreaded: but a perpetual feud with their more powerful neighbors, the Mundurucus, have reduced them in numbers and spirit. The Madeira is deeper opposite the town than at any other place on the river. There are no more obstructions on the river until the island of Araras is reached, where there are many rocks on the river-bed opposite the small settlement of that name. The river narrows here, the current is strong, but we did not find less than six fathoms in the channel, which is near the west bank. At the foot of the island of Uroa, 200 miles form the mouth, the Enterprise anchored on the afternoon of June 21, five days from the mouth of the Madeira. Five positions were fixed by observation coming up, and on our return four other intermediate points, so that in a distance of two hundred miles seven positions beside the two termini, or one in every thirty miles, have been accurately determined. The survey of the Madeira up to the point of anchorage has been conducted in the same manner as in the plan described upon the Amazon. With one survey carefully checked every 30 miles the only errors that can creep in are those of speed. With a regular number of revolutions always maintained, there remains the single error of current. but with a maximum of three knots and a minimum of two knots, as found by our observations, and which could be determined in a great degree by the character of the river whether wide or narrow, we rarely found our line more than a half mile out of position as defined by our observations: and this, applied to the whole day's work, would not make an appreciable error in the position of any particular point. The Madeira varies form half a mile to a mile in width: and now here in the channel was found up to Uroa Island less than 6 fathoms. Later, in the middle of July, such places had 5 fathoms, and probably the river would fall 18 feet more to extreme low water. The channel to the west of Uroa Island had long been an object of dread to the navigators of the Madeira River, on account of the rapidity of the current, and the number of bowlders in the passage, which caused great eddies in the stream, and gave an appearance of danger more imaginary than real. Our pilots declined the responsibility of taking the ship through, and ignorance on my part of the situation compelled me to be governed by their opinion. The crippled condition of our machinery, working with but one engine, liable at any time to catch on the center and not in condition to back, added to the difficulties of the situation, and force me, with reluctance, to give up the idea of proceeding farther up in the ship. Measures were at once taken to prepare the steam-launch for the further survey of the river to the head of navigation. The water-tanks were taken out and coal-bunkers put in their stead, which enabled me to increase the total amount of fuel to 4,000 pounds. Lieutenant Blocklinger was selected to command the party, assisted by Lieut. C.P. Perkins as astronomer, and Mr. Sparrow as surveyor and draughtsman. The crew consisted of three seamen, a machinist, fireman, and pilot. Ample provisions for eight men for a month were provided, with all the necessary equipments, including two chronometers. The launch is small, having but 28 feet length and 9 feet beam; therefore I added the dinghy to be towed with part of the provisions, and which would enable the party to have a small boat at hand if needed. It was not expected that the coal would run the launch but a short distance, and funds were provided to purchase wood as fuel. They were compelled to cut the wood in short pieces of six inches, and this proved to be one of the most fatiguing duties attendant upon the expedition. It was found out by accident that the Anaja nuts used for smoking the seringa, made a hot fire, and after that, when they could be procured, made an excellent substitute for fuel. The principal difficulty experienced in using the launch in our survey arose from the great deviation in the compass. It was found not possible to swing the boat properly so as to arrive at any reliable data, and even if it were, there was really no place in the already overcrowded little steamer where it could be of use and not interfere with other equally important objects. Finally we had recourse to deflecting angles, using the dumb compass screwed to the draughtsman's table. Though the latter could give us no true course, it would give us the angle between a course already obtained and the bearing from this to some other point form which the launch would be headed. Thus, before starting in the morning, the magnetic compass would be taken on shore, and the bearing of an object taken, which would be the first course. This was laid by the dumb compass, the launch headed for it, and upon ending the line, the number of degrees to the right or left of this line of another object ahead, for which the launch would be steered, would be laid off. The plan worked admirably in practice, but it required the most unceasing watchfulness on the part of the observer, Mr. sparrow, for a single error would throw out all the remaining work of the day, and he is deserving of great credit for the painstaking fidelity with which he kept up his work. It was necessary, in order to keep our survey correctly, that the positions obtained nightly should be worked up at once, which employed Lieutenant Perkin's time the greater part of the day. Lieutenant Blocklinger had all he could attend to in managing the steering of the launch, the cooking of food, and in providing supplies of fuel. The crew was necessarily reduced to the smallest number possible with efficiency, and the work required of all hands was such as to tax each to his utmost, and during the long period the boat was away the thorough manner with which my orders were carried out elicited my highest approbation. It was not possible in a boat of so small power to be able to make much headway against the current, so the upward voyage was employed in making a traverse of the banks, keeping close to the shore, and on the return the channel would be run and soundings made. My directions to Lieutenant Blocklinger were that he was not to make more than 25 miles per day, and observations were to be taken every night, which would enable him to maintain a close check upon the day's survey; also, to follow up the slackwater side, keeping out of the strength of the current as far as possible. It was my intention at first to have taken charge of the party in person, but a desire to make a personal examination of the Uroa Rapids, and a feeling that something might turn up during the long absence that should require my presence on board, made me come to the conclusion to go up later in one of the trading-steamers of the Madeira, and come down from San Antonio in the launch, sounding the channel. Besides, I felt I could acquire much useful information from the pilots, not to be had in any other way, as circumstances had caused me to put but little confidence in our own. The launch left the ship at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25. During out stay at Uroa working parties were sent on shore to cut wood for steaming purposes. The experiment of burning wood and coal had proved very successful. It was found that sixty pounds of steam could be maintained with a speed of 7 knots, and that 300 sticks of wood represented about a ton of coal. This amount of wood cost us $5, while coal on the Madeira cost use $28. This was an important saving, and one that should be remembered if ocean steamers are ever called upon to make the voyage from Para to San Antonio. Had I known it I could have saved the government the $1,000 I paid as freight for a hundred and twenty tons to the mouth of the Madeira in a lighter. Of course, there is a great difference in the wood. If very green, it makes steam with difficulty; but partially dry, with a light bed of coal, it answers finely. The rapids of Uroa, that I propose to make a more special survey of, are distant some six miles from the foot of the island where we were anchored. To make soundings in a rapid current of 3 miles an hour, with a rowboat, was no easy matter. I left the Enterprise at daylight, in the gig, accompanied in whaleboat by Lieutenant Nichols and ensign Hunt. Had some difficulty in finding a suitable place for a base-line, on account of dense undergrowth on the banks. Finally measured one of 440 feet, and fixed by sunset sufficient signal-stations on each bank to cover the river to the head of the so-called rapids, though they are really nothing more than great eddies in the stream caused by large bowlders. In my absence during the day a naval steam-launch, commanded by a lieutenant of the Brazilian navy, arrived with a letter to me form the president of the province of Amazonas, Baron de Maracajú. The correspondence between the president and myself has already been laid before the department, and to keep up the line of events it is only necessary to state the purport--that is, the Enterprise was in the Madeira river without permission of the Imperial Government of Brazil, while that river was not open to foreign men of war, and he requested that I would immediately retire in my ship to the Amazon. He was correct in saying that I had not the necessary risé, but as I understood in leaving the United States that such had been promised, I replied that I thought he must be mistaken in his assertion; but, however, if he still declined to grant the necessary permit, upon hearing from him, I would depart. I felt assured before I could get answer to my letter our survey would be in such a state of forwardness as to enable me to carry out my promise of retiring from the Madeira without slighting the important work for which the Enterprise has been dispatched from the United States. As I supposed, his excellency replied that he could not grant the required permission, but by that time I was on my return from San Antonio to the Enterprise, which upon reaching, our survey being completed, we dropped down by easy stages to the Amazon. The base-line measured and stations determined, we proceeded to run lines of soundings over the rapids, the stations at different times being occupied by Lieutenant Nichols, Master Wright, and Ensign Hunt. Simultaneous sextant angles were taken upon the sounding-boat at the dropping of a flag. The survey was very laborious on account of the strength of the current. Thirty-two cross-lines were run, the river averaging about a mile wide, and four up and down lines, at equal distances, by myself, Lieutenant Spalding being with me to record the soundings. After pulling a down line the boat had to be pulled up the shore in slack-water to the head of the survey, making just double the distance, as the current was too strong to be pulled against. Altogether, about eight hundred soundings were put in. We found rocks with from 3 to 6 fathoms upon them, and close aboard 11 to 13 fathoms. The rocks seemed large bowlders, some of them 30 feet high, scattered indiscriminately on the bottom. But a good channel was found 300 yards wide, with 7 fathoms over the whole distance. Going up, to run this channel a vessel should approach them from the middle of the river, and bringing the western point of Uroa (the only one in sight) directly astern, headed for the point on the opposite bank where the grass meets the clay bank, a point of contact distinguished at a long distance or on a course. When the upper end of Uroa Island is well opened on the port bow, all danger is passed. The channel is also distinctly marked by smooth water between the whirlpools. Going down, abreast the upper end of Uroa, approach the west bank within 600 yards and head for the point of the island below and ahead. This should bring the stern on a line from this point to the end of the clay bank where it meets the grass. Should the railroad be completed and ocean steamers ascend the Madeira, two buoys placed at the upper and lower ends of channel will make it easy to run. The repairs to our machinery being completed, the Enterprise dropped down, on the 3d of July, to Araras Island, where I had had a lighter of coal from Para left for the ship. The survey of the Madeira, as far as could be performed by the Enterprise, being completed, I awaited the first steamer to ascend the Madeira and join the steam-launch in the survey of the remaining portion to the falls of San Antonio. During our stay at Uroa Island, from June 21 to July 3, twelve days, the river lowered 31/2 feet, but later, from July 3 to 22, it fell 7 feet, making a fall of about 10 feet in a month. On the afternoon fo July 4 I went on board the side-wheel steamer Canuman, Alberto Moraes, captain, bound for San Antonio. The Canuman was an American-built iron side-wheel steamer, drawing about 7 feet loaded, and constructed after the pattern of our western river boats, with separate engines. This American type, not found in any steamers of English build, is in great favor among the steamboat owners and pilots of the Amazon and its tributaries, and I doubt if any more steamers for river navigation are ordered in England, unless there is a great difference in price in their favor. The life on board the river steamers of the country is decidedly cosmopolitan. No state-rooms or berths are provided for no person in this country travels without his hammock, known as "rêde," which, upon coming on board, he hangs in such part of the upper deck as best suits him. It is a cleanly arrangement, giving much more room, and better suited to the climate and people, as berths would be intolerably hot and alive with vermin. An inclosed room is set apart for women amidship, where they also sling their rêdes form hooks in the bulkheads. Coffee is served at 6 o'clock in the morning, and two meals afterwards, breakfast at 11 o'clock and dinner at dark. The Brazilians are great talkers, and have interminable discussions upon all subjects, in which the parties work themselves up to such a pitch of excitement that a person new to the scenes would think it could not fall short of blows, but a third party will step in, then another, and it goes no farther than a war of words. the Canuman, being a general freighting boat, was loaded with a great variety of merchandise for a hundred different points. All the Seringueros may be said to be storekeepers in a general way: that is, they buy their lands and their rubber in goods. They all have their connections in Para, from whom they buy on credit and remit in produce. The progress of the Canuman up stream was slow, and it did not reach Manicoré, a town at the mouth of a small river of that name, till the following afternoon, making about sixty-five miles in twenty-four hours. Manicoré, with its row of white plastered houses, situated on a bluff 90 feet above the river, is one of the few fixed town on the Madeira, and contains probably 500 inhabitants. The Manicoré River is ascended about 30 miles by steamers, and supports a considerable population. It is lined with bluffs, and, with no breezes in consequence to ruffle its surface, is very hot and uncomfortable to navigate. At Marinellas, 58 miles above Manicoré, was the only flower-garden met with. The owner seemed in comfortable circumstances, judging by the quantity of rubber he shipped on our return, and his signora displayed neatness about her house and a variety in her flower-beds rare to find in this country. Baetas, 30 miles above, though placed on some maps as a town, consists of but a single store. There is a large lake, however, behind, upon which many India-rubber collectors are located, and in this way Baetas is a river port of some consequence. It was here that I obtained my first reliable information about our launch, which placed her some two hundred miles ahead, and going on finely when she passed Baetas. There is little variation in the navigation of the Madeira. Numerous islands, which cause the channel to shift form side to side, and occasional bluffs of never more than 70 feet high, are the only breaks to the uniformity of the banks, which at this point and season are about 20 feet out of water. The next point of interest was the mission of San Pedro under the auspices of the government, presided over by an Italian friar of the order of Jesuits. Here are collected some 400 Indians form different parts of the Madeira. While a poor church denoted that spiritual instruction is not neglected, a room pointed out to me as a school-room indicated that there was some attempt made to instruct the youth. The mission boasts a town clock, the work of the ingenious friar, the construction of which no doubt helped to increase his influence with his superstitious flock. These Indians live a free, lazy life, while collecting a sufficiency of borracha and oil of copaiba to give them the means of satisfying their love of finery, and the good friar, while attending to the spiritual needs of his flock, does not hesitate to avail himself of their temporal wants by engaging in a little trade on his own account, buying their produce in exchange for goods. He seemed to be the person most interested in the stock of goods landed by the Canuman, and, in the words of the captain, was a "born comerciante." Above San Pedro the settlers are principally from Bolivia. They are from the vicinity of Trinidad and Santa Cruz, and their faciendas have comparatively a thrifty look, with large fields of plantains, mandioca, and sugar-cane. These Bolivians have brought and settled near them numerous Mojos Indians, who are considered as belonging to the family of the proprietor, though they are free and work for hire. There is an understanding that they shall receive so much per day, but their employer has authority to employ them as he pleases. These Mojos are by far the best type of the laboring class that I have seen on the river. They are strong, industrious, and docile, and there is a look of neatness about them foreign to the Brazilians of the same class, or domesticated Indians of the Madeira. When our steamer would touch at one of their places for wood, they would take hold in the most cheerful way, and commence wooding without a word, even though at midnight. The Mojos women struck me very forcibly. Naturally tall, the habit of carrying weights on their heads has given them an erect and graceful carriage. They wear their shining black hair brushed close back and plaited in two long braids behind. Their only dress is the camiseta, a loose gown with short sleeves, suspended form the shoulders, and well adapted for easy movements in a warm climate. Assembled often on the bank in numbers as the steamer stopped for wood or land freight, their modest demeanor, neat appearance, and graceful beauty could but produce a pleasant impression on the passing stranger. Above, 130 miles from San Antonio, we pass on the left bank the small village of Crato, next to Borba the oldest settlement on the river. It has fallen into insignificance in its rivalry with Muyahita, an enterprising little place a mile above on the same side. The latter town contains about 400 people, and its prosperity is due to the energy and wealth of its principal merchant, Signor Manuel M. de Moraes, who ships yearly more borracha than any other one person on the river, and also supplies large quantities of fire-wood for the steamers. Forty-two miles above is the Machado River on the right bank. On a branch called the Prieto, 8 miles from the Madeira, is another Indian mission called San Francisco, founded by the government, composed, like the one at San Pedro, of the remnants of different tribes of the Madeira, and is in charge of a friar of the order of the Franciscans. This mission is situated in the country of the dreaded Parintintins, the most savage and warlike of all the tribes of the Madeira. but little, therefore, of the products of the forest are collected beyond some oil of copaiba, as the domesticated Indians are very much in fear of the more savage brethren. The friar told me he had made three attempts to hold intercourse with the Parintintins, but without success. He went to their town, six leagues distant, making the sign of the cross as he approached, but, though they offered him no harm, they all left the village, refusing to hold any intercourse with him. The Parintintins are found about the rivers Machado and Timbuqué, and such is the dread of them, that for 50 miles on the right bank in the vicinity not a habitation is to be seen. Twenty-three miles above the mouth of the river is Abelhos. An island of the same name divides the river. In high water the channel is to the west of the island, but when the river is half down, steamers must pass through the east channel, which is one of the few dangerous points of the Madeira. The channel opposite Abelhos is full of rocks. Steamers must pass up to the east and at the side of the praia that makes out from the island. When nearly abreast the foot of a white clay bank on the opposite or east side will bear about three points on the port bow; cross the river here, heading for it, and it will lead between the rocks. There is a considerable settlement at Abelhos, and large quantities of rubber are exported. We arrived in the Canuman at Abelhos on the morning of the 11th, and to my surprise I learned that our steam-launch was two miles below, as I had fully expected at this time it would have been at San Antonio. Sent four hundred pounds of coal by a boat which the captain kindly loaned me, and he also consented to wait until the launch came up, which, with the aid of the coal, she finally accomplished. Found that for twelve days, up to the 7th of July, the launch had done finely, making twenty-five miles as a day's run with ease. After this date the boiler gave them a great deal of trouble, and they had been five days making fifty-one miles. Lieutenant Blocklinger attributed the difficulty to the collection of sediment over the crown=-sheet and tubes form the long use of muddy water; but that with a coal fire he felt assured he could make the remaining sixty miles to San Antonio. I accordingly purchased a ton of coal from the Canuman and gave him directions to sail with all dispatch. She started in the afternoon just after ourselves, and when lost sight of at night was making good progress. To guard against a possibility of the launch breaking down, I took Lieutenant Perkins with the chronometers on board the Canuman. From Abelhos to San Antonio, 60 miles, the river is clear of all difficulties except at Samandua island. The praia of Samandua is the largest on the lower Madeira, and until lately was the resort in August and September of numbers of natives to hunt for the eggs of the turtle known as the Toraruga Grande, but the turtle by this indiscriminate destruction on its breeding-ground have decreased so much in numbers that it is no longer profitable to seek for their eggs for the making of mantiega tortaruga, or turtle butter. Finally San Antonio is reached at the foot of the lower falls of the Madeira and the head of navigation, 574 miles form its mouth. San Antonio would be an insignificant place but for being the starting-point of the Madeira and Mamoré Railroad, designed to connect the upper and lower Madeira Rivers by a railway 180 miles long. Two abortive attempts have been already made to carry out this enterprise. A third is now being made by Messrs. Collins, of Philadelphia, who have been at work since February. They have had great difficulties to encounter, on account of indifferent labor and the distance from Para, their only base for supplies. They have already completed and ironed three miles, and it is my private opinion that the experience, perseverance, and energy of the Collins brothers will carry it forward, provided the means are furnished them from the money derived from the Bolivian loan originally issued for the purpose, and which is now locked up in litigation in the English courts at London. I remained three days in San Antonio, giving us sufficient time for its correct establishment, which is latitude 8° 48' 13.6" south, longitude 63° 55' 05.5" west. Our steam-launch did not put in an appearance, though it had had ample time, and I felt great uneasiness with regard to her. I left San Antonio Monday morning, July 15, carrying the survey down myself in the Canuman. The same afternoon we met the steamer Iavary coming up, and our missing launch in tow. Cast her off, and towed her with us to a short distance above Abelhos where the Canuman anchored for the night. Lieutenant Blocklinger reported that shortly after losing sight of us on the evening of the 11th, that the steam suddenly dropped form 60 pounds to 10, forcing them to anchor. That they had worked incessantly to clean out the boiler, but without any result, and had finally returned to Abelhos under oars. There was nothing to do but to take the launch in tow, and continue the survey in the Canuman. This I was enabled to do with complete success, through the courtesy of her captain, who offered me every facility. The shoreline had been put in by the launch on her up trip, and as the Canuman going down kept in the deepest part of the channel, we were enabled to mark this out correctly. Soundings were taken every five minutes, and we had the benefit of the experience of the two excellent pilots of the steamer in locating any rocks or obstructions which had escaped our attention. At Abelhos occurred the only mishap of the expedition, in the capsizing of the dinghy in the rapids, by which most of our remaining provisions and clothes were lost. We reached Manicoré on the night of July 19. On the way down it had been ascertained that the difficulty with the steam-launch did not arise from sediment in the boiler, but from the leaking of the upper end of tubes in the steam-space. Of course the steam escaped as fast as made, though it could not be readily detected except by filling the boiler and putting on a pressure. These tubes were all, therefore, expanded, and as the Canuman was to go up the Manicoré River, I left in the launch the next morning for the Enterprise, now at anchor off Araras Island, which we reached without difficulty the same afternoon. During my absence the river had fallen 9 feet. As the survey was now virtually completed, we got under weigh on July 22, and proceeded by easy stages to the mouth, which was reached on the 24th. Here a base line was measured, and several important points were established in the vicinity of the junction of the Amazon and the Madeira, which finally completed our work. It is evident that the weight of the survey of the Madeira fell upon one steam-launch, and it was no small undertaking to go, in this little steamer, several hundred miles against a strong current. Such an undertaking must necessarily be accompanied with much hardship and personal inconvenience. Fortunately the weather was good throughout, and the health of the officers and crew did not seem to suffer any from the exposure. Lieutenant Blocklinger is deserving of great credit for the perseverance and energy with which he pushed on, and I was not disappointed in finding in him the necessary qualifications for the important position for which I selected him. Lieutenant Perkins was necessarily entirely occupied with the astronomical determination of the position reached each night, upon the correctness of which depended the whole value of our survey, and he performed this duty with great credit to himself and to my entire satisfaction. The bulk of the work during the day fell upon my assistant, Mr. Sparrow, C.E., and this gentleman has been untiring in his efforts to make our work both reliable and complete. The necessity of using deflecting angles form the dumb compass compelled him to give, during the launch's running, an absorbing overlook which would not admit of a moment's respite. Navigation of the Madeira. It would be impossible to give general sailing directions that would be of any practical value. The river is constantly changing, and at all times a person unfamiliar with its course would require a pilot. But the channel line is laid down correctly on the charts made by the expedition, and by a close study of these charts one would ver soon be enabled to act independent of a pilot. With the information, for instance, that I could now derive from our charts, I would not have hesitated to have taken the Enterprise to San Antonio in spite of the declaration of our pilot that she could not go above the Uroa Rapids. As a general rule, it may be understood that 6 fathoms can be carried from the mouth to San Antonio from January 1 to June 1. After the latter month the river falls with considerable rapidity, but still 4 fathoms may be depended upon till the middle of July. Between this period and the middle of December the Madeira is not safe for any but river steamers of 6 feet draught, which can navigate it at all periods in the dry season. While it would be useless, as remarked, to attempt to give any general directions, it will be well to enumerate the few points where navigators should be particularly on the lookout for shoal-water. Our survey of the Madeira is divided among thirteen sheets on the scale of a nautical mile to the inch. The soundings were taken during the middle of July, and should be reduced by 15 feet or 21/2 fathoms for low water in the middle of October. The soundings are in fathoms. The following are positions to be carefully sounded: Sheet No. 1. - Upper end of Rosahiuha island; praia to east bank; channel about in center. No. 2. - Abreast of island Popeicoca; playa on each side; channel in middle. No. 3. - Clear. No. 4. - Abreast upper island dos Gauchos; rocks along west bank; channel as near island as depth by lead will permit. Abreast bluffs of Mataranta; channel close to west bank; praia extends to middle of river. No. 5. - Abreast village of Araras and upper end of island; rocks in middle and east bank; channel close to island. Upper end of Uroa Island; rocks in river; channel in mid-river. (See special chart.) No. 6. - A line from Punto Espirio Santo to Casa de Oliviera should clear both praias of islands de Conepapa, but the one on lower island extends well out, and should be felt for with lead. No. 7. - Praia on point between Island Iatuarana and Capaua, makes well over to the opposite shore, which must be followed close. Rocks on east bank abreast head of island Bieju-assú; keep in middle of stream or as near island as the lead will permit. There are rocks off Mannellos, but they are only dangerous at low water. No. 8. - Head of island Viado; there are rocks at low water on east bank. Keep as close to praia on island side as lead will permit. No. 9. - Off center of island of Jurara channel is in mid-stream, but as praias are on both sides, they are liable to change, and one should proceed with caution at low water. At Carapanatuba Point, channel leads straight across to opposite point to avoid rocks above. Nos. 10, 11. - No remarks required. No. 12. - Just above Papagaios, dangerous rocks close to shore and two in middle of river. but there is plenty of water between, and the latter may be distinguished by the whirlpools about them. Dangerous rocks off Abelhos Island, channel on east side close to island till the lower point of the upper island is reached, where cross, heading for clay bank on opposite shore and a little above. No. 13. - Tamandúa Island; channel lies on east side, close to island and praia, to avoid rocks in midstream. There is a deeper channel obtained, I am told, by hugging east shore, between rocks and bank, but I had no opportunity to examine it. Bar off San Antonio, just below and close to town. River but half full; should sound before attempting to cross. It will be interesting, in conclusion, to investigate how far the madeira River can be made conducive to American interests. The division of the river, by its falls, leaves us only the lower portion to consider, for until this natural obstacle is overcome there will be neither emigration to Bolivia nor increased demands for American produce beyond the consumption of the last fifty years. In regard to the lower Madeira the estimated population is 12,000; this is probably over than under. They are engaged entirely, as Keller expresses it, in extracting the wealth of the forests, and it is not probable this number will be increased, as the best rubber districts are all taken up. As a population their wants are few. Their food consists mainly of turtle, dried piraruc&ucate;, and farinha; the first two obtained right at their doors, the last brought principally from Pará. For the other demand of this population no better guide can be given than the description of the cargo of the Canuman, which consisted of 3,198 packages, composed of demijohns (large and small) containing cachaça, wines, and vinegar, and cases, rolls, bales, baskets, and barrels of salt beef, sugar, matting, medicines, powder, soap, kerosene, ship's bread, lead, rice, fireworks, leather, farinha, dried fish, beans, milk, bitters, cider, sardines, onions, potatoes, stearine, and stearine candles, soda, biscuit, pepper, salt, pork, lard, dried beef, Florida water, perfumery, beer, cummin seed, window-glass, cheese, preserved meats, lime, varnish, wax, tar, coñac, champagne, codfish, hardware, furniture, &c., and fabrics of wool, cotton, and linen. I find among the merchants of the Amazon and the Madeira a most excellent feeling towards the American products and manufactures. The demand for American staples is constantly increasing, and I am persuaded that in proportion to population there is a larger demand for American goods in the valley of the Amazon than in any other portion of Brazil. As already remarked, the trade of the lower Madeira is mostly in the hands of old and well established Portuguese firms, and it would not be worth while to attempt to force in a new element. What America wants is a more extended demand for her productions, and this can be realized much more successfully through the agency of native firms, than attempting a ruinous rivalship with them. There are four steamers at present on the Madeira, which can make the round voyage to and from Pará in six weeks, and they are more than ample for the present demands of the trade. In the event of the completion of the railroad to the Upper Madeira, which will open entire new avenues, I believe there will be presented a most excellent field for American capital, enterprise, and productions. But it must be early on the spot, as the merchants of Pará are enterprising and shrewd, and aim at controlling entirely the whole business of the Amazon Valley. There is little to be added in conclusion to the report. It will have been seen that the Amazon is capable of navigation for the largest class of steamships for a thousand miles from its mouth. That the Madeira River can be ascended by ocean steamers to its fall, or the commencement of the proposed railroad around them, from December to August. That while the immediate vicinity of the Amazon is so low as to be yearly inundated and its soil is not especially adapted for cultivation, the region drained by its tributaries is of a vast amount, with soil of unsurpassed fertility, abounding in wide pampas where roam thousands of cattle, and immense forests of the most valuable woods or furnishing drugs of the highest commercial importance. That though this vast region is watered by great rivers, tributaries to the mighty Amazon, their navigation is totally obstructed by rapids and falls in every case at variable distances from their mouths. That the railroad enterprise around the Madeira, projected and carried on against immense obstacles by American energy and perseverance, would open a rich productive country, in the improvement of which the United States is directly interested, but which latterly British jealousy bids fair to render abortive. The population of the region bordering upon the Amazon is small. Nature has bountifully supplied them with the necessities of life, and, therefore, their demands for productions of outside nations is not large, but increasing every year. The manufactures of the United States are held in high esteem; for example, asking once a merchant how our goods compared with those of other countries, he replied, "We like those of the United States the best, because we know they are always good." It has been shown time and again that the United States is the commercial ally of brazil. We can furnish everything the country requires, and as cheaply and of better quality than those of Europe. But the entire lack of facilities has turned the channel of trade completely from us. It is estimated that on an average there is at least an arrival of one steamer a day in Brazil from England. It is vitally necessary, if the United States will take its share of the foreign business of Brazil, to create avenues of trade by which such will flow to our shores. These are first of all a well-established steam line, with feeders to different ports. Such line must in its infancy be fostered by the government in order to compete with the old established European lines, until the trade directed by them to our country will enable them to take care of themselves. There should be direct telegraphic communication between the two countries. To the energy of our own countrymen we are indebted for the first successful Atlantic cable, and why cannot one be laid to Brazil? A bank through which exchanges could be favorably made is also very necessary for the easy flow of commerce. I would strongly urge upon those American firms that manufacture or sell goods required by Brazil that they should act in concert, and establish sample houses in the important centers of trade. They should be represented by enterprising agents, speaking the language and acquainted with the wants of the country. Such should be encouraged by liberal commissions rather than salaries. Our products can better be introduced in this manner through native houses than by attempting to establish large concerns in rivalry with them. But especially it must be remembered that steam communication is absolutely necessary first of all, no matter how high and excellent our manufactories may be. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. O. SELFRIDGE, Commander, Commanding. Hon. R.W. Thompson, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. Barometric heights Amazon and Madeira Rivers. Madeira River sea-level Feet Feet Albelios 110.7 Manaous 84.8 Conehicas 103.2 ??? Eva 81.3 Papagayos 101.8 Boca Medis 78.5 Ventura 100.4 Serpa 75.1 Boa Esperanza 99.0 Furi Resaca 74.5 Papunhas 97.6 I. de Frixal 73.9 Tres Casas 96.2 I. de Pacoval 73.2 Caropanatuba 94.8 Villa Bella 68.9 Castauhar 93.4 I. de Cabesa 64.6 San Antonio 92.0 Santa Anna 60.3 Marmelos 90.6 Obidos 55.9 Itaroro 89.2 Santarem 51.6 Manitore 87.8 Sotio-de-Toro 47.3 Locadio 86.4 Head of Frixal Island 43.0 Espiro Sauld 85.0 Prainha 38.7 Oraa 81.7 Carupa 34.7 Boa Esperanza 80.0 Narrow Pass 24.7 Casa Alegre 79.5 Jutavy Light 14.6 Sapucaiaroca 79.0 Para 10.0 Borba 81.7 Camman 80.1 Boca Madeira 78.5 Date. Barometer. Average dry-bulb Average wet-bulb thermomenter. Highest. Lowest. 1878. ° ° ° ° June 4 30.19 --- 30.06 --- 87 --- 79 --- 85 --- 78 --- June 8 30.15 --- 30.02 87 --- 79 --- 85 --- 79 --- June 10 30.15 --- 29.99 86 --- 82 --- 85 --- 81 --- June 17 30.16 --- 30.08 --- 87 --- 80 --- 85 --- 80 --- June 24 30.09 30.02 84 --- 79 --- 82 --- 79 --- July 1 30.08 --- 30.02 --- 87 --- 76 --- 85 --- 76 --- July 3 30.08 --- 30.03 87 --- 78 --- 84 --- 79 --- July 9 30.15 30.05 75 --- 70 --- 75 --- 72 --- July 10 30.10 30.08 82 --- 70 --- 81 --- 71 --- July 11 30.10 --- 30.04 --- 85 --- 75 --- 84 --- 76 --- July 12 30.10 --- 30.05 85 --- 76 --- 82 --- 77 --- August 1 30.18 --- 30.10 --- 88 --- 80 --- 86 --- 80 --- August 6 30.16 --- 30.09 88 --- 81 --- 86 --- 82 --- August 10 30.14 30.07 87 --- 80 --- 86 --- 80 --- August 11 30.14 --- 30.06 --- 87 --- 76 --- 86 --- 77 --- August 30 30.22 30.16 --- 85 --- 78 --- 83 --- 79 --- Exportation of products of Amazonas from July 1, 1874, to June 30, 1875. Quantities. Custom-house valuations. Rate of duty. P. cent. Arbutua (medicinal root) pounds. 792 $216 00 10 Animal oil gallons 77,260 6,661 68 10 India rubber, fine pounds 4,215,038 1,342,659 20 12 middling do. 9,722 134,265 92 12 ordinary do. 703 162 00 12 refuse do. 599,558 105,290 88 12 Tar do. 557 9 45 10 Cacao do. 550,888 38,844 55 10 Brazil nuts do. 3,892,626 108,466 18 10 Dried beef hides do. 6,419 599 29 10 Salted beef hides do. 83,424 4,399 62 10 Panther skins 6 9 00 10 Dried deer skins 2,373 1,655 38 10 Salted deer skins pounds 507 46 07 10 Dried beef do. 1,417 115 92 10 Salted beef do. 429 50 25 10 Cloves do. 1,590 286 39 10 Camarú beans do. 512 102 22 10 Embria do. 44 4 00 10 Oakum do. 8,403 764 73 10 Ginger do. 55 4 00 10 Guaraná do. 10,430 4,186 91 10 Maqueras de travessa (pieces of crooked wood) 40 18 00 10 Pieces of crooked wood bundles 3 33 75 10 Mixeia, prepared turtle flesh gallons 2,469 5,508 90 10 Copaiba oil pounds 94,8081 30,951 92 10 Turtle eggs cases 6 6 00 10 Parasite vines feet 604 32 00 10 Unmanufactured cori pounds 315,927 13,812 57 10 Cori rope yards 13,340 4,150 05 10 Dried pirarucú fish pounds 2,264,549 160,836 36 05 Salted piracurú fish do. 88 6 50 05 Dried ox fish do. 161 8 25 05 Salted ox fish do. 31 2 10 05 Panas mancas yards 79 8 64 10 Puaya pounds 64 7 25 10 Puxury (medicinal bean) do. 1,487 444 67 10 Net of tucum palm 1 9 00 10 Nets of mirity palm 8 24 00 10 Sarsaparilla, in bundles pounds 50,682 16,932 32 10 Sasarparilla, loose do. 4,400 1,233 40 10 Crude tallow do. 165 20 33 10 Cedar logs feet 3,914 658 35 10 Logs of wood for joiner work do. 995 730 40 10 Thread of Tucum palm pounds 143 65 00 10 Vigas (square logs of hard wood) feet 550 168.00 10 Total 1,984,847.40 List of exports from custom-house, Serpa, from July, 1877, to July, 1878. Quantity. Rubber, fine kilos 220,498 Rubber, sunamby do. 45,503 Balsam do. 100 Castanha nuts do. 218,830 Cocao do. 21,083 Cumaru do. 97 Beef hides do. 963 Guaraná do. 1,784 Fish-oil litres 96 Oil of copaiba kilos 7,600 Dried pirarucú (fish) do. 57,598 Rubber and guaraná pays a duty of 12 per cent. to provincial custom-house; all other produce pays 10 per cent. to same. All products pay in addition 3 per cent. to the Steam Navigation Company of the Amazon. The above products include what is shipped direct from the Madeira River to Parã, and the produce of the district of Serpa is also included. Population of the province of Amazonas, according to the only records obtainable. Census of 1849 Free - Of age 6,073 6,267 12,240 Under age 4,956 4,786 9,742 Slave - Of age 198 231 429 Under age 140 131 271 Foreigners 80 ······ 80 Indians ······ ······ ······ Grand total 11,447 11,315 22,762 Under age 6,776 5,685 12,461 Foreigners 106 ······ 106 Increase of population in two years 3,592 3,550 7,142 Slave - Of age and under age, 342; included in above. Foreigners, 652; included in above. Total to 1873 15,006 15,539 30,545 Increase since 1849 3,559 4,224 7,783 Increase since 1851 ······ 674 641 Decrease since 1851 33 ······ ······ It will be observed that the native Indians are not taken into consideration or their numbers estimated. Note: The following astronomical tables include Greek alphabet symbols, which do not reproduce well in HTML; these have been replaced with the names of the letters. alpha = α ; beta = β ; delta = δ ; eta = η ; upsilon = υ. Also, the Sun = Ø Positions determined on the Amazon and United States steamer Enterprise, third rate. Latitudes. Observed body North. Observed body South. Para June 3 Perkins For chronometer error Breves June 5 June 12 Perkins Perkins Ø Santa Anna August 9 August 9 Baker Concacao June 13 June 13 Baker Arcturus beta Centauri alpha2 Centauri Serpa June 16, Aug. 2 June 16, Aug. 2 Baker Perkins eta Ursa Majoris 12 Canum Venat beta Centauri Casa Perare June 17 alpha2 and beta Centauri Caiçara June 18 eta Ursa Majoris alpha2 Centauri beta Centauri Sapaucaiaroca June 19 Vista Alegre June 20 Perkins Latitude assumed Boa Esperanza June 20 Perkins Sumner's method Sumner's method Urua June 21 eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Base line, Urua June 29 Baker eta Ursa Majoris alpha2 and beta Centauri East bank off Urua July 1 Baker eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Southwest end Araras Isl'd July 5 Baker eta Ursa Majoris and Arc. alpha2 and beta Centauri Espirito Santo June 25 Perkins alpha Coronae Borealis beta Centauri Casa Leocadio June 26 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris alpha2 Centauri Manicoré June 27 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Casa Itororó June 28 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Casa Manuelos June 29 perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri (Chico) July 1 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Castanbar July 2 perkins eta beta Centauri Caropanatuba July 3 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Tres Casas, Ilha de Botar July 4 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Pupunhas July 5 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris beta Centauri Boa Esperanza July 7 Perkins eta Ursa Majoris alpha2 Centauri Papagaios July 9 Perkins Arcturus beta Centauri January July 11 Perkins Sumner's method San Antonio July 12,13,14 Perkins Arcturus alpha2 Centauri Humayta July 17 Perkins Latitude assumed Minhas July 17 Perkins Boa Fortura July 18 Perkins Sumner's method above Borba July 22 July 22 Baker alpha Coronae Borealis Antares Borba July 23 Canuman July 23 Perkins alpha Coronae Borealis Mouth Madeira, west point July 25 alpha Cassiop. Fom. Achernai Fomalhaut Manaos July 25, 30 July 25, 30 Baker Perkins Vega Vega Antares and Sagitt. Antares and Sagitt. Casa Casemiro July 31 Perkins beta and upsilon Draco Antares Furo de Resaca August 3 Baker beta and Upsilon Draco Antares Ilha de Freixal August 5 Casa Carvalho August 6 Perkins beta Draco Villa bella (Matriz) Augut 7 Vega Antares Ilha de Caldeiraes August 8 upsilon Draco Antares Sumner's method. Obidos August 10 August 10 Baker Boca de Lago Grande August 12 Perkins Vega beta Draco beta Draco alpha Tri. and Antares Santarem August 13 Perkins uplison Draco Sitio de Toron August 16 Mouth of Gurupatuba August 17 Vega delta Sagittarius delta Sagitarrius Madeira Rivers, Brazil, South America. [Commander Thomas O. Selfridge, U.S.N.] Longitudes. latitude. Observed body East. Observed body West. longitude. 1 49 55 -20 1 41 15 1 44 28.9 -20 2 04 47.9 Spica 55 59 31.5 2 04 50.7 2 04 49.2 Altair Spica 55 59 24 55 59 30 2 32 13 Arcturus Regulus 56 55 57 2 31 38.9 2 31 56 Arcturus Regulus 56 55 05 56 55 31 3 08 45.7 Arc. and Altair Reg. and Spica 58 26 05.8 3 08 51.6 3 08 48.7 Arc. and Altair Reg. and Spica 58 25 52 58 25 58.9 3 32 40.4 Antares Spica 58 54 59.3 3 32 43.2 3 32 41.8 Vega Spica 58 54 48 58 54 53.7 4 15 13 Antares 59 24 40.5 4 15 24.2 4 15 18.6 Antares Regulus 59 24 25 59 24 32.8 4 48 41 Antares Regulus 59 53 45 4 48 43.3 4 48 42.2 Antares beta Leonis 59 53 36 59 53 40.5 5 03 44 Vega and Antares Regulus 60 18 27.5 5 03 28 5 03 36 Vega and Antares Arcturus 60 18 06 60 18 16.8 5 18 11.5 Vega Spica 60 43 07.5 5 18 27.1 5 18 19.3 Vega Spica 60 42 55.5 60 43 01.5 5 19 35.8 Antares alpha and beta Leonis 60 44 00.2 5 18 44.4 Antares beta Leonis 60 41 25.5 Spica 60 33 25.7 5 31 32.2 Antares Regulus 60 50 50 5 37 33.1 Antares Spica 61 69 20 5 48 40.1 Antares beta Leonis 61 17 12 6 07 03.8 Antares Regulus 61 49 07.5 7 41 24.6 Vega Regulus 62 53 51 8 10 33 Antares Spica 63 03 48 8 27 40 alpha2 Centauri Spica 63 28 55.5 8 48 13.6 Antares and Vega Spica 63 55 05 7 20 13 Antares 6 14 47.7 Altair and Arc. alpha2 Centauri 62 13 16.5 4 39 45 Altair Spica 59 54 25.5 4 39 07.8 4 39 26.4 Altair Spica 59 54 10.5 59 54 18 4 23 24.3 4 23 03.4 59 34 55.5 59 35 11.3 3 55 16.6 Altair Spica 59 08 29 3 54 55.8 3 55 06.2 Altair Spica 59 08 40.5 59 08 34.8 3 22 30 Aldebaran Jupiter 58 45 37.5 3 22 41 3 22 35.5 Aldebaran Jupiter 58 45 34 58 45 35.8 3 08 00 3 08 05.4 Altair Spica 60 00 48.5 60 00 55.8 3 08 42.3 3 08 43.2 Altair Spica 59 19 43 59 19 53.8 2 25 56 Altiar Spica a57 33 08 2 25 53.6 2 25 54.8 Spica Altair 57 33 01.5 57 33 04.8 2 28 53 Altair Spica 57 16 00 2 28 50 2 2;8 51.5 Altair Spica 57 16 01.5 57 16 00.8 1 55 04.2 Vega Arcturus 55 30 12.8 1 54 56.6 1 55 00.4 Vega Arcturus 55 29 57 55 30 04.9 2 24 54.1 Altair Spica 54 42 04.5 2 19 20 Alta Vega Arcturus 54 06 43.5 2 18 56.8 2 19 08.4 Alta Vega Arc. and Jupiter 54 06 49 54 06 46.3 2 02 30.3 Altair Antares 53 58 07.9 Positions determined on the Amazon and Madeira and computer. Praia August 19 Serro Araman August 20 Fazenda Caridade August 21 Vega delta Sagitarrius delta Sagittarius Recade Garupa August 22 Garupa August 23 Peca de Itaquara August 26 Penta Aturia August 27 Pharel Guajara August 28 Perkins alpha Androm Canopus Achenar Achenar Pharol de Goiabal August 29 Fom., alplha Gruis Pharoll Contejuba August 30 Vega delta Sagit., alpha Pao Pura Aug. 31, Sept. 2 {Baker } {Perkins} For chronometer error Rivers, Brazil, South American- Continued. 1 48 39.7 Altair Antares 53 27 54 1 48 28.5 1 48 29.6 Altair Antares 53 27 52.5 53 27 53.3 1 36 39 alpha Cyg., alpha Androm. Altair 52 55 20 1 36 49.7 1 36 44.4 alpha Cyg., Vega Jupiter 52 55 31.3 52 55 25.7 1 35 49.5 Altair Arcturus 52 35 37.5 1 26 05.6 Altair Arc. and Antares 51 57 41.5 1 26 57.2 1 27 01.4 Altair Antares 51 57 30 51 57 35.8 1 24 00.7 1 24 07.7 Altair Antares 51 37 34 51 37 35 1 48 00 Sirius Jupiter 50 11 24 1 48 25 1 48 12.5 Sirius Jupiter 50 11 10 50 11 17 1 37 30.4 Saturn Altair 49 09 26.5 1 37 39.4 1 37 34.7 alpha Ariet's Altair 49 09 35 49 09 30.8 1 15 57.9 Markab Arcturus 48 32 42.5 1 15 58 1 15 58 Altair Arcturus 48 32 08 48 32 25.3 Published: Thu Nov 02 16:58:03 EDT 2017	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1538
__label__wiki	0.942788	0.942788	CNO Presents Awards to Naval History Essay Contest Winners ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson presented awards to the winners of the CNO 2017 Naval History Essay Contest during the McMullen Naval History Symposium at the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA), Sept. 14. ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 14, 2017) Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson poses with contest winners and representatives of the CNO 2017 Naval History Essay Contest during the 2017 McMullen Naval History Symposium at the U.S. Naval Academy. From left to right, Mr. Samuel J. Cox (Director, NHHC), Mr. John P. Casey (Executive Vice President of General Dynamics Marine Systems, Inc.), Lt. Col. James W. Hammond III, USMC (Ret.), Dr. Ryan Wadle, Mr. Lee Moss (father-in-law of contest winner Lt. Cmdr. Joel Holwitt, USN), Mr. Trent Hone, Adm. John M. Richardson, USN, Lt. John Miller, USN, Lt. j.g. Daniel Stefanus, USN, and Mr. Peter Daly (Chief Executive Officer, U.S. Naval Institute). (U.S. Navy photo) The six awardees were chosen among a group of 292 total submissions. "This year's essay contest is just one example of how we're reinvigorating the intellectual debate within the Navy by increasing our focus on the study of maritime history," said Richardson. "It's also critical in helping us think through the design of the future Navy." Awards in the category of Professional Historian were presented to first place winner, Lt. Cmdr. Joel Holwitt, executive officer, USS Dakota (SSN-784); second place winner, Trent Hone, managing consultant with Excella Consulting; and third place winner, Dr. Ryan Wadle, director of research, Air Command and Staff College's School of Graduate Professional Military Education. Awards in the category of Rising Historian were presented to first place winner, Lt. John Miller, fire control officer, USS Monterey (CG-61); second place winner, retired Marine Lt. Col. James W. "Wes" Hammond III; and third place winner, Lt. j.g. Daniel Stefanus, training officer, Amphibious Squadron 6. "I have done plenty of presentations before but getting recognized for something I had written was new," said Wadle. "It was very humbling, but very gratifying." The judging committee was comprised of senior staff from United States Naval Institute, USNA, Naval War College, Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC), Office of the CNO, and a distinguished naval historian from outside the Navy. The panel chose the essays that best captured the rich history of sea service as it relates to maintaining maritime superiority in today's environment. "When going through the essays I was looking for outstanding scholarship, use of primary sources and meeting the CNO's requirement for an essay that took lessons from history and applied it to current and future operations," said retired Rear Adm. Samuel J. Cox, director, NHHC. The winners received cash prizes, plaques, pens and copper from the USS Constitution. The first place winners from both categories will have their essays published in Naval History Magazine and all winners will be published on NHHC's website. "It's been an absolutely incredible experience," said Stefanus. "Meeting the CNO and USNA superintendent was an awesome experience, as well as all the other essay contest winners. I'm honored to be here. {It's] definitely one of the coolest things I've ever done." Additionally, the winners presented their papers at the symposium during the panel discussions. "It felt really wonderful. Getting up and presenting and giving a speech is one thing, but being recognized is something different and I've got goosebumps," said Hone. "It's really neat to walk up shake the CNO's hand and be here at the Naval Academy, and get that kind of recognition for something that I've written." The McMullen Symposium ran Sept. 14-15. It is the largest academic conference dedicated to the subject of naval and maritime history in the western hemisphere. More than 300 scholars from 15 nations were in attendance where they presented research and discussed the field. To read the 2017 winners' essays and summaries, visit http://www.history.navy.mil/get-involved/essay-contest/2017-winners.html	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1539
__label__wiki	0.665779	0.665779	Henry VIII's wives King Henry VIII of England had six wives: Catherine of Aragon (m1509–33), who was the mother of the future queen Mary I; Anne Boleyn (m1533–6), whose daughter was the future queen Elizabeth I; Jane Seymour (m1536–7), the mother of Henry’s successor, Edward VI; Anne of Cleves (m1540); Catherine Howard (m1540–2) and and Katherine Parr (1543–7) Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII’s most successful queen? Royal sibling rivalry: Henry VIII, Richard III and other monarchs whose fate was determined by their brothers and sisters Catherine of Aragon: Spain’s Virgin queen? Katherine Parr: the truth about the wife who ‘survived’ The real history behind The Spanish Princess The final days of Anne Boleyn 11 things you (probably) didn’t know about Anne Boleyn Henry VIII: the boy who would be king The lost heirs of Henry VIII: Alison Weir on Katherine of Aragon’s failed pregnancies 8 places associated with Henry VIII’s wives Arthur, Catherine and Henry: a story of early Tudor triumph and tragedy Henry VIII’s mistresses: who else did the Tudor king sleep with? Did Catherine Howard commit adultery? Anne Boleyn: a 16th-century feminist? The surprising place where Henry VIII is buried	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1540
__label__cc	0.643991	0.356009	Home / Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Volume 16, Number 1 Highly Luminescent Carbon Dots Synthesized by Microwave-Assisted Pyrolysis and Evaluation of Their Toxicity to Physa acuta $106.81 + tax (Refund Policy) Authors: Sun, Xiaobo; Jin, Xiaozhe; Pan, Wei; Guo, Enmian; Liu, Weijian; Li, Denghui; Lu, Kunchao; Si, Shuxin; Zhang, Nianxing; Jia, Zhenzhen; Shi, Yanping; Li, Qianqian; Wang, Jinping Source: Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Volume 16, Number 1, January 2016, pp. 648-653(6) Publisher: American Scientific Publishers DOI: https://doi.org/10.1166/jnn.2016.11112 As a newly emerging class of nanomaterials, carbon dots have increasingly attracted researchers’ attention. However, their potentially adverse environmental effects are yet largely unknown. In this work, the highly luminescent carbon dots were synthesized by microwave-assisted pyrolysis of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (Tris) and citric acid. Then acute and chronic toxicities of carbon dots to Physa acuta (P. acuta), as well as their effect on reproduction, were evaluated using the as-synthesized dots as an example. The quantum yield of the as-synthesized carbon dots was up to 53.5% excited at 360 nm with the most fluorescent fraction of 82.6% after simple purification by gel column. The results showed that no acute but chronic toxicities to P. acuta exposed to different treatment concentrations of the as-synthesized carbon dots were observed with dosedependence. In addition, the fecundity of P. acuta was promoted significantly by the carbon dots at the concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL, yet inhibited at the concentration of 3.0 mg/mL after 12-day exposure. Mainly distributing in the visceral mass might be responsible for the effects of the carbon dots on the survival and fecundity of P. acuta. And there was no further evidence to confirm that the carbon dots can cause malformation in developing embryos. Journal for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (JNN) is an international and multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal with a wide-ranging coverage, consolidating research activities in all areas of nanoscience and nanotechnology into a single and unique reference source. JNN is the first cross-disciplinary journal to publish original full research articles, rapid communications of important new scientific and technological findings, timely state-of-the-art reviews with author's photo and short biography, and current research news encompassing the fundamental and applied research in all disciplines of science, engineering and medicine.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1544
__label__wiki	0.867953	0.867953	How Steve Carell Spent His Summer Vacation By Amanda Mae Meyncke ABOVE: STEVE CARELL WITH TONI COLLETTE IN THE WAY, WAY BACK. IMAGE COURTESY OF WWBSP. It’s early afternoon in Los Angeles, and one of the biggest names in comedy is completely exhausted. We’re supposed to be talking with Steve Carell about his latest film, The Way, Way Back, written and directed by superstar scribes Nat Faxon and Jim Rash (The Descendants); but he informs us that he just got off a plane from Australia. It’s early morning where he’s coming from, and when we mention that we’ve just gotten off a plane from Texas, Carell declares with a hearty laugh that this is going to be the worst interview ever. Known for his larger-than-life comedic characters, such as Michael Scott in TV’s The Office and a host of blockbuster broad comedies such as The 40 Year Old Virgin and Crazy, Stupid, Love, Carell is casually warm and funny, smiling and laughing often. The Way, Way Back is a departure for him. In the story of a discontent teen spending his summer on the Eastern seaboard and finding his own place in the world, Carell plays Trent, a dramatic, stern stepfather figure to Liam James‘ Duncan, offering half-insults and mild-abuse as a kind of tough-love method of parenting. Carell himself couldn’t be farther from that kind of man, and as we spoke, that became ever more apparent. AMANDA MAE MEYNCKE: I’m used to seeing you as Michael Scott, or those kind of good-guy characters. This character just seems like the worst dad ever, very unpleasant, and there’s not much comedy in the role. Was that a new experience for you? STEVE CARELL: I didn’t think of him as a bad guy; I didn’t approach him that way. But he’s not the most likable person in the world, it was different. I got the script and I read that first scene, in which he’s really being terrible to this 14-year-old son of his girlfriend, and I liked the scene because it certainly set the tone of the movie. It was brutal, but I was brutally honest. I found out later it was based on a true encounter between one of the directors and his stepdad. I think that’s partly why it rang so true, because it was based in reality. MEYNCKE: You have to wonder at the kind of man who would have this really harsh and semi-abusive conversation with his girlfriend’s son, and keep needling him even when the kid doesn’t want to talk. CARELL: Yes, not even in hushed tones; that was a choice too. I don’t think the character believes he’s saying anything bad, so if he’s caught saying these things, it’s just the truth, he’s just trying to help. To me, that’s the saving grace of being able to play a character like that, he believes he’s just trying to help, and he is, in his mind. It’s one thing just to play a terrible human being who has a completely black heart and does things in order to hurt others, but I don’t think that’s this guy. I just think he’s misguided and doesn’t know how to help this 14-year-old boy, so in a way he’s doing the best that he knows to help him out. I played a lot of sports growing up, and you have those coaches who are ruthless, merciless, cruel, and never back off and are just full of negativity and beating you down, and of course in their minds—it’s all in the name of character building. I liken it to that. MEYNCKE: “That’s what the real world’s like, better get used to it now.” CARELL: Better get used to it now, right, and I think that’s the way Trent sees himself. MEYNCKE: What was so unique about the character that you just had to take the role? CARELL: It’s a type of character I haven’t played before, and it’s a character that seemed familiar too, based on those coaches and other people I’ve known, he didn’t seem like a mustache-twirling villain… he seemed like a real guy. MEYNCKE: Not one of those “I can’t pay the rent! You must pay the rent.” CARELL: [laughs] I can’t pay the rent! You must pay the rent! More importantly, I thought the script was really good. Allison Janney, Sam Rockwell, and Toni Collette, that’s… I mean, you’re gonna be in that movie. Allison Janney is so great, she’s a very impressive actress. MEYNCKE: Allison Janney told me that she relies on her costume designers to give her clues as to who her characters are. What helps you find your way into this character? CARELL: I got a haircut, I grew a little stubble, and I got a tan. I think this guy sort of fancies himself as being a bit of a stud, at least in his own mind. I think he’s definitely an alpha male, and I tend not to play that kind of guy, either. Someone who’s in charge when he walks into a room, it’s his way. MEYNCKE: Are you growing more into that role? Would you pursue that? CARELL: I don’t know if it’s a type of part I want to pursue, necessarily. MEYNCKE: There wasn’t a lot of comedy for your character. CARELL: My character was definitely more of a straight man in this, which I felt was great. I have no need to be funny in something that doesn’t necessarily call for it. There was nothing funny about this character to me. But at the same time, I didn’t want to play him as a heavy, either. I’ve said this before, I don’t ever want to take a part in order to prove that I’m capable of doing something. It’s all based in doing stuff that’s interesting or working with people who would be fun to work with. After this I did a drama, a straight drama with Bennett Miller. You get asked to do a part for somebody like that and you do it. MEYNCKE: Was it strange going back for The Office finale? CARELL: It wasn’t strange. I went back with very specific parameters because I didn’t want to overshadow, I didn’t want it to be about Michael Scott returning. I thought enough time had passed that it didn’t have to be that way. I wanted it to be more of a tip of the hat, and a sign of respect and thanks to the cast and all the people who watched the show. It was fun to see those guys in that context again. I knew what they were going through—I’d gone through it two years before. MEYNCKE: At this point in your career, you get to be fairly selective with your roles, I imagine. CARELL: I’m pretty lucky that way, and I initially said no to [The Way, Way Back], only because it was gonna be shooting in July and I generally spend the summers with my family, that’s kind of a no-fly-zone. Summer vacation, I always spend it with my wife and kids but they asked, “Well, where do you go for the summer?” I go back to Massachusetts, a little South shore town. They said they were looking at that area as a potential location, and they ended up shooting it there. It worked out great. MEYNCKE: Was there anything unexpected that happened on set? CARELL: Not really, there were no jellyfish stings. The last night, it rained. We had pretty good weather all the way through, but we had one more night left and we had to shoot the big confrontation between Liam [James]’s character and my character Trent, and probably most of that big party sequence, and then the scene where Liam and AnnaSophia [Robb] are on the beach, so two kind of major scenes to shoot that night, and it rained all of the night. It finally cleared at 9 pm, so we had to shoot everything from 9 pm until when the sun came up at 5 am. That was tough, but they did such a good job, that was the biggest sort of… MEYNCKE: Hurdle. CARELL: That’s the exact word for it. MEYNCKE: What have you been reading lately? CARELL: Alan Arkin’s autobiography. I am such a huge fan of his, and he became a friend. MEYNCKE: That must be strange, reading someone’s book that you know. CARELL: It is! I’m such a fan. He’s one of those guys, I got cast in Little Miss Sunshine and I asked who was playing the grandfather and they said, “It looks like it’s Alan Arkin.” [Carell imitates dropping into a reverent state of shock] In my mind I have a few comedic idols, and Peter Sellers is one of them, and Alan Arkin, the two of them are at the top of my list. MEYNCKE: Who else is on that list of comedy giants that you look up to? CARELL: Mel Brooks, Billy Wilder, Steve Martin was a huge influence, I listened to all of his recordings… he just deconstructed comedy in such a beautiful way. To work with someone that was an idol like Arkin, it was a little overwhelming, and he’s now a friend of mine. MEYNCKE: So no summer reading, then? CARELL: No, I don’t have anything. MEYNCKE: You should read Preston Sturges’ autobiography. CARELL: I love Preston Sturges. I worked with a director once who, in the middle of the shoot, said, “We’re channeling Preston Sturges here!” And I thought, “Now you’ve ruined it.” Don’t ever say something like that when you’re in the middle of a movie, because you’re just going to jinx yourself. MEYNCKE: What’s your summer jam? CARELL: I listen to the fun music that my 12-year-old daughter listens to. I’m listening to a lot of Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna. A lot of pop female artists. I have to say I’m pretty well-versed in the pop female category. MEYNCKE: If you could give yourself any advice 20 years ago, what would it be? CARELL: I’d go back further, I’d go back to the age of the kid in this movie. I would tell [myself] not to be as shy around girls, because they’re probably just as shy and just as scared as you are. I was really shy. At school dances, I could never ask a girl to dance. I was very, very nervous around girls. MEYNCKE: Did some of your comedy come from that place? Compensating for that? CARELL: No, I wasn’t a class clown, I never developed this comedic flair as a kid. Even when I decided to become an actor, it was just to be an actor, not necessarily a comedic actor. [laughs] I wasn’t that guy who struck out with women so he became really funny, and that’s when the women started to like him. MEYNCKE: You have such a good grasp of what people find funny; are you hoping to do any writing, directing of your own? CARELL: I’m writing something right now for Warner Bros., possibly to direct, we’ve talked about it. That’s such a cliché thing, “I’m an actor, but…” and I’d enjoy directing. I directed a couple of episodes of “The Office,” that was a lot of fun. Especially with a cast like that, you just have to kind of point a camera at them and you don’t have to do anything. I’m inherently lazy, so that was pretty fun. THE WAY, WAY BACK IS OUT IN THEATERS THIS FRIDAY, JULY 5. That Time Adam Sandler Almost Wasn’t Adam Sandler "Myself, 1950, with the first Bolex. It worked fine until 1958 when Ray Wisniewski, a good friend, borrowed it to film the demonstrators of a nuclear ship entering the New York harbor. During a skirmish with the police he dropped it into the ocean. Being a good swimmer, he managed to retrieve it, but it never worked well again. Around the year 1959 I bought the second Bolex." Courtesy of Spector Books. Jonas Mekas and the Weight of Memory That Time Renée Zellweger Became The “Bean Queen”	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1547
__label__cc	0.601732	0.398268	We are proud to be a member of the All Stars Alliance! The All Stars Alliance was initiated to make it possible for individuals, groups and organizations doing work based on the All Stars Project’s (ASP) programs and/or performance approach to be connected to and contribute to the ASP’s mission. The Alliance connects well-led and innovative organizations who are broadly located in youth education, performance and social work to the All Stars method and programs. Since early 2014 we have been closely collaborating with our colleagues at the Fred Newman Center for Social Therapy in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. We have offered workshops, trainings, performances, and most recently, have formalized our work together by creating the binational coalition Performing Communities de Esperanza. Through The Cattleya Project we have established an ongoing partnership with the NYC-based dance organization Gibney. Since 1999, Gibney has developed an innovative and effective program that uses the transformative power of movement to make a difference in the lives of intimate partner violence survivors. Community Action has vividly demonstrated that movement, physical awareness, and creativity can play a remarkable role in healing trauma. Currently, in New York City, Gibney offers 365 movement workshops a year at over 20 partner organizations including Sanctuary for Families, Safe Horizon, Henry Street Settlement, Safe Homes Project, and SAKHI. Our founders are Institute Associates of the East Side Institute for Group and Short-term Psychotherapy - an international educational, training and research center for developing and promoting alternative and radically humanistic approaches in psychology, therapy, education and community building. According to their website, the Institute Associates are "an impressive grouping of international practitioners, scholars and activists.... Some have worked closely with the Institute for decades, including several social therapists from across the United States. Others are individuals whose organizations we have partnered with in various ways. Many are graduates of the Institute’s flagship program, The International Class, whose practices have been enhanced by the infusion of Social Therapeutics into their work. All of [them] are creating community in their countries, local cultures and professions, expanding performance activism and, most importantly, serving as “ambassador for development” wherever they go." Read more here.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1549
__label__cc	0.720486	0.279514	13 Surprising Truths About What It Really Means to Be Happy (That Will Make All the Difference in Your Work and Life) Happiness doesn't have to be a pipe dream. By Laura GarnettPerformance strategist and author, The Genius Habit@garnettl Loving your life and your work. Now that's the ultimate dream. And, according to your Instagram feed, many people have already achieved it. But social media isn't telling the whole story. We've been conditioned by society to believe that the secret to happiness is that, well, it just happens to us. We've also been taught that happiness means having lots of friends, traveling to beautiful destinations, and having pockets (and pockets) full of money. But this is wrong. Dead wrong. Despite all of those photos we see of people who are just bursting at the seams with joy, the truth is that Americans' happiness levels have been on the decline. According to data from The General Social Survey, one of the longest-running and most highly regarded public opinion research projects in the nation, life in America just keeps getting more miserable. On a scale of 1 to 3, with 1 representing "not too happy" and 3 indicating "very happy," Americans average out at a 2.18--just a hair above "pretty happy." That might seem great at first. But it's actually a significant decline from the nation's peak happiness, as measured by the survey in the early 1990s. This change in average happiness is driven by the number of people who say they're not too happy: 13% in 2018 compared with 8% in 1990. That's more than 50% increase in unhappy people. (Are you happy? Truly happy? Find out here.) Other recent research confirms this trend. The World Happiness Report 2019 found that a separate measure of overall life satisfaction fell by 6% in the United States between 2007 and 2018. While this is due to all kinds of factors, it's probably a safe bet that one of the reasons our happiness levels are decreasing is because we're basing them on the wrong things (read: material items, money, and more). So, what does being happy really mean? Here are 13 surprising truths that you can use as your happiness bible. And from this point forward, you can start ignoring the erroneous messages about happiness that you see everywhere. Happiness is: Valuing and appreciating who you are and practicing that belief every day. Having deep connections with other people that truly see you for who you are and that you can be completely vulnerable with. Having work that energizes you and makes you feel as though you are making a contribution to the world that is really meaningful to you. (More on that here.) Not caring what other people think. Not measuring your value based on others value. It's appreciating everyone for their unique value and perspective. Having friendships that energize you and are supportive when times are tough. Knowing the difference between your past baggage and your present and doing the work to ensure you're not always operating from your childhood blueprint/trauma. Having psychological safety at home and at work. Meaning you can fully express yourself emotionally and physically in both environments. Knowing that how you feel is more important than how you look. Having the time to create meaningful connections with your family. Knowing that if you died tomorrow, you wouldn't change anything about your life. Slowing down at work, so that you can notice how you're treating other people. Then be proactive about your behavior rather than reactive. Not using material items as a Band-aid for lack of emotional connection.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1551
__label__cc	0.579719	0.420281	Independent Mercia re-creating Mercia as an autonomous and sustainable bioregion The Constitution of Mercia A New Society On Mercian Principles Register As A Citizen Of Mercia Mercian Publications Visions Of Mercia Conference Independent Mercia→A New Society On Mercian Principles Our vision for a new society in independent Mercia is broadly set out in the MERCIA MANIFESTO. Here, we provide greater detail in the light of the practices, principles and realities of a 21st Century approach. This article was written in August 2004 and has remained unchanged. Three main facets comprise the bedrock of our vision: Co-operative Community, Organic Democracy and Ecological Sustainability. CO-OPERATIVE COMMUNITY Our vision of community is based on our awareness that individually and collectively we are all parts of a single community upon which both our survival and that of the community itself are dependent and inter-dependent. As we see in nature, everything is connected to everything else. So with human beings, crucially the basis of successful living is dependent on the way we manage that interconnectedness and in the way we behave ourselves and toward each other. In practical terms, this means working together in symbiosis, taking into account the needs of ourselves, of each other and of the greater whole. Prior to the Norman Conquest in 1066, co-operative community and organic democracy thrived in Anglo-Saxon England and society flourished in harmony with the natural world. Since that time, however, the ruling power of privileged minorities with their hierarchical political and social systems has coerced us into competing with each other, exploiting, dominating and defeating each other and the biosphere, enslaving us all through the debt-based monetary system and the sanction of war for those who do not comply. We know the results – principally a world of injustice and suffering for the majority of humanity both from deprivation and excess derived from the rape of the physical world and irresponsibly reckless offensives into the ecosystem which sustains it. Clearly, all is not well in the world and unless something remedial is done NOW, little basis for hope exists for ourselves and the coming generations. In Mercia we are encouraging everyone to live as a single extended family, with individuals, families, neighbourhoods and towns interacting with each other in the region and the wider world in a spirit of mutual care, concern and service. We envision a lifestyle very different from that of the later part of the 20th century and the beginning of this one in which the themes are consumerism, materialism, competition, individualism, personal fulfilment, exclusiveness, prejudice, obesity and excess, to name but some of the suicidal and murderous attributes of our current lifestyle. We envision a lifestyle in Mercia in which the economic system, and especially the monetary system, will not enable anyone to become disproportionately wealthy in material terms i.e. excessive money or material possessions, nor abuse other regions or countries around the world, as has characterised the capitalist monetary system. Money will be an exchange mechanism of last resort, and we will aim for a money-free system in which we simply exchange, lend, give to and share with each other. This will lead to a way of life in which the themes will be quality of life, community, simplicity, spirituality, inclusiveness, equality, oneness, sustainability and healthiness, to name but some of the uplifting and life-supporting attributes of our vision. Society in the new Mercia will be egalitarian and the opportunity for personal development will be available to all people regardless of creed, gender, age, race, ethnic, religious, economic or cultural background or personal ability. People in Mercia will be free and encouraged to express their personalities, preferences and differences, limited only by the needs of the society and the environment. As far as possible Mercia will be truly sustainable, with every village, town and city achieving an optimum level of self-reliance and self-sufficiency. Where it is necessary to import from or export to other parts of the region, or other regions or countries, and where this cannot be done on an equivalent trade basis, we shall honour the spirit of oneness that enables us and others to give to and receive from each other. For example, at the present levels of population and sequestration of farmland to an ever-diminishing number of heavily subsidised warlords of agribusiness, it will be virtually impossible for Mercia to be self-sufficient in food and energy and some supplies of these will need to be imported. The capacity of a region to support a population is limited and Mercia is currently an overpopulated region on an overpopulated planet. The present agricultural system practised in Mercia is not capable of sustaining the existing population and some areas of the region are vastly overcrowded, for example London and the West Midlands conurbation. It is therefore critical that the population of Mercia be reduced, not simply to a level where food production is able to support the number of people, but to that where all people are able to enjoy a fulfilling life with plentiful personal space, and which still enables there to be large areas of wilderness. It is also vital that the level of population being aimed for can be sustained in the long term and by means which do not damage the ecosystem. Regrettably, this essential reduction of population is more than likely actually to occur, as a consequence of the U.K. Government’s current support for American foreign and economic policy which can realistically be expected to lead to mass destruction through terrorism and plague over the next few years. Nevertheless, action needs to be taken without delay to rectify the lack of self-sufficiency in Mercia through pre-emptive measures including breaking down the over-sized, over-mechanised, global-capitalist fiefdoms into the smallest units practicable and compatible with the laws of the biosphere and its ecology, in scale with the size and topography of the Mercian landscape. Manifestly it is untenable for the U.K. to continue forcing the fertile land of Mercia to grow more than is its natural propensity for any reason, and certainly not for the purposes of competing for exports with, for example, the corn prairies of North America. This change would serve to re-populate the Mercian countryside with people farming appropriate smallholdings of varying size in accordance with organic principles, restoring the inherent vitality of the land and the healthy lifestyle which has been stolen from us by the robber-barons of global agribusiness who feed the cancer of the debt-based capitalist system. At the same time this would ease the pressure on our over-populated towns and cities. It will be necessary to grow our own food within the vicinity of our villages, towns and cities. The combination of a re-deployment of work and leisure activity into the food-growing industry, and a change to a more healthy diet with a higher proportion of grains and vegetables than at present, will help to reduce our dependence on imports from other countries, many of which have been over-specialised in food production and are struggling to feed their own people. A much higher proportion of people in Mercia will be engaged in food production, using low technologies for neighbourhood-scale, organic dairy, meat and fish husbandry. With oil, gas, coal and nuclear fuel resources becoming diminished and/or environmentally unacceptable, our energy policy needs to prioritise energy conservation. The cleanest, safest, most secure and most environmentally acceptable policy is simply to use less energy, by reducing demand, by social or technological interventions for energy saving. Also, we need massively to improve the input recovery rate for greater energy efficiency. For example, 83% of the primary energy input to a coal-fired power station is currently lost before the electricity reaches the end user. Renewable energy resources will need to be developed. For Mercia to be fully self-sufficient, we must generate the energy we need within the region, relying on imported energy only for emergencies and other unforeseen needs. However, at the present level of over-population, whilst wind turbines and biomass (crops and wood, etc) and solar collectors can provide a proportion of Mercia’s energy, undoubtedly for the foreseeable future we will be dependent on other regions and countries for supplies of solar, wind, tidal and hydroelectric energy. In view of the current political instabilities of the Middle East and Africa it may be unimaginable that they could be tomorrow’s suppliers of solar energy. However, this may need to be. The solution for contributing to such a development lies in our declaration that we are no-one’s enemies, and that we are all one. It is not inconceivable that following the turmoil of the present times humanity will be able to live in peace and goodwill. This is surely not idealistic but realistic, because without peace and goodwill we will assuredly destroy ourselves eventually. Our vision for peace and goodwill in Mercia will serve as an example for others to follow. The conservation of energy and the transition to renewables will thus be a priority objective both for self-sufficiency and to assist the wider world in fulfilling its energy needs. A major consideration in the arguments for an alternative lifestyle is that of the healthcare system. At present the cost of healthcare is so great that it would be inconceivable that a money-less lifestyle could supply the healthcare system which we have come to demand as a birthright. Our answer is that just as good health is a birthright, so is protection from abuse of our health by others and by ourselves. Health is a function of spirit and state of mind and salutary treatment of the body. A healthy individual and community spirit are the well-spring of individual and community health. We expect health to improve in Mercia because of the lifestyle we envision, which will engender a healthier spirit and also eliminate unhealthy practices, including the use of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and herbicides, polluting fuels and overcrowded, dirty hospitals. The unhealthy use or abuse of drugs, solvents, alcohol and tobacco will also be discouraged as the sense of self- and group-responsibility is encouraged. ORGANIC DEMOCRACY What the west and particularly the U.K. currently understands to be democracy is not democracy but plutocracy, the rule by the rich, endorsed by the legislature of parliamentary autocracy. Democracy in its true form is ‘rule by the people’ which does not currently exist in the U.K. Such ‘democracy’ as is claimed by some to exist is merely an illusion – window-dressing to disguise the plutocracy. In the U. K. the form of government at Westminster is purportedly Elected Representation where the people, the Crown’s subjects, elect individuals i.e. members of parliament, to represent them at the national government level. The same applies at local elections. In practice, the Westminster government of 2004 is run by a small group of people who decide and enact primary legislation, headed by a lawless, lying, treacherous control-freak with support from less than 10% of the electorate. In amongst and behind them are the plutocrats, an equally small number of people with mainly financial interests such as the international bankers and business people who manage the capitalist system. It is they who really run the U.K. and they to whom the politicians of the day defer, rather than to the people of the country. In Mercia, a true democracy will be created, in which all members of communities of varying sizes will decide upon their own local affairs. Every community will appoint someone who will represent their requirements to the next body of co-ordination responsible for the wider area as appropriate, e.g. folk, leet, hundred and shire which in turn will send representatives to the regional assembly, namely the Witan. True power will reside with and remain within the communities, a bottom-up democracy as distinct from the top-down governments of the United Kingdom, with each body of Mercian democracy being accountable to that which elected it. Such matters as require a regional approach will be referred back to communities as advice by way of subsidiarity rather than directives. On this basis, the people of Mercia will be empowered not as subjects but as free citizens who are both self-responsible and responsible to the greater whole, thus actualising the twin aspects of democracy, with freedom, rights and authority on the one hand and responsibility, duty and obligation on the other. ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY Considerable effort will need to be made to develop a viable society in Mercia, primarily because of over-population and the inheritance from the United Kingdom of the practices and physical manifestations of an unsustainable social, economic and political infrastructure which has depended on local, regional and global exploitation. During the transitional period, day-to-day life in Mercia will revolve around creating truly sustainable communities, whether in cities, towns or villages. Each community will work to develop true sustainability through collaboration and good practice such as recycling, reduction of consumption and careful management of resources including food, water, energy, materials and the whole environment. All members of communities will contribute to this collective endeavour on the basis of ‘from each according to their abilities, to each according to their needs’. In this regard, members will be enabled and encouraged to use their talents fully and be free to pursue constructive individual initiatives of their choice. In this way, individuals, communities and ecosystems will be mutually enabled and enriched. There will be few public services as there will be no regional government and communities will be largely self-sufficient. In the interests of self-sufficiency and true sustainability, people will not be employed in and will be encouraged not to engage in unnecessary manufacturing and service activities, nor engaged in anti-social self-enrichment. Therefore people will be working less and travelling less, freeing the roads of traffic and pollution. The U.K.’s monetary system will be abolished in the Mercia region and existing debts such as mortgages, personal loans and credit cards will be cancelled, with debtors and mortgagees of their sole residences retaining use of the assets they have part-purchased. Part-owners of second or more homes will make those properties available to people who do not have a home. Those assets will fall into a new legal category of community ownership. In view of the growing appreciation that we are inter-dependent, the ownership of property will become less of an issue. In the future, it is possible that all property will be owned collectively by the community. Different forms of community habitation will also evolve, reflecting more co-operative living. Sustainability: Sustainable Cities, Towns, Villages and Rural areas We refer here to true sustainability whereby each city, town, village and rural area is viable in its own right without having to depend on outside sources and could maintain a steady state indefinitely. In reality this is very difficult to achieve, hence our emphasis on the need for population reduction. We regard the U.K.’s idea of ‘sustainable development’ as a contradiction in terms because ‘development’ implies ongoing expansion. Whether true sustainability can mean a high technological standard of living cannot be foreseen at the present time and would probably depend on new energy technologies, as yet not available. It may be that optimum agreeable living will be the primary measure of quality of life. It will be necessary for everyone to recognise and remember why a profound change in our present collective lifestyle is required, namely that it is not ecologically sustainable, it is unjust in relation to the rest of humanity and ultimately it is both suicidal and murderous. Without such awareness, the changes we propose would probably be unacceptable to most people. We must emphasise, therefore, that we feel that our vision is based on necessity rather than choice. Given that a large proportion of Mercian citizens currently live in cities, the sustainability and desirability of city life presents the most pressing challenge. The main issues which need to be successfully addressed include: Energy: Sources, Supplies, Research The energy budget is set both by non-renewable and renewable sources of energy including solar, water, wind and biomass (vegetation and wood). During the transitionary period from dependence on fossil fuels and nuclear fission to renewables, communities will encourage conservation. Also, the importation of fuel supplies will need to be on a last resort basis. In view of our vision for a more limited, steady-state economy our energy requirements will be much reduced compared to hitherto. Climate change and toxic releases are forcing a move away from fossil fuels and towards sustainable, clean and renewable energy resources, and we support that. However, owing to the generally accepted threats and dangers associated with climate change, a case is being made (by James Lovelock, proponent of the Gaia theory) to resurrect the poison of nuclear energy generation as a means of combating carbon dioxide levels. We believe this must be resisted by all means necessary in favour of preferably passive renewable energy supplies. It seems likely that the present trend of global warming will continue for the foreseeable future. This means we will have to adapt to it. Its worst effects, namely flood and drought, will cause loss of life both directly and indirectly. Providing that the Gulf Stream does not fail as some predict, in Mercia we are geographically-placed to enjoy a relatively mild and consistent climate and we should be shielded from the worst of the climate change. Nevertheless we are likely to experience sporadic loss of harvest, as in 2004, and fluctuations of supplies from abroad. This will require some greater effort to compensate than can be expected from the U.K. authorities who are traditionally unwilling to ask people to make sacrifices either through moderating demands and consumption or through offering assistance in the supply chain. The greater level of support from communities in Mercia will help to alleviate the worst of any expected difficulties. Food, Agriculture and Water It is imperative, when planning for sustainability, that all cities consider the production, marketing and distribution of food, as well as the recycling of food wastes, within their boundaries, together with a more balanced effort to maintain the water needs of the entire ecosystem of which humans are a part. Waste: Recycling, Management Moving toward sustainability will transform many of the day-to-day activities of consumers, workers, and business people. The conservation of resources will require considerable and consistent effort and awareness and will seem inconvenient by comparison to the careless, throw-away practices to which many have been addicted and habituated. This will nevertheless be an essential discipline for ecological sustainability. In the past this has not been given appropriate priority even though much knowledge exists. We must give the academic community the support it needs to address the decline of genetic diversity, the number and variety of species in the cities, the variety and quality of the cities’ ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain biodiversity. The potential threats of high-technology genetic engineering will also be addressed with deep concern and scepticism, and no further introduction of genetically-engineered organisms will be allowed in Mercia for the foreseeable future. Healthcare: Health Centres, Hospitals, Remedies Environmental, cultural, and institutional barriers to good health must be removed and appropriate health care services must be equitably distributed throughout the cities. Healthcare will be aimed primarily at prevention of sickness, and cure will be based increasingly upon non-invasive, natural remedies. We regard the trans-national pharmaceutical companies with deep mistrust and we seek to eliminate the use of their questionable though certainly hugely expensive products in favour of more traditional medicines. There will be a system in which people’s and communities’ needs and desires for access to jobs, commerce, recreation, culture and home are accommodated using a minimum of resources. The elimination of the capitalist economic system will profoundly change the daily routine of people who hitherto sat in one-person cars in rush-hour traffic queues crawling slowly into the cities. In future there will be far less traffic in the cities because much of the population will have moved into the countryside, and the traffic generated by long-distance trade will have disappeared with the change to local self-reliance. The need for energy conservation will preclude the ubiquitous use of the private car. This will require modifications of practices and procedures for individuals, businesses and public entities that will have a positive impact on air quality. Notably road-going vehicles using petrol or diesel engines will have to meet yet more stringent emission standards, forcing the need for alternative clean fuels or emission-reducing technology. Industries will have yet more stringent air pollution standards imposed. Smoking and offensive odours in public places will be banned. Economics: Economic management This requires the comprehensive interaction of production, services, resources and energy use through the complete recycling of by-products, elimination of waste and toxins or products harmful to local ecosystems and communities. At present, in the U.K.’s money-based economy, economic activity is primarily directed towards earning money. In the absence of a money-based economy, economic activity will be directed primarily towards sustaining the community. So whereas at present most people are engaged in relatively unnecessary manufacturing and service industries, in Mercia people will be engaged in repairing and replacing the housing stock, producing food, clothing and other basic essentials, and caring for those unable to help themselves such as the elderly and the infirm. Ours will be an economy operated as much from the heart as from the head, facilitated by a community spirit in which everyone helps and cares about each other so that no-one’s well-being is neglected and everyone is able to support mutually. Justice and social responsibility True sustainability must include a process of collective decision-making and address issues of social inequality as well as ecological degradation. This will require education at all levels, and this will be provided by every community. As one of the three cornerstones of future life in Mercia, ecological sustainability will be accorded a high priority in community affairs, with resources being made available to support all endeavours towards sustainability. The economy of Mercia will become essentially subsistent and self-sufficient as soon as possible. Therefore, Mercia will become and remain a fundamentally sustainable bioregion with a steady-state economy, in which production and consumption will be based on ecological and human needs. The elimination of the capitalist monetary system will engender a different set of priorities in all businesses, including the minimisation of unnecessary production and the conservation of resources. Technology will at last be the servant of people, facilitating greater leisure time. Even so, the existence of technology will not justify an increase in productive capacity. Community: services and expenditure Policymakers must be committed to including long-term sustainability issues in their decision-making processes. Continuing effort and awareness will be required to reduce the infrastructure of an over-consumptive economy such as trunk roads and motorways. Canals, trains and trams will accommodate the primary transport needs. Amenities: Public and Private Citizens’ commitment to parks and open spaces, recreation and street-tree programmes becomes stronger with increased involvement in hands-on activities to design, create, and maintain these amenities, with due consideration being given to the needs of indigenous animals, birds, insects and other wildlife with which we share the cities. As an essentially self-sufficient and peaceful region, Mercia will be non-threatening to other regions and states and thus will not invite pre-emptive attack. Also, the decentralisation of society will make the region extremely difficult to conquer and control. Mercia will rely heavily on its co-operative foreign policy as the first line of defence and the Witan will be required to work actively for the creation of a new-style United Nations of harmonious regions with the power to take action against aggressive and irresponsible states. Upon the peaceful transfer of power from the U.K. authorities to Mercia, all professional standing military forces located within Mercia and loyal to the British crown will be disbanded immediately. All nuclear, chemical and biological weapons on Mercian soil will be dismantled immediately and rendered harmless as soon as possible. Their existence in Mercia will be illegal under our Constitution and the Witan will be required to campaign vigorously for their eradication from the globe. Transitionary Period Global warming may be a natural, unstoppable phenomenon (though mankind is surely contributing to it). Its effects may soon destroy our veneer-thin, technological civilisation which most likely would default back to something very similar to the less technological type of civilisation we have outlined above. In addition to that, notwithstanding global warming nor other major earth changes, we fully expect the U.K. government will collaborate with other governments and the plutocrats regardless of the consequences to lead us all into a global disaster of some sort within the next few years. Therefore we consider our initiative to create a 21st century Mercian society is timely, necessary and to be welcomed and embraced before the present-day society breaks down into disorder. The most optimistic predictions one might reasonably make about the future in the U.K., and which add to the many reasons to detach ourselves from the U.K., include the following: 1. The U.K. economy The U.K. economy will continue to grow. However, at the time of writing (August 2004), the one trillion pounds threshold of personal debt has just been breached, bank interest rates are continuing to climb, albeit slowly, and the price of houses is beginning to fall on account of first-time buyers finding it impossible to make the first rung on the housing ladder. This suggests that the limit of the debt-based economy has been reached and many people are facing grave financial hardship. This is not unprecedented, and it might be described as a correction, a balancing of the system. Only those people who have overstretched themselves will be much affected. However this will be a lot of people, and there will be more of a public backlash than hitherto because people are more communicative and the media more reactive. Although potentially resilient, the economic system is not entirely proof against continuing crashes, a weakness which considering the level of increasing instability across the world constitutes an ever-present potential threat. The U.K.’s economic and political system is controlled overwhelmingly by the banking fraternity, as it has been for hundreds of years. The imbalanced, predominantly left-brained thinking of the bankers is primarily responsible for the numerous life-threatening issues which face the U.K. population, including international terrorism, our contribution to global warming, and exotic new viruses such as Mad Cow Disease, Chicken Flu and SARS which have arisen from extreme intensive farming. The system is resilient, however, and may yet lead to a catastrophe resulting from one or more of the above, for which alternative outcomes, such as we are proposing, need to be in place. Not only individuals but banks, finance companies and the wider field of business, industry and commerce will be affected by such catastrophe. On the whole, it will be individuals who suffer most. The question is, how will individuals respond? It is possible that their discontent, mainly with politicians, may be mobilised by, for example, a refusal to accept loss, on the basis that they are victims of a system which has encouraged them to take debt. In fact, the system has forced people to take debt in order to generate the money supply, which comes into existence only as people take on debt in the form of credit card debts, bank loans and overdrafts, mortgages and personal loans of one sort and another. The bankers and their cohorts have much to answer for. There is some resistance to capitalism, globalisation and the global monetary elite (Global Monetocracy), though at present not enough political activism to cause things to change. The suffering of the masses would be an ideal vehicle for far-right politicians and that could be disruptive to the point of collapsing public confidence in the system. It could be fatal for the system as confidence is its foundation. In such circumstances, the economic system would probably default back to a much less sophisticated system involving self-reliance, mostly with considerable hardship. To avoid a scenario in which the most ruthless take the spoils it would be far preferable to have our alternative system already in place for when that happens. Unless a way is found to undermine the terrorists from both west and east, who appear to be motivated primarily by economic considerations, it is probable that terrorism will affect the world to a catastrophic degree. This is the terrorists’ aim, and there are many vulnerable targets, especially our wholly unjustified confidence that the lifestyle we have entertained in the U.K. will endure. The U.K. economy is based on abstractions such as a currency which is primarily merely figures in computers and depends on our collective agreement that it really is ‘money’. Our loss of confidence alone could potentially be enough to destroy the U.K. economy. Since it is unlikely that any mainstream, present or future U.K. political party, all of which complacently and complicitously operate within the framework of the western banking system, will seek to change the way our economy operates sufficiently to remove the origin of terrorism, we can expect serious disruption from terrorism in the near future. One thing is sure, as long as violence from any source continues to beget violence from another, the cycle will remain locked in an expanding vicious circle. For so long as the manufacturing of weapons continues and global disarmament is delayed, terrorism of all kinds increasingly will remain the order of the day. Even if one has yet no direct experience of its consequences, it is not difficult to agree that it is a nihilistic evil of the utmost stupidity. It is crucial that we reach an accurate definition of terrorist and identify all those to whom the definition applies. For example, nation-state terrorists such as America, Britain, Israel et al are as evil as the increasing number of self-help suicide bombers whom they are provoking. That as a reaction to the attacks on America in 2001, America and Britain have colluded in an illegal invasion albeit of another rogue state not a member of their nuclear club, beggars belief. It is the mentality of the adolescent thug who having had one of his dangerous toys destroyed, resorts to trying to destroy other people. Then again, there’s the oil in Iraq…….. In light of our prognosis for the short-term future under a U.K. government, and the intractability of the U.K.’s top-down hierarchical political, economic and social systems, it is as well that so much thought and preparation has been given over many years to a smooth transition to a Mercian, co-operative community-based, ecologically-sustainable, organic democracy. The increasing registration of people who wish to become Mercian citizens will be critical in helping to achieve peaceful transfer of power from the U.K. authorities to the new Mercia. We therefore urge you to register as a citizen without delay. Our vision set out here provides a glimpse into a way of life that will be at once remote but also familiar; remote in the sense that the lifestyle we have enjoyed, and might want to continue enjoying, under successive U.K. governments has been relatively stable and secure, although we now discover that we have unknowingly and involuntarily (having been duped by our leaders and their plutocratic masters) been on the winning side and those on the losing side – the rest of humanity and the planet herself – are desperate and justifiably up in arms; and familiar in that we envision a life more in harmony with the natural world and more considerate and loving towards all other people and our Mother Earth. It is not too late to remove the wealth-and-power-hungry bankers, corporatists and politicians. We too have power, an effortless power centred in our hearts, a power with which those others are scarcely acquainted. We need to be of one spirit in Mercia and with all on the planet and to love the earth, our mother. Let us now make a start, with you, today. Please now register as a citizen, and contact us for any reason. The Acting Witan Of Mercia © 2000-2019 All rights reserved This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please click 'Accept' to consent or 'Reject' if you wish to opt-out.Accept RejectRead More <# print( 'Independent Mercia' ) #>	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1553
__label__wiki	0.877522	0.877522	‘Citizenship Amendment Act’ 2019: A Primer and an Analysis of the On-going Protests By Swati Pradip The country seems to be ablaze today as university students, civil society organisations in certain states like Assam and West Bengal and numerous other civilians across the country are articulating their opinions and concerns on the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019. The anti-CAB protest activities are directed, as the name suggests, against the recent Citizenship Amendment Bill of the BJP-led NDA government that was passed in the Lok Sabha on December 9, and received clearance from the Rajya Sabha on December 11. Amidst massive protests and controversies that it spurred since it was passed by the Parliament, the Bill received President Ram Nath Kovind’s assent on Dec 12, to become an Act. The CAB had earlier been passed by the Lok Sabha in 2016, but had failed to garner support in the Rajya Sabha. The Parliament legislates on multiple issues during each of its sessions. Given India’s population size, cultural and social complexities, stark economic inequality and frequent political events, there is never a scarcity of news and headlines for our media houses. Busy individual lives of most citizens further do not permit them the time to keep track of everyday developments in governance and legislation. This tells us that there must be something about the CAA that is being widely perceived as fundamentally disputable. To allow a fair discussion, however, it is important that we are well informed. What is the ‘CAA’? The Citizenship Amendment Act (2019) provides that Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians that have arrived in India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan through illegal means until 31st December, 2014 shall be granted indian citizenship by fast track methods. This is to be done by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955. The conferment of a person as a citizen of India is governed by Articles 5 to 11 (Part II) of the Constitution of India. The legislation related to this matter is the Citizenship Act 1955, which has been amended on multiple occasions through the decades. The Citizenship Act (1955) deals with the laws on citizenship in India, whether by birth, descent, registration or by naturalisation. As per the Act, a foreigner can acquire Indian citizenship by naturalisation provided he/she is not an illegal migrant, has resided in India or worked for the government of India for at least 9 years in the last 12 years and has stayed in India for 12 consecutive months before the application for citizenship was filed. Why are people protesting? The Act is being called anti-secular and, thus, unconstitutional. The Act provides for granting citizenship on the basis of the religious identity of illegal immigrants, recognising 6 religious communities and barring the Muslim community from its ambit. Opposition parties in the Parliament have aggressively opposed the Bill for apparently violating Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to Equality. Civilian protestors have resonated the same essence in labelling the Act divisive. Why is the North-East protesting? Nothing in the CAA shall apply to tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram or Tripura as included in the Sixth Schedule to the Indian Constitution. Also exempted is the area covered under ‘The Inter Line (1873)’, that includes present day Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. Assam is protesting because the CAA violates the Assam Accord of 1985, which promised that illegal migrants that had entered India through Assam after March 1971 would be deported. The Assam Accord was signed between then PM Rajiv Gandhi and the leaders of the ‘Assam Movement’, a prolonged demonstration that fought for protecting the economic and cultural rights of the native Assamese people, particularly threatened in the face of massive influx during the Bangladeshi War of Liberation in 1971. While the whole of India had 1951 as the cut off date for citizenship, Assam took the burden of welcoming Bangladeshis for another 20 years. The NRC generation exercise in Assam recently was believed to aim at identifying illegal immigrants and deporting them. The Assamese people believe that the CAA doesn’t just contradict the NRC project but also fails them by progressively reducing their numerical majority in their native land. While the NDA government is emphasising on the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord for the constitutional preservation of political, linguistic and cultural of the natives, something the previous governments failed to fulfill in so many decades, the Assamese people believe that Clause 6 still existed in return for the extension to 1971, and does in no way justify 2014 as the cut off date. In the wake of protests getting violent, the army was deployed in several districts in Assam and a curfew has been imposed since December 11. There have been relaxation in curfew regulations during day time, but internet services have been restricted for over 5 days now. Reports of differences between the tribal and Bengali communities in Tripura resurfacing in the backdrop of the CAA have also emerged. The tribal people complain of a steep decline in their population owing to illegal immigration. University students’ protests against the CAA Students from renowned universities like Jamia Milia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, to name a few, are participating in large numbers in protests against the CAA. Demonstrations have involved some students from Jamia allegedly destructing public property in an otherwise peaceful movement. To this, the Delhi police has responded with the use of tear gas and lathi charge against the students. Civil society vigilantism has also been recorded in West Bengal, where CM Mamata Banerjee has claimed that she shall not allow the CAA to be implemented. How the Government explains it Union Home Minister, Mr. Amit Shah, explained on the floor of the Parliament that the law pertains to religious minorities that are facing religious persecution in the three neighbouring countries mentioned, namely Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The countries being considered are largely Muslim dominated. Therefore, the law excludes Muslim immigrants who do not fall within the stated criteria of religious persecution but may migrate due to economic reasons, which is not India’s lookout. The Law is further not unconstitutional as it makes use of the ‘reasonable classification’ clause of Article 14 of the Constitution. The state religion in Pakistan is Islam, which is practiced by 96.28% of the population. Freedom of religion, however, is guaranteed by the Pakistani constitution, which established a fundamental right of Pakistani citizens, irrespective of their religion, to equal rights. Secularism as a key principle was enshrined in the original 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh. It was removed from the constitution in 1977 by Ziaur Rahman, replaced with a statement of “absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah”, and Islam was declared the state religion in 1988. In 2010, the Bangladesh Supreme Court restored secularism as one of the basic tenets of the Constitution though Islam remained the state religion in the constitution. Over 90% of Bangladeshis are Muslims, but people in Bangladesh observe various secular festivals at different times throughout the year. Afghanistan is an Islamic Republic where no laws can contravene Islamic Law. Followers of other faiths shall be free within the bounds of law in the exercise and performance of their religious rights. Small communities of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, etc have lived in Afghanistan in the past. But even at their peak, non-muslims constituted not more than 1% of the country’s population. On probing deep into finding out the extent of religious persecution of minorities in these countries, Afghanistan has shown a massive decline in non-muslim population over the decades. A recent report by the BBC News says, “In practice, non-Muslim minorities do face discrimination and persecution.” Human Rights group Amnesty International has pointed to Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which it says “are vaguely formulated and arbitrarily enforced by the police and judiciary in a way which amounts to harassment and persecution of religious minorities”. In Bangladesh, the black and white of the claims of religious persecution is, however, less clear. These explanations by the government are being called faulty on two grounds; first, the government is being arbitrary in choosing only those countries where Muslims are in majority. There is no clear justification for the choice made. Conditions in other neighbouring countries are not being considered adequately. Secondly, these countries persecuting their religious minorities on grounds of being Islamic States is visibly a wrongdoing. India being a secular country must acknowledge this wrong and refrain from making a similar error in making religion the criteria for citizenship. Supporters of the CAA believe that the law should not concern existing citizens belonging to any religion as it does not affect them. On the other hand, opposers of the Law are viewing it in association with the NRC policy that the government has announced. Several Muslim dominated voluntary groups in the country have expressed their fears regarding the NRC, claiming that it might be used to target the Muslim citizens next. At this juncture, the way ahead seems unclear. Picture Credits: countercurrents.org Related Items:#CitizenshipAmendmentAct	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1554
__label__cc	0.609552	0.390448	Corporate Finance & Accounting Accounting Capital Expenditures vs. Operating Expenses: What's the Difference? By J.B. Maverick Capital Expenditures vs. Operating Expenses: An Overview Capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operating expenses (OPEX) represent two categories of business expenses. However, there are distinct differences between the two and their respective tax treatments. Capital expenditures are for major purchases that will be used in the future. The life of these purchases extends beyond the current accounting period in which they were purchased. Because these costs can only be recovered over time through depreciation, companies ordinarily budget for CAPEX purchases separately from preparing an operational budget. They tend to also include disinvestment for CAPEX reduction. Operating expenses represent the other day-to-day expenses necessary to keep the business running. These are short-term costs and are used up in the same accounting period in which they were purchased. Capital expenditures are the amounts that companies use to purchase major physical goods or services that will be used for more than one year. For example, a company might have capital expenditures to increase or improve its fixed assets. Fixed assets are treated as noncurrent assets from an accounting standpoint, meaning they won't be consumed in the first year. Capital expenditures might include: Plant and equipment purchases Building expansion and improvements Hardware purchases, such as computers Vehicles to transport goods The type of industry a company is involved in largely determines the nature of its capital expenditures. The asset purchased may be a new asset or something that improves the productive life of a previously purchased asset. The capital expenditure is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet under the section "property, plant & equipment." However, it's also recorded on the cash flow statement under "investing activities," since it's a cash outlay for that accounting period. Once the asset is being used, it's depreciated over time to spread the cost of the asset over its useful life. In other words, each year, a part of the fixed asset is being used up. Depreciation represents the amount of wear and tear on the fixed asset, and the amount of depreciation for each year can be used as a tax deduction. In general, capital expenses are most often depreciated over a five- to 10-year period, but may be depreciated over more than two decades in the case of real estate. (Of course, situations vary: A tax advisor can advise on how the IRS calculates depreciation more specifically.) Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) Operating expenses are the costs for a company to run its business operations on a daily basis. Examples include: Salaries and pension plan contributions Any expense considered sales, general, & administrative expenses (SG&A) on the income statement As operational expenses make up the bulk of a company's regular costs, management typically looks for ways to reduce operating expenses without causing a critical drop in quality or production output. In contrast to capital expenditures, operating expenses are fully tax-deductible in the year they are made. It's important to note that sometimes an item that would ordinarily be obtained through capital expenditure can have its cost assigned to operating expenses if a company chooses to lease the item rather than purchase it. This can be a financially attractive option if the company has limited cash flow and wants to be able to deduct the total item cost for the year. There are distinct differences between capital expenditures and operating expenses and their respective tax treatments. Capital expenditures are for major purchases that will be used in the future. Operating expenses represent the other day-to-day expenses necessary to keep the business running. What Smart Business Owners Should Know About CAPEX and OPEX Analyzing Operating Margins How do capital and revenue expenditures differ? When to Use Depreciation Expense Instead of Accumulated Depreciation The Difference Between an Operating Expense vs. a Capital Expense Are depreciation and amortization included in gross profit? Capital Expenditures: What You Need to Know Capital expenditures, or CapEx, are funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as property, buildings, an industrial plant, or equipment. Noncurrent Assets Definition Noncurrent assets are a company's long-term investments, which are not easily converted to cash or are not expected to become cash within a year. Depreciation Definition Depreciation is an accounting method of allocating the cost of a tangible asset over its useful life and is used to account for declines in value over time. Capitalized Cost Definition A capitalized cost is an expense that is added to the cost basis of a fixed asset on a company's balance sheet. Learn about Operating Expense An operating expense is an expenditure that a business incurs as a result of performing its normal business operations. How Replacement Costs Work A replacement cost is an amount that it would cost to replace an asset of a company at the same or equal value.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1556
__label__cc	0.581552	0.418448	Home»World Stories Ecstasy may help treat post-traumatic stress disorder By John von Radowitz ECSTASY can help the tortured victims of post-traumatic stress overcome their demons, research has shown. In tests, the illegal dance drug had a dramatic effect on previously untreatable patients who had suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for more than 19 years. Doctors in the US held two eight-hour psychotherapy sessions three to five weeks apart for the patients during which they administered the ecstasy chemical MDMA. Two months later, 80% of those treated no longer had symptoms that met the medical definition of PTSD. Ten of the 12 patients given ecstasy responded to the treatment, said the researchers led by Dr Rick Doblin, president of the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies in Santa Cruz, California. In contrast, just two out of eight patients offered a “dummy” placebo showed an improvement. Three individuals so badly affected by their condition that they could not hold down a job were able to return to work. The scientists have now had the go-head from the US regulatory body, the Food and Drug Administration, to carry out a bigger study of US war veterans. It will look at the effect of different doses of MDMA on ex-soldiers traumatised by their experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam. Writing in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the researchers said: “This pilot study demonstrates that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy with close follow-up monitoring and support can be used with acceptable and short-lived side effects in a carefully screened group of subjects with chronic, treatment-resistant PTSD. “In this group, MDMA-assisted psychotherapy... produced clinically and statistically significant improvements in PTSD symptoms.” PTSD is characterised by exaggerated and uncontrolled fear responses triggered by memories of a traumatic event. It can affect victims of accidents, natural disasters, violent crime or acts of war for many years. Confronting one’s “demons” is a recognised aspect of psychological therapy for PTSD. But often patients suffer intolerable feelings when the source of their fear is brought out into the open, or become emotionally numb. The “talking” treatment is then of little use. MDMA appears to reduce this effect giving the therapy a chance to work.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1559
__label__cc	0.689864	0.310136	Tourism College of Zhejiang Tourism College of Zhejiang Since 1983 About Tourism College of Zhejiang Tourism College of Zhejiang (TCZJ, website) is a public college of higher tourism education under the administration of both the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province. Among all the national tourism colleges in China, TCZJ was the first to pass TedQual by UNWTO in 2010. Therefore, it has been regarded as one of the key colleges in China specialized in tourism education. Located by the Qiantang River, Tourism College of Zhejiang covers an area of over 180 acres including Qiandao Lake Campus. TCZJ now has ten schools and departments, namely School of Hotel Management, Travel Service Management Department, Tourism Planning Department, Foreign Language Department, Art Department, Culinary Arts Department, Business Administration Department, etc. These schools and departments offer 26 tourism-related majors with Hotel Management, Tour Guiding, Culinary Arts and Nutrition, Tourist Attraction Development and Management, and In-flight Service as flagship ones. At present the college has an enrollment of over 10,000 full-time students from about 21 provinces in China with over 97% employment rate for a sixth consecutive year. Among its 463 full-time teachers, 137 enjoy senior professional titles, 281 have a Master or Doctor degree. Every year more than 30 foreign experts would be invited from the US, UK, Spain, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Japan and many other countries. Adhering to the motto of “Relying on Tourism Industry, Emphasizing Work-study Combination, and Insisting on International Orientation’’, Tourism College of Zhejiang is now establishing cooperative relations with Walt Disney Company, Dubai Luxury Hotel Group, Costa Croiere S.p.A, Japanese Onsen Hotel and many world leading enterprises. Meanwhile, the college has also established friendly and cooperative relations with 28 institutions of higher learning from 15 countries and regions, such as Ecole Hoteliere De Lausanne of Switzerland, William Angliss Institute of Australia, La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana, Russian State University of Tourism and Service, Soonchunhyang University of South Korea. Every year, the number of students engaged in studying, training, practicing and visiting abroad reaches over 350. TCZJ, as one of the high-profile tourism colleges in China, has been cultivating tourism talents with dedication, social responsibility, philanthropic spirit and international vision. It is devoted to become a high-profile national key college specialized in tourism education with distinctive features in China’s tourism industry. Department of Foreign Languages now offers six programs, namely Tourism English (provincial characteristic program), Business English, Tourism Japanese (provincial characteristic program), Applied Korean (Sino-Korea joint project), Applied Russian and Applied Spanish, with over 1,300 undergraduate students. Over the years, the Department of Foreign Languages has always adhered the development concept of harmony, diversity and tolerant and has aimed at cultivating modern tourism service and international trade talents who have both solid language abilities and proficient professional skills, sparing no effort to build the international personnel cultivating feature of “Foreign languages + Professional emphasis”. Tourism College of Zhejiang Campus At present Tourism College of Zhejiang has an enrollment of over 10,000 full-time students. There are 463 full-time teachers, 137 or more with senior professional titles, 281 have a Master or Doctor degree. Every year more than 30 foreign experts would be invited from the US, UK, Spain, Russia, Australia, South Korea, Japan etc. Campus Life Photos The 11th Janpanese Cultural Festival at TCZJ Madarin Chinese class at TCZJ International Art & Design week at TCZJ Youtube Campus Graduation Video by Tourism College of Zhejiang Students Foreign Teachers Five Star Foreign Teacher Award Janpanese Cultural Festival Celebrate Chinese New Year Japanese Cultural Festival Art & Design week Five Star Foreign Teacher Award Announced at TCZJ About Hangzhou Hangzhou is the provincial capital of Zhejiang Province, a strong economical province in China. It is the transportation hub, the political, economic, cultural and financial center of Zhejiang Province. At the end of 2018, the Hangzhou metropolitan area has an area of 53,239 square kilometers and a population of 25.698 million. According to the “China Metropolitan Area Evaluation Index” issued by Shanghai Jiaotong University, Hangzhou is the fourth largest metropolitan area in China after Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing. In 2015, Hangzhou’s economic aggregate ranked 10th in mainland China, and was rated as the best commercial city in mainland China by Forbes. As the headquarters of Alibaba and other Internet industry companies, the city has a strong population appeal to Internet industry personnel. Hangzhou, Zhejiang University Teaching Program ISAC Teach in China Program ISAC University Teaching Program ISAC Job Vacancies Tourism College of Zhejiang ESL Jobs GUT Foreign Students and Teachers Celebrate Chinese New Year Korean Culture Festival at Nanchang Institute of Technology Weekend Party for Foreign Teachers at YUFE JUFE Won the Top in Internationalization Education in Jiangxi Province	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1560
__label__wiki	0.617518	0.617518	Coverage Pointers - Volume IX, No. 20a Thursday, April 3rd, 2008 Ouch That Hurts The Difference between Intentional Injury Exclusions and Assault The injured party has been hit by the insured with a beer bottle. The bottle is now permanently embedded in his head and he’s now known by the nickname “Molson.” Your insured has timely advised you of the incident and he is being sued for his conduct. Do you have an obligation to defend and indemnify? With regularity, coverage inquiries are made with respect to injuries sustained in fights and assaults. The questions come up with both personal lines and commercial lines policies. The first question always to be asked is whether or not the incident is an accident or occurrence under the policy or whether one is alleged. Without the event constituting an accident or occurrence, the policy does not attach and an insurer has neither an obligation to defend or indemnify its insured. That’s the first response to the insured, if that is what the investigation reveals. However, there may be less clarity than you wish in the facts or the allegations, and it may well be necessary to consider policy exclusions. We see exclusions focus on the intent to cause injury: 1. Coverage E – Personal Liability and Coverage F – Medical Payments to Others do not apply to “bodily injury” or “property damage”: a. Which is expected or intended by one or more “insureds” … This insurance does not apply to: a. Expected or Intended Injury "Bodily injury" or "property damage" expected or intended from the standpoint of the insured. This exclusion does not apply to "bodily injury" resulting from the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property. The most recent Court of Appeals case analyzing this exclusion was decided in 2006. In Automobile Ins. Co. of Hartford v. Cook, 7 N.Y.3d 131(2006), one Alfred Cook shot and killed Richard Barber inside his home. Barber, weighed about 360 pounds, was approximately three times Cook's size and had previously attacked the smaller man, causing injury to his leg. The facts – as taken from the decision -- are quite compelling: On the morning of February 20, Barber and another man were outside of Cook's home, hurling objects at the house. They left without further incident, but Barber returned later that day with two other companions. When Cook, who was standing outside his door, saw them approaching, he asked a person visiting him to leave because he expected trouble. He returned inside, locked the door and, anticipating a confrontation, retrieved a .25 caliber handgun from his bedroom. There was further testimony that the group burst into Cook's home. The four individuals gathered in the kitchen where Barber began demanding money from Cook while pounding his fists on the kitchen table. Cook, alarmed, drew his gun and demanded that they leave his house. Barber apparently laughed at the small size of the pistol, at which point Cook withdrew to his bedroom for a larger weapon. He picked up a loaded, 12 gauge shotgun and stood in his living room at the far end of his pool table. Cook again ordered them to leave the house. Although Barber started to head toward the door with his companions, he stopped at the opposite end of the pool table, turned to face Cook and told his companions to take anything of value, and that he would meet them outside because he had some business to attend to. When Barber menacingly started advancing toward Cook, Cook warned him that he would shoot if he came any closer. Cook aimed his gun toward the lowest part of Barber's body that was not obscured by the pool table--his navel. When Barber was about one step away from the barrel of the gun, Cook fired a shot into Barber's abdomen. Barber died later that day at a hospital. A wrongful death action was commenced against Cook. The first cause of action alleged that "[i]njury to the decedent and the decedent's death were caused by the negligence of the defendant, Alfred S. Cook." Specifically, the complaint alleges that Cook's behavior "consisted of negligently playing with a loaded shotgun; negligently pointing that shotgun at the abdomen of the decedent; negligently discharging that shot gun into the decedent's abdomen; and engaging in unruly behavior at the Defendant's residence on February 20, 2002." In a second cause of action, the complaint alleges that Cook intentionally shot Barber causing Barber's death. At his examination before trial, Cook testified, "I knew the [shot from the] shotgun would injure Mr. Barber because I had to stop him, but I did not anticipate it killing him." The Appellate Division held that since Cook intentionally shot Barber, his actions could not be considered an accident or "occurrence" and, thus, were not covered by the policy and that the acts came within the policy exclusion for bodily injury "expected or intended" by the insured. The Court of Appeals reversed, and held that the insurer had a duty to defend: It is well settled that an insurance company's duty to defend is broader than its duty to indemnify. Indeed, the duty to defend is "exceedingly broad" and an insurer will be called upon to provide a defense whenever the allegations of the complaint "suggest . . . a reasonable possibility of coverage" … If, liberally construed, the claim is within the embrace of the policy, the insurer must come forward to defend its insured no matter how groundless, false or baseless the suit may be…” When an insurer seeks to disclaim coverage on the further basis of an exclusion, as it does here, the insurer will be required to "provide a defense unless it can 'demonstrate that the allegations of the complaint cast that pleading solely and entirely within the policy exclusions, and, further, that the allegations, in toto, are subject to no other interpretation'," … In addition, exclusions are subject to strict construction and must be read narrowly … The Court then held: … that “an examination of the wrongful death complaint leads to the conclusion that Cook's claim is covered by the policy. Among other things, the complaint alleges that Cook negligently caused Barber's death. If such allegations can be proven, they would fall within the scope of the policy as a covered occurrence. … Thus, if Cook accidentally or negligently caused Barber's death, such event may be considered an "occurrence" within the meaning of the policy and coverage would apply.” … Turning to the exclusion--as an allegation of negligence implies an unintentional or unexpected event, Hartford necessarily has failed to demonstrate that the allegations of the complaint are subject to no other interpretation than that Cook "expected or intended" the harm to Barber. In light of this disposition, it is unnecessary to address the remaining arguments--specifically, whether acts of self-defense are intentional acts precluding coverage under a homeowner's policy. Suffice it to say that a reasonable insured under these circumstances would have expected coverage under the policy. As to a duty to indemnify, that determination will abide the trial. The New York courts look at this intentional injury exclusions differently from “assault” exclusions. The latter focuses on the act of assault rather than on the intended results. Compare the exclusions above with the one considered by the Court of Appeals in the Mount Vernon case: It is agreed that no coverage shall apply under this policy for any claim, demand or suit based on Assault and Battery, and Assault and Battery shall not be deemed an accident whether or not committed by or at the direction of the insured. Mount Vernon Fire Ins. Co. v. Creative Hous., 88 N.Y.2d 347, 350 (1996) … arising out of assault or battery, or out of any act or omission in connection with the prevention or suppression of an assault or battery. Mark Mc Nichol Enters. v. First Fin. Ins. Co., 284 A.D.2d 964, 965 (4th Dept. 2001) Self Defense Cases In Firemen's Ins. Co. v. 860 West Tower, 246 A.D.2d 401, 401-402 (1st Dept. 1998), the insured argued that his conduct was an exercise of reasonable force to protect him in an unprovoked assault. The lower court declared that the insurer had an obligation to defend and the First Department affirmed: The IAS Court correctly held that plaintiff is required to defend defendant building, owners, managing agent and their employee in an underlying action brought by two former employees alleging an unprovoked assault by defendant employee. While the policy specifically excludes coverage for bodily injury "expected or intended from the standpoint of the insured", it also specifically excepts from this exclusion bodily injury "resulting from the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property", i.e., acts of self-defense. How did the court know that this was supposedly an act of self-defense when the complaint only alleged intentional conduct? It was, if you will, push-back from the insured: Both the answer to the underlying complaint, and a letter from defendants to plaintiff asking it to reconsider its denial of their request for a defense in light of the dismissal of criminal charges that had been brought against defendant employee, and offering to provide it with additional witness statements, gave plaintiff actual knowledge of facts establishing a reasonable possibility that defendant employee was acting in self-defense against the plaintiffs in the underlying action (see, Fitzpatrick v American Honda Motor Co., 78 NY2d 61). The Appellate Division cites to the famous Fitzpatrick case which holds that an insurer must expand its obligation to defend based on its knowledge of the facts, even outside of the complaint. In M.J. Frenzy, LLC v. Utica Nat'l Ins. Group, 309 A.D.2d 566, 567 (1st Dept. 2003), the plaintiff, a jazz club was insured under a policy issued by Utica that contains an exclusion for "bodily injury * * * intended from the standpoint of the insured" but which exempts from such exclusion "bodily injury resulting from the use of reasonable force to protect persons or property." Plaintiff's bartender was involved in an altercation after a drunk, disorderly and abusive patron grabbed him. Police responded and the patron was eventually removed from the premises complaining of an injury to his ankle. Plaintiff was served with a summons and complaint by the patron alleging assault and battery, negligent hiring and supervision and violation of the Dram Shop Act (General Obligations Law § 11-101 [1]). As relevant here, Utica disclaimed coverage, relying on the exclusion for intentional acts. The court noted that the policy did not include an ”assault" exclusion and directed the carrier to defend: The cases cited by defendant in support of its contention that the policy's intentional acts exclusion relieved it of any duty to defend or indemnify plaintiff for the acts of its employee are inapposite, since the governing policies in those cases expressly provide for the exclusion of any claims arising out of assault and battery (see U.S. Underwriters v Val-Blue Corp., 85 N.Y.2d 821, 823, 623 N.Y.S.2d 834, 647 N.E.2d 1342 [1995]; Perez-Mendez v Roseland Amusement & Dev. Corp., 305 A.D.2d 166, 757 N.Y.S.2d 848 [2003]; [***3] Handlebar Inc. v Utica First Ins. Co., 290 A.D.2d 633, 735 N.Y.S.2d 249 [2002], lv denied 98 N.Y.2d 601, 744 N.Y.S.2d 761, 771 N.E.2d 834 [2002]). M.J. Frenzy, LLC v. Utica Nat'l Ins. Group, 309 A.D.2d 566, 567 (1st Dept. 2003) Compare those cases, to the Handlebar case cited in the M. J. Frenzy, Inc. decision. In that case, there was an intentional injury exclusion like yours but, in addition, an assault exclusion. Note how that led to a different result, because the "reasonable force" exception did NOT apply to the assault exclusion: Defendant disclaimed any responsibility to defend or indemnify plaintiffs based on two provisions found in the insurance policy or endorsements or attachments. The first of these endorsements (hereinafter referred to as the assault exclusion) provides as follows: "Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, it is understood and agreed that this policy excludes any and all claims arising out of any assault, battery, fight, altercation, misconduct or any other similar incident or act of violence, whether caused by or at the instigation of, or at the direction of the insured, his employees, customers, patrons, guests or any cause whatsoever, including but not limited to claims of negligence or improper hiring practices, negligent, improper or non-existent supervision of employees, patrons or guests and negligence in failing to protect customers, patrons or guests." Defendant moved for summary judgment, contending that the assault exclusion relieved it of all liability to defend and indemnify plaintiffs for the negligence and assault causes of action ... In addition to opposing defendant's motion for summary judgment, plaintiffs cross-moved for partial summary judgment, contending that the following policy language creates an ambiguity in the policy entitling them to a defense, if not indemnification: "WE DO NOT PAY FOR: "a) bodily injury or property damage expected or intended from the standpoint of the insured. This exclusion does not apply to bodily injury resulting from the use of reasonable force to protect persons force to protect persons or property" (emphasis supplied). Plaintiffs argued that the assault exclusion applied to offensive conduct, whereas this policy provision applied to defensive conduct and that Greaves engaged in only defensive conduct by using reasonable force to protect himself and his patrons. Plaintiffs also cross-moved for additional discovery asserting that they were unable to factually determine if the assault exclusion was actually part of their policy. Supreme Court denied defendant's motion for summary judgment and partially granted plaintiffs' cross motion for partial summary judgment by directing that defendant has a duty to defend plaintiffs in the underlying action. Supreme Court's decision is silent with respect to the cross motion for additional discovery. Defendant appeals. ... Plaintiffs, as limited by their brief, argue ... that the basic policy provisions and the assault exclusion, "read together," create a duty to defend where the insured allegedly injured Myroniuk while acting in self-defense or in defense of others. As an alternative argument, plaintiffs only argue that an ambiguity is created by the two policy provisions. ... This exclusion must be read with the policy, "and the words of the policy remain in full force and effect except as altered by the words of the endorsement" (County of Columbia v Continental Ins. Co., 83 N.Y.2d 618, 628). The assault exclusion begins, "Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary." Clearly, the language of the exclusion then controls over any contrary language in the policy. Each of Myroniuk's negligence theories is dependent on the assault and battery and, as they are solely and entirely within the exclusionary provisions of the assault exclusion, defendant has no duty to defend or indemnify plaintiffs (see, Mount Vernon Fire Ins. Co. v Creative Hous., 88 N.Y.2d 347, 351; U.S. Underwriters Ins. Co. v Val-Blue Corp., 85 N.Y.2d 821, 823). (Handlebar Inc. v. Utica First Ins. Co., 290 A.D.2d 633, 634-635 (3rd Dept. 2002) The analysis of cases that suggest assault is always the same. First, determine whether the incident constitutes an accident or occurrence as defined in the policy. Secondly, as the claim is presented, examine the exclusions and see (a) which one you have and (b) whether the conduct falls completely within the exclusion. Only then can you determine how to properly respond to the insured. Don’t forget to do it promptly.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1563
__label__wiki	0.681316	0.681316	Coverage Pointers - Volume VI, No. 7 Thursday, December 2nd, 2004 12/2/04 Excess Insurance Company v Factory Mutual Insurance Company New York Court of Appeals Reinsurer’s Obligation To Pay Losses Arising From A “Follow The Settlements” Clause Are Subject To The Indemnification Limit Stated In the Reinsurance Policy Factory Mutual Insurance Company agreed to provide Bull Data Systems Inc. property insurance with an indemnification limit of $48 million. Specifically, the policy covered against the risk of loss or damage to Bull Data's personal computer inventory stored in a warehouse located in France. In turn, Factory Mutual obtained reinsurance from various London reinsurers. In June 1991, a fire destroyed the warehouse and Bull Data presented a claim to Factory Mutual. Suspecting that the fire was the result of arson, Factory Mutual refused to satisfy it and Bull Data brought suit in France to recover under the policy. Factory Mutual also commenced an unsuccessful litigation against Bull Data in the United States claiming that the loss was due to arson, and the limit of liability under the insurance policy was $48 million. After incurring approximately $35 million in litigation expenses, both lawsuits were terminated and Factory Mutual settled the claims with Bull Data for nearly $100 million. Lawsuits were commenced in a variety of venues as Factory Mutual sought recovery under the reinsurance policy. Factory Mutual sought the $7 million indemnification limit under the reinsurance policy as well as $5 million in loss adjustment expenses it incurred pursuant to the “follow the settlements” clause in the policy that required the reinsurers to pay their portion of expenses incurred in the investigation and defense of any claim under the agreement. The Court of Appeals affirms the Appellate Division’s finding that reinsurers cannot be required to pay loss adjustment expenses in excess of the stated limit in the reinsurance policy. Once the reinsurers have paid the maximum amount stated in the policy, they have no further obligation. 12/2/04 Kevin P. Smith v. New York Central Mutual Insurance Company Appellate Division, Third Department A Few Eggs, A Bat And The Exclusion For An Intentional Act The son of the insured became angered that the vehicle he was driving had been struck by eggs thrown by unknown persons from a park. So, he drove to his parents' nearby home where he resided, retrieved a wooden baseball bat and returned to the park. Upon seeing three individuals whom he believed were responsible, he pursued them and caught up to one of them, striking him in the back of the head with the bat. Of course, a personal injury action ensued alleging causes of action for intentional tort and negligence. The insurer disclaimed coverage under the parents’ homeowners’ policy based upon the policy exclusion for bodily injury "expected or intended by the insured" and on the ground that there was no "occurrence" because the insured's conduct was intentional, not accidental. Although the complaint pled a cause of action based in negligence and the boy pled to negligent assault, the Court found – from the testimony in the underlying depositions -- that the injuries sustained were the result of the boy’s intentional actions as a matter of law and could not be characterized as unexpected or unintended and, thus, as a matter of law, fell within the policy exclusion, entitling the insurer to summary judgment. Note: the Court reminds us that while an insurer's duty to defend derives from the allegations in the complaint, the duty comes to an end if it can be established that the underlying facts establish that there is no coverage under the policy. For a similar case decided by the Second Department, see also Dennis Anastasis v American Safety Indemnity Company 11/29/04 Hedaya Home Fashions, Inc. v. American Motorists Insurance Appellate Division, Second Department In Action Against Insurer For Breach, Damages Capped At Policy Limit The jury verdict in this case found that the insurer had breached its insurance contract with the insured by improperly denying coverage for damage to the plaintiffs' machines resulting from a fortuitous event. The Appellate Division affirms. The evidence at trial established that the actual value of the loss exceeded the policy limit and so the Supreme Court properly confined the judgment to the policy limit. In addition, since the insurer failed to serve a demand for proof of loss, choosing instead to deny coverage, it waived the provisions of Insurance Law § 3407(a) and its insured was not required to file a proof of loss statement as a condition precedent to coverage. The Court found, pursuant to well established precedent, that the insured was not entitled to recover the expenses incurred in bringing the action against the insurer to settle its rights under the policy. 11/24/04 North New York Medical Care v. New York Central Mutual Insurance Company Appellate Division, First Department Right To Recover No-Fault Benefits By Proof That Claims Forms Timely Mailed To Carrier Plaintiff sought to recover first party no-fault insurance benefits for medical services rendered to its assignors who were injured in an automobile accident. The court held that the plaintiff made a prima facie showing that defendant failed to pay or deny the claims within 30 days after defendant received plaintiff's demands and that payment of plaintiff's claims was overdue. The sworn statement of plaintiff's billing manager that the claim forms were mailed to defendant on the date each was signed were uncontradicted as the motion was unopposed. Judgment was granted to the plaintiff and the case was remanded for assessment of reasonable attorney fees pursuant to Insurance Law § 5106(a). 11/24/04 Daisernia and Roberts v. Thomas Plaintiff Cannot Defeat Serious Injury Threshold With Affidavit That Contradicts Deposition Testimony Defendants' submissions met their initial burden of showing that plaintiff did not suffer a serious injury. Plaintiff’s own testimony repeatedly confirmed that she was not seeking recovery for her shoulder injury, as treatment of that injury was pre-existing and unrelated to the accident. Her records from other medical providers note a history of prior shoulder problems, and no provider ever specifically causally linked any shoulder injury to the accident. As a result, the plaintiff could not create questions of fact to avoid summary judgment by contradicting her own deposition testimony through her self-serving affidavit submitted in opposition to the motion. 11/23/04 Rubeis v. The Aqua Club Inc., d/b/a V.I.P. Tennis & Beach Club, Ltd., New York State Court of Appeals “Grave Injury” Definition Clarified By High Court in Brain Injury Cases In resolving a dispute between Appellate Departments, the New York State Court of Appeals determined that a “Grave Injury” permitting a third-party action against a plaintiff’s employer, is achieved if there is a brain injury which results in total unemployability. It is not necessary to establish that the plaintiff is in a vegetative state, only that a brain injury results in "permanent total disability" under section 11 of the Workers Compensation Law when the evidence establishes that the injured worker is no longer employable in any capacity. 11/23/04 Fireman's Fund Insurance Company v. Abax, Inc., Zurich Amer. Ins. Group “Other Insurance Clause” Misapplied; Co-Primary Coverage in Place Although the motion court correctly determined that the Zurich American policy did afford coverage to the commercial plaintiffs, the motion court erred nonetheless in directing Zurich American to reimburse Fireman's Fund in full for the defense costs incurred and the indemnity payments made in connection with the underlying litigation. The "other insurance" clause in the Fireman's Fund policy, which is contained in the property section of the policy, does not apply to this liability claim. As a result, the Fireman's Fund policy was not excess to the Zurich American policy; both provided primary coverage. Accordingly, Fireman's Fund and Zurich American should be considered co-insurers of the commercial plaintiffs in the underlying personal injury action, and should thus share equally in the defense costs and indemnity payments therein. 11/23/04 S & M Supply Inc. v. State Farm Mutual Insurance Company Fraud Defense Not Precluded By Untimely Denial In this action to recover no-fault benefits for medical services rendered to its assignor, plaintiff health care provider established a prima facie entitlement to summary judgment by proof that it submitted the statutory claim form, setting forth the fact and the amount of the loss sustained. Inasmuch as defendant failed to pay or deny the claim within the 30-day claim determination period, it was precluded from raising most defenses. But, defendant was not precluded from asserting a fraud defense, despite the untimely denial of plaintiff's claim. 11/19/04 Matter Of The Arbitration Between New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company and David Bett Appellate Division, Fourth Department Dissent Argues Timely Notice Based On Recorded Statement Of Insured Taken At Insurer’s Direction The Appellate Division affirmed the Lower Court order that granted a permanent stay of arbitration related to a SUM claim related to a January 3, 2002 accident. The majority decision adopts the Lower Court’s findings that the insured did not give notice of the claim until November 6, 2002 through correspondence from the insured’s counsel and, therefore, notice was untimely. But a lone dissent makes a strong argument that notice occurred prior to the November 6, 2002 correspondence. On January 10, 2002, one week after the accident, the insured gave a recorded statement to an independent insurance adjusting company at the carrier’s request. That statement was reduced to a written transcript and signed by respondent on January 21, 2002. It indicated that the vehicle that struck him could not be identified because it left the scene. The statement also indicated that respondent did not see the vehicle that struck him and could not identify the make or model of the vehicle because he was struck from behind. The statement further set forth the extent and nature of the injuries suffered by respondent. The Dissent argues that based on this recorded statement and the current case law that provides that notices to one’s insured should be construed liberally in the insured’s favor that the recorded statement provided to the insurer at its request was timely notice of the claim. 11/22/04 Desulme v. Stanya Objective Findings Defeat Motion for Summary Judgment on Serious Injury Affidavit of the plaintiff's treating physician was sufficient to raise a triable issue of fact. The plaintiff's physician stated that he had objectively measured the plaintiff's range of motion with a goniometer, and recorded a loss of 30% on extension of the cervical spine and of 60% on extension of the lumbar spine. Moreover, since the appellant had already put before the Supreme Court certain unsworn magnetic resonance imaging reports indicating the existence of bulging discs in the lumbar and cervical spines, it was proper for the plaintiff's physician to rely upon those reports. Lower court properly accepted the plaintiff's proffered explanation for the gap in time between the end of his medical treatments and his re-examination by his physician in June of 2002. 11/22/04 Lynch v. Progressive Insurance Company No-Fault: Question of Disqualifying Intoxication is Issue of Fact Question of fact existed as to whether No Fault claimant was intoxicated and whether that intoxication was a proximate cause of the accident, precluding summary judgment. 11/19/04 Jame Wynn v. Security Mutual Insurance Co. and Steimiller Associates Action For Fraud For Refusal To Provide Coverage Barred By SOL Plaintiff sought damages the allegedly fraudulent conduct of defendants in their refusal to provide plaintiff with coverage under a homeowner's insurance policy issued by Security Mutual Insurance Co. and procured through Steinmiller Associates. Two prior actions sounding in fraud and commenced against Security Mutual Insurance Co. were dismissed based upon plaintiff's failure to obtain personal jurisdiction but neither dismissal was the equivalent of a final disposition "on the merits" and therefore the doctrine of res judicata did not apply. But, the Court held that the action was barred by the six-year limitations period for fraud (CPLR 213 [8]), and plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact in opposition. 11/18/04 Makuch v. New York Central Mutual Insurance Fourth Department Takes Another Step Closer to Allowing Quasi-Bad Faith Claims Anyone who follows the development in “bad faith” case law in New York realizes that it is still quite difficult to plead and prove a case of “bad faith” claims handling. In this first party case, involving the adjustment of a damage claim arising from a fallen tree, the Appellate Division tossed out the bad faith claims, holding that the fraud and general claims handling allegations were insufficient to give rise to extracontractual claims. However, the court did permit a claim under the consumer protection provisions of the New York General Business Law to proceed against the homeowner’s insurer, holding that the plaintiffs have set forth “sufficient factual allegations that defendant's conduct was consumer-oriented, that the conduct was misleading in a material way, and that plaintiffs suffered injury as a result of the deceptive acts). In particular, the allegations that the forms making up plaintiffs' insurance policy are standard and regularly used by defendant are sufficient to support the allegation that defendant's actions are consumer-oriented.” [Editor’s Note: pay close attention to the “floodgates”. 11/18/04 Town of Newfane v. General Star National Ins. Co. For Insurance Purposes, Malicious Prosecution Claim Accrues on Date of Arrest, Not on Date of Termination An element of a malicious prosecution claim is that it terminates favorably for the plaintiff. However, the Court held that the claim accures upon the arrest so that the carrier on the risk at that time, rather than at the time the underlying criminal claim is dismissed, is responsible for defense and indemnity. Case of first impression in New York. 11/18/04 New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. Drasgow No Fault Arbitrator had No Rational Basis to Conclude that Claimant Could Not Give Notice to APIP Carrier Within Ninety Days of Accident No Fault applicant was operating someone else’s car, whose carrier was responsible for paying basis No-Fault (PIP) benefits. Claimant did not give notice to own carrier, for excess PIP, within 90 days as required by policy. Arbitrator found that it was impossible to give such notice because claimant had no idea that medical expenses (and other First Party Benefits) would exceed primary coverage of $50,000. Appellate Division, in 3-2 decision, affirms lower court decision that there was “no rational basis” in arbitrator’s finding and determines that notice was late and violative of the policy provisions. 11/18/04 Matter of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Companies v. Jackson UM Carrier Entitled to Jury Trial, in Application to Stay Arbitration, on Factual Issues Insurer moved to permantly stay Uninsured Motorist arbitration claiming that in fact there was insurance. Question resolved on residency of driver in household. UM carrier asked for jury trial, which application was denied and motion judge rules against UM carrier on residence issue. Court reversed, and sent the matter back for a jury trial. “A jury trial is appropriate where, as here, there is a factual issue preliminary to arbitration pursuant to an uninsured motorist claim” Across Borders Visit the Hot Cases section of the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel website, www.thefederation.org recently ranked among the top five legal research websites in an article published in the January 2004 issue of Litigation News, a publication of the Litigation Section of the American Bar Association. Dan Kohane serves as the FDCC’s Website Editor. 11/24/04 FOUNDERS COMMERCIAL, LTD. V. TRINITY UNIVERSAL INS. CO. First District of Texas Court of Appeals No Duty to Defend or Indemnify Where Incorporated Designated Premises Endorsement Does NotCover Premises From Which Injury Arose The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court’s decision to grant summary judgment in favor of the respondent, Trinity Universal Insurance Company (Trinity). The appellant, Founders Commercial, Ltd. (Founders), claimed that, under the advertising liability provision of the commercial general liability (CGL) policy that had been issued to Founders by Trinity, Trinity owed a duty to defend and indemnify it in a federal suit filed against it for trademark infringement and dilution of trade name. Founders argued that under the eight-corners rule, Trinity owed it coverage because the claims against it constituted an advertising injury as defined by the policy. In its defense, Trinity claimed that Founders’ coverage under the policy was limited by a designated premises endorsement, and, that because the injuries did not arise from the premises covered by the endorsement, it owed Founders no duty to defend, nor indemnify. In concluding that the policy did not obligate Trinity to defend or indemnify Founders in the underlying suit, the court first ruled out the existence of any ambiguity with respect to the policy at issue. The court held that although the original CGL policy provided coverage for the entire tract of land, developed and undeveloped, owned by Founders, the language of subsequent, incorporated designated premises endorsements made it clear that they modified the premises covered by the original CGL policy, such that the area covered by the policy represented only the undeveloped half of Founders’ land. The court held that because the advertising injuries arose out of the developed portion of Founders’ land, the portion of Founders’ land not covered by the designated premises endorsements, Trinity owed no duty to defend Founders in the underlying suit. The court then considered Founders’ eight-corners rule argument. The court held that because the complaint did not mention the premises covered by the policy, nor allege any tortious conduct attributable to the premises covered by the policy, Trinity owed no duty to defend under the eight-corners rule. Finally, the court considered Founders’ contention that Trinity owed a duty to indemnify it for any judgment. The court determined that because the facts of the underlying suit failed to invoke the duty to defend, they were likewise insufficient to create a duty to indemnify. Submitted by: Bruce D. Celebrezze & Tara L. Riedley (Sedqwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold, LLP) 11/23/04 KBL CABLE SERV. OF THE SOUTHWEST, INC. V. LIBERTY MUT. FIRE Minnesota Court of Appeals Completion of Contractual Obligations Precludes Coverage Under Additional Insured Provisions The Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court’s summary judgment award, holding that the respondent, Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Company (Liberty), had no duty to indemnify or defend the appellant, KBL Cable Services of the Southwest (KBL). The appeal arose out of an insurance policy, required by a construction and maintenance work contract between KBL and Muller-Pribyl Utilities, Inc. (M&P), issued to M&P by Liberty, which insured KBL as an additional insured “only with respect to liability arising out of your ongoing operations performed for that insured . . . status as an insured under this endorsement ends when your operations for that insured are completed.” KBL sought a declaratory judgment that Liberty had a duty to indemnify and defend KBL in a case in which the plaintiff had been injured at a site that had been temporarily repaired by M&P. In support of KBL’s contention that Liberty had a duty to indemnify it as an additional insured, KBL argued that M&P’s operations at the site were not complete until the permanent repair was performed. The Court of Appeals declared that Liberty had no duty to indemnify KBL, holding that M&P’s operations at the site were not ongoing at the time of the injury to the plaintiff. The court concluded that because permanent repair by M&P could only be initiated by another work request from KBL and, more significantly, the contract between KBL and M&P allowed KBL to use contractors other than M&P, there was no understanding of when, or even if, M&P would return to the site after the temporary repair, and, therefore, M&P’s contractual obligation was terminated at the time the temporary repair was completed. Further supporting its conclusion that M&P’s contractual obligation to KBL was extinguished at the time the temporary repair was completed, the court found that no allegations had been made regarding defects in M&P’s work, that M&P had fully completed the tasks contained in the work order for the temporary repair, and that M&P was only obligated to take safety precautions during the period in which it was actually performing services pursuant to a work order. KBL alternatively argued that even if it was not covered as an additional insured, Liberty was obligated to indemnify it because it had an “insured contract” with M&P. The court held that there was no insured contract between KBL and M&P. First, it found that the only section that could be construed as creating a duty to indemnify was one in which M&P agreed to indemnify KBL for safety statute violations, and that KBL had not claimed any violation of safety statutes. Second, it found that the contract failed to contain a clear intent to indemnify the other party for all tort liability, and therefore, could not represent an insured contract. Finally, it found that there was no ambiguity in the contract which would require construing it in favor of KBL. KBL also maintained that Liberty had a duty to defend it against the plaintiff who had been injured at the site. The court responded to this argument by holding that Liberty had no duty to defend KBL in the lawsuit. It concluded that because further communication and agreement were necessary prior to any work by M&P following the temporary repair, the conclusion of the temporary repair marked the end of M&P’s obligation to KBL. Further, the court found that M&P and KBL’s reasonable expectations were that no coverage would exist between the termination of the temporary repair and any future work order obligations. Submitted by: Bruce D. Celebrezze & Tara L. Riedley (Sedgwick, Detert, Moran & Arnold, LLP) Rubeis v. The Aqua Club Inc., d/b/a V.I.P. Tennis & Beach Club, Ltd., KAYE, CHIEF JUDGE: An employer's liability for an on-the-job injury is generally limited to workers' compensation benefits, but when an employee suffers a "grave injury" the employer also may be liable to third parties for indemnification or contribution. In the three actions before us, we are again asked to define the scope of an enumerated "grave injury" in Workers' Compensation Law ' 11--this time "an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force resulting in permanent total disability." We hold that a brain injury results in "permanent total disability" under section 11 when the evidence establishes that the injured worker is no longer employable in any capacity. Rubeis v The Aqua Club, Inc. Aldo Rubeis, an ironworker, sustained a brain injury when he fell approximately 19 feet from a ladder while installing a steel cupola at the Aqua Club. At the time of the accident, Rubeis was employed by Venezia Iron Works, Inc. Rubeis commenced a personal injury action against Aqua Club, which then impleaded Venezia alleging a cause of action for common law indemnification and contribution. Aqua Club claimed that plaintiff sustained a grave injury under Workers' Compensation Law ' 11 and thus plaintiff's employer was liable. At the close of the liability phase of trial, the court granted Aqua Club judgment on its claim against Venezia, subject to resolution of the question whether plaintiff sustained a grave injury, which it submitted to the jury. The court instructed the jury that "[i]n order to prove a grave injury . . . the medical evidence must indicate that . . . plaintiff is unable to return to any employment. You may consider plaintiff's ability to obtain other employment and should also consider his ability to perform the usual and customary tasks of ordinary day-to-day living, such as whether he is physically independent and ambulatory, in determining whether or not plaintiff suffered a grave injury. . ." The jury found that the plaintiff sustained a grave injury and awarded him approximately $3.2 million in damages. The trial court denied Venezia's motion to set aside the verdict, but the Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed and granted the motion. Relying on Second Department case law holding that brain injury does not result in permanent total disability where the employee is able to perform day-to-day functions, the Appellate Division concluded that plaintiff had not suffered a grave injury under Workers' Compensation Law ' 11. Largo-Chicaiza v Westchseter Scaffold Equipment Corp. Jorge Largo-Chicaiza, a day-laborer, sustained a brain injury when he fell from the roof of a six-story house owned by Peter and Catherine McCaffrey while removing shingles. At the time of the accident, he was employed by the general contractor, Salvatore Sanzo. Largo-Chicaiza brought a personal injury action against the McCaffreys, Sanzo and the roofing subcontractors. In their answers, defendants each sought dismissal of the complaint and, in the alternative, cross-claimed for indemnification and contribution against Sanzo pursuant to Workers' Compensation Law ' 11. Sanzo sought summary judgment against plaintiff and dismissal of all cross-claims against him on the ground that he was plaintiff's employer, and plaintiff's sole recovery against him were therefore workers' compensation benefits. The trial court granted Sanzo's motion for summary judgment as against plaintiff, but denied his motion seeking to prohibit impleader actions against him and converted defendants' cross-claims into third-party actions against Sanzo. Citing Way v Grantling (289 AD2d 790, 792 [3d Dept 2001]) for the proposition that permanent total disability relates to the injured party's employability, not ability to function in society, the trial court concluded that the evidence raised material questions of fact. The Appellate Division, Second Department, reversed and, citing Rubeis, concluded that plaintiff's injuries were not a grave injury under the Workers' Compensation Law ' 11. Knauer v Anderson Thomas Knauer, an electrician employed by Knauer Electric, sustained a brain injury when he fell 17 feet from a ladder and crashed headfirst onto a gravel floor. Knauer commenced a personal injury action against the general contractor and the property owner. The defendants then brought a third-party action against plaintiff's employer for indemnification. The trial court denied the employer's motion for summary judgment, finding a triable issue of fact regarding whether plaintiff sustained a grave injury. After trial, the court charged the jury that permanent total disability means permanent total disability from employment and does not require that plaintiff lack all capacity to perform personal or household activities. The jury found in plaintiff's favor, awarding him $11 million, and the Appellate Division, Fourth Department, affirmed, relying on Way. The court reasoned, "evidence that a plaintiff has suffered the specified injury to the brain resulting in permanent total disability relates to his or her permanent total disability from employment, not to his or her ability to otherwise care for himself or herself and function in modern a society" (2 AD3d 1314, 1315 [4th Dept 2004] [internal quotations omitted]). We granted leave to address this split among Departments on the meaning of "permanent total disability" under Workers' Compensation Law ' 11. Workers' Compensation Law section 11 provides: "An employer shall not be liable for contribution or indemnity to any third person based upon liability for injuries sustained by an employee acting within the scope of his or her employment for such employer unless such third person proves through competent medical evidence that such employee has sustained a 'grave injury' which shall mean only one or more of the following: death, permanent and total loss of use or amputation of an arm, leg, hand or foot, loss of multiple fingers, loss of multiple toes, paraplegia or quadriplegia, total and permanent blindness, total and permanent deafness, loss of nose, loss of ear, permanent and severe facial disfigurement, loss of an index finger or an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force resulting in permanent total disability." Section 11 was enacted in 1996 as part of a comprehensive reform intended to reduce costs for employers while also protecting the interests of injured workers (Omnibus Workers' Compensation Reform Act of 1996, L 1996, ch 635; Governor's Mem approving L 1996, ch 635, Bill Jacket at 54). Before that, New York State stood alone in freely allowing a defendant in a personal injury action brought by an employee injured on the job to seek indemnification or contribution from the employer. Central to the reform was immunity from tort liability for employers who provide workers' compensation coverage by exposing employers to third-party liability "only in cases involving narrowly defined 'grave' injuries" (Gov Mem in Supp, Bill Jacket at 55 [emphasis in original]). The injuries enumerated as grave were "deliberately both narrowly and completely described. The list is exhaustive, not illustrative: it is not intended to be extended absent further legislative action" (id.). This legislative directive has consistently guided our determination as to whether a particular injury is a grave injury within the statute. In Castro v United Container Machinery Group, Inc., (96 NY2d 398 [2001]), for example, we held that the term "'loss of multiple fingers' cannot sensibly be read to mean partial loss of multiple fingers" (id. at 401). The word finger in the statute means the whole finger, not just its tip. And in Meis v ELO Org., LLC (97 NY2d 714, 716 [2002]), we concluded that loss of a thumb is not "permanent and total loss of use" of a hand, and thus not a grave injury. In Castro and Meis, the words of the statute alone answered the question before us. Partial loss of multiple fingers, and loss of a thumb, simply do not fit the clear literal terms of the statute. The statutory words "an acquired injury to the brain caused by an external physical force resulting in permanent total disability," however, do not alone answer the question whether a particular injury is a grave injury. That phrase requires interpretation. The definition of "permanent total disability" within section 11 has, moreover, divided the Appellate Divisions. The Third and Fourth Departments conclude that the permanent total disability envisioned by the section "relates to the injured party's employability and not his or her ability to otherwise care for himself or herself and function in a modern society" (Way v Grantling, 289 AD2d 790, 792 [3d Dept 2001]; Knauer v Anderson, 2 AD3d 1314 [4th Dept 2003]). In Way, the Third Department found a material issue of fact as to permanent total disability when evidence suggested that the employee's postconcussive syndrome permanently disabled him from competitive employment in even the most menial tasks, and where he had been awarded Social Security disability benefits. When defining "permanent total disability" the Second Department, by contrast, has focused on the injured party's ability to engage in day-to-day functions (see Schuler v Kings Plaza Shopping Ctr. and Marina, Inc., 294 AD2d 556, 559 [2d Dept 2002] [no grave injury where injured plaintiff managed a limited social agenda and was able to, among other things, dress and feed himself and handle simple arithmetic]). These appeals in fact place before us two possible definitions of permanent total disability: the Second Department's standard essentially requiring a vegetative state, and the Third and Fourth Department's standard essentially requiring unemployability. In choosing between these alternatives, our guiding principle is, of course, to implement the intent of the Legislature--in this case to narrow tort exposure for employers while also protecting the interests of injured workers--by considering both the language used and objects to be accomplished. While both definitions are plausible, the second, in our view, better fits section 11 and better effectuates the legislative purposes. First, we consider the choices within the context of section 11 itself. The Legislature in section 11 has itself defined a grave injury to include "loss of multiple fingers," "loss of multiple toes," "loss of nose," "loss of ear," "permanent and severe facial disfigurement" and "loss of an index finger." None of those enumerated grave injuries has the effect of preventing an employee from performing daily life activities. Limitation of permanent total disability to a vegetative state thus is too harsh a test, out of step with the balance of the section. Next, we consider the two alternatives within the larger context of the Workers' Compensation Law, where the customary definition of "disability" relates to employment.* The Workers' Compensation Law deals with employment benefits, and the term "disability" generally refers to inability to work. Workers' Compensation Law section 201 (9) (A) and Rule and Regulation 363.1, for example, relate disability to inability to perform duties of employment. And section 37 (1), which refers to occupational diseases, states, "'[d]isability' means the state of being disabled from earning full wages at work at which the employee was last employed." The Workers' Compensation Law is about workers and their work. Finally, we make clear that the test we adopt for permanent total disability under section 11 is one of unemployability in any capacity. "In any capacity" is in keeping with legislative intent and sets a more objectively ascertainable test than equivalent, or competitive, employment. Accordingly, in Rubeis v The Aqua Club, Inc., the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, with costs, and the order of Supreme Court, Rockland County, reinstated; in Largo-Chicaiza v Westchester Scaffold Equipment Corp., the order of the Appellate Division should be reversed, with costs, and the third-party complaint reinstated; and in Knauer v Anderson, the judgment appealed from and order of the Appellate Division brought up for review should be affirmed, with costs. Fireman's Fund Insurance Company v. Abax, Inc., Defendant, Zurich American Insurance Group, Judgment, Supreme Court, New York County (Karla Moskowitz, J.), entered July 16, 2003, which granted plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment declaring defendant Zurich American fully obligated to reimburse them for costs and indemnity incurred in the commercial plaintiffs' defense in an underlying personal injury action, denied Zurich American's cross motion for summary judgment to declare it not obligated to indemnify or defend the commercial plaintiffs, and awarded plaintiffs the principal sum of $232,357.52 against Zurich American, unanimously modified, on the law and the facts, plaintiffs' motion granted only to the extent of declaring Zurich American and Fireman's Fund co-insurers of the commercial plaintiffs, leaving Zurich American responsible to reimburse Fireman's Fund for half the costs and indemnity payments incurred in the defense of the commercial plaintiffs in the underlying action, and reducing the award to plaintiffs to the principal sum of $116,178.76, and otherwise affirmed, without costs. Although the motion court correctly determined that the Zurich American policy did afford coverage to the commercial plaintiffs, the motion court erred nonetheless in directing Zurich American to reimburse Fireman's Fund in full for the defense costs incurred and the indemnity payments made in connection with the underlying litigation. The "other insurance" clause in the Fireman's Fund policy, which is contained in the property section of the policy, does not apply to this liability claim. As a result, the Fireman's Fund policy was not excess to the Zurich American policy; both provided primary coverage. Accordingly, Fireman's Fund and Zurich American should be considered co-insurers of the commercial plaintiffs in the underlying personal injury action, and should thus share equally in the defense costs and indemnity payments therein (see National Union Fire Ins. Co. v Hartford Ins. Co., 248 AD2d 78, 86 [1998], affd 93 NY2d 983 [1999]). TOWN OF NEWFANE v. GENERAL STAR NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY Appeals from a judgment (denominated order) of the Supreme Court, Niagara County (Ralph A. Boniello, III, J.), entered October 14, 2003. The judgment granted those parts of plaintiff's motion for partial summary judgment seeking a declaration that defendants General Star National Insurance Company and Selective Insurance have a duty to defend plaintiff in the underlying action. It is hereby ORDERED that the judgment so appealed from be and the same hereby is unanimously modified on the law by denying that part of the motion for relief against defendant Selective Insurance, granting the cross motion of defendant Selective Insurance and granting judgment in its favor as follows: It is ADJUDGED AND DECLARED that defendant Selective Insurance is not obligated to defend or indemnify plaintiff in the underlying action and as modified the judgment is affirmed without costs. Opinion by Kehoe, J.: In this matter of apparent first impression in this state, we are called upon to determine when, for purposes of invoking insurance coverage in an underlying action, the insured's alleged underlying act of malicious prosecution is deemed to have occurred on the date on which the criminal prosecution was instituted, or on the date on which it was terminated in favor of the accused. We conclude that the tort was committed when the criminal prosecution was instituted. We thus conclude that there is no coverage for a claim of malicious prosecution under an insurance policy issued after the prosecution was instituted but in effect when the prosecution was terminated. [2]I. Plaintiff, the Town of Newfane (Town), commenced this action against six insurers, seeking a judgment declaring that each is obligated to defend and indemnify the Town pursuant to a policy of insurance issued to the Town. Before us are appeals, perfected on separate records, by two insurers, defendant General Star National Insurance Company (General Star) and defendant Selective Insurance (Selective). Because both appeals are taken from a single order, we treat them together, although only the appeal of Selective involves the issue previously identified herein. Addressing first the appeal of General Star, we conclude that Supreme Court properly granted that part of the Town's motion for partial summary judgment declaring that General Star must defend the Town in the underlying action pursuant to the provisions of a Public Officials and Employment Practices Liability Policy issued by General Star to the Town. In comparing the allegations of the underlying complaint with the policy in question (see Touchette Corp. v Merchants Mut. Ins. Co., 76 AD2d 7, 9-10), we conclude that the Town met its burden of establishing its entitlement to judgment as a matter of law (see generally Alvarez v Prospect Hosp., 68 NY2d 320, 324). The Town made the requisite showing that at least one cause of action in the underlying complaint falls within the policy's coverage, thus establishing its entitlement to a defense of the entire underlying action (see Frontier Insulation Contrs. v Merchants Mut. Ins. Co., 91 NY2d 169, 175). In particular, the Town established that the fourth and fifth causes of action of the underlying complaint, respectively entitled "Retaliation for First Amendment Exercise" and "Respondeat Superior Liability," are covered by section II (d) of the policy, which provides that the Town's employees are covered "for their acts in the cause and scope of their employment." In addition, the Town established that the seventh and ninth causes of action of the underlying complaint, alleging negligence and the violation of civil rights, are covered by policy sections I (1) (a) and VI (5), which provide that the Town is covered for claims against it arising out of the wrongful acts of public officials. Contrary to the contention of General Star, the policy exclusions set forth in section I (2) (e) for "false arrest, false imprisonment ... [or] malicious prosecution" do not apply to those causes of action. Turning to the appeal of Selective, we note that the Town sought partial summary judgment declaring that Selective is obligated to defend and indemnify it in the underlying action pursuant to the provisions of a commercial general liability policy issued by Selective. Selective opposed the motion and cross-moved for summary judgment declaring that it has no duty to defend or indemnify the Town in the underlying action. The court granted that part of the Town's motion seeking partial summary judgment declaring that Selective is obligated to defend the Town in the underlying action and denied Selective's cross motion. We conclude that the court should have granted Selective's cross motion. The "Coverage Effective Date" for the Selective policy was April 26, 2000. By the terms of that policy, the Town has coverage for claims for "damages because of 'personal injury,'" which the policy defines in relevant part as "injury, other than 'bodily injury,' arising out of one or more of the following offenses: a. [f]alse arrest, detention or imprisonment; [or] b. [m]alicious prosecution ...." However, to be covered under the policy, the personal injury must have been "caused by an offense arising out of [the Town's] business," but "only if the offense [3]was committed ... during the policy period."[FN1] The underlying action was brought against the Town by Thomas Callahan in February 2002. The underlying complaint alleges the Town's liability for malicious prosecution, false arrest, and false imprisonment, among other torts that are undisputedly outside the coverage of the Selective policy and hence not relevant to Selective's appeal. The underlying complaint alleges that Callahan was "charged, arrested, and jailed under a warrant" on June 7, 1989 based on his alleged violation of Town Law § 268 and the Town's Zoning Ordinance; that the accusatory instrument against Callahan was subsequently amended on January 30, 1990; that Callahan was again jailed for several hours on April 9, 1990; that on June 6, 1990 he was convicted of 36 counts of violating Town Law § 268 and the Town's Zoning Ordinance; that he was sentenced and remanded to jail on July 23, 1990; that he was discharged from custody and released on his own recognizance later that day; that the judgment of conviction was reversed on appeal on July 2, 1991, at which time all but one count was dismissed; and that the criminal prosecution of Callahan on that remaining count lay dormant until November 28, 2000, when his motion to dismiss "for lack of a speedy trial and timely prosecution" was granted, resulting in the formal dismissal of that remaining count the next day. As is the case with respect to the appeal of General Star, the issue on this appeal by Selective is whether the underlying complaint "contains any facts or allegations which bring the claim even potentially within the protection purchased" (Technicon Elecs. Corp. v American Home Assur. Co., 74 NY2d 66, 73, rearg dismissed 74 NY2d 843, rearg denied 74 NY2d 893, citing Ruder & Finn v Seaboard Sur. Co., 52 NY2d 663, 669-670, rearg denied 54 NY2d 753; see Frontier Insulation Contrs.,91 NY2d at 175). If it does, then the insurer is under a duty to defend, which we note is broader than the insurer's duty to indemnify (see Seaboard Sur. Co. v Gillette Co., 64 NY2d 304, 310; Ruder & Finn, 52 NY2d at 669). Conversely stated, an insurer may escape the duty to defend under the policy "only if it c[an] be concluded as a matter of law that there is no possible factual or legal basis on which [the insurer] might eventually be held to be obligated to indemnify [the insured] under any provision of the insurance policy" (Spoor-Lasher Co. v Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co., 39 NY2d 875, 876; see Servidone Constr. Corp. v Security Ins. Co. of Hartford, 64 NY2d 419, 424). We note that the Town does not respond to Selective's contention on appeal that there is no coverage under the policy for the underlying causes of action for false arrest and false imprisonment, and in any event we agree with Selective that those "offenses" were "committed" outside the effective date of the coverage in question (see generally National Cas. Ins. Co. v City [4]of Mount Vernon,128 AD2d 332, 335-338). Thus, the sole issue before us on Selective's appeal is whether there is coverage for the underlying cause of action for malicious prosecution where the criminal prosecution was initiated before the effective date of the policy but terminated in favor of the accused during the policy period. We conclude as a matter of law that there is no coverage for an underlying malicious prosecution cause of action under such circumstances. We reach that conclusion based on the language of the policy, mindful that our task in any case involving issues of contractual interpretation is to ascertain the intent and uphold the reasonable expectations of the parties as expressed in the unequivocal language employed by them (see Breed v Insurance Co. of N. Am., 46 NY2d 351, 355, rearg denied 46 NY2d 940; Throgs Neck Bagels v GA Ins. Co. of N.Y., 241 AD2d 66, 69; see also Album Realty Corp. v American Home Assur. Co., 80 NY2d 1008, 1010, rearg denied 81 NY2d 784; Bird v St. Paul Fire & Mar. Ins. Co., 224 NY 47, 51). We further note that our determination of the issue accords with the great weight of authority from other jurisdictions (see City of Erie, Pa. v Guaranty Natl. Ins. Co., 109 F3d 156, 160-165 [applying Pennsylvania law]; Royal Indem. Co. v Werner, 979 F2d 1299, 1300 [applying Missouri law]; Ethicon, Inc. v Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co.,688 F Supp 119, 123-127 [applying New Jersey law]; Southern Maryland Agric. Assn. v Bituminous Cas. Corp., 539 F Supp 1295, 1302-1303 [applying Maryland law]; Consulting Engrs. v Insurance Co. of N. Am.,710 A2d 82, 86-88, affd 560 Pa 247, 743 A2d 911; American Family Mut. Ins. Co. v McMullin, 869 SW2d 862, 864-865 [Mo]; Paterson Tallow Co. v Royal Globe Ins. Cos.,89 NJ 24, 30-37, 444 A2d 579, 582-586; S. Freedman & Sons v Hartford Fire Ins. Co.,396 A2d 195, 199-200 [D.C.]; Zurich Ins. Co. v Peterson, 188 Cal App 3d 438, 444-448, 232 Cal Rptr 807, 810-813; Harbor Ins. Co. v Central Natl. Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d 1029, 1034-1043, 211 Cal Rptr 902, 905-911; Muller Fuel Oil Co. v Insurance Co. of N. Am., 95 NJ Super 564, 576-579, 232 A2d 168, 174-175; contra Security Mut. Cas. Co. v Harbor Ins. Co., 65 Ill App 3d 198, 204-206, 21 Ill Dec 707, 711-712, 382 NE2d 1, 5-6, revd on other grounds 77 Ill 2d 446, 34 Ill Dec 167, 397 NE2d 839; Roess v St. Paul Fire & Mar. Ins. Co., 383 F Supp 1231, 1233-1235 [applying Florida law]). In concluding that the date of the commencement of the criminal prosecution is controlling for purposes of insurance coverage, we recognize that the underlying cause of action for malicious prosecution may be premised on the initiation or continuation of a criminal proceeding without probable cause (see Smith-Hunter v Harvey, 95 NY2d 191, 195; Broughton v State of New York, 37 NY2d 451, 457, cert denied sub nom. Schanbarger v Kellogg, 423 US 929; Weaver v Town of Rush, 1 AD3d 920, 922-923). We further recognize that the cause of action for malicious prosecution did not ripen substantively or accrue for purposes of the statute of limitations until the ultimate dismissal or favorable termination of the criminal charges in November 2000 (see generally Martinez v City of Schenectady, 97 NY2d 78, 84-85; Cantalino v Danner, 96 NY2d 391, 395; Roche v Village of Tarrytown, 309 AD2d 842, 843; Nunez v City of New York, 307 AD2d 218; Matter of Ragland v New York City Hous. Auth., 201 AD2d 7, 9). Finally, we recognize that the damages incurred (such as for counsel fees) by reason of the continuation of a criminal prosecution might well be, to a corresponding extent, continuing (see Callan v State of New York, 134 AD2d 882, 883, revd on other grounds for reasons stated in dissenting mem 73 NY2d 731, mot to amend remittitur granted 74 NY2d 647; see also Ethicon, Inc.,688 F Supp at 125). However, none of those considerations determines the issue at hand, for here the policy speaks not of the date upon which an action could have been brought or the damages fully ascertained, but of when the "offense [was] committed" (S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; see Southern Maryland Agric. Assn., 539 F Supp at 1303). We are unable to conclude that the "offense" of malicious prosecution was "committed" at the time of such dismissal of the criminal charges. In referring to the "offense," the policy invokes the concept of legal injury or wrong, as evinced by the policy's references to the [5]"personal injury" being "caused by an offense" and "arising out of" an "offense." In our view, Callahan was not in any sense legally injured by the Town when the criminal prosecution against him was dismissed on his motion, and the Town at that juncture "committed" no "offense" against Callahan. In the language of the policy, the "injury" was not "caused by," nor did it "aris[e] out of," that dismissal. Both causally and temporally, therefore, we cannot attribute whatever "personal injury" was suffered by Callahan to the termination of the criminal charges against him (see Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1036, 211 Cal Rptr at 907). Indeed, the dismissal of the criminal charges against Callahan was but the beginning of the judicial system's remediation of whatever alleged "offense" or "personal injury" may have been suffered by him. As a condition precedent to a cause of action for malicious prosecution (see City of Erie, Pa.,109 F3d at 160; S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1037, 211 Cal Rptr at 907; Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577, 232 A2d at 174), the termination of the criminal prosecution in a manner favorable to the accused is required by law so that the court may be satisfied that the accused has in fact been wronged or injured. "The theory underlying the requirement of favorable termination is that it tends to indicate the innocence of the accused ... [and thus] establishes the tort, that is, the malicious and unfounded charge ... against an innocent person. If the accused were actually convicted, the presumption of his [or her] guilt or of probable cause for the charge would be so strong as to render wholly improper any action against the instigator of the charge" (Zurich Ins. Co., 188 Cal App 3d at 444, 232 Cal Rptr at 810 [internal quotation marks omitted]). Thus, the requirement or element of favorable termination "serves practical concerns of judicial economy, by forestalling unnecessary and unfounded actions and by facilitating proof of the remaining elements of the tort" (Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1037, 211 Cal Rptr at 907). Indeed, the fact of favorable termination is merely part of the counterargument of the plaintiff in the underlying action to any claim or defense of the defendant therein, or any evidentiary presumption, of privilege based on probable cause (see S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 198; Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1037, 211 Cal Rptr at 907). Moreover, in most criminal matters, the original criminal complainant quickly loses control of the prosecution to the pertinent prosecutorial authorities, meaning that the fact of termination is likewise generally outside the control of the insured. Those facts render it inappropriate in our view to equate the termination with the tortious injury or "offense" triggering insurance coverage (see S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; see also Southern Maryland Agric. Assn., 539 F Supp at 1303). On the other hand, to the accused, it makes little difference whether the state or an individual complainant controls the prosecution, because from the accused's standpoint, the injury or offense has been incurred upon the filing of a criminal complaint with malice and without probable cause (see Zurich Ins. Co., 188 Cal App 3d at 448, 232 Cal Rptr at 813). Finally, it bears noting that the failure of the accused to secure a favorable termination of the criminal proceeding before suing for malicious prosecution would by no means negate the obligation of an insurer to defend its insured against such a premature and groundless cause of action (see S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; see also Southern Maryland Agric. Assn., 539 F Supp at 1303). It therefore follows that the date of termination of the criminal prosecution cannot itself constitute the date on which the injury or "offense was committed" within the meaning of the policy (see S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199). In our view, the "offense" of malicious prosecution was "committed," for purposes of determining the issue of insurance coverage, in 1989, more than a decade before the effective date of the Selective policy. That "offense was committed" when the prosecution was instituted, allegedly without probable cause (see Southern Maryland Agric. Assn., 539 F Supp at 1302; Consulting Engrs.,710 A2d at 85-88; Paterson Tallow Co., 89 NJ at 36-37, 444 A2d at 586; S. [6]Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1035-1037, 211 Cal Rptr at 906-908). Such initiation of the criminal prosecution is the essence or gist of the tort of malicious prosecution (see S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d at 199; Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577, 232 A2d at 174; Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1036, 211 Cal Rptr at 907). Moreover, the legal injury or "offense" incurred by the plaintiff in the underlying action (albeit not necessarily the damages or liability incurred as a result of that "offense") is the same irrespective of whether the criminal prosecution was known to be baseless when it was initiated or only subsequently demonstrated to be lacking in merit (see Ethicon, Inc.,688 F Supp at 126-127; see also National Cas. Ins. Co.,128 AD2d at 337). Here, therefore, the injury to the plaintiff in the underlying action was contemporaneous with the initiation of the criminal proceeding against him and hence complete long before the inception of coverage and the incidental termination of the criminal prosecution (see National Cas. Ins. Co.,128 AD2d at 337; see also Ethicon, Inc.,688 F Supp at 125; American Family Mut. Ins. Co., 869 SW2d at 864-865; Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577, 232 A2d at 174-175). We thus conclude that, for purposes of determining insurance coverage, malicious prosecution is not a continuing tort (see Zurich Ins. Co., 188 Cal App 3d at 440, 232 Cal Rptr at 808; Harbor Ins. Co., 165 Cal App 3d at 1037-1038, 211 Cal Rptr at 908). We further conclude that the policy is to be construed as "fixing the point of coverage for malicious prosecution at one readily ascertainable date: the date on which the acts [we]re committed that [might] result in ultimate liability" (Paterson Tallow Co., 89 NJ at 35 n 5, 444 A2d at 585 n 5), or "when the alleged tortfeasor t[ook the] action resulting in the application of the [s]tate's criminal process to the [plaintiff in the underlying action]" (Southern Maryland Agric. Assn., 539 F Supp at 1302, citing S. Freedman & Sons, 396 A2d 195). In our view, it would make no sense to adopt the position advanced by the Town that the "offense" was not "committed" until termination of the criminal prosecution. To do so would be to interpret the Selective policy as covering the Town for its alleged malicious prosecution of Callahan but not for its alleged false arrest and false imprisonment of him, even though all of those alleged "offense[s]" were contemporaneously "committed" by the same officials, employees or agents of the Town. Further, to adopt the position advanced by the Town would mean that whichever insurer or insurers provided coverage to the Town in 1989 and 1990 would necessarily have no obligation to defend and indemnify the Town for malicious prosecution, despite being subject to defending and indemnifying the Town for the false arrest and false imprisonment allegedly "committed" by the same Town officials, employees or agents at the same general time. Moreover, to hold that Selective is liable to provide a defense to the Town and possibly indemnify it for malicious prosecution would lead to the unreasonable inference that, upon issuing the policy, Selective intended to assume liability for damages arising from tortious acts "committed" at least a decade earlier (see Consulting Engrs.,710 A2d at 88; Harbor Ins. Co.,165 Cal App 3d at 1041, 211 Cal Rptr at 910; see also Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577, 232 A2d at 175). Additionally, such a result would give an unscrupulous tortfeasor license to foist its tort liability onto an unwary insurer (see City of Erie, Pa.,109 F3d at 160-161; Royal Indem. Co.,979 F2d at 1300; Consulting Engrs.,710 A2d at 88; Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577-578, 232 A2d at 175), such as by procuring insurance coverage for malicious prosecution at any time during the pendency of the criminal prosecution, even just prior to an anticipated acquittal or other dismissal (see Muller Fuel Oil Co.,95 NJ Super at 577-578, 232 A2d at 175). Conversely, to afford coverage based upon a supposed delay between the initiation of the allegedly wrongful criminal prosecution and the commission of the "offense" would allow an insurer to terminate coverage before incurring any liability for a claim of personal injury arising from a criminal prosecution initiated during the policy period (see Consulting Engrs.,710 A2d at 87). In view of our determination, we do not reach the remaining issues raised by the parties. Accordingly, we conclude that the judgment should be modified by denying that part of the Town's motion for relief against Selective, granting Selective's cross motion, and declaring that Selective is not obligated to defend or indemnify the Town in the underlying action. Entered: November 19, 2004 JoAnn M. Wahl Footnote 1: By the terms of the policy, the Town further has coverage for claims for "damages because of 'bodily injury,'" which the policy defines as "bodily injury, sickness, or disease sustained by a person ...." However, in order for such claim to be covered, the bodily injury must have been "caused by an 'occurrence'" defined as an "accident, including the continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions" and must have occurred "during the policy period." The Town inappropriately contends for the first time on appeal that it has coverage under that provision of the policy for the underlying cause of action for negligence, and that contention therefore is not properly before us (see Killeen v Crosson, 284 AD2d 926, 927; Sovik v Healing Network, 244 AD2d 985, 988). New York Central Mutual Fire Insurance Company v. Drasgow Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Erie County (Donna M. Siwek, J.), entered June 17, 2003. The order granted the petition to vacate an arbitration award and denied respondent's petition to confirm the award. It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from be and the same hereby is affirmed without costs. Memorandum: Supreme Court properly granted the petition seeking to vacate the arbitration award directing petitioner to pay additional personal injury protection (APIP) benefits to respondent. Respondent was injured in an automobile accident on February 20, 1999 while operating a vehicle that belonged to a relative. That vehicle was insured by State Farm Insurance Company (State Farm), and respondent received no-fault insurance benefits from State Farm. On February 3, 2000, respondent, through an attorney whom she had recently retained, gave petitioner written notice of her claim for APIP benefits. Petitioner denied the claim because respondent failed to give notice within 90 days of the accident as required by respondent's policy with petitioner. The parties proceeded to arbitration and the arbitrator determined that it was impossible for respondent to have given notice within 90 days because she was unaware of the seriousness of her condition until February 2000. That determination was upheld by the master arbitrator. Petitioner sought to have the award vacated and respondent petitioned for confirmation of the award. As a preliminary matter, the court properly determined that it could not disturb the award on the ground that it was based upon an error of law, as urged by petitioner, but only on the ground that it lacked a rational basis (see Matter of Allen [New York State], 53 NY2d 694, 696; see also CPLR 7511 [b] [1]). The policy required respondent to give notice "as soon as reasonably practicable, but in no event more than 90 days after the date of the accident, unless the eligible injured person submits written proof that it was impossible to comply with such time limitation due to specific circumstances beyond such person's control." We note that this notice requirement is more stringent than notice requirements for supplemental underinsured motorist benefits, which typically require notice as soon as practicable (see e.g. Medina v State Farm Mut. [2]Auto. Ins. Co.,303 AD2d 987, 988; see generally Matter of Metropolitan Prop. & Cas. Ins. Co. v Mancuso,93 NY2d 487, 494-495). Even assuming, arguendo, that respondent was not aware of the seriousness of her injuries until February 2000, the record establishes that respondent sought medical treatment for her injuries two days after the accident and, because her symptoms continued to worsen, she was referred to a specialist, who, among other things, ordered an MRI within the 90-day period. That physician thereafter referred respondent to a neurosurgeon who ultimately advised respondent that surgery was required. Thus, we conclude that there is no rational basis for the arbitrator's finding that it was impossible for respondent to provide notice to petitioner within the 90-day period because of circumstances beyond her control, as required by the policy. All concur except Pine, J.P., and Lawton, J., who dissent and vote to reverse in accordance with the following Memorandum: We respectfully dissent. We concur with the majority that Supreme Court properly determined that it could not disturb the arbitrator's award on the ground that it was based upon an error of law. We differ only with the majority's holding that "there is no rational basis for the arbitrator's finding that it was impossible for respondent to provide notice to petitioner within the 90-day period." Because the finding of the arbitrator was based upon the weighing of factual matters and the record supports that determination, the court is powerless to substitute its determination for that of the arbitrator (see Matter of United Fedn. of Teachers, Local 2, AFT, AFL-CIO v Board of Educ. of City School Dist. of City of N.Y., 1 NY3d 72, 83; Matter of New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Assn. v State of New York, 94 NY2d 321, 326; Matter of Singleton [Fireman's Fund Ins. Co.], 247 AD2d 868). We would therefore reverse the order, deny petitioner's petition, grant respondent's petition and confirm the arbitrator's award. Makuch v. New York Central Mutual Insurance Memorandum: Plaintiffs commenced this action for a declaratory judgment and damages alleging breach of contract, breach of duty of good faith, and the violation of General Business Law § 349 after defendant partially disclaimed coverage under a homeowner's policy for damage caused when a falling tree struck plaintiffs' home. In lieu of an answer, defendant moved to dismiss the third and fourth causes of action, for breach of duty of good faith and the violation of section 349, respectively, including any claims for punitive damages. Supreme Court erred in denying that part of defendant's motion seeking to dismiss the third cause of action. Even giving the amended complaint a liberal construction and accepting the facts alleged therein as true (see Leon v Martinez, 84 NY2d 83, 87-88; see also Guggenheimer v Ginzburg, 43 NY2d 268, 274-275), we conclude that the amended complaint fails to state a tort independent of the parties' contractual obligations (see New York Univ. v Continental Ins. Co., 87 NY2d 308, 316). At most, plaintiffs allege that defendant induced them to enter into a contract that defendant did not intend to honor; such allegations do not state a cause of action in fraud (see 767 Third Ave. LLC v Greble & Finger, 8 AD3d 75, 76; Barington Capital Group v Arsenault, 281 AD2d 166, 166-167; Bronx Store Equip. Co. v Westbury Brooklyn Assoc., 280 AD2d 352). Allegations that defendant violated "the implicit contractual duties of good faith and fair dealing" are not sufficient to state a "violation of a duty independent of the contract" (Scavo v Allstate Ins. Co., 238 AD2d 571, 572; see New York Univ., 87 NY2d at 319-320). We therefore modify the order by granting defendant's motion in part and dismissing the third cause of action. The court properly denied that part of defendant's motion seeking dismissal of the fourth cause of action. Plaintiffs have set forth sufficient factual allegations that defendant's conduct was consumer-oriented, that the conduct was misleading in a material way, and that plaintiffs suffered injury as a result of the deceptive acts (see Oswego Laborers' Local 214 Pension Fund v Marine Midland Bank, 85 NY2d 20, 25). In particular, the allegations that the forms making up plaintiffs' insurance policy are standard and regularly used by defendant are sufficient to support the allegation that defendant's actions are consumer-oriented (see Acquista v New York Life Ins. Co., 285 AD2d 73, 82-83; cf. New York Univ., 87 NY2d at 321). We thus conclude that, "[a]t this early prediscovery phase, these allegations sufficiently plead violations of General Business Law § 349" (Skibinsky v State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 6 AD3d 975, 976). Matter of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Companies v. Jackson Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Erie County (Joseph R. Glownia, J.), entered October 21, 2003. The order, among other things, denied the petition for a permanent stay of arbitration. It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from be and the same hereby is unanimously reversed on the law without costs and the matter is remitted to Supreme Court, Erie County, for further proceedings in accordance with the following Memorandum: In this proceeding to stay arbitration of an insurance dispute, Supreme Court erred in denying petitioner's request for a jury trial of the issue whether respondent was a resident of the household of his mother and thus covered under her automobile insurance policy. "[T]he right to a trial by jury is zealously protected in our jurisprudence and yields only to the most compelling circumstances" (John W. Cowper Co. v Buffalo Hotel Dev. Venture, 99 AD2d 19, 21). "Although the CPLR does not make express provision for trial by jury of matters preliminary to arbitration, it was not the intent of the framers to eliminate trial by jury where constitutionally required or desirable" (Anthony Drugs of Bethpage v Local 1199 Drug & Hosp. Union, AFL-CIO, 34 AD2d 788, 788; see generally CPLR 410). A jury trial is appropriate where, as here, there is a factual issue preliminary to arbitration pursuant to an uninsured motorist claim (see Matter of Rosenbaum [American Sur. Co. of N.Y.], 11 NY2d 310, 313; see also Matter of Motor Veh. Acc. Indem Corp. [Stein], 23 AD2d 526, 527). We therefore reverse the order in appeal No. 2 and remit the matter to Supreme Court for a jury trial. We dismiss appeal No. 1 as subsumed in the final order (see CPLR 5501 [a] [1]). Wynn v. Security Mututal Insurance Company Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Monroe County (William P. Polito, J.), entered December 31, 2002. The order granted defendants' motion for summary judgment dismissing the amended complaint. It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from be and the same hereby is unanimously affirmed without costs. Memorandum: Plaintiff commenced this action on January 18, 2002 seeking damages for the allegedly fraudulent conduct of defendants in their refusal to provide plaintiff with coverage under a homeowner's insurance policy issued by defendant Security Mutual Insurance Co. and procured through defendant Steinmiller Associates, Inc. Defendants moved for summary judgment on the grounds that the action is barred by res judicata and that the action is barred by the six-year statute of limitations for fraud. Supreme Court granted defendants' motion on both grounds. We agree with plaintiff that, because two prior actions sounding in fraud and commenced in Rochester City Court against Security Mutual Insurance Co. were dismissed based upon plaintiff's failure to obtain personal jurisdiction, neither dismissal was the equivalent of a final disposition "on the merits," and the doctrine of res judicata does not apply (see Lamar Outdoor Adv. v City Planning Comm'n of Syracuse, 296 AD2d 841, 842, citing Kokoletsos v Semon, 176 AD2d 786, 787, and Van Dussen-Storto Motor Inn v Rochester Tel. Corp., 63 AD2d 244, 249). We nonetheless conclude that defendants made a prima facie showing of entitlement to judgment as a matter of law on the ground that this action is barred by the six-year limitations period for fraud (see CPLR 213 [8]), and plaintiff failed to raise a triable issue of fact in opposition (see Alvarez v Prospect Hosp., 68 NY2d 320, 324). In support of their motion, defendants submitted evidence establishing that the alleged fraud occurred, at the latest, in May 1995 and that this action was commenced on January 18, 2002, which is outside the six-year limitations period. In opposition, plaintiff did not submit any evidence in admissible form establishing the existence of facts to the contrary. Plaintiff's remaining contention is not preserved for our review and is in any event [2]meritless. APPELLATE TERM: 9th and 10th JUDICIAL DISTRICTS PRESENT: McCABE, P.J., COVELLO and TANENBAUM, JJ. 2004-57 N C S & M SUPPLY INC. a/a/o Michael Monsignal, Appellant, STATE FARM MUTUAL AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE COMPANY, Respondent. Appeal by plaintiff from so much of an order of the District Court, Nassau County (S. Pardes, J.), entered on November 3, 2003, as denied its motion for summary judgment. Order insofar as appealed from unanimously affirmed with $10 costs. In this action to recover no-fault benefits for medical services rendered to its assignor, plaintiff health care provider established a prima facie entitlement to summary judgment by proof that it submitted the statutory claim form, setting forth the fact and the amount of the loss sustained (see Insurance Law § 5106 [a]; New York Hosp. Med. Ctr. of Queens v New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 8 AD3d 640 [2004]; Mary Immaculate Hosp. v Allstate Ins. Co., 5 AD3d 742 [2004]; Damadian MRI in Elmhurst v Liberty Mut. Ins. Co., 2 Misc 3d 128 [A], 2003 NY Slip Op 51700 [U] [App Term, 9th & 10th Jud Dists]). Inasmuch as defendant failed to pay or deny the claim within the 30-day claim determination period (11 NYCRR 65.15 [g] [3]), it is precluded from raising most defenses (see Presbyterian Hosp. in City of N.Y. v Maryland Cas. Co., 90 NY2d 274, 282 [1997]). However, defendant is not precluded from asserting the defense that the collision was in furtherance of an insurance fraud scheme, despite the untimely denial of plaintiff's claim (see Matter of Metro Med. Diagnostics v Eagle Ins. Co., 293 AD2d 751 [2002]). The affidavit submitted by defendant's special investigator was sufficient to demonstrate that defendant's denial was based upon a "founded belief that the alleged injur[ies] do[] not arise out of an [2]insured incident" (Central Gen. Hosp. v Chubb Group of Ins. Cos., 90 NY2d 195, 199 [1997]). Accordingly, since defendant demonstrated the existence of a triable issue of fact as to whether there was a lack of coverage (see id.; Zuckerman v City of New York, 49 NY2d 557 [1980]), plaintiff's motion for summary judgment was properly denied. Decision Date: November 19, 2004 MATTER OF THE ARBITRATION BETWEEN NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, PETITIONER-RESPONDENT, AND DAVID BETT, RESPONDENT-APPELLANT. Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court, Erie County (Donna M. Siwek, J.), entered May 14, 2003. The order granted the petition for a permanent stay of arbitration. It is hereby ORDERED that the order so appealed from be and the same hereby is affirmed without costs for reasons stated in decision at Supreme Court. All concur except Gorski, J., who dissents and votes to reverse in accordance with the followingMemorandum: I respectfully disagree with the position taken by the majority. I conclude that it was error to grant the petition to stay arbitration of this insurance dispute. In its decision, Supreme Court acknowledged that, on January 3, 2002, respondent, a pedestrian, was struck by an unidentified car driven by an unidentified driver and sustained personal injuries. The court also acknowledged that petitioner issued a motor vehicle liability policy with a supplementary uninsured motorists (SUM) endorsement to respondent that was in effect on January 3, 2002. The court concluded that respondent's November 6, 2002 notice to petitioner that respondent intended to seek SUM benefits under his policy was untimely. It is apparent from the record, however, that, on January 10, 2002, just one week after the accident, respondent gave a recorded statement to an independent insurance adjusting company at petitioner's request. That recorded statement was reduced to a written transcript and signed by respondent on January 21, 2002. It indicated that the vehicle that struck him could not be identified because it left the scene. The statement also indicated that respondent did not see the vehicle that struck him and could not identify the make or model of the vehicle because he was struck from behind. The statement further set forth the extent and nature of the injuries suffered by respondent. It is undisputed that respondent timely submitted a claim for no-fault benefits to petitioner. By letter dated November 6, 2002, respondent's attorney placed petitioner on notice of a potential SUM claim. On November 19, petitioner denied SUM coverage on the ground of late [2]notice. On December 12, petitioner received a demand for arbitration, and subsequently brought the instant petition to stay the arbitration. As noted above, the court granted the petition and permanently stayed the arbitration, holding that respondent failed to timely notify petitioner of his claim for SUM benefits under his policy. The court determined that respondent did not give notice of his SUM claim "as soon as practicable," a condition of SUM coverage set forth in the policy. Respondent, who suffered a fractured arm that required surgery, received no-fault benefits from petitioner. He could only have received those benefits pursuant to Insurance Law § 5103 (a) (2), which requires insurers to provide coverage to their policyholders "for loss arising out of the use or operation of ... an uninsured motor vehicle." I therefore believe that the requirement that respondent provide his insurer with notice of his claim "as soon as practicable" was met by the recorded statement given to the insurer one week after the accident, fully detailing the claim. "Construing the notice liberally in [respondent's] favor, [respondent] provided [his] insurer with sufficient notice of a claim for uninsured motorist coverage" (Matter of Merchants Mut. Ins. Co. v Falisi, 99 NY2d 568, 569, rearg denied 100 NY2d 535). I believe that it is "inconsistent and inequitable" for petitioner to contend that it did not have timely notice of respondent's claim for SUM benefits after petitioner took a recorded, signed statement of respondent 10 months earlier containing all of the essential elements of such claim (Matter of New York Cent. Mut. Fire Ins. Co. [Guarino], ___ AD3d ___, ___ [Oct. 1, 2004]). I would therefore reverse the order and deny the petition. Desulme v. Stanya In an action to recover damages for personal injuries, the defendant Joseph Ramek appeals from so much of an order of the Supreme Court, Nassau County (Brandveen, J.), dated June 17, 2003, as, upon reargument, denied his motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint insofar as asserted against him on the ground that the plaintiff did not sustain a serious injury within the meaning of Insurance Law § 5102(d). ORDERED that the order is affirmed insofar as appealed from, with costs. The Supreme Court properly determined, upon reargument, that the affidavit of the plaintiff's treating physician submitted on the prior motion was sufficient to raise a triable issue of fact. The plaintiff's physician stated that he had objectively measured the plaintiff's range of motion with a goniometer, and recorded a loss of 30% on extension of the cervical spine and of 60% on extension of the lumbar spine. Moreover, since the appellant had already put before the Supreme Court certain unsworn magnetic resonance imaging reports indicating the existence of bulging discs in the lumbar and cervical spines, it was proper for the plaintiff's physician to rely upon those reports (see Pietrocola v Battibulli, 238 AD2d 864, 866). Finally, the Supreme Court providently accepted the plaintiff's proffered explanation for the gap in time between the end of his medical treatments and his re-examination by his physician in June of 2002. Accordingly, the Supreme Court properly determined, upon reargument, that the appellant was not entitled to summary judgment dismissing the complaint insofar as asserted against him. Lynch v. Progressive Insurance Company In an action to recover unpaid no-fault insurance benefits, the plaintiff appeals from an order of the Supreme Court, Dutchess County (Pagones, J.), dated August 7, 2003, which denied his motion for summary judgment and granted the defendant's cross motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint. ORDERED that the order is modified, on the law, by deleting the provision thereof granting the cross motion and substituting therefor a provision denying the cross motion; as so modified, the order is affirmed, with costs payable to the plaintiff, and the complaint is reinstated. There are issues of fact which precluded the granting of the defendant's cross motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint (see Sillman v Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp., 3 NY2d 395, 404), including whether the plaintiff was intoxicated at the time of the accident within the meaning of the no-fault insurance law (see Insurance Law § 5103[b][2]; Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192[2],[3]), and whether his intoxication was a proximate cause of the accident (see Scahall v Unigard Ins. Co., 222 AD2d 1070; North v Travelers Ins. Co., 218 AD2d 901, 902; Cernik v Sentry Ins., 131 AD2d 952 ). The plaintiff's remaining contentions are without merit. APPELLATE TERM OF THE SUPREME COURT, FIRST DEPARTMENT HON. LUCINDO SUAREZ, P.J. HON. WILLIAM P. McCOOE HON. PHYLLIS GANGEL-JACOB, Justices. NORTH NEW YORK MEDICAL CARE, P.C., a/a/o JULIO CRUZ, 570160/04 STEVEN ROSA, Plaintiff-Appellant, NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, Defendant-Respondent. Plaintiff appeals from an order of the Civil Court, Bronx County, entered on or about January 13, 2004 (Irving Rosen, J.) which denied its motion for summary judgment. Order entered on or about January 13, 2004 (Irving Rosen, J.) reversed, with $10 costs, plaintiff's motion for summary judgment is granted and the matter is remanded to the Civil Court for (1) the assessment of reasonable attorney's fees pursuant to Insurance Law § 5106(a) and the regulations promulgated thereunder, and (2) the entry of a judgment in favor of plaintiff and against defendant in the principal sum of $12,836.22, plus appropriate interest and attorney's fees (see St. Clare's Hospital v State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 215 AD2d 641 [1995]). Plaintiff seeks to recover first party no-fault insurance benefits for medical services rendered to its assignors who were injured in an automobile accident. Plaintiff made a prima facie showing that defendant failed to pay or deny the claims within 30 days after defendant received plaintiff's demands (see Insurance Law § 5106 [a] and 11 NYCRR [2]65.15[g][3]; Presbyterian Hospital in the City of New York v Maryland Casualty Company, 90 NY2d 274, 278 [1997]) and that payment of plaintiff's claims was overdue. The sworn statement of plaintiff's billing manager that the claim forms were mailed to defendant on the date each was signed [FN1] is uncontradicted on this record. Accordingly, plaintiff's unopposed motion for summary judgment should have been granted (see CPLR 3212[b]). This constitutes the decision and order of the court. Footnote 1: The record contains forms signed October 2, 2002, October 8, 2002, October 16, 2002 and November 6, 2002 for the claims with respect to Julio Cruz and September 30, 2002, October 8, 2002, October 29, 2002, November 6, 2002 and November 26, 2002 for the claims with respect to Steven Rosa. NICHOLAS DAISERNIA, Plaintiff, and B. LOUISE ROBERTS, Appellant, MICHELLE E. THOMAS et al., Respondents. MEMORANDUM AND ORDER Calendar Date: October 15, 2004 Before: Crew III, J.P., Spain, Mugglin, Rose and Kane, JJ. Kriss, Kriss, Brignola & Persing L.L.P., Albany (Daniel J. Persing of counsel), for appellant. Maynard, O'Connor, Smith & Catalinotto L.L.P., Albany (Michael T. Snyder of counsel), for respondents. Kane, J. Appeal from an order of the Supreme Court (Spargo, J.), entered July 2, 2003 in Greene County, which granted defendants' motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint. The only question in this personal injury action is whether plaintiff B. Louise Roberts (hereinafter plaintiff) has submitted sufficient evidence to show that her shoulder injury is causally related to the accident so as to prevent summary judgment. Agreeing with Supreme Court that plaintiff has not met her burden on the serious injury threshold, we affirm. Plaintiff was a passenger in a car rear-ended by another vehicle owned by one defendant and operated by another defendant. Plaintiff was removed from the car on a backboard and taken to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with cervical and lumbar sprains and released. Although her bill of particulars indicated that she suffered injuries to her upper back, shoulder blades, neck and right shoulder, she testified several times at her examination before trial that her complaints were limited to her back injuries and that any complaints with regard to her shoulder were not related to this car accident. Based on that testimony, plaintiff's medical records and the report and affidavit from their independent medical examiner, defendants moved for summary [2]judgment dismissing the complaint on the ground that plaintiff failed to meet the serious injury threshold imposed by Insurance Law § 5102 (d). Supreme Court granted that motion. Defendants' submissions met their initial burden of showing that plaintiff did not suffer a serious injury causally related to the accident (see Drexler v Melanson, 301 AD2d 916, 917 [2003]). The burden then shifted to plaintiff to produce competent medical evidence creating a genuine factual issue concerning the existence of such a serious injury (see Gaddy v Eyler, 79 NY2d 955, 956-957 [1992]; John v Engel, 2 AD3d 1027, 1028 [2003]). Plaintiff failed to meet that burden. Her own testimony repeatedly confirmed that she was not seeking recovery for her shoulder injury, as treatment of that injury was pre-existing and unrelated to this accident. The emergency room records do not mention any complaints related to the shoulder. Her records from other medical providers note a history of prior shoulder problems, and no provider ever specifically causally linked any shoulder injury to the accident (see Franchini v Palmieri, 307 AD2d 1056, 1057 [2003], affd 1 NY3d 536 [2003]). Plaintiff cannot create questions of fact to avoid summary judgment by contradicting her own deposition testimony through her self-serving affidavit submitted in opposition to the motion (see Campagnano v Highgate Manor of Rensselaer, 299 AD2d 714, 715 [2002]). Even if her affidavit was sufficient to show that she was restricted from performing substantially all of her usual and customary daily activities for 90 out of the first 180 days following the accident, any serious injury under that category must still be supported by medical evidence based upon objective findings and tests substantiating the injury and connecting it to the accident (see Drexler v Melanson, supra at 918; June v Gonet, 298 AD2d 811, 812 [2002]). Based on plaintiff's failure to causally connect her shoulder injury to the accident, as required to meet her burden on the serious injury threshold, Supreme Court properly granted defendants' motion dismissing the complaint. Crew III, J.P., Spain, Mugglin and Rose, JJ., concur. ORDERED that the order is affirmed, with costs. KEVIN P. SMITH, Respondent, NEW YORK CENTRAL MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, Appellant. (And a Third-Party Action.) Before: Cardona, P.J., Mercure, Peters, Spain and Carpinello, JJ. Flink Smith & Associates L.L.C., Latham (Jeffrey D. Wait of counsel), for appellant. Mlynarski & Cawley P.C., Binghamton (Joseph F. Cawley Jr. of counsel), for respondent. Spain, J. Appeal from an order and judgment of the Supreme Court (Relihan Jr., J.), entered December 16, 2003 in Broome County, which, inter alia, denied defendant's motion for summary judgment dismissing the complaint and declared that defendant was required to defend and indemnify plaintiff in an underlying tort action. It is undisputed that at about 10:00 P.M. on July 23, 1999, plaintiff, angered that the vehicle he was driving had been struck by eggs thrown by unknown persons from a park in the City of Binghamton, Broome County, drove to his parents' nearby home where he resided, retrieved a wooden baseball bat and returned to the park. Upon seeing three individuals whom he believed were responsible, he pursued them and they fled. Plaintiff quickly caught up to one of them, John Perhach. Just as Perhach started to fall or slide, plaintiff struck him in the back of the head with the bat, causing injuries to the back of Perhach's head. Perhach declined plaintiff's offers of help and was treated at an emergency room. Plaintiff later entered a guilty plea to assault in the third degree (see Penal Law § 120.00 [3] [negligent assault]) for negligently causing physical injury to Perhach. [2] Perhach and his parents commenced a personal injury action against plaintiff an additional insured under his parents' homeowners' policy with defendant alleging causes of action for intentional tort and negligence. Defendant disclaimed coverage, based upon the policy exclusion for bodily injury "which is expected or intended by the insured" and on the ground that there was no "occurrence" under the policy because the insured's conduct was intentional, not accidental. In that underlying action, Supreme Court (Monserrate, J.) granted the Perhachs' motion for partial summary judgment against plaintiff on the issue of negligence liability based upon plaintiff's guilty plea, but found that plaintiff had raised a triable issue of fact for a jury on his defenses that Perhach had assumed the risk of injury and contributed to his own injuries. Plaintiff then commenced this action seeking a declaration that the insurer is required to defend and indemnify him in connection with the Perhachs' underlying action, and defendant commenced a third-party action against the Perhachs for a declaration of noncoverage. On the parties' cross motions for summary judgment, Supreme Court granted plaintiff's cross motion and denied defendant's motion, finding that defendant was obligated to defend plaintiff in the underlying action and indemnify him for any damages awarded on the negligence claim in that action, but not their intentional tort claim. On defendant's appeal, we agree that it is not obligated to defend or indemnify plaintiff in connection with the underlying action and, thus, reverse. Under settled principles, "[i]f any of the claims against the insured arguably arise from covered events, the insurer is required to defend the entire action" (Frontier Insulation Contrs. v Merchants Mut. Ins. Co., 91 NY2d 169, 175 [1997]; see Belt Painting Corp. v TIG Ins. Co., 100 NY2d 377, 383 [2003]). In determining whether the policy exclusion for injuries intended or expected by the insured applies, the dispositive inquiry is whether the harm that resulted to the victim from this assault could have been other than harm "expected or intended" by the insured, i.e., "'whether there is any possible factual or legal basis upon which to find that the bodily injuries inflicted upon [Perhach] were not 'expected or intended' by [plaintiff]'" (Pennsylvania Millers Mut. Ins. Co. v Rigo, 256 AD2d 769, 770 [1998], quoting Home Mut. Ins. Co. v Lapi, 192 AD2d 927, 928 [1993]; see Allstate Ins. Co. v Mugavero, 79 NY2d 153, 159 [1992]; Doyle v Allstate Ins. Co., 255 AD2d 795 [1998]; Pistolesi v Nationwide Mut. Fire Ins. Co., 223 AD2d 94, 95 [1996], lv denied 88 NY2d 816 [1996]). Here, a review of the record reveals that the harm to the victim was inherent in the nature of the acts alleged (and admitted by plaintiff) and that the harm flowed directly and immediately from plaintiff's intentional acts and, thus, the resulting injuries were intentional and expected, as a matter of law (see Allstate Ins. Co. v Mugavero, supra; Pistolesi v Nationwide Mut. Fire. Ins. Co., supra at 97). At his examination before trial in this action, plaintiff testified that he pursued Perhach believing that he was responsible for the egg throwing; that he saw Perhach stumble, and then, holding the bat with both hands, he swung it "as though [he] were batting," striking the back of Perhach's head, and that Perhach was looking away from him when he swung the bat. Clearly, Perhach's injuries flowed directly from plaintiff's purposeful act, which permits no interpretation other than that the injuries were expected and intended (see Peters v State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., 306 AD2d 817 [2003], affd 100 NY2d 634 [2003]; Pennsylvania Millers Mut. Ins. Co. v Rigo, supra). Plaintiff's reliance upon the fact that he received a favorable plea to a crime involving negligence is unavailing, and "does not necessarily foreclose finding that the underlying conduct [3]falls within an insurance policy's intentional acts exclusion" (Carmean v Royal Indem. Co., 302 AD2d 670, 672 [2003]; see Peters v State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., supra; Pennsylvania Millers Mut. Ins. Co. v Rigo, supra at 770-771). Likewise, plaintiff's claims and self-serving testimony that he was only trying to "scare" Perhach or "catch" him and never intended to hit him in the head are unsupported, conclusory and not credible as a matter of law (see Pennsylvania Millers Mut. Ins. Co. v Rigo, supra at 771). When questioned, plaintiff offered no explanation for how swinging the bat could have scared the fleeing victim, whose back was turned to plaintiff, and he admitted that he saw the victim stumble before he swung and could have tackled him rather than swung the bat. Also, while the complaint in the underlying action contains a cause of action based upon negligence, "this claim is conclusory and unsupported by any facts contained in the record" (id. at 771; see Peters v State Farm Fire & Cas. Co., supra at 817-818, cf. Merrimack Mut. Fire. Ins. Co. v Carpenter, 224 AD2d 894, 895 [1996], lv dismissed 88 NY2d 1016 [1996]). Indeed, an insurer's duty to defend derives from the terms of the insured's policy and not from the allegations in a complaint drafted by a third party such as the Perhachs (see Fitzpatrick v American Honda Motor Co., 78 NY2d 61, 65-68 [1991]). Under the circumstances of this case, the injuries sustained by Perhach as a result of plaintiff's intentional actions cannot be characterized as unexpected or unintended and, thus, as a matter of law fall within the policy exclusion, entitling the insurer to summary judgment and requiring denial of plaintiff's cross motion. Cardona, P.J., Mercure, Peters and Carpinello, JJ., concur. ORDERED that the order and judgment is reversed, on the law, with costs, plaintiff's cross motion denied, defendant's motion granted, summary judgment awarded to defendant and complaint dismissed, and it is declared that defendant has no duty to defend or indemnify plaintiff in the underlying action. Dennis Anastasis, appellant, American Safety Indemnity Company, et al., respondents. (Index No. 12043/03) Tonino Sacco, P.C., Whitestone, N.Y. (Luigi Brandimarte of counsel), for appellant. Lewis, Johs, Avallone, Aviles & Kaufman, LLP, Melville, N.Y. (Kerry Bassett and Michael G. Kruzynski of counsel), for respondents American Safety Indemnity Company and Apex Insurance Managers, LLC. In an action for a judgment declaring that the defendant American Safety Indemnity Company is obligated to defend and indemnify the defendant Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Bar Lounge, in an underlying action entitled Anastasis v Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Bar Lounge, pending in the Supreme Court, Queens County, under Index No. 31502/02, the plaintiff appeals, as limited by its brief, from so much of an order and judgment (one paper) of the Supreme Court, Queens County (Satterfield, J.), dated October 6, 2003, as, in effect, granted that branch of the motion of the defendants American Safety Indemnity Company and Apex Insurance Managers, LLC, which was to declare that American Safety Indemnity Company is not obligated to defend and indemnify the defendant Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Bar Lounge in the underlying action. ORDERED that the order and judgment is reversed insofar as appealed from, on the law, with costs, that branch of the motion of the defendants American Safety Indemnity Company and Apex Insurance Managers, LLC, which was to declare that American Safety Indemnity Company is not obligated to defend and indemnify the defendant Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Lounge, in the underlying action is denied, and it is declared that American Safety Indemnity Company is obligated to defend the defendant Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Bar Lounge, in the underlying action. At issue in this case is whether, as a matter of law, based upon the plaintiff's pleadings, the incident in question fell within the battery exclusion of the insurance policy. An [2]exclusion for assault and/or battery applies if no cause of action would exist "but for" the assault and/or battery (Mount Vernon Fire Ins. Co. v Creative Hous., 88 NY2d 347, 353). In the underlying action to recover damages for personal injuries against the insured, Gotham City Night Club, Inc., d/b/a World Bar Lounge (hereinafter the World Bar Lounge), the plaintiff alleged that he was "lawfully and properly traversing the premises" when he "was caused to be struck about his person, and be precipitated to the ground" as a result of the negligence of World Bar Lounge. In his verified complaint in the instant action for a judgment declaring that the insurance carrier, American Safety Indemnity Company (hereinafter American Safety), is obligated to defend and indemnify World Bar Lounge, the plaintiff claimed that he was injured when "a bouncer . . . stepped on and made contact with the plaintiff's foot and leg, causing the plaintiff to be precipitated to the ground." "Battery" is defined in the policy as "harmful or offensive contact between or among two or more persons." The language "harmful or offensive contact" is apparently derived from the definition of the tort of battery, to wit, "bodily contact" which was "offensive" and which arose when the batterer "intended to make the contact without the plaintiff's consent" (Bastein v Sotto, 299 AD2d 432, 433). An assault and battery exclusion applies if the causes of action alleged are "rooted in intentional tortious behavior"(Silva v Utica First Ins. Co., 303 AD2d 487, 488). Where no intentional assaultive acts are alleged in the complaint and the injuries may have resulted from "unintentional acts" such as allegations that a bouncer "negligently and carelessly escorted" a patron from the premises, the insurance carrier is required to defend notwithstanding the existence of an assault and battery exclusion (see Essex Ins. Co. v T-Birds Nightclub & Rest., 229 AD2d 919). In the order and judgment appealed from, the Supreme Court found in favor of American Safety on the ground that "[n]o cause of action would exist but for the intentional assaultive behavior alleged by plaintiff." However, contrary to the determination of the Supreme Court, the plaintiff's pleadings do not allege intentional assaultive behavior. Both of the plaintiff's pleadings allege that he was struck or stepped on but those pleadings do not allege he was struck or stepped on intentionally. Therefore, a battery is not alleged and it cannot be said as a matter of law that the battery exclusion applies. Accordingly, American Safety has a duty to defend (see City of New York v Insurance Corp. of N.Y., 305 AD2d 443). RITTER, J.P., S. MILLER, GOLDSTEIN and MASTRO, JJ., concur. ENTER: James Edward Pelzer Hedaya Home Fashions, Inc., et al., respondents American Motorists Insurance Company, appellant, et al., defendants. (Index No. 8337/97) White Fleischner & Fino, LLP, New York, N.Y. (Nancy Davis Lyness and Gil M. Coogler of counsel), for appellant. Weg and Myers, P.C., New York, N.Y. (Dennis T. D'Antonio, Joshua L. Mallin, and Renée J. Levine of counsel), for respondents. In an action, inter alia, to recover damages for breach of contract, the defendant American Motorists Insurance Company appeals from (1) a judgment of the Supreme Court, Kings County (Harkavy, J.), dated December 18, 2002, which, upon a jury verdict, is in favor of the plaintiffs and against it in the principal sum of $400,000 and (2) an order and amended judgment (one paper) of the same court dated April 25, 2003, which, inter alia, denied its motion pursuant to CPLR 4404(a) to set aside the verdict as against the weight of the evidence, granted the plaintiffs' cross motion for an award of prejudgment interest and for a hearing to determine an award of a reasonable attorney's fee, litigation costs, and expenses, and is in favor of the plaintiffs and against them in the total sum of $628,470. ORDERED that the appeal from the judgment is dismissed on the ground that it was superseded by the order and amended judgment; and it is further, ORDERED that the order and amended judgment is modified by deleting the provision thereof which granted that branch of the plaintiffs' cross motion which was for a hearing to determine an award of a reasonable attorney's fee, litigation costs, and expenses; as so modified, [2]the order and amended judgment is affirmed, without costs or disbursements. A jury verdict should not be set aside as against the weight of the evidence unless the jury could not have reached its verdict on any fair interpretation of the evidence (see Lolik v Big V Supermarkets, 86 NY2d 744, 746; Nicastro v Park, 113 AD2d 129, 134). Great deference is accorded to the fact-finding function of the jury, and determinations regarding the credibility of witnesses are for the fact-finders, who had the opportunity to see and hear the witness (see Corcoran v People's Ambulette Serv., 237 AD2d 402). A review of the evidence in this case demonstrates that a fair basis existed for the jury verdict in the plaintiffs' favor finding that the appellant breached its insurance contract with them by improperly denying coverage for damage to the plaintiffs' machines resulting from a fortuitous event. Consequently, the trial court correctly denied the appellant's motion pursuant to CPLR 4404(a) to set aside the verdict (see Corcoran v People's Ambulette Serv., supra). The uncontroverted credible evidence at trial established that the actual value of the loss exceeded the policy limit. Thus, the Supreme Court appropriately confined the judgment to the policy limit, and correctly determined that pre-judgment interest should be awarded from the earliest ascertainable date the cause of action arose (see CPLR 5001[b]). Since the appellant failed to serve a demand for proof of loss, choosing instead to deny coverage, it waived the provisions of Insurance Law § 3407(a), thus, the plaintiffs were not required to file a proof of loss statement as a condition precedent to coverage (see Han-Ki Lee v American Tr. Ins. Co., 304 AD2d 713; Matter of State Farm Ins. Co. v Domotor, 266 AD2d 219). The Supreme Court erred, however, in allowing the jury to consider the issue of damages arising from the defendant's alleged breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing. "It is well established that an insured may not recover the expenses incurred in bringing an affirmative action against an insurer to settle its rights under the policy." (New York Univ. v Continental Ins. Co., 87 NY23 308, 324; see also Gold v Nationwide Mutual Ins. Co., 273 AD2d 354). In the absence of explicit statutory or contractual authority therefor, a right to an award of an attorney's fee, litigation costs, and expenses will not be inferred (see Culinary Connection Holding, Inc. v Culinary Connection of Great Neck, Inc., 1 AD3d 558, 559-560, lv denied 3NY3d 601; Lawyer's Fund for Client Protection v Morgan Guaranty Trust Co., 259 AD2d 598, 560). The appellant's remaining contentions are without merit. SANTUCCI, J.P., LUCIANO, SCHMIDT and SKELOS, JJ., concur. Excess Insurance Company Ltd., et al., Respondents, Factory Mutual Insurance Company, &c., Appellant. Bernard London, for appellant. Richard A. Walker, for respondents. G. B. SMITH, J.: The issue presented by this appeal is whether respondents' obligation to pay sums for certain loss adjustment expenses arising from a "follow the settlements" clause is subject to [2]the indemnification limit stated in a reinsurance policy. Like the Appellate Division, we conclude that it is, and therefore affirm the order of the Appellate Division. In December 1990, appellant Factory Mutual Insurance Company (formerly known as Allendale Mutual Insurance Company) entered into an agreement with Bull Data Systems Inc. to provide property insurance with an indemnification limit of $48 million. Specifically, the policy covered against the risk of loss or damage to Bull Data's personal computer inventory stored in a warehouse located in Seclin, France. In turn, Factory Mutual obtained facultative reinsurance [FN1] from various London reinsurers which have severally subscribed to the reinsurance agreement at issue in this litigation. The reinsurance policy states, in pertinent part: REASSURED:ALLENDALE INSURANCE COMPANY ASSURED:BULL DATA CORPORATION and/or as original. PERIOD:Twelve months at 1st June, 1991 and/or as original. Both days inclusive. LOCATIONS:Bull Data Corporation, Seclin, France as original INTEREST:Goods and/or Merchandise incidental to the Assured's business consisting principally of personal computers and/or as original. LIMIT:US $ 7,000,000 any one occurrence p/o US $ 13,500,000 any one occurrence excess of US $ 25,000,000 any one occurrence. CONDITIONS:As original and subject to same valuation, clauses and conditions as contained in the original policy or policies but only to cover risks of All Risks of Physical Loss or Damage but excluding Inventory Shortage. Including Strikes, Riots, Civil Commotions and Malicious Damage risks if and as [3]original. Premium payable as in original. Reinsurers agree to follow the settlements of the Reassured in all respects and to bear their proportion of any expenses incurred, whether legal or otherwise, in the investigation and defence of any claim hereunder. Service of Suit Clause (U.S.A.). Insolvency Clause. In June of 1991, a fire that generated a spate of litigation, in the United States and abroad, destroyed the warehouse. Bull Data presented a claim to Factory Mutual and, suspecting that the fire was the result of arson, Factory Mutual refused to satisfy it. Bull Data brought suit in the courts of France to recover under its insurance policy. Factory Mutual also commenced an unsuccessful litigation against Bull Data in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claiming that the loss was due to arson, and the limit of liability under the insurance policy was $48 million. After incurring approximately $35 million in litigation expenses, both lawsuits were terminated and Factory Mutual settled the claims with Bull Data for nearly $100 million. Factory Mutual thereafter sought payment from respondent-reinsurers. The reinsurers refused payment and filed an action in the courts of England seeking a declaration that the reinsurance contract was invalid. The English courts dismissed the case for lack of jurisdiction. During that period, Factory Mutual commenced a declaratory judgment action in the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island seeking $7 million from the reinsurers and an additional $5 million in loss adjustment expenses, allegedly the proportionate share of expenses that the reinsurers owed Factory Mutual for having defended the Bull Data claim. Factory Mutual later discontinued the action upon stipulation and commenced a similar action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin granted partial summary judgment to the reinsurers and dismissed Factory Mutual's claim for loss adjustment expenses (Allendale Mutual Ins. Co. v Excess Ins. Co. Ltd., 970 F Supp 265 [SDNY 1997], modified following motion for reargument, 992 F Supp 271 [SDNY 1997]). During the pendency of Factory Mutual's appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, that court decided an unrelated case which affected the subject matter jurisdiction of the pending case, resulting in dismissal of the appeal and vacatur of the judgment of the District Court(Allendale Mutual Ins. Co. v Excess Ins. Co. Ltd., 62 F Supp2d 1116 [SDNY 1999]). [4] The reinsurers thereafter commenced this declaratory judgment action in Supreme Court, New York County, seeking to annul the reinsurance agreement based on material nondisclosures and misrepresentations or, in the alternative, a judgment awarding damages [FN2]. Factory Mutual interposed a counterclaim, seeking the $7 million indemnification limit under the reinsurance policy as well as $5 million in loss adjustment expenses incurred by Factory Mutual in the litigation of the original claim with Bull Data. Both Factory Mutual and the reinsurers moved for partial summary judgment on Factory Mutual's counterclaims seeking loss adjustment expenses in excess of the amount stated in the indemnification limit. Supreme Court denied the reinsurers' motion, granted Factory Mutual's cross-motion and declared that the reinsurers' obligation to pay their proportionate share of the loss adjustment expenses was not subject to the stated indemnity limit of $7 million. The Appellate Division reversed by granting the reinsurers' motion and denying Factory Mutual's cross-motion. The court thus declared that any portion of the loss adjustment expenses that the reinsurers were obligated to bear was subject to the $7 million limit stated in the reinsurance policy. The Appellate Division granted Factory Mutual leave to appeal to this Court. We now affirm the order of the Appellate Division. In resolving the issue before us, we are mindful that in interpreting reinsurance agreements, as with all contracts, the intention of the parties should control. To discern the parties' intentions, the court should construe the agreements so as to give full meaning and effect to the material provisions (see Breed v Insurance Co. of North America, 46 NY2d 351, 355 [1978]; see also Greenfield v Phillies Records, Inc., 98 NY2d 562, 569 [2002]; Slatt v Slatt, 64 NY2d 966, 967 [1985]). [5] Here, there is no dispute that the reinsurance agreements set the policy limit at $7 million per occurrence. The so-called "follow the settlements" clause is thereafter set forth in the section of the policy entitled "Conditions."[FN3] As provided in the agreement, the clause requires the reinsurers to pay their portion of expenses incurred in the investigation and defense of any claim under the agreement. The reinsurers, however, contend that their liability to pay is subject to the $7 million cap negotiated under the policy. By contrast, Factory Mutual argues that the reinsurers' liability to pay the defense expenses are separate and apart from the indemnification cap on the policy. We agree with the reinsurers and hold that they cannot be required to pay loss adjustment expenses in excess of the stated limit in the reinsurance policy. Once the reinsurers have paid the maximum amount stated in the policy, they have no further obligation to pay Factory Mutual any costs related to loss adjustment expenses. In so holding, we follow the decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit as expressed in Bellefonte Reinsurance Co. v Aetna Cas. and Surety Co. (903 F2d 910 [2d Cir 1990]) and Unigard Security Ins. Co., Inc. v North River Ins. Co. (4 F3d 1049). In both cases, the ceding insurers claimed that a similar "follow the fortunes" clause required the reinsurers to reimburse litigation costs beyond the stated limit in the policy. The court in both cases concluded that such a reading of the policy would render meaningless the liability cap negotiated in the policy. According to the Bellefonte court, to "allow[] the 'follow the fortunes' clause to override the limitation on liability — would strip the limitation clause and other conditions of all meaning; the reinsurer would be obliged merely to reimburse the insurer for any and all funds paid. * * The 'follow the fortunes' clauses in the certificates are structured so that they coexist with, rather than supplant, the liability cap. To construe the certificates otherwise would effectively eliminate the limitation on the reinsurers' liability to the stated amounts" (903 F2d at 913). Likewise here, the parties negotiated an indemnity limit of $7 million per occurrence. Thus, any obligation on the part of the reinsurers to reimburse Factory Mutual, whether it be for settling the original insurance claim with Bull Data or for the loss adjustment [6]expenses incurred in the protracted litigation that ensued, must be capped by the negotiated limit under the policy. Otherwise, the reinsurers would be subject to limitless liability. Indeed, this case well illustrates such an injustice as Factory Mutual now seeks to saddle the reinsurers with a portion of a litigation bill that exceeds the negotiated policy limit by more than 70%[FN4]. To permit such a result would render the liability cap a nullity. Factory Mutual asserts that this case is distinguishable from Bellefonte and Unigard in that those cases involved liability insurance while this case involves property insurance. According to Factory Mutual, a liability insurance product normally encompasses the obligation to pay the legal defense costs on behalf of the insured as well as the cost of the loss itself. Thus, the risk to be spread in reinsurance would already include loss adjustment expenses. However, a property insurance product would cover only the value of the property item to be insured. Under those circumstances, Factory Mutual contends, an insurer would have no contractual obligation to incur investigation or litigation costs and the risk of those costs is not already included in the reinsurance product. We find this argument unpersuasive and conclude that this distinction does not provide a sufficient basis to extend the reinsurers' liability beyond the limit stated in the reinsurance policy. The limit clause in the policy is intended to cap the reinsurers' total risk exposure. Although Judge Scheindlin's decision in Allendale was vacated and is not binding, we find her reasoning persuasive, "Whether [the reinsurers] reimburse [Factory Mutual] for claims for property losses or defense costs makes no difference to them. Reinsurers of property insurance policies have the same interest in controlling their maximum exposure as do reinsurers of liability insurance policies. Thus, Bellefonte and Unigard's holdings that the limit clauses define the reinsurers' bargained-for maximum exposure to liability inclusive of all costs and expenses are applicable even where the underlying insurance policy does not oblige the insurer to cover the insured's defense costs" (992 F Supp at 277). Of course, both parties were well aware of the type of product that was being reinsured. It would be far from unreasonable to expect that at the time of procuring reinsurance, Factory Mutual could anticipate the possibility of incurring loss adjustment expenses in settling a claim from Bull Data. Certainly, nothing prevented Factory Mutual from insuring that risk either [7]by expressly stating that the defense costs were excluded from the indemnification limit or otherwise negotiating an additional limit for loss adjustment expenses that would have been separate and apart from the reinsurers' liability on the insured property. Failing this, the reinsurers were entitled to rely on the policy limit as setting their maximum risk exposure. Accordingly, the order of the Appellate Division should be affirmed, with costs, and the certified question answered in the affirmative. READ, J. (DISSENTING): I see no way to tell from the plain language of this certificate whether the parties intended for costs and expenses to be included in the reinsurance limit or excluded from it. Further, in my view the majority has misinterpreted Bellefonte Reins. Co. v Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co. (903 F2d 910 [2d Cir 1990]) in ways that augur further expansion of its much debated holding. Accordingly, I dissent. The certificate pertains to reinsurance of a $13,500,000 layer ($25,000,000 to $38,500,000) of a $48,000,000 property insurance policy issued by Factory Mutual. Two provisions are at issue. The first provides that the "limit" is "US$7,000,000 any one occurrence part of US$13,500,000 any one occurrence excess of US$25,000,000 any one occurrence."[FN1] The second notes several "conditions," including one whereby the certificate is made "subject to the same valuation, clauses and conditions as contained in the original policy" (a "following form" provision) and one whereby "reinsurers agree . . . to bear their proportion of any expenses incurred" (a "follow the settlements" provision). In essence, the majority concludes that the only reasonable interpretation of these provisions is that the policy contains a $7,000,000 limit (any one occurrence) which is cost-inclusive. This conclusion rests too heavily on the "follow the settlements" provision of the certificate, and fails to consider the "following form" provision. An equally plausible reading is that the parties, who "conditioned"[FN2] the certificate on the same "valuation, clauses and [8]conditions" as exist in the primary property policy — where costs are commonly paid in addition to the policy limit [FN3] — could have intended to create a cost-exclusive reinsurance limit. Moreover, the parties did not expressly state that the limit was "subject to" the conditions and therefore capped all liability under the certificate (see e.g. Bellefonte). Because the certificate may reasonably be interpreted in either of two ways, I conclude that it is ambiguous (see Evans v Famous Music Corp., 1 NY3d 452 [2004])[FN4]. Moreover, I disagree with the majority's apparent reading of Bellefonte. In Bellefonte, Aetna issued primary and excess liability policies to A.H. Robins Co., the manufacturer of the Dalkon Shield. Aetna reinsured the excess policies with various reinsurers. After an "explosion" of litigation over the device, Aetna and Robins disputed the extent of Aetna's liability for defense expenses under the excess policies, and ultimately reached a [9]monetary settlement in excess of the limit stated in the excess policy. Aetna then looked to the reinsurers for the excess paid on the underlying policy. The reinsurers refused to pay, arguing that their liability was limited by the reinsurance certificate. The certificate stated that the reinsurance was provided "subject to the . . . amount of liability set forth herein" (903 F2d at 911). The court concluded that this created a cap on the reinsurers' liability whether reached through payment of expenses or settlement of claims. The Second Circuit reasoned that "[a]ny other construction of the reinsurance certificates would negate" the "subject to" provision of the certificate (id. at 914; see also Unigard Sec. Ins. Co. v North Riv. Ins. Co., 4 F3d 1049 [2d Cir 1993] [following Bellefonte as certificate included same "subject to" language]). The Bellefonte Court also considered and rejected a second argument made by Aetna, which the Appellate Division applied below (2 AD3d 150 [1st Dept 2003]) and the majority now adopts. Aetna argued that the "follow the fortunes" doctrine, as embodied in a clause in the certificate,[FN5] obligated the reinsurers to pay all Aetna's settlements even if they were in excess of the liability limit in the reinsurance policy. The Bellefonte court rebuffed this argument, noting that "[t]he 'follow the fortunes' clauses in the certificates are structured so that they coexist with, rather than supplant, the liability cap. To construe the certificates otherwise would effectively eliminate the limitation on the reinsurers' liability to the stated amounts" (id. at 913 [emphasis added]). Critically, this prong of the court's analysis was based on its conclusion that the certificate created a cap on liability through the "subject to" and the "limitation" clauses, and that "the 'follow the fortunes' doctrine does not allow Aetna to recover defense costs beyond the express cap stated in the certificates" (id.). The Appellate Division disregarded the "subject to" analysis in Bellefonte, as does [10]the majority, summarily concluding that "all contracts are subject to their terms and conditions" (2 AD3d at 152). Instead, the Appellate Division relied on Bellefonte's "follow the fortunes" analysis, and concluded that the "overriding determination in Bellefonte and Unigard was that the 'follow the fortunes' clauses of the reinsurance contracts considered there coexisted with, and did not supplant, the contract limitations" (id.). In my view, this was error. Bellefonte's holding was not intended as a general rule applicable to any and all reinsurance certificates (see Goldstein, Bellefonte Lives, 8-10 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Reinsurance 9 [1997] [noting that Bellefonte should have been limited to "the specific contract language" in the certificate]). The holding relies on specific certificate language — "the first two provisions of the reinsurance certificates" (903 F2d at 913) — which the court determined contained a "cap" on the reinsurers' liability. Because the certificate had a cap, the "follow the fortunes" clause in the certificate could not supplant the cap, which therefore limited expenses [FN6]. The Appellate Division and now the majority have converted a rule unique to the specific certificate language in Bellefonte into a general principle that a "follow the fortunes" clause never supplants a policy limit. Thus, the majority, like the Appellate Division before it, expands Bellefonte from a contract-specific holding into a rule of general applicability. When the holding of Bellefonte — that the reinsurance certificate's specific policy language controls whether costs are included or excluded from the limit — is applied here, it is easily distinguished. There is no "subject to" language in the reinsurance certificate at issue on this appeal. Rather, the certificate contains two discrete provisions — "limit" and "conditions" — and neither offers any guidance as to whether the "conditions" are subject to the "limit." Further, it is worth observing that practitioners in the reinsurance industry have consistently criticized Bellefonte. Specifically, commentators have noted that in ruling "based [11]solely on a textual interpretation of the language of the certificates," the Bellefonte Court ignored important extrinsic evidence of industry custom and practice showing that the nature of the underlying policy often controlled whether the reinsurance limit was cost-inclusive or cost-exclusive (see Goldstein, Bellefonte Lives ["[n]otwithstanding Bellefonte . . . the industry for the most part has continued to follow the custom and practice of reinsurers providing coverage for expenses in addition to limits where the reinsured policy also covers expenses in addition to limits"]). There was a fear "that the Bellefonte rule would be applied to the same certificate language but where the reinsured policy covered defense costs in addition to limits" (id.). When Unigard was decided, this fear was realized. There, the certificate language was nearly identical to that in Bellefonte. The Second Circuit rejected extrinsic evidence that the reinsurers covered expenses in addition to the policy limit, instead choosing to rely on its holding in Bellefonte and the similar certificate language (4 F3d at 1071). Commentators have similarly faulted Allendale Mut. Ins. Co. v Excess Ins. Co. Ltd. (992 F Supp 278 [SDNY 1998], rearg granted, original decision adhered to 992 F Supp 271, vacated by 172 F3d 37 [2d Cir 1999]). The federal district court in Allendale was the first court to rule on the case now before us, holding that the plain language of the certificate meant that expenses were included in the policy limit [FN7]. Citing Bellefonte and Unigard, the court rejected Factory Mutual's request to distinguish these cases on the basis of the specific certificate language or the nature of the underlying policies (992 F Supp at 274-275). Allendale was thus judged to be "a significant extension" of Bellefonte on both fronts (see Goldstein, Bellefonte Lives; see also Goldstein, For Whom Does Bellefonte Toll? It Tolls for Thee, 9-7 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Reinsurance 12 [1998] ["Because Allendale involved reinsurance of a property policy, rather than a liability policy that provided a defense for the insured, and because the contract at issue lacked certain critical language contained in the Bellefonte and Unigard decisions, [12]Allendale clearly expanded the breadth of the Bellefonte Rule"])[FN8]. [13] Today, the majority adopts the Allendale rationale, and suggests that Factory Mutual should have negotiated language "expressly stating that the defense costs were excluded from the indemnification limit," or otherwise setting forth "an additional limit for loss adjustment expenses that would have been separate and apart from the reinsurers' liability on the insured property" (majority op at 10). But Factory Mutual first obtained the relevant certificate in London in December 1990, about eight months after the Second Circuit decided Bellefonte. It seems harsh and unrealistic for us to fault Factory Mutual for not having drafted this certificate to conform with a recently decided case whose potential future reach could hardly have been predicted at the time. Here, both parties moved for summary judgment, arguing that the certificate was unambiguous. Although neither party argued that the certificate was ambiguous, ambiguity is an issue of law for the courts (Greenfield, 98 NY2d at 569). Factory Mutual opposed the reinsurers' motion for summary judgment with extrinsic evidence of industry custom and practice, and thereby created a question of fact concerning the parties' intent (Mallad Constr. Corp. v County Fed. Sav. & Loan Assn., 32 NY2d 285, 290-293 [1973]). Our precedent establishes that where there is ambiguity in a reinsurance certificate, the surrounding circumstances, including industry custom and practice, should be taken into consideration (see London Assurance Corp. v Thompson, 170 NY 94 [1902];[FN9] see also Christiania General Ins. Corp. v Great American Ins. Co., 979 F2d 268, 274 [2d Cir 1992] [citing London Assurance]; Russ & Segalla, Couch on Insurance 3d § 9:15, at 9-53). [14]Accordingly, I would modify the order of the Appellate Division by denying both motions, and remand the matter for further proceedings consistent with this opinion. Order affirmed, with costs, and certified question answered in the affirmative. Opinion by Judge G.B. Smith. Chief Judge Kaye and Judges Ciparick, Rosenblatt, Graffeo and R.S. Smith concur. Judge Read dissents and votes to modify by denying both motions for summary judgment in an opinion. Decided December 2, 2004 Footnote 1: "Facultative reinsurance is policy-specific, meaning that all or a portion of a reinsured's risk under a specific contract of direct coverage will be indemnified by the reinsurer in the event of loss" (Travelers Cas & Sur Co v Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London, 96 NY2d 583, 587 [2001]). Footnote 2:Factory Mutual moved Supreme Court to dismiss the action on the grounds of forum non conveniens and also commenced an action in the Superior Court of Providence, Rhode Island. Supreme Court granted Factory Mutual's motion. While the reinsurers appealed the order, they sought a preliminary injunction in Supreme Court to enjoin the Rhode Island proceeding, which that court denied. While the Rhode Island court was considering Factory Mutual's motion for partial summary judgment on its claims for loss adjustment expenses in excess of the indemnification limit, the Appellate Division reversed the order of Supreme Court, reinstated the reinsurer's lawsuit and enjoined the Rhode Island litigation. Footnote 3:In the reinsurance industry a "follow the settlements" clause "refers to the duty to follow the actions of the cedent in adjusting and settling claims" (Barry R. Ostrager and Thomas R. Newman, Handbook on Insurance Coverage Disputes, § 16.01[b] at 944 [11th ed. 2002]). Thus, the reinsurers will be bound by the settlement or compromise agreed to by the cedent unless it can show impropriety in arriving at the settlement (id.). Footnote 4:Such an outcome would be particularly unfair given that the "follow the settlements" clause gave the reinsurers no control over the management of the unsuccessful litigation that Factory Mutual launched against Bull Data and no voice in limiting the $35 million litigation expense. Footnote 1:Sorema N.A. reinsured the remaining $6,500,000 of the $13,500,000 layer. Unlike Excess, Sorema paid up to its limit and also paid its proportion of costs. Footnote 2:The word "conditions" is not illuminative. The Restatement of Contracts defines a condition as "an event, not certain to occur, which must occur, unless its non-occurrence is excused, before performance under a contract becomes due." As the comments note, the term "condition" "is used with a wide variety of other meanings in legal discourse" (Restatement [Second] of Contracts § 224). Footnote 3:The courts below did not determine whether or not this was the case here. Footnote 4:Indeed, the history of this case betokens ambiguity: five courts have now interpreted the certificate with varying results. Supreme Court and the Rhode Island Superior Court concluded that the certificate does not contain a cap and therefore the limit is cost-exclusive (see Factory Mutual Insurance Co. v Excess Insurance Co., Superior Court, Providence, Rhode Island, May 22, 2001, Hurst, J., PC 00-0760 [litigation enjoined by order of the Appellate Division, First Department, July 5, 2001]; Excess Insurance Co. v Factory Mutual Insurance Co., Sup Ct, NY County, August 22, 2002, Moskowitz, J., Index No. 605759/99). The majority now joins the Appellate Division and the United States District Court for the Southern District, which found that the limit is cost-inclusive (see 2 AD3d 150 [1st Dept 2003]; Allendale Mut. Ins. Co. v Excess Ins. Co. Ltd., 992 F Supp 278 [SDNY 1998], rearg granted, original decision adhered to 992 F Supp 271, vacated by 172 F3d 37 [2d Cir 1999]). Footnote 5:The clause provided that "the liability of the Reinsurer . . . shall follow that of [Aetna]" (903 F2d at 911). These clauses are generally construed to mean that "the reinsurer follows the insurer's fortunes under the latter's insurance policies, subject to the stated exclusions and limitations in the reinsurance agreement . . . . Without such a concept — and on occasion even with it — the reinsurer could successfully assert a defense to a claim under the reinsurance agreement, that was not asserted by the insurer with respect to the insurance claim, leaving the insurer with an unidentified liability" (Staring, Law of Reinsurance, § 18:1). Footnote 6:Our decision in Travelers Cas. & Sur. Co. v Certain Underwriters at Lloyd's of London (96 NY2d 583 [2001]) is not to the contrary. There, we were asked whether a "follow the fortunes" clause negated an insurer's obligation to apply the allocation methodology contained in the reinsurance policy. In rejecting this argument, we agreed with the "rationale" of the Second Circuit that the follow the fortunes doctrine "does not alter the terms or override the language of reinsurance policies" (id. at 596). Thus, Travelers supports the proposition that each reinsurance policy must be interpreted according to its own terms. Footnote 7:On reargument, however, the Allendale court acknowledged that "[i]n a purely semantic sense, the reinsurance Agreement is ambiguous" (992 F Supp at 276). Nonetheless, the judge concluded that the certificate was only reasonably interpreted to be cost-inclusive. The Allendale court (like the majority) seemed concerned that a reinsurer would otherwise accept open-ended liability for costs (992 F Supp at 276 n 4), and thus appears to have "alter[ed] the contract to reflect its personal notions of fairness and equity" (Greenfield v Philles Records, 98 NY2d 562 [2002]). Footnote 8:Other courts have regarded Bellefonte and Unigard skeptically. Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co. v Philadelphia Reins. Corp. (1995 US Dist LEXIS 4806 [EDPA]) followed Bellefonte, but only because Aetna was a party in Bellefonte and therefore was collaterally estopped from relitigating the issue. The court in Philadelphia Reinsurance preferred the analysis used in Penn Re, Inc. v The Aetna Cas. & Sur. Co. (1987 US Dist LEXIS 15252 [EDNC]). There, the court (deciding the issue prior to Bellefonte) interpreted a reinsurance policy containing a "subject to" provision and found that the reinsurer was liable for costs in addition to the limit of the policy. Bellefonte rejected the analysis of Penn Re. In North River Ins. Co. v Cigna Reins. Co. (52 F3d 1194 [3d Cir 1995]), the court was faced with a Bellefonte question, which it avoided by holding that whether the certificate placed a cap on the policy was not timely raised. In TIG Premier Ins. Co. v Hartford Accident & Indem. Co. (35 F Supp 2d 348, 350 [SDNY 1999]), the court sidestepped Bellefonte by applying California law, which allows use of extrinsic evidence to reveal a "latent ambiguity" in a contract that "appears unambiguous on its face." Accordingly, the court reviewed extrinsic evidence showing that reinsurers commonly pay expenses in addition to limits. Finding a genuine issue of fact, the court denied the motion for summary judgment. In addition, arbitrators have apparently declined to follow Bellefonte, at least in some cases (see Monin and Brady, Reinsurance Disputes: Death of the Handshake, 61 Def. Couns. J. 529, 538, n 22 [Oct. 1994]; Monin and Brady, Updating Reinsurance Law Developments: The Gloves are Beginning to Come Off, 63 Def. Couns. J. 219, 223 [April 1996]; see also Wilker and Lenci, Much Ado About Nothing: A Response Regarding Bellefonte's Reach,9-10 Mealey's Litig. Rep. Reinsurance 16 [September 24, 1998] [stating that "arbitration panels, even those sitting in the Second Circuit, are free to ignore Bellefonte, Unigard and Allandale" and suggesting that "most properly constituted arbitration panels will not follow those decisions or any generalized Bellefonte rule unless it is shown that it was clearly the cedent's and reinsurer's intention not to cover expenses in addition to the liability limit of the certificate in question"]). Footnote 9:"Reinsurance, like any other contract, depends upon the intention of the parties, to be gathered from the words used, taking into account, when the meaning is doubtful, the surrounding circumstances. Custom or usage is presumed to enter into the intention when it is found as a fact, not only that it existed, but was uniform, reasonable and well settled, and either known to the parties when the contract was made, or so generally known as to raise a presumption that they had it in mind at the time" (170 NY at 99). "[P]ermanent total disability" is defined in section 15 (1)--which authorizes schedule compensation awards based on a worker's wages at the time of the accident--to mean, "[l]oss of both hands, or both arms, or both feet, or both legs, or both eyes, or of any two thereof shall, in the absence of conclusive proof to the contrary, constitute permanent total disability." The purpose there is, however, different from the section before us (see Castro, 96 NY2d 398, 401 n 2).	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1564
__label__wiki	0.98399	0.98399	Ben Stokes shoulder injury in IPL leaves him doubtful for England's Champions Trophy campaign Stokes suffered a grade-one muscle tear in his right shoulder on 24 April. By Abhinav Kini Updated April 28, 2017 08:03 BST Ben Stokes has given England an injury scare just five weeks before their Champions Trophy campaign begins on 1 June. The 25-year-old suffered a grade-one muscle tear in his right shoulder while bowling in Rising Pune Supergiant's win over the Mumbai Indians on Monday (24 April). BCCI rejects $100m offer from ICC as India fail to announce Champions Trophy squad Mark Wood recalled to England ODI squad for ICC Champions Trophy PCB is against ICC's Big Three model: 'Pakistan has suffered a lot because of it' Stokes played on for the rest of the game as he earned man of the match, his second in three Indian Premier League (IPL) appearances, but missed his side's seven-wicket defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday. While there is a chance that the all-rounder, who became the most expensive foreign player in the IPL after joining Rising Pune Supergiant for Rs 145m (£1.73m, $2.16m), can return to action on Monday against the Gujarat Lions, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) are keeping tabs on the injury. With talk of Stokes only batting – and not bowling –against the Lions to avoid aggravating his shoulder, ECB medical staff will likely urge caution against his participation with the Champions Trophy just over a month away. Stokes was expected to miss out on the latter half of the IPL campaign anyway as he was expected back to England in May, along with Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes, to prepare for their ODI warm-up series against South Africa that begins on 24 May. With England having never won the competition before, this year's campaign represents a great chance at doing so and having a fit and firing Stokes will help them even further in achieving that goal. Related topics : England cricket Indian Premier League	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1565
__label__cc	0.733375	0.266625	Dec 10, 2006 – Jul 8, 2007 In 2000, as the ICA embarked on preparations for a new building, the Board of Trustees voted to become a collecting institution. It was a historic moment for the museum, which had concentrated on temporary exhibitions since its founding in 1936. The decision to start a permanent collection grew out of a desire to anchor the institution and provide visitors with a broader range of experiences. The new collection gives a context to our special exhibitions and allows for in-depth educational materials and programs. The ICA faced a challenging question: how, with limited resources, to begin an international collection that would be unique and relevant. With the inauguration of our building at the start of a new millennium, we decided to look forward, and to focus exclusively on artists whose work is featured in our exhibitions. In this way, the collection will form an “autobiography” of the museum, preserving our exhibition history as a context for the newest art. If the ICA had always collected from its exhibitions, we would now have an extraordinary collection of 20th-century art. Inspired by that history, the collection already includes important artists whose work has been featured in recent ICA exhibitions: Laylah Ali, Paul Chan, Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Rineke Dijkstra, Marlene Dumas, Mona Hatoum, Thomas Hirschhorn, Christian Jankowski, Boris Mikhailov, and Julian Opie. Our collection also reflects the museum’s history of introducing new artists to Boston audiences, as Kai Althoff, Taylor Davis, Nan Goldin, Lucy McKenzie, and Cornelia Parker each had their first solo museum exhibition in the United States at the ICA.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1567
__label__wiki	0.829989	0.829989	Honduran Labyrinth Todd Gordon Jeffery R. Webber In a leftward-moving region, the iron fist of Honduras’ Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo makes him Obama’s sort of "democrat." Illustration by Erin Schell A fire at the la granja penitentiary in Comayagua, Honduras killed 361 last February. Guards refused to release prisoners from their cells, while police shot bullets and tear gas at family members trying to save relatives trapped inside. National police stopped firefighters and rescue workers from entering the prison for almost an hour. Honduras is a key thoroughfare in the narco-corridor between Colombia and Mexico, and its economy and state apparatuses have long been permeated by drug power and its associated forms of violence. Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world, at 82.1 per 100,000 residents. The national prison system, originally designed to hold 8,000, houses 13,000 inmates in 24 prisons. Some cells are packed with over 60 inmates. A mere 53 percent of the prisoners have been convicted, fewer than 397 of the 858 that were in Comayagua before the blaze. Yet a Honduran media narrative depicting hardened, violent gang members and drug traffickers caught in unfortunate circumstances — if not receiving their just desserts — deflected blame from state officials. Another unhappy event in a hapless country, but certainly not a political one. That asphyxiating evening, however, encapsulates the anatomy of a much wider, still-unfolding crisis that began with a June 2009 coup d’état. In pre-dawn hours, the military overthrew the social-democratic government of Manuel Zelaya and replaced him with Roberto Micheletti, a figure from a competing faction of Zelaya’s own Liberal Party. After Honduras was expelled from the Organization of American States (OAS) for the interruption of democratic rule, fraudulent elections designed to provide the regime with a legitimate face were carried out in November of that year. Porfirio “Pepe” Lobo, of the National Party, won and was inaugurated amid mass protests in the streets of Tegucigalpa. A People under Siege A shadow of state repression cast itself over those elections, which is unsurprising since the reconstitution of the security forces following the coup involved the recycling of high-ranking personnel who had served under previous dictatorships. The atmosphere was a given. No candidate opposing the coup ran for election. It was boycotted by the National Front of Popular Resistance (FNRP), along with all important international observers except the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute, both of which receive financing from the United States. Most Latin American governments refused to recognize the legitimacy of the results. According to the country’s leading human rights organization, Committee of Family Members of the Disappeared of Honduras (COFADEH), there were 43 politically motivated assassinations of civilians associated with the resistance movement between the time of the coup and the end of February 2012. COFADEH acknowledges that this figure is a low estimate, as intimidation and fear of reprisal prevents communities and family members from reporting many such deaths. In November 2011, a report issued by Rights Action listed a higher figure of 59 politically motivated assassinations. Belying official announcements of national reconciliation and a return to democracy following Lobo’s victory, repression intensified immediately after he took power. COFADEH reported 250 violations of human rights in Lobo’s first three months alone. As part of the pattern of intensified repression under Lobo, more than a dozen journalists were murdered by unidentified attackers between January 2010 and November 2011. Many of them had opposed the coup or highlighted corruption and human rights abuses. “Not a day has passed since the start of the year 2012,” notes Reporters without Borders, “without a journalist, local media owner, or social commentator receiving a phone call to say his or her life is in danger.” This trend led Reporters without Borders to conclude that post-coup Honduras was “the world’s most dangerous country for journalists in the first half of 2010.” In the Bajo Aguán Valley, peasant activists fighting for access to land in the fertile palm-oil-producing region of northern Honduras have been under attack by both private and state security forces working for one of the most powerful landowners in the country, Miguel Facussé. He is also a notorious supporter of the coup, with ties to narco-traffickers cited in US embassy documents. Historian Dana Frank chronicled an incident exemplifying these attacks: in June of 2011, “seventy-five policemen destroyed the entire campesino community of Rigores, burning down more than 100 houses and bulldozing three churches and a seven-room schoolhouse; not one has been charged.” In the immediate fallout from the coup, Human Rights Watch notes that “key civil liberties, including freedom of the press and assembly,” were suspended. The military “occupied opposition media outlets, temporarily shutting down their transmissions. Police and military personnel responded to generally peaceful demonstrations with excessive force. This pattern of the disproportionate use of force led to several deaths, scores of injuries, and thousands of arbitrary detentions.” The Lobo government, which succeeded Micheletti’s, has predictably failed to launch any serious investigation into these abuses. Narcos and the State “We are rotten to the core,” former congressperson and police commissioner Gustavo Alfredo Landaverde told the Miami Herald just weeks before being silenced by motorbike assassins at a traffic light in Tegucigalpa on December 7, 2011. According to Landaverde’s conservative estimate, one out of every ten members of the Honduran Congress is tied to drug cartels. The Honduran national police force is linked to death squads and traffickers, and judges and prosecutors are likewise implicated in complex and overlapping networks of power. According to Franck, “drug trafficking is now embedded in the state itself, from the cop in the neighborhood all the way up to the very top of the government.” The impunity with which the coercive forces of the state operate was perhaps no more clearly demonstrated than when Tegucigalpa police murdered Rafael Alejandro Vargas, the twenty-two-year-old son of Julieta Castellanos, a university rector and member of the government’s Truth Commission, as well as Rafael’s friend Carlos Pineda. None of the suspects, all police, has been brought to justice. In March 2012, a law facilitating the military’s takeover of ordinary police functions was extended for three months after having been introduced on a temporary basis in late 2011. Lobo has indicated his desire to make the initiative permanent. Honduras would not be the first country to take such a course of action; since his controversial election in nearby Mexico in December 2006, Felipe Calderón’s overt military escalation of the drug war has left tens of thousands dead. Colombia had an earlier start still: Plan Colombia and its successors have channelled $3.6 billion in American funds into the militarization of counter-narcotics regulation and enforcement in that country since 2000. These sketches of a consolidating authoritarian state beneath a thin democratic veneer allow us to begin to understand why Washington has so powerfully backed the recent Honduran trajectory. In Empire’s Workshop , Greg Grandin presents Ronald Reagan’s 1980s counterinsurgency campaigns in Central America as a dress rehearsal for the subsequent American wars in the Middle East. A new stage in this dialectical exchange seems now to have arrived, with declining troop numbers in Afghanistan and Iraq freeing up personnel for a return to the Central American theater, and the Obama administration drawing novel tactical lessons and strategic variations from Bush’s war on terror. The Stakes Doug Stokes correctly remarked in America’s Other War that “by the end of the Cold War the ‘war on drugs’ increasingly came to replace the ‘war on communism’ as the primary justification for continued US military aid to South American governments.” Both of these conjunctural battle postures, of course, were meant to conceal a deep continuity across the epochs in the underlying promotion of strategic US economic and geopolitical interests in the region. Likewise, in Honduras today, the intensification of a militarized war on drugs has facilitated opportunities for new rounds of capital accumulation through deep and extensive neoliberal restructuring of the country under Lobo, while providing the basis for a fuller projection of US military power against the left-wing social movements and governments that have taken root elsewhere in the region. The immediate and medium-term interests of US and Canadian capitalist forces in the country include mining, hydroelectricity, tourism developments, the banana export industry, textiles, auto parts, and other manufacturing activities in the low-waged female sweat zones of the industrial city of San Pedro Sula. Foreign investors are also looking to take advantage of Lobo’s plans to privatize the country’s public education, electrical, and water systems, as well as the state-owned ports. But there are wider Central American concerns at hand, according to longtime Honduras analyst Annie Bird. She notes a resurgence of the “business- and government-backed death squads of the 1980s” that represent “powerful interests promoting large-scale development projects, including tourism corridors, open-pit mines, biofuel plantations, hydroelectric dams, carbon-credit forests, and more” throughout Central America. Guatemala is once again reliably under the hand of former general Otto Pérez Molina, Panama under the right-wing government of Ricardo Martinelli, and Costa Rica under the center-right Laura Chinchilla. But the governments of the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) in El Salvador and the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) in Nicaragua, through gutted and pacified since the 1980s, represent potential barriers to uninhibited foreign investment, resource extraction, and longer-term US efforts to tame Latin America’s tilt to the Left. Social movements opposed to aggressive mining have emerged in powerful form even within those countries governed by the Right. New waves of conflict around natural resource extraction and its attendant processes of dispossession have meant that disputes over control and access to land have repeatedly seen indigenous and peasant communities face off against mining multinationals and their paramilitary and state backers. If drugs and gangs dominate the diplomatic discourse of politicians, capital’s access to land and resources must be at the root of any materialist explanation for the expanding militarization of Central America, Honduras included. It is abundantly clear where the US hopes to position itself amid these regional developments. At the outset of 2011, it was announced that the nineteen-year-old Central American Integration System would be expanding its remit to include the coordination of a new Regional Security Operations Center (COSR), with the guidance and funding of the United States and the Inter-American Development Bank. This new regional security strategy is to explicitly model itself on the avowed successes of the 2007 Mérida Initiative in Mexico — itself modelled on Bill Clinton’s Plan Colombia — and its Central American corollary, the Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Also in 2011, two regional training centers and security operations were established in Panama, including what will become the headquarters of COSR. Logistics for the new operations will be supplied by the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force, a subordinate unit of United States Southern Command, which is responsible for coordinating US involvement in regional security, immigration, and drug operations in the area. According to Bird, police representatives from across Central America and the Dominican Republic will be trained to carry out the new regional security strategy at the headquarters once it is operational. The Afghan-Iraqi-Honduran Nexus “By countering transnational organized crime, we promote stability, which is necessary for external investment, economic growth, and minimizing violence,” Colonel Ross A. Brown explained to the New York Times from his headquarters in the Soto Cano Air Base just outside of Tegucigalpa — the only American air base between the US and South America. “We also are disrupting and deterring the potential nexus between transnational organized criminals and terrorists who would do harm to our country.” Before being stationed in Central America, Brown spent 2005 and 2006 serving as an armored cavalry commander in southern Baghdad. His Joint Task Force-Bravo has under its command six hundred US troops who are responsible for American military activities throughout all of Central America, in coordination with the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Border Patrol, and US Army Rangers. Since the coup, the US has built up its air base presence in Honduras through the establishment of three forward operating bases, ostensibly for drug interdiction — one each in the rainforest, savanna, and coast. According to one enamored Times reporter, this new tactical orientation “showcases the nation’s new way of war: small-footprint missions with limited troops, partnerships with foreign military and police forces that take the lead in security operations, and narrowly defined goals, whether aimed at insurgents, terrorists, or criminal groups that threaten American interests.” He goes on to explain that the new strategy in Central America “draws on hard lessons learned from a decade of counterinsurgency in Afghanistan and Iraq, where troops were moved from giant bases to outposts scattered across remote, hostile areas so they could face off against insurgents.” The key distinction in the Central American theater is that US troops are officially prohibited from combat, even while accompanying and providing logistics for elite local security units such as the Honduran Tactical Response team. In practice, this careful delineation of duties doesn’t mean much. Last May, at least four people were gunned down by Honduran forces firing from a US State Department helicopter, under the supervision of uniformed DEA and US Navy agents. In addition to the military bases in the country, the massive amount of military aid and high-level diplomatic support and engagement offered to the Lobo regime by the Obama administration reveal the extent to which the US considers Honduras to have resumed Reagan-era strategic significance. Under Lobo, Honduras is being reconstituted as a hub from which to combat popular movements and left-leaning Latin American governments, and to promote the immediate interests of US capital as well as the long-term geopolitical goals of the US state. Obama’s proposed budget for 2013 offers more than double the previous year’s military and police aid to Honduras. The country received more than $50 million in Pentagon contracts in 2011, and 62 percent of all Defense Department funds directed toward Central America that year went to Honduras. Referring to the drug war and wider US interests in the region, American ambassador to Honduras Lisa J. Kubiske characterized the Honduran armed forces under Lobo as “eager and capable partners in this joint effort.” On January 18, 2012, Lobo was invited to Southern Command headquarters in Miami to meet with high-ranking officials. It was revealed that the US would offer new personnel to assist in further security operations in Honduras, beginning with the appointment of State Department security specialist Oliver Garza as special adviser to Lobo. A month later, Vice President Joe Biden visited the country, pledging that “the United States is absolutely committed to continuing to work with Honduras to win this battle against the narcotraffickers,” a battle to which he promised to contribute $107 million worth of new police and military funding through CARSI. Imperial Statecraft From the outset, the coup against Zelaya provided the United States with a diplomatic opportunity to recover some of its influence in the region, which had waned since the 1990s. In its calculated response to the coup, the Obama administration has been careful not to be seen as lending open support while nevertheless subtly undermining Zelaya and the anti-coup resistance. To brazenly champion the violent attack on procedural democracy in Honduras, in a context in which even the moderate governments of the region issued sharp condemnations of it, would have undermined whatever political capital Obama had mustered from the already waning liberal credentials of his early tenure. But this did not gainsay American aspirations to contain Zelaya and the reform movement in Honduras. Through the prism of US diplomacy, the events of June 2009 were framed as a regrettable interruption of the constitutional order in which Zelaya shared much of the blame. Micheletti’s government was depicted as transitional, and the Lobo regime, once established, was celebrated as a democratic godsend. At each turn in diplomatic developments we witness this stylized progression. Referring on the day of the coup to the “detention and expulsion of President Mel Zelaya,” Obama merely called on “all political and social actors in Honduras to respect democratic norms, the rule of law, and the tenets of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.” There was no reference to a coup, nor was there any demand for Zelaya’s immediate return, and the forces involved were not singled out for rebuke. Instead, attention was drawn to “all political and social actors,” tacitly implicating Zelaya and his supporters as responsible for his forceful removal from power. The Obama administration declared only that Zelaya was the rightful president of Honduras and should be allowed to return home after the OAS, the European Union, the UN General Assembly, and the presidents of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile had denounced the coup and demanded Zelaya’s restitution. Over the course of July and August 2009, the United States sought to impose a mediation of the conflict through the Costa Rican president at the time, Oscar Arias, in what became known as the San José Accord. Micheletti, still in power at the time, initially agreed to participate in the proceedings, as the US was evidently willing to insist on draconian conditions from Zelaya before arriving at any resolution. Among the non-negotiable demands presented by the US were that Zelaya end any and all commitment to constitutional reform, and that he form a national unity government with the plotters of the coup that had just overthrown his democratically elected government. Despite the fact that the parameters of the accord would have allowed significant elements of the authoritarian regime to continue in power through a “national unity” coalition, and that it would have utterly defanged Zelaya’s ability to build toward social justice and participatory democracy through constitutional reform, it was Micheletti, not Zelaya, who torpedoed the San José agreement. Micheletti withdrew from the talks, ultimately refusing to countenance even the idea of Zelaya’s return to Honduras under any conditions. He was emboldened by American support. From the outset, the US lent credibility to Micheletti’s undemocratic government by presupposing its legitimacy as an actor with which to negotiate, and further, its legitimacy as a major player within the envisioned coalition of national unity. Cartagena Accord But if the us worked hard to pave the way for the legitimation of the Lobo government and its reintegration into the international community, it was ironically their regional nemesis, Venezuela, that would ultimately bring those efforts to a successful conclusion. Promoted by Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chávez, the Cartagena Accord was signed on May 22, 2011 by Santos, a representative for Chávez, Lobo, and Zelaya. In exchange for Chávez’s backing of Honduras’s readmission into the OAS—achieved on June 1—the Honduran government pledged to allow an end to Zelaya’s exile and to annul all legal proceedings against him. The agreement further committed the regime to protect the rule of law, to ensure the protection of human rights, and to permit popular plebiscites around political, economic, and constitutional matters. Finally, the Lobo regime, through the Cartagena proceedings, pledged to recognize any move by the FNRP to transform itself into a formal political party. Few of the commitments made by the Lobo regime in the Cartagena proceedings were novel. Lobo had long ago formally committed his government to act within the rule of law, ensure the protection of human rights, to permit popular plebiscites around political, economic, and constitutional matters, and to recognize any political party formation the FNRP should decide to establish. There is no reason to believe, therefore, that simply because of Chávez’s support the Accord represented a serious progressive step for the Honduran people, or a setback for US interests. In fact, the Cartagena Accord provided ex post facto approval by Chávez and Zelaya for the political line to which the US has been wedded since Lobo was elected — that the Honduran government is genuinely committed to national reconciliation and deserves reintegration into the international community. The precise reasons that motivated Chávez to support Cartagena are unclear. One possibility is the desire for stronger diplomatic ties to Colombia to ensure the continuity of economic relations with a major trading partner; another is suggested Venezuelan aspirations to upstage Brazil as the major diplomatic player on the South American left. “Everyone is happy that Zelaya has returned,” said Bertha Cáceres of the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras when we spoke with her shortly after the Cartagena Accord had been signed. His right of return “should have always been unconditional. He’s a human being and he has the right to return to his country. However, we believe that the Cartagena Accord is in accordance with US strategy. Juan Manuel Santos, the president of Colombia, played a key role, alongside Hugo Chávez, the Venezuelan president. For us it’s unacceptable that someone like Juan Manuel Santos, a recognized backer of paramilitarism in Colombia, and a violator of human rights, is talking about reconciliation and peace.” In an interview with Carlos Amaya, son of the renowned Honduran novelist Ramón Amaya Amador and an important grassroots activist, we heard a common refrain of the Honduran resistance: “The Cartagena Accord opened up possibilities for resolving a critical ‘problem’ of the resistance that the Obama administration had been seeking to solve since the initial coup: how to channel the popular mobilization into an electoral path, how to defeat the resistance in the streets, and how to stamp out the construction of popular power and direct democracy outside of parliamentary institutions.” Fraudulent elections may have brought to office a new face of the regime; Zelaya may have returned to Honduras; the Cartagena Accord may have been signed; but the coup — despite lacking the explicit initial backing of the United States — was successful in truncating Zelaya’s presidency, stifling efforts at constitutional reform, and instituting the basis for an authoritarian, militarized extension of the neoliberal political economy. The region’s progressive forces (leery of suffering Zelaya’s fate) and right-wing forces (emboldened by the successes of the coup) have undoubtedly taken notice. “We support the work that President Lobo is doing to promote national unity and strengthen democracy,” former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton declared at a news conference in Guatemala shortly after Lobo’s assumption of power. “What we’ve been seeing is a restoration of democratic practices and a commitment to reconciliation that gives us great hope,” Obama explained to reporters in the Oval Office as Lobo sat next to him in October 2011. Lobo has demonstrated his “strong commitment to democracy.” The democratic delusion on offer here has been a staple of US-Honduran relations since the late nineteenth century. If Lobo is the latest emblem of that delusion in practice — having apparently re-established law and order after the unseemly interruption of Micheletti — he also exposes its ruthless center: elections as theater, direct rule by capital, and unmediated violence in civil society. We have seen much of this before, and we’ll see it again. Todd Gordon is the author of Imperialist Canada and Cops, Crime, and Capitalism: The Law and Order Agenda in Canada . Jeffery R. Webber teaches politics and international relations at Queen Mary, University of London. He sits on the editorial board of Historical Materialism, and is the author of Red October: Left-Indigenous Struggles in Modern Bolivia. In a leftward-moving region, the iron fist of Honduras’ Porfirio “Pepe” Lobo makes him Obama’s sort of “democrat.” We Regret to Inform You that Hillary Clinton Is at It Again “Believe Women” Can’t Be Used to Score Cheap Partisan Points Natascha Elena Uhlmann Ronald Reagan’s “October Surprise” Plot Was Real After All Branko Marcetic When Capital Threatens to Strike in Your City Stephanie Farmer Corporations Would Literally Kill You to Turn a Profit Nicole M. Aschoff Elizabeth Warren’s Electoral Track Record Is Incredibly Worrying Political Struggle Is the Answer — Not Conspiracy Theories Bernie Sanders Is Absolutely Right to Oppose Trump’s New Trade Deals Joe Biden Tried to Cut Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare for 40 Years The Third Way Is the Past. Socialism Is the Future. Paul Heideman Ben Shapiro, Keyboard Drone Pilot Ben Wray “You Have to Get Out of Parliament and Speak to Workers” Marc Botenga France’s Transit Workers: “We’re Fighting for Everyone” Cole Stangler England Doesn’t Exist Tom Whyman Keeping Homeless Families Homeless, By Force Indigo Olivier Voting Is a Right, Not a Privilege Jacob Hamburger Neocons Don’t Regret the Iraq Disaster — And Now They Want War With Iran Liza Featherstone A Communist Designed Your Kitchen Our New Books Are $10, With Free Shipping	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1570
__label__cc	0.628792	0.371208	Universität Zürich Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development Personen Forschungspartner Hannes Schwandt Forschungs-Team Giuseppe Sorrenti Hannes Schwandt Hannes Schwandt, Prof. Dr. School of Education and Social Policy (SESP) Hannes Schwandt is an Assistant Professor in Economics. Before joining the Economics Department in Zurich he spent three years as a post-doc at Princeton, after receiving his PhD in the European Doctoral Programme at Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona and the London School of Economics. He is also affiliated to the Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development at UZH, the Centre for Economic Performance at LSE, Cohere at SDU, and IZA. His research interests include Health Economics, Economic Demography, Labour Economics, and Subjective Wellbeing. His research has been published in journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Economic Journal and the Harvard Business Review and has been featured in media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Forbes, FAZ, TIME, NPR and the Washington Post. Detailed CV Health Economics, Labor Economics, Economic Demography, Subjective Wellbeing. “The 9/11 Dust Cloud and Pregnancy Outcomes: A Reconsideration,” Journal of Human Resources, 2016, Vol. 51 (4): 805-831, with Janet Currie. National Geographic, Dec. 27, 2016: “Hazardous 9/11 Dust Made Newborn Babies Smaller.” TIME Magazine, Aug. 13, 2014: “Study: 9/11 Dust Cloud Likely Caused Widespread Pregnancy Complications.” New York Magazine, Aug. 14, 2014: “Dust From 9/11 May Have Led to a Lot of Complicated Pregnancies and Premature Births.” FiveThirtyEight, Aug. 14, 2014: “In The Papers: The 9/11 Dust Cloud” “Inequality in Mortality Decreased Among the Young While Increasing for Older Adults, 1990–2010,” Science, May 5 2016, Vol. 352 (6286): 708-712, with Janet Currie. The Economist, May 14 2016 (lead article US section): “Looking up” The New York Times, June 17 2016: “Good News Hidden in the Data: Today’s Children Are Healthier” The Washington Post, May 5 2016: “The tremendously good news about the young that we’ve been ignoring.” The Atlantic, May 10 2016: “The Mystery of Why Black Americans Are Living Longer” Chicago Tribune, May 20 2016: “Money doesn’t buy as long a life as it used to” Reuters, April 21 2016: “Gap in death rates between rich and poor young Americans narrows" “The Youngest Get the Pill: ADHD Misdiagnosis and the Production of Education in Germany,” with Amelie Wuppermann, Labour Economics, Vol. 43, 72-86. Frankfurter Rundschau, September 4 2015: Einfach nur zappelig oder krank? Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, August 11 2015: “Immer auf die Jüngsten?” Süddeutsche Zeitung, August 11 2015: “Wenn frühe Einschulung zur Fehldiagnose führt” SPIEGEL Online, August 11 2015: “Einschulungsalter: September-Kinder erhalten häufiger ADHS-Diagnose.” “Ökonomische Erkenntnisse: Vom Mutterleib zum Arbeitsmarkt” (in German), Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), 28. September 2016, frontpage story about the insights from economic research on child development. “Short- and Long-term Effects of Unemployment on Fertility,” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS), September 2014, with Janet Currie. Wall Street Journal, May 10, 2016: “Baby Lull Promises Growing Pains for Economy.” “Unmet Aspirations as an Explanation for the Age U-shape in Wellbeing,” Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, February 2016, Vol. 122: 75-87. The Atlantic, April 2016: “Quit Your Job” The Atlantic, December 2014 (cover story): “The Real Roots of Midlife Crisis” Financial Times, Dec 8, 2016: “Over 22? Forget blaming others: success or failure is down to you” Financial Times, July 3, 2015: “Working older” Financial Times, Sep. 18, 2014: “Is the midlife crisis just an excuse?” Financial Times, Sep. 13, 2013: “What makes life sag in the middle?”	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1571
__label__wiki	0.903671	0.903671	Tuesday, August 13, 2019 1:00 am Aramco buying into India firm NEW DELHI – Oil giant Saudi Aramco is buying 20% of Indian conglomerate Reliance Industries' oil and chemicals business for about $15 billion, in a deal that gives it heft and diversity ahead of a long-awaited IPO. For India, the deal amounts to one of the country's largest foreign direct investments. Reliance Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Monday told an annual meeting of shareholders that Aramco will also supply Reliance's Jamnagar refineries with 700,000 barrels of oil a day on a long-term basis. The refining complex has a capacity to process 1.4 million barrels per day. The deal will help diversify the business operations of Aramco, which has been traditionally focused on pumping oil out of the Middle East. BlackRock invests in Authentic Brands BlackRock is taking a sizable stake in the parent of Sports Illustrated and the retail chains Nine West and Aeropostale, becoming the company's largest shareholder. Financial terms were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the deal Sunday, cited anonymous sources who put the investment at $875 million, valuing the entertainment and marketing company at $4 billion, including debt. Authentic Brands Group has more than 50 brands and nearly $10 billion in annual global revenue. Other investors in the New York company include founding investor Leonard Green & Partners, General Atlantic, Lion Capital, Simon Property Group, Brookfield Properties' retail group and Shaquille O'Neal. Icahn gets seats on Cloudera board Carl Icahn has reached an agreement with Cloudera Inc. that will see the activist investor awarded two seats on the technology company's board. The billionaire disclosed his position in the enterprise cloud-software company this month, arguing it was undervalued. Icahn has been building his position since and held roughly 18.4% of the company as of last week, according to a regulatory filing. Under the terms of the agreement, Icahn employees Nicholas Graziano and Jesse Lynn will join Cloudera's board, the parties said in a joint statement Monday. Report: CBS, Viacom closing in on deal Speculation that a CBS Corp.-Viacom Inc. merger announcement was imminent, and that CBS might score a slight premium for its shares, prompted Viacom's stock to fall in Monday morning trading. The companies are in the final stages of reaching a merger agreement. Board members representing two firms, both controlled by the Sumner Redstone family, worked through the weekend to try to nail down final details – but still had not reached agreement on a price, according to a person familiar with the situation. The deal was expected to be announced Monday, but Bloomberg News noted that the “timing could slip into (today).” Automattic buying Tumblr from Verizon Verizon is selling Tumblr, a posting site with a devoted fan base. The buyer is Automattic, the parent company of blogging platform WordPress. Tumblr is a visual site known for angering users with a porn ban and hosting content from millions including celebrities like Taylor Swift.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1574
__label__wiki	0.849947	0.849947	Jerusalem Post Opinion Op-EdContributors Austria: Iran's gateway to Europe Vienna must cancel its multi-billion gas deal with Teheran. By SIMONE DINAH HARTMANN vienna 224.88 When Hitler entered Austria in March 1938, he was welcomed by an extraordinarily large number of Austrians who advocated the "Anschluss" with Germany. A disproportionate number of Austrians served the Nazi death machinery to carry out the "Final Solution" to the "Jewish Question." Despite these facts, for more than 50 years Austria portrayed itself as the first victim of national-socialism. It took a new generation of historians and politicians to acknowledge - 30 years after the Eichmann trial - that Austrians were actually involved in mass murder. During the last decade Austria has worked to present itself as a country which has dealt with its past and drawn the appropriate historical lessons. But one has to ask: Which lessons have been learned? Certainly not the most crucial one: defending Israel's right to exist. In April 2007 Austria's partially state-owned oil company, OMV, signed an agreement with Iran on a joint natural gas project. The total investment amounts to 22 billion euros over the next 25 years. Experts believe that these revenues will be used to finance the Iranian nuclear weapons program and undermine present international sanctions. OMV is not just any company. It is the biggest oil corporation in central Europe. The state of Austria holds 31.5% of its shares. Wolfgang Ruttensdorfer, CEO of this company, served for several years in the Austrian government as a member of the Social Democratic party, which always had close ties with OMV. THIS IS not the first time that OMV is breaking problematic ground. It was OMV that made the first Western gas deal with the Soviet Union in 1968. The first round of gas imports started just after the Prague Spring was crushed by Warsaw Pact tanks. In the 1980s OMV signed a deal with Libya as part of an international consortium, and at the end of the 1990s, it signed one with civil-war-torn Sudan. The company's then press officer argued that despite the risk in Sudan, OMV had to go where finding oil was the cheapest, and where American competition need not be feared. In 2003 OMV was left as the only international corporation in Sudan - other companies pulled out after the crisis culminated and tens of thousands were murdered by Arab militia sponsored by the Sudanese government in Darfur. Later that year, OMV sold its shares to Asian companies. OMV's business with Iran is a logical continuation of this company's involvement with dictatorial regimes that suppress and murder their own people. However, Iran is different - the mullahs' repeated threats to annihilate Israel and the unique form of their regime elevates this deal to an existential question, not only for the Jewish people but for the whole world, which is threatened by the violent expansion of Islamic rule. NEVERTHELESS, this deal is backed by all parties represented in the Austrian parliament. Social Democrats, Conservatives, Greens and the far right have closed ranks against demands to cancel the negotiations with Iran. Ironically, Austrian Social Democratic Chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer recently made it very clear that human rights have to be subordinated to business interests. His government has no intention of interfering despite the ongoing oppressions of the Iranian terror regime. Recent criticism from German chancellor Angela Merkel, who said that Austria was setting a dangerous precedent in establishing such a deal, was countered by insistence on the private nature of OMV - even though the state is the company's largest shareholder. On February 3 Albert Steinhauser, Green speaker for Justice, was the first member of parliament to sign our on-line petition against the OMV-Iran deal. There is hope that his courage might set an example that will be followed by more parliamentarians who finally understand that now is the time to act. During the recent visit of a delegation of Iranian parliamentarians in December 2007, Helmut Kukacka, conservative MP and head of the Austrian-Iranian parliamentarian group, talked about the good bilateral relations that have continued after the Islamic revolution. "Austria is very keen on strengthening the friendship between the two countries," he said. Another conservative, Michael Spindelegger, second president of the national council, commended the Iranian delegation for continuing an in-depth dialogue. The discussion was remarkable for what it lacked: Iranian's wish to eliminate Israel. Their points shed light on the Austrian conscience, which has a history of forgetting and repressing - up to the point where Austria refuses to actually do something to prevent another killing of Jews. AUSTRIA'S posture toward Iran has always been one of treating the mullahs' regime with kid-gloves. In 1989 the leader of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, Abdel Rahman Ghassemlou, was murdered in Vienna by the Iranian regime. No suspect, among them reportedly Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, was ever held responsible by a court for this crime. Instead Iranian diplomats pressured Austrian government officials to close the case, focusing on the Iranian commando found at the murder site. As soon as the commando left Austria, warrants were issued for his arrest, but remain without consequence. Austria has tried to improve ties in every sector of the Iranian economy. In the midst of the Iraq-Iran war, VOEST, a state-owned steel company, sent 200 cannons via Libya to Iran. In recent years the Austrian weapons company Steyr-Mannlicher sold high-powered rifles to Iran. According to the American Enterprise Institute, the military-industrial complex accounts for 11 percent of Austrian-Iranian trade. Some of these weapons were found in Iraq, where they were used by Iranian-supported insurgents to kill American soldiers. SINCE 2002, Austrian exports to Iran have doubled, but are still in the millions, not billions. The planned OMV deal with Iran would change this, bringing Austria and Europe into a long-term strategic partnership with the Iranian regime. As Iranian Chamber of Commerce president Ali Naghi Khamoushi put it in November 2006, "Austria is the gate to the European Union for us." In March 2008, Austria will officially mourn 70 years since the "Anschluss." Two months later Austria will join the celebrations of 60 years since the establishment of the State of Israel. These events should be considered opportunities for some moral soul-searching. Austria must turn its moral rhetoric into tangible action if it wants to prove that it has learned its lessons. Stopping Iran from going nuclear by canceling the largest oil deal between a European company and the mullahs would set the tone and fill these words with content. The writer is spokesperson of 'STOP THE BOMB' (www.stopthebomb.net), which has launched a petition against the OMV-Iran deal, and co-editor of the upcoming book Iran - An analysis of the Islamic Republic and its European Supporters.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1575
__label__cc	0.611877	0.388123	10 Facts About The Trucking Industry Flatbed trucking, Trucking Industry 10 Facts About the Trucking Industry That May Surprise You Trucking impacts everyone on a daily basis Recently business insider shared some interesting facts about the trucking industry that highlights what a large role trucking has on the US economy and our way of life. Most people probably don’t realize the impact trucking has on everyday life. Trucking is often one of those behind the scenes things that most of us take for granted. The reality is pretty much everything we have, buy and use was delivered by a truck. Check out the 10 facts below and you will likely have a new perspective AND appreciation for truckers and the trucking industry. 1. In 2017, the US trucking industry generated just over $700 billion. That was more than the entire GDP of Bangladesh, and slightly less than the GDP of Colombia, according to the CIA Factbook. If the trucking industry were a nation, it would have ranked 33rd in GDP that year. 2. Approximately 5.8% of all full-time jobs in America are related to trucking According to Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 there were about 129 million full-time jobs in America. That same year, approximately 7.4 million people were employed by the trucking industry. That means about 5.8% of all American full-time workers had a job thanks to trucking. 3. Walmart alone employs more than 8,600 truckers In recent years, Walmart has been turning away from third-party contracts and employing its own truckers, including a hiring surge of more than 1,400 new drivers brought on in 2018 and hundreds more so far in 2019. Walmart truckers earn on average nearly $88,000 per year, CBS reported. 4. In 2017, trucks moved 10.8 billion tons of freight According to American Trucking Associations, US trucks moved 10.8 billion tons of freight in 2017. That equates to about 30 pounds worth of goods for every man, woman, and child in the country. 5. And trucks move more than 70% of all goods transported around the United States Trucking accounts for the vast majority of freight in America, with trucks carrying almost 71% of the tonnage moved about the country. That far surpasses trains, boats, and air when it comes to moving cargo around the nation. 6. More than 40% of the jobs in the American trucking industry are held by minorities Trucking is a surprisingly egalitarian industry, with 40.6% of all trucking jobs held by minorities. This far outpaces the national average when all jobs are compared — overall, minorities hold just 22% of jobs in this country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 7. Not one of the regulators charged with overseeing the trucking industry was ever a truck driver The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is charged with managing the laws and regulations that control trucking in America. But not one of its four administrators has ever held a commercial driver’s license or had any background in the trucking industry. 8. Most grocery stores would run out of food in just three days if long-haul truckers stopped driving It might seem like food supplies on supermarket shelves are boundless, always there when you need them. But in fact, experts predict that most grocery stores would start running out of food just three days after long-haul truckers stopped working. 9. Truck drivers earn less than most Americans in terms of annual income Despite all the chatter about the growing trucking industry and the need for drivers, it’s not the most lucrative line of work. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018, the median income was about $46,800 per year, while the median annual wage for truckers was $43,680. 10. The average professional long-haul trucker logs more than 100,000 miles per year Given restrictions on how many hours a driver can log in a given day (and in a given week), most drivers will average about 2,000 and 3,000 miles a week. Over the course of the year, that a trucker’s mileage total can easily exceed 100,000 miles. For comparison, the average US motorist drives about 13,500 miles a year. business insider – trucking-industry-facts-us-truckers-2019 TAGS: Truck driversTrucking Industry Hurricane Harvey To Have Big Impact On Trucking How to avoid hydroplaning Electronic Logging Devices A Concern For Trucker’s Top Truck Traffic Areas Truck Stop Locations Truck parking funds Business & Finances Trucking Industry Traffic Watch Roads 511 - DOT Traffic Updates 10 Facts About The Trucking Industry June 20, 2019 Distracted Driving Laws June 13, 2019 Heart health watch: cardiac arrest vs heart attack June 4, 2019 CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week to Focus on Speeding May 20, 2019 Truckers Help Stop Trafficking May 14, 2019 Permits Needed for Truckers in Quarantine Zone	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1576
__label__cc	0.72833	0.27167	New rules and limitations for depreciation and expensing under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Businesses can immediately expense more under the new law A taxpayer may elect to expense the cost of any section 179 property and deduct it in the year the property is placed in service. The new law increased the maximum deduction from $500,000 to $1 million. It also increased the phase-out threshold from $2 million to $2.5 million. For taxable years beginning after 2018, these amounts of $1 million and $2.5 million will be adjusted for inflation. The new law also expands the definition of section 179 property to allow the taxpayer to elect to include the following improvements made to nonresidential real property after the date when the property was first placed in service: Qualified improvement property, which means any improvement to a building’s interior. However, improvements do not qualify if they are attributable to: the enlargement of the building, any elevator or escalator or the internal structural framework of the building. Roofs, HVAC, fire protection systems, alarm systems and security systems. These changes apply to property placed in service in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. Temporary 100 percent expensing for certain business assets (first-year bonus depreciation) The new law increases the bonus depreciation percentage from 50 percent to 100 percent for qualified property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017, and before Jan. 1, 2023. The bonus depreciation percentage for qualified property that a taxpayer acquired before Sept. 28, 2017, and placed in service before Jan. 1, 2018, remains at 50 percent. Special rules apply for longer production period property and certain aircraft. The definition of property eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation was expanded to include used qualified property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017, if all the following factors apply: The taxpayer or its predecessor didn’t use the property at any time before acquiring it. The taxpayer didn’t acquire the property from a related party. The taxpayer didn’t acquire the property from a component member of a controlled group of corporations. The taxpayer’s basis of the used property is not figured in whole or in part by reference to the adjusted basis of the property in the hands of the seller or transferor. The taxpayer’s basis of the used property is not figured under the provision for deciding basis of property acquired from a decedent. Also, the cost of the used property eligible for bonus depreciation doesn’t include the basis of property determined by reference to the basis of other property held at any time by the taxpayer (for example, in a like-kind exchange or involuntary conversion). The new law added qualified film, television and live theatrical productions as types of qualified property that may be eligible for 100 percent bonus depreciation. This provision applies to property acquired and placed in service after Sept. 27, 2017. Under the new law, certain types of property are not eligible for bonus depreciation in any taxable year beginning after December 31, 2017. One such exclusion from qualified property is for property primarily used in the trade or business of the furnishing or sale of: Electrical energy, water or sewage disposal services, Gas or steam through a local distribution system or Transportation of gas or steam by pipeline. This exclusion applies if the rates for the furnishing or sale have to be approved by a federal, state or local government agency, a public service or public utility commission, or an electric cooperative. The new law also adds an exclusion for any property used in a trade or business that has had floor-plan financing indebtedness if the floor-plan financing interest was taken into account under section 163(j)(1)(C). Floor-plan financing indebtedness is secured by motor vehicle inventory that in a business that sells or leases motor vehicles to retail customers. The new law eliminated qualified improvement property acquired and placed in service after December 31, 2017 as a specific category of qualified property. Changes to depreciation limitations on luxury automobiles and personal use property The new law changed depreciation limits for passenger vehicles placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. If the taxpayer doesn’t claim bonus depreciation, the greatest allowable depreciation deduction is: $10,000 for the first year, $16,000 for the second year, $9,600 for the third year, and $5,760 for each later taxable year in the recovery period. If a taxpayer claims 100 percent bonus depreciation, the greatest allowable depreciation deduction is: The new law also removes computer or peripheral equipment from the definition of listed property. This change applies to property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. Changes to treatment of certain farm property The new law shortens the recovery period for machinery and equipment used in a farming business from seven to five years. This shorter recovery period, however, doesn’t apply to grain bins, cotton ginning assets, fences or other land improvements. The original use of the property must occur after Dec. 31, 2017. This recovery period is effective for eligible property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. Also, property used in a farming business and placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017, is not required to use the 150 percent declining balance method. However, if the property is 15-year or 20-year property, the taxpayer should continue to use the 150 percent declining balance method. Applicable recovery period for real property The new law keeps the general recovery periods of 39 years for nonresidential real property and 27.5 years for residential rental property. But, the new law changes the alternative depreciation system recovery period for residential rental property from 40 years to 30 years. Qualified leasehold improvement property, qualified restaurant property and qualified retail improvement property are no longer separately defined and no longer have a 15-year recovery period under the new law. These changes affect property placed in service after Dec. 31, 2017. Under the new law, a real property trade or business electing out of the interest deduction limit must use the alternative depreciation system to depreciate any of its nonresidential real property, residential rental property, and qualified improvement property. This change applies to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. Use of alternative depreciation system for farming businesses Farming businesses that elect out of the interest deduction limit must use the alternative depreciation system to depreciate any property with a recovery period of 10 years or more, such as single purpose agricultural or horticultural structures, trees or vines bearing fruit or nuts, farm buildings and certain land improvements. This provision applies to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017. Treasury, IRS issue proposed regulations on new 100-percent depreciation	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1582
__label__cc	0.575244	0.424756	Discover St. Patrick's Day with Jurys Inn St. Patrick's Day \| Posted 23 Feb 2015 Each year, March 17th holds a special place for the Irish and its culture around the world. It is the annual day of celebration for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. In commemoration, an explosion of green covers the globe as people come together to celebrate with Irish communities or join the festivities in Ireland. Each year in Chicago (a city with a rich Irish heritage) celebrations include dying the Chicago River completely green! The Green Chicago River by Bill Rand/CC BY (image and image size have been modified) This year to pay tribute to St. Patrick’s Day, Jurys Inn has put together a brief guide on the history and best Irish events of this iconic day. A Brief History on the Story of St. Patrick St. Patrick Window by Andreas Franz Borchert/ Creative Commons (image and image size have been modified) St. Patrick was born in historical Roman Britain. According to the story, at around the age of sixteen Patrick was captured by a band of Irish raiders and taken to Ireland where he was a slave, mainly as a shepherd. Believing that his capture was a punishment due to his lack of faith, Patrick developed and deepened his spirituality, eventually converting to Christianity. After six years in captivity, Patrick heard a voice telling him ‘that a boat was waiting on the coast to take him home’. Patrick fled his captors by night and made his way to a port two hundred miles away, where he convinced a captain to take him home. Upon his return, Patrick became a priest. A few years after returning home Patrick had a vision of a man from Ireland named Victoricus (believed to be Saint Victricius, bishop of Rouen) who gave him a letter entitled ‘The Voice Of The Irish’, which he believed called him to Ireland by the voice of their people. Following the vision Patrick decided to return to Ireland to work as a missionary and spread the word of the Lord. He was incredibly effective in his work, converting and baptising thousands of people. As the legend goes, Patrick taught the Irish about the Holy Trinity using a shamrock (3-leaf clover). Although he faced a number of difficulties, such as being imprisoned by local chiefs as well as being accused by other clergymen that his work was for personal gain, Patrick stayed in Ireland and continued his work. One of Ireland’s most famous St Patrick legends narrates that during a forty day fast atop a hill, St Patrick was attacked by snakes. He chased them into the sea, banishing all snakes from Ireland. By the time of his death, 17th March 460 AD, 200 churches had been erected and 100,000 Irish baptised. For his dedication to the Irish, he was proclaimed as the Patron Saint of Ireland by the seventh century. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations - Dublin St. Patrick's Day, Dublin by William Murphy/ Creative Commons(image and image size have been modified) The capital of Ireland celebrates St. Patrick’s Day in fine fashion. From the annual street parade in the centre of the city (on Tuesday 17th March, 12 noon) to cultural events, such as live music and street performances; there are a number of things to get involved in. This is the place to dive into the spirit for a truly incredible cultural experience. If you’re not one for crowds, this may not be for you. Explore below Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day events and activities: In the Footsteps of St. Patrick – Walking Tour: Led by historian and author Pat Liddy, enjoy a special walk around Dublin in celebration of St. Patrick. The tour takes in ancient sites including the two great medieval cathedrals of Christ Church and St Patrick. Date: Available from Saturday 14th March and runs until Tuesday 17th March. Where: Corner Suffolk & Andrew Streets beside converted church Time: Operating at 11.00am (except Tuesday 17th) and 2.30pm. Finish point:St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Tour duration:Approximately 2 hours Prices: €14 (€12 senior/students) per person. The price includes the entrance to St Patrick’s Cathedral. Big Day Out: Merrion Square Park turns into a vibrant street carnival for one day only, Sunday 15th March. Big Day Out is filled with street performances, theatrics, workshops, open-air shows, music, art and so much more! It’s a ‘fun-for-all-the-family’ day out in the beautiful area of Georgian Dublin, with picturesque, vintage townhouses surrounding the park. Date: Sunday, 15th March Where: Merrion Square, Dublin 2 Time: 12pm-6pm Festival Céilí: Make sure to pack your dancing shoes for Festival Céilí, an outdoor celebration of traditional Irish dancing that takes place on Monday 16th March. Learn the steps, listen to live Ceili, and be immersed in an entire afternoon of traditional Irish culture (with no experience required)! Date: Monday, 16th March Where: St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 Time: 4:30pm – 7.30pm If you’re planning to join the celebrations in Dublin, please feel free to check our Dublin Hotels for availability on these dates. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations - Galway Renowned for some of the best St. Paddy’s Day festivities in Ireland, Galway is the place to be. With parades, fireworks, street parties, lots of food and drink, traditional music and dance, there is much to experience and enjoy. Each year, Galway chooses a diverse, exciting theme that forms part of its parade and the numerous events leading up to the day itself. Keep an eye on official announcements for more information on the official theme. On the day there will be a variety of artistic displays and performances across the city’s theatres and streets, generating a bustling and exciting atmosphere for all to be a part of. Here are some of the Galway St. Patrick’s Day highlights: St. Patrick's Day Parade: The Galway St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place making its way through the centre of the city, starting on Lower Dominick Street and finishing at the Galway County Council Buildings. Guaranteed to be a colourful and vibrant display, the Galway Parade is one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Date: Tuesday, 17th March Start: Lower Dominick Street Time: 11.30am – 1pm St. Patrick's Day Festival: The St. Patrick’s Day festival in Galway is used as a stage to showcase the local artists and community groups that this fantastic city has to offer. The aim is to celebrate the city’s diverse culture and talent through a wide-range of events to spreading the carnival vibe into every inch of the city. If you’re planning to join the celebrations in Galway, please feel free to check our Galway Hotel for availability on these dates. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations - Cork St. Patrick's Day, Cork by Hywe J Williams/ Creative Commons(image and image size have been modified) Aside from Dublin, Cork’s St. Paddy’s Day celebration is known to be one of the biggest in all of Ireland, with around 100,000 people expected this year. Running from 14th – 17th March across the city the event is to feature street art, pageantry, artisan food markets, live music, carnivals and much more. There are also numerous attractions and exhibitions organised throughout Cork, ranging from storytelling and puppet shows to live music. The proceedings culminate with the Parade, which welcomes marching bands from all over Ireland and the USA, samba bands, street performers, and costumed dancers, all raucously making their way through the centre of the city. Cork offers a bustling alternative to those who want to avoid the crowds of Dublin on the busiest day of the year. Be sure to check the updated details from the official website: http://www.corkstpatricksfestival.ie/ If you’re planning to join the celebrations in Cork, please feel free to check our Cork Hotel for availability on these dates. St. Patrick's Day Celebrations - Belfast St. Patrick's Day, Belfast by Ardfern/ Creative Commons(image and image size have been modified) Belfast comes alive on St. Patrick’s Day with family-friendly fun with a dedicated Kiddie Zone on Donegall Quay (beside the Big Fish). While not as large as some of the other celebrations, Belfast’s festivities offer visitors a slight twist on the traditional day. Belfast Carnival Parade Promising to be a spectacular, high energy carnival experience, this year’s theme in Belfast is ‘St. Patrick… to the future’. It will be a re-imagination of St. Patrick as a time-travelling adventurer on a vibrant journey to the future of Belfast! It will of course include the traditional eye-catching float parade, performers, music, and much more from the local community. Start: Belfast City Hall Time: 12 Noon Free Concert at Custom House Square The parade finishes at Custom House Square where there will be a free outdoor concert from 1pm (the gates open at noon). Entry to the event will be based on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis so make sure you arrive a little earlier to catch the acts! The line-up this year includes Shayne Ward (X Factor UK 2005 winner), Emerald Armada (Irish folk band), Sontas (10-piece group musicians, dancers and singers of Irish and Scottish background) and more! Where: Custom House Square Punjana St. Patrick’s Tea Dances The Punjana St. Patrick’s Tea Dances is a great chance to throw on your dancing shoes and revel in an afternoon of old time dancing and refreshments with the John Trotter Band. The tickets are free and available from the Box Office from Monday 2nd February at 9am. However, tickets do not guarantee a place at the event which also works on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, so make sure you’re there with plenty of time to avoid disappointment! Where: Ulster Hall Time: 12-2pm and 3-5pm If you’re planning to join the celebrations in Belfast, please feel free to check our Belfast Hotel for availability on these dates. Enjoy Ireland! A visit to any of these Irish cities on or around St. Patrick’s Day is a wonderfully immersive experience and the perfect way to soak up this historical celebration. Each city has its own special way of honouring the day and all of them are just awaiting your discovery so grab a glass of Guinness and get involved with the Irish festive fun! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Glass of Guinness by Mike Kniec/Creative Commons (image size has been modified) To prepare for your St. Paddy’s adventure, take a look at our previous blog ‘The 15 Most Misunderstood Irishisms’. Main image by Wikimedia Commons / CC BY (image and image size have been modified) The Best Places to Celebrate Halloween in Ireland Halloween is the most exciting time of the year if you’re a fan of things ... Hidden Gems in the Beautiful Irish Countryside The Emerald Isle is famous for its fabulous vistas, lush greenery and vast count... The Ultimate UK Bucket List Whether it’s an exotic island you want to visit on holiday, bungee jumping...	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1584
__label__cc	0.74501	0.25499	Custom Posters and Postcards + - Custom Posters Custom Posters for Businesses and Events Custom Postcards National Park Posters + - WPA Collection Utah and Nevada Oregon and Washington Alaska and Hawaii Montana and Wyoming Arizona and New Mexico North and South Dakota Monumental Reductions Limited Edition National Park Itineraries Recommended Frames How to submit a photo About "Ask Andrew" Affiliate Program + - Affiliate Setup Instructions Affiliate Images Custom Posters and Postcards Just Go to Kootenai Falls, Montana - What to See and Do May 26, 2019 • Glacier National Park • Montana Located inside of the beautiful Kootenai National Forest, Kootenai Falls is a spectacular site to visit in the northwest corner of Montana. The Kootenai National Forest comprises over 2.2 million acres of land, and while Kootenai Falls is a small piece of the forest, it is certainly beautiful, easy to get to and worth a few minutes (or even a full day!) of your time. Most people come to the area to see the falls, either from an overlook or up close. But in addition to the falls, which drop over 300 feet in a short distance over a series of rockfalls, there is great hiking and a suspension bridge that is a ton of fun to cross. It also leads to completely different views from the other side of the Kootenai River. Most people don’t find themselves in northwest Montana randomly, so it does take a bit of work to get here. However, Kootenai Falls is a fantastic stop to help break up your trip on the way into Glacier National Park, which is just about 2.5 hours to the east. It is also a good day trip if you are staying in the Whitefish, MT or Kalispell, MT areas. We highly recommend the stop, even if it is only for 15 minutes. Here are some tips on what to see and do and what you can expect when visiting Kootenai Falls! HOW TO GET TO KOOTENAI FALLS, MONTANA Kootenai Falls is located along Highway 2, which connects Bonners Ferry, ID to Kalispell, MT. The parking area is quite large, with room for over 30 cars. Parking is also available for large, recreational vehicles. There is a seasonal snack shop that is open and very reasonably priced. Since people come and go quite often, it’s likely that if there isn’t a spot available there will be only after a short wait. There are restrooms at the trailhead and no entry fee. KOOTENAI FALLS HIKING Kootenai Falls Trail map, courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service There are two main hiking trails for Kootenai Falls. Both trails are fairly easy. However, the biggest issue you need to watch out for is the that the trails require you to be steady on your feet. The trails start off with pavement, but change to stairs and dirt quickly. Along the trails you’ll encounter plenty of roots from trees which are tripping hazards. Once you arrive at the falls, there are no guardrails. It’s also easy to get up-close to the Kootenai River, but to do this you’ll have to walk on boulders which take a lot of care. Both trails are accessed from the same trailhead on the eastern side of the parking lot. A large sign marks the trailhead and is easy to find. Here are a few details about the hiking trails at Kootenai Falls: The Kootenai Falls Trail is the most popular trail and is the best way to get up and close to the falls quickly. This an easy 0.8-mile (round-trip) hike that descends a total of 90 feet on the way down to the falls. After first starting off in the forest, after about 0.2 miles, the trail comes to a bridge that crosses two track that belong to the BNSF railroad. This railroad route is quite popular, and It's likely that you’ll encounter a train or two that passes under the bridge while you are on the trail. If you are on the bridge when a train comes, you’ll be able to feel it shake a bit, which the kids thought was really cool. After the bridge, the then comes to a fork. To get to the Kootenai Falls, take a right. After another 0.2 miles of flat hiking, the trail arrives at Kootenai Falls. If at the fork you take a left instead of a right, you’ll be on the Kootenai Falls and Swinging Suspension Bridge Trail. We recommend that you take both trails while visiting, and if you do the entire trail will be 1.6-miles (round-trip) with about 150 feet of elevation change during the hike. The hike to the suspension bridge is fairly flat. After waiting your turn and crossing the bridge, the trail continues about 0.1-mile to a viewpoint on the northwestern side of Kootenai Falls. The view of the falls doesn’t get old-you'll find that seeing it from all three points provides a different perspective and are all worth seeing. If you are short on time, just visit the suspension bridge and return back to the trailhead. KOOTENAI FALLS SWINGING BRIDGE Once you arrive at the bridge, you’ll be shocked at what you’ll find! The Kootenai Falls Swinging Bridge is just that-it's a suspension bridge that swings as you cross it. The more people that are on the bridge, the more it will swing, which is why the number of people allowed on the bridge is limited. The suspension bridge is 210 feet long and sits 100 feet over the water. It can be a bit daunting if you are scared of heights, but trust us, it’s worth it! Make sure you are patient while waiting in line, but also don’t take too much time while on the bridge so that others may come onto the bridge without waiting too long. A new bridge is being built in 2019, but the current bridge has been in service since 1948. It was originally built to help firefighters access the area across the water. The new bridge is being built just upstream of the long-standing bridge. It is also going to be a bit lower and able to handle more traffic, so wait times should be reduced significantly, if not eliminated. OTHER PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY KOOTENAI FALLS If you are passing through this area, you also have to visit Glacier National Park, which is just 2.5 hours to the east. Another good stop for a picnic, boating and camping is the beautiful Logan State Park, which is 1 hour to the east. FURTHER INFORMATION ON MONTANA FROM JUST GO TRAVEL STUDIOS Make sure you check out our other blogs on Montana. We’d love to work with you to create one of our unique, custom, vintage-style travel posters. Check out our gallery and see if you see something that interests you. We’d love to work with you! In addition to our custom photos, we also have a large array of vintage-style posters, ready to be printed and shipped. Check out our Kootenai Falls poster, created in the WPA style! Just Go to Glacier National Park - Campgrounds Glacier National Park is large with many different areas to visit, so choosing from the numerous Glacier National Park c Just Go to Glacier National Park - Trail of the Cedars Hiking the Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park is one of the most popular activities along the Going-to-the-Sun Just Go to Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park – Fern Canyon Trail Just Go to Biscayne National Park – What to See and Do Just Go to Joshua Tree National Park - Best Hikes Is the “National Park Effect” Real? Just Go to Everglades National Park – Anhinga Trail Just Go to Arches National Park - Delicate Arch Hike Agate Fossil Beds National Monument Ask Andrew Avoiding Crowds in Our National Parks Gateway Arch National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park Indiana Dunes National Park Newbury National Volcano Monument Rollins State Park Stress Free Vacation Planning Wind Cave National Park Winslow State Park If you are visiting Redwood National and State Parks along California’s north coast, the Fern Canyon Trail is not to be missed! Located in a remote area of Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, spectacular Fern Canyon is a shady, green paradise. Hike through a narrow canyon, carved out by Home Creek, where the surrounding walls are draped in ferns and mosses. Just Go Travel Blog info@justgotravelstudios.com Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. This means that if you purchase a product after clicking one of these links, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full privacy policy for details. Copyright © 2020, Just Go Travel Studios.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1585
__label__wiki	0.984779	0.984779	Serrano earns status on PGA Tour Canada Juan Carlos Serrano, a senior at Tennessee, has earned McKenzie Tour status for PGA Tour Canada. Serrano earns status on PGA Tour Canada Juan Carlos Serrano, a senior at Tennessee, has earned McKenzie Tour status for PGA Tour Canada. Check out this story on knoxnews.com: http://knoxne.ws/2mIxUIV Phil Kaplan, USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee Published 2:02 p.m. ET March 20, 2017 \| Updated 4:03 p.m. ET March 21, 2017 Juan Carlos Serrano(Photo: Craig Bisacre/Tennessee Athletics) Serrano tied for 12th at last week's USA West #1 qualifying school at Carlton Oaks Country Club in Santee, Calif. He shot even par 288 with rounds of 72, 71, 72 and 73 in the final round on Friday. Golfers inside the top 40 and ties earned Mackenzie Tour status. By finishing in the top 16, Serrano is exempt for the first four events of the season and subject to the first reshuffle. The Mackenzie Tour season begins with the Freedom 55 Financial Open on June 1 in Vancouver. Tusculum junior Tomas Kmetko was named South Atlantic Conference player of the week in men's tennis. He won his match in both No. 1 singles and doubles. Tusculum freshman Katarina Majorova was named SAC player of the week in women's tennis. She won her match in both No. 1 singles and doubles. Ashton Hayden of Maryville College was named USA South rookie of the week in women's softball. The freshman outfielder was 11-for-18 (.611) with a .611 on-base percentage and a .611 slugging percentage out of the leadoff position in four games. She had three RBIs and five stolen bases. Katie Pritchett of Carson-Newman was named SAC player of the week in softball. The junior third baseman was 5-for-8 with two home runs, drove in five runs and had a slugging percentage of 1.500 percent. Tusculum first baseman Nick Lacina was SAC co-player of the week in baseball. The senior batted .444 with six RBIs, seven runs scored and a 1.333 slugging percentage in three games. Larry Neal of Piney Flats won the FLW Bass Fishing League's Volunteer Division event on Norris Lake on Saturday. Neal's five-bass total was 17 pounds, 11 ounces and earned $4,743. Frankie Dople of Newcomb was second at 16-10 and Archie Wilson Jr. of Corryton was third at 14-13.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1588
__label__wiki	0.894858	0.894858	Conor Washington in a 'really good place' ahead of QPR's trip to Derby County Neil Metcalfe QPR's Conor Washington celebrates scoring his third international goal for Northern Ireland. Picture: NIALL CARSON/PA Conor Washington is enjoying life at the minute after scoring his third international goal - and believes a lot of the credit should go to his Northern Ireland and QPR managers, Michael O'Neill and Ian Holloway. Washington pounced on Sunday night as the Irish defeated Norway 2-0 in a World Cup qualifying match in Belfast. His three international goals have come in his three appearances at Windsor Park and combined with his good form for the Hoops, the QPR striker admits he’s in a “really good place” at the minute. Speaking to www.qpr.co.uk ahead of Friday’s Sky Bet Championship showdown against Derby County at Pride Park, Washington said: “Everything seems to have clicked into place for me at QPR and on the international stage too. “I’m really enjoying my football and my life in general. “The manager has been fantastic for me – as has Michael O’Neill too. “They’ve both really given my confidence levels a huge boost, which is vitally important for me as a player. “I really enjoy playing for the gaffer,” he added about his club boss. “I’ve had a lot of one-on-one conversations with him and he’s shown me a lot of clips of me scoring goals, which is something I’ve enjoyed. “Stuff like that and the way he goes about man-management in general has given me a tremendous boost. “It’s a really good place to be for all of us at QPR at the moment and long may that continue.” The international break interrupted a good spell for Rangers with three wins and a draw in their last four games, a run they will be hoping to extend in front of the TV cameras on Friday. And buoyed by his latest goal on international duty, Washington is in confident mood. “Derby are a really good side, with top quality players,” he said. “They’ve got a new manager now in Gary Rowett and with it being his first home game, that’ll add something to the game I’m sure. “But we’ve been good away from home lately and we’ll go there with a game plan to get all three points. “We’ve executed our game plan really well away from home in recent weeks, so it’s another good test – another good opportunity for us to show how we’ve progressed since the turn of the year.” Conor Washington	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1589
__label__wiki	0.910365	0.910365	Hank Kurz Jr. Tags: Casey Morsell, Justin McKoy, Tomas Woldetensae, Armando Bacot, Kody Stattmann, Cole Anthony, Francisco Caffaro, Mamadi Diakite, Kihei Clark, Sports Diakite, defense lead No. 5 Virginia past No. 7 UNC 56-47 Virginia forward Jay Huff (30) and North Carolina guard Cole Anthony, right, collide under the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Richmond, Va., Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Roy Williams spoke in very calm tones, but his words said something else after No. 7 North Carolina lost 56-47 at No. 5 Virginia. “It's the most frustrated I've ever been,” the veteran coach with three national championships in 17 years with the Tar Heels said Sunday. “I've been very fortunate coaching-wise, but this is the most frustrated I've ever been. I don't think we're playing basketball the way I want us to play and that's probably the most frustrating.” Mamadi Diakite scored 12 points and the Cavaliers rebounded from a blowout loss while handing the Tar Heels their second straight sub-50-point game. It was the first time since the 1947-48 season that the Tar Heels failed to reach 50 points in back-to-back games. “We tried to play at a fast pace, tried to score and we go 1 for 14 (from 3-point range),” Williams said. “... We had one assist at halftime. One assist. ... It was like a 2- or 3-point game and we fouled a jump-shooter three times in a row. I'm just, I'm beside myself.” Tomas Woldetensae made three 3-pointers to double his season total and added 11 points and Francisco Caffaro had 10 and six rebounds for the Cavaliers (8-1, 2-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), who won despite their own poor shooting. They finished 16 for 49 (32.7%) and the Tar Heels were 17 for 46 (37%). Virginia lost 69-40 at Purdue in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge on Wednesday night. The Tar Heels lost 74-49 at home to Ohio State in the challenge. “Carolina and us are both trying to keep finding our way,” Virginia coach Tony Bennett said. “You just have to fight.” Freshman Cole Anthony led North Carolina (6-3, 0-1) with 12 points, but made just 4 of 15 shots, and fellow freshman Armando Bacot had 11. The Tar Heels became the seventh team held below 50 points by Virginia this season. “That's how we are right now,” Bennett said. “We have to fight and scrap and play with guts and sometimes we have and sometimes we haven't.” Virginia led 39-35 before two free throws by Kihei Clark sparked a 10-0 run just past the midpoint of the second half. Woldetensae and Justin McKoy each added a pair of free throws and redshirt freshman Caffaro finished the burst with a pair of inside baskets. The second came after a rugged scrum under the basket and drew roars from the crowd. Woldetensae arrived at Virginia with a reputation as a 3-point shooter, but came into the game 3 for 21 from 3-point range and made his first three tries. “It make me smile for sure,” he said, adding that coming back from a wrist injury might have affected his mind. “It's time to take one step at a time and I'll be back.” North Carolina: The Tar Heels' offensive weaknesses were on full display in their 74-49 home loss to Ohio State on Wednesday as they shot 27.4% and managed only four points more than the Buckeyes scored in the second half. It wasn't much better against the Cavaliers, who limited them to 37% (17-46) and only one 3-pointer in 14 attempts. They also missed 10 of 22 free throws. Virginia: The Cavaliers continue looking for scoring. Three of their expected 3-point threats — freshman Casey Morsell (25%), sophomore Kody Stattmann (25%) and junior college transfer Tomas Woldetensae (20.6%) — entered the game shooting poorly overall and far worse from beyond the arc. As a team, the Cavaliers were shooting 23.8% from 3-point territory. QUICK RECOVERY Bacot played 25 1/2 minutes after rolling his left ankle in the loss to the Buckeyes. Williams said he was trying to be cautious with the 6-foot-10 freshman, but the team trainers indicated Bacot was better off than expected as quickly as the day after the injury and kept improving. The Tar Heels don't play again until next Sunday when they host Wofford. Virginia is off until Dec. 18 when it faces Stony Brook at home.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1591
__label__wiki	0.69085	0.69085	Federal legal age to buy tobacco products raised to age to 21 as part of spending package President Trump has signed a $1.4 trillion spending package that, among many other things, will raise the federal legal age for buying tobacco products from 18 to 21. According to Time, it will be illegal to sell tobacco product to anyone under the age of 21 beginning in summer 2020. The new law include e-cigarettes and vaping cartridge, Time reports. The raise in the tobacco age had support from unlikely sources: Altria, the nation's largest tobacco company, and Juul Labs, known for its e-cigarette vaping devices. Tobacco critics contend the companies’ support is calculated to head off even harder-hitting government action: a ban on all flavored tobacco products, including fruit and dess “Altria and Juul clearly support this in order to argue that no other action is necessary,” said Matthew Myers of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. The measure, known commonly as Tobacco 21, was included as part of a $1.4 trillion spending package that covered other notable policy changes, such as an expensive repeal of Obama-era taxes on high-cost health plans, help for retired coal miners, and $1.4 billion for President Trump's border wall, down from the $8 billion he requested but the same that was appropriated for it last year. Democrats secured $425 million for states to upgrade their election systems, as well as increases for the U.S. Census budget, the Environmental Protection Agency, renewable energy programs and affordable housing. The package passed with a 71-23 vote. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, opposed the spending measures, calling the bills "a fiscal dumpster fire." An additional four-bill "minibus" is up for a procedural vote later in the day. The passage of the spending bills comes a day before the Dec. 20 deadline, after which the government would have shut down. The bills provide government funding through the remainder of the fiscal year, which goes until Sept. 30, 2020. Fox News and The Associated Press contributed to this report.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1592
__label__cc	0.67139	0.32861	LoginSign Up Shopping Cart (0) About .LA Free QR Code Get your .LA domain today! www. . la Legal Information and Terms of Use Terms of Use last revised: Oct 31st, 2018 The following terms and conditions apply to the registration of domain names and provision of a domain name service by CentralNic Ltd ("CentralNic") and includes domain names from ccTLD .LA. For the purposes of these terms and conditions, any references to the registration of a domain name includes, without limitation, the provision of the associated domain name service. You acknowledge that the fulfilment by CentralNic of certain domain name services are subject to oversight by third parties, including, without limitation, the rules, regulations and policies of the Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers ("ICANN"), the U.S. Department of Commerce, the registry administrators of ccTLD .LA and certain contractual agreements between CentralNic and such registry administrators and other technical service providers (collectively, as they may be amended from time to time, the "Third Party Obligations"). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, CentralNic reserves the right to modify its domain name services in order to comply with any such Third Party Obligations. You must have the right to use the name which will form the prefix of the domain name and which will be issued by CentralNic. By applying to register the domain name you warrant to us that you have that right. By applying to register the domain name you agree to indemnify and to keep ICANN, LANIC of the Lao Government, CentralNic, and its directors, fully and effectively indemnified at all times against all costs, claims, liabilities, losses, damages, actions and expenses (including without limitation, legal expenses) arising directly or indirectly from the registration and/or any breach by you of any of these terms and conditions. If you are a registrar, you may apply to register the domain name on behalf of, and in the name of, a third party (if you are an Internet Service Provider, for example) and/or register the domain name in your own name on behalf of a third party provided that you have their prior consent and agree at any time on request by that third party to de-register the domain name which was registered in your name and allow that third party to register it in their name. In either case the prices you charge your customers ("Registrants") are at your discretion. CentralNic reserves the right to immediately cancel without notice the domain name if CentralNic reasonably believes that you have registered a domain name in breach of clause 2 or with the intention of defrauding a third party. In the event of registering a ccTLD .LA domain name you shall require all Registrants to enter into an electronic or written registration agreement including at least the following provisions: 5.1 the Registrant shall provide to the registrar accurate and reliable contact details and promptly up date them during the term of the .LA domain registration including: full name, name of organisation, association or corporation (if applicable) postal address, email address, voice telephone number, and fax number if available; name of authorized person in the case of Registrant that is an organization association or corporation. 5.2 A Registrant's provision of inaccurate or unreliable information or its failure to promptly update or correct information provided shall constitutes material breach of the registration agreement and shall be a basis for cancellation of the .la registered domain name. 5.3 You shall accept written complaints from third parties regarding false or inaccurate data on the .LA WHOIS database of registrants and follow any other policies published from time to time. These may be found at the CentralNic registry console interface. If you apply to register the domain name on behalf of a third party (a client, for example) and you are registered on the CentralNic database as a billing contact, CentralNic, at its option, will be entitled to receive any payments due in respect of the domain name registration from you or the relevant third party. You and the third party shall be jointly and severally liable in this regard. The initial period of registration of the domain name is a whole number of years between one year and ten years. Thereafter, the registration may be renewed for further years provided that you pay the appropriate renewal fee on or before the relevant renewal date. It is your responsibility to ensure that you apply to renew the domain name registration before the renewal date and provide accurate and up to date contact details. Whilst CentralNic endeavours to send reminders of renewal dates it does not guarantee to do so except where required by applicable ICANN consensus or registry policies and will not be liable if you fail to renew any registration on time. You may surrender the registration of the domain name at any time by notice in writing to CentralNic. You will not be entitled to any refund for the remaining registration period at the time of the surrender. and to keep Unless you have selected the option to opt-out, the details you supply will be published using CentralNic's WHOIS service in accordance with applicable data protection legislation and .ASIA and ICANN policies. CentralNic reserves the right, subject to data protection legislation, to publish registrants' details in other circumstances, including to governmental or law enforcement agencies, to third parties with a legitimate reason for requesting the information, and on production of a court order. Domain names are registered on a first come, first served basis. There is no guarantee that a domain name applied for has been entered on the registry database until you receive confirmation of registration. You are advised not to take, and CentralNic accepts no liability arising from, any action taken in respect of the use and/or registration of the domain name before you have received such confirmation and full payment has been made and received by CentralNic. Acceptance of applications to register the domain name is at the sole discretion of CentralNic. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, CentralNic may refuse to accept such application if the domain name: (a) is currently registered; (b) is on the list of reserved words (this list is not available for public scrutiny); (c) is obscene or otherwise deemed to be unsuitable by CentralNic in its sole discretion. Acceptance of a domain name by CentralNic shall not be construed as CentralNic approving or agreeing that you have the right to register that name. The fees for the registration of, and renewal of registrations of, the domain name are those posted on the CentralNic website. CentralNic shall be entitled to invoice you for the registration for the domain name on receipt of an application to register for the domain name and for the renewal of the domain name registration on or before the renewal date. Payment must be made within the period stated in the invoice. If CentralNic does not receive payment within such period CentralNic is entitled, at its option, to suspend, utilize (to dispose, to auction, to transfer to third parties, to take over registration in his own continuance) or to delete the domain name registration from the database and if deleted, the domain name may be made available for registration to the public. If suspended, CentralNic reserves the right to charge you for resumption of the registration of the domain name. You agree that the termination or non-renewal of the domain name or non-payment of due renewal fees shall constitute your consent to the actions described above as well as to a renewal of the domain name and updates to the registration data to the extent necessary for their undertaking provided that you do not contradict expressly before the term end and no agreement to the contrary exists. CentralNic may at its sole discretion, cancel the registration or suspend registration of the domain name if: (a) ordered to do so by a court of competent jurisdiction; and to comply with any applicable laws, government rules or requirements, requests of law enforcement in compliance with any dispute resolution process (b) the use of the domain name is illegal; (c) if there is a breach of these terms and conditions, including without limitation, clause 2; (d) the continued use of a domain name could cause technical problems on the Internet, or the integrity or stability of the registry (e) following the Dispute Resolution Policy posted on CentralNic's website the name has been judged to infringe the trademark or other intellectual property of the complainant. (f) if CentralNic believes that the domain name was registered for use in a "phishing" attack or other illegal activity of any kind. (h) if inaccurate or false contact details are provided. (i) if CentralNic deems it necessary in its discretion to: 1) avoid any liability, civil or criminal on the part of CentralNic or LA Names, as well as their affiliates, subsidiaries and subcontractors, employees, and stockholders or each of them, 2) for violation of these Terms and Conditions, (j) CentralNic reserves the right to freeze or lock a domain name during a resolution of a dispute. You agree to keep the monetary terms of the provision of domain names services confidential. CentralNic agrees to keep confidential your confidential business and technology information other than your Account contact information and other information which CentralNic, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to disclose in order to effectuate transfers, to investigate or implement any policing activity, to respond to lawful discovery requests, or to otherwise achieve the legitimate business purposes of provide domain name services. The obligations of this section shall not restrict any disclosure by either party pursuant to any applicable law, or by order of any court, government agency, or ICANN and shall not apply to information that is independently developed by the disclosing party or is publicly known. CentralNic gives no warranty and makes no representation in respect of the domain names registered hereunder including, without limitation, the availability of any domain names and their suitability for Your purposes and hereby excludes, to the fullest extent permitted by law, all conditions, warranties, terms, undertakings and representations, express or implied, whether by statute, common law or otherwise in relation to such domain names. CentralNic shall not be liable to you whether in contract, tort, by statute or otherwise in respect of any loss of profits and/or for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the domain names registered hereunder, including without limitation: (a) loss of revenue; and/or (b) loss of anticipated savings; and/or (c) loss of business and/or goods; and/or (d) loss of goodwill; and/or (e) loss of use; and/or (f) loss and/or corruption of data and/or other information; and/or (g) downtime; and/or (h) any damage relating to the procurement of any substitute services. For the avoidance of doubt, neither the types of loss and/or damage specified in sub-clauses (a) to (h) inclusive of this clause 16 nor any similar types of loss and/or damage shall constitute direct loss for the purposes of these terms and conditions. In no event shall CentralNic's liability to you whether in contract, tort, by statute or otherwise exceed the registration or renewal fee for the domain name. Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or restrict the liability of either party for fraudulent misrepresentation and/or for death or personal injury arising as a result of the negligence of that party, its officers, employees, agents and/or sub-contractors. The terms and conditions are exclusively governed by English law and by applying to register or renew a domain name you and CentralNic submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts. By browsing our site, you're agreeing to the use of cookies. Cookies are tiny bits of data websites store in your web browser to make your online experience better. Sell Our Domains © 2020 WWW.LA. All rights reserved.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1594
__label__wiki	0.686236	0.686236	Lord Justice Jackson takes to the road on fixed costs By Rachel Rothwell2017-02-06T11:46:00+00:00 Lord Justice Jackson will hold the first of five meetings with lawyers around the country today as part of his review into the extension of fixed costs. The judge will kick off the series of seminars with a meeting in Leeds this afternoon to discuss the impact of fixed costs on property and chancery litigation, followed by an event in Manchester tomorrow focusing on clinical negligence and personal injury. Other meetings will cover mercantile and business litigation; judicial review and public law; issues including counsel’s and experts’ fees, and what the upper limit for fixed fees should be. These will be held in Birmingham, Cardiff, and London respectively. In a note circulated to attendees ahead of the events, Jackson insisted that he would ‘keep an open mind for the time being’ about the type of case that should fall within fixed costs, and the upper limit. The judge warned that he was seeking ‘constructive input’ and recommendations from the lawyers attending, adding that ‘people who come along and simply say “don’t do it at all” will not be providing any assistance’. Leading costs expert and solicitor Kerry Underwood will speak at both the Leeds and Manchester events, and has supplied the review with detailed costs figures that could be applied to civil cases. Underwood’s papers have been circulated by Jackson to seminar attendees as a subject for discussion, but have not been endorsed by the judge. The solicitor’s proposed fees combine fixed fees with a percentage of damages varying from 10% to 40%, for various stages of a claim. In the personal injury field he has drawn up figures for industrial disease, employers’ and public liability, and clinical negligence claims in protocols, fast-track and multi-track. In multi-track PI claims worth between £25,000 and £250,000, in which liability is not admitted, Underwood’s fixed costs for the pre-issue stage would be £5,000 plus 30% of damages. For the post-issue but pre-allocation stage, costs would be £10,000 plus 40% of damages; while for post-allocation and pre-trial, they would be £30,000 plus 40% of damages. Underwood also proposes a banded trial advocacy fee, which would be £36,000 for the highest claim value. From the claimant perspective, Underwood’s proposed fees in clinical negligence cases worth between £1,000 and £25,000, circulated by Jackson, compare favourably with those put out for consultation by the Department of Health last week, particularly for cases at the higher end of the damages scale. Underwood’s proposed fees for the post-listing, pre-trial stage, for example, could reach up to £15,000 in a claim for £25,000, compared to a maximum £9,000 upper limit in the DoH’s figures. The solicitor told the Gazette that he believed the fees he has put forward for the review could be adopted, but only if there were consensus among the profession. Writing in the February edition of Litigation Funding, published later this week, Underwood will explain why the extension of fixed costs and corresponding portals would be a logical development.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1599
__label__wiki	0.801036	0.801036	Wish for WI WI Generations Wiscostyle Wisconsin Artists WI Storytellers stories \| Faux Fawn “Everybody wants to understand where they belong." Photos by Megan Monday Faux Fawn \| Madison, WI Paul: “Everybody wants to understand where they belong. To better understand your own home is a nice thing. To find your place in it, too. That theme of finding your identity or finding where you belong is written into a lot of our songs. One of our albums focuses on people from Wisconsin where we picked a part of their life and told that story, sometimes with some twists and turns that weren't there previously. We have another album called ‘Prairie du Chien’ that is based on events and people from Prairie du Chien. My grandpa had always told me stories about Prairie du Chien being the second oldest city in Wisconsin, and this happened here and that happened here. It has such an incredible history. That spurred my interest in it... just curiosity.” Paul: "Wintersong is magical. The first year Anna Vogelzang put it together, I wrote a song taking a melody from each of the other songwriters that were involved and created a theme that we used for a few years. The event really has this pageant feel to it, like we're all kids again and we're putting on this show for our parents. Like, “I hope I don't get in trouble...we brought some booze.” It’s one of my favorite nights of the entire year. I've been looking forward to it for a long time.” Paul: “I love the holidays. I have two small children, so now it's almost been re‐discovered for me. One of our traditions is to get the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, set up everything...just decorate. Listen to Christmas music. For Christmas we do a lot of travel to see as much family as we can. That's basically our tradition. We do Saint Nick, which is new to me. My wife always did Saint Nick as a kid, so now we do that as well. We do as much as we can.” Audre: “Wintersong really helps the community get excited and amped up for Christmas. My family came up from Appleton, we had lunch with them, and they were like, 'Oh, getting in the spirit now! Wintersong!' Everyone I've seen who are coming are excited to be a part of something awesome. Knowing all the money goes to a charity makes it even cooler to come. The Second Harvest Food Bank is a great organization and it's a great thing for the community to do, to give back. I love that I get to be a part of it.” Audre: “I came to school here about ten years ago for photography. I always thought I was going to move to California or New York. Now I just go and visit and it's nice to come back. It's a great home base. It feels comfortable. I own my own business here. This place feels the most like home for me, so I stay.” Audre: “Luke is the drummer; he's my boyfriend. He would come and do music at the studio with Paul. When we started dating about five years ago, I started singing harmonies while we were driving. He was like, ‘You should just join.’ I sang on the ‘Prairie du Chien’ EP for the first time. When we did that, Paul asked us if we wanted to be in the band. He was always just by himself and we would come in to do records. He was like, ‘This is dumb, let's all be in a band.’ That's when I started." -Faux Fawn \| Madison, WI SUBSCRIBE TO LOVEWI wigenerations \| wigenerations “I really like providing support for students who don't know anything about college, because I know how hard it can be.” wigenerations “Working with raptors is something that is just built inside me. I feel very passionate about it.” wigenerations “It's the people of the land, the regular people, who matter the most to me. ” wigenerations “We all have biases. It’s important to understand they’re there, and that they influence us.” wigenerations "I was going to do whatever it took to stay sober." lovewiproject © 2016 LOVE WI \| All Rights Reserved BUILT BY TECTONICA \| MADE WITH NATIONBUILDER CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT \| PRIVACY POLICY \| LOGIN	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1602
__label__wiki	0.922726	0.922726	Merseytravel plan St James station re-opening study in next financial year Business leaders say new station would have huge impact on Baltic Triangle and proposed Cains brewery village Joe Thomas The disused St James station Sign up to FREE daily email alerts from Liverpool Echo - Weekly Politics A plan to re-open Liverpool's St James railway station, which has been left abandoned for almost 100 years, will be considered within the next financial year by Merseytravel. The organisation say they are planning to explore the benefits of bringing the derelict St James station back into use after growing calls from local business leaders that it would help rejuvenate the south side of the city centre, and have included the idea in an official study project to be considered soon. The importance of the station, which sits on Merseyrail’s Northern Line, was highlighted in a 2012 Liverpool council regeneration blueprint and supporters say it would be crucial to helping the Baltic Triangle revival. With the regeneration of that area seeing the arrival of crowd-pulling new ventures such as Camp and Furnace and North Liverpool Academy’s life sciences school, demand for better transport links to the area is increasing. Bosses behind the £150m Cains brewery village have expressed their desire for the station to be reopened and other developments in the area would also benefit according to Mark Lawler, managing director at creative business complex Baltic Creative. He told the ECHO: “The transport connections to the Baltic Triangle are not great and, while it would be game changer for the Cains site, it would be massive for the whole Baltic Triangle. It’s really important it stays on the agenda and it is really important Merseytravel do what they say they are going to do.” St James’s station, between Central station and Brunswick station, was built in 1872 but the last services departed from there in December 1916. It is believed the closure followed a tragic accident involving a World War I troop train. A spokeswoman for Merseytravel today confirmed the study into the cost and demand of the station was still set to take place. She said Merseytravel will continue to explore the likely demand and cost for a potential re-opening of a station at the old St James Station. She added: "A formal study to examine this is scheduled to be carried out within the next financial year.” Liverpool Council North Liverpool Academy Baltic Triangle	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1607
__label__wiki	0.958629	0.958629	"It's so hard": Louise Redknapp admits she is living apart from husband Jamie amid marriage rumours The mum-of-two said WAG life "doesn't really do it for her" anymore Emilia BonaSenior General Reporter Louise Redknapp has broken her silence on the marriage rumours surrounding her and husband Jamie - admitting the pair are living apart while she focuses on herself and her career. The mum-of-two said she was ready to return to the spotlight after becoming a “sort of Stepford wife”, looking after her family while Jamie’s career skyrocketed, The Mirror reports . Former Eternal singer Louise, 42, told Stella magazine: “It’s so hard because I love him. He’s an amazing man and we’ve had 20 good years together. I know he’s trying to understand that I do need to do this.” She also hinted the WAG lifestyle wasn’t enough for her anymore, adding: “People might look at me and think I’ve got everything, but a sweeping staircase and designer handbag doesn’t really do it for me.” Louise admitted it was hard to watch former Liverpool midfielder Jamie launching a successful TV career with Sky Sports and A League of Their Own - a world she describes as being her own. The star said she was so used to looking after the pair’s two sons, Charley, 12, and Beau, nine, and sticking to a strict routine that she almost turned down the opportunity to appear on Strictly Come Dancing last year. Louise admitted her time on the BBC show was life-changing and prompted her to re-evaluate her future. Louise Redknapp announces pop comeback after 15 years Jamie Redknapp and Louise Redknapp arriving for the 2016 Brit Awards (Image: Ian West/PA Photos) Now the star is taking centre stage again as Sally Bowles alongside Will Young in a touring production of Cabaret and will go on tour in December to perform her first show in 15 years. She said: “I have no idea what is going to happen, all I know is that I fought for this, it’s taken everything, but this is something I need to do – for me.” In a recent This Morning appearance , Louise was grilled by Eamonn Holmes on the truth of the split rumours and she said it had “been well documented” in the media and went on to say that she was focusing on her children. Louise Redknapp attends Glamour Awards without husband Jamie before she begins three month UK tour However, she refused to explicitly state that they had split. Eamonn said: “Of course, everyone’s talking about you and speculating about your life and you and Jamie, Where are you at? What’s the situation?” Louise replied: “I think that it’s been so heavily documented and of course we all go through hard times and my priority and his priority is our children and protecting them and keeping as much private as possible and loving them and putting them first. That’s really what we’re focusing on.” She also said that work had been a real “saviour” during this time and hinted that Strictly might have prompted the split. The pair have been plagued by divorce rumours since she was believed to garner a new lease of life following her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing. CrimeFilthy, rodent infested flat where man's rotting body was found after wife's 999 call "Poor Kenny, god love him. Do you know what, he didn’t deserve this. He didn’t" WaltonMan knocked down by taxi outside Iceland after fights spills onto roadThe man, in his 30s, got involved in an altercation on Walton Road, and is now seriously hurt Everton FCEverton verdict - Moise Kean makes statement but big questions emerge from wreckagePhil Kirkbride's Everton verdict should have been all about Moise Kean's big night before Toffees threw it away in 180 seconds	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1608
__label__cc	0.662743	0.337257	Long Island Elite Interested in Joining LIE? Members Only - Navigation Long Island Elite Raises $100,000 for its 2018 Charity Partner of the Year – ACLD LIE’s record-setting donation will help support ACLD’s RewearAble program, providing employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities and special needs December 28, 2018 – Farmingdale, NY, USA – Long Island Elite (LIE), one of Long Island’s leading non-profit mentoring and philanthropic organizations, announced today that it will be making a $100,000 donation to its 2018 Charity Partner of the Year – Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD). The money is designated to support ACLD’s RewearAble program, a self-sustaining and integrated used clothing collection business that provides paid employment for adults with varying degrees of abilities. Long Island Elite raised awareness and funds for ACLD throughout 2018, beginning in the spring and culminated with hosting an over-the-top charitable event drawing over 300 guests to Oheka Castle on September 27, 2018. Held under the awe-inspiring Big Top, “The Greatest Giving on Earth” themed charity event was based on “The Greatest Showman” theatrical musical – Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum. During the event, over 50 talented artists showcased their mystical acts and Victorian Era circus performances. The top headliner to the evening was Loren Allred – The magical voice behind “Never Enough” in The Greatest Showman movie. Allred brought the house down with her live performance to the billboard hit, and she also sang “This Is Me” for all attendees during dinner. Honorees at the LIE event were “Company of the Year” and “The Greatest Giving on Earth Presenting Sponsor” – Petro Home Services; “Contemporary Award” recipient – Kimon Bekelils, MD, Chairman of Neurointerventional Services for Catholic Health Services of Long Island (CHSLI) and Director of the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Excellence in Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center; and “Employees of the Year” – SkOUT Secure Intelligence. “LIE members truly embraced ACLD as our 2018 Charity Partner of the Year,” commented Dawn Strain, Long Island Elite Founder and Event Producer. “This was a record-setting year for LIE as our fundraising efforts came to fruition and by delivering the single largest donation LIE has ever made to a non-profit in our 17-year history.” The $100,000 is benchmarked to help build a new, two-story facility for RewearAble on the Bethpage campus of ACLD. It will become the RewearAble Training and Processing Center. Construction of the new RewearAble building is scheduled to begin in 2019. “It is our privilege to support ACLD and their RewearAble program,” added Michael Stern, President of Long Island Elite. This was truly a momentous occasion and we know this money will help ACLD reach its goals.” “The RewearAble program is changing the lives of people with different abilities as it demonstrates that a business can modify its structure to adapt to an employee’s capabilities,” said Robert C. Goldsmith, Executive Director of ACLD. “RewearAble is providing critical vocational skills for people with special needs. Both ACLD and LIE are dedicated to the growth and development of people, which makes us a perfect match. We are honored that LIE selected our agency as its 2018 Charity Partner of the Year.” About Long Island Elite (LIE): Long Island Elite’s mission is to cultivate the development, growth and leadership capabilities of young business professionals across Long Island. The non-profit organization is dedicated to raising awareness and funds for local not-for-profit organizations and other agencies that make a difference in our own backyard. For more information: www.longislandelite.com About Adults and Children with Learning and Developmental Disabilities, Inc. (ACLD): Founded in 1957, ACLD is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit agency whose mission is to provide opportunities to more than 3,000 children and adults with autism, learning and developmental disabilities to pursue enviable lives, promote independence and foster supportive relationships within the community. ACLD employs more than 1,300 people and operates more than 87 different program sites including community residences and apartment programs across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Services include early childhood services, day habilitation, residential alternatives, vocational training and job placement, recreation programs, respite, family support services, and occupational, speech and physical therapies. For more information, visit: www.acld.org. About ACLD’s RewearAble Program: RewearAble is a recycling and job creation program committed to helping people with developmental disabilities pursue enviable lives through employment. RewearAble employees conduct the in-house sorting ensuring everything collected is prepared for reuse or repurposing. RewearAble accepts clothing in any condition and of all types and sizes, as well as fabrics, shoes, accessories and more. For more information: www.rewearable.org Gary Cucchi, Media Director – Long Island Elite Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. 