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New Equipment for Popular Hailsham Play Area
July 16 2016 — Council News & Services
New equipment has been installed in the play area located in Carpenters Way in Hailsham, as part of the Town Council’s drive to ensure that play areas are maintained to the highest standards all year round.
Work has been carried out on the replacement of play equipment and modern apparatus have been installed including a new set of swings, springer see-saw and rotating gravity swing.
Funded in whole by Hailsham Town Council, the installation of the equipment cost in the region of £5,000 and is in accordance with national standards.
Councillor Richard Grocock, Chairman of the Town Council’s Strategic Projects Committee which oversees play areas in Hailsham said: “Children’s play areas play a vital role in outdoor recreation, providing youngsters with an area to relax, meet friends and play.”
“The Town Council’s play areas strike a balance between providing stimulating play and meeting current safety requirements, which is why we pride ourselves in maintaining our facilities to the highest standards and undertaking regular inspections and repairs where necessary.”
“We are very pleased to be able to provide this and many other play areas in Hailsham. The Carpenters Way facility is quite popular and the works we have carried out are aimed at improving and refreshing the equipment and it also helps the Council tackle the challenge of a growing number of families with children in the area.”
In addition to Carpenters Way, the Town Council currently manages play areas in South Road, Battle Road, Stroma Gardens, Quinnell Drive and on the Maurice Thornton playing field.
Feedback on any problems you might incur within the play areas and the reporting of any damage is welcomed by the Town Council. All enquiries should be directed to Karen Giddings on 01323 841702 or by email: karen.giddings@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.
14.07.16.Carpenters.Way.Eqpt 141 KB
Play Areas in Hailsham
All equipment in the Council’s play areas conforms to strict Health and safety guidelines.
February 15 2016 — Council News & Services
Call-out Number for Repairs to Town Council Property
Hailsham Town Council operates a 24-hour phone line for residents to request an urgent repair for town council-maintained buildings and grounds. The direct access facility is…
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HBO, BBC, 'Leaving Neverland' Director Reteam on Antibiotics Doc 'Superbug'
2:31 AM PST 11/6/2019 by Georg Szalai
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
The film will also include scripted scenes that "will offer the opportunity for Hollywood talent to be involved with the project" about "how humanity gained a wonder cure and now has almost lost it."
HBO and the BBC are reteaming with Leaving Neverland director Dan Reed on documentary Superbug, which is about "how humanity gained a wonder cure — antibiotics — the guarantor of modern medicine, and now has almost lost it."
The project is set to be 110-120 minutes long and is described as a "cinematic hybrid documentary and scripted film" that will "unravel the story of how this happened and what it means for the future of humankind." The scripted scenes of the film "will offer the opportunity for Hollywood talent to be involved with the project with all the publicity this will bring to the issue," the companies said.
Kew Media Distribution, which distributed Emmy-winning sex abuse documentary Leaving Neverland, has picked up the international sales rights to the documentary feature, which is produced by Reed’s Amos Pictures. It is set to premiere on HBO and BBC Two in 2021.
“Superbug will tell an important story that will make viewers question their relationship with modern medicine while sweeping them up into an immersive journey like no other," said Reed. "Superbug will feel like an epic, entertaining movie, using the full arsenal of screen storytelling: movie-grade computer-generated imagery, scripted drama and cinematography, and an orchestral musical score alongside classical documentary techniques with all the truth, intimacy, immediacy and sense of engagement that they deliver. The CGI will be immersive and photo-real, a journey into a never-before-seen landscape populated by extraordinary living things."
Superbug was commissioned by HBO joint head of documentaries Nancy Abraham and BBC Two commissioning editor Clare Sillery.
HBO last month moved to get another shot at convincing a court that the Michael Jackson estate can't go to arbitration over Leaving Neverland, filing paperwork for a high-stakes appeal. The Jackson estate has been attempting to enforce a non-disparagement clause in a 1992 contract — which provided HBO with rights to air a televised concert following the release of Jackson's album Dangerous. That contract had secrecy and non-disparagement provisions that the estate is seizing upon to litigate Leaving Neverland, which focuses on allegations against Jackson by Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
Georg Szalai
THRnews@thr.com georgszalai
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Fox Names New Managing Director, China
4:52 PM PDT 10/2/2015 by Gregg Kilday
Couresty of Twentieth Century Fox
Sirena Liu
Sirena Liu will head up the studio's Beijing office, coordinating activity in China.