33 Walt Whitman Road, Suite 220W, Huntington Station, NY 11746 Office: (631) 756-7160 • Mobile: (516) 721-3709 • Email: gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com Category: News January 11, 2019 Leave a comment PreviousPrevious post:Long Island Elite Members Named Top 50 Women in Business by Long Island Business NewsNextNext post:LIE Member Mark Badami honored at LIBN’s Business & Finance Awards Long Island Elite Wins Hearts of LIBN Readers, Named 2019 Top Philanthropic Organization LIE Member Michelle Blum honored at 4th Annual Angel Awards Gala LIE Member Mark Badami honored at LIBN’s Business & Finance Awards Long Island Elite is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is dedicated to fostering the development of Long Island’s business and philanthropic communities. 20 Hempstead Turnpike Farmingdale, NY, 11735 info@longislandelite.com 833-LIELITE (543-5483) © Long Island Elite 2020. All Rights Reserved. Web Design by Fat Guy Media.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1611
__label__wiki	0.599264	0.599264	Peer-to-peer Transaction System Earliest Priority: Sep 22 2014 Cited Works: 1 Additional Info: Full text 001-325-657-404-82X {{'scholar.works.cites' \| message:[1]}} [0001] Some entities, e.g., hotels, have implemented a check-in system that does not require a reception. Instead, upon paying by credit card through a web site, a PIN code is sent to a user's phone (or e-mail), which allows the user to enter the hotel room on the day of the booking. Such a check-in system, however, still requires a web browser, the credit card banking infrastructure and a mobile phone for receiving texts or e-mails. If either the booking server or the payment center is down, the check-in process cannot be completed. [0002] In some variations, an example method is disclosed. The method includes sending to a peer-to-peer system, by a first network device associated with a first party, a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party, the first network device is further associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and the property is associated with a second network device that is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The request is processed with the private key of the first network device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, with the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. The method further includes communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. [0003] Embodiments of the method may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including one or more of the following features. [0004] Communicating with the second network device associated with the property may include establishing a communication link with the second network device, receiving, by the first network device, a message comprising a challenge transmitted form the second network device associated with the property, sending to the second network device a reply message responsive to the challenge with the reply message being processed with the private key of the first network device, and in response to a determination that the required number of commercial-valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the second network device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge, accessing the property belonging to the second party. [0005] Accessing the property belonging to the second party may include accessing one of, for example, a hotel room, a vehicle, a parking meter, an air-plane seat, a theater, a locker, and/or another time-accessible good or service. [0006] The determination that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes the proper response to the challenge may include a determination that content of the reply message, encrypted using the private key of the first network device and decrypted at the second network device using the public key of the first network device obtained by the second network device, matches the challenge included in the message sent by the second network device. [0007] The message sent by the second network device may include a nonce challenge encrypted with the private key of the second network device. [0008] Establishing the communication link with the second network device may include establishing the communication link with the second network device according to a near- field communication protocol when the first network device is within range of the second network device. [0009] Establishing the communication link with the second network device may include establishing the communication link with the second network device according to a non-near- field communication protocol, with the non-near- field communication protocol including one or more of, for example, a WLAN-based communication protocol, and/or a WWAN-based communication protocol. [0010] Sending the request to the peer-to-peer system may include communicating the request to one or more network devices of the peer-to-peer system maintaining transaction ledger data for commercial transactions on the peer-to-peer system, the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data configured to record the transfer of the required number of commercial-valued credits included in the request to the second party associated with the second network device. [0011] The method may further include performing verification operations, by one or more additional network devices of the peer-to-peer system, on unprocessed transaction ledger data stored at the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data. Performing the verification operations may include determining whether the requested starting time and the time duration, indicated in the request sent by the first device, at which use of the property by the first party is to occur is available for use. [0012] The required number of commercial-valued credits included in the request may include one or more of, for example, data representative of a required number of Bitcoins, and/or data representative of a required number of altcoins. [0013] The method may further include exchanging one or more communications with a third network device associated with a third party, the third network device being associated with a third network address and a third private-public digital key pair, and the first network device being associated with another property. The method may also include determining at the first network device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on another request previously sent by the third network device to the peer-to-peer system, whether to provide the third party associated with the third network device access to the other property associated with the first network device, with the other request sent to the peer-to-peer system by the third network device being processed with the private key of the third network device and may include another payment data representative of another required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the first party associated with the first network device, with the request further including another time data representative of another requested starting time and time duration at which use of the other property by the third party associated with the third network device is to occur. [0014] In some variations, a mobile device is provided that includes one or more processor-based devices, and storage media including computer instructions. The computer instructions, when executed on the one or more processor-based devices, cause operations including sending to a peer-to-peer system, by the mobile device, a request to obtain use rights for a property, with the mobile device being associated with a first network address, with a first private-public digital key pair, and with a first party. The property belongs to a second party and is associated with a second mobile device associated with a second network address and with a second private-public digital key pair. The request is processed with the private key of the mobile device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second mobile device, and further includes time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the mobile device is to occur. The computer instructions cause further operations including communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second mobile device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. [0015] Embodiments of the mobile device may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the method. [0016] In some variations, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes means for sending to a peer-to-peer system, by the apparatus associated with a first party, a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party, the apparatus further associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and the property associated with a second network device that is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The request is processed with the private key of the apparatus and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, with the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the apparatus is to occur. The apparatus further includes means for communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. [0017] Embodiments of the apparatus may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the method and the device. [0018] In some variations, a processor-readable media programmed with a set of instructions executable on one or more processor-based devices is disclosed. The set of instructions, when executed, causes operations including sending to a peer-to-peer system, by a first network device associated with a first party, a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party, the first network device further associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and the property is associated with a second network device that is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The request is processed with the private key of the first network device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, with the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. The set of instructions causes further operations including communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. [0019] Embodiments of the processor-readable media may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the method, the device, and the apparatus. [0020] In some variations, another method is disclosed. The other method includes exchanging, by a second network device associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with a first network device associated with a first party, with the first network device being associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and with the second network device being associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The other method further includes determining at the second network device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on a request previously sent by the first network device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the first network device and the second network device, whether to provide the first party associated with the first network device access to the property, with the request sent to the peer-to-peer system being processed with the private key of the first network device and including payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. [0021] Embodiments of the other method may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the first method, the mobile device, the apparatus, and the processor-readable media, as well as one or more of the following features. [0022] Exchanging the one or more communications with the first network device may include receiving an initiating communication to establish a communication link with the first network device, transmitting to the first network device, by the second network device, a message comprising a challenge, and receiving at the second network device a reply message, transmitted form the first network device, responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the first network device. [0023] Determining whether to provide the first party access to the property may include providing the first party with access to the property in response to a determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with second network device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge. [0024] Providing the first party with access to the property may include sending by the second network device a signal to unlock a lock that is restricting access to the property. [0025] The message transmitted to the first network device may include a nonce challenge encrypted with the private key of the second network device. [0026] Receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the first network device may include receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the second network device according to a near- field communication protocol when the first network device is within range of the second network device. [0027] Receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the first network device may include receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the second network device according to a non-near- field communication protocol. The non-near- field communication protocol may include one or more of, for example, a WLAN-based communication protocol, and/or a WWA -based communication protocol. [0028] The property belonging to the second party may include one of, for example, a hotel room, a vehicle, a parking meter, an air-plane seat, a theater, a locker, and/or another time-accessible good or service. [0029] The request previously sent to the peer-to-peer system may include a transaction request communicated to one or more network devices, of the peer-to-peer system, maintaining transaction ledger data for commercial transactions on the peer-to-peer system, with the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data being configured to record the transfer of the required number of commercial- valued credits included in the request to the second party associated with the second network device. [0030] In some variations, an additional mobile device is disclosed. The additional mobile device includes one or more processors, and storage media comprising computer instructions. The computer instructions, when executed on the one or more processors, cause operations including exchanging, by the additional mobile device associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with another network device associated with a first party, with the other mobile device further being associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and with the additional mobile device being associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The computer instructions cause further operations including determining at the additional mobile device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the other mobile device and based on a request previously sent by the other mobile device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the additional mobile device and the other mobile device, whether to provide the first party associated with the other mobile device access to the property, with the request sent to the peer-to-peer system being processed with the private key of the other mobile device and including payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the additional mobile device, the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the other mobile device is to occur. [0031] Embodiments of the additional mobile device may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the methods, the first mobile device, the apparatus, and the processor- readable media. [0032] In some variations, an additional apparatus is disclosed. The additional apparatus includes means for exchanging, by the additional apparatus associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with a first network device associated with a first party, with the first network device further being associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and with the apparatus being associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The additional apparatus further includes means for determining at the apparatus, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on a request previously sent by the first network device to a peer-to-peer system including at least the first network device and the apparatus, whether to provide the first party associated with the first network device access to the property, with the request sent to the peer-to-peer system being processed with the private key of the first network device and including payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the apparatus, the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. [0033] Embodiments of the additional apparatus may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the methods, the mobile devices, the first apparatus, and the processor-readable media, [0034] In some variations, additional processor readable media programmed with a set of instructions executable on one or more processor-based devices is disclosed. The set of instructions, when executed, causes operations including exchanging, by a second network device associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with a first network device associated with a first party, with the first network device further being associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and with the second network device being associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair. The set of instructions causes, when executed, further operations including determining at the second network device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on a request previously sent by the first network device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the first network device and the second network device, whether to provide the first party associated with the first network device access to the property, wherein the request sent to the peer-to-peer system is processed with the private key of the first network device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, the request further including time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. [0035] Embodiments of the additional processor readable media may include at least some of the features described in the present disclosure, including at least some of the features described above in relation to the methods, the devices, the apparatus, and the first processor- readable media. [0036] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles "a" and "an" refer to one or to more than one ( .e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element. "About" and/or "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. "Substantially" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, a physical attribute (such as frequency), and the like, also encompasses variations of ±20% or ±10%>, ±5%, or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to in the context of the systems, devices, circuits, methods, and other implementations described herein. [0037] As used herein, including in the claims, "or" or "and" as used in a list of items prefaced by "at least one of or "one or more of indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and/or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, to the extent more than one occurrence or use of the items A, B, or C is possible, multiple uses of A, B, and/or C may form part of the contemplated combinations. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, or C" (or "one or more of A, B, or C") may also include A, AA, AAB, AAA, BB, BCC, etc. [0038] As used herein, including in the claims, unless otherwise stated, a statement that a function, operation, or feature, is "based on" an item and/or condition means that the function, operation, function is based on the stated item and/or condition and may be based on one or more items and/or conditions in addition to the stated item and/or condition. [0039] As used herein, a mobile device or station (MS) refers to a device such as a cellular or other wireless communication device, a smartphone, tablet, personal communication system (PCS) device, personal navigation device (PND), Personal Information Manager (PIM), Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), laptop or other suitable mobile device which is capable of receiving wireless communication and/or navigation signals, such as navigation positioning signals. The term "mobile station" (or "mobile device" or "wireless device") is also intended to include devices which communicate with a personal navigation device (PND), such as by short-range wireless, infrared, wireline connection, or other connection - regardless of whether satellite signal reception, assistance data reception, and/or position- related processing occurs at the device or at the PND. Also, "mobile station" is intended to include all devices, including wireless communication devices, computers, laptops, tablet devices, etc., which are capable of communication with a server, such as via the Internet, WiFi, or other network, and regardless of whether satellite signal reception, assistance data reception, and/or position-related processing occurs at the device, at a server, or at another device associated with the network. Any operable combination of the above are also considered a "mobile station." A mobile device may also be referred to as a mobile terminal, a terminal, a user equipment (UE), a device, a Secure User Plane Location Enabled Terminal (SET), a target device, a target, or by some other name. [0040] Other and further objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings. [0041] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram is shown of an operating environment that includes a peer-to-peer ("P2P") system / network to facilitate performance of transactions between two or more parties associated with two or more devices of the P2P system. [0042] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communication device. [0043] FIG. 3 is a signal diagram illustrating example operations performed and messages / communications exchanged in performing an example transaction process between two individual devices of a P2P system / network. [0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example request message. [0045] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an example procedure generally performed at a first, requesting, network device of a P2P system to acquire use rights of a property associated with another, second, network device. [0046] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example procedure, generally performed at a second, receiving, network device of a P2P system, to enable two parties to transact for acquisition of use rights of a property owned by the party associated with the second, receiving network device. [0047] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example computing system. [0048] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. [0049] Described herein are methods, systems, devices, computer readable media, and other implementations, including an implementation in which a first network device (having a first network address) associated with a first party sends to the peer-to-peer system / network (implementing a digital currency system) a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party, with the property (e.g., a hotel room, a car, any other time-based good or service) associated with a second network device associated with a second network address. The request is processed (e.g., encrypted) with a private key of the first network device, and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits (e.g., bitcoins, altcoin, or any other type of digital currency system) to transfer to the second party account associated with the second network device, and also time data representative of a requested starting date / time and duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. Subsequent to sending of the request, the first network device communicates with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. [0050] In some embodiments, communication between the first and second network devices includes establishing a communication link between the first network device and the second network device (e.g., a near-field communication link, a direct or indirect WLAN or WWAN link, etc.) receiving a message comprising a challenge (e.g., a nonce, which generally refers to some arbitrary value that is used only once) transmitted form the second network device associated with the property, and sending to the second network device a reply message, processed (e.g., encrypted) with the private key of the first network device, responsive to the challenge. In such embodiments, in response to a determination that the required number of commercial-valued credits was transferred to the second party and that the reply message (decrypted with a public key of the first network device obtained by the second network device) includes a proper response to the challenge (and, in some embodiments, that the current time matches the period defined by the starting date / time and duration specified in the request), the property belonging to the second party can be accessed by the first party. [0051] The implementations described herein may thus provide a reservation / booking solution using a lock, or some other type of barrier (e.g., a gate or turnstile to restrict access) connected to a network and a distributed peer-to-peer reservation system that is based on payment of electronic / digital currencies (e.g., bitcoin, altcoin, some other digital currency). By its distributed nature the service can be provided to, and shared by, different rental companies, and there is no single point of failure. The same system could also work as a ticketing system for public transport, parking meters, air plane tickets, car rental, cinemas or the theatre, property lockers, safes, and other booking systems. Such a peer-to-peer-based system can avoid the need for a credit card system, and can allow anyone with a communication device to use the system. Such a system does not have a single point of failure. Implementations of an example system may include: a) a set of locks, one per service or rental property, each including a lock mechanism or barrier connected to, or in communication with, a network device with its own network address, b) instances of a "key" application using asymmetric key cryptography, c) a transaction ledger, which resides in a peer-to-peer system on one or more of devices defining the peer-to-peer system, and constitutes a validated record of the transactions that have taken place between requesting addresses (i.e., "key" addresses) and property "lock" addresses, and d) verification units, which validate the ledger as transaction records are added to it. [0052] Thus, with reference to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram is shown of an operating environment 100 that includes a peer-to-peer system 108 (also referred to as a "P2P" system or network) to facilitate performance of transactions between two or more parties associated with two or more devices of the P2P system 108. A P2P system generally does not have a central server that controls operation of the system, but rather each device, such as any of the devices HOa-k of the network, can establish communication links with one, some, or all of the other devices in the system, and is configured to serve as a client or server for any of those other devices, allowing those other devices access to its resources. For example, each of the devices HOa-k of the P2P system 108 may maintain a transaction ledger used in implementation of a digital currency system, and each of the devices HOa-k may perform ledger verification operations (e.g., "mining" operations). Each of the devices HOa-k may be a mobile or stationary device with one or more transceivers configured to establish communications links according to one or more communication protocols (e.g., near-field protocols, such as Bluetooth® wireless technology, or Zigbit, WLAN protocols, such as a WiFi protocol according to IEEE 802.1 lk standard, WW AN protocols, etc.) [0053] The devices 1 lOa-k may, in some embodiments, be configured to implement a P2P system for the purposes of establishing a digital currency system similar to bitcoin, altcoin, etc. Each of the devices may also be a node of some other network communication (e.g., any of the devices may belong to one or more WWAN or WLAN networks) which may exist independently of the P2P system 108. For example, any of the devices 1 lOa-k and/or access points (e.g., access point 106b) may be part of, and connected to, a LAN system, a WAN system, a WLAN system, a WWAN system, etc. The connectivity of any of these devices to a wireless or wired network may enable formation of a P2P system implementing a digital currency system. [0054] As further shown in FIG. 1, the operating environment 100 may include a Local Area Network Wireless Access Points (LAN- WAP) 106a and 106b that may be used for wireless voice and/or data communication with one or more of the devices 1 lOa-k. In some embodiments, the LAN- WAP 106a-b may also be utilized, in conjunction with one or more other access points, as independent sources of position data, e.g., through implementation of multilateration-based procedures based, for example, on time of arrival techniques. The LAN-WAPs 106a-b can be part of a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), which may operate in buildings and perform communications over smaller geographic regions than a WWAN. Additionally in some embodiments, either of the LAN-WAPs 106a-b could also be pico or femto cells. In some embodiments, the LAN-WAPs 106a-b may be part of, for example, WiFi networks (802. l lx), cellular piconets and/or femtocells, Bluetooth® wireless technology Networks, etc. Although two (2) LAN- WAP access points are depicted in FIG. 1, any number of such LAN-WAP's may be used, and, in some embodiments, the operating environment 100 may include no LAN-WAPs access points at all. Furthermore, the LAN- WAPs 106a-b depicted in FIG. 1 may be moveable nodes, or may be otherwise capable of being relocated. [0055] As further shown in FIG. 1, the operating environment 100 may also include, in some embodiments, at least one Wide Area Network Wireless Access Point (WAN- WAP) 104, which may be used for wireless voice and/or data communication, and may also serve as another source of independent information through which one or more of the devices 1 lOa-k in the P2P system 108 may determine its position/location. The WAN- WAP 104 may be part of wireless wide area network (WWAN), which may include cellular base stations, and/or other wide area wireless systems, such as, for example, WiMAX (e.g., 802.16). A WWAN may include other known network components which are not shown in FIG. 1. Typically, a WAN- WAP, such as the WAN- WAP 104, may operate from fixed positions, and provide network coverage over large metropolitan and/or regional areas. Although only one (1) WAN- WAP is illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of such WAN-WAPs may be used. In some embodiments, the operating environment 100 may include no WAN-WAPs at all. Additionally, the WAN- WAP 104 depicted in FIG. 1 may be a moveable node, or may otherwise be capable of being relocated. [0056] Thus, communication to and from one or more of the mobile devices 1 lOa-k of the P2P system 108 (to exchange data with one or more access points, enable voice communication and position determination of devices of the P2P system 108, etc.) may be implemented, in some embodiments, using various wireless communication networks such as a wide area wireless network (WWAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a wireless personal area network (WPAN), and so on. The term "network" and "system" may be used interchangeably. A WWAN may be a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) network, a Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) network, a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) network, a WiMax (IEEE 802.16), and so on. A CDMA network may implement one or more radio access technologies (RATs) such as cdma2000, Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), and so on. Cdma2000 includes IS-95, IS-2000, and/or IS-856 standards. A TDMA network may implement Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Digital Advanced Mobile Phone System (D-AMPS), or some other RAT. GSM and W-CDMA are described in documents from a consortium named "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP). Cdma2000 is described in documents from a consortium named "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). 3 GPP and 3GPP2 documents are publicly available. A WLAN may also be implemented, at least in part, using an IEEE 802.1 lx network, and a WPAN may be a Bluetooth® wireless technology network, an IEEE 802.15x, or some other type of network. The techniques described herein may also be used for any combination of WWAN, WLAN and/or WPAN. [0057] In some embodiments, and as further depicted in FIG. 1, one or more of the devices 1 lOa-k of the P2P system 108 may also be configured to at least receive information from a Satellite Positioning System (SPS) 102, which may be used as an independent source of position information for the one or more of the devices HOa-k of the system 108. Although only one (1) satellite 102 is illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of such satellites may be used. Devices configured to receive satellite communications may include one or more dedicated SPS receivers specifically designed to receive signals for deriving geo-location information from the SPS satellites. [0058] As noted, each of the devices HOa-k of the P2P system 108 is configured to facilitate transactions between parties associated with the respective devices, e.g., a transaction to acquire use rights of properties owned by various parties. Thus, for example, and as will be described in greater details below, when a party associated with a first one of the devices HOa-k of the example P2P system 108 (such a device is associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair) wishes to obtain use rights of a property (e.g., temporary use of a room, such as a hotel room 120 depicted in FIG, 1, or temporary use of a car, such as a car 130 that is also depicted in FIG. 1) owned by a second party associated with a second device of the P2P system 108 (the second device being associated with a second network address and a second private-public key pair), the first device sends to a peer-to-peer system a request to obtain use rights for the property belonging to the second party. The request sent by the first device of the P2P system is generally processed with the private key of the first device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the property and the second network device (e.g., identified by the network address for the second device, as specified in the request). The request generally also includes time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. The request may be timestamped to indicate the time at which the request was made. Once the transaction is processed (e.g., the second party and/or device can confirm that the required payment of digital currency was made, that a device communicating with the second device is in fact the first device that sent the transaction request, and/or that the current time falls within the period defined by the start time and duration specified in the request), the second device can be used to control / enable (e.g., unlock a lock such as a lock 122 of the property 120) access to the property in question. It is to be noted that in some embodiments, a network device can either be integrated / incorporated into the lock or other components of the property (e.g., a network device would then be part of the property rather than exist as an independent mobile device), be coupled to the property via some dedicated connectivity port at the property, or it may establish a wireless communication link (e.g., via respective transceivers at the property and at the network device) through which control signal(s) may be communicated to enable and control access to the property. [0059] In order to establish a digital currency system, the P2P system 108 needs to implement, e.g., at one or more of the individual devices 1 lOa-k constituting the system 108, a transaction ledger to enable transactions to be processed so that the currency balances associated with a first and second transacting parties (with the first party seeking to temporarily use, or rent, a property belonging to the second party) can be updated in a financial secure way that maintains the integrity of the transactional framework underpinning the implementations described herein. The transaction ledger residing in the peer-to-peer network constitutes a validated record of the digital currency transactions that have taken place between parties of the P2P system. In the embodiments described herein, the transaction ledger can provide a trusted record reflecting the transfer by a first party to a second party of an agreed-upon amount of digital currency for use of a property owned by the second party. The transaction records made in the P2P system 108 are generally cryptographic transactions, e.g., cryptographic transactions implemented through private- public key encryption processes. Thus, in some embodiments, a first transacting party provides to the P2P system a record, whose content is at least partly encrypted with the first transacting party's private key, indicating that it is transferring a specified value of digital currency to some other party transacting on the P2P system. The transaction record sent by the first transacting party can then be added to one or more ledgers maintained at one or more the devices constituting the digital currency P2P system 108. In the example of FIG. 1, copies of a transaction ledger 140 are illustrated as being maintained at the devices 110a, HOe, and 11 Of, but the transaction ledger may be maintained at any of the other devices constituting the P2P system 108. In some embodiments, some of the devices of the P2P system 108 may maintain a digest of the ledger 140, while some other devices may be configured to contact a trusted device(s) that maintains a copy of the ledger to request specific information from it when needed. In some embodiments, the devices associates with the parties to the transaction may also be part of the transaction ledger implementation. For example, either one of the devices 1 lOd and/or 1 lOj (which are associated with the properties 120 and 130, respectively) may be used to maintain at least part of the transaction ledger. [0060] The authenticity of the transaction record can subsequently be verified by other parties / devices connected to the P2P system based on the public key of the first transacting party. In some embodiments, public keys of transacting parties are maintained with the ledgers (e.g., maintained at the devices that are used to maintain the ledger of transactions), and those public keys can be used to authenticate transaction records. In some embodiments, a participant party on the P2P system may buy credit / digital currency (i.e., credit that can be used in subsequent transactions), and have a public key generated that becomes associated with the newly acquired credit. A record that includes the party's newly acquired credit and the public key associated with that credit can then be added to the ledger of the P2P system. In some embodiments, a transaction record signed with a party's private key may include the public key corresponding to the private key, to thus enable verification of the signed transaction record. [0061] The P2P system 108 generally also includes a verification mechanism, implemented at one or more of the devices 1 lOa-k constituting the P2P system 108, to verify / confirm that posted transactions records are authentic and can be relied upon (as reflecting bona fide transactions between transacting parties, and as reflecting trusted records of digital currency transfer). In some embodiments, the verification mechanism may be implemented through a process called mining in which individual devices in the P2P system perform processing operations on newly added transaction records (different devices may retrieve recently relied records from ledgers maintained at various devices of the P2P system). Thus, in some embodiments, the verification process may include: a) broadcasting new transactions to some or all nodes / devices of the P2P system 108, b) determining a proof-of-work solution to a block of recently collected transaction records, c) when a node finds a proof-of- work solution, the node then broadcasts the solution (with the recent transaction records) to some or all other nodes / devices of the P2P system. Other nodes accept the broadcast solution and transaction block sent by the particular node / device if all the transactions in the broadcast block are valid (e.g., the posted transactions can be confirmed using public keys for the devices / parties that posted the transaction records) and another valid solution was not already broadcast by some other node / device. [0062] The processing performed on new transactions records may include performing a computational task on a block of transactional records collected over some predetermined period of time (e.g., 10 minutes). For example, in some embodiments, the computational task includes finding a solution (e.g., a value N, referred to as a Nonce) such that the application of a hashcode function (e.g., SHA-256, a scrypt procedure, etc.) to data that includes the block of recent transaction records, L, and the value of N being sought, produces a value meeting some agreed upon constraint, e.g., the generated hashcode is less than a threshold value T, i.e., SHA(Z, + N) < T, where T is some previously agreed upon value that may be periodically changed (that value can also be specified as a pre-determined number of 'O's in the hashcode). Because hashcost functions are one-way functions, determination of the solution to the particular computational task being performed requires finding, through an iterative trial-and-error process, an appropriate value of N such that when the hashcost function is applied to the combined data of L and N (e.g., L + N) yields a hashcode (denoted H) meeting the particular constraint. Individual devices in the P2P system 108 may thus independently attempt to find a solution to the particular computation task, and once such a solution is determined, the device that determined the solution broadcasts/ publishes data that includes the transactional records and the determined solution (e.g., a record comprising of the H and N values) to some or all devices in the P2P system 108. Because multiple devices may independently attempt to find a solution to the computation task involving the current block of transaction records, the first solution block to be broadcast becomes the consensus solution block that is accepted by all other devices / nodes of the P2P system 108. Subsequent transaction records are then added to a new block that is appended to the ledger chain (the ledger chain being a concatenation of all previously posted solution blocks). In some embodiments, updated transaction ledgers (that include the just completed ledger block and the solution for the most recent transaction block) will include a chain of all previously verified blocks (e.g., where each block includes a collection of transaction records completed in a particular time period, a nonce value N that was determined / computed for that block, and the previous hashcode value computed for the preceding ledger chain block). In some embodiments, when creating a block to be verified, a mining party / device ("miner") can add two transactions to the block. One of the added transactions may be a transaction to allocate a reward agreed by the P2P system to an address of the miner's choice (the block reward). This reward may be fixed, or it may decrease or increase over set time periods (e.g. halve every four years), or be proportional or inversely proportional to the difficulty set by the network. The other added transaction may be used to allocate any difference between the inputs of each transaction in the block and the outputs of that transaction to the address of the miner's choice (the transaction fees). For example, in a system implementing Bitcoin, a transaction may indicate that "I am spending X credits [i.e., the input to the transaction], and I am allocating X-d credits to address A." X-d may be less than or equal to X, and may represent a kind of "spare change" that the miner can allocate to its own address as a form of reward for performing the mining. Further details regarding implementations of a peer-to- peer digital currency system, such as bitcoin, altcoin, etc., are provided in the reference "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" by S. Nakamoto, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [0063] With reference now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a communication device 200, which may be similar, at least in part, to any one of the devices 1 lOa-k depicted in FIG. 1, is shown. As noted, in some embodiments, one or more of the devices 1 lOa-k may be a mobile device, or may be a stationary communication device (e.g., a stationary device integrated into a property to control access to the property via the integrated communication device). In some embodiments, access points, such as the access points 104 and/or 106a-b shown in FIG. 1, may be implemented, at least in a part, in a manner similar to the device 200 of FIG. 1, and may be part of the implemented P2P system. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the communication device 200 may include at least one sensor (e.g., an orientation / inertial sensor) 220, which may be, e.g., a magnetometer, an accelerometer (e.g., a 3D accelerometer), a gyroscopes, etc. Although only one sensor is depicted, additional sensors may be included with the device 200. The communication device may further include an image capturing device, such as a camera 230 (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD)-type camera, CMOS-type camera, etc.), which may produce still or moving images (e.g., a video sequence) that may be displayed on a user interface device, such as a display or a screen. [0064] The communication device 200 may include a receiver 240, such as a satellite positioning system (SPS) receiver that receives signals from a SPS satellites (such as the satellite 102 of FIG. 1) via an antenna 244. The communication device 200 may also include at least one wireless transceiver 235, which may be, e.g., a cellular modem or a wireless network radio receiver/transmitter configured to send and receive communications to and from one or more wireless access points (such as any of LAN- WAP 106a-b and/or the WAN- WAP 104), to send and receive messages / communications with peer devices in a P2P system (including communications directed to a transaction for using a property of an owner associated with one of the devices of FIG. 1), and/or to send to, and receive messages / communications from, any other type of network node configured for wireless/cellular communication. Communication to and from the wireless transceiver may be enabled via a dedicated antenna 236, via the antenna 244, or via some other antenna. In some implementations, the communication device 200 may include separate transceivers that serve as the cellular modem and the wireless network radio receivers / transmitters, and may include multiple dedicated transceivers that may communicate in dedicated communication modes / protocols. [0065] The SPS receiver 240 and the at least one wireless transceiver 235 (as well as other units/modules of the device 200, such as the at least one sensor 220, the camera 230, etc.) are connected to, and communicate with, a controller 250. The controller 250 is configured, for example, to send a transaction request to use a particular property, to communicate with various devices of a P2P system, to perform tasks associated with the maintenance of the P2P system 108 (e.g., to maintain a copy of the transaction ledger, perform mining / verification processes with respect to unprocessed blocks of transactions and/or with respect to posted ledger blocks comprising processed transactions and proof-of-work solutions, etc.), to control access to a property(ies) associated with the device 200, to control operation of the various on-board units / modules of the device 200, to control general operation of the communication device 200, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the controller 250 is configured to send a request to obtain use rights for a property (e.g., a house, a room, a car, etc.) belonging to a second party associated with a second network device (which may also be similar to the device 200) in a P2P system / network. The controller 250 may be configured to include in the request message being sent data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the property, and to further include data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. In some embodiments, the controller 250 may cause processing of the request message with a private key associated with the communication device 200. The controller 250 is further configured to cause, subsequent to sending of the request, communication with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. Additionally and/or alternatively, in some embodiments, the controller 250 may also be configured to perform operations to control and enable access to an associated property, including such operations as exchanging one or more communications with another network device associated with another party, and determining at the second network device, based on the one or more communications sent from the other network device and based on a request previously sent by the other network device to a peer- to-peer system, whether to provide the other party associated with the other network device access to the property. When the controller 250 is configured to control and enable access to a property, the controller may be configured to send to a lock (e.g., an electrically actuated lock or barrier, such as the lock 122 of FIG. 1), installed on the property associated with the device, a signal to unlock the lock that is restricting access to the property. [0066] The controller 250 may include, in some implementations, a processor 252 and associated memory 254, a clock 253, hardware 256, software 258, and firmware 257. The mobile station controller 250 may further include, in some embodiments, a dedicated image processing engine 255, which is illustrated separately from the processor 252 for clarity, but which may constitute part of the processor 252. The processor 252 may, but need not necessarily include, one or more microprocessors, embedded processors, controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and the like. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of non-transitory computer storage medium, including long term, short term, or other memory associated with the communication device, and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. Further details regarding an example embodiment of a processor or computation system, which may be similar to the processor 252, are provided below in relation to FIG. 7. [0067] The communication device 200 may also include a user interface 260 that is in communication with the controller 250, e.g., the controller 250 may accept data from, and control, the user interface 260. The user interface 260 includes a display 262 that may display images, including images produced by the camera 230. The display 262 may further display control menus, positional information, content, etc. The user interface 260 further includes input interface devices, such as, for example, a keypad 264, a touch screen (not shown), a microphone and speaker (not shown), or other input device through which the user can provide input to the communication device 200. [0068] As noted, the devices HOa-k constituting the P2P system 108 are configured to facilitate implementation of transactions between any two individual devices without requiring a central server or central device to facilitate or oversee the transaction. Thus, a transaction involving transfer of a form of payment between two devices may be consummated without requiring a central system to guarantee the propriety and/or integrity of the transaction. FIG. 3 is a signal diagram 300 showing example operations and messages / communications exchanged in performing an example transaction process between two individual devices of a P2P network / system, e.g., a transaction between a requesting device 302 (which may correspond to, in this example, to the device 1 lOg of FIG. 1) and a receiving device 304 (which may correspond to the device HOd of the P2P system 108 depicted in FIG. 1) to acquire use rights for a property (e.g., a hotel room, such as the hotel room 120 of FIG. 1) associated with receiving device. In some embodiments, the requesting device 302 may itself be associated with a particular property (which may be different from the property associated with the receiving device 304), and may thus be configured to respond to transaction requests sent to the P2P system for use of that particular property by interacting with other requesting devices to provide access to the property associated with the requesting device 302. Similarly, the receiving device 304 of this example may be configured to send request messages, and to interact with other devices of the P2P system in order to obtain use and/or access to properties associated with such other devices. [0069] In the present example, the requesting device 302 (or the device HOg) seeks to acquire use rights from the party that owns the property 120 and is associated with the receiving device 304 (or the device HOd). Initially, upon determining a possible date, time and duration with respect to which the party associated with the requesting device 302 wishes to use the property, e.g., based on schedule / reservation data for the property that may be stored at one or more of the devices of the P2P network / system, and which may be obtained (e.g., downloaded) to the requesting device 302, the requesting device 302 sends a request message 310 to P2P system 306 (which may be similar in configuration and functionality to the P2P system 108 of FIG. 1). For example, the request message 310 (i.e., a transaction record) may be broadcast to multiple devices of the P2P system 306, or may be transmitted to selected devices of the system 306, whereupon the devices receiving the request (transaction record) may, in some embodiments, transmit the received request message 310 to additional devices of the P2P system 306. In some embodiments, the request message may be transmitted to one or more of the devices of the system 306 on which a transaction ledger, such as the ledger 140 depicted in FIG. 1, is maintained (the request message 310 may be communicated to the devices maintaining the ledger either directly by the requesting device 302, or indirectly via intermediate nodes en route to the device(s) maintaining the transaction ledger for the P2P system). As noted, in some embodiments, the requesting device 302 may itself also maintain a copy of the transaction ledger for the particular P2P system using a particular digital currency implementation, and thus, in such embodiments, sending the request message 310 would include providing the request message to the locally maintained transaction ledger. [0070] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example request message 400, which may be similar to the request message 310 of FIG. 3. As shown, the request message 400 includes a requesting device address field 410 that includes data representative of a network address, e.g., an IP address associated with the device sending the request, a network address identifying the address of the device in the P2P system through which the transaction initiated via the request message 410 is to be performed, and/or any other address associated with the requesting device / party. The requesting message also includes a second, receiving device, network address field 420 specifying the network address of the receiving device such as the devices 1 lOd or 304 (associated with the property that the party associated with the requesting device is seeking to use), which, like the field 410, may also include an IP address, a specific P2P address associated with the receiving device, and/or any other type of a network address associated with the second network device that may also be used to identify the receiving party. In some embodiments, an optional field 470 may also be included with the message 400 to identify the property (e.g., property address, property identification number, property description, etc.) [0071] As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the request message 400 also includes a start time field 430 specifying the date and time at which the party associated with the requesting device wishes to start using the property associated with the second device, and further includes a duration field 440 specifying the duration (hours, days, etc.) for using the property. The start time and duration may need to be verified to ensure that the property in question is available during the period define by the start time and duration specified in the fields 430 and 440. The request message 400 also includes a payment field 450 specifying the amount of the digital currency (i.e., the digital currency established by the particular P2P system implementation) that is to be transferred from the party associated with the first, requesting, device to the party associated with the second, receiving, device (e.g., transferred to a party associated with the network address specified in the field 420 of the message 400). The amount of the digital currency required for completion of the transaction may be provided via the scheduling / availability information based on which the requesting device generates and communicates the request message 400. For example, scheduling information for the hotel room 120 or the car 130 depicted in FIG. 1 may also indicate the price (in digital currency) per unit of time (e.g., per hour, per day, etc.) to use the property in question. The payment field 450 would thus indicate an amount corresponding to the product of the duration requested by the first user (represented in the units or duration at which the use price for the property is provided) and the price per unit (e.g., N days x /day, where P is the price per day, and N is the requested duration in days). In some embodiments, the message 400 may also include a timestamp field 460 indicating the time at which the request was made / generated. The message 400 may include additional or fewer fields than those depicted in FIG. 4. [0072] The requesting device may be configured to process (e.g., sign / encrypt) at least a portion of the data included in the request message using its private key (from the asymmetric private/public cryptographic key, such as an ECDSA key, assigned to the requesting device) to confirm that authenticity of the sent request. Thus, a processing device, e.g., one of the devices of the P2P system on which a copy of the transaction ledger is maintained, can use the public key of the requesting device (that public key may already be available at the processing device , or may have been included with the request message) to decrypt the request message, and to independently confirm the details in the message, including to determine whether the first party has sufficient balance of digital currency to cover the amount of digital currency requested in the request message to be transferred to the second party. [0073] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the request message 310 is thus sent to one or more of the devices of the P2P system (e.g., one or of the devices 1 lOa-k of the P2P system 108 of FIG. 1) that facilitate maintaining a transaction ledger (such as the transaction ledger 140 of FIG. 1). In the example of FIG. 1, the request message from the requesting device HOg may be communicated to the devices 110a, HOe, and 11 Of on which the transaction ledger for the P2P system 108 is maintained (these devices are referred to herein as ledger devices). At the ledger devices of the P2P system, the request message 310 is, in some embodiments, processed 320 (e.g., decrypted) using the public key associated with the requesting device. For example, data identifying the requesting device, e.g., an address or identification of the device in a metadata of the message, or the address data in the example field 410 of the message 400 in embodiments in which at least the requesting device address field 410 is not encrypted, is used to obtain the public key associated with the requesting device 302. In some embodiments, the public key may be maintained at the ledger devices (the public key may have been added to the ledger at an earlier time, e.g., upon receipt of an earlier transaction record involving the party associated with the requesting device 302), or may be provided to the ledger device with the request message 310 (i.e., with the transaction record). In some embodiments, the ledger device(s) may make a request to a one or more trusted device(s) maintaining a repository of public keys for the various devices of the P2P system to transmit to the ledger device(s) the public key for the particular device that sent the message 410. Once the request message 310 is processed to recover the data included therein, the ledger device(s) add the request message to the current batch of unprocessed transaction requests if the decrypted request message is already formatted so that it can be processed with other such unprocessed requests, or, alternatively, the ledger device(s) may generate a transaction record(s) populated with data that is based on the data in the request message 310. Such a transaction record(s) may, for example, identify the parties to a transaction to be processed (specified as, for example, the network addresses, or some other type of identification), the amount of digital currencies to be transferred between the parties, commission to be transferred to devices / parties facilitating the transaction (e.g., to device(s) that perform digital currency mining operations), and may also include other information germane to the processing of the transaction(s) in question. In some embodiments, the information in the request message 310 that pertains to the date, time, and duration at which the first party wishes to use the property of the second party may be used to generate another record that is then forwarded to the receiving second device (associated with the second party) to notify it of a possible reservation that is being scheduled / transacted. [0074] As transaction records are being collected, one or more mining devices of the P2P system 108 or 306 (such devices may include, in some embodiments, the ledger devices at which the transaction records have been collected and/or any other device of the P2P system) obtain unverified records, at pre-defined intervals (e.g., 10 minute intervals) that can be dynamically adjusted, and perform verification operations 330 on the unverified records in a process referred to as mining. For the purpose of illustration, assume that the devices 110b and HOi of the P2P system 108 of FIG. 1 both obtain the unverified records (possibly from different ledger devices), and each of the verifying devices 110b and HOi performs the mining / verification processing described herein. Particularly, as noted, in some embodiments, the verification process includes performing a proof-of-work task in which a value, N, is to be determined such that when combined with the data from the non-processed / non-verified transaction records, and a hash function is applied, the resultant hashcode satisfies a particular constraint (e.g., the resultant hashcode needs to have a pre-determined number of leading '0' bits). In some embodiments, the proof-of-work criterion may be adjusted dynamically so that if solutions to blocks are being determined too quickly, the difficulty can be increased (e.g., more 'O's can be required at the beginning of the next block). The difficulty level for the proof-of-work criterion may be set by a public formula, e.g., a formula setting the difficulty level to be, for example, inversely proportional to the average time it took to find the last N blocks, times some constant K, where K is selected to give the desired or targeted pre-defined interval (for example, 10 minutes). In some embodiments, if, during the verification process, more transactions appear on the P2P system / network, those transactions may be appended to the block being processed so that the solution sought is determined for the modified block (i.e., with the added transactions). [0075] In some embodiments, the first of the verification devices to determine a solution to the proof-of-work task broadcasts the processed transaction data (with the determined solution) to the P2P system, and that processed data become the consensus ledger data for the entire P2P system. In some embodiments, the broadcast data includes the transaction records, the currently identified value of N, and a haschode corresponding to the previously processed block of transaction data and the previous N value determined for that previous block of transaction data. The broadcast data, corresponding to the now updated transaction ledger, may be received and maintained at one or more of the devices of the P2P system, including, for example, at the same ledger devices that previously maintained the ledger data and to which unprocessed request messages and/or transaction records were communicated. [0076] In some embodiments, the verification devices (i.e., the "miners") may be configured to implement double-booking-prevention functionality. Thus, when a mining / verification device determines or identifies two separate transactions to book a particular property (a good or service) at the same or overlapping time (in situations where a property can only be used by one party at a time), the first party whose booking transaction is included in the P2P public ledger will get the rights to the property. In such implementations, the "miners" will be configured to refuse to include a subsequent transaction to acquire use right for a property during a time that has already been reserved by another party in a current or previous block. [0077] Periodically, the receiving device 304, associated with the property being made available for use (e.g., the property 120, associated with the device HOd, in the present example), is configured to obtain 340 ledger data that may include the now processed transaction record corresponding to the request message 310 sent by the device HOg. The network device HOd may be configured to search the transaction ledger to identify records identifying the device HOd (or the party associated therewith) as a recipient / transferee of digital currency from another transacting party. Searching the ledger records may be performed only for records covering the period since the last time that the receiving device (e.g., the device 304 or 1 lOd) obtained and searched the transaction ledger of the P2P system. Alternatively, the receiving device 1 lOd may request a remote device maintaining an updated transaction ledger to search the ledger's records for records that identify the party associated with the device 304 (thus avoiding the need to periodically download large volumes of data constituting the transaction ledger). As noted, in some embodiments, reservation details (e.g., particulars pertaining to the date, time, and duration that another party is requesting to use the property in question) may have been previously communicated to the receiving device 304. [0078] At some subsequent time instance (e.g., after the request message 310 has been sent by the requesting device 302 and processed by the devices of the P2P system 306, and an updated transaction ledger was obtained by the receiving device 304), the party associated with the requesting device may wish to access and start using the property it reserved via the request message 310. In some embodiments, the party associated with the requesting device may be able to cancel the transaction up until the start time specified in the original request (e.g., sent in the request message 310). Cancelling the transaction may be performed, for example, by sending a cancellation request, which may be similar to the request message 310, to cancel or reverse the transaction represented by the request message 310. [0079] As illustrated in FIG. 3, when the requesting party wishes to use the property it reserved, the requesting network device is configured to communicate, subsequent to the sending of the request message 310, with the second, receiving, network device 304 associated with the property to be used, in order to enable access by the requesting party of the property to be used. As noted, in some embodiments, the receiving network device 304 may be part of a lock or barrier system or barrier that can be electrically unlocked or released in response to a message exchange between the requesting and receiving network devices, based on which it can be determined that the requesting device is indeed the device associated with the party that requested use of the property at a date and time matching the present date and time, and that the first party has in fact transferred (paid) the digital currency price required to use the property. Thus, in some embodiments, the communication between the requesting network device and the receiving (second) device includes establishing a communication link between the requesting and receiving devices, e.g., by sending an initiating message 350 from the requesting device 302 to the receiving device 304. The initiating message 350 may include data representative of the identity or address (e.g., network address) of the device or party associated with the device, and other information associated with the transaction or the property (e.g., a confirmation number that may have been provided by some scheduling / reservation application executing on one of the devices of the P2P system, details of the reservation, etc.) The communication link may be established based on any communication protocol and/or technology supported by the requesting and the receiving devices. For example, if subsequent to reserving the property (e.g., by sending the request message 310) the party associated with the requesting device 302 or HOg travels to the location where the property 120 is located, the requesting device may attempt to establish a near-field communication link (e.g., Bluetooth® wireless technology or Zigbit) with the receiving device associated with the property. Alternatively, the two devices may establish a communication link based on WLAN protocol, a WW AN protocol etc., with such a communication link being a direct link between the two devices, or an indirect link passing via intermediary access points (e.g., through the WLAN access points 106a-b in the example of FIG. 1, through the example WW AN base station 104, etc.) When establishing a communication link based on a non-near-field communication protocol, the requesting device may be located near the property (e.g., if the party associated with the requesting device wishes to gain immediate entry into the property) or may be located farther away (e.g., if it is attempting to gain entry on behalf of another person). [0080] Once the communication link has been established, the receiving network device 304 associated with the property (which, as noted, may be incorporated / integrated into a lock system for the property) generates and sends to the requesting device 302 a challenge message 360 that includes a challenge (e.g., a nonce generated by the receiving device 304). In some embodiments, to improve security (e.g., to ensure that the challenge message was indeed sent by the receiving network device that is associated with the property in question), the challenge included in the challenge message 360 may be encrypted with a private key associated with the receiving device 304 so that the requesting device 302 can determine that the challenge was indeed submitted by the receiving device 304 (in effect, the receiving device is "signing" the challenge to prove it is a valid challenge). The requesting device 302 receives the challenge message sent by the receiving device 304 and processes the challenge (using, if needed, the public key for the receiving device 304). For example, in some embodiments, the requesting device 302 may read the nonce sent in the challenge message 360 (if needed, by decrypting the nonce when the challenge was encrypted with the receiving device's private key), encrypt the nonce using its own private key (i.e., the private key for the requesting device 302), and include the encrypted nonce in a reply message 370 to be sent back to the receiving device 304. [0081] The receiving device 304 can subsequently decrypt the encrypted nonce (or other challenge) using a public key associated with the device / party that is presumed to be the transacting requesting party (i.e., the party that actually seeks to use the property and has transferred digital currency payment for the right to use the property) to thus confirm the identity of the device / party with which it is communicating as the party entitled to access the property. In some embodiments, the receiving device may obtain the public key for the requesting device from a trusted device, e.g., a ledger device (i.e., a device maintaining the transaction ledger) that maintains the public keys for the various devices of the P2P system / network. Thus, upon receiving the message 370 from the requesting device 302, the receiving device 304 processes 380 the message 370, including reading the content of the reply message 370, and decrypting the encrypted nonce message included in the reply message 370 using a public key associated with the network device or party identified in transaction information (e.g., obtained from ledger records or from other communications previously received by the receiving device 304 regarding identity the transaction and the transacting party that is supposed to be accessing the property). In response to a determination (e.g., also at 380) that the decrypted challenge (decrypted nonce) matches the challenge / nonce sent by the receiving device 304 with the challenge message 360, that the correct digital currency amount was transferred to the party associated with the receiving device 302 (as can be determined based, for example, on ledger record(s), corresponding to the present transaction, obtained by the receiving device 304 from other devices on the P2P system), and also, optionally, that the present time matches the period defined by the start date / time and duration specified in the request message 310, the receiving device 304 is configured to cause the lock system or barrier (e.g., which may be similar to the lock 122 of the property 120 depicted in FIG. 1) to unlock or be released, thus enabling the party associated with the requesting device (or some other person on whose behalf the requesting device is communicating with the receiving device) to access the property. In some embodiments, the property accessed may include one or more of, for example, a hotel room with a lock controlled by the receiving network device, a vehicle that can be locked / unlocked and otherwise controlled by the receiving network device, a parking meter, and/or any other time-accessible good or service. Digital currency earned by the party associated with the receiving device 304 may be used or redeemed in order to, for example, enter into transactions with other devices / parties of the P2P system 306. [0082] With reference to FIG. 5, a flowchart of an example procedure 500, generally performed at a first network device to acquire use rights of a property associated with another, second, network device, is shown. The procedure 500 includes sending to a peer-to- peer system (such as the P2P system / network 108 depicted in FIG. 1, or the P2P system / network 306 schematically shown in FIG. 3), by a first network device (such as the device 302 of FIG. 3) associated with a first party, a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party. As noted, the first network device is associated with a first network address (e.g., a general IP address assigned to the requesting device, a P2P address corresponding to the P2P system implementation, etc.) and with a first private-public digital key pair (e.g., an asymmetric key pair). The property that the party associated with the first network device seeks to access and use generally includes a second network device (such as the device 304 of FIG. 3, or the device HOd of FIG. 1) that may be a stationary device coupled to, or integrated with, a lock system controlling access to the property. Alternatively, the second network device may be a mobile device configured to establish a communication link with a communication module integrated into the lock system of the property, and to send control signals to the lock system to control access into the property. The second network device is associated with a second network address, which may also include an assigned IP address, a P2P-specific address or identification, etc., and is further associated with a second private-public digital key pair (e.g., an asymmetric key pair). The request communicated (e.g., as a message which may be similar to the request message illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4) is processed (e.g., encrypted) with the private key of the first network device and includes, for example, payment data representative of a required number of digital currency amount (e.g., commercial-valued credits) to transfer to the second party associated with the second network address associated with the second network device of the property. The request further includes time data representative of a requested starting time and duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. [0083] As further illustrated in FIG. 5, the procedure 500 also includes communicating 520, subsequent to sending the request, with the second network device associated with the property in order to access (by the first party) the property. In some embodiments, and as described herein in relation to FIG. 3, communicating with the second network device may include establishing a communication link (e.g., near-field link, a WLAN link, a WW AN link, etc.) with the second network device. The communication link may be established by sending an initiating message (e.g., such as the message 350 of FIG. 3) from the first network device to the second, receiving, network device. Once the communication link is established, a challenge message (e.g., such as the message 360 of FIG. 3) including a challenge (e.g., a nonce) transmitted form the second network device is received by the first, requesting, network device. The first network device generates a reply message (e.g., the reply message 370 of FIG. 3) that is processed by the first network device's private key. For example, the first network device may encrypt using its private key the nonce it received, and add the encrypted nonce data into the reply message. Subsequently, in response to a determination (e.g., generally performed at the second network device) that the required number of commercial-valued credits was transferred to the second party, that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge (e.g., the nonce sent to the first network device matches the decrypted nonce data in the reply message that was encrypted with the first network device's private key), and, optionally, that the present time matches the period defined in the request, the property belonging to the second party may be accessed by the first party (or a party affiliated or associated with the first party). Access to the property may be achieved by the second network device sending control signals to cause an electrically-actuated lock, or barrier, coupled to the second network device, or in communication with the second device, to unlock and allow access to the property. Thus, as described herein, parties in a P2P system implementing a digital currency framework may transact for use-based transaction (e.g., rental transaction) without requiring a central credit or banking agent, through communication that can be completed with the parties' respective network devices (e.g., mobile devices). [0084] With reference now to FIG. 6, a flowchart of an example procedure 600, generally performed at a second, receiving, network device, to enable two parties to transact for acquisition of use rights of a property owned by the party associated with the second, receiving device, is shown. The procedure 600 includes exchanging 610, at the second network device (associated with a second private/public key pair and with a second network address, which, as described herein, may be an IP address, a P2P system / network address, or any other type of address or identification to identify and communicate with the second network device) one or more communications sent by a first network device (associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair) associated with a first party. In some embodiments, exchanging the one or more communications may include receiving (at the second network device) an initiating communication to establish a communication link (e.g., a near-field communication link, and/or a link based on any other type of communication protocol, including a WWA link, a WLA link, etc.) with the first network device, transmitting to the first network device, by the second network device, a message comprising a challenge (e.g., a nonce challenge), and receiving at the second network device a reply message, transmitted form the first network device, responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the first network device. [0085] Based on the one or more communications sent from the first network device and based on a request previously sent by the first network device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the first network device and the second network device, a determination is made 620 whether to provide the first party associated with the first network device access to the property. The request sent to the peer-to-peer system is processed with the private key of the first network device and includes payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits (Bitcoin credits / tokens, altcoin credits / tokens, or any other type of digital currency) to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, and further includes time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. In some embodiments, determining whether to provide the first party access to the property may include providing the first party with access to the property in response to a determination that the required number of commercial-valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with second network device, that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device, obtained by the second network device, includes a proper response to the challenge, and, optionally, that the present time matches a period defined by the start date / time and duration specified in the request. [0086] Performing the procedures described herein may be facilitated by a processor- based computing system. With reference to FIG. 7, a schematic diagram of an example computing system 700 is shown. The computing system 700 may be housed in, for example, a communication device such as the devices any of the device 1 lOa-k and 200 of FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, and may comprise part or all of the access points 104 and 106a-b depicted in FIG. 1. The computing system 700 includes a computing-based device 710 such as a personal computer, a specialized computing device, a controller, and so forth, that typically includes a central processor unit 712. In addition to the CPU 712, the system includes main memory, cache memory and bus interface circuits (not shown). The computing-based device 710 may include a mass storage device 714, such as a hard drive and/or a flash drive associated with the computer system. The computing system 700 may further include a keyboard, or keypad, 716, and a monitor 720, e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, that may be placed where a user can access them (e.g., a mobile device's screen). [0087] The computing-based device 710 is configured to facilitate, for example, the implementation of the procedures described herein. The mass storage device 714 may thus include a computer program product that when executed on the computing-based device 710 causes the computing-based device to perform operations to facilitate the implementation of the procedures and operations described herein. The computing-based device may further include peripheral devices to enable input/output functionality. Such peripheral devices may include, for example, a CD-ROM drive and/or flash drive, or a network connection, for downloading related content to the connected system. Such peripheral devices may also be used for downloading software containing computer instructions to enable general operation of the respective system/device. Alternatively and/or additionally, in some embodiments, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a DSP processor, or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) may be used in the implementation of the computing system 700. Other modules that may be included with the computing-based device 710 are speakers, a sound card, a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computing system 700. The computing- based device 710 may include an operating system. [0088] Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may be implemented in a high-level procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any non-transitory computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a non-transitory machine- readable medium that receives machine instructions as machine-readable signals. [0089] Memory may be implemented within the processing unit or external to the processing unit. As used herein the term "memory" refers to any type of long term, short term, volatile, nonvolatile, or other memory and is not to be limited to any particular type of memory or number of memories, or type of media upon which memory is stored. [0090] If implemented in firmware and/or software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Examples include computer- readable media encoded with a data structure and computer-readable media encoded with a computer program. Computer-readable media includes physical computer storage media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, semiconductor storage, or other storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer; disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media. [0091] Although particular embodiments have been disclosed herein in detail, this has been done by way of example for purposes of illustration only, and is not intended to be limiting with respect to the scope of the appended claims, which follow. In particular, it is contemplated that various substitutions, alterations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are considered to be within the scope of the following claims. The claims presented are representative of the embodiments and features disclosed herein. Other unclaimed embodiments and features are also contemplated. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 1. A method comprising: sending to a peer-to-peer system, by a first network device associated with a first party, a request to obtain use rights for a property belonging to a second party, the first network device associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and the property associated with a second network device that is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair, wherein the request is processed with the private key of the first network device and comprises payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, the request further comprising time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur; and communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second network device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating with the second network device associated with the property comprises: establishing a communication link with the second network device; receiving, by the first network device, a message comprising a challenge transmitted form the second network device associated with the property; sending to the second network device a reply message responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the first network device; and in response to a determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the second network device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge, accessing the property belonging to the second party. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein accessing the property belonging to the second party comprises: accessing one of: a hotel room, a vehicle, a parking meter, an air-plane seat, a theater, a locker, or another time-accessible good or service. 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the determination that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes the proper response to the challenge comprises: a determination that content of the reply message, encrypted using the private key of the first network device and decrypted at the second network device using the public key of the first network device obtained by the second network device, matches the challenge included in the message sent by the second network device. 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the message sent by the second network device includes a nonce challenge encrypted with the private key of the second network device. 6. The method of claim 2, wherein establishing the communication link with the second network device comprises: establishing the communication link with the second network device according to a near-field communication protocol when the first network device is within range of the second network device. establishing the communication link with the second network device according to a non-near- field communication protocol, the non-near-field communication protocol comprising one or more of: a WLA -based communication protocol, or a WWAN-based communication protocol. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein sending the request to the peer-to-peer system comprises: communicating the request to one or more network devices of the peer-to-peer system maintaining transaction ledger data for commercial transactions on the peer-to-peer system, the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data configured to record the transfer of the required number of commercial- valued credits included in the request to the second party associated with the second network device. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: performing verification operations, by one or more additional network devices of the peer-to-peer system, on unprocessed transaction ledger data stored at the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data, wherein performing the verification operations comprises determining whether the requested starting time and the time duration, indicated in the request sent by the first device, at which use of the property by the first party is to occur is available for use. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the required number of commercial- valued credits included in the request comprises one or more of: data representative of a required number of Bitcoins, or data representative of a required number of altcoins. 11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: exchanging one or more communications with a third network device associated with a third party, wherein the third network device is associated with a third network address and a third private-public digital key pair, and wherein the first network device is associated with another property; and determining at the first network device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on another request previously sent by the third network device to the peer-to-peer system, whether to provide the third party associated with the third network device access to the other property associated with the first network device, wherein the other request sent to the peer-to-peer system by the third network device is processed with the private key of the third network device and comprises another payment data representative of another required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the first party associated with the first network device, the request further comprising another time data representative of another requested starting time and time duration at which use of the other property by the third party associated with the third network device is to occur. 12. A mobile device comprising: one or more processors; and storage media comprising computer instructions that, when executed on the one or more processors, cause operations comprising: sending to a peer-to-peer system, by the mobile device, a request to obtain use rights for a property, the mobile device associated with a first network address, with a first private-public digital key pair, and with a first party, wherein the property belongs to a second party and is associated with a second mobile device associated with a second network address and with a second private-public digital key pair, and wherein the request is processed with the private key of the mobile device and comprises payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second mobile device, the request further comprising time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the mobile device is to occur; and communicating, subsequent to sending of the request, with the second mobile device associated with the property in order to access, by the first party, the property. 13. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein communicating with the second mobile device associated with the property comprises: establishing a communication link with the second mobile device; receiving, by the mobile device, a message comprising a challenge transmitted form the second mobile device associated with the property; sending to the second mobile device a reply message responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the mobile device; and in response to a determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the second mobile device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge, accessing the property belonging to the second party. 14. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein accessing the property belonging to the second party comprises: accessing one of: a hotel room unlocked in response to the determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the second mobile device, a vehicle unlocked in response to the determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the second mobile device, a parking meter, an air-plane seat, a theater, a locker, or another time-accessible good or service. 15. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein the determination that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the mobile device includes the proper response to the challenge comprises: a determination that content of the reply message, encrypted using the private key of the mobile device and decrypted at the second mobile device using the public key of the mobile device obtained by the second mobile device, matches the challenge included in the message sent by the second mobile device. 16. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein establishing the communication link with the second network device comprises: establishing the communication link with the second mobile device according to a near- field communication protocol when the mobile device is within range of the second mobile device. 17. A metho d comprising : exchanging, by a second network device associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with a first network device associated with a first party, wherein the first network device is associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and wherein the second network device is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair; and determining at the second network device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the first network device and based on a request previously sent by the first network device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the first network device and the second network device, whether to provide the first party associated with the first network device access to the property, wherein the request sent to the peer-to-peer system is processed with the private key of the first network device and comprises payment data representative of a required number of commercial-valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the second network device, the request further comprising time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the first network device is to occur. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein exchanging the one or more communications with the first network device comprises: receiving an initiating communication to establish a communication link with the first network device; transmitting to the first network device, by the second network device, a message comprising a challenge; and receiving at the second network device a reply message, transmitted form the first network device, responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the first network device. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein determining whether to provide the first party access to the property comprises: providing the first party with access to the property in response to a determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with second network device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the first network device includes a proper response to the challenge. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the first party with access to the property comprises: sending by the second network device a signal to unlock a lock that is restricting access to the property. 21. The method of claim 18, wherein receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the first network device comprises: receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the second network device according to a near- field communication protocol when the first network device is within range of the second network device. receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the second network device according to a non-near- field communication protocol, the non-near- field communication protocol comprising one or more of: a WLAN-based communication protocol, or a WWAN-based communication protocol. 23. The method of claim 17, wherein the property belonging to the second party comprises one of: a hotel room, a vehicle, a parking meter, an air-plane seat, a theater, a locker, or another time-accessible good or service. 24. The method of claim 17, wherein the request previously sent to the peer-to-peer system comprises a transaction request communicated to one or more network devices, of the peer-to-peer system, maintaining transaction ledger data for commercial transactions on the peer-to-peer system, the one or more network devices maintaining the transaction ledger data configured to record the transfer of the required number of commercial- valued credits included in the request to the second party associated with the second network device. 25. The method of claim 17, wherein the required number of commercial- valued credits included in the request comprises one or more of: data representative of a required number of Bitcoins, or data representative of a required number of altcoins. exchanging, by the mobile device associated with a property belonging to a second party, one or more communications with another network device associated with a first party, wherein the other mobile device is associated with a first network address and with a first private-public digital key pair, and wherein the mobile device is associated with a second network address and a second private-public digital key pair; and determining at the mobile device, based on the one or more communications exchanged with the other mobile device and based on a request previously sent by the other mobile device to a peer-to-peer system comprising at least the mobile device and the other mobile device, whether to provide the first party associated with the other mobile device access to the property, wherein the request sent to the peer-to-peer system is processed with the private key of the other mobile device and comprises payment data representative of a required number of commercial- valued credits to transfer to the second party associated with the mobile device, the request further comprising time data representative of a requested starting time and time duration at which use of the property by the first party associated with the other mobile device is to occur. 27. The mobile device of claim 26, wherein exchanging the one or more communications sent by the other network device comprises: receiving an initiating communication to establish a communication link with the other mobile device; transmitting to the other mobile device, by the mobile device, a message comprising a challenge; and receiving at the mobile device a reply message, transmitted form the other network device, responsive to the challenge, the reply message processed with the private key of the other mobile device. 28. The mobile device of claim 27, wherein determining whether to provide the first party access to the property comprises: providing the first party with access to the property in response to a determination that the required number of commercial- valued credits was transferred to the second party associated with the mobile device and that the reply message decrypted with the public key of the other mobile device includes a proper response to the challenge. 29. The mobile device of claim 28, wherein providing the first party with access to the property comprises: sending by the mobile device a signal to unlock a lock that is restricting access to the property. 30. The mobile device of claim 27, wherein receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the other mobile device comprises: receiving the initiating communication to establish the communication link with the mobile device according to a near-field communication protocol when the other mobile device is within range of the mobile device.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1614
__label__wiki	0.788366	0.788366	Definition of Lyndon Baines Johnson 1. Noun. 36th President of the United States; was elected vice president and succeeded Kennedy when Kennedy was assassinated (1908-1973). Exact synonyms: Johnson, Lbj, Lyndon Johnson, President Johnson, President Lyndon Johnson Generic synonyms: Chief Executive, President, President Of The United States, United States President Lexicographical Neighbors of Lyndon Baines Johnson Lyman Frank Brown Lymantria Lymantria dispar Lymantriidae Lyme diseases Lymeswold Lynchian Lyndon Baines Johnson (current term) Lynn Fontanne Lynx caracal Lynx pardina Lynx rufus Literary usage of Lyndon Baines Johnson 1. Adventure Guide to Texas by Kimberly Young (1999) "History Johnson City It's difficult to believe that Johnson City was not named for its most famous son, Lyndon Baines Johnson. But, in fact, it was named ..." 2. India and the United States: Estranged Democracies, 1941-1991 by Dennis Kux (1994) "Interview with Robert Komer, 2 November 1990. 4. Memorandum to President Johnson from Robert Komer, 24 February 1964, Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ) Library. ..." 3. An Almanack for the Year of Our Lord by Joseph Whitaker (1869) "Lyndon Baines Johnson, of Texas, born Aug. 27. 1908, elected Nov. 8, 1060. Democrat. THE CABINET (Each $25000) Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, ..." 4. Where No Man Has Gone Before: A History of Apollo Lunar Exploration Missions by William D. Compton (1996) "The new president, Lyndon Baines Johnson, had more experience with the space program than any other politician in Washington and would remain committed to ..." 5. It's All in the Game: Butterflies, Mind Control--The Razor's Edge by Gyeorgos Ceres Hatonn (1994) "Few have been “within” longer than Lyndon Baines Johnson. No one epitomizes more adequately the operation of “enlightened terror” which promises to deliver ..." Definitions of Lyndon Baines Johnson Lyndon Baines Johnson Pictures	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1617
__label__cc	0.601194	0.398806	Faces of LIFE: Franklin Cannon Franklin Cannon Taking the Step Without Seeing the Stairs From Landrum, South Carolina and with an Associate’s Degree in Science, Franklin Pierce Cannon, III came to Life University to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. He studied science at Spartanburg Methodist College in South Carolina because he always knew that he wanted to be a doctor; it just took a while for him to realize what type of doctor. He says that many members of his family are in the medical field, and like them, he really loves the idea of being able to help someone in their time of need. A new LIFE student, Cannon, who expects to graduate in four or five years, is currently doing a modified program to allow him to also work while in school. At 22, he is already a very hard worker who does not want to burden his parents with the entirety of his tuition and living expenses. When a LIFE representative visited his previous school, it seemed to finally spark the career interest that he was waiting for – he would become a chiropractor. Cannon had been under chiropractic care since he was only two years old, yet he never thought about becoming one until then. From a very early age, Cannon remembers not feeling not well. He was born with several severe ailments that left him in need of constant medical care. He had gone to doctors for shots, creams, medications – all for severe eczema, allergies, chronic asthma and arthritis. “Basically, I should have been in a bubble. I took so many medications and yet, for example, my skin still looked like I was 80 years old. Even my grandfather had more mobility than me. My parents were also worried that was not going to grow. As a matter of fact, I didn’t grow at all from six to nine years old!” So, after a couple of years of these constant medical treatments, his father decided to take him to a chiropractor. Cannon explains, “Finally, when the doctors told my dad that I’d have to get a shot every month for my eczema and a shot every week for my allergies for the rest of my life, and after taking so many pills for arthritis, he decided that enough was enough and that he would try an alternative method. He took me to a chiropractor when I was just two years old. And thank God he did because I don’t know what those medications would’ve done to me!” Cannon’s father found a chiropractor, Baker’s Family Chiropractic in Tryon, North Carolina, which is just a half mile away from where Cannon grew up. “And I’ve been seeing ‘Doc Baker’ for twenty years now. Originally, my dad found him to treat his own knee problems, so he trusted the help that he could provide.” “And without that care, I’d probably still just be at home on medications instead of here at LIFE. It helped me to regulate my immune system and become stronger, which helped me cope with stress and greatly reduce all of my symptoms. At first, the care made me function better, which then improved my wellness and helped me be more positive. It truly improved my whole way of life.” When Cannon spoke with the LIFE representative visiting his college, he already knew what Chiropractic could do for him. He went home and told his family about his decision, and they were all very happy for him … but nobody was happier than his father. Cannon says that since many members of his family are in the traditional medical field, his choice was met with some resistance from them. However, because they had seen what a difference Chiropractic had made in his life, they were happy for him. He says that while he was pretty secure in his decision, he was still a bit scared about changing schools and moving to Atlanta – which is extremely different than his small hometown – but that he would try to have faith in his decision. “Because faith is taking the step without seeing the stairs, so I decided on Chiropractic. And when I look back at how it truly benefited me, and how I would love for everybody else to experience it, then I knew that Chiropractic was the way. And back home, they’re not really exposed to the beauty of it, so hopefully one day I can open a practice there and help as many people in my community as I can.” When Cannon’s own chiropractor Doc Baker found out that he had chosen to become a Chiropractor himself and go to Life University, he was very excited and pleased, as he knew of LIFE’s more philosophical view of the profession, which he fully supported. Cannon says, “That philosophy is all about genuine love and positive energy; having passion for what you do and for the people you’re helping; and committing to live a better life to make the world a better place. I guess you could say that I knew about Lasting Purpose before I had even heard that term.” Even though Cannon did not attend a LIFE Leadership Weekend due to scheduling conflicts, he did take a campus tour and says, “It was so beautiful and amazing. Everybody is so nice here; they seem to have the same mindset that ‘we’re all in it to help people,’ and to this day, there is not a bad vibe here.” About his future, Cannon states, “I would love to be an associate for a doctor here in the area to gain some experience, and then I’d like to work with Doc Baker back in North Carolina. That way I’m not too far away from home, and I’ll be able to educate my community there.” Cannon would like to tell prospective students that LIFE is a different environment from other schools because it seems that everybody here has such a positive mindset. Additionally, if someone has a passion for health and alternative treatments, “then this is the school for you. Just take a deep look inside yourself and think about your potential. There are so many opportunities here and connections that you can make. I have been very welcomed here. It’s been a breath of fresh air to be here and be so accepted and reassured. I’m really going to make it.” Cannon took those steps without seeing the stairs, and now he is truly on his way to a fulfilling future.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1618
__label__cc	0.718367	0.281633	Old Man Struggling With Yardwork Is Astonished By What A Group Of Schoolboys Do In His Garden Ana Erkic Social Media Consultant, Online Marketing Strategist, Copywriter, CEO and Co-Founder of Growato Read full profile All it takes is a small selfless act of kindness to make a huge impact on someone’s life, as the boys from New South Wales have taught us when they helped an old man with yardwork. Genuine team spirit As they were coming home after a rugby game, students from Cooma North Public School in New South Wales showed a true team spirit outside the field as they together with their parents and teachers rushed to help an 81-year old struggling with woodpile in his garden. It didn’t take long time for these boys to move the logs to the back of the garden and put a smile of gratitude on the old man’s face. The great deed didn’t go unnoticed. Apart from affecting the old man, the students’ doing has deeply moved anyone who has heard or read about it. The school’s principal was full of praise for the boys in her Facebook post that got more than 14,000 shares. Entire community honored the boys’ noble act in their comments and likes, the most grateful being the daughter of the gentleman. True winners That day the boys won in a rugby league game, but their most important victory has played out outside the field. They brought us hope that, in spite of the horrors that are going on in the world, there are still thousands of small acts of kindness to override it. Their great gesture of kindness has made us all more optimistic about the future of mankind. Social Media Consultant, Online Marketing Strategist, Copywriter, CEO and Co-Founder of Growato Who Says All Introverts Hate Socializing? Here’s The Truth About Introvert And Extrovert Every Time You Drink A Beer, Remember To Drink The Same Amount Of Water You’re Exceptionally Creative If You See The Correct Image (Only 1/100 People Can Do This!) If You Have These 6 Struggles, You’re Highly Intelligent 15 Things To Stop Doing If You Want To Be Truly Happy	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1619
__label__cc	0.717154	0.282846	Linden Portfolio Company, Pinnacle Treatment Centers, Appoints Jeff Nelson to Board of Directors March 14, 2019 \| For Immediate Release Mt. Laurel, NJ (March 14, 2019) – Pinnacle Treatment Centers (“Pinnacle”), a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient treatment for those suffering from substance use disorders, announced today the appointment of Jeff Nelson to its Board of Directors. Having most recently served as CEO of Healogics, Mr. Nelson brings over 30 years of healthcare experience to the board, including over 15 years in executive leadership positions. “We are very excited to welcome Jeff to our board and are thrilled about his immediate impact on our company and its focus on patient care,” said Joe Pritchard, Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle. “Jeff oversaw significant growth at Healogics, and I am confident we will benefit from his guidance as Pinnacle continues to grow at a fast pace.” Mr. Nelson served as the CEO of Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services, and its predecessor for over a decade and previously served as president of Thoratec, a developer and manufacturer of implantable cardiac assist devices, which is now part of Abbott. Prior to Thoratec, Mr. Nelson held leadership positions within Philips Medical Systems, ADAC Laboratories, Syncor International and Baxter. Mr. Nelson earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Math-Economics from Brown University and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. “My commitment to maintaining high quality patient outcomes through evidence-based care aligns well with Pinnacle’s strategic priorities, and I am excited to work with management and the rest of the board as Pinnacle helps address the substance abuse epidemic,” said Mr. Nelson. Mr. Nelson joins the Board of Directors of Pinnacle alongside healthcare executives, Gary Kagan, Pinnacle Director and Linden Operating Partner, and Andy Sekel, former CEO of OptumHealth Behavioral Solutions. About Pinnacle Treatment Centers Pinnacle Treatment Centers is a leading comprehensive provider of substance abuse treatment services to individuals that are addicted to drugs and / or alcohol. Founded in 2006, the Company has grown into an organization that operates over 60 substance abuse treatment facilities across 6 states. Pinnacle treats over 13,000 people daily and provides a full continuum of care, including detoxification, residential, outpatient, and transitional living programs. Pinnacle is CARF accredited and all locations include physicians, nurses, clinicians, administrative, and support staff. For more information please visit www.PinnacleTreatment.com. Linden Capital Partners is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused exclusively on investing in the healthcare industry. Linden’s strategy is based upon three elements: i) healthcare specialization, ii) integrated private equity and operating expertise, and iii) strategic relationships with large corporations. Linden invests in middle market platforms across the medical products, specialty distribution, pharmaceutical, and services segments of healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lindenllc.com. November 12, 2019 Dr. Christopher Krubert Joins Linden as Operating Partner ← ⊞ →	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1620
__label__wiki	0.789075	0.789075	William Roche Member File Biography @ PARLINFO Mr. ROCHE: I made inquiry this morning for any fresh information, and was informed that there was none except what appeared in the press this morning, and we have not had any official -Confirmation of -that. Topic: QUESTIONS. Subtopic: IMMIGRATION OF HINDUS. LOAN COMPANIES. The House proceeded to consider amendments made by the Senate to Bill No. 83, respecting loan companies. Wilfrid Laurier (Leader of the Official Opposition) Sir WILFRID LAURIER: What are the amendments? Subtopic: LOAN COMPANIES. William Thomas White (Minister of Finance and Receiver General) Conservative (1867-1942) Hon. W. T. WHITE (Minister of Finance): There are six amendments in all, none of them being of serious consequence. The first is an amendment to subsection 2 of section 3, which doee not in any way change the meaning of the subsection but makes it more clear. The name of the Bill is changed from the 'Loan Companies Act' to the 'Loan Companies Act of 1914.' Section 16, which relates to the election of directors, is modified so as to provide that, in the event of an election of its directors not taking place at the proper time, the company shall not be held to be thereby dissolved, but that such election may take place at any general meeting of the company duly called for that purpose, and the retiring directors shall continue in office until their successors are elected. That is not an unusual clause in company legislation. iSection 30 is changed so as to provide that, in the event of a forfeiture of shares through a failure of a shareholder to pay any call or instalment, the holder of such shares at the time of the forfeiture shall continue liable to the creditors of the company at such time for the full payment payable on the shares at the time of forfeiture, less any sums which are subsequently received by the company in respect thereof. There is also a verbal amendment to section 68, which makes the intention of the section more clear. Section 90 is also amended by changing the word 'the' to 'this.' On the whole, I see no objection to the amendments proposed by the Senate, and move that the House do concur therein. S:r WILFRID LAURIER: -Has any change been made with regard to the retroactivity of this Bill? Mr. WHITE: No. Perhaps that was in connection with the Bill relating to trust companies. Edward Walter Nesbitt Mr. NESBITT: If we proposed any amendments in this House now, I suppose it might delay the passage of the Bill this session; otherwise, I .should have liked to draw my hon. friend's attention to some amendments that have been proposed to section 63 by the Loan Companies Association, to prevent loan companies from investing in the stock or debentures of any company whose chief business is buying and selling vacant land. Thomas Simpson Sproule (Speaker of the House of Commons) Mr. SPEAKER: It would be quite out of order to propose amendments to the Bill at this stage, as we are now dealing with the amendments sent to us by the Senate. I am only bringing this matter to the attention of the Minister of Finance, as I think the amendments are very valuable. I will send them over to him so that he may understand them better. I think it inadvisable that we should consider any further changes in the Bill now. The Bill received very full con.- sideration by the Banking and Commerce Committee, and like any otheir Ant this may be changed at any time by an amending measure if that is deemed advisable. As the Bill has received very careful consideration on the part of the Commons and apparently also on the part of the Senate, and having regard to the fact that the session is so far advanced, I should not like the passage of this Bill to be jeopardized by taking into consideration any further amendments at this stage. Amendments concurred in. THE FARMERS BANK. Consideration of the proposed motion of Hon. W. T. White (Minister of Finance) for the second reading of Bill No. 185, for the relief of the depositors of the Farmers Bank of Canada, and the proposed amendment thereto, of Mr. A. K. Maclean, resumed from June 2. Hugh Boulton Morphy Mr. MORPHY: Mr. Speaker, in the early hours of this morning I was dealing with the endorsements on the writ sent by Mr. Leighton McCarthy to the ex-Minister of Finance. I have not exhausted this phase; but, as the endorsements already appear in the proceedings. I will content myself with saying that they embrace charges of deceit, illegality, unlawful practices, fraudulent conduct, false pretenses, and similar charges against Mr. Travers, the man who was asking the Finance Minister of the day for a certificate to allow him to commence business. There is one feature in the evidence which is worthy of comment, and that is the letter of the hon. member for London (Mr. Beattie) objecting to the unwarrantable use of his name as one of the provisional directors. The Finance Minister of the day had only to take a step across the floor to make inquiries of the hon. member for London, which would have disclosed the facts, but that was not done. I shall endeavour to abridge my remarks on account of the lateness of the session, but there are a few things which I would like, as briefly as possible, to put on the record. In the first place, the evidence states that Mr. Fielding was only suspicious of. this particular bank. He said that he did not like the name, and so forth. At page 456 of the evidence he speaks as follows: From the beginning I disliked, I do not think the word is too strong, I disliked the movement, because I was afraid a number of farmers were going into a business they did not like and un- dertaking responsibilities which they did not appreciate. Again, he says: I looked upon the application for a further extension as an evidence of weakness. I always viewed the incorporation with anxiety, because I understood it was an effort to get farmers, as the name implied, and I thought it was the line of business that probably they were not the best capable of going into. Again, on page 457: My mind from the beginning was suspicious; my mind was rather unfriendly to the movement from the beginning; that kind of gossip might emphasize it a little, but from the inception of the movement I looked upon it with a little anxiety. Again, on page 458 Mr. Fielding is asked the following question: Q. Under the Act I think the duty is cast on the Treasury Board itself and not on the Minister of Finance individually? A. That is true, though naturally he would have chief responsibility and his colleagues would look to him largely for advice and guidance. On page 459 he says: I think no doubt he was to the department before that and saw some of my officials, but I am pretty clear in my recollection that I saw Mr. Travers only once and that was the 30th November, and that was the date the certificate was issued. After all the warnings and charges of fraud, deceit, false pretenses, and illegal practices that Mr. Fielding had received, it might appear to the casual observer that he should have seen Mr. Travers more than once, and that after the information he got from Sir Edmund Osier, Mr. Henderson and Mr. Leighton McCarthy, it was incumbent on a man in Mr. Fielding's position to see the person charged with these malpractices. According to both Mr. Fielding and Mr. Travers, their interview lasted only twenty minutes, and it is very peculiar that in that interview Mr. Fielding did not tell Travers that he had received this writ from Leighton McCarthy, and the warnings from Mr. Henderson and Sir Edmund Osier. There is no evidence that he mentioned these things, but merely the statement that he told Travers what people were saying about him, and Travers denied it. Then Mr. Fielding said: 'Write me a letter to that effect.' The junior member for Halifax (Mr. A. K. Maclean) has argued that these charges did not sink into the mind of Mr. Fielding. If that is so, how is it he told Travers what the people were saying about him. It is obvious from that, that the charges from Mr. Henderson and Sir Ed- round Osier and Mr. Leighton McCarthy had sunk into the mind of the Finance Minister, and that he was conscious that they were serious charges which called for inquiry. Mr. E. S. Clouston, then president of the Canadian Bankers' Association, used the following language in a letter to the deputy Minister of Finance, dated November 30, 1906: Permit me to request that, if only for the protection of the public, the Treasury Board will exercise its right to refuse to issue a certificate if it thinks best so to do, until a thorough investigation has been made into the circumstances stated herein. That was the language of a man whose word stands as high as that of any man in banking circles in this country, a man well and favourably known to the Finance Minister of that day. The letter was warning the minister against an abuse that might be perpetrated on the public, and asking for the stay of his hand. Mr. Fielding's answer was, ' I gave the certificate yesterday.' He sat back in his chair, folded his arms, and allowed Travers who had been charged with every species of fraud in the calendar to get a certificate and go out like a firebrand into the country armed with the seal of this Dominion. Mr. Fielding took not one step to put himself into possession of the facts supporting the warnings against Travers. Some have said that Mr. Fielding was guilty of an error of judgment, but I say that it was a case of not doing his duty because he did not ascertain the facts which would have enabled him to form judgment upon the charges made. He was Minister of Finance, the master of the Treasury Board, he had had notice of fraud, he had had plenty of warning, and he had had verba1 charges of improper practices against the very man to whom he gave the certificate after an interview of only twenty minutes. Subtopic: THE FARMERS BANK. Emmanuel Berchmans Devlin Mr. DEVLIN: The hon. gentleman states that it was notorious that Travers was dishonest at the time the certificate was issued. Might I ask if there is any truth in that? The hon. gentleman will understand me. I am referring to the endorsements on the writ sent by McCarthy. Every kind of fraud in the calendar was charged against this man Travers. Mr. Fielding had evidence from Mr. Henderson that the bank under this man's administration was doing improper business. Mr. Fielding had information from Sir Edmund Osier that the money was improperly and illegally borrowed. Mr. Fielding knew all this, and if he had made the inquiry that was incumbent upon him to make he would have discovered what kind of a man Travers was and turned out to be. A minister is human like any other man, but he owes a duty to himself and to his country, and we have evidence that Mr. Fielding failed to do his duty. He was guilty of negligence. To make myself clear I would just like to give two short definitionsofnegligencefrom the legal point of view, though I maintain that this question should not be discussed from the legal point of view but from the point of view of what is right and just. It should be discussed on the higher ground that the State owes a duty to the public, and should be discussed without any legal hairsplitting. A minister is chargeable with knowledge of what a reasonable inspection would disclose, and in this case Travers's perjury and the improper discounting of the notes to raise the money for the deposit would have been fully disclosed if Mr. Fielding had made further inquiries. His failure to act was a breach of duty or worse gross negligence. Negligence has been well defined as: The want or absence of ordinary care; that is, just such care as a reasonably prudent and cautious man would exercise under similar circumstances. Another definition is: A failure to do what a reasonable and prudent person would ordinarily have done under the circumstances, and the honest endeavour to use the means reasonably necessary to avoid injury to others. After all the warnings and notices of fraudulent transactions I say that no more fitting and pregnant language could be used in describing this case, than is found in the two terse definitions I have just quoted. Mr. Fielding was a man of splendid attainments. He had had his warnings and there is no excuse for his lack of knowledge. He knew his duty but he failed to do it. He said that when he got Mr. Clouston's letter it was too late because the certificate had already been issued. I dispute that. It is true there was no legal machinery at his hand to recall the certificate, but there is an old adage that there are a good many ways of killing a cat besides drowning, and information could easily have found its way to the public after Mr. Fielding had discovered that he had made a mistake. But no, he sat still. And why? Nobody knows why, but we do know that Travers was introduced by Mr. Calvert and the mystery of that certificate being issued lies there. It does not do to impute motives, but the attitude of the Finance Minister on that occasion -was absolutely out of keeping with his well-known ability, assiduity, and industry. In this case he did what he was never known to have done before. He had himself admitted that he was suspicious of the institution and that he would like to stop it, but he did not stop it. And why did he not? There is not a sufficient reason, and the disaster came through his lack of action. Sir William Meredith has dealt with this question at very great length. I need not repeat much of it, but I would just like to quote a sentence or two. On page 8 of Sessional Paper 153a the commissioner says: My conclusion on this branch of the inquiry is that the Treasury Board was induced to give its certificate by false and fraudulent representations on the part of Travers, and that if the facts I have mentioned as to the way in which the $250,000 was made up had been disclosed, the certificate of the Treasury Board would not have been given. Mr. Fielding had express notice of fraud, because the facts were disclosed. If he had gone further, he would have had absolute proof. He failed to do that. If he had acted, there would have been no certificate, no bank deposits and no loss. The commissioner speaks about the efficient cause. I have already said in regard to that, and I say it again, that the word * efficient ' is not appropriate; I would call it the 'deficient * cause-the failure to act on the part of the Minister of Finance that brought about the loss in this case. I pass over the findings at large of the commissioner, because they are all set out in the report, but I wish to make this point very clear. The commissioner says: I do not suggest that the minister would have been justified because of the information conveyed to him in recommending that the certificate should not be granted, or that the Treasury Board because of it would not have been justified in refusing to grant it. He is non-committal there. But having received the information, it was in my opinion incumbent on the Treasury Board to have investigated the charges that had been made before coming to a conclusion as to whether or not the certificate should be given. That language is express and clear. It carries its own condemnation of the inaction, the negligence, of which supporters of this Bill complain. The next paragraph in the report contains these words in regard to Mr. McCarthy's letter: , Mr. McCarthy did not in any way intimate that the information he conveyed to the minister as to the way in which the $250,000 had been made up had been found to be incorrect. - Therefore, it will not do to say that Mr. McCarthy withdrew his writ. The charges were there. They were never investigated, never proved untrue. The charges were never withdrawn, although the writ was. The commissioner further says: It is true that, as Mr. Fielding stated in evidence, Travers, so far as he knew, was a reputable banker; but that was not, in my opinion, a sufficient reason for not having instituted an inquiry as to the matters which had been called to his attention. Therefore my argument is in line with what the commissioner found: Such an inquiry could easily have been made, and the delay occasioned by it would have been inconsiderable, and such an inquiry would, undoubtedly, have resulted in the discovery of the manner in which the $100,000 had been raised and in the refusal of the Treasury Board to give the certificate. I do not wish to detain the House at any great length with regard to that kind of evidence. The case has been proved abundantly. In fact, it was easily seen by the attempt of the hon. junior member for Halifax (Mr. Maclean) last night how desperate a cause he had, and how utterly unable he was to withstand the salient points brought out by the hon. Minister of Finance. I wish now to turn to another phase of the question for a moment. The right hon. the leader of the Opposition in the late Parliament, in answer to Mr. Henderson- I do not quote his exact words, as I am speaking from memory- said that this country in a case of this kind ought to be big enough to do justice to these unfortunate people, some of whom had their homes severed by death or by lunacy, and some of whom were reduced to poverty and despair. I know of men in my own constituency, old and gray, who had retired from a hard and arduous life, who had deposited their savings in this chartered bank, not for purposes of speculation, but for safe-keeping, and who were left penniless owing to these savings having been completely wiped out. This country has in the past treated outsiders generously, as it has the power to do. I might mention the volcanic disaster in the West Indies in 1902; the sufferers in Japan in 1906, when this Government poured out its money; the San Francisco earthquake in 1906, when the Government and this country paid willingly; the Jamaica earthquake in 1907; the earthquake in Italy in 1909; the floods in France; the Ottawa and Hull fire sufferers; the distress on the Liard and Dease rivers; the Vancouver riots; the Campbellton fire sufferers. There is a list four times as long as the one I have given, and I need not dwell further on the subject. Yet it is said, forsooth, that we should not compensate the sufferers in this disaster so widespread, affecting thousands, of whom some can bear the loss, some are suffering a great deal, and others are absolutely ruined-a disaster in which poverty and distress has fallen upon men and women, Liberals and Conservatives alike. Yet, for some unaccountable reason, where no member of this House would state, although it has been charged, that any attempt has been made to make party capital out of this matter, where nothing exists in the whole situation to warrant party feeling, the hon. junior member fcr Halifax (Mr. Maclean), last night, after condemning the Government for not acting sooner, said that they were now acting too late, and moved the six months' hoist. Alexander Kenneth Maclean Mr. A. K. MACLEAN: I did not say so. That is exactly the meaning that the hon. member conveyed to the House at about half-past twelve this morning. Under these cireum- 12 noon, stances, can any hon. gentleman tell this House and this country that there is in this whole affair anything but a pitiable tale of woe and distress that should be dealt with and relieved? I have letters in my possession from hon. gentlemen opposite. I have . one from the right hon, the leader of the Opposition, but I do not wish to put it on record. I have copies of letters from the hon. member for South Renfrew (Mr. Graham), the hon. member for Russell (Mr. Murphy) and other hon. members opposite, expressing their deep sorrow and regret at this great loss, and promising to do their best, and wanting to see this Government do its best, in the matter. There is nothing in the opposition to this Bill except perversity. There are hon. gentlemen opposite who are anxious to vote for this Bill. It is not a political question; it is a great financial disaster to a great many worthy and deserving people, of all political stripes, who come to this Parliament, not as a matter of right, not as a matter of law, but as a matter of grace, supplicating this Parliament to relieve them, many of them in their declining years, from the poverty and despair which have visited their homes. We have always been generous in giving in case of need to people in foreign countries where we have neither kith nor kin; and it would be a fitting tribute to the generosity of this House and of the Upper Chamber to say that, under all these circumstances, especially owing to the fact that there was negligence on the part of the late Government, we should come to the aid of these people. No hon. member on this side desires to attack the personality of any one who was on the Treasury Board at that time. We put this question upon the high plane that all men are human, that a mistake was made, -and that people suffered by that mistake. If men suffer for their own negligence, their own lack of care, so must governments. Let us put the matter on an equitable basis, without any legal hairsplitting. Let us come together, and not have any talk about Conservatives in the Senate lobbying to kill this Bill. I repudiate that; I throw it back with scorn to the hon. gentleman that there ever was a lobby in the Senate bj Conservatives. 'There are gentlemen in the Senate who have their individual feelings, and it is their right to act as they like. It was reported in the Liberal press that there was such a lobby, and I investigated the matter, and found that there is not one jot or tittle of truth in it. As far as I know, speaking generally for this side of the House, we are practically unanimous upon this measure. There may be some opposed to it; if so, that is a tribute to the freedom of opinion in this House. And I would ask hon. gentlemen opposite to side with their colleagues from Middlesex (Mr. Ross) and North Oxford (Mr. Nesbitt) and rise above partisan feelings, which too often actuate parties in this House, and let us get together and put it through unanimously. As to precedents, let them take care of themselves. Somebody says that similar failures have happened heretofore. If so, I would be magnanimous enough to say that those losses should be paid too. But I do not think that anything that has happened in this country has been quite of the same kind. There may have been other cases. If there have been, the country ought to be big enough to right the wrong done by its own officers for lack of care. We can pour out millions for the Canadian Northern; we can lose $7,000,000 in the Quebec bridge; we can waste millions on the transcontinental. But, with our growing and expanding rev- enues, let us do something for the farmers and other people of this country; let them have a little show on this particular Bill, to which I have great pleasure indeed in giving my warmest and most conscientious support. Mr. E. B. DEVLIN (Wright): The question which is before the House for consideration is, perhaps, one of the most important questions that we have had to discuss in recent years, not on account of the amount involved, $1,200,000, but because of the principle involved in this Bill, and because of the effect which its passing will have upon future legislation. If it could be shown me, assuming the facts which have been stated by hon. gentlemen opposite, notably by the Minister of Finance, that any negligence upon the part of the Treasury Board was a contributing cause to the failure of the bank, entailing upon the depositors a loss, I would then feel in conscience bound to vote in favour of the Bill. For that purpose I have listened very carefully to the speeches delivered so far by the Finance Minister (Mr. W. T. White) and the hon. member for North Perth (Mr. Morphy). The hon. member for Perth wound up his remarks by saying that the depositors ought to be recouped, not as a matter of right, not as a matter of law, but as a matter of grace. I know the hon. gentleman would not want to misquote me. I corrected myself with regard to the right. I admit that I used the words, but immediately corrected myself. As a matter of right P Linked Parliamentary Data Explore the Canadian Hansard © 2016 University of Toronto additional data sourced from ParlINFO, openparliament.ca, Library and Archives Canada and Canadiana.org	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1622
__label__wiki	0.669509	0.669509	The most famous celebrity haunt in the world has come to York, creating huge excitement in the city. The all-day dining venue will serve delicious food for which it is celebrated such as its iconic Shepherd’s Pie, but will also be open for mouthwatering breakfasts including Eggs Royale in a relaxed but elegant atmosphere. The Ivy St Helen’s Square is located in one of the most historic squares in York and promises to provide an all-encompassing, contemporary British menu for local businesses, York residents and visitors for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. I have been extremely lucky to be invited to be the York-based PR for The Ivy St Helen’s Square. Having spent many days as editor of OK! Magazine dining at its famed West Street restaurant in Covent Garden, I developed a huge addiction to Shepherd’s Pie so I am thrilled one of my favourite restaurants has come to York. I’ve been heavily involved in the pre-opening PR and am so proud to be involved with such an established and much-loved brand. What has impressed me the most about The Ivy team is their commitment to be involved in York culture and lifestyle whether through charity or events. The Ivy St Helen’s Square, 2 St Helen’s Square, York YO1 8QP https://theivyyork.com The Principal York	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1623
__label__wiki	0.882319	0.882319	Michael Corinthos/Quartermaine \| General Hospital Character Shows For Kids Entertainment TV & Film Michael Corinthos (Chad Duell). ABC, Inc. by Maria Ciaccia Maria Ciaccia is a television and film critic, published author, and has been a fan of General Hospital for over 40 years. A Turbulent Beginning Michael was conceived in 1997, but his mother Carly was not sure who had fathered her child, Tony Jones, her mother's husband, or A.J. Quartermaine. A.J. was an alcoholic and didn't remember his night with Carly. When he finally regained his memory, Carly claimed that Jason was the father. Jason played along. Carly developed postpartum depression and left town, so Jason took care of the baby. He actually named the baby Michael after Michael "Sonny" Corinthos. He began to think of himself as the boy's real father. Robin, his girlfriend at the time, helped out. However, she felt that A.J. should know that the baby was his. Carly recovered and returned, but she wasn't back for long. Tony, devastated when he learned that he was not Michael's father, kidnapped the baby. In court, Carly fired a shot at him. She was sent away for psychiatric care. Before leaving for Paris to study, Robin revealed the truth of Michael's paternity to A.J. Carly and A.J. married. The marriage disintegrated quickly, and Carly moved on with Sonny, who forced A.J. to sign away legal right to his son. Sonny became the boy's adoptive father. Carly and Sonny ultimately divorced and remarried -- four additional times. There were more children from different people: Michael's half-brother Morgan, whose father was Sonny, a half-sister Kristina, from Sonny's involvement with Alexis Davis; later, a half older brother, Dante Falconeri, from an early liaison Sonny had with Olivia Falconeri; and, in 2015, a baby sister, Avery, from a one-night stand with between Sonny and Ava Jerome. A.J. Works with Faith Roscoe In February of 2005, mobster Faith Roscoe, an enemy of Sonny's, kidnapped his three youngest children: Michael, Morgan, and Kristina. A.J. was working with Faith in order to take over his son's upbringing. He attempted to convince the little boy that Carly and Sonny did not care about him. Jason was determined to rescue Michael from A.J. The two men fought; A.J. broke his back. While he was in the hospital, he was smothered and pronounced dead. Michael had nightmares about this and thought that he had killed his father. He was sent into therapy, and there, he realized he had seen his father killed. His own therapist had done it. The Text Message Killer To protect his loved ones from the Text Message serial killer, who ran rampant in 2007, Michael bought a gun. Unfortunately he accidentally shot Kate on the pier. He ran but later agreed to meet his mother at the warehouse. Little did they know, Sonny's enemies had planted a bomb. They were inside when the bomb was detonated, but both of them were okay. Michael had dodged danger once; next time, he wouldn't be so lucky. One day, Michael went to the coffee warehouse to learn the legitimate part of Sonny's business. Claudia Zacchara, member of another mob, had put out a contract on Sonny. The shooter was Ian Devlin, doctor by day, hit man by night. And as is common in Port Charles, he couldn't hit his target. Michael was hit instead. He went into a coma which appeared to be permanent. In May 2008, he was moved to a long-term care facility. He stayed in a coma for one year. GH surgeon Patrick Drake performed a new operation that released Michael from his coma, and a confused Michael found himself in a new world: Sonny and Claudia were married, and she was pregnant; Carly was pregnant with Jax's child. Michael Flips Michael had trouble dealing with his life. He realized that he was very emotional and had moments of unadulterated anger. Once while driving, he came to a boiling point. During this blind rage, he believed that somehow, he had forced Claudia off the road. As a result, she miscarried. Panicked, Michael ran away to Mexico, but his sister Kristina insisted on coming along too. It turned out that Kristina had caused the accident. Jason and Sam, Kristina's half-sister, brought them home. Claudia Zacchara Corinthos Michael bonded with his new stepmother Claudia until he remembered that while he had been in his coma, she confessed that she hired the shooter, intending to kill Sonny. When Sonny found out, he confronted her, and in retaliation, she kidnapped Carly, who was about to have her baby. Michael found his stepmother and mother in a remote cabin and saw that Carly had given birth to Josslyn. Claudia was taking the baby and heading out. Michael grabbed an axe and struck Claudia, who died instantly. Sonny was arrested for the murder, but Michael told Dante the truth. Being in law enforcement, Dante felt he had to tell the court what really happened. He believed that a Judge would go easy on Michael. He was wrong. At trial, the Judge was livid that Michael's crime had been suppressed by his family and gave him a long sentence in Pentonville. Pentonville Jason was concerned that Michael would run into Sonny's enemies at Pentonville, and they would go hard on him. To protect the young man, he went to the prosecutor, saying that he would confess to a few of his own crimes in order to be sent to Pentonville, with the caveat that he would share a cell with Michael. Michael left prison early, thanks to a plea to the Judge from Dante. He was ordered to live with his older brother. Helping Kristina and Sonny Michael returned to school because Kristina needed him. She was still traumatized by the abuse she suffered at the hands of her boyfriend as well as his death. Michael had a tough time as well. His first day, he became involved in a fight. Later, a friend of Kristina flirted with him and touched him, and he backed away. Michael was still interested in Sonny's business. He overheard that his father placed the bomb in Johnny Zacchara's car which nearly killed Kristina. He agreed not to tell anyone. He also tried to broker a peace between the Zaccharas and the Corinthos organizations. While speaking to Johnny, shots were fired. Michael shoved Johnny out of the way. Dante hid his brother's involvement, or else he would have gone back to prison for breaking parole. Michael's Trauma Michael was having nightmares, but he declined to speak about his time in prison. He did ask Jason to set him up with a prostitute. He would not, but Sam had a friend, Abby, whom she thought might be helpful. Abby was a stripper using the name Candy. When she tried to touch Michael, he had a terrible reaction. Abby was very patient. The two became friends, which she said was fine. One night, Michael saw Brandon, Abby's former boyfriend, attack her. At first, he froze, remembering what had happened to him in prison, but he forced himself to rescue her. Grateful, Abby told him that if he hadn't stopped Brandon, he would have raped her. Michael admitted that he saw her fear because he had been raped in prison by a man named Carter. Abby's compassion and understanding was what Michael needed to tell Carly and Jason what happened. He said he would go into therapy, but he did not want his dad to know about his experience in prison. Sonny did find out about the rape. He told his son that he loved him as much as ever. Abby and Michael Become An Item Abby was Michael's date to the Sonny-Brenda wedding. After the wedding, Brenda went to the street side of the limousine to get in, and a bomb in the car went off. When the body was put on a stretcher, it wasn't Brenda at all, but Sam! Brenda had been kidnapped by a mobster named the Balkan, who planted the bomb as well. The Balkan hailed from Europe. Michael approached one of his henchmen; Dante kept Michael from being shot. Michael needed almost constant protection so as not to be sent back to prison. He still resolved to work with his father. He went to the warehouse to unload an illegal shipment, but the police arrived. Jason was able to get Michael away from the warehouse, or he would have been arrested for violating parole. Neither Jason nor Sonny wanted Michael in the business. Johnny Zacchara, however, was willing to talk to him about it. Johnny told him that he could be in the Zacchara organization. Michael thought about taking Johnny's offer. Meanwhile, Abby's ex-boyfriend Brandon was released from jail. He went after Abby again. Soon after, his dead body was discovered. Michael and Abby were immediate suspects, but Johnny found out that his father had Brandon released on bail. He then hired an Abby lookalike to kill Brandon. Michael and Johnny together tried to find this lookalike. Once the charges against Abby were dropped, Michael went to work for Johnny. Everyone agreed -- it was a bad decision. After high school, Michael was accepted into Port Charles University. This came as a surprise since he had not applied. Kristina did it for him. He moved in with Abby. Sonny and Johnny both offered him summer employment, but Michael finally decided to work for Edward at ELQ, mainly because he offered Abby a job. Abby liked working there, but Michael did not. He had his position for a short time and then quit. It was at this time that Carly kept Sonny away from Morgan. She believe he had caused a plane crash that killed Jax. Michael took his father's side, and he was allowed to manage Sonny's warehouse. It was the legitimate part of the Corinthos interests, though, and Michael wanted to learn the illegal part. When Dante was found shot and unconscious in the warehouse, Michael was eager to investigate, but Sonny sent Shawn out instead. The Attacker This upset Michael -- his father was treating him like a child, keeping him away from the real core of his organization. He soon moved past this. Several of Abby's friends from Vaughn's were attacked, and he turned his attention there. The police had had no luck in finding the attacker. Michael asked Tracy to send Abby out of town for ELQ in order to keep her safe, so Abby traveled to Chicago. Abby was killed when a crane at a construction site dropped above her, crushing her with its contents. Devastated, Michael blamed himself. He spread Abby's ashes in New Zealand, in a field of lavender. While at the airport, he saw someone who looked like Jax. Back in Port Charles, he asked Carly if Jax could still be alive. She did not think so. In fact, she lied, as he learned later while eavesdropping on a conversation his mother had with Shawn. She was afraid that Sonny would try to kill Jax if he knew he was alive. Michael was furious. At her New Year's Eve party at the MetroCourt, he announced that Jax was alive, although Carly had allowed everyone to grieve for him. The Accident and Starr Michael enrolled in college, but Abby was still very much on his mind. One day, he came upon a car accident involving a woman, a man, and a baby. He was able to pull the woman out of the car, but he could not save the man, who turned out to be her boyfriend, or her baby. The woman's name was Starr Manning. Michael found out that Anthony Zacchara was driving the car that hit Starr's family. Two of his tires were shot out, and Anthony lost control of the car. He did not come to the aid of the victims. He fled because Sonny was after him. The Dimpled Don was considered the main suspect. He assured Michael that he had not caused it. Michael and Starr became friends, though initially she blamed his father for the loss of her family. Sonny was charged with causing the accident. He wanted Michael to steer clear of Starr, worried that she would use Michael's feelings to gather information about the trial. Michael promised his dad there was no problem. Starr was not even around; she had left the hospital and gone back home. The young woman was in Port Charles again during Sonny's trial, at which she testified. She stayed with Michael, but no one knew that. He told Starr about Abby dying, and Starr talked about losing her baby and boyfriend. Starr still believed Sonny caused the accident, but Michael disagreed. The two were sitting together in the courtroom when Sonny was found not guilty. Angry, Starr felt the jury was wrong. She decided to return to the town of Llanview. Instead, she took Sonny hostage at gunpoint. Michael saw it all on his dad's surveillance tapes. He located Starr and Sonny and talked her out of doing anything. After Michael gave his statement to the police, Starr was arrested and charged with attempted murder. She pleaded with Michael to recant his statement. She realized how wrong she had been. She wanted her life to have meaning now, for the sake of her boyfriend and baby. She promised that she would not go after Sonny again. Sadly for Starr, Michael didn't buy it. It was Sonny who finally convinced him to recant his statement. Mob Princess Starr rented an apartment and shared it with Trey Mitchell, the producer of Kristina's reality show, Mob Princess. Starr and Michael -- again -- renewed their friendship. Michael did not like Trey or that he seemed to flirt with Starr. He and Kristina discussed it; she was unhappy as well. She thought Michael should tell Starr how he felt. He told his sister that Starr was still mourning her family, so it was no use telling her how he felt. He spent time with her, and he asked her to spend the Fourth of July holiday with him at the Quartermaine mansion. On that day, they kissed and decided to be together. When Starr made her singing debut at the Haunted Star, they made their relationship public. After Jason's death, Michael needed Starr's support. Then a double whammy -- A.J. was alive! He included A.J. in his life, which angered Sonny and Carly. But his biological father was there for him when Starr broke up with him and left town. The New Quartermaine A.J. and Michael worked at ELQ and, hearing that there was a newly-discovered Quartermaine heir, tried to find him or her. The heir turned out to be the daughter of Jason's twin brother Franco. Michael did not mention his connection to Franco until he was discovered alive. Franco swore that he had never, ever ordered Carter to rape Michael in prison. He never intended to cause him harm. He even produced a video of a conversation with Carter, during which he asked the prisoner to look after Michael. Michael was reeling from the shock of Franco being alive. He turned to Morgan's girlfriend, Kiki, and they kissed. Then Michael learned that that Kiki was Franco's daughter and therefore, his cousin. He was still attracted to her, and she to him. Believing themselves to be first cousins, they avoided one another. There was also his brother's feelings to consider as well. In truth, although this was not explored on the show, had the two been related (which they weren't), Michael and Kiki would have been second cousins because they only had one grandparent in common, Alan Quartermaine, and not two. As things worked out, Silas Clay, a doctor, was her father, not Franco. And later, it was learned that Franco was not a Quartermaine, but the son of Scott Baldwin and Heather Webber. Michael was thrilled to learn about Kiki's paternity. They could be together, except that Morgan had already rushed Kiki to the courthouse and married her before Michael could tell her the news. The marriage ended when Kiki realized what Morgan had done. After that, she was back with Michael. Morgan was hurt, and fought with Michael.They had a physical confrontation on the pier, and Michael hit his head, falling into the water. Morgan left the scene. The Jeromes Things between the brothers only became worse when Morgan aligned with the Jerome family to destroy Sonny, his own father. Michael was busy trying to make peace between A.J. and Sonny. A.J. was accused of murdering Sonny's fiance Connie Falconeri (Kate Howard), but was found not guilty. Michael struggled to be there for both men, helping Sonny grieve and supporting his biological dad throughout the trial. After the trial, A.J. started drinking heavily to suppress his guilt about Kate/Connie's death. Michael tried to stop his father's self-destructive behavior, but when his mother disappeared, his attention was needed elsewhere. Michael was suspicious of Franco, Carly's new beau. Kiki argued with him, believing Franco innocent. Kiki lied to Michael and helped Franco wriggle out of police custody. When Franco rescued Carly, Kiki thought that Michael would agree that her actions were right, but he did not. They broke up, but later, they reconciled. While Carly was gone, Michael and Morgan put their differences aside and united. When A.J. was killed, Michael's family was there for him and attended his funeral. Kiki was with Michael while he grieved. ELQ Takeover Threat In the meantime, she had a problem: Luke Spencer was making passes at her. When Michael found out that Luke attempted to sexually assault Kiki, he was furious, wanting to protect her. Ned, his cousin, was concerned about Luke too, since he had shown an interest in ELQ. Michael and Ned took steps to see that the company was safe from a takeover by Luke. One way they did it was to take Tracy's position as CEO from her. Michael took over. He also proposed a waterfront project, offering Morgan a job restoring the brownstone. Kiki moved in with Morgan, which didn't bother Michael. Even when Rosalie, a friend, said that Kiki and Morgan had a secret, Michael shrugged it off. At that point, Michael was more interested in why someone from the Jerome family had killed his natural father. He was advised to let the whole thing go. The Wedding Fiasco Michael agreed to participate in his mother's wedding to Franco, though he disapproved. The wedding never took place. Franco had a video to show. On the video, Sonny and Carly not only had sex, but he confessed to Carly that he killed A.J. This information nearly destroyed Michael. He cut his parents out of his life. Kiki and Morgan were out as well when he realized they had known the truth. Michael took the last name Quartermaine and moved into the Q mansion. Avery and Sabrina Still angry with his parents, he fought for custody of his baby sister Avery and won. Sabrina Santiago, who had worked at General Hospital as a nurse, became Avery's nanny. Soon, Sabrina and Michael fell in love. Then Sabrina learned she was pregnant, but when she realized how far along she was, she knew the baby was her old boyfriend's, Carlos Rivera, who was now dead. When she confessed this to Michael, he was very upset, and the two broke up. Carlos was not dead and returned, thrilled about the baby and wanting to take Sabrina away with him. Sabrina accompanied him and gave birth. Michael regretted dismissing Sabrina so quickly and feared that he would never see her again. Morgan Corinthos \| A Troubled Brat Nikolas Cassadine \| Wealthy, Powerful Sexy and Unlucky in Love Nathan and Maxie \| Addicted to Love and One Another The Top 100 Love Songs, From Oldies to Modern Classics General Hospital's Biggest Shockers Throughout the Years Who Is 'General Hospital' Character Elizabeth Webber Spencer? Days of Our Lives comings and goings casting news What's Happening in the 'General Hospital' Universe What Was the Deal with the "Lost" Finale? Donald Trump's Craziest Quotes 20 Best Teen TV Shows of All Time 'Dexter' Season 1 Synopsis 'Army Wives' Season 2 Episode Guide The Biggest and Brightest Guest Stars on 'ER' What Happens in "Dexter" Season 2? Simple Episode Guide for Grey's Anatomy Season 6	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1624
__label__wiki	0.819823	0.819823	LCPS teacher rated Minimally Effective weighs in on evaluations LAS CRUCES >> Alexis Black has taught for 15 years. For the past three of those, she has taught at Mayfield... LCPS teacher rated Minimally Effective weighs in on evaluations LAS CRUCES >> Alexis Black has taught for 15 years. For the past three of those, she has taught at Mayfield... Check out this story on lcsun-news.com: http://lcsun.co/1F7yM2v LasCruces Published 6:52 p.m. MT Aug. 1, 2015 Alexis Black, a biology teacher at Mayfield High School, says that her Minimally Effective evaluation doesn't accurately reflect her teaching abilities.(Photo: Courtesy photo) LAS CRUCES >> Alexis Black has taught for 15 years. For the past three of those, she has taught at Mayfield High School. And for the past two, under the NMTeach ratings system, she has been deemed Minimally Effective. Black teaches biology and Advanced Placement biology. She said her evaluation was dragged down by the "improved student achievement" section, which accounts for 50 percent of her evaluation. "My classroom observations were good," Black said. "The student test scores were what killed me. But nobody can tell me what test scores were used to determine my student achievement portion. It doesn't say. Other teachers have shown me their evaluations, and theirs show which tests were used, like the SBA." Black also missed five and a half days of work — in part because her father, who lives in Alamogordo, was hospitalized in April with a serious illness. She drove back and forth, and worked as often as she could, but wasn't able to work every day. At the May 26 school board meeting, Black shared her story with the board. "If he had died, the days that I took off would have counted as bereavement," Black told the board. "They may not have counted against my evaluation. But he survived, which I'm very happy about. But five and a half days on my evaluation was enough to get me down to Minimally Effective." In fact, Black said that she missed being Effective by 0.51 points on the 200-point scale. "I don't like to say I'm a good teacher because it sounds pompous," she said. "But last year, I had 87 students take the end-of-course exam, and 81 of them passed. That's a 93 percent passing rate." Black echoed what other teachers have said about the new evaluation system. "I think that the classroom observation portion is excellent. It's thorough, and allows you to have the conversation with your administrator about best practices, what you're doing well and what you can improve upon. Unfortunately, the other 60 percent of the evaluation is not so effective." Black was among a number of Las Cruces Public Schools science teachers who were selected to the district's science leadership cadre. They were sent to the National Science Teachers Association Conference in Chicago in March, and she expects to lead professional development classes for other teachers throughout the year. In recent years, she has led several professional development sessions for LCPS and at New Mexico State University's Scientifically Connected Communities. That's why she finds it more than a little ironic if her Minimally Effective rating means that she'll have to attend professional development sessions. "I worry that the public doesn't understand how these evaluations are done," she said. "They're certainly not indicative of what kind of teachers we are. And the fact that we're being dinged for taking days off is just adding insult to injury. I have two small children. They get sick sometimes; there are days I have to take off." Damien Willis can be reached at 575-541-5468. Read or Share this story: http://lcsun.co/1F7yM2v Border Patrol K9 bites Las Cruces woman Torres Small to host town halls next week Pair of bobcats spotted near Sonoma Ranch You can be part of the Las Cruces Utilities team Immigrant community in shadow of ICE facility Man accused of threatening ex granted bond	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1625
__label__wiki	0.863088	0.863088	DAS Law launches graduate academy as staff numbers top 200 Brown: “keen to do something different” DAS Law – the alternative business structure set up by the eponymous legal expenses insurer – is launching a pioneering graduate academy for “lawyers of the future”, with the first six recruits starting next month. Samantha Brown, head of personal injury, also said that staff numbers at the firm had doubled to around 220 since it was created in 2013 with the acquisition of Bristol firm CW Law. Ms Brown said the academy was unusual in offering a two-year training in personal injury litigation to graduates from a range of disciplines. “We were keen to do something different,” she said. “Our focus as a law firm is about providing the best possible service to our customers, and that means training and development. “Ultimately what we want to do is train our lawyers of the future. At the end of the two years, they will be ready to perform one of the roles in the personal injury department. “They will have achieved that while earning money to fund their studies, such as the LPC. Those not interested in qualifying as a solicitor have received bespoke training for a particular job.” Ms Brown said six graduates had been chosen from around 50 to start in the academy next month. She said that some, but not all, were law graduates. Skills covered at the academy include case management, client care, drafting, advocacy skills, negotiation and dispute resolution. Ms Brown said successful academy graduates could apply to become trainee solicitors at the firm. DAS Law currently employs five trainee solicitors. She said DAS Law’s main growth area in the last 12 months was the property and contract litigation department. “Disputes range from the sale of a vehicle or a new kitchen to multi-million pound construction cases or professional negligence.” As with the firm’s other departments, the majority of the work is generated by legal expenses insurance (LEI). Ms Brown said DAS Law’s personal injury department had “expanded slightly” since 2013, and was concentrating on higher value and more complex cases, with values of up to several million pounds. She said that if the government increased the small claims limit to £5,000 next year, as Lord Faulks confirmed it would do this week in his speech to the APIL conference, that would “only increase the value” of LEI. “We are already dealing with people whose cases fall into the current small claims track.” Separately it emerged this week that the Civil Justice Council has set up a new working group which will investigate, among other things, the role before-the-event legal expenses insurance may have in improving access to justice. Ms Brown said DAS Law had no immediate plans for new acquisitions. “We’re concentrating on providing a full service for those with LEI. We hope understanding of what these policies offer customers will increase, and we’re working with insurance companies to highlight this.”	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1629
__label__wiki	0.751733	0.751733	That 1923 date by Judy G. Russell \| Nov 30, 2016 \| Copyright \| 9 comments Copyright duration in the US The question comes up all the time here at The Legal Genealogist. Something was published at some point in the past, and a reader wants to know if she can use it in her genealogical work — in a blog post or a journal article or a book or a presentation — without being concerned for any copyright issues. The bright-line dividing point in the United States is 1923: anything legally published before 1923 is now out of copyright. Anything published in 1923 or later might or might not be copyright-protected, depending on a whole host of factors. There are so many variables for post-1923 publications that the best thing you can do is consult Peter Hirtle’s chart at the Cornell Copyright Center, “Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States.” It’s updated annually and covers the whole waterfront.1 Now… here’s the story on that 1923 dividing line: For works that had already secured statutory copyright protection before January 1, 1978, the 1976 Copyright Act retains the system in the previous copyright law—the Copyright Act of 1909—for computing the duration of protection, but with some changes. Federal standards for copyright duration differ substantially under the 1909 act compared with the 1976 act because of the renewal term contained in the 1909 act. Under the 1909 act, federal copyright was secured on the date a work was published or, for unpublished works, on the date of registration. A copyright lasted for a first term of 28 years from the date it was secured. The copyright was eligible for renewal during the final, that is, 28th year, of the first term. If renewed, the copyright was extended for a second, or renewal, term of 28 years. If it was not renewed, the copyright expired at the end of the first 28-year term, and the work is no longer protected by copyright. The term of copyright for works published with a year date in the notice that is earlier than the actual date of publication is computed from the year date in the copyright notice. The 1976 Copyright Act carried over the system in the 1909 Copyright Act for computing copyright duration for works protected by federal statute before January 1, 1978, with one major change: the length of the renewal term was increased to 47 years. The 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act increased the renewal term another 20 years to 67 years. Thus the maximum total term of copyright protection for works already protected by January 1, 1978, has been increased from 56 years (a first term of 28 years plus a renewal term of 28 years) to 95 years (a first term of 28 years plus a renewal term of 67 years). Applying these standards, all works published in the United States before January 1, 1923, are in the public domain.2 Read that last past again: “Applying these standards, all works published in the United States before January 1, 1923, are in the public domain.” Now there is an issue with the breadth of this statement: the work had to be lawfully published — meaning that you couldn’t steal somebody else’s work, publish it in the United States, and start the clock running on the stolen version.3 But as long as the item was lawfully published in the United States before 1923, it’s out of copyright now, and nothing anyone does now can put it back into copyright protection. That means nobody can take it, repackage it, and get a new copyright on the new package. You can get a new copyright on any new material, like an index or introductory materials or anything else you add for the first time, but not on the material that’s already out of copyright.4 So the dividing line here in the United States for the public domain is 1923. Peter B. Hirtle, “Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States,” Cornell Copyright Center (http://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm : accessed 29 Nov 2016). ↩ U.S. Copyright Office, “Circular 15a: Duration of Copyright,” PDF version, Copyright.gov (https://www.copyright.gov/ : accessed 29 Nov 2016) (emphasis added). ↩ See Peter Hirtle, “The myth of the pre-1923 public domain,” LibraryLaw Blog, posted 5 July 2009 (http://blog.librarylaw.com/l : accessed 29 Nov 2016). ↩ See Judy G. Russell, “Copyright and the republished work,” The Legal Genealogist, posted 25 Feb 2014 (https://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog : accessed 29 Nov 2016). ↩ Joan Hostetler on November 30, 2016 at 1:35 pm I struggle with the definition of “published” for photographs. The Society of American Archivists states: “How can I tell if something is published or unpublished? The law defines “publication” as offering for distribution or actually distributing copies of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending. Publication has been interpreted by the courts as distribution to numerous individuals who are under no explicit or implicit restrictions with respect to the use of the contents. An informational text, such as this one, is published if it is distributed to the public, whether or not it is offered for sale. Generally, material is considered unpublished if it was not intended for public distribution or if only a few copies were created and distribution was limited.” So am I correct that pre-1923 family snapshots and studio portraits were not published, therefore this public domain law does not apply to them? What about commercial photographs that were made available to the public (as in advertised in city directories and newspapers)? I’ve had other lawyers tell me that these are in the public domain, but I can’t find much in writing about this topic. What about commercial photos that were made specifically for a client (say an architect or business), but never widely distributed? Thanks for your wonderful articles! Judy G. Russell on December 18, 2016 at 8:11 pm I can’t cross the line from general information into legal advice, so let me suggest that you take a look at the info on the Copyright Office website. It says: What is publication? Publication has a technical meaning in copyright law. According to the statute, “Publication is the distribution of copies or phonorecords of a work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending. The offering to distribute copies or phonorecords to a group of persons for purposes of further distribution, public performance, or public display constitutes publication. A public performance or display of a work does not of itself constitute publication.” Generally, publication occurs on the date on which copies of the work are first made available to the public. For further information see Circular 1, Copyright Basics, section “Publication.” Doris Waggoner on November 30, 2016 at 2:06 pm Thanks for the clarity on copyright. I do have one question, though. If the publication doesn’t say that it’s copyrighted, does any of this ever apply? Is the document in the public domain from the beginning? Or do the same date rules apply, presuming you can find out what they are? My gg grandfather wrote a book, in serial fashion, beginning in the 1870s, and while it’s dated, he doesn’t put a copyright on any of the sections. Clearly, by the dates, it’s out of copyright by now. But was it ever under copyright protection, since the dates of publication were known? Judy G. Russell on November 30, 2016 at 2:19 pm You know what the answer is: it depends! Review Dr. Hirtle’s chart at Cornell’s Copyright Center and look at the Works Registered or First Published in the U.S. section. John Sparrow on November 30, 2016 at 3:09 pm Sorry Judy, but I’m confused. Does not 1923 + 95 = 2018? It is confusing, John: the answer is that the 1998 statute (making it 95 years) didn’t become law until after those things published in 1922 and before had entered the public domain. The 1998 law wasn’t retroactive (it didn’t return things to copyright protection after it expired). So it’s still the law that everything published before 1923 is public domain, but for things published in 1923 and later, the longer term applies (and so we may get new things into the public domain starting again in 2019, assuming Congress doesn’t foul it up in the interim). Stephanie on November 30, 2016 at 4:40 pm The other question that comes up with regard to copyright concerns items that have been digitized. That is, if one scans (and publishes) a photograph that is currently in public domain, does the “clock” start over? Is it a new item? Derivative? Simply a reformat? I’ve seen all kinds of copyright claimed on scanned items whose originals are clearly published pre-1923. When the “new” item is merely a copy of the original, then, in general the courts have said there is no copyright in the reproduction because it lacks the necessary creativity to warrant copyright protection. See Bridgeman Art Library v. Corel Corp., 36 F. Supp. 2d 191 (S.D.N.Y. 1999) (no copyright for “substantially exact reproductions of public domain works, albeit in a different medium”) and Meshwerks v. Toyota, 528 F.3d 1258 (10th Cir. 2008). Leave a Reply to Judy G. Russell Cancel reply	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1630
__label__cc	0.667388	0.332612	TITLE I STATE SOVEREIGNTY AND MANAGEMENT SUBTITLE 5 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAPTER 15EDEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIESReferred to in 12C.6A, 15.106A, 15.106B 15E.1 Definition. 15E.2 through 15E.10 Reserved. CORPORATION FOR RECEIVING AND DISBURSING FUNDS 15E.11 Corporation for receiving and disbursing funds. 15E.14 Incorporators. 15E.15 Board of directors. 15E.16 Accepting grants in aid. REGULATORY INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE 15E.17 Regulatory information service. 15E.18 Site development consultations certificates of readiness. 15E.19 Regulatory assistance. 15E.20 Reserved. 15E.21 Iowa business resource centers. 15E.22 through 15E.24 Reserved. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS 15E.25 through 15E.29 Repealed by 2001 Acts, ch 61, §19. INVESTMENTS IN QUALIFYING BUSINESSES — TAX CREDIT 15E.41 Purpose. 15E.43 Investment tax credits. 15E.44 Qualifying businesses. 15E.45 Community-based seed capital funds. Repealed by 2015 Acts, ch 138, §124, 126, 127. 15E.46 Confidentiality reports. INNOVATION FUND INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT 15E.51 Venture capital fund investment tax credits. Repealed by 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §25, 26. 15E.52 Innovation fund investment tax credits. SUBCHAPTER VII CAPITAL INVESTMENT — IOWA FUND OF FUNDS 15E.61 Findings — purpose. 15E.63 Iowa capital investment board. 15E.64 Iowa capital investment corporation. 15E.65 Iowa fund of funds. 15E.66 Certificates and tax credits. 15E.67 Powers and effectiveness. 15E.68 Permissible investments. 15E.69 Enforcement. 15E.70 Financial statements — auditor of state. 15E.71 Executive council action. 15E.72 Program wind-up and future repeal. SUBCHAPTER VIII IOWA SEED CAPITAL CORPORATION 15E.86 President. Repealed by 98 Acts, ch 1225, §39. 15E.95 through 15E.105 Reserved. SUBCHAPTER IX IOWA EXPORT TRADING COMPANY 15E.106 through 15E.108 Repealed by 2001 Acts, ch 61, §19. 15E.109 and 15E.110 Reserved. SUBCHAPTER X VALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES — ASSISTANCE 15E.111 and 15E.112 Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8. 15E.113 through 15E.115 Reserved. SUBCHAPTER XI IOWA WINE AND BEER PROMOTION 15E.116 Iowa wine and beer promotion board. 15E.117 Promotion of Iowa wine and beer. SUBCHAPTER XII LOAN REPAYMENTS 15E.120 Loan repayments. Repealed by 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §24, 25. SUBCHAPTER XIII BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE 15E.131 through 15E.149 Repealed by 2007 Acts, ch 126, §114. SUBCHAPTER XIV SUBCHAPTER XV IOWA BUSINESS INVESTMENT CORPORATION SUBCHAPTER XVI PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE 15E.175 Physical infrastructure assistance program. Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8. SUBCHAPTER XVII IOWA CAPITAL INVESTMENT BOARD SUBCHAPTER XVIII 15E.191 through 15E.193 Repealed by Acts, ch , §. 15E.193A Alternative eligible business criteria. Repealed by 2002 Acts, ch 1145, §9. 15E.193B Eligible housing business. Repealed by 2014 Acts, ch 1130, §41. 15E.193C Eligible development business. Repealed by 2004 Acts, ch 1003, §11, 12. SUBCHAPTER XIX IOWA AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY FINANCE ACT 15E.201 Short title. 15E.202 Definitions. 15E.203 Findings — intent and purposes. 15E.204 Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — scope of powers and duties. 15E.205 Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — requirements. 15E.206 Formation of an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation. 15E.207 Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — guiding principles. 15E.208 Qualified corporations — Iowa agricultural industry finance loans. 15E.209 Financing provided by an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation. 15E.210 Obligations. 15E.211 Rules. SUBCHAPTER XX IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LOAN AND CREDIT GUARANTEE FUND 15E.221 through 15E.225 Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8. 15E.226 Reserved. 15E.227 Loan and credit guarantee fund. Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8. SUBCHAPTER XXI ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGIONS AND ENTERPRISE AREAS 15E.231 Economic development regions. 15E.232 Regional economic development financial assistance. 15E.233 Economic enterprise areas. SUBCHAPTER XXII ENDOW IOWA PROGRAM 15E.302 Purpose. 15E.304 Endow Iowa grants. 15E.305 Endow Iowa tax credit. 15E.306 Reports. Repealed by 2008 Acts, ch 1122, §16. SUBCHAPTER XXIII COUNTY ENDOWMENT FUND 15E.311 County endowment fund. SUBCHAPTER XXIV REGIONAL SPORTS AUTHORITY DISTRICTS 15E.321 Regional sports authority districts. SUBCHAPTER XXV BUSINESS ACCELERATORS 15E.351 Business accelerators. SUBCHAPTER XXVI SMALL BUSINESS DISASTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 15E.361 Small business disaster recovery financial assistance program. SUBCHAPTER XXVII ENTREPRENEUR INVESTMENT AWARDS PROGRAM 15E.362 Entrepreneur investment awards program. 15E.363 Entrepreneur investment awards program fund. SUBCHAPTER IGENERAL PROVISIONS15E.1Definition.As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, “authority” means the economic development authority created in section 15.105.2002 Acts, ch 1119, §6, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §57, 8915E.2 through 15E.10 SUBCHAPTER IICORPORATION FOR RECEIVING ANDDISBURSING FUNDS15E.11Corporation for receiving and disbursing funds.The Iowa development commission is hereby authorized to form a corporation under the provisions of chapter 504, Code 1989, for the purpose of receiving and disbursing funds from public or private sources to be used to further the overall development and well-being of the state.[C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §28.11]C93, §15E.112003 Acts, ch 108, §7Referred to in 15.108, 15E.14, 15E.15, 15E.1615E.12 and 15E.13 15E.14Incorporators.The incorporators of the corporation formed under sections 15E.11, 15E.15 and 15E.16, shall be:1. The chairperson of the Iowa development commission.2. The director of the Iowa development commission.3. A member of the Iowa development commission selected by the chairperson.[C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §28.14]C93, §15E.14Referred to in 15.108, 15E.15, 15E.1615E.15Board of directors.The board of directors of the corporation formed under sections 15E.11, 15E.14 and 15E.16 shall be the members of the Iowa development commission or their successors in office.[C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §28.15]C93, §15E.15Referred to in 15.108, 15E.14, 15E.1615E.16Accepting grants in aid.The corporation formed under sections 15E.11, 15E.14 and 15E.15 is hereby authorized to accept grants of money or property from the federal government or any other source and may upon its own order use its money, property or other resources for any of the purposes herein.[C66, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, §28.16]C93, §15E.16Referred to in 15.108, 15E.14, 15E.15SUBCHAPTER IIIREGULATORY INFORMATION ANDASSISTANCE15E.17Regulatory information service.1. The economic development authority shall provide a regulatory information service. The purpose of the service shall be to provide a center of information where a person interested in establishing a commercial facility or engaging in a commercial activity may be informed of any registration, license, or other approval of a state regulatory agency that is required for that facility or activity or of the existence of standards, criteria, or requirements which the laws of this state require that facility or activity to meet.2. Each state agency which requires a permit, license, or other regulatory approval or maintains standards or criteria with which an activity or facility must comply shall inform the economic development authority of the following:a. The activity or facility that is subject to regulation.b. The existence of any threshold levels which would exempt the activity or facility from regulation.c. The nature of the regulatory program.d. The amount of any fees.e. How to apply for any permits or regulatory approvals.f. A brief statement of the purpose of requiring the permit or regulatory approval or requiring compliance with the standards or criteria.3. Each state agency shall promptly inform the economic development authority of any changes in the information provided under subsection 2 or the establishment of a new regulatory program. The information provided to or disseminated by the authority shall not be binding upon the regulatory program of a state agency; however, a person shall not be subject to the imposition of a penalty for failure to comply with a regulatory program if the person demonstrates that the person relied upon information provided by the authority indicating compliance was not required and either ceases the activity upon notification by the regulatory agency or brings the activity or facility into compliance.4. Subsections 2 and 3 do not apply to the following:a. The utilities division of the department of commerce insofar as the information relates to public utilities.b. The banking division of the department of commerce.c. The credit union division of the department of commerce.[1982 Acts, ch 1099, §1]28.1715E.172008 Acts, ch 1031, §14, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §85, 89Referred to in 15.10815E.18Site development consultations certificates of readiness.1.a. The authority shall consult with local governments and local economic development officials in regard to site development techniques. For purposes of this section, “site development techniques” include environmental evaluations, property and wetland delineation, and historical evaluations.b. The authority may charge a fee for providing site development consultations. The fee shall not exceed the reasonable cost to the authority of providing the consultations. The amount of any fees collected by the authority shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.2.a. A local government or local economic development official involved with the development of a site may apply to the authority for a certificate of readiness verifying that the site is ready for development.b. The authority shall develop criteria for evaluating various types of sites in order to determine whether a particular site is ready for development based on the site’s individual circumstances and the economic development goals of the applicant.c. The authority shall review applications for certificates of readiness and may issue a certificate of readiness to any site that meets the criteria developed under paragraph “b”.3. The authority shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A for the implementation of this section.2003 Acts, ch 158, §1, Acts, ch , § Acts, ch , §2010 Acts, ch 1184, §36, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 8915E.19Regulatory assistance.1. The economic development authority shall coordinate all regulatory assistance for the state of Iowa. Each state agency administering regulatory programs for business shall maintain a coordinator within the office of the director or the administrative division of the state agency. Each coordinator shall do all of the following:a. Serve as the state agency’s primary contact for regulatory affairs with the economic development authority.b. Provide information regarding regulatory requirements to businesses and represent the state agency to the private sector.c. Monitor permit applications and provide timely permit status information to the economic development authority.d. Require regulatory staff participation in negotiations and discussions with businesses.e. Notify the economic development authority regarding proposed rulemaking activities that impact a regulatory program and any subsequent changes to a regulatory program.2. The economic development authority shall, in consultation with the coordinators described in this section, examine, and to the extent permissible, assist in the implementation of methods, including the possible establishment of an electronic database, to streamline the process for issuing permits to business.2005 Acts, ch 150, §7, 2008 Acts, ch 1122, §12, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §85, 8915E.20 Reserved.15E.21Iowa business resource centers.The authority shall establish an Iowa business resource center program for purposes of locating Iowa business resource centers in the state. The authority shall partner with another entity wanting to assist with economic growth and establish an Iowa business resource center. Operational duties of a center shall focus on providing information and referrals to entrepreneurs and businesses. Operational duties of a center shall be determined pursuant to a memorandum of agreement between the authority and the other entity.2005 Acts, ch 150, §8, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 8915E.22 through 15E.24 SUBCHAPTER IVLOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS15E.25 through 15E.29 15E.30 through 15E.40 SUBCHAPTER VINVESTMENTS IN QUALIFYINGBUSINESSES — TAX CREDITReferred to in 2.4815E.41Purpose.The purpose of this subchapter is to stimulate job growth, create wealth, and accelerate the creation of new ventures by using investment tax credits to incentivize the transfer of capital from investors to entrepreneurs, particularly during early-stage growth.2002 Acts, ch 1006, §1, 13, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §109, 126, 127, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76 2015 amendment takes effect July 2, 2015, and applies to equity investments made in a qualifying business on or after that date; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §126, 127 15E.42Definitions.For purposes of this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:1. “Affiliate” means a spouse, child, or sibling of an investor or a corporation, partnership, or trust in which an investor has a controlling equity interest or in which an investor exercises management control.2. “Authority” means the economic development authority created in section 15.105.3. “Entrepreneurial assistance program” includes the entrepreneur investment awards program administered under section 15E.362, the receipt of services from a service provider engaged pursuant to section 15.411, subsection 1, or the program administered under section 15.411, subsection 2.4. “Investor” means a person making a cash investment in a qualifying business. “Investor” does not include a person that holds at least a seventy percent ownership interest as an owner, member, or shareholder in a qualifying business.5. “Qualifying business” means a business meeting the criteria defined in section 15E.44.2002 Acts, ch 1006, §2, 13, 2002 Acts, ch 1175, §75, 2003 Acts, ch 108, §8, 2003 Acts, ch 179, §95, 159, 2004 Acts, ch 1148, §1, 7, 2011 Acts, ch 130, §37, 46, 47, 71, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §110 – 112, 126, 127, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76 2015 amendments take effect July 2, 2015, and apply to equity investments made in a qualifying business on or after that date; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §126, 127 15E.43Investment tax credits.1.a. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2015, a tax credit shall be allowed against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and in chapter 432, and against the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329, for a portion of a taxpayer’s equity investment, as provided in subsection 2, in a qualifying business.b. An individual may claim a tax credit under this section of a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust electing to have income taxed directly to the individual. The amount claimed by the individual shall be based upon the pro rata share of the individual’s earnings from the partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust.c. A tax credit shall be allowed only for an investment made in the form of cash to purchase equity in a qualifying business.d. For a tax credit claimed against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, division II, any tax credit in excess of the tax liability is refundable. In lieu of claiming a refund, the taxpayer may elect to have the overpayment shown on the taxpayer’s final, completed return credited to the tax liability for the following tax year. For a tax credit claimed against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, divisions III and V, and in chapter 432, and against the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329, any tax credit in excess of the taxpayer’s liability for the tax year may be credited to the tax liability for the following three years or until depleted, whichever is earlier. A tax credit shall not be carried back to a tax year prior to the tax year in which the taxpayer redeems the tax credit.2.a. The amount of the tax credit shall equal twenty-five percent of the taxpayer’s equity investment.b. The maximum amount of a tax credit that may be issued per calendar year to a natural person and the person’s spouse or dependent shall not exceed one hundred thousand dollars combined. For purposes of this paragraph, a tax credit issued to a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust electing to have income taxed directly to the individual shall be deemed to be issued to the individual owners based upon the pro rata share of the individual’s earnings from the entity. For purposes of this paragraph, “dependent” has the same meaning as provided by the Internal Revenue Code.c. The maximum amount of tax credits that may be issued per calendar year for equity investments in any one qualifying business shall not exceed five hundred thousand dollars.3. An investment shall be deemed to have been made on the same date as the date of acquisition of the equity interest as determined by the Internal Revenue Code. 4. The authority shall not issue tax credits under this section in excess of the amount approved by the authority for any one fiscal year pursuant to section 15.119.5. A tax credit shall not be transferred to any other person.6. The authority shall develop a system for registration and issuance of tax credits authorized pursuant to this subchapter and shall control distribution of all tax credit certificates to investors pursuant to this subchapter. The authority shall develop rules for the qualification and administration of qualifying businesses. The department of revenue shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A as necessary for the administration of this subchapter.2002 Acts, ch 1006, §3, 13, 2002 Acts, ch 1175, §76, 2003 Acts, ch 145, §286, 2003 Acts, ch 179, §96, 97, 159, 2004 Acts, ch 1148, §2, 7, 2005 Acts, ch 157, §1, 2007 Acts, ch 174, §83, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2011 Acts, ch 130, §38, 46, 47, 71, 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §1 – 3, 8, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §113 – 115, 126, 127, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15.119, 15E.44, 422.11F, 422.33, 422.60, 432.12C, 533.329 2015 amendments take effect July 2, 2015, and apply to equity investments in a qualifying business made on or after that date; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §126, 127 15E.44Qualifying businesses.1. In order for an equity investment to qualify for a tax credit, the business in which the equity investment is made shall, within one hundred twenty days of the date of the first investment, notify the authority of the names, addresses, shares issued, consideration paid for the shares, and the amount of any tax credits, of all shareholders who may initially qualify for the tax credits. The list of shareholders who may qualify for the tax credits shall be amended as new equity investments are sold or as any information on the list shall change.2. In order to be a qualifying business, a business must meet all of the following criteria:a. The principal business operations of the business are located in this state.b. The business has been in operation for six years or less.c. The business is participating in an entrepreneurial assistance program. The authority may waive this requirement if a business establishes that its owners, directors, officers, and employees have an appropriate level of experience such that participation in an entrepreneurial assistance program would not materially change the prospects of the business. The authority may consult with outside service providers in consideration of such a waiver.d. The business is not a business engaged primarily in retail sales, real estate, or the provision of health care or other services that require a professional license.e. The business shall not have a net worth that exceeds ten million dollars.f. The business shall have secured all of the following at the time of application for tax credits:(1) At least two investors.