Sirenu Liu has been named to the newly created position of managing director, China, for Twentieth Century Fox.
She will report to Fox chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos, who announced her appointment today, and she will work directly with Fox co-chairman Stacey Snider on Fox’s film productions in China for Fox International Pictures, led by Thomas Jegeus.
Liu — who most recently ran Filmworks China, an entertainment marketing company she founded in 2010 — also will work closely with the regional and global heads of Fox’s distribution units, including Theatrical, Home Entertainment, Television and Digital Media, to coordinate all their activities in China.
Liu, who will step into the position Oct. 5, will be based in and will supervise the studio’s Beijing office.
“China has long been an important focus for us and its phenomenal growth in recent years has led to many exciting new initiatives. With the hiring of Sirena we are looking to unify our business interests in China under a common vision and strategy, to enhance our relationships with local partners, government regulators and emerging platforms, and to identify and pursue new growth opportunities,” Gianopulos said in a statement.
Gregg Kilday
THRnews@thr.com gkilday
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> Health & fitness
Selena Gomez's mother Mandy Teefey pens heartfelt message after singer's kidney transplant
Selena Gomez received a kidney transplant from friend Francia Raisa
September 21, 2017 - 11:13 BST Sharnaz Shahid Mandy Teefey has opened up about her daughter Selena Gomez's recent kidney transplant. See the heartfelt message here...
Selena Gomez has been open about her battle with lupus, telling fans that she received a kidney transplant thanks to her dear friend Francia Raisa. And now the singer's mother, Mandy Teefey, has opened up about the transplant experience, claiming she felt "scared" and "helpless" as she watched on. "This picture is one of the most breathtaking images that will live with me forever," she wrote on her production company's Instagram page. "For all those moments of not knowing if we were going up or going down, I can always come back to this picture and know we can always make it back up."
This picture is one of the most breathtaking images that will live with me forever. For all those moments of not knowing if we were going up or going down, I can always come back to this picture and know we can always make it back up. As a mother I was helpless, scared and all I could do was pray for both of them, Francia's beautiful family. I am pretty sure I am banned from that hospital. Mama Bear was in high gear. Selena gained a kidney, I was able to keep my little girl, but I also gained another daughter....thank you to everyone who was there for Sel, Francia and our families. We survived from all the love, prayers and God.
A post shared by Kicked to the Curb Productions (@kicked2thecurbproductions) on Sep 17, 2017 at 6:13pm PDT
She added: "As a mother I was helpless, scared and all I could do was pray for both of them, Francia's beautiful family. I am pretty sure I am banned from that hospital. Mama Bear was in high gear. Selena gained a kidney, I was able to keep my little girl, but I also gained another daughter....thank you to everyone who was there for Sel, Francia and our families. We survived from all the love, prayers and God."
What is Lupus? The symptoms and treatment for the condition Selena Gomez suffers from
Earlier this summer, Selena, 25, underwent the transplant as a result of her lupus, which she was diagnosed with in 2015. Sharing a beautiful picture of her with her friend, the American pop star told her followers: "It was what I needed to do for my overall health." She then went on to thank Francia in her post, writing, "There aren't words to describe how I can possibly thank my beautiful friend Francia Raisa. She gave me the ultimate gift and sacrifice by donating her kidney to me. I am incredibly blessed. I love you so much sis. Lupus continues to be very misunderstood but progress is being made."
Mandy Teefey has opened up daughter Selena's kidney transplant
STORY: Francia Raisa is 'beyond grateful' to have donated her kidney to Selena Gomez
Francia, 29, has since broken her silence on her Instagram page. "I am beyond grateful that God would trust me with something that not only saved a life, but changed mine in the process," she said. "This was part of our story, and we will share it soon, but what is important now is that this is not the only story." The actress concluded her post with: "For more information regarding Lupus, please go to the Lupus Research Alliance website: www.lupusresearch.org -- Love you sis, so glad we’re on this journey together."
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A sparkling birthday for Selena Gomez as she takes fashion honours on the red carpet
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Mora System casework, designed by Collective Ten for Herman Miller, receives silver in the Industrial and Life Science Design/Medical Furniture category at the European Product Design Awards.
Mora System
Mora System casework awarded GOOD DESIGN Award 2019, selected for design excellence and innovation.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5, receives a Gold Product Award from the Deutscher Designer Club (DDC).
Cosm Chairs
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives a German Design Award for Excellent Product Design in the ‘Office Chairs’ category.
Herman Miller is recognized as a silver level Certified Veteran-Friendly Employer by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency for a commitment to veteran hiring, retaining, and development.
Herman Miller is listed as number 12 on Investor’s Business Daily’s 50 Best ESG Companies— a list of top stocks for environmental, social, and governance values.
Cosm by Studio 7.5 is listed by TIME as one of the 100 Best Inventions of 2019—a curation of products selected for making the world better, smarter, and more fun.
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) names Herman Miller as the 2019 Class 1 Corporation of the Year for leadership in supplier diversity.
National Minority Supplier Diversity Council (NMSDC) names Herman Miller as the 2019 Class 1 Corporation of the Year for leadership in supplier diversity.
Herman Miller named to 2019 Working Mother "100 Best Companies" for leadership in family benefits, parental leave, flexible work options, and childcare support.
Geiger One Casegoods receives a Best of NeoCon Silver in the “Case Goods” category.
Geiger One Casegoods
Herman Miller receives International Interior Design Association and Contract’s best showroom design award in the “Large Showroom” category at NeoCon.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives a Red Dot Best of the Best Product Design Award in the “Office Chairs” category.
Lino, designed by Sam Hecht and Kim Colin for Herman Miller, receives an iF Design Award in the Product Design category.
Lino Chairs
Herman Miller earns its 12th consecutive perfect score in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2019 Corporate Equality Index.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives Gold at the New York DRIVENxDESIGN Award in the Product Design – Office category.
Overlay, designed by Birsel+Seck, receives Interior Design Best of Year Award in the Partitions and Wall Systems category
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives the Orgatec Innovation Award.
Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MMSDC) names Herman Miller Corporation of the Year for significant contributions to minority supplier development in the “Consumer Products” category.
Herman Miller receives the Advance Excellence in Supplier Diversity Award from the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, is shortlisted for a Dezeen Workplace Design Award.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives the Fast Company Innovation by Design Award.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives Cradle to Cradle Silver Certification for its overall material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.
Reframe Lounge Furniture, designed by EOOS for Geiger, receives the Editor’s Choice Award from the Best of NeoCon team.
Reframe Lounge Seating
The Palisade Collection, designed by Jess Sorel for Nemschoff, receives Best of NeoCon Silver in the “Healthcare Lounge Furniture” category.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives Best of NeoCon Gold Award for the “Ergonomic Seating” category.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives the Interior Design HiP Award.
Cosm, designed by Studio 7.5 for Herman Miller, receives the #MetropolisLikes Award.
Aeron receives Good Design Award from The Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture and Design.
Aeron Chairs
Herman Miller’s Mora Wins Nightingale Silver Award in the “Furniture Collections” category at the 2017 Healthcare Design Conference.
Herman Miller recognized with inaugural “SEAL Organizational Impact Award” for overall corporate sustainability performance.
Herman Miller’s Intent Solution Wins Nightingale Gold Award in the “Furniture: Clinician Support” category at the 2017 Healthcare Design Conference.
Intent Solution
Herman Miller receives “Rising Star Award” from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for exhibiting new and novel approaches to veteran recruitment and hiring.
Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MMSDC) names Herman Miller “Corporation of the Year” for significant contributions to minority supplier development.
Herman Miller recognized as a 2017 Corporate Champion by Women’s Forum of New York for gender diversity on board of directors.
Herman Miller earns 11th consecutive perfect score in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2018 Corporate Equality Index.
Herman Miller named to 2017 Working Mother "100 Best Companies" for leadership in family benefits.
The remastered Aeron wins "Good Design Award" in the Furniture and Lighting category by the Industrial Design Council of Australia
Herman Miller earns tenth consecutive perfect score in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s 2017 Corporate Equality Index.
Geiger Taper Chair receives Best of NeoCon Gold Award for the Ergonomic Task Seating category.
Taper Chair
Herman Miller earns “2016 Excellence in Supplier Diversity Award” from the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council (GLWBC).
Herman Miller named "Corporation of the Year" in the commercial products sector by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC).
Herman Miller recognized by Latin Americans United for Progress (LAUP) as the Business Partner of the Year.
Herman Miller earns national recognition as one of the “Best and Brightest Sustainable Companies in Michigan.”
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) renews Herman Miller’s “Star” status, the highest workplace safety and health designation, for the Hickory Facility in Spring Lake.
Herman Miller Spot Stool named 2016 Interior Design Best of Year Award honoree in the Seating: Contract/Lounge category.
Geiger Rhythm Casegoods receives 2016 Interior Design Best of Year Award in the Furniture: Contract/Casegoods category.
Nemschoff Ava Recliner receives 2016 GOOD DESIGN Award.
Nemschoff Classics named 2016 Interior Design Best of Year Award honoree in the Furniture: Healthcare category.
Herman Miller Plex Modular Lounge named 2016 Interior Design Best of Year Award honoree in the Seating: Residential/Stool category.
Herman Miller’s Living Office recognized for reinventing the workplace by Wallpaper* in “Two decades of Design: charting the finest design innovations of 1996-2016.”
Herman Miller named to Michigan’s “Best and Brightest in Wellness” a fourth year in a row for superior quality and excellence in health and wellness.
Herman Miller named a “2016 Healthiest 100 Workplace in America,” ranking 49th in the country for exceptional corporate wellness programming.
Public Office Landscape from Herman Miller receives Gold and Grand Clio in inaugural Clio Product Design Awards.
Saiba Conference Chair from Geiger receives Bronze in inaugural Clio Product Design Awards.
Herman Miller earns WorldatWork Work-Life 2016 Seal of Distinction, a unique mark of excellence demonstrating organizational success in work-life effectiveness.
Herman Miller named a 2020 Women on Boards Winning Company for its commitment to boardroom gender diversity.
Plex Lounge Furniture from Herman Miller receives Interior Design HiP Award for Workplace Seating/Lounge at NeoCon 2016.
Ava Recliner from Nemschoff awarded Gold for Healthcare: Patient Seating in the Best of NeoCon 2016 competition.
Geiger Rhythm System awarded Gold for Casegoods in the Best of NeoCon 2016 competition.
Ava Recliner from Nemschoff receives Interior Design HiP Award for Health & Wellness Furniture at NeoCon 2016.
Spot Stools from Herman Miller Collection receive Interior Design HiP Award for Hospitality Seating at NeoCon 2016.
Plex Lounge Furniture from Herman Miller receives #MetropolisLikes award at NeoCon 2016.
Herman Miller selected for inclusion in the 2016 RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook for twelfth consecutive year.
Herman Miller’s Locale wins 2016 Gold iF Design Award, which recognizes outstanding achievements in design around the world.
Herman Miller earns ninth consecutive perfect score in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2016 Corporate Equality Index.
Herman Miller achieves twelfth consecutive listing on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Herman Miller recognized with Forest Stewardship Council Leadership Award.
Public Office Landscape named "Best in 10” for Contract Systems at Interior Design magazine’s 10th annual Best of Year awards.
Chadwick Modular Seating wins Interior Design magazine's "Best of Year" award for Contract/Lounge Multi Seating.
Nemschoff’s Easton Multiple Seating wins Gold Award for Guest/Lounge Seating in Nightingale Awards at Healthcare Design Conference & Expo 2015.
Nemschoff’s Ava Recliner named Best of Competition in Nightingale Awards at 2015 Healthcare Design Conference & Expo; receives Gold Award for Patient Seating.
Herman Miller named Best Large Showroom in IIDA/Contract Magazine Showroom and Booth Design Competition at NeoCon 2015.
Herman Miller’s Eames Molded Stools receive Interior Design HIP Award in the Hospitality Seating: Other category at NeoCon 2015.
Herman Miller’s Chadwick Modular Seating receives Interior Design HIP Award in the Hospitality Seating category at NeoCon 2015.
Herman Miller selected for inclusion in the 2015 RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook; awarded Bronze Class distinction for excellent sustainability performance for the second consecutive year.
Nemschoff Palisade Collection captures Best of Show in Nightingale Awards at HCD 14 Conference.
Nemschoff Palisade Collection wins Interior Design magazine's "Best of Year" award for Healthcare Furniture.
Herman Miller earns eighth consecutive perfect score in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's 2015 Corporate Equality Index.
Herman Miller achieves eleventh consecutive listing on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Herman Miller’s Locale wins International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Gold in the Office & Productivity category.
Herman Miller Healthcare is recognized by Premier, Inc., with a 2014 “Supplier Legacy Award” in its Facilities category.
Herman Miller Healthcare receives a 2013 “Supplier of the Year” award from Novation in the Capital and Imaging Supplier category.
Nemschoff's Palisade Collection awarded Silver in the Healthcare: Guest / Lounge Seating category of the Best of NeoCon 2014 competition.
Herman Miller selected for inclusion in the 2014 RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook; awarded Bronze Class distinction for excellent sustainability performance.
Herman Miller achieves tenth consecutive listing on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Herman Miller is recognized by Working Mother magazine as one of the 2013 100 Best Companies for working moms.
Geiger International's Catalyst Phase II wins "Gold" award at NeoCon 2013 in the Casegoods category.
Eames Molded Wood Side Chair earns "Gold" award at NeoCon 2013 in the Guest Seating category.
Eames Molded Wood Chairs
Herman Miller's Metaform Portfolio is recognized with an "Innovation" award in furniture systems at NeoCon 2013.
Herman Miller’s Locale wins a “Silver” award in the Furniture Benching category of the Best of NeoCon awards at NeoCon 2013.
Herman Miller sweeps Showroom and Booth design awards at NeoCon 2013 with recognition as the Best Large Showroom and the overall "Best of Competition."
Herman Miller Healthcare earns its fourth consecutive Best of NeoCon award as Nemschoff's Terra is recognized with a "Silver" award in Healthcare Furniture.
Herman Miller selected for inclusion in the RobecoSAM Sustainability Yearbook 2013; awarded both "Sector Leader" and "Gold Class" distinctions.
Nemschoff, along with Herman Miller Healthcare, receives an esteemed Nightingale Award for The Valor collection, earning Nemschoff the silver distinction within the guest seating category.
Forbes magazine's inaugural "Platinum List" of America's 400 best managed, large companies
Herman Miller named Corporation of the Year in the commercial products sector by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.
Herman Miller receives Candidate Experience Award, an honor given to companies who best represent a quality engagement strategy.
Herman Miller Healthcare first manufacturer to earn exclusive Planetree Visionary Design Network status.
Herman Miller receives fourth Neighborhood Environmental Partners (NEP) award from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality.
Herman Miller achieves ninth consecutive listing on Dow Jones Sustainability World Index.
Herman Miller listed among IndustryWeek magazine's 50 Best Manufacturing Companies.
Herman Miller inducted into the "Made in USA Hall of Fame" for its commitment to US Manufacturing.
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) awards the Sayl side chair a Bronze Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) in the category of Office and Productivity.
Sayl Side Chairs
Herman Miller wins a Gold Stevie Award in the Company of the Year - Consumer Products - Durables category in the tenth annual American Business Awards.
Herman Miller and A Better World wins a Silver Stevie Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year - More Than 2,500 Employees category in the tenth annual American Business Awards.
Tuxedo Lounge Collection wins Best of NeoCon Silver in the Sofa/Lounge seating category.
Tuxedo Lounge Seating
Tuxedo Sofas
Herman Miller wins a Best of NeoCon Innovation Award for its re-engineering of the Eames Aluminum Group chairs.
Eames Aluminum Group Chairs Outdoor
Clamshell Chair Collection from Geiger wins Best of NeoCon Gold and Herman Miller's Setu Conference Stool wins Best of NeoCon Silver in the Conference Seating category.
Setu Chair
Herman Miller recognized with 2012 Huntington Pillar Award, given by the Women's Resource Center to companies who demonstrate outstanding dedication to empowering women in the workplace.
Herman Miller selected by the Sustainable Asset Management Group for inclusion in "The Sustainability Yearbook 2012."
Herman Miller receives highest rating in Climate Counts 2011-2012 Scorecard in the Home and Office Furniture Sector.
Herman Miller receives perfect score for fifth consecutive year in Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's ninth annual Corporate Equality Index.
Herman Miller named one of Top Ten Most Trustworthy Public Companies for 2011 by Trust Across America.
Contract Magazine's 2011 Brand Report Awareness Survey recognized Herman Miller as top furniture brand in seating, systems, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.
Sayl chair wins Interior Design's "Best of Year Product" award in Seating: Contract/Task category.
Sayl Chairs
Sayl chair wins FX International's Interior Design Award for Best Workplace Seating.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) names Herman Miller winner of WasteWise Gold Achievement Award for Climate Change.
Aeron chair receives "Good Design Long Life Design Award" from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
Herman Miller designated as one of ten design icons in Fast Company's "Thirty Companies That Get it."
Herman Miller's Sayl chair earns inaugural Core77 Design Award.
Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) awards a Silver Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) to the Sayl family of seating.
Best of NeoCon Silver to Geiger International for Sotto Executive Chair.
Best of NeoCon Silver Geiger International Geiger Sotto Executive Chair
Herman Miller Healthcare honored by Design & Health International Academy Awards for its Compass System as the winner in the Product Design for Healthcare Application category.
Compass System
Best of NeoCon Gold to Nemschoff, a Herman Miller Healthcare Company, for Oasis Overbed Table.
Best of NeoCon Gold Nemschoff, a Herman Miller Healthcare Company Oasis Overbed
2011 Environmental and Social Impact Award from Mix Interiors magazine (UK) for Herman Miller's international leadership in environmental stewardship and communities support.
Eames Aluminum Group recognized with ICFF Editors' Choice Award for Best Outdoor Furniture.
Eames Aluminum Group Chairs
Sayl chair wins Reader's Choice award in TreeHugger's Best of Green: Design and Architecture category.
Herman Miller Healthcare awarded a Medical Design Excellence Award for its Compass System.
Herman Miller selected for SAM "Sustainability Yearbook 2011;" awarded "SAM Sector Leader" and "SAM Sector Mover" distinctions.
Herman Miller wins prestigious Just Means Social Innovation Award in Operations: Best Sustainability Performance category.
A Candidate Experience Award recognizing our "outstanding engagement with employment candidates."
Herman Miller achieves 23rd year as industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "Most Admired" companies survey.
Herman Miller receives perfect score for fourth consecutive year in Corporate Equality Index Ranking.
In addition, we've been on Fortune magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work for" five times.
Sayl chair named "Product Design of the Year" by the 2010 International Design Awards (IDA) jury.
Herman Miller's Flo monitor arm receives international Red Dot Award for product design.
Flo Monitor Arms
Setu chair recognized as the Best Sustainable Design Solution of the Decade by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).
Ardea personal light receives silver IDEA for the Eco design category.
Twist LED task light receives bronze IDEA award for the Office & Productivity category.
Twist LED Task Light
Ardea personal light receives gold IDEA award in the Home Living category and silver in the Ecodesign category.
Bronze "Spark 2010" awarded to Herman Miller Healthcare and Design Continuum for Nala Patient Chair.
Compass System earns Best of NeoCon Gold in the Healthcare Furniture category.
Compass System receives Interior Design Best of Year Award in the Healthcare Furniture and Seating category.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wastewise program awards Herman Miller their "Gold Achievement" award for "Green Purchasing."
Flo monitor arm, designed by Colebrook Bosson Saunders Ltd., receives Best of NeoCon Silver award in the Technology Support category.
Flo monitor arm, designed by Colebrook Bosson Saunders Ltd., selected as Attendees' Choice at 2010 National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition.
Gold "Spark 2010" awarded to Herman Miller Healthcare and Design Continuum for Compass System.
Herman Miller achieves 22nd year as industry leader in FORTUNE magazine's "Most Admired" companies survey.
Herman Miller again named among FORTUNE magazine's "Best Companies to Work For."
Herman Miller again named to Fast Company magazine's list of the world's "Most Innovative" companies.
Herman Miller Healthcare showroom named Large Showroom Winner in the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Showroom and Booth Design Competition.
Herman Miller included in NASDAQ OMX CRD Global Sustainability Index (QCRD) among their top 100 global companies for sustainability.
Herman Miller receives "2010 Manufacturer of the Year Gold Award," presented by the Office Furniture Dealers Alliance (OFDA).
Herman Miller's Kimberly Coffman named among "25 Champions Of Diversity" for 2010 by DiversityPlus magazine.
Herman Miller's Materials program receives Green Good Design award from the Chicago Athenaeum and the European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment (MDNRE) recognizes Herman Miller with three distinct awards, including Clean Corporate Citizen, Michigan Business Pollution Prevention Partner (MBP3), and Neighborhood Environmental Partner (NEP).
Setu chair earns prestigious Design of the Decade Gold award as "Best Sustainable Design Solution" from the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA).
Setu chairs selected by I.D.'s 2010 Annual Design Review as a Design Distinction Winner in the Furniture category.
Twist LED task light receives bronze IDEA awards in Ecodesign and Office & Productivity categories.
Embody chair receives FX International Interior Design award in Best Workplace Seating category
Human Resource Executive magazine cites Herman Miller among 50 "Most Admired" companies for human resources practices.
Convia/A Herman Miller Company's energy management platform named by the editors of Environmental Building News and GreenSpec as a BuildingGreen Top10 Product for 2009.
Embody chair honored by the Alliance for Plastics Processors (APP), a division of the Society of the Plastics Industry, with the organization's first International Plastics Design Competition award.
Embody chair receives Best of NeoCon Silver in the Ergonomic Desk/Task Seating category.
Envelop desk and Setu chair receive Interior Design magazine's Best of Year product awards.
Envelop Desk
Envelop desk receives the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition Attendees' Choice award.
Herman Miller achieves listing on the 2009 Sustainable Business 20 List, which lauds the World's Top Sustainable Stocks.
Herman Miller honored with "Design for Recycling" award by the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc.
Herman Miller named 2009 "Corporation of the Year" by the Michigan Minority Business Development Council.
Herman Miller, Inc., named Green Champion by Business Review West Michigan.
Herman Miller's Ardea personal light receives red dot award for product design.
Herman Miller's Materials Program receives IDEA Silver award in the Design Strategy category.
Miller receives the MDEQ Environmental Partners Program award.
Sense desking system receives Australian International Design award for Architectural and Interior Products.
Setu chairs receive Best of NeoCon Gold in Conference Seating category and Best of NeoCon Silver in Sofas & Lounge Seating category.
Teneo storage furniture receives Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) Gold award in the Office and Productivity category.
Twist LED task light earns Spark award.
Twist LED task light receives Best of NeoCon Gold in Specialty Lighting category.
Best of NeoCon: Geiger International's Caucus conferencing suite earns Silver for the Conference Room Casegoods category.
Best of NeoCon: Best of Competition awarded to Teneo Storage Furniture.
Best of NeoCon: Nala receives Silver for the Healthcare Seating category.
Best of NeoCon: Teneo Storage Furniture receives Gold for the Filing and Storage category.
Best of NeoCon: The Lissome table from Geiger International receives Silver for the Occasional Tables category.
Embody chair named "Best of 2008" by WIRED magazine.
Embody chair named "Best of Tech" for 2008 by Yahoo Tech.
Embody chair named People's Choice at National Ergonomics Conference and Exhibition.
Herman Miller is selected to receive a Great Place to Work Award from the Great Place to Work Institute (GPTW). This award recognizes the accomplishments of organizations that have implemented creative and effective approaches to developing trust, pride, and camaraderie within their unique workplaces.
Herman Miller is selected to receive a Great Place to Work Award from the Great Place to Work Institute (GPTW). This award recognizes the accomplishments of organizations that have implemented creative and effective approaches to developing trust, pride,
Herman Miller receives the "2008 Manufacturer of the Year Gold Award," presented by the Office Furniture Dealers Alliance (OFDA). The industry association for independent U.S. and Canadian office furniture dealers annually surveys its