(2) Total equity financing, binding investment commitments, or some combination thereof, equal to at least five hundred thousand dollars, from investors. For purposes of this subparagraph, “investor” includes a person who executes a binding investment commitment to a business.3. A qualifying business shall have the burden of proof to demonstrate to the authority its qualifications under this section, and shall have the obligation to notify the authority in a timely manner of any changes in the qualifications of the business or in the eligibility of investors to redeem the investment tax credits in any tax year.4. After verifying the eligibility of a qualifying business, the authority shall issue a tax credit certificate to be included with the equity investor’s tax return. The tax credit certificate shall contain the taxpayer’s name, address, tax identification number, the amount of credit, the name of the qualifying business, and other information required by the department of revenue. The tax credit certificate, unless rescinded by the authority, shall be accepted by the department of revenue as payment for taxes imposed pursuant to chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and in chapter 432, and for the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329, subject to any conditions or restrictions placed by the authority upon the face of the tax credit certificate and subject to the limitations of section 15E.43.2002 Acts, ch 1006, §4, 13, 2003 Acts, ch 145, §286, 2004 Acts, ch 1148, §3, 7, 2005 Acts, ch 157, §2, 2007 Acts, ch 174, §84, 2007 Acts, ch 186, §1, 2011 Acts, ch 130, §39, 46, 47, 71, 2014 Acts, ch 1093, §5, 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §4, 5, 8, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §116, 117, 126, 128Referred to in 15E.42, 15E.52 2015 amendments to subsection 2 take effect July 2, 2015, and apply to businesses submitting applications to the economic development authority on or after that date to be registered as a qualifying business; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §126, 128 15E.45Community-based seed capital funds.Repealed by 2015 Acts, ch 138, §124, 126, 127.15E.46 Confidentiality reports.1. Except as provided in subsection 2, all information or records in the possession of the authority with respect to this subchapter shall be presumed by the authority to be a trade secret protected under chapter 550 or common law and shall be kept confidential by the authority unless otherwise ordered by a court.2. All of the following shall be considered public information under chapter 22:a. The identity of a qualifying business.b. The identity of an investor and the qualifying business in which the investor made an equity investment.c. The number of tax credit certificates issued by the authority.d. The total dollar amount of tax credits issued by the authority.3. The authority shall publish an annual report of the activities conducted pursuant to this subchapter and shall submit the report to the governor and the general assembly. The report shall include a listing of eligible qualifying businesses and the number of tax credit certificates and the amount of tax credits issued by the authority.2002 Acts, ch 1006, §6, 13, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §118, 126, 127, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76 15E.47 through 15E.50 SUBCHAPTER VIINNOVATION FUND INVESTMENT TAX CREDIT15E.51Venture capital fund investment tax credits.Repealed by 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §25, 26.15E.52Innovation fund investment tax credits.1. For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise requires:a. “Board” means the same as defined in section 15.102.b. “Innovation fund” means one or more early-stage capital funds certified by the board.c. “Innovative business” means a business applying novel or original methods to the manufacture of a product or the delivery of a service. “Innovative business” includes but is not limited to a business engaged in the industries of advanced manufacturing, biosciences, and information technology.2.a. A tax credit shall be allowed against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and in chapter 432, and against the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329, for a portion of a taxpayer’s equity investment in the form of cash in an innovation fund.b. An individual may claim a tax credit under this section of a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust electing to have income taxed directly to the individual. The amount claimed by the individual shall be based upon the pro rata share of the individual’s earnings from the partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust.3. The amount of a tax credit allowed under this section shall equal twenty-five percent of the taxpayer’s equity investment in an innovation fund.4. A taxpayer shall not claim a tax credit under this section if the taxpayer is a venture capital investment fund allocation manager for the Iowa fund of funds created in section 15E.65 or an investor that receives a tax credit for the same investment in a qualifying business as described in section 15E.44 or in a community-based seed capital fund as described in section 15E.45, Code 2015.5.a. To receive a tax credit, a taxpayer must submit an application to the board. The board shall issue certificates under this section on a first-come, first-served basis, which certificates may be redeemed for tax credits. The board shall issue such certificates so that not more than the amount allocated for such tax credits under section 15.119, subsection 2, may be claimed. The board shall not issue a certificate before September 1, 2014.b. If in a fiscal year the aggregate amount of tax credits applied for exceeds the amount allocated for that fiscal year under section 15.119, subsection 2, the board shall establish a wait list for certificates. Applications that were approved but for which certificates were not issued shall be placed on the wait list in the order the applications were received by the board and shall be given priority for receiving certificates in succeeding fiscal years.c. The board shall not issue a certificate to a taxpayer for an equity investment in an innovation fund until such fund has been certified as an innovation fund pursuant to subsection 7.d. The board shall, in cooperation with the department of revenue, establish criteria and procedures for the allocation and issuance of tax credits by means of certificates issued by the board. The criteria shall include the contingencies that must be met for a certificate to be redeemable in order to receive a tax credit. The procedures established by the board, in cooperation with the department of revenue, shall relate to the procedures for the issuance and transfer of the certificates and for the redemption of a certificate and related tax credit. e. A certificate and related tax credit issued pursuant to this section shall be deemed a vested right of the original holder or any transferee thereof, and the state shall not cause either to be redeemed in such a way that amends or rescinds the certificate or that curtails, limits, or withdraws the related tax credit, except as otherwise provided in this section or upon consent of the proper holder. A certificate issued pursuant to this section cannot pledge the credit of the state and any such certificate so pledged to secure the debt of the original holder or a transferee shall not constitute a contract binding the state.6. Any tax credit in excess of the taxpayer’s liability for the tax year may be credited to the tax liability for the following five years or until depleted, whichever is earlier. A tax credit shall not be carried back to a tax year prior to the tax year in which the taxpayer claims the tax credit.7. An innovation fund shall submit an application for certification to the board. The board shall approve the application and certify the innovation fund if all of the following criteria are met:a. The fund is organized for the purposes of making investments in promising early-stage companies which have a principal place of business in the state.b. The fund proposes to make investments in innovative businesses.c. The fund seeks to secure private funding sources for investment in such businesses.d. The fund proposes to provide multiple rounds of funding and early-stage private sector funding to innovative businesses with a high growth potential, and proposes to focus such funding on innovative businesses that show a potential to produce commercially viable products or services within a reasonable period of time.e. The fund proposes to evaluate all prospective innovative businesses using a rigorous approach and proposes to collaborate and coordinate with the authority and other state and local entities in an effort to achieve policy consistency.f. The fund proposes to collaborate with the regents institutions of this state and to leverage relationships with such institutions in order to potentially commercialize research developed at those institutions.g. The fund proposes to obtain at least fifteen million dollars in binding investment commitments and to invest a minimum of fifteen million dollars in companies that have a principal place of business in the state.8. The board shall not certify an innovation fund after June 30, 2023.9. An innovation fund shall collect and provide to the board the information required in subsection 10, paragraphs “e” and “f”, in the manner and form prescribed by the board. An innovation fund failing to comply with this subsection may have its certification revoked by the board.10. On or before January 31 of each year, the board, in cooperation with the department of revenue, shall submit to the general assembly and the governor a report describing the activities of the innovation funds during the preceding fiscal year. The report shall at a minimum include the following information:a. The amount of tax credit certificates issued to equity investors in each innovation fund.b. The amount of approved tax credit applications that were placed on the wait list for certificates.c. The amount of tax credits claimed.d. The amount of tax credits transferred to other persons.e. The amount of investments in each innovation fund.f. For each investment by an innovation fund in a business:(1) The amount of the investment.(2) The name and industry of the business.(3) The location or locations from which the business operates.(4) The number of employees of the business located in Iowa and the number of employees of the business located outside Iowa on the date of the initial investment by the innovation fund in the business.(5) The number of employees of the business located in Iowa and the number of employees of the business located outside Iowa at the close of the fiscal year which is the subject of the report.11. Tax credit certificates issued pursuant to this section may be transferred, in whole or in part, to any person. A tax credit certificate shall only be transferred once. Within ninety days of transfer, the transferee shall submit the transferred tax credit certificate to the department of revenue along with a statement containing the transferee’s name, tax identification number, and address, the denomination that each replacement tax credit certificate is to carry, and any other information required by the department of revenue.12. Within thirty days of receiving the transferred tax credit certificate and the transferee’s statement, the department of revenue shall issue one or more replacement tax credit certificates to the transferee. Each replacement tax credit certificate must contain the information required for the original tax credit certificate. A replacement tax credit certificate may designate a different tax than the tax designated on the original tax credit certificate. A tax credit shall not be claimed by a transferee under this section until a replacement tax credit certificate identifying the transferee as the proper holder has been issued.13. The transferee may use the amount of the tax credit transferred against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and in chapter 432, and against the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329, for any tax year the original transferor could have claimed the tax credit. Any consideration received for the transfer of the tax credit shall not be included as income under chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V. Any consideration paid for the transfer of the tax credit shall not be deducted from income under chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V.2011 Acts, ch 118, §23, 36, 89, 2011 Acts, ch 130, §40, 47, 71, 2012 Acts, ch 1126, §33, 2013 Acts, ch 117, §2 – 8, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §119, 126, 127, 2018 Acts, ch 1161, §30, 43Referred to in 2.48, 15.119, 15.410, 422.11Z, 422.33, 422.60, 432.12M, 511.8, 515.35, 533.329 2015 amendment to subsection 4 takes effect July 2, 2015, and applies to equity investments in a qualifying business made on or after that date; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §126, 127 15E.53 through 15E.60 SUBCHAPTER VIICAPITAL INVESTMENT— IOWA FUND OF FUNDSReferred to in 2.48, 502.10215E.61Findings — purpose.1. The general assembly finds the following: Fundamental changes have occurred in national and international financial markets and in the financial markets of this state. A critical shortage of seed and venture capital resources exists in the state, and such shortage is impairing the growth of commerce in the state. A need exists to increase the availability of venture equity capital for emerging, expanding, and restructuring enterprises in Iowa, including, without limitation, enterprises in the life sciences, advanced manufacturing, information technology, alternative and renewable energy including the alternative and renewable energy sectors listed in section 476.42, subsection 1, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (1), and value-added agriculture areas. Such investments will create jobs for Iowans and will help to diversify the state’s economic base.2. This subchapter is enacted to fulfill the following purposes:a. To mobilize private investment in a broad variety of venture capital partnerships in diversified industries and locales.b. To retain the private-sector culture of focusing on rate of return in the investing process.c. To secure the services of the best managers in the venture capital industry, regardless of location.d. To facilitate the organization of the Iowa fund of funds in which to seek such private investment and to create interest in such investments by offering state incentives for private persons to make investments in the Iowa fund of funds.e. To enhance the venture capital culture and infrastructure in the state of Iowa so as to increase venture capital investment within the state and to promote venture capital investing within Iowa.f. To accomplish these purposes in such a manner as to minimize any appropriations by the state of Iowa.g. To effectuate specific, measurable results, including all of the following:(1) The creation of three new venture capital fund offices in Iowa within three years of February 28, 2002.(2) The investment of resources from the Iowa fund of funds in Iowa businesses within three years of February 28, 2002.(3) A cumulative rate of return on venture investments of the Iowa fund of funds equal to a minimum of one and one-half percentage points above the ten-year treasury bill rate in effect at the end of five years following February 28, 2002.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §1, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2006 Acts, ch 1142, §16, 2008 Acts, ch 1032, §201, 2011 Acts, ch 25, §127, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.6315E.62Definitions.As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:1. “Board” means the Iowa capital investment board created in section 15E.63.2. “Certificate” means a contract between the board and a designated investor pursuant to which a tax credit is available and issued to the designated investor.3. “Creditor” means a person, including an assignee of or successor to such person, who extends credit or makes a loan to the Iowa fund of funds or to a designated investor, and includes any person who refinances such credit or loan.4. “Designated investor” means a person, other than the Iowa capital investment corporation, who purchases an equity interest in the Iowa fund of funds or a transferee of a certificate or tax credit.5. “Fund documents” means all agreements relating to matters under the purview of this subchapter VII entered into prior to June 20, 2013, between or among the state, the Iowa fund of funds, a fund allocation manager or similar manager, the Iowa capital investment corporation, the board, a creditor, a designated investor, and a private seed or venture capital partnership, and includes other documents having the same force and effect between or among such parties, as any of the foregoing may be amended, modified, restated, or replaced from time to time.6. “Iowa capital investment corporation” means a private, nonprofit corporation created pursuant to section 15E.64.7. “Iowa fund of funds” means a private, for-profit limited partnership or limited liability company established by the Iowa capital investment corporation pursuant to section 15E.65 in which a designated investor purchases an equity interest.8. “Tax credit” means a contingent tax credit issued pursuant to section 15E.66 that is available against tax liabilities imposed by chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and by chapter 432 and against the moneys and credits tax imposed by section 533.329.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §2, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2007 Acts, ch 174, §87, 2013 Acts, ch 140, §129, 132, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 511.8, 515.3515E.63Iowa capital investment board.1. The Iowa capital investment board is created as a state governmental board and the exercise by the board of powers conferred by this subchapter shall be deemed and held to be the performance of essential public purposes. The purpose of the board shall be to mobilize venture equity capital for investment in such a manner that will result in a significant potential to create jobs and to diversify and stabilize the economy of the state.2. The board shall consist of five voting members and four nonvoting advisory members who are members of the general assembly. Members shall be selected based upon demonstrated expertise and competence in the supervision of investment managers, in the fiduciary management of investment funds, or in the management and administration of tax credit allocation programs. Members shall not have an interest in any person to whom a tax credit is allocated and issued by the board.a. The five voting members shall be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate pursuant to section 2.32. One nonvoting member shall be appointed by the majority leader of the senate after consultation with the president of the senate and one nonvoting member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate. One nonvoting member shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives after consultation with the majority leader of the house of representatives and one nonvoting member shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives.b. The five voting members shall be appointed to five-year staggered terms that shall be structured to allow the term of one member to expire each year. The nonvoting members shall serve terms as provided in section 69.16B. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the appointment of the original members.c. Members shall be compensated by the board for direct expenses and mileage but members shall not receive a director’s fee, per diem, or salary for service on the board.3. The board shall have the power to engage consultants, expend funds, invest funds, contract, bond or insure against loss, or perform any other act necessary to carry out its purpose, provided, however, that the board shall not hire employees.4. Members of the board shall be indemnified against loss to the broadest extent permissible under chapter 669.5. Meetings of the board shall, except to the extent necessary to protect confidential information with respect to investments in the Iowa fund of funds, be subject to chapter 21.6. The board shall, in cooperation with the department of revenue, establish criteria and procedures for the allocation and issuance of tax credits to designated investors by means of certificates issued by the board. The criteria shall include the contingencies that must be met for a certificate to be redeemable by a designated investor or transferee in order to receive a tax credit. The contingencies to redemption shall be tied to the scheduled rates of return of equity interests purchased by designated investors in the Iowa fund of funds. The procedures established by the board, in cooperation with the department of revenue, shall relate to the procedures for the issuance of the certificates and the related tax credits, for the transfer of a certificate and related tax credit by a designated investor, and for the redemption of a certificate and related tax credit by a designated investor or transferee. The board shall also establish criteria and procedures for assessing the likelihood of future certificate redemptions by designated investors and transferees, including, without limitation, criteria and procedures for evaluating the value of investments made by the Iowa fund of funds and the returns from the Iowa fund of funds.7. Pursuant to section 15E.66, the board shall issue certificates which may be redeemable for tax credits to provide incentives to designated investors to make equity investments in the Iowa fund of funds. The board shall issue the certificates so that not more than twenty million dollars of tax credits may be initially redeemable in any fiscal year. The board shall indicate on the tax certificate the principal amount of the tax credit and the date or dates on which the credit may be first claimed.8. The board may charge a placement fee to the Iowa fund of funds with respect to the issuance of a certificate and related tax credit to a designated investor, but the fee shall be charged only to pay for reasonable and necessary costs of the board and shall not exceed one-half of one percent of the equity investment of the designated investor.9. The board shall, in consultation with the Iowa capital investment corporation, publish an annual report of the activities conducted by the Iowa fund of funds, and present the report to the governor and the general assembly. The annual report shall include a copy of the audit of the Iowa fund of funds and a valuation of the assets of the Iowa fund of funds, review the progress of the investment fund allocation manager in implementing its investment plan, and describe any redemption or transfer of a certificate issued pursuant to this subchapter, provided, however, that the annual report shall not identify any specific designated investor who has redeemed or transferred a certificate. Every five years, the board shall publish a progress report which shall evaluate the progress of the state of Iowa in accomplishing the purposes stated in section 15E.61.10. The board shall redeem a certificate submitted to the board by a designated investor and shall calculate the amount of the allowable tax credit based upon the investment returns received by the designated investor and its predecessors in interest and the provisions of the certificate. Upon submission of a certificate for redemption, the board shall issue a verification to the department of revenue setting forth the maximum tax credit which may be claimed by the designated investor with respect to the redemption of the certificate.11. The board shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A necessary to administer the duties of the board.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §3, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2003 Acts, ch 145, §286, 2005 Acts, ch 7, §1, 4, 2008 Acts, ch 1156, §18, 58, 2009 Acts, ch 41, §16, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.6215E.64Iowa capital investment corporation.1. An Iowa capital investment corporation may be organized as a private, not-for-profit corporation under chapter 504. The Iowa capital investment corporation is not a public corporation or instrumentality of the state and shall not enjoy any of the privileges and shall not be required to comply with the requirements of a state agency. Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, this subchapter does not exempt the corporation from the requirements under state law which apply to other corporations organized under chapter 504. The purposes of an Iowa capital investment corporation shall be to organize the Iowa fund of funds, to select a venture capital investment fund allocation manager to select venture capital fund investments by the Iowa fund of funds, to negotiate the terms of a contract with the venture capital investment fund allocation manager, to execute the contract with the selected venture capital investment fund allocation manager on behalf of the Iowa fund of funds, to receive investment returns from the Iowa fund of funds, and to reinvest the investment returns in additional venture capital investments designed to result in a significant potential to create jobs and to diversify and stabilize the economy of the state. The corporation shall not exercise governmental functions and shall not have members. The obligations of the corporation are not obligations of this state or any political subdivision of this state within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitations, but are obligations of the corporation payable solely and only from the corporation’s funds. The corporation shall not and cannot pledge the credit or taxing power of this state or any political subdivision of this state or make its debts payable out of any moneys except those of the corporation.2. To facilitate the organization of an Iowa capital investment corporation, both of the following persons shall serve as incorporators as provided in section 504.201:a. The chairperson of the economic development authority board or a designee of the chairperson.b. The director of the economic development authority or a designee of the director.3. After incorporation, the initial board of directors shall be elected by the members of an appointment committee. The members of the appointment committee shall be appointed by the economic development authority. The initial board of directors shall consist of five members. The persons elected to the initial board of directors by the appointment committee shall include persons who have an expertise in the areas of the selection and supervision of investment managers or in the fiduciary management of investment funds, and other areas of expertise as deemed appropriate by the appointment committee. After the election of the initial board of directors, vacancies in the board of directors of the corporation shall be elected by the remaining directors of the corporation. Members of the board of directors shall be subject to any restrictions on conflicts of interest specified in the organizational documents and shall have no interest in any venture capital investment fund allocation manager selected by the corporation pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter or in any investments made by the Iowa fund of funds.4. The members of the appointment committee shall exercise due care to assure that persons elected to the initial board of directors have the requisite financial experience necessary in order to carry out the duties of the corporation as established in this subchapter, including in areas related to venture capital investment, investment management, and supervision of investment managers and investment funds.5. Upon the election of the initial board of directors, the terms of the members of the appointment committee shall expire.6. The economic development authority shall assist the incorporators and the appointment committee in any manner determined necessary and appropriate by the incorporators and appointment committee in order to administer this section.7. After incorporation, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall conduct a national solicitation for investment plan proposals from qualified venture capital investment fund allocation managers for the raising and investing of capital by the Iowa fund of funds in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter. Any proposed investment plan shall address the applicant’s level of experience, quality of management, investment philosophy and process, probability of success in fund-raising, prior investment fund results, and plan for achieving the purposes of this subchapter. The selected venture capital investment fund allocation manager shall be a person with substantial, successful experience in the design, implementation, and management of seed and venture capital investment programs and in capital formation. The corporation shall only select a venture capital investment fund allocation manager with demonstrated expertise in the management and fund allocation of investments in venture capital funds. The corporation shall select the venture capital investment fund allocation manager deemed best qualified to generate the amount of capital required by this subchapter and to invest the capital of the Iowa fund of funds.8. The Iowa capital investment corporation may charge a management fee on assets under management in the Iowa fund of funds. The fee shall be in addition to any fee charged to the Iowa fund of funds by the venture capital investment fund allocation manager selected by the corporation, but the fee shall be charged only to pay for reasonable and necessary costs of the Iowa capital investment corporation and shall not exceed one-half of one percent per year of the value of assets under management.9. Directors of the Iowa capital investment corporation shall be compensated for direct expenses and mileage but shall not receive a director’s fee or salary for service as directors.10. The Iowa capital investment corporation shall have the power to engage consultants, expend funds, invest funds, contract, bond or insure against loss, or perform any other act necessary to carry out its purpose. However, the corporation shall not hire staff as employees except to administer the rural and small business loan guarantee program of the Iowa fund of funds.11. Upon the dissolution of the Iowa fund of funds, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall be liquidated and dissolved, and any assets owned by the corporation shall be distributed to the state of Iowa and deposited in the general fund.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §4, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2002 Acts, ch 1175, §77, 2004 Acts, ch 1049, §181, 191, 192, 2004 Acts, ch 1175, §393, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §58, 59, 84, 85, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1021, §18, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.62, 15E.65, 15E.7215E.65Iowa fund of funds.1. The Iowa capital investment corporation shall organize the Iowa fund of funds. The Iowa fund of funds shall be authorized to make investments in private seed and venture capital partnerships or entities in a manner which will encourage the availability of a wide variety of venture capital in the state, strengthen the economy of the state, help business in Iowa gain access to sources of capital, help build a significant, permanent source of capital available to serve the needs of Iowa businesses, and accomplish all these benefits in a way that minimizes the use of tax credits.2. The Iowa capital investment corporation shall organize the Iowa fund of funds in the following manner:a. The Iowa fund of funds shall be organized as a private, for-profit, limited partnership or limited liability company under Iowa law pursuant to which the Iowa capital investment corporation shall be the general partner or manager. The entity shall be organized so as to provide for equity interests for designated investors which provide for a designated scheduled rate of return. The interest of the Iowa capital investment corporation in the Iowa fund of funds shall be to serve as general partner or manager and to be paid a management fee for the service as provided in section 15E.64, subsection 8, and to receive investment returns of the Iowa fund of funds in excess of those payable to designated investors. Any returns in excess of those payable to designated investors shall be reinvested by the Iowa capital investment corporation by being held in the Iowa fund of funds as a revolving fund for reinvestment in venture capital funds or investments until the termination of the Iowa fund of funds. Any returns received from these reinvestments shall be deposited in the revolving fund.b. The Iowa fund of funds shall principally make investments in high-quality venture capital funds managed by investment managers who have made a commitment to consider equity investments in businesses located within the state of Iowa and which have committed to maintain a physical presence within the state of Iowa. The investments by the Iowa fund of funds shall be focused principally on partnership interests in private venture capital funds and not in direct investments in individual businesses. The Iowa fund of funds shall invest in venture capital funds with experienced managers or management teams with demonstrated expertise and a successful history in the investment of venture capital funds. The Iowa fund of funds may invest in newly created venture capital funds as long as the managers or management teams of the funds have the experience, expertise, and a successful history in the investment of venture capital funds described in this paragraph.c. The Iowa fund of funds shall establish and administer a program to provide loan guarantees and other related credit enhancements on loans to rural and small business borrowers within the state of Iowa. The Iowa fund of funds shall invest five percent of its assets in investments for this program.d. The Iowa fund of funds shall have the power to engage consultants, expend funds, invest funds, contract, bond or insure against loss, or perform any other act necessary to carry out its purpose, including, without limitation, engaging and agreeing to compensate a venture capital investment fund allocation manager. Such compensation shall be in addition to the management fee paid to the Iowa capital investment corporation. However, the Iowa fund of funds shall not hire employees except to administer its rural and small business loan guarantee and credit enhancement program.e. The Iowa fund of funds may issue debt and borrow such funds as may be needed to accomplish its goals. However, such debt shall not be secured by tax credits issued by the board. The Iowa fund of funds may open and manage bank and short-term investment accounts as deemed necessary by the venture capital investment fund allocation manager.f. The Iowa fund of funds may expend moneys to secure investment ratings for investments by designated investors in the Iowa fund of funds.g. Each calendar year, the auditor of state shall conduct an annual audit of the activities of the Iowa fund of funds or shall engage an independent auditor to conduct the audit, provided that the independent auditor has no business, contractual, or other connection to the Iowa capital investment corporation or the Iowa fund of funds. The corporation shall reimburse the auditor of state for costs associated with the annual audit. The audit shall be delivered to the Iowa capital investment corporation and the board each year and shall include a valuation of the assets owned by the Iowa fund of funds as of the end of each year.h. As soon as practicable after June 20, 2013, the Iowa capital investment corporation, in conjunction with the department of revenue, the board, and the attorney general, shall wind up the Iowa fund of funds pursuant to section 15E.72 and shall cause the Iowa fund of funds to be liquidated with all of its assets distributed to its owners in accordance with the provisions of its organizational documents and in accordance with the fund documents. In liquidating such assets, the capital investment corporation, the department of revenue, the board, and the attorney general shall act with prudence and caution in order to minimize costs and fees and to preserve investment assets to the extent reasonably possible.i. Upon the liquidation of the Iowa fund of funds, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall file a report with the general assembly stating how many jobs in this state were created through investments made by the Iowa fund of funds.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §5, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2005 Acts, ch 7, §2, 4, 2013 Acts, ch 140, §130, 132Referred to in 15E.52, 15E.62, 15E.7215E.66Certificates and tax credits.1. The board may issue certificates and related tax credits to designated investors which, if redeemed for the maximum possible amount, shall not exceed a total aggregate of sixty million dollars of tax credits. The certificates shall be issued contemporaneously with a commitment to invest in the Iowa fund of funds by a designated investor. A certificate issued by the board shall have a specific maturity date or dates designated by the board and shall be redeemable only in accordance with the contingencies reflected on the certificate or incorporated therein by reference. A certificate and the related tax credit shall be transferable by the designated investor. A tax credit shall not be claimed or redeemed except by a designated investor or transferee in accordance with the terms of a certificate from the board. A tax credit shall not be claimed for a tax year that begins earlier than the maturity date or dates stated on the certificate. An individual may claim the credit of a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust electing to have the income taxed directly to the individual. The amount claimed by the individual shall be based upon the pro rata share of the individual’s earnings from the partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust. Any tax credit in excess of the taxpayer’s tax liability for the tax year may be credited to the tax liability for the following seven years, or until depleted, whichever is earlier.2. The board shall certify the maximum amount of a tax credit which could be issued to a designated investor and identify the specific earliest date or dates the certificate may be redeemed pursuant to this subchapter. The amount of the tax credit shall be limited to an amount equivalent to any difference between the scheduled aggregate return to the designated investor at rates of return authorized by the board and aggregate actual return received by the designated investor and any predecessor in interest of capital and interest on the capital. The rates, whether fixed rates or variable rates, shall be determined pursuant to a formula stipulated in the certificate or incorporated therein by reference. The board shall clearly indicate on the certificate, or incorporate therein by reference, the schedule, the amount of equity investment, the calculation formula for determining the scheduled aggregate return on invested capital, and the calculation formula for determining the amount of the tax credit that may be claimed. Once issued to a designated investor, a certificate shall be binding on the board and the department of revenue and shall not be modified, terminated, or rescinded.3. If a designated investor or transferee elects to redeem a certificate, the certificate shall not be redeemed prior to the maturity date or dates stated on the certificate. At the time of redemption, the board shall determine the amount of the tax credit that may be claimed by the designated investor based upon the returns received by the designated investor and its predecessors in interest and the provisions of the certificate. The board shall issue a verification to the department of revenue setting forth the maximum tax credit which can be claimed by the designated investor with respect to the redemption of the certificate.4. The board shall, in conjunction with the department of revenue, develop a system for registration of any certificate and related tax credit issued or transferred pursuant to this section and a system that permits verification that any tax credit claimed upon a tax return is valid and that any transfers of the certificate and related tax credit are made in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter.5. The board shall issue the tax credits in such a manner that not more than twenty million dollars of tax credits may be initially redeemable in any fiscal year. The board shall indicate on the tax certificate the principal amount of the tax credit and the maturity date or dates on which the credit may be first claimed.6. A certificate or tax credit issued or transferred pursuant to this subchapter shall not be considered a security pursuant to chapter 502.7. In determining the maximum aggregate limit in subsection 1 and the fiscal year limitation in subsection 5, the board shall use the cumulative amount of scheduled aggregate returns on certificates issued by the board to designated investors. However, certificates and related tax credits which have expired shall not be included and certificates and related tax credits which have been redeemed shall be included only to the extent of tax credits actually allowed.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §6, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2003 Acts, ch 145, §286, 2005 Acts, ch 7, §3, 4, 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §20, 21, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.62, 15E.63, 422.11Q, 422.33, 422.60, 432.12I, 533.32915E.67Powers and effectiveness.This subchapter shall not be construed as a restriction or limitation upon any power which the board might otherwise have under any other law of this state and the provisions of this subchapter are cumulative to such powers. This subchapter shall be construed to provide a complete, additional, and alternative method for performing the duties authorized and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to the powers conferred by any other law. The level, timing, or degree of success of the Iowa fund of funds or the investment funds in which the Iowa fund of funds invests in, or the extent to which the investment funds are invested in Iowa venture capital projects, or are successful in accomplishing any economic development objectives, shall not compromise, diminish, invalidate, or affect the provisions of any contract entered into by the board or the Iowa fund of funds.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §7, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2003 Acts, ch 44, §12, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.68Permissible investments.Investments by designated investors in the Iowa fund of funds shall be deemed permissible investments for state-chartered banks, for credit unions, and for domestic insurance companies under applicable state laws.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §8; 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13,14 Insurance companies; §511.8, 515.35 Banks; §524.901 Credit unions; §533.304 15E.69Enforcement.The attorney general may enforce the provisions of this subchapter and conduct any investigations necessary for such enforcement.2002 Acts, ch 1005, §9, 2002 Acts, ch 1006, §13, 14, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.70Financial statements — auditor of state.By July 1 of each year, the Iowa fund of funds, the Iowa capital investment corporation, and designated investors shall submit a financial statement for the previous calendar year to the auditor of state.2009 Acts, ch 179, §19315E.71Executive council action.Notwithstanding section 7D.29, subsection 1, the executive council in full consultation with the attorney general, and with the agreement of the attorney general, shall take any action deemed necessary to protect the interests of the state with respect to any certificates, tax credits, entities created, or action taken in relation to this subchapter. Such actions may include but are not limited to initiation of legal action, commencement of special investigations, institution of special audits of any involved entity, or establishment of receiverships. If such action is taken, the council may incur the necessary expense to perform such a duty or cause such a duty to be performed, and pay the same out of any money in the state treasury not otherwise appropriated.2012 Acts, ch 1138, §15, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.72Program wind-up and future repeal.1.Organization of additional funds prohibited.Notwithstanding section 15E.65, an Iowa fund of funds shall not be organized on or after June 20, 2013.2.New investments by the fund of funds prohibited.Notwithstanding section 15E.65, the Iowa fund of funds shall not make new investments in private seed and venture capital partnerships or entities on or after June 20, 2013, except as required by the fund documents.3.New investments by designated investors prohibited.a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, and notwithstanding any other provision in this subchapter VII, a designated investor shall not invest in the Iowa fund of funds on or after June 20, 2013.b. Notwithstanding the prohibition in paragraph “a”, a designated investor may invest in the Iowa fund of funds on or after June 20, 2013, to the extent such investment is required by the fund documents. In addition, the director of revenue, with the approval of the attorney general, may authorize additional investment in the Iowa fund of funds but only if such an investment is necessary to preserve fund assets, repay creditors, pay taxes, or otherwise effectuate an orderly wind-up of the program pursuant to this section.4.Issuance, verification, and redemption of new certificates prohibited.a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, and notwithstanding any other provision in this subchapter VII, the board shall not issue, verify, or redeem a certificate or a related tax credit on or after June 20, 2013.b. Notwithstanding the prohibition in paragraph “a”, the board may issue, redeem, or verify a certificate or a related tax credit under any of the following conditions:(1) The board is required to do so under the terms of the fund documents.(2) The issuance, redemption, or verification is deemed necessary by the director of revenue and the attorney general in order to arrange new financing terms with a creditor.(3) The issuance, redemption, or verification is deemed necessary by the director of revenue and the attorney general to preserve fund assets, repay creditors, or otherwise effectuate an orderly wind-up of the program pursuant to this section.5.New fund allocation managers prohibited.a. Notwithstanding any other provision in this subchapter VII, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall not have authority to solicit, select, terminate, or change a fund allocation manager or similar manager on or after June 20, 2013.b. On or after June 20, 2013, all decisions pertaining to relationships with a fund allocation manager or similar manager selected prior to June 20, 2013, shall be made by the director of revenue with the approval of the attorney general. This subsection shall not be construed to impair the terms of the fund documents.6.Pledging of certificates prohibited.a. Except as provided in paragraph “b”, and notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a certificate and a related tax credit or verified tax credit issued by the board shall not be pledged by a designated investor as security for a loan or an extension of credit on or after June 20, 2013.b. Notwithstanding the prohibition in paragraph “a”, a certificate and related tax credit or verified tax credit issued by the board may be pledged by a designated investor as security for a loan or an extension of credit to the extent such pledge is required by the fund documents. In addition, the board, with the approval of the director of revenue and the attorney general, may authorize a certificate and related tax credit to be pledged as security for a loan or an extension of credit, but only if such a pledge is necessary to arrange new financing terms with a creditor or to repay creditors for moneys loaned or credit extended to a designated investor.7.Rural and small business loan guarantees prohibited.Notwithstanding any other provision in this subchapter VII to the contrary, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall not make rural and small business loan guarantees or otherwise administer a program to provide loan guarantees and other related credit enhancements on loans to rural and small business borrowers within the state of Iowa on or after June 20, 2013.8.Iowa capital investment corporation purposes amended.Notwithstanding section 15E.64, on or after June 20, 2013, the purposes of the Iowa capital investment corporation shall be to comply with its obligations under the fund documents and to assist the board, the director of revenue, and the attorney general in effectuating the orderly wind-up of the Iowa fund of funds. In effectuating such a wind-up, the Iowa capital investment corporation shall comply with all reasonable requests by the board, the director of revenue, the attorney general, or the auditor of state.9.Use of revolving fund prohibited.a. Notwithstanding section 15E.65, subsection 2, paragraph “a”, on or after June 20, 2013, all investment returns received by the Iowa capital investment corporation that are in excess of those payable to designated investors shall be deposited in the general fund of the state.b. This subsection shall not be construed to impair the terms of the fund documents. It is the intent of the general assembly that this subsection only applies in the event that there are investment returns in excess of those necessary to repay creditors and designated investors under the terms of the fund documents.10.Preservation of existing rights.This section is not intended to and shall not limit, modify, or otherwise adversely affect the fund documents, including any certificate, verified tax credit, or related tax credit issued before June 20, 2013, or limit, modify, or otherwise adversely affect the redemption of any tax credit, verified tax credit, or certificate.11.Future repeal.This subchapter VII is repealed upon the occurrence of one of the following, whichever is earlier:a. The expiration or termination of all fund documents. The director of revenue shall notify the Iowa Code editor upon the occurrence of this condition.b. December 31, 2027.2013 Acts, ch 140, §131, 132, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.6515E.73 through 15E.80 SUBCHAPTER VIIIIOWA SEED CAPITAL CORPORATION15E.81 through 15E.85 15E.86President.Repealed by 98 Acts, ch 1225, §39. 15E.87 through 15E.94 15E.95 through 15E.105 SUBCHAPTER IXIOWA EXPORT TRADING COMPANY15E.106 through 15E.108 15E.109 and 15E.110 SUBCHAPTER XVALUE-ADDED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTSAND PROCESSES — ASSISTANCE15E.111 and 15E.112 15E.113 through 15E.115 SUBCHAPTER XIIOWA WINE AND BEER PROMOTION15E.116Iowa wine and beer promotion board.An Iowa wine and beer promotion board is created. The board consists of three members appointed by the director of the economic development authority. Each member shall serve a term of two years on the board. One member shall represent the authority, one member shall represent the Iowa wine makers, and one member shall represent the Iowa beer makers. The board shall advise the authority on the best means to promote wine and beer made in Iowa.86 Acts, ch 1246, §71928.11615E.1162011 Acts, ch 118, §85, 8915E.117Promotion of Iowa wine and beer.1. The economic development authority shall consult with the Iowa wine and beer promotion board on the best means to promote wine and beer made in Iowa.2. The authority has the authority to contract with private persons for the promotion of beer and wine made in Iowa.3. Moneys appropriated to the authority pursuant to sections 123.143 and 123.183 may be used by the authority for the purposes of this section, including administrative expenses incurred under this section.1986 Acts, ch 1246, §720C87, §28.117C93, §15E.1172002 Acts, ch 1050, §6, 2003 Acts, ch 145, §286, 2010 Acts, ch 1188, §23, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §85, 89, 2011 Acts, ch 130, §27, 71Referred to in 123.143, 123.18315E.118 and 15E.119 SUBCHAPTER XIILOAN REPAYMENTS15E.120Loan repayments.Repealed by 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §24, 25.15E.121 through 15E.130 SUBCHAPTER XIIIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FINANCE15E.131 through 15E.149 15E.150 and 15E.151 SUBCHAPTER XIVRESERVED15E.152 through 15E.166 SUBCHAPTER XVIOWA BUSINESS INVESTMENTCORPORATION15E.167 and 15E.168 15E.169 through 15E.171 15E.172 through 15E.174 SUBCHAPTER XVIPHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE ASSISTANCE15E.175Physical infrastructure assistance program.Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8.15E.176 through 15E.180 SUBCHAPTER XVIIIOWA CAPITAL INVESTMENT BOARD15E.181 through 15E.184 15E.185 through 15E.190 SUBCHAPTER XVIIIENTERPRISE ZONES For provisions concerning the issuance, extension, and transferability of investment tax credits issued to eligible housing businesses and other applicability provisions related to the elimination of the enterprise zone program, see 2014 Acts, ch 1130, §27,42,43; 2015 Acts, ch 138, §85 – 88, 134; 2016 Acts, ch 1109, §13 15E.191 through 15E.193 15E.193AAlternative eligible business criteria.Repealed by 2002 Acts, ch 1145, §9. 15E.193BEligible housing business.Repealed by 2014 Acts, ch 1130, §41.15E.193CEligible development business.Repealed by 2004 Acts, ch 1003, §11, 12. 15E.194 through 15E.198 15E.199 and 15E.200 SUBCHAPTER XIXIOWA AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRYFINANCE ACT15E.201Short title.This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the “Iowa Agricultural Industry Finance Act”.98 Acts, ch 1207, §2, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.202Definitions.Except as otherwise provided in this subchapter, or unless the context otherwise requires, the words and phrases used in this subchapter shall have the same meaning as the words and phrases used in chapter 490, including but not limited to the words and phrases used in section 490.140. In addition, all of the following shall apply:1. “Actively engaged in agriculture” means to do any of the following:a. Inspect agricultural operations periodically and furnish at least half the direct cost of the operations.b. Regularly and frequently make or take an important part in making management decisions substantially contributing to or affecting the success of the agricultural operation.c. Perform physical work which significantly contributes to agricultural operation.2. “Agricultural commodity” means any unprocessed agricultural product, including livestock as defined in section 717.1, agricultural crops, and forestry products grown, raised, produced, or fed in this state for sale in commercial channels.3. “Agricultural operation” means an operation concerned with the production of agricultural commodities for processing into agricultural processed products.4. “Agricultural processed product” means an agricultural commodity that has been processed for sale in commercial markets.5. “Agricultural producer” means a person who is any of the following:a. An individual actively engaged in agricultural production.b. A person other than an individual, if the person is any of the following:(1) A general partnership in which all the partners are natural persons, and one of the partners is actively engaged in agricultural production.(2) A family farm entity if any of the following individuals is actively engaged in agricultural production:(a) A shareholder and an officer, director, or employee of a family farm corporation.(b) A member or manager of a family farm limited liability company.(c) A general partner of a family farm limited partnership.(d) A beneficiary of a family trust.(3) A networking farmers entity.6. “Agricultural product” means an agricultural commodity or an agricultural processed product.7. “Biotechnology enterprise” means an enterprise organized under the laws of this state using biological techniques for the development of specialized plant or animal characteristics for beneficial nutritional, commercial, or industrial purposes.8. “Certified facility” means a facility used to process agricultural products as certified by a corporation pursuant to section 15E.209.9. “Economic development authority” or “authority” means the economic development authority created pursuant to section 15.105.10. “Family farm entity” means a family farm corporation, family farm limited liability company, family farm limited partnership, or family trust as defined in section 9H.1.11. “Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation” or “corporation” means a corporation formed under this subchapter.12. “Iowa agricultural industry finance loan” means a loan made to a qualified Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation pursuant to section 15E.208.13. “Iowa agricultural industry venture” means an enterprise involving any of the following:a. Agricultural producers investing in a new facility or acquiring or expanding an existing facility in this state which is used to process agricultural commodities produced in this state, if the purpose of the enterprise is to accomplish all of the following:(1) The creation and retention of wealth in this state derived from processing and marketing agricultural commodities produced in this state.(2) Increasing production, processing, and marketing of value-added agricultural products in this state.(3) Providing for a substantial equitable ownership interest in the enterprise by Iowa agricultural producers.(4) Providing an alternative in this state to corporate vertical integration in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products.b. An agricultural biotechnology enterprise located in this state, if the purpose of research and application of biological techniques conducted by the enterprise is to accomplish all of the following:(1) The creation and retention of wealth in this state.(2) Increasing the value of agricultural commodities.14. “Loan” means providing financing to a person under an agreement requiring that the amount in financing be repaid at a maturity date, with an interest rate, and other conditions as specified in the agreement.15. “Networking farmers entity” means the same as defined in section 10.1.16. “Qualified investor” means any of the following:a. An agricultural producer.b. A cooperative organized under chapter 501 or 501A.c. A networking farmers entity.17. “Qualified Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation” or “qualified corporation” means an Iowa agricultural industry financing corporation which meets the eligibility requirements of and is approved by the authority pursuant to section 15E.208.98 Acts, ch 1207, §3, 2002 Acts, ch 1050, §7, 2005 Acts, ch 135, §105, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §61, 62, 87, 89, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.203Findings — intent and purposes.1. The general assembly finds that this state is in a period when the economic structure of agriculture and the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products is undergoing a period of rapid transformation.2. It is the intent of the general assembly and purpose of this subchapter that this state capture the greatest benefit from opportunities created during this period, by encouraging local agricultural producer-led ventures to expand production and processing of high value agricultural products, including agricultural processed products, to organize new business structures within the state to carry out these ventures, and to market and deliver increasingly high value agricultural products to consumers around the world. In carrying out this purpose, state resources provided by this subchapter shall be used to assure all of the following:a. That the majority of the wealth created by Iowa agricultural productivity is retained in this state.b. That employment in the production, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, and especially agricultural processed products, is increased in this state.c. That agricultural producers in this state are provided with an opportunity to acquire a majority ownership interest in Iowa agricultural industry ventures promoted under this subchapter.d. That this state becomes a world model for agricultural producer-based vertical cooperation which depends upon broadly shared access to information, capital, and cooperative action.e. That the use of private resources with state incentives establish Iowa as the world leader in responsibly produced agricultural products that meet the needs of consumers throughout the world.3. It is the intent of the general assembly and the purpose of this subchapter that the state encourage Iowa agricultural industry ventures which promote the research and application of biological techniques for the development of specialized plant or animal characteristics for beneficial nutritional, commercial, or industrial purposes.98 Acts, ch 1207, §4, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.209 Additional legislative findings; 98 Acts, ch 1207, §1 15E.204Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — scope of powers and duties.1. An Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation formed under this subchapter shall be subject to and have the powers and privileges conferred by provisions of chapter 490, unless otherwise limited by or inconsistent with the provisions of this subchapter.2. Nothing in this subchapter requires any of the following:a. That a limited number of Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations are authorized to be formed. However, the authority may strictly interpret and apply the requirements of this subchapter in determining whether a corporation is a qualified corporation under section 15E.208.b. That a corporation be organized on a cooperative basis, including structured, organized, or operated pursuant to 26 U.S.C. §1381(a).c. That a corporation is restricted from holding, acquiring, or transferring financial or security instruments, including but not limited to a security regulated under chapter 502, money, accounts, and chattel paper under chapter 554, security interests under chapter 554, or a mortgage or deed of trust under chapter 654.3. An Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation is a private business corporation and not a public corporation or instrumentality of the state. Except as provided in this subchapter, nothing in this subchapter exempts an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation from the same requirements under state law which apply to other corporations organized under chapter 490, including taxation provisions under chapter 422 or Title X, subtitle 2 of this Code, or security regulations under chapter 502.98 Acts, ch 1207, §5, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.205Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — requirements.1. A corporation incorporated under chapter 490 is an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation if the corporation complies with the requirements of this section and section 15E.206. In addition to the other requirements for a corporation organized under chapter 490, all of the following shall apply:a. Agricultural producers must hold at least fifty-one percent of the corporation’s common stock and at least fifty-one percent of the corporation’s voting stock. The status of an agricultural producer shall be determined at the time of the transfer of stock from the corporation to the shareholder in a manner and as provided in the corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws.b. A director of the corporation’s board of directors shall not serve for more than seven consecutive years as a board director.c. The purpose of the corporation must be limited to providing financing to eligible persons under section 15E.209 who are engaging in Iowa agricultural industry ventures limited to establishing a business structure in which agricultural producers produce agricultural commodities for processing and marketing as agricultural processed products.2. The requirements of this section shall be memorialized in the corporation’s articles of incorporation.1998 Acts, ch 1207, §6; 1999 Acts, ch 66, §1Referred to in 15E.20815E.206Formation of an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation.1. This section authorizes the formation of Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations in order to perfect the manner in which such corporations are formed and operate. Such a corporation is a private business corporation and not a public corporation or instrumentality of the state. The corporation shall not enjoy any of the privileges nor be required to comply with any of the requirements of a state agency.2. In facilitating the formation of an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation, the following persons shall serve as incorporators as provided in section 490.201:a. A member of the economic development authority chosen by the members of the authority or a designee of the member.b. The director of the economic development authority, or a designee of the director.c. The secretary of agriculture or a designee of the secretary.3.a. After incorporation, such a corporation shall be organized by an initial board of directors as provided in chapter 490, subchapter II. The initial board of directors shall be elected by the members of an appointment committee. The members of the appointment committee shall be appointed by the economic development authority. The initial board of directors shall consist of seven members. The members of the appointment committee shall include persons who have an expertise in areas of banking, agricultural lending, business development, agricultural production and processing, seed and venture capital investment, and other areas of expertise as deemed appropriate by the interim board of directors.b. The members of the appointment committee shall exercise due care to assure that persons appointed to the initial board of directors have the requisite financial experience necessary in order to carry out the duties of the corporation as established in this subchapter, including in areas related to agricultural lending, commercial banking, and investment management.c. Upon the election of the initial board of directors, the terms of the members of the appointment committee shall expire.d. The authority shall assist the incorporators and the appointment committee in any manner determined necessary and appropriate by the economic development authority and the director of the authority in order to administer this section.98 Acts, ch 1207, §7, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §63, 64, 84, 85, 89, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76, 2019 Acts, ch 24, §104Referred to in 15E.205 Code editor directive applied 15E.207Iowa agricultural industry finance corporations — guiding principles.In carrying out its duties and exercising its powers under this subchapter, an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation shall be guided by the following principles:1.a. The corporation must exercise diligence and care in the selection of persons and projects to receive financing as provided in section 15E.209. The corporation must apply customary and acceptable business and lending standards and practices in selecting persons and projects designated for financing and managing agreements under which financing is provided.b. In selecting projects to receive financing, it is the intent of the general assembly that the corporation seek projects with wage, benefit, and work safety plans which improve the quality of employment in the state and which would not displace employees of existing Iowa agricultural industry ventures.2. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the corporation shall not become an owner of real or depreciable property, including agricultural land, as provided in section 9H.4. However, this subsection shall not preclude the corporation from holding an interest in real or depreciable property if any of the following apply:a. The corporation holds nonagricultural property for purposes of carrying out the management of its corporate affairs, including office space, furniture, and supplies.b. The corporation holds an interest in real or depreciable property on a temporary basis, and any of the following apply:(1) The interest is a bona fide encumbrance taken for purposes of security in connection with providing financing under section 15E.209.(2) The interest is acquired by operation of law, including by any of the following:(a) Devise or bequest.(b) Court order.(c) Dissolution under chapter 490, subchapter XIV.(d) Order in bankruptcy.(e) Pursuant to a proceeding to enforce a debt against real property under chapter 654, to forfeit a contract to purchase real property under chapter 656, to enforce a secured interest in real or depreciable property under chapter 554, or to otherwise garnish, levy on, execute on, seize, or attach real or depreciable property in the collection of debts, or by any procedure for the enforcement of a lien or claim.(3) The interest is acquired in order to facilitate a transfer between persons pursuant to a transaction authorized under this subchapter.98 Acts, ch 1207, §8, 2008 Acts, ch 1032, §201, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76, 2019 Acts, ch 24, §104Referred to in 15E.208, 16.79 15E.208Qualified corporations — Iowa agricultural industry finance loans.1. The authority may award an Iowa agricultural industry finance loan to an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation if the authority in its discretion determines that the corporation is qualified under this section.2. The corporation must apply for an Iowa agricultural industry finance loan on forms and according to procedures required by the authority.3. The authority shall loan all of the amounts available to the authority pursuant to this subchapter to a qualified corporation with provisions and restrictions as determined by the authority and contained in a loan agreement executed between the authority and the qualified corporation.a. The authority may attach conditions to the granting of the loan as it deems desirable, including any restrictions on the subordination of the moneys loaned. The attorney general shall assist the authority in drafting loan agreements and in collecting on the loan agreement.b. The Iowa agricultural industry finance loan shall be repayable upon terms and conditions negotiated by the parties.(1) The repayment period shall begin six years following the date when the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan is awarded and end twenty-five years after the date that the repayment period begins.(2) At least four percent of the amount of the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan due shall be paid each year to the authority. However, the authority may accept an assignment of a loan made by the corporation providing financing to an eligible person pursuant to section 15E.209. The assigned loan shall grant to the authority the corporation’s right to payment under the loan. Any such assignment shall be made by an agreement executed by the authority and the corporation. The assignment agreement shall be subject to all of the following:(a) The period of assignment may be for any number of years. The authority shall apply to the amounts due under the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan the principal, interest, and fees which the eligible person is obligated to pay under the assigned loan. The total amount of the principal, interest, and fees that the eligible person is obligated to pay to the authority during the period of assignment plus any other repayment of the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan made by the corporation to the authority must equal the amount of the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan that the corporation would otherwise be obligated to repay the authority during that same period. However, the agreement may provide that during any year of the assignment period the eligible person may pay more or less than four percent of the amount of the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan that the corporation would otherwise be obligated to repay during that year.(b) The assignment agreement shall contain conditions relating to the right of payment assigned to the authority which may include securing the payment obligation in any manner that allows the authority to enforce a debt against the property of the eligible person. The authority shall not have a right of recourse against the corporation for any amount required to be applied from the assigned loan to the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan.(c) Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter to the contrary, payments on the principal balance of the loan granted by the corporation to an eligible person and assigned to the department of economic development pursuant to this subparagraph during calendar year 2003 shall be deferred until October 1, 2007. The eligible person shall make principal payments to the department of economic development in the amount of one million dollars for each year on October 1, 2007, October 1, 2008, and October 1, 2009. The eligible person shall pay the department of economic development four hundred eighty-two thousand seven hundred sixty-one dollars in interest, which shall be deemed to be the total amount of interest accruing on the principal amount of the loan. The eligible person shall pay the interest amount on October 1, 2010. Upon the payment of the principal balance of the loan and the accrued interest, the debt shall be retired.(d) Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter to the contrary, the corporation shall repay the department of economic development, or its successor entity, the principal balance of the Iowa agricultural industry finance loan beginning on October 1, 2007. The principal balance of the loan equals twenty-one million five hundred seventeen thousand two hundred thirty-nine dollars. The corporation shall repay the department of economic development, or its successor entity, five hundred seventeen thousand two hundred thirty-nine dollars by October 1, 2007, and for each subsequent year the corporation shall repay the department, or its successor entity, at least one million dollars by October 1 until the total principal balance of the loan is repaid. This subparagraph shall not be construed to limit the authority of the department of economic development, or its successor entity, to negotiate the payment of interest accruing on the principal balance which shall be paid as provided by an agreement executed by the department of economic development, or its successor entity, and the corporation.(e) Notwithstanding any provision of this subchapter to the contrary, payments of principal and interest of the loan granted by the corporation to an eligible person and assigned to the department of economic development pursuant to this subparagraph during calendar year 2003 which were deferred pursuant to subparagraph division (c) shall be forgiven and the total debt, including interest, shall be retired.(3) The corporation shall not be subject to a prepayment penalty.c. The corporation shall not expend moneys originating from the state, including moneys loaned under this section, on political activity or on any attempt to influence legislation.4. A corporation shall not provide financing to support a person who is any of the following:a. An agricultural producer, if any of the following applies:(1) The agricultural producer is a party to a pending action for a violation of chapter 455B or 459, subchapters II and III, concerning a confinement feeding operation in which the person has a controlling interest and the action is commenced in district court by the attorney general.(2) The agricultural producer or a confinement feeding operation in which the agricultural producer holds a controlling interest is classified as a habitual violator under section 459.604.b. An agricultural products processor, if the processor or a person owning a controlling interest in the processor has demonstrated, within the most recent consecutive three-year period prior to the application for financing, a continuous and flagrant disregard for the health and safety of its employees or the quality of the environment. Violations of environmental protection statutes, rules, or regulations shall be reported for the most recent five-year period prior to application. Evidence of such disregard shall include a history of serious or uncorrected violations of state or federal law protecting occupational health and safety or the environment, including but not limited to serious or uncorrected violations of occupational safety and health standards enforced by the division of labor services of the department of workforce development pursuant to chapter 84A, or rules enforced by the department of natural resources pursuant to chapter 455B or 459, subchapters II and III.c. A member of the economic development authority, an employee of the economic development authority, an elected state official, or any director or other officer or an employee of the corporation.5. In order to be eligible as a qualified Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation, all of the following conditions must be satisfied:a. The corporation must only provide financing to persons and ventures eligible under section 15E.209.b. The corporation must demonstrate that it complies with guiding principles for the corporation as provided in section 15E.207.c. The corporation must adopt policies and procedures which maximize public oversight into the affairs of the corporation, by providing a forum for public comment, an opportunity for public review of the corporation’s actions, and methods to ensure accountability for the expenditure of public moneys loaned to the corporation.d. The corporation’s articles of incorporation must comply with requirements established by the authority relating to the capacity and integrity of the corporation to carry out the purposes of this subchapter, including but not limited to all of the following:(1) The capitalization of the corporation.(2) The manner in which financing is provided by the corporation, including the manner in which an Iowa agricultural industry finance loan can be used by the corporation.(3) The composition of the corporation’s board of directors. The board must be composed of persons knowledgeable in Iowa agricultural industries including a representative number of individuals experienced and knowledgeable in financing new agricultural industries.(4) The manner of oversight required by the authority or the auditor of state. The articles must provide that the corporation shall submit a report to the governor, the general assembly, and the authority. The report shall provide a description of the corporation’s activities and a summary of its finances, including financial awards. The report shall be submitted not later than January 10 of each year. The articles shall provide that an audit of the corporation must be conducted each year for the preceding year by a certified public accountant licensed pursuant to chapter 542. The auditor of state may audit the books and accounts of the corporation at any time. The results of the annual audit and any audit for the current year conducted by the auditor of state shall be included as part of the report.(5) The execution of an agreement between the corporation and an eligible recipient as required by the authority as a condition of providing financing, in which the eligible recipient agrees to become a shareholder in the corporation. If the eligible recipient is an agricultural producer as provided in section 15E.209, the agreement shall provide that the agricultural producer becomes a shareholder of voting common stock in the corporation equal to at least five percent of the financing provided to the agricultural producer pursuant to the agreement. The agreement shall be for a period of not less than ten years. An agreement shall at least provide all of the following:(a) The establishment of a common stock pricing system. The stock shall be frozen against price appreciation for the first five years of the life of the corporation. The articles shall contain waivers for death and disability.(b) The maintenance of stock ownership by an eligible recipient until a financial assistance obligation due the corporation is satisfied.(c) A requirement that the par value of participating common stock be established prior to providing financial assistance to an eligible recipient.e. To the extent feasible and fiscally prudent, the corporation must maintain a portfolio which is diversified among the various types of agricultural commodities and agribusiness.f. Not more than seventy-five percent of moneys originating from the state, including moneys loaned to the corporation pursuant to this section, may be used to finance any one Iowa agricultural industry venture.g. The corporation may only be terminated by the following methods, unless approved by the authority:(1) Merger or share exchange under chapter 490, subchapter XI.(2) Dissolution as provided in chapter 490, subchapter XIV, part A.(3) A sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition, in one or more transactions of assets of the corporation which has an aggregate market value equal to fifty percent or more of either the aggregate market value of all of the assets of the corporation determined on a consolidated basis, or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation.6. The authority shall provide for the default of the loan if the qualified corporation does any of the following:a. Violates a provision of the articles of incorporation or an amendment to the articles of incorporation that is required by this subchapter which violation is not approved by the authority.b. Violates the terms of the loan agreement executed between the authority and the corporation, which violation is not approved by the authority.c. Fails to comply with the requirements of section 15E.205.d. Completes a transaction, if all of the following apply:(1) The transaction involves any of the following:(a) A merger or share exchange under chapter 490, subchapter XI.(b) The sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer, or other disposition, in one or more transactions of assets of the corporation which has an aggregate market value equal to fifty percent or more of either the aggregate market value of all of the assets of the corporation determined on a consolidated basis, or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the corporation.(2) The surviving entity of a merger or share exchange, or the entity acquiring the assets of the corporation fails to meet the requirements of section 15E.205.7. In an action to enforce a judgment against a qualified corporation, the interest of the state shall be subrogated to the interests of holders of bonds issued by the corporation.8. Moneys repaid or collected by the authority under this section shall be deposited into the road use tax fund created pursuant to section 312.1.98 Acts, ch 1207, §9, 99 Acts, ch 66, §2, 2000 Acts, ch 1058, §6, 2001 Acts, ch 55, §20, 38, 2002 Acts, ch 1162, §29, 2003 Acts, ch 122, §1, 2, 2004 Acts, ch 1175, §324, 2006 Acts, ch 1185, §55, 2009 Acts, ch 41, §263, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §65, 66, 85, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1021, §21, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76, 2019 Acts, ch 24, §104Referred to in 15E.202, 15E.204 Duties of former department of economic development were assumed by economic development authority beginning July 1, 2011, pursuant to 2011 Acts, ch 118 15E.209Financing provided by an Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation.1. An Iowa agricultural industry finance corporation may only provide financing to a person determined eligible by the corporation according to requirements of the corporation and this section. At a minimum, an eligible person must be one of the following:a. An agricultural producer participating in an Iowa agricultural industry venture as provided according to the terms of an agreement executed by the agricultural producer and the corporation. The agreement may require that the agricultural producer acquire an interest in an agricultural products processor certified by the corporation, or enter into a marketing agreement under which the agricultural producer agrees to market an amount of the agricultural producer’s agricultural commodities to the agricultural products processor.b. An agricultural products processor which participates as part of an Iowa agricultural industry venture as provided according to the terms of an agreement executed by the agricultural products processor and the corporation. The corporation shall only provide financing if the venture involves the construction, expansion, or acquisition of an agricultural products processing facility as certified by the corporation and if all of the following apply:(1) The certified facility must be located in this state.(2) Either of the following apply:(a) More than fifty percent of the ownership interest in the certified facility must be held by qualified investors. If the certified facility is owned by an entity rather than by individuals, more than fifty percent of the interest in the entity and more than fifty percent of the voting interest in the entity must be held by qualified investors.(b) More than fifty percent of the commodities processed by the certified facility during any twelve-month period is produced in this state. However, the corporation may provide financing, if its board of directors determines that adequate supplies of the commodity are not available for processing as otherwise required in this subparagraph division.c. An agricultural biotechnology enterprise which qualifies as an Iowa agricultural industry venture as provided according to the terms of an agreement executed by the agricultural biotechnology enterprise and the corporation, if the board of directors for the corporation determines that the enterprise would advance the intent and purposes set out in section 15E.203.2. Financing may be in the form of a loan, loan guarantee, sale and purchase of mortgage instruments for eligible recipients, or other similar forms of financing. The financing shall be awarded pursuant to an agreement between the corporation and the eligible person.3. A corporation shall not provide financing to support an outstanding debt or other obligation, regardless of whether the original financing was provided by a corporation.1998 Acts, ch 1207, §10; 2009 Acts, ch 41, §263Referred to in 15E.202, 15E.205, 15E.207, 15E.20815E.210Obligations.The obligations of the corporation are not obligations of this state or any political subdivision of this state within the meaning of any constitutional or statutory debt limitations, but are obligations of the corporation payable solely and only from the corporation’s funds. The corporation shall not pledge the credit or taxing power of this state or any political subdivision of this state or make its debts payable out of any moneys except for those of the corporation.1998 Acts, ch 1207, §1115E.211Rules.The authority may adopt rules pursuant to chapter 17A necessary to administer this subchapter.98 Acts, ch 1207, §12, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.212 through 15E.220 SUBCHAPTER XXIOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTLOAN AND CREDIT GUARANTEE FUND15E.221 through 15E.225 15E.226 Reserved.15E.227Loan and credit guarantee fund.Repealed by 2009 Acts, ch 123, §8. 15E.228 through 15E.230 SUBCHAPTER XXIECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REGIONSAND ENTERPRISE AREAS15E.231Economic development regions.In order for an economic development region to receive assistance pursuant to section 15.335B, an economic development region’s regional development plan must be approved by the authority. An economic development region shall consist of three or more contiguous counties or two or more contiguous counties and one or more public or private, nonprofit entities that have entered into an agreement to pursue mutual economic development goals with a regional focus. An economic development region shall establish a focused economic development effort that shall include a regional development plan relating to one or more of the following areas:1. Regional marketing strategies.2. Development of the information solutions sector.3. Development of the advanced manufacturing sector.4. Development of the life sciences and biotechnology sector.5. Development of the insurance or financial services sector.6. Physical infrastructure including, but not limited to, horizontal infrastructure, water and sewer infrastructure, and telecommunications infrastructure.7. Entrepreneurship.8. Development of the alternative and renewable energy sector.2005 Acts, ch 150, §9, 2006 Acts, ch 1142, §18, 2009 Acts, ch 123, §27, 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §10, 16, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §86, 87, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1126, §18, 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §28, 29 Allocation of funds for regional financial assistance, see §15.335B(2)(a)(2) 15E.232Regional economic development financial assistance.1. An economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B to assist with the installation of physical infrastructure needs including, but not limited to, horizontal infrastructure, water and sewer infrastructure, and telecommunications infrastructure, related to the development of fully served business and industrial sites by one or more of the region’s economic development partners or for the installation of infrastructure related to a new business location or expansion. In order to receive financial assistance pursuant to this subsection, the economic development region must demonstrate all of the following:a. The ability to provide matching moneys on a basis of a one dollar contribution of local matching moneys for every two dollars received from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B.b. The commitment of the specific business partner including, but not limited to, a letter of intent defining a capital commitment or a percentage of equity.c. That all other funding alternatives have been exhausted.2. The authority may establish and administer a regional economic development revenue sharing pilot project for one or more regions. The authority shall take into consideration the geographical dispersion of the pilot projects. The authority shall provide technical assistance to the regions participating in a pilot project.3. An economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B to assist an existing business threatened with closure due to a potential consolidation to an out-of-state location. The economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B for the purchase, rehabilitation, or marketing of a building that has become available due to the closing of an existing business due to a consolidation to an out-of-state location. In order to receive financial assistance under this subsection, an economic development region must demonstrate the ability to provide local matching moneys on a basis of a one dollar contribution of local moneys for every three dollars received from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B.4. An economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B to establish and operate an entrepreneurial initiative. In order to receive financial assistance under this subsection, an economic development region must demonstrate the ability to provide local matching moneys on a basis of a one dollar contribution of local moneys for every two dollars received from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B.5.a. An economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B to establish and operate a business succession assistance program for the region.b. In order to receive financial assistance under this subsection, an economic development region must demonstrate the ability to provide local matching moneys on a basis of a one dollar contribution of local moneys for every two dollars received from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B.6. An economic development region may apply for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B to implement economic development initiatives that are either unique to the region or innovative in design and implementation. In order to receive financial assistance under this subsection, an economic development region must demonstrate the ability to provide local matching moneys on a one-to-one basis.7. Financial assistance under subsections 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and section 15E.233 shall be limited to a total of one million dollars each fiscal year for the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2015, and shall not be provided to assist in the establishment, operation, or installation of a project, initiative, or activity that may result in the provision, lease, or sale of goods or services by a government body that competes with private enterprise.2005 Acts, ch 150, §10, 2007 Acts, ch 174, §88, 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §11, 16, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §86, 87, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1126, §19, 2013 Acts, ch 90, §9 – 11Referred to in 15.335B15E.233Economic enterprise areas.1. An economic development region may apply to the authority for approval to be designated as an economic enterprise area based on criteria provided in subsection 3. The authority shall approve no more than ten regions as economic enterprise areas.2.a. An approved economic enterprise area may apply to the authority for financial assistance from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B for up to seventy-five thousand dollars each fiscal year during the fiscal period beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2015, for any of the following purposes:(1) Economic development-related strategic planning and marketing for the region as a whole.(2) Economic development of fully-served business sites.(3) The construction of speculative buildings on a fully served lot.(4) The rehabilitation of an existing building to marketable standards.b. In order to receive financial assistance under this subsection, an economic enterprise area must demonstrate the ability to provide local matching moneys on a basis of a one dollar contribution of local moneys for every three dollars received from a fund established pursuant to section 15.335B.3. An economic enterprise area shall consist of at least one county containing no city with a population of more than twenty-three thousand five hundred and shall meet at least three of the following criteria:a. A per capita income of eighty percent or less than the national average.b. A household median income of eighty percent or less than the national average.c. Twenty-five percent or more of the population of the economic enterprise area with an income level of one hundred fifty percent or less of the United States poverty level as defined by the most recently revised poverty income guidelines published by the United States department of health and human services.d. A population density in the economic enterprise area of less than ten people per square mile.e. A loss of population as shown by the 2000 certified federal census when compared with the 1990 certified federal census.f. An unemployment rate greater than the national rate of unemployment.g. More than twenty percent of the population of the economic enterprise area consisting of people over the age of sixty-five.2005 Acts, ch 150, §11, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §86, 87, 89, 2013 Acts, ch 90, §12, 13Referred to in 15E.23215E.234 through 15E.300 SUBCHAPTER XXIIENDOW IOWA PROGRAM15E.301Short title.This subchapter shall be known as and may be cited as the “Endow Iowa Program Act”.2003 Acts, ch 1, §88, 93[2003 enactment of section rescinded pursuant to Rants v. Vilsack, 684 N.W.2d 193]2004 Acts, ch 1001, §3, 4, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.302Purpose.The purpose of this subchapter is to enhance the quality of life for citizens of this state through increased philanthropic activity by providing capital to new and existing citizen groups of this state organized to establish endowment funds that will address community needs. The purpose of this subchapter is also to encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations to invest in community foundations.2003 Acts, ch 1, §89, 93[2003 enactment of section rescinded pursuant to Rants v. Vilsack, 684 N.W.2d 193]2004 Acts, ch 1001, §3, 4, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §7615E.303Definitions.As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:1. “Board” means the governing board of the lead philanthropic entity identified by the authority pursuant to section 15E.304.2. “Business” means a business operating within the state and includes individuals operating a sole proprietorship or having rental, royalty, or farm income in this state and includes a consortium of businesses.3. “Community affiliate organization” means a group of five or more community leaders or advocates organized for the purpose of increasing philanthropic activity in an identified community or geographic area in this state with the intention of establishing a community affiliate endowment fund.4. “Endow Iowa qualified community foundation” means a community foundation organized or operating in this state that attains the national standards established by the national council on foundations as determined by the authority in collaboration with the Iowa council of foundations.5. “Endowment gift” means an irrevocable contribution to a permanent endowment held by an endow Iowa qualified community foundation.6. “Lead philanthropic entity” means the entity identified by the authority pursuant to section 15E.304. Acts, ch , §[2003 enactment of section rescinded pursuant to Rants v. Vilsack, 684 N.W.2d 193] Acts, ch , §, 2005 Acts, ch 150, §71, 81, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2014 Acts, ch 1124, §27, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15E.311, 22.715E.304Endow Iowa grants.1. The authority shall identify a lead philanthropic entity for purposes of encouraging the development of qualified community foundations in this state. A lead philanthropic entity shall meet all of the following qualifications:a. The entity shall be a nonprofit entity which is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.b. The entity shall be a statewide organization with membership consisting of organizations, such as community, corporate, and private foundations, whose principal function is the making of grants within the state of Iowa.c. The entity shall have a minimum of forty members and that membership shall include qualified community foundations.2. A lead philanthropic entity may receive a grant from the authority. The board shall use the grant moneys to award endow Iowa grants to new and existing qualified community foundations and to community affiliate organizations that do all of the following:a. Provide the board with all information required by the board.b. Demonstrate a dollar-for-dollar funding match in a form approved by the board.c. Identify an endow Iowa qualified community foundation to hold all funds. An endow Iowa qualified community foundation shall not be required to meet this requirement.d. Provide a plan to the board demonstrating the method for distributing grant moneys received from the board to organizations within the community or geographic area as defined by the endow Iowa qualified community foundation or the community affiliate organization.3. Endow Iowa grants awarded to new and existing endow Iowa qualified community foundations and to community affiliate organizations shall not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars per foundation or organization unless a foundation or organization demonstrates a multiple county or regional approach. Endow Iowa grants may be awarded on an annual basis with not more than three grants going to one county in a fiscal year.4. In ranking applications for grants, the board shall consider a variety of factors including the following:a. The demonstrated need for financial assistance.b. The potential for future philanthropic activity in the area represented by or being considered for assistance.c. The proportion of the funding match being provided.d. For community affiliate organizations, the demonstrated need for the creation of a community affiliate endowment fund in the applicant’s geographic area.e. The identification of community needs and the manner in which additional funding will address those needs.f. The geographic diversity of awards.5. Of any moneys received by a lead philanthropic entity from the state, not more than five percent of such moneys shall be used by the entity for administrative purposes. Acts, ch , §[2003 enactment of section rescinded pursuant to Rants v. Vilsack, 684 N.W.2d 193] Acts, ch , §, 2005 Acts, ch 150, §72, 73, 81, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89Referred to in 15E.303, 15E.31115E.305Endow Iowa tax credit.1. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2003, a tax credit shall be allowed against the taxes imposed in chapter 422, divisions II, III, and V, and in chapter 432, and against the moneys and credits tax imposed in section 533.329 equal to twenty-five percent of a taxpayer’s endowment gift to an endow Iowa qualified community foundation. An individual may claim a tax credit under this section of a partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust electing to have income taxed directly to the individual. The amount claimed by the individual shall be based upon the pro rata share of the individual’s earnings from the partnership, limited liability company, S corporation, estate, or trust. A tax credit shall be allowed only for an endowment gift made to an endow Iowa qualified community foundation for a permanent endowment fund established to benefit a charitable cause in this state. The amount of the endowment gift for which the tax credit is claimed shall not be deductible in determining taxable income for state income tax purposes. Any tax credit in excess of the taxpayer’s tax liability for the tax year may be credited to the tax liability for the following five years or until depleted, whichever occurs first. A tax credit shall not be carried back to a tax year prior to the tax year in which the taxpayer claims the tax credit.2. The aggregate amount of tax credits authorized pursuant to this section shall not exceed a total of six million dollars annually.a. The maximum amount of tax credits granted to a taxpayer shall not exceed five percent of the aggregate amount of tax credits authorized.b. Ten percent of the aggregate amount of tax credits authorized in a calendar year shall be reserved for those endowment gifts in amounts of thirty thousand dollars or less. If by September 1 of a calendar year the entire ten percent of the reserved tax credits is not distributed, the remaining tax credits shall be available to any other eligible applicants.3. A tax credit shall not be transferable to any other taxpayer.4. The authority shall develop a system for registration and authorization of tax credits under this section and shall control the distribution of all tax credits to taxpayers providing an endowment gift subject to this section. The authority shall adopt administrative rules pursuant to chapter 17A for the qualification and administration of endowment gifts. Acts, ch , §, 2005 Acts, ch 150, §74 – 77, 81, 2006 Acts, ch 1151, §1 – 3, 7, 8, 2007 Acts, ch 174, §89, 2008 Acts, ch 1032, §201, 2009 Acts, ch 179, §105, 106, 153, 2010 Acts, ch 1138, §17 – 19, 2011 Acts, ch 107, §1, 2, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2013 Acts, ch 126, §11, 13, 14Referred to in 2.48, 422.11H, 422.33, 422.60, 432.12D, 533.32915E.306Reports.Repealed by 2008 Acts, ch 1122, §16.15E.307 through 15E.310 SUBCHAPTER XXIIICOUNTY ENDOWMENT FUND15E.311County endowment fund.1. The purpose of this section is to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Iowa by providing moneys to new or existing citizen groups of this state organized to establish county affiliate funds or community foundations that will address countywide needs.2. A county endowment fund is created in the state treasury under the control of the department of revenue. The fund consists of all moneys appropriated to the fund. Moneys in the fund shall be distributed by the department as provided in this section.3.a. At the end of each fiscal year, moneys in the fund shall be transferred into separate accounts within the fund and designated for use by each county in which no licensee authorized to conduct gambling games under chapter 99F was located during that fiscal year. Moneys transferred to county accounts shall be divided equally among the counties. Moneys transferred into an account for a county shall be transferred by the department to an eligible county recipient for that county. Of the moneys transferred, an eligible county recipient shall distribute seventy-five percent of the moneys as grants to charitable organizations for charitable purposes in that county and shall retain twenty-five percent of the moneys for use in establishing a permanent endowment fund for the benefit of charitable organizations for charitable purposes. In addition, of the moneys transferred from moneys appropriated to the fund from the sports wagering receipts fund created in section 8.57, subsection 6, and distributed, eligible county recipients shall give consideration for grants, upon application, to a charitable organization that operates a racetrack facility that conducts automobile races in that county. Of the amounts distributed, eligible county recipients shall give special consideration to grants for projects that include significant vertical infrastructure components designed to enhance quality of life aspects within local communities. In addition, as a condition of receiving a grant, the governing body of a charitable organization receiving a grant shall approve all expenditures of grant moneys and shall allow a state audit of expenditures of all grant moneys.b. If a county does not have an eligible county recipient, moneys in the account for that county shall remain in that account until an eligible county recipient for that county is established.4. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:a. “Charitable organization” means an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code or an organization that is established for a charitable purpose.b. “Charitable purpose” means a purpose described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or a benevolent, educational, philanthropic, humane, scientific, patriotic, social welfare or advocacy, public health, environmental conservation, civic, or other eleemosynary objective.c. “Eligible county recipient” means an endow Iowa qualified community foundation or community affiliate organization, as defined in section 15E.303, that is selected, in accordance with the procedures described in section 15E.304, to receive moneys from an account created in this section for a particular county. To be selected as an eligible county recipient, a community affiliate organization shall establish a county affiliate fund to receive moneys as provided by this section.5. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, subsection 2, interest or earnings on moneys deposited in the county endowment fund shall be credited to the county endowment fund. Notwithstanding section 8.33, moneys credited to the county endowment fund shall not revert at the close of a fiscal year.6. Three percent of the moneys deposited in the county endowment fund shall be used by the lead philanthropic organization identified by the authority pursuant to section 15E.304 for purposes of administering and marketing the county endowment fund. Of the amounts available to be used by the lead philanthropic organization pursuant to this subsection, seventy thousand dollars is appropriated to the economic development authority each fiscal year for administrative costs related to the endow Iowa program.2004 Acts, ch 1136, §1, 2005 Acts, ch 150, §78, 79, 81, 2006 Acts, ch 1151, §4, 5, 8, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §85, 89, 2019 Acts, ch 132, §48Referred to in 99F.11, 421.17 15E.312 through 15E.320 SUBCHAPTER XXIVREGIONAL SPORTSAUTHORITY DISTRICTS15E.321Regional sports authority districts.1. As used in this section, “district” means a regional sports authority district certified under this section.2.a. A convention and visitors bureau may apply to the authority for certification of a regional sports authority district which may include more than one city and more than one convention and visitors bureau within the district. The authority shall not certify more than ten such districts.b. If more than ten applications are received in any certification year, the authority shall certify the districts on a competitive basis. In evaluating the applications for certification, the authority shall consider the economic impact to the state of the activities proposed in the application, the geographic diversity of the districts applying, and any other factors the authority deems relevant.3. Each district shall actively promote youth sports, high school athletic activities, the special olympics, and other nonprofessional sporting events in the local area.4. Each district may apply for and receive financial assistance under the sports tourism program established by the authority pursuant to section 15F.401.5. Each district shall be governed by a seven-member board consisting of seven members appointed by the convention and visitors bureau filing the application pursuant to subsection 2. At least three members of the board shall consist of city council members of any cities located in the district. Each board shall be responsible for administering programs designed to promote the activities enumerated in subsection 3.2007 Acts, ch 219, §32, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1018, §8, 2016 Acts, ch 1115, §16Referred to in 15F.40115E.322 through 15E.350 SUBCHAPTER XXVBUSINESS ACCELERATORS15E.351Business accelerators.1. The authority shall establish and administer a business accelerator program to provide financial assistance for the establishment and operation of a business accelerator for technology-based, value-added agricultural, information solutions, alternative and renewable energy including the alternative and renewable energy sectors listed in section 476.42, subsection 1, paragraph “a”, subparagraph (1), or advanced manufacturing start-up businesses or for a satellite of an existing business accelerator. The program shall be designed to foster the accelerated growth of new and existing businesses through the provision of technical assistance. The authority may provide financial assistance under this section from moneys allocated for financial assistance for business accelerators pursuant to section 15.335B, subsection 2.2. In determining whether a business accelerator qualifies for financial assistance, the authority must find that a business accelerator meets all of the following criteria:a. The business accelerator must be a not-for-profit organization affiliated with an area chamber of commerce, a community or county organization, or economic development region.b. The geographic area served by a business accelerator must include more than one county.c. The business accelerator must possess the ability to provide service to a specific type of business as well as to meet the broad-based needs of other types of start-up entrepreneurs.d. The business accelerator must possess the ability to market business accelerator services in the region and the state.e. The business accelerator must possess the ability to communicate with and cooperate with other business accelerators and similar service providers in the state.f. The business accelerator must possess the ability to engage various funding sources for start-up entrepreneurs.g. The business accelerator must possess the ability to communicate with and cooperate with various entities for purposes of locating suitable facilities for clients of the business accelerator.h. The business accelerator must possess the willingness to accept referrals from the authority.3. In determining whether a business accelerator qualifies for financial assistance, the authority may consider any of the following:a. The business experience of the business accelerator’s professional staff.b. The business plan review capacity of the business accelerator’s professional staff.c. The business accelerator’s professional staff with demonstrated experience in all aspects of business disciplines.d. The business accelerator’s professional staff with access to external service providers including legal, accounting, marketing, and financial services.4. In order to receive financial assistance under this section, the financial assistance recipient must demonstrate the ability to provide matching moneys on a basis of a two dollar contribution of recipient moneys for every one dollar received in financial assistance.2005 Acts, ch 150, §12, 2006 Acts, ch 1030, §4, 2006 Acts, ch 1142, §19, 2009 Acts, ch 123, §28, 2011 Acts, ch 25, §128, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §67, 84, 85, 89, 2012 Acts, ch 1021, §22, 23, 2012 Acts, ch 1126, §20Referred to in 15.335B15E.352 through 15E.360 SUBCHAPTER XXVISMALL BUSINESS DISASTERASSISTANCE PROGRAM15E.361Small business disaster recovery financial assistance program.1. The authority shall establish and administer a small business disaster recovery financial assistance program. Under the program, the authority shall provide grants to administrative entities for purposes of providing financial assistance to eligible businesses that sustained physical damage or economic loss due to a natural disaster occurring after May 24, 2008, and before August 14, 2008. Moneys shall be allocated to administrative entities on the basis of the percentage of disaster loans awarded by the United States small business administration to businesses located within a city’s jurisdiction or a disaster recovery area as defined by the authority.2. An eligible business is a business that sustained physical damage or economic loss due to a natural disaster occurring after May 24, 2008, and before August 14, 2008, and has executed loan documents for a disaster loan from an eligible lender as defined by the authority. Financial assistance shall be in the form of forgivable loans and reimbursement for acquisition of energy-efficient equipment. The maximum amount of a forgivable loan is twenty-five percent of the loan amount from the eligible lender up to a maximum of fifty thousand dollars. Up to an additional five thousand dollars of assistance shall be available for the reimbursement of energy-efficient purchases and installation.3. As determined by the authority, unused or unobligated moneys may be reclaimed and reallocated by the authority to other administrative agencies.4. For purposes of this section, “administrative entity” means cities identified by the authority that administer local disaster recovery programs and councils of government.2009 Acts, ch 170, §1, 11, 2011 Acts, ch 118, §87, 89SUBCHAPTER XXVIIENTREPRENEUR INVESTMENT AWARDS PROGRAM15E.362Entrepreneur investment awards program.1. For purposes of this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:a. “Business development services” includes but is not limited to corporate development services, business model development services, business planning services, marketing services, financial strategies and management services, mentoring and management coaching, and networking services.b. “Eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider” means a person meeting the requirements of subsection 3.c. “Financial assistance” means the same as defined in section 15.327.d. “Program” means the entrepreneur investment awards program administered pursuant to this subchapter.2. The authority shall establish and administer an entrepreneur investment awards program for purposes of providing financial assistance to eligible entrepreneurial assistance providers that provide technical and financial assistance to entrepreneurs and start-up companies seeking to create, locate, or expand a business in the state. Financial assistance under the program shall be provided from the entrepreneur investment awards program fund created in section 15E.363.3. In order to be eligible for financial assistance under the program an entrepreneurial assistance provider must meet all of the following requirements:a. The provider must have its principal place of operations located in this state.b. The provider must offer a comprehensive set of business development services to emerging and early-stage innovation companies to assist in the creation, location, growth, and long-term success of the company in this state.c. The business development services may be performed at the physical location of the provider or the company.d. The business development services may be provided in consideration of equity participation in the company, a fee for services, a membership agreement with the company, or any combination thereof.4. Entrepreneurial assistance providers may apply for financial assistance under the program in the manner and form prescribed by the authority.5. The economic development authority board in its discretion may approve, deny, or defer each application for financial assistance under the program from persons it determines to be an eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider.6. Subject to subsection 7, the amount of financial assistance awarded to an eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider shall be within the discretion of the authority.7.a. The maximum amount of financial assistance awarded to an eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider shall not exceed two hundred thousand dollars.b. The maximum amount of financial assistance provided under the program shall not exceed one million dollars in a fiscal year.8. The authority shall award financial assistance on a competitive basis. In making awards of financial assistance, the authority may develop scoring criteria and establish minimum requirements for the receipt of financial assistance under the program. In making awards of financial assistance, the authority may consider all of the following:a. The business experience of the professional staff employed or retained by the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider.b. The business plan review capacity of the professional staff of the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider.c. The expertise in all aspects of business disciplines of the professional staff of the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider. d. The access of the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider to external service providers, including legal, accounting, marketing, and financial services.e. The service model and likelihood of success of the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider and its similarity to other successful entrepreneurial assistance providers in the country.f. The financial need of the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider.9. Financial assistance awarded to an eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider shall only be used for the purpose of operating costs incurred by the eligible entrepreneurial assistance provider in providing business development services to emerging and early-stage innovation companies in this state. Such financial assistance shall not be distributed to owners or investors of the company to which business development services are provided and shall not be distributed to other persons assisting with the provision of business development services to the company.10. The authority may contract with outside service providers for assistance with the program or may delegate the administration of the program to the Iowa innovation corporation pursuant to section 15.106B.11. The authority may make client referrals to eligible entrepreneurial assistance providers.2012 Acts, ch 1126, §21, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §83, 161, 162, 2017 Acts, ch 54, §76Referred to in 15.106B, 15E.4215E.363Entrepreneur investment awards program fund.1. An entrepreneur investment awards program fund is created in the state treasury under the control of the authority and consisting of any moneys appropriated by the general assembly and any other moneys available to and obtained or accepted by the authority for placement in the fund.2. Payments of interest, repayments of moneys provided, and recaptures of moneys provided shall be deposited in the fund.3. Moneys credited to the fund are appropriated to the authority and shall be used to provide financial assistance under the program.4. Moneys in the fund are not subject to section 8.33. Notwithstanding section 12C.7, interest or earnings on moneys in the fund shall be credited to the fund.2012 Acts, ch 1126, §22, 2015 Acts, ch 138, §84, 161, 162Referred to in 15.335B, 15E.362	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1631
__label__wiki	0.720601	0.720601	CFPB News: Donoghue Resigns, Enforcement Efforts, Constitutionality Affirmed Richard E. Gottlieb Charles E. Washburn, Jr. In Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) news, there’s a major shakeup at the Bureau after Kristen Donoghue, a former Richard Cordray appointee who joined the CFPB back in 2011, resigned as the Bureau’s enforcement chief. Meanwhile, the CFPB filed a new lawsuit against credit repair companies and reached a $3.9 million settlement with a student loan servicer. Outside the enforcement arena, the CFPB’s constitutionality was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, a decision in line with the D.C. Circuit, although the potential for a circuit split remains with other cases pending in the Second and Fifth Circuits. After issuing its long-awaited debt collection rules, the CFPB turned its efforts to enforcement. Donoghue resigns. Less than a week after the resignation of controversial CFPB senior employee Eric Blankenstein, Kristen Donoghue has left the CFPB after openly criticizing Blankenstein’s tenure. Her acting replacement is her ideological clone, Cara Petersen, previously Donoghue’s principal deputy. Like her predecessor, Petersen has been at the CFPB since early 2011, joining from the Federal Trade Commission, where she handled consumer protection investigations for the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices. Prior to the FTC gig, Petersen was an Arnold & Porter litigation associate. She has an undergraduate degree in economics from George Washington University, and her law degree is from the University of Iowa. Director Kathy Kraninger now has an interesting decision: stick with Donoghue’s close former deputy in the medium term or choose a more politically aligned replacement. We expect the latter. Credit repair company complaint. In a new lawsuit filed in Utah federal court against a credit repair company, its subsidiaries and a related individual, the Bureau accused the defendants of violating the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) by requesting and receiving payment of prohibited upfront fees for credit repair services. The defendants also engaged in deceptive marketing representations in violation of the Consumer Financial Protection Act (CFPA), the CFPB alleged, using a business model of relying on a network of “marketing affiliates” that advertised consumer credit products or services. The affiliates, paid per lead by the defendants, offered “illusory products or services to lure in consumers,” according to the complaint, falsely representing to consumers that they had to use the defendants’ credit repair services in order to obtain the advertised products and services. The false advertising included fake real estate ads, fake rent-to-own housing opportunities, fake relationships with lenders, false credit guarantees and false, unsubstantiated statements about past consumer outcomes, the CFPB said. Ads also featured deceptive claims about consumers’ likelihood of success in obtaining products and services, according to the complaint, with claims such as a guarantee that any consumer could obtain “a 0-3.5% down” mortgage “no matter how bad their credit is when we start.” The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief as well as restitution and civil money penalties. Settlement with servicer. In a separate action, the CFPB reached a deal with a student loan servicing company that allegedly engaged in unfair practices by failing to adjust the principal balances of student loans in a timely manner to account for circumstances such as deferment, forbearance or entrance into the income-based repayment program. Instead, between 2005 and 2015, loans that required an adjustment were placed into queues, the Bureau said. Some adjustments took years to occur; in other cases, the adjustment was never made. As a result, in some instances borrowers paid off loans with inaccurate balances, while borrowers seeking to consolidate were forced to wait until the adjustment occurred. Pursuant to the consent order, the servicer will pay a $3.9 million fine and make proper adjustments to the principal balances of the relevant loans or otherwise make restitution to borrowers who paid off the loans. The servicer neither admitted nor denied the charges, which the CFPB said constituted unfair acts or practices in violation of the CFPA. Ninth Circuit decision. In non-enforcement news, a unanimous panel of the Ninth Circuit declared that the structure of the CFPB is constitutional, relying heavily on the D.C. Circuit’s opinion in a similar dispute. The case involved a law firm being investigated by the Bureau for potential violations of the TSR. As part of its review, the CFPB issued a civil investigative demand (CID) to the law firm, requiring it to respond to seven interrogatories and four requests for documents. After the firm refused to comply with the CID, the CFPB filed a petition in California district court to enforce compliance. In response, the law firm challenged the structure of the Bureau, arguing that it violates the Constitution’s separation of powers because the agency is headed by a single director who exercises substantial executive power but can be removed by the president only for cause. The Ninth Circuit disagreed, relying on controlling separation of powers decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court, as well as the D.C. Circuit’s 2018 decision in PHH Corp. v. CFPB. “[T]he for-cause removal restriction protecting the CFPB’s director does not ‘impede the President’s ability to perform his constitutional duty’ to ensure that the laws are faithfully executed,” the panel wrote. In addition, the CFPB has the statutory authority to issue the CID, the court said, affirming the district court’s order in favor of the Bureau. To read the CFPB’s complaint, click here. To read the CFPB’s consent order, click here. To read CFPB v. Seila Law LLC, click here. The Donoghue departure is big news in Bureau circles, and whoever replaces her will have enormous power to influence Bureau activities. On constitutionality, the Ninth Circuit decision was not a surprising result and maintains the status quo by aligning with the D.C. Circuit. That said, the possibility of a circuit split remains. The Fifth Circuit recently heard oral argument on the issue in a case that began when the CFPB sued a check cashing company for assorted violations of the CFPA, and the Second Circuit is reviewing a June 2018 decision from a New York federal court judge found the CFPB’s structure unconstitutional. With multiple cases in play, the issue of the Bureau’s constitutionality could still find its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Federal Reserve, FDIC Enforcement Efforts FinCEN Provides Guidance On Cryptocurrency New DFS Office To Tackle Consumer Protection NY Federal Court: OCC Fintech Charters in Jeopardy Possibility of Vicarious Liability for Lenders in Ninth Circuit State AGs, ABA Back Bill On Financial Services For Cannabis	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1634
__label__wiki	0.687294	0.687294	Tears Dry On Their Own Amy Winehouse Buy This Song About Tears Dry On Their Own "Tears Dry on Their Own" is a song by English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse from her second and final studio album Back to Black (2006). "Tears Dry on Their Own" was released as the fourth single from Back to Black on 13 August 2007. While the melody and lyrics are composed by Winehouse, the music behind her voice is a sample interpolation of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's 1967 Motown classic hit "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", penned by the married duo of Ashford & Simpson. The original ballad version of the track is featured on the posthumous album Lioness: Hidden Treasures (2011). The song was featured in the documentary film based on the life and death of Winehouse, Amy (2015) and was also included on the film's soundtrack. more » All I can ever be to you is a darkness that we knew And this regret I got accustomed to Once it was so right When we were at our height Waiting for you in the hotel at night I knew I hadn't met my match But every moment we could snatch I don't know why I got so attached It's my responsibility You don't owe nothing to me But to walk away, I have no capacity He walks away He takes the day, but I'm grown And in your way In this blue shade My tears dry on their own Why do I stress the man When there's so many bigger things at hand? We could've never had it all We had to hit a wall So this is inevitable withdrawal Even if I stop wanting you And perspective pushes through I'll be some next man's other woman soon I cannot play my self again I should just be my own best friend Not f*ck my self in the head with stupid men So we are history Your shadow covers me The sky above ablaze I wish I could sing no regrets And no emotional debt 'Cause as we kissed goodbye, the sun sets That only lovers see Whoa, he walks away My deep shade My tears dry Amy Jade Winehouse (14 September 1983 – 23 July 2011) was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres including R&B, soul and jazz. Winehouse's 2003 debut album, Frank, was critically successful in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. Her 2006 follow-up album, Back to Black, led to six Grammy Award nominations and five wins, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night, and made Winehouse the first British female to win five Grammys, including three of the "Big Four": Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year. more » Written by: Amy Winehouse, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson Discuss the Tears Dry On Their Own Lyrics with the community: "Tears Dry On Their Own Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2020. Web. 22 Jan. 2020. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/13454471/Amy+Winehouse>. Missing lyrics by Amy Winehouse? Know any other songs by Amy Winehouse? Don't keep it to yourself! The Disco Boys, Vol. 8 Let Me Think About It [Club Mix] Strings of Tortuga [Instrumental] Hypnotic Tango I Want Your Soul Like This Like That [Extended Instrumental][Instrumental] Tears Dry on Their Own [Al Usher Remix] Young Folks [Beyond the Wizards Sleeve Re-Animation] Don't miss Amy Winehouse's Amy Winehouse Valentine… Fri • Feb 14 • 8:00 PM Reggie's Rock Club, Chicago, IL BACK TO BLACK: Tribute … Fri • Mar 06 • 9:00 PM The Cellar Door, Visalia, CA Amy - A Tribute To Amy … Thu • Apr 09 • 7:45 PM King's Hall, Ilkley Lioness ... A.k.a the A… Fri • Apr 17 • 6:30 PM O2 Academy Bristol, Bristol The Amy Winehouse Exper… Sat • Apr 18 • 8:30 PM The Brook, Southampton Amy Winehouse tracks	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1637
__label__cc	0.527207	0.472793	How to avoid Facebook-induced depression Written by Hannah Nichols on December 29, 2016 Given that Facebook have 1.79 billion monthly active users, there is no doubt that it is a popular social platform. The irony of Facebook - a platform designed to make us more sociable - is that the site has been linked to depression - a condition that can result in withdrawal and social isolation. Is it possible to avoid "Facebook depression"? Particular behaviors that occur while using Facebook could put people at risk of Facebook-induced depression. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) proposed the existence of Facebook depression in 2011. They defined the condition as: "Depression that develops when preteens and teens spend a great deal of time on social media sites, such as Facebook, and then begin to exhibit classic symptoms of depression." While the AAP received some criticism from those who argued that their claims were not adequately supported, previous research has suggested that using Facebook is linked to several mental health consequences, including depression, low self-esteem, and jealousy. Low moods and depressive symptoms appear to go hand-in-hand with Facebook use, but one of the triggering factors seems to be "social comparison." People who regularly use Facebook are exposed to the "glossy showreel" of friends, family, and acquaintances' lives. The idealized highlights of the daily existence of their peers may provoke feelings of envy and the distorted belief that others may lead happier, more exciting, and more successful lives. Studies indicate that some people are more susceptible to developing depression when they use technology for extended periods of time, or may even become detached from their real-life social or work environments. Social comparison significant trigger for 'Facebook depression' A new systematic review of all the literature linking social media networking sites with depression was conducted by Lancaster University in the United Kingdom, in order to examine the relationship between the two. Of the 799 articles on the subject, there were 30 that met the criteria for inclusion in the review. The findings were mixed, with 16 percent of the studies finding a link between online social networking and depression, 6 percent finding that social networks do not cause depression and, in fact, have a positive impact on mental health, and 13 percent finding no significant link either way. David A. Baker, doctorate in clinical psychology at the Faculty of Health and Medicine, and Guillermo Perez Algorta, Ph.D., of the Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research at the Faculty of Health and Medicine - both from Lancaster University in the U.K. - carried out the review. Their findings - published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking - suggest that there is a complex relationship between online social networking and depression. The researchers say that social comparison was the trigger in cases where there was a significant association between social networking and depression. They say that comparing yourself with others can lead to "rumination," or overthinking. Comparing yourself negatively to others when using Facebook was shown to predict depression by the act of overthinking. Frequently posting on Facebook was also associated with depression for the same reason. Additionally, the frequency, quality, and type of social networking interactions were also found to be important factors. Particular 'risky behaviors' link Facebook with depression There are particular types of social networking behaviors that make it more likely for individuals to develop Facebook depression. These include: Obsessing over "virtual identity" and how they are perceived by others Envy activated by observing other people's lives Accepting invites from former partners to become Facebook friends Frequently posting status updates and interacting excessively Negatively comparing themselves with others. Avoiding all five of these behaviors could help to prevent the onset of Facebook-induced depression. Baker and Algorta also note that gender and personality could play a role in the risk of Facebook depression. They say that women and people with neurotic personalities have an increased risk of becoming depressed. They also say that while some people have negative experiences while using online social networking, others have positive experiences. They write: "While the concept of 'Facebook depression' may be over-simplistic and may fail to take into account the myriad of factors that affect this relationship both positively and negatively, and despite the limitations identified in the research, the findings suggest that for some people online social networking may be associated with increased symptoms of depression while for others the activity may be beneficial." For people with depression, the researchers point out that online social networking platforms could particularly help those who use online activity as a mental health resource to enhance social support. Learn how using Facebook correctly can help you live longer. Popular in: Depression What is depression and what can I do about it? Recognizing the hidden signs of depression 8 herbs and supplements for depression Lexapro withdrawal: Everything you need to know Masturbation and depression: Is there a link? Psychopathy: Children at risk respond differently to laughter New research examines whether laughter is as contagious for children at risk of becoming psychopaths in adulthood as it is for risk-free children. Study reveals what depression, anxiety look like in the brain MRI brain scans of people with depression and social anxiety show common and specific differences in cortical thickness, compared with healthy people. Life hacks: Dealing with postpartum depression The weeks and months after giving birth can be emotional and stressful. Here are some ways to cope if your baby blues become postpartum depression. Social media users more likely to feel isolated, study finds The time spent online and the frequency of social media use have been shown to drastically increase the risk of feeling socially isolated. Social media use and depression linked in large study Among young adults, the more time spent on social media increases risks of depression. Researchers say the findings have public health implications. Depression and the brain: Study finds sex-specific differences in teens New research finds that depression manifests differently in the brains of male and female teenagers, leading to the need for a differentiated…	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1641
__label__wiki	0.83931	0.83931	Study finds surprising links between bullying and eating disorders Being bullied in childhood has been associated with increased risk for anxiety, depression and even eating disorders. But according to new research, it's not only the victims who could be at risk psychologically, but also the bullies themselves. Researchers at Duke Medicine and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine were surprised to find that in a study of 1,420 children, those who bullied others were twice as likely to display symptoms of bulimia, such as bingeing and purging, when compared to children who are not involved in bullying. The findings are published in the December issue of International Journal of Eating Disorders. "For a long time, there's been this story about bullies that they're a little more hale and hearty," said lead author William Copeland, Ph.D., associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University School of Medicine. "Maybe they're good at manipulating social situations or getting out of trouble, but in this one area it seems that's not the case at all. Maybe teasing others may sensitize them to their own body image issues, or afterward, they have regret for their actions that results in these symptoms like binge eating followed by purging or excess exercise." The findings come from an analysis of interviews from the Great Smoky Mountains Study, a database with more than two decades of health information on participants who enrolled at age 9. The data is considered a community sample and not representative of the U.S. population, but offers clues to how children ages 9 to 16 could be affected. Participants were divided into four categories - children who were not at all involved in bullying; victims of bullying; children who sometimes were victims and sometimes were instigators; and children who were solely bullies, repeatedly abusing other children verbally and physically, socially excluding others, and rumor mongering, without ever becoming a victim themselves. The researchers were not surprised to find that victims of peer abuse were generally at increased risk for eating disorders. Children who were victims of bullying were at nearly twice the risk of displaying symptoms of anorexia (11.2 percent prevalence compared to 5.6 percent of children who were not involved in bullying) and bulimia (27.9 percent prevalence compared to 17.6 percent of children not involved in bullying). Children who were both bullies and victims had the highest prevalence of anorexia symptoms (22.8 percent compared to 5.6 percent of the children not involved in bullying) and also the highest prevalence of binge eating (4.8 percent of children as compared to less than 1 percent of uninvolved children) and vomiting as a way to maintain their weight. But the impact of bullying behavior on those who were bullies was also significant, with 30.8 percent of bullies having symptoms of bulimia compared to 17.6 percent of children not involved in bullying. All of these behaviors can have devastating effects on the long-term health of children, said Cynthia M. Bulik, Ph.D., a distinguished professor of eating disorders at the UNC School of Medicine and a co-author on the findings. "Sadly, humans do tend to be most critical about features in other people that they dislike most in themselves," Bulik said. "The bullies' own body dissatisfaction could fuel their taunting of others. Our findings tell us to raise our vigilance for eating disorders in anyone involved in bullying exchanges -- regardless of whether they are the aggressor, the victim, or both." Although many children experience lifelong effects, many appear to cope and succeed after such experiences, Copeland said. He and colleagues are examining myriad factors, including looking at financial and educational outcomes, and even if bullying or being victimized is associated with genetic biomarkers. "We want to do a better job of understanding why some people are able to experience the same things as others and be able to get through them without the same consequences," Copeland said. "We really need to understand the resilience in those who have been bullied. That can help us determine the children who are going to need the most attention, and how we can promote those traits in others to increase their resilience." Popular in: Eating Disorders What's to know about binge eating disorder? What different eating disorders are there? What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia? Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID): What to know What to know about pica	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1642
__label__cc	0.71745	0.28255	10.0 Superb Avvo Rating Superb Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer INJURY ATTORNEY HELPING VICTIMS IN ALBUQUERQUE AND BEYOND Based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C., is a law firm committed to fighting for real people hurt or harmed by the careless or reckless conduct of others. It takes just a few seconds for an accident or incident to happen, but it can take years for a victim to recover from the physical and emotional harm suffered due to someone else’s careless or reckless conduct. A tragic sudden death or catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord damage or brain trauma, can result from avoidable accidents caused by negligence, such as car, truck, and other motor vehicle collisions. When those collisions involve commercial vehicles – semi-trucks or “big rigs” – the sheer size of those commercial vehicles can turn a minor crash into a major crash with serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been involved in any vehicle accident, car crash, or other incident, Albuquerque personal injury lawyer Matthew Vance is ready to help you. AN ALBUQUERQUE PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY TO INFORM YOU OF YOUR OPTIONS, FIGHT FOR YOU, AND OBTAIN JUSTICE FOR YOU. You have been injured in a car accident, a trucking accident, or hurt because of the careless or reckless conduct of someone else. Perhaps some fool driving another car or a bully in a big rig just smashed your car to bits, hurting you, your friends, or your family. What seemed like just another day, filled with plans and expectations, turned into a bizarre nightmare. How could this happen? Why you? Now you are without your car. You can’t get to the places you are supposed to go. There are bills for medical care; bills for the ambulance, bills for the Emergency Room visit, bills for the doctor at the Emergency Room, bills, bills, bills. You never planned on these bills; you never budgeted for them. They could break you. You need compensation for your losses but the insurance company isn't being fair. The insurance adjuster for the other person doesn’t seem to care, never calls you back, denies their insured did anything wrong, or is offering you next to nothing for all those bills and what you went through. This can’t be fair. This can’t be right. The insurance companies have trained adjusters and defense lawyers that know the process and civil legal system. They've been specially trained to do their jobs. Unfortunately you can expect them to work against you, attempting to use the claims handling process and the legal system against you. You can expect that they will attempt to deny or devalue your claim, paying you nothing, or less than you are legally entitled to in the hopes of underpaying as many claims as possible. If they can underpay your claim and then repeat that process on a few thousand or million more cases, then have just made a stack of money off of you and others they duped. Don't be duped. Don't take a chance. Our law firm is committed to helping ordinary people fight for their legal rights, such as the right to recover compensatory damages that result from others’ negligence. We understand both the law of negligence and the practical side of car and truck accident litigation. Since Mr. Vance has spent over 25 years in the legal industry and has experience negotiating, litigating, and even arbitrating negligence cases, he is an Albuquerque personal injury attorney who knows what it takes to vigorously advocate for an accident victim against a large insurance company. We pursue and, when needed, sue the bad guys. We are a plaintiff’s personal injury law firm. Our firm fights for individuals hurt or harmed when someone acts to break a law or needlessly endangers you. I learned the profession from the ground up. I have had the privilege to work with and learn from some of the best attorneys in the State of New Mexico, if not the nation. I have always believed in what I do and representing every client zealously. I find it rewarding to represent the “little guy” and “underdog” against the “goliaths” and “wrongdoers.” When you love what you do and believe in what you do, you excel at it. ---- Matt VancePROTECT YOUR RIGHTS BY PURSUING A NEGLIGENCE CLAIM Matt Vance understands all too well the games that insurance companies and adjusters play with injured people, having worked early on at an insurance defense firm before dedicating his energies to advocating for the rights of victims. Anticipating the obstacles that may arise, he can help injured individuals and their families build a solid strategy when bringing a claim after an accident. Most of these cases are based on a theory of negligence, which requires proving the four elements of duty, breach, causation, and damages. In most situations, such as car and truck accidents, the duty of care consists of behaving in a reasonably prudent manner, as an ordinary person would behave in a similar situation. Said another way, people have a duty to act as an ordinarily prudent person would under the circumstances. ANATOMY OF A CIVIL PERSONAL INJURY CASE DOG BITES & VIEW MORE PRACTICE AREAS A person or entity that does not conform to this duty and causes harm to someone else as a result may be liable for damages. People who act carelessly or recklessly should expect to be held responsible and accountable for their actions. When the negligent act, or fail to act, in a way that causes hurt and harm to others, they are legally obligated to pay for the damages they cause. Some common forms of compensation include those related to monetary losses, such as past and future medical costs, property damage, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Moreover, victims may also be legally entitled to damages for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages to make up for the harms caused. If you don’t act to hold them responsible and accountable, then they are only further encouraged to break the rules again and to act to endanger and hurt others. It is important that you act quickly to protect your rights after a car accident, trucking accident, or incident. A thorough investigation is critical after an accident or truck wreck occurs. It can be critical to properly investigate and preserve evidence in your case. Depending on where the crash or incident occurred, there may be physical evidence at the scene that needs to be reviewed, measured, or collected. An expert may need to be retained to visit the scene, take measurements, and analyze evidence before things are changed or lost. Skid marks, rest position of vehicles, and crush damage of motor vehicles can be critical to an accident reconstructionist's review of a crash and its causes. In semi rig crash cases it may be necessary to obtain copies of the driver's log book; ECM data, or other electronic monitoring device; the trucker’s driving record, including traffic citations and past accidents; as well as information concerning whether the trucking company may have violated federal laws with respect to mandatory rest periods and maximum hours of driving per day. Both the driver and his or her employer may be held liable if each of them acted carelessly. Company records, safety records, and other data may be lost or destroyed if not preserved. Company document or data policies or other public records, like Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration company safety records, may call for the destruction of information after a limited time period. Delay may result in the loss of evidence critical to your case and holding the negligent defendant or defendants responsible. At the Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C., we will work with you to collect the evidence necessary to prove your case and, when needed, pursue a legal case for negligence against the careless or reckless person or persons that caused you harm. MATTHEW VANCE IS A LOCAL ATTORNEY HELPING PERSONAL INJURY VICTIMS IN NEW MEXICO. Matt Vance was born and raised in Santa Fe. He is committed to New Mexico and the people throughout New Mexico. I grew up here. My family is here. My friends are here. My wife and I are raising our son here. This is my community. I am committed to making my community a better and safer place. I do that in many ways, but one way is through the work I do - holding others responsible for their actions when they are unwilling to do so on their own.---- Matt Vance A TRACK RECORD OF RESULTS. WE HAVE COLLECTED MILLIONS FOR OUR CLIENTS. We have litigated thousands of cases and recovered millions of dollars in damages for our clients. We don’t take every case and not every case is worth millions, but we have the knowledge, confidence and ability to help you recover the most you are entitled to recover for the harms and losses caused to you by the wrongful conduct of someone else or a bad company putting profits ahead of people and safety. We know what matters most to you -YOUR CASE- no matter how “big” or “small.” It’s your case. It may be your only case; we get that. We will fight for you! DISCUSS YOUR ACCIDENT CASE WITH A DEDICATED ALBUQUERQUE LAWYER Albuquerque accident attorney Matthew Vance assists victims of car and truck accidents on major highways across New Mexico, such as Interstates 10, 25, and 40 or Highways 550, 491, 380, 285, 64, 54, 60, and 84. Mr. Vance was born and raised in Santa Fe. As a lifelong citizen and resident of New Mexico, he deeply respects the interests of the people in his community and offers each client the personalized, professional attention that his or her case deserves. For a free and confidential case evaluation, call us at (505) 242-6267 for an appointment or contact us online. We are available in the evenings and on weekends, and we pursue most of our personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. The Law Office of Matthew Vance also represents accident victims in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Los Alamos, Taos, Raton, Gallup, and Rio Rancho, among many other communities. How Can Matt Vance Help You? We are a law firm that represents real people with real injuries. We pursue claims and cases against those responsible for car accidents, trucking accidents, bicycle wrecks, and unsafe premises. We hold careless companies responsible for their actions, including negligent hiring, negligent supervision, negligent training, and negligent retention of employees that endanger and hurt others. We also fight insurance companies that use illegal and unfair claims handling practices to break their promises. MEET MATTHEW VANCE MATTHEW VANCE mattvance@mattvancelaw.com Matthew Vance is a local attorney helping personal injury victims in New Mexico. Matt Vance was born and raised in Santa Fe. He is committed to New Mexico and the people throughout New Mexico... New Mexico Court Dismisses Personal Injury Claims Against Neighbor for Lack of Proximate Causation Sometimes a person is not liable for the payment of damages resulting from an accident. Even though… New Mexico Plaintiff Unable to Add Defendant's Employer to Injury Case Following Expiration of Statute of Limitations Sometimes multiple parties can be held liable for the payment of damages in a single New Mexico… New Mexico Personal Injury Suit to Proceed in Federal Court Following Denial of the Plaintiff's Motion to Remand New Mexico personal injury lawsuits often proceed in New Mexico's state courts. A personal injury… Phone: (505) 242-6267Available Evenings & Weekends Albuquerque Personal Injury Lawyer \| New Mexico Car Accident Attorney \| Law Office of Matthew Vance, P.C.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1648
__label__wiki	0.97289	0.97289	Boston Marathon to add para athlete divisions in 2020 By Jimmy Golen AP Sports Writer Apr 8, 2019 at 11:36 AM Apr 8, 2019 at 11:58 AM BOSTON — When Marko Cheseto lines up in Hopkinton for the start of the Boston Marathon next week, he will already be looking past the finish line, 26.2 miles away. It's next year, when organizers will christen three new para athlete divisions, that he will have a chance to claim something he covets even more than a new personal best: a full-fledged Boston Marathon victory, and the possibility of climbing the podium on his two prosthetic legs just steps away from the spot where so many lost their limbs in the 2013 finish line attacks. "I want those who were injured through that to know that we are here with them," said Cheseto, an All-American distance runner at Alaska-Anchorage who lost both feet to frostbite after he was stranded in a blizzard for 56 hours. "We, as human beings, are very resilient; we have a lot of good people out there; we can show our solidarity out there," said Cheseto, a native Kenyan who became a U.S. citizen in November — seven years to the day after he went missing. "Together, we can do good things." Boston Marathon: Runner profiles, columns, news and photo The world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon, Boston was the first major 26.2-miler (42.195 kilometer) to include a wheelchair division, in 1975. Once again, the wheelchair racers will be the first to break the tape on Boylston Street on April 15, when the Boston Athletic Association stages the event for the 123rd time. But scattered among the field of 30,000 that follows will also be people riding handcycles, running on prosthetic legs or conquering other physical impairments in the hopes of a personal best, or the satisfaction of finishing. "They're coming to our events, and no one knows they're there," said Marla Runyan, a two-time Olympian and five-time Paralympic champion who has led the association's Athletes with Disabilities program for the past two years. "The B.A.A. wants to see people to see them for the athletes that they are." 2019 Boston Marathon Weekend Schedule of Events Starting next year, the organization will award titles — and prize money — in three divisions, recognizing not just the wheelchair racers who have been an official part of the race for four decades but also ambulatory runners who are visually impaired or amputees. "We wanted to make sure that we were paying attention to this emerging element of the sport," B.A.A. CEO Tom Grilk said. SHARE YOUR STORY: Why are you running the 2019 Boston Marathon? Runners will compete for a $1,500 top prize — men and women — from a total purse of $16,500 that is on top of the $125,000 prize pool for the wheelchair division. Runyan, who was the top American woman in Boston when she finished fifth in 2003, has helped create qualification standards for next year's para athlete divisions, and she will invite runners who meet them. The organization is also hosting a U.S. para athletics classification session during marathon weekend. (For example, Cheseto is T62, double below the knee amputation; Runyan, who is legally blind, competed as a T13 against other runners with visual impairments.) "I think it's been a long time coming," said Adam Popp, who lost part of his right leg to an improvised explosive device while serving with the Air Force in Afghanistan. "There's no other race out there that's going to provide what they do. And now that the ball is rolling, hopefully more people in my situation will get into the sport." That would be a "happy accident," Runyan said, which could lead more races to include para athlete categories; that, in turn, could encourage more runners with physical impairments to run. Ultimately, Popp would like to see a Paralympic marathon for lower-limb amputees, which hasn't existed since 1996. "That would be my dream. But that's what I've been waiting for since November of 2015," he said. "I know a lot of other people have been waiting longer." Sign up for the Beyond the 26.2 newsletter Popp, who finished the Los Angeles Marathon in 3 hours, 29 minutes, 36 seconds last month on what was supposed to be a Boston training run, said one the biggest obstacles for para athletes is having peers to train with, or run with, or even just to see on the course demonstrating what is possible. "For people who have been there, that are in the hospital bed and they have started training for their 5K, they really need those peers to look up to and kind of guide the way," Popp said. "I think that what the Boston Marathon is going to do in 2020 is bring in elite level para athletes who can show others who might be coming up through the recovery what's going to be possible." Some of them, Popp knows, will be among the hundreds who were wounded on Boylston Street in 2013 by two pressure cooker bombs with a design that maximized lower limb injuries, and were horrifically effective. While the events of 2013 don't motivate the B.A.A., Grilk said, it has made them more aware of a community that looks to the race for inspiration. "The role of 2013 is that more people are watching," he said. "And if it turns out that what we're doing is favorably received by people who were so adversely affected by what happened to in 2013, then so much the better."	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1653
__label__wiki	0.50058	0.50058	Merkle Starts 2011 with Record Results and Achievements Merkle (www.merkleinc.com), the nation's fastest growing customer relationship marketing agency, today released its annual Year in Review for 2010. Merkle reported total revenue for $254 million for the year and record revenue for Q4 2010, partly fueled by the company's highest revenue month in its history in December 2010. These results provide steady traction as the firm enters 2011 and are the culmination of a year's worth of achievements that include continued momentum in CRM strategy and branding initially launched in 2009, industry recognition, corporate expansion, increased capabilities and additions in executive talent. Corporate Strategy and Expansion: Merkle continues to be recognized as a leader in Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) strategy and enablement services. In 2010, Merkle continued to expand both geographically and in its capabilities. 2010 also saw Merkle open its first international office in Shanghai, China- expanding its presence in the international market and allowing the agency to better meet the needs of its multinational clients. This location supports five U.S.-based clients, including Dell's regional and global consumer CRM operations. Awards and Recognition:In 2010, Merkle was honored for its work with a diverse group of clients. Advertising Age recognized the company as one of the "Top 50" agencies in the world, and the National Center for Database Marketing (NCDM) presented Merkle with its Silver Database Excellence Award in the Business-to-Business category. The International Academy of the Visual Arts awarded Merkle its Silver W3 Award. The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) honored Merkle and its subsidiary LogicLab with two Innovation Awards. The Direct Marketing Association of Washington (DMAW) presented Merkle with two Silver Marketing Awards of Excellence and Innovation (MAXIs) for the company's work with both The U.S. Navy Memorial and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Merkle also received three Philadelphia Direct Marketing Association "Benny Awards." Additionally, the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) presented Merkle with its Corporate Leadership Award this past fall. Capabilities:To meet the increasing demand for new and innovative marketing solutions across a growing number of technology platforms, Merkle launched and expanded several practice areas in 2010. Notably, the agency introduced Integrated Social Marketing, which allows marketers to optimize their use of social media and better engage their customers, leverage influencers and refine brand positioning online. Merkle also began creating and delivering targeted, graphically-rich, mobile-optimized e-mail content on behalf of clients. This new offering reflects the agency's focus on the intersection of digital and traditional marketing as it continues to expand its integrated mobile marketing practice to meet clients' needs in an increasingly mobile consumer environment. Further expanding its digital business, Merkle added capabilties in the area of targeted display advertising- representing its ongoing commitment to expand its presence in the digital media space. Here Merkle leverages its expertise in data management, data integration and analytics for both targeting and measurement in order to create competitive advantage for its customer executing display media strategies. The demand for CRM consulting prompted Merkle to make significant investments in executive talent to support the creation of repeatable business processes and methodologies to drive scale. In addition to consulting, leading marketers have been looking to Merkle to support their increasing needs in the area of analytics. Merkle expanded its off-shore analytics capabilities with the opening of its China operation which will initially house 75 employees, with the capacity to expand as its global business requires. With the growth of its U.S. multinaional client base, Merkle has leveraged its highly successful data agnostic, analytic data evaluation and procurement processes and expanded its data sourcing capabilities to offer international data services. Merkle also introduced its new Retail Marketing Suite (RMS), which provides the company's multichannel retail clients with world-class CRM technology solutions through a best-in-class vertical approach. The RMS was designed to fulfill the spectrum of needs facing retail marketers in today's market. Merkle continues to invest heavily in its LogicLab business and in mid-2010 launched a new service called TargetLab. This offering is an on-demand Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that, for the first time, provides advertisers and media planners the ability to evaluate and execute media plans across all channels with precise alignment on their core targeting and messaging strategy. Talent:In 2010, Merkle grew to 1,400 employees, operating in 11 locations worldwide. Over the past year, Merkle promoted Zhengda Shen to Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Craig Dempster to Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Merkle hired several key executives, including Mark Weninger, Chief Creative Officer; Russ Pearlman, Chief Technology Officer; Jim Foley, Chief People Officer; Jeaneen Andrews-Feldman, Vice President of Marketing; Greg Curran, Vice President of Advanced Communications Operations; Nick Dryfuse, Vice President Technology Solutions; Shambho Krishnasamy, Vice President & Chief Solution Architect; David Magrini, Vice President, Insurance and Wealth Management Practice; Ramin Mikaili, Vice President and Segmentation Practice lead; Wayne Oliver, Vice President of Operations; Megan Pagliuca, Vice President Display Media; and Chris Wayman, Vice President and General Manager, Mobile Practice. Merkle's record results and achievements as a leading CRM agency puts it on a trajectory to deliver revenue in excess of $300 million in 2011. The shift to customer strategy as a business strategy and a greater appetite for marketing accountability will propel Merkle's growth over the next year. Additionally, current micro and macro trends in the digitalization and fragmentation of media and the demand for integrated media optimization will continue to fuel Merkle's investment in CRM consulting, and digital capabilities. Merkle's global expansion will focus on building on its momentum in China while expanding into EMEA in support of its U.S. multinational clients. Merkle's past and future growth are a result of its emphasis on customer satisfaction and focus on delivering on unparalleled customer experience.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1656
__label__cc	0.501802	0.498198	Thermal and sound insulation Thermal and sound insulation (3) Thermal insulation (2) Brianza Plastica SpA Brianza Plastica is the company from which the group starts off and develops. The company has its origin in 1962 at Carate Brianza with the production of fibreglass laminates. As years went by the production was expanded and nowadays Brianza Plastica produces insulating overlay systems which can satisfy the most varied needs in the building sector. SIGA is the leading company in development, production and distribution of products for the air and windtight building envelope free from residential toxins. SIGA-sealed buildings are characterized by low energy consumption and CO2 emissions, high living comfort and durability. Know-how, quality, innovation and consistent striving for sustainability are some of the recipes for the success of the Swiss family business. Tegola Canadese S.p.A. About us Tegola Canadese S.p.A. is a subsidiary of the IWIS group, entirely Italian-owned, specializing in the manufacture and marketing of bituminous shingles finished with ceramized basalt granules or in metal coil, and photovoltaic tiles. Our proposal also covers a wide range of accessories and complementary products for building every type of roof, including a ventilated roof. The company was founded in 1977 in Vittorio Veneto, with a factory that today still remains a point of refer…	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1660
__label__cc	0.6216	0.3784	Mittenmaier The art of Robert Mittenmaier Main Street Murphys Chinetti Motors Early Ferrari Early American Race Cars Could be the coolest small town in America Murphys, originally Murphys New Diggings then Murphy’s Camp, is an unincorporated village located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Calaveras County, California. Click any image below for larger view All Images Copyright © 2019 Robert Mittenmaier The Making of Moon Alley Candles Built in the late 1800s, this is the oldest wooden structure in Murphys. Originally a lumber company’s office, today it is occupied by Moon Alley Candles. About Murphys, California Murphys, originally Murphys New Diggings then Murphy’s Camp, is an unincorporated village located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Calaveras County, California, United States. One of the richest strikes of the gold rush, the main street today is lined with over two dozen wine tasting rooms and surrounded by local vineyards. The town is popular among tourists from all over Northern California, particularly the San Francisco Bay Area. Dubbed the “Napa of the Sierras,” Murphys is one of the most affluent communities in Calaveras County. Learn more Where is Murphys? About Robert Mittenmaier Robert Mittenmaier is an American artist who paints with acrylic on Masonite. His work includes early American race cars, vintage Ferraris and, more recently, street scenes and historic buildings in his hometown of Murphys, California. Learn more For questions or comments about the artwork shown on this page please contact us. Copyright © 2020 Robert Mittenmaier · Murphys, California · The art of Robert Mittenmaier	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1662
__label__wiki	0.617645	0.617645	03.12.2019 Europe Paris Live, Tuesday 3 December 2019 By RFI LISTEN DEC 3, 2019 In today's edition of Paris Live, we turn firstly to the NATO summit, which opens in watford, England, marking the 70th anniversary of the military alliance. However, this comes against a backdrop of several divisive issues such as Turkey's operations in Syria, the budget of the alliance which Washington feels is unbalanced. We move on to Spain, where deputies took their seats despite the fact that a government has not been formed since the general election last month. In Africa news, we look at the worsening situation in Zimbabwe where the World Food Programme has stepped up its operations in the face of severe shortages. In Senegal, we hear how a recent influx of foreign-owned fishmeal factories is threatening the livelihoods of local fishermen. In Culture, we meet young Afghan director Shahrbanoo Sadat who talks about the making of her film "The Orphanage" released in France on 27 November. And there's a chat with Italian photographer Tommaso Protti, winner of the 10th Carmignac photojournalism award, whose black and white series called “Amazonia / Life and death in the Brazilian rainforest” is on display at the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1663
__label__wiki	0.870135	0.870135	This must not set a precedent The President of the Max Planck Society, Martin Stratmann, on the most recent developments surrounding the decision made by Nikos Logothetis How can research organizations protect their own scientists against aggressive and unfair practices of animal rights activists? This question has been on my mind and the minds of many other scientists in the Max Planck Society even before September of last year, when animal rights activists set their sights on the Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics. Previously, Wolf Singer in Frankfurt and Andreas Kreiter at the University of Bremen had also been subjected to their attacks. Yet the events unfolding in Tübingen are even more revealing: they highlight that animal rights activists are nowadays networking on an international scale. The German animal rights group “SOKO Tierschutz” has been receiving advice and support from its British colleagues, who have been calling attention to themselves for years with covert operations targeting renowned research institutions in the United Kingdom. We are dealing with a network that has been professionally set up, and it is questionable whether those involved always act purely in the interest of animal protection – after all, there are concrete financial interests at stake here as well. And so far the scientific community has done little to counter this development. Despite strong backing from the mayor of Tübingen and the state government of Baden-Württemberg – for which I would like to express my sincere gratitude – and despite numerous measures undertaken by the Max Planck Society over the past few months in support of its Director Nikos Logothetis, we were not able to put an end to the ongoing reprehensible threats, insults and abuses to which he and many other employees on campus were subjected. These defamations are directed at them from behind the cloak of anonymity via e‑mail and social media. We thought that the medieval pillory was a relic of history, yet now we have to witness first-hand that public shaming is being revived in the Age of the Internet, manifesting itself in new forms with disastrous ramifications. Nikos Logothetis no longer wanted to expose himself to this surge of hatred and therefore decided to discontinue his research on primates. However, he issued a statement in which he unequivocally reiterates that he remains convinced of the necessity of testing on primates for research purposes. We regret his decision and are very much affected by it. Yet there is one upside to this new development: it is a wake-up call for us, for policy-makers and for the country as a whole. In fact, it has roused scientists all over the world. As a result, more than four thousand researchers from around the globe have followed the call of the Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience in Tübingen and expressed their solidarity with Nikos Logothetis. We cannot allow dubious campaigns, fought with unfair means, to harm legally legitimate and internationally accepted research. The Max Planck Society will not bow to this pressure and will continue to rely on primate and other animal research in certain cases where we deem it necessary for the advancement of science. The challenge will now be to find ways to better protect our researchers in future, while at the same time maintaining the openness of our Institutes. We have never wanted to wall ourselves in at our Institutes, and we do not intend to do so now: I am convinced that the order of the day is not to conduct research furtively, but to consciously and actively involve the general public. Max Planck Society statement on the decision of Nikos Logothetis Max Planck director Nikos Logothetis has informed the scientific community that, following the completion of his ongoing and previously approved research on primates, he will no longer work with primates but instead focus exclusively on rodents in the future. The Max Planck Society regrets this decision. more	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1669
__label__wiki	0.572929	0.572929	From mum to management, postnatal depression and inspiring women into rail – Charlotte Curtis from First Group talks about her career Jessica Tabinor Aug 23, 2019 women in engineering DIVERSITY & INCLUSION \| 4 MIN READ We sat down with Charlotte Curtis, Project Manager at First Group to find out more about her career journey and aspirations for the future. Find out more about Morosn's commitment to diversity. Due to expansion and significant investment in infrastructure, confidence in the UK rail industry is at its highest. Crossrail and the soon to commence HS2 projects are just two of the landmark schemes that are helping the sector to flourish. Consequently, the rail market has the opportunity to be a catalyst for change, as the success of these technical projects depends on reaching into a diverse pool of talent to deliver them. With initiatives such as the (Morson sponsored) Big Rail Diversity Challenge, the rail sector is actively embracing the opportunity to improve gender diversity within the industry and, most importantly, inspiring the next generation of diverse talent. One of the companies at the forefront of rail transformation in the UK is First Group who are a leading provider of transport services in the UK and North America. First Group is one of the UK’s most experienced rail operators, carrying more than 260m passengers across their three franchises and their open-access operation a year. We sat down with Charlotte Curtis, Project Manager at First Group to find out more about her career journey and aspirations for the future… “Currently I work in a project management role delivering the design and build of Feltham Depot. It’s a large project, consisting of 10 sidings, a staff accommodation block, connection to the mainline and enabling works. The purpose of the scheme is to stable the new 701 fleet trains.” Charlotte explains that there is no typical day at work, one of the best things about her role is that it’s varied and always challenging: “My days differ dependent on the lifecycle stage of the project for example during Grip 3 (option selection) I found myself attending frequent IDR (Initial Design Review) sessions with our appointed designer. During the same period, I supported our designer with preparing all of the environmental studies that are required to submit to the Council as we needed planning approval from the from Hounslow in order to commence with the development.” Young women are enormously underrepresented in rail and engineering, and yet stand to make a massive contribution. Charlotte discusses some of the challenges she has encountered working in a male-dominated environment: “I'd like to think I bring diversity to our current team being a full-time working mum of two in her late 30s. I came on board to this project with a fresh pair of eyes and I was able to bring not only my experience within the rail sector but a positive attitude and exceptional organisational skills having juggled two children under the age of two years old.” The use of our railway lines is expected to double in the next 25 years and so to meet this challenge we need a diverse workforce with innovative ideas at the forefront of rail operations. Charlotte chats about her aspirations for the next 5-10 years… “Firstly, being a mum of two girls, I'd like them to witness that women have the power to accomplish anything especially when it comes to their careers. I would also like to increase the value of the type of contracts I'm managing. I'm currently owning and monitoring various workstreams, but I would like to learn new things and develop my contract awareness through training courses.” Charlotte chats about how she juggles being a busy mum of two and working full time: “I’d like to think I maintain a good work-life balance and I think it’s all about using your time wisely. I have a 1.5-hour commute to work every day, I tend to use my journey time to respond to emails whilst I'm on the train. I push myself to go to the gym every lunchtime Monday – Friday, I think this breaks up my day and releases tension. I threw myself into my role at First Group and have encountered many occasions where I’ve ended up spending my nights working on my laptop after my children have gone to bed. Very different from being a full time stay at home mum! I thrive on the fact that I have a good job and great people to work with who show me respect and offer support. I can't imagine not working as it gives me a sense of purpose, so my advice to all those mums who want to get back into work, just do it!” After taking three years off work to have her children, Charlotte was unfortunately affected by post-natal depression and struggled to get back into the industry she loved. She discusses how she got back into work with the help of Morson… “Taking three years off work to have my two children seemed like a lifetime and despite doing admin tasks for my husband’s company during this period, I still felt like I’d lost my identity. I can remember some companies turning me down for an interview because I’d spent more than 12-months working within in a non-rail environment. I felt like I was being punished for wanting to raise a family, but I was determined to get my career back on track and all I needed was one person to believe in me. One day I got a call from a Staci Hodson-Glenn at Morson (also a driven hard-working mum) who was about to give me the break I deserved. She put me forward for a role with one of her clients, First Group and I haven’t looked back since.” Charlotte has now embarked on a new challenge as Project Manager for South Western Railway. She will be working on a 2-year project worth 5.3 million, delivering CCIF (customer and community improvement funded projects). We wish her all the success and look forward to catching up with her about her new role soon! Morson’s dedication to diversity As an organisation which operates in sectors hardest hit by imbalances, Morson is dedicated to improving diversity within the industries we work; in 2017 our CEO, Ged Mason OBE, pledged to double the number of female engineer contractors we have working for us by 2020, a figure which we’re well on the way to achieving. In March, we announced our first official diversity ambassador, CEO and founder of Northern Power Women, Simone Roche MBE, to help us on our journey to creating truly inclusive workforces. Simone joins a growing list of existing Morson ambassadors across business, sport and the armed forces. Find out more about our partnership with Simone here. For more information on Morson's commitment to diversity check out our Diversity Portal. Or to find your next opportunity search jobs here. Morson Sponsor Kilimanjaro Challenge For Child Bereavement UK James Kenealey morson news, news, morson sport, paul nicholls stables, charity Standardisation and Skills Workshop For Morson Training Team morson training, morson vital training, news, morson news Suggested jobs Maintenance Operative Export Compliance officer Luton, Bedfordshire	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1673
__label__wiki	0.972126	0.972126	Duchess Catherine Is Pregnant Palace confirms the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expecting, after months of rumors Published at 8:14 am on December 3, 2012 Will and Kate are having a baby. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — formerly known as Prince William and Kate Middleton — are expecting their first child, the St. James's Palace said Monday. It said the rest of the Royal Family was "delighted" with the news of her pregnancy, which it said was in its "very early stages." Kate was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in London on Monday with very acute morning sickness, the Palace said. She was expected to remain in the hospital for several days and then rest at home. For full world news coverage, visit NBCNews.com. "I'm delighted by the news that the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge are expecting a baby. They will make wonderful parents," British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted just after the announcement. The couple's child will be the next in line for the throne after William — who himself is next in line after his father, Prince Charles — and will stand a good chance of becoming monarch. That's true regardless of the child's gender, since British Commonwealth leaders agreed last year to scrap the law of male primogeniture and give female heirs equal status to male ones. Although the change has not been formally enacted, the British Cabinet office confirmed it was the de facto rule, the Associated Press reported. The Palace told NBC News there was not yet a due date for the baby, as the pregnancy was not yet to the 12-week point. The Duke and Duchess had been dogged by rampant pregnancy and baby bump rumors ever since they wed April 29, 2011, at Westminster Abbey in a lavish ceremony that attracted global audiences. Fueling the pregnancy speculation was scrutiny of the Duchess' daily choices — for instance, of her opting for water instead of wine at a state banquet in September, or her wearing loose-fitting clothes instead of the youthful but formal ensembles for which she had become a global style favorite. She and William have faced intense scrutiny and have been hounded by tabloids ever since their engagement. That came to a head when photographs of her sunbathing nude in France were published in a magazine, prompting the Palace to call the incident "grotesque and totally unjustifiable" and to threaten legal action. Monday's announcement, however, came as the newest in a spate of high-profile celebrations surrounding the Royal Family, most recently with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, celebrating the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1677
__label__wiki	0.884158	0.884158	News»Press Releases»Governor McCrory Announces Federal Government Approval for Rodanthe Bridge Project Governor McCrory Announces Federal Government Approval for Rodanthe Bridge Project With final environmental document complete, contract can now be awarded RALEIGH - Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued final approval to move forward with construction of a new permanent bridge for N.C. 12 in northern Rodanthe on Thursday. The Record of Decision is the last environmental document for the project, allowing the N.C. Department of Transportation to award a contract for design and construction. "I'm pleased that we are now able to move forward with construction of this critical highway connection that will provide a long-term solution for the residents and visitors of the Outer Banks," Governor McCrory said. "This new bridge will eliminate travel disruptions caused by beach erosion and storm breaches that have resulted in access issues at one of the most vulnerable sections of N.C. 12 for years." The Record of Decision document identifies the Bridge on New Location (2014B alignment) as the alternative NCDOT will build. The new 2.4-mile-long bridge, known as a "jug handle," will extend from the southern end of the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge over the Pamlico Sound into Rodanthe. This alternative was presented as the preferred alternative in the May 2016 Revised Environmental Assessment and at public hearings in June. Responses to public and resource agency comments received at and following the public hearings are included in the Record of Decision. This design minimizes impacts to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, the ocean shoreline and the community of Rodanthe, while maintaining safe and reliable access for area residents and visitors. "Along with the long-anticipated Bonner Bridge Replacement project, this marks the second major milestone for these communities under Governor McCrory's leadership this year," State Transportation Secretary Nick Tennyson said. "Greater access to jobs, health care, education and recreation for North Carolinians is a key part of the governor's 25-Year Vision for Transportation." The project will be built using the design-build method, which allows the department to contract a team that consists of both designers and a contractor to design and construct the project. Projects can be let sooner and completed faster using this approach. Based on the severity of conditions in the area, the agency has been working through the design-build selection process and has narrowed down the prospective design-build teams for the project. NCDOT anticipates opening bids in about a week. Traffic will be maintained on N.C. 12, which is a vital link for this region, while the new bridge is being built. Once construction is complete, the existing roadway in the refuge would be removed the land will be returned to the refuge. In Rodanthe, the existing N.C. 12 roadway will remain to provide access to private properties.	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1678
__label__wiki	0.987774	0.987774	Published on National Catholic Reporter (https://www.ncronline.org) Legionaries to critics: 'Give us a chance' by John L. Allen Jr. NCR Today Rome — As the Legionaries of Christ ponder new leadership and a new constitution amid what is arguably among the deepest crises any Catholic religious order has ever faced, priests taking part in a keenly anticipated general chapter meeting in Rome have a two-pronged message for those skeptical that change is possible. First, they say, there are no guarantees; and second, give us a chance. As if one were needed, participants in the general chapter got a reminder Wednesday of just how hard it may be to regain trust after more than a decade of denying charges of sexual abuse and misconduct against their founder, the late Mexican Fr. Marcial Maciel Degollado, only to have to acknowledge them in 2009. In a piece published Wednesday by the National Catholic Reporter, Juan Vaca, one of Maciel's original accusers who says his abuse began at age 12, dismissed the general chapter as "a damage control operation." "The election of new superiors and promulgation of a new constitution won't change the internalized corruption," said Vaca, now a psychology professor in New York. Asked what he would say to such critics, Legionary Fr. John Bartunek, a Cleveland native who now lives in Rome, said they're asking the Legionaries "a better question than we sometimes realize." Bluntly, he said, "I can't give any guarantees." What he would ask, he said, is patience. "I would say to those critics that I believe we're sincere in wanting to change, so please give us a chance," he said. "We're going to get better, but be patient." Bartunek and two other American Legionaries taking part in the general chapter, which began Jan. 8, sat down with NCR on Wednesday at the order's Rome headquarters. On Monday, the order posted a Web announcement that the general chapter had entered the election process to choose a new superior, called a general director, and other clergy to serve on the order's general council. The results are not official until Pope Francis signs off. The order has essentially been under papal receivership since 2010, when Benedict XVI appointed a delegate in the person of Italian Cardinal Velasio De Paolis to lead a cleanup operation. All three Legionaries who spoke to NCR emphasized the importance of finding a leader who represents a break with Maciel. "We have men who are very capable of governing who weren't associated with the founder, and we needed to show that," said Fr. John Connor, who grew up in Maryland and now lives in New York. "For me, nonassociation with the founder is a very important issue," Connor said. Fr. David Daly, a native of St. Louis who currently serves as superior of a Legionary community in Atlanta, said the same conviction is broadly shared among priests taking part in the chapter. "Most everyone is aware that's an important part of our selection," he said. Evolution already underway The Legionaries insisted that the order already has evolved considerably, away from perceptions of secrecy, excessive control, and an unseemly appetite for money and power. Bartunek, for instance, pointed to a new way of dealing with authority. "It was too centralized, too much command-and-control," he said. "There wasn't a lot of participation in decisions, and there was too much passing the buck up and up. Local superiors were just kind of middle men, passing even little decisions up and then everything came down from on high." Today, he said, things are different. "Each superior now has councils that are actually functioning, at least more than they were," Bartunek said. "There also has been a change in superiors, because we used to have superiors that would stay in office for years and years. There's a lot more consultation, such as talking with a guy you're going to move [to ask], 'What do you think? How do you feel?' " Bartunek also said the internal climate has loosened up. "In the past we valued charity a lot, but we had a limited understanding of it," he said. "We thought it meant you can never really differ, but now we have a lot more discussion. Culturally, we're learning that you can still love one another when you disagree." Connor said there's a new commitment to transparency, citing Dec. 5 letters from Legion officials acknowledging the validity of sex abuse allegations against a former novice instructor, Fr. William Izquierdo, and outlining steps the order has taken to combat the problem. "That was a pretty significant change in communication," Connor said. "I would hope people see that." A new charism Trying to identify a mission for the Legion post-Maciel, the priests said, known in the argot of religious orders as a "charism," is one of the chapter's primary challenges. Though each phrased it slightly different, all agreed that the charism of the new Legion will be based on missionary drive. Daly phrased it this way: "helping people be active apostles in the new evangelization." The priests expressed gratitude for signals from the Vatican that it wants the order to survive, such as the fact that in addition to De Paolis, the Vatican commissioned one of the church's best-regarded canon lawyers, Jesuit Fr. Gianfranco Ghirlanda, to advise them during the general chapter. Recently, American canon lawyer Edward Peters called for the Legion to be put out of business, asserting that "the Catholic church has zero tradition of institutes of perfection being founded ... by predatory charlatans." Bartunek said it was consoling to hear De Paolis and Ghirlanda say that's not quite true. "It's pretty clear we're not the only ones," he said, "because both of them said they've dealt with other cases." (Though he said De Paolis and Ghirlanda did not cite specifics, one instance they may have had in mind concerns the founder of an Italian order known as the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Fr. Gino Burresi, who was removed and barred from public ministry by Benedict XVI in May 2005 facing charges of sexual abuse of seminarians. In retrospect, it seemed a harbinger of the pope's move against Maciel a year later, and today the Servants are still a going concern.) The Legionaries voiced a basic confidence that the order will survive. "If these kinds of challenges don't break you, they make you," Connor said. "I think the Legion is going to endure for many years, primarily because I see our men stronger," he said. "Among those who stayed, there's a commitment and a passion that's creating a very strong foundation for the future." That doesn't mean, however, the internal struggles are at an end. Connor, for instance, said the general chapter is committed to upholding a 3-year-old policy that Maciel will no longer be referred to (in Spanish) as "our father," that pictures of him will be removed from Legionary facilities, and that his writings won't be used in formation programs. "We all understand that he can't be a model of Christian life, religious life or Legionary life," he said. Yet Bartunek said there are some Legionaries not ready to completely cancel Maciel from memory. "A lot of the fathers fed their hunger for spiritual reading with the writings of the founder," he said. "Today a lot of these guys are doing great work and are spiritually mature priests, and they ask, 'How can we say it's all trash?' " No lurch to the left Although the Legionaries have a reputation for being on the conservative side of most Catholic debates, the priests said they're mostly enthused about the new winds blowing under Francis. They also said Francis' dedication to simplicity is having an impact, including on the very practical level of thinking about where to hold events so they don't appear overly sumptuous and so on. "When we read that he talked about what kind of car a priest should drive, every single one of us was checking out our car to see where we're at," Daly said. That said, observers probably shouldn't expect a sharp lurch to the left. "It's common among us Legionaries that we try to be in step with the church, and we look to the current magisterium as a reference point for that," Daly said. Asked about Catholics who would say being in step with the church is not always the same thing as being in step with its formal authorities, Daly's reply was succinct: "For us it is, and I think it will continue." [Follow John Allen on Twitter: @JohnLAllenJr.] Send your thoughts and reactions to Letters to the Editor. Learn more here [1] Source URL (modified on 08/03/2017 - 8:15am): https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/legionaries-critics-give-us-chance [1] https://www.ncronline.org/join-conversation	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1679
__label__cc	0.702179	0.297821	HSBC reportedly planning to cut 10,000 jobs Lola Evans 09 Oct 2019, 07:54 GMT+10 HONG KONG - Global banking giant HSBC is considering reducing its worldwide workforce by up to 10,000 people. The Financial Times, which broke the story, said the measure is part of a wide-ranging strategy to reduce costs. The report said most of the job cuts would be in Europe, where returns are not as attractive as those being achieved in Asia. HSBC currently employs 238,000 people, so in percentage terms, the reduction would not be significant (4.2%). The 10,000 jobs however would be in addition to an already-announced redundancy contingent of 4,700 jobs. The bank, which is highly profitable, has been in a streamlining mood for some time. Former CEO John Flint is among those to go. He left the company in a surprise departure in August, after holding the role for little more than 18 months. It should be noted HSBC has neither confirmed nor denied the report of the new cuts. RSPL: Largest Choco Hills is smallest protected area in Bohol	cc/2020-05/en_head_0063.json.gz/line1681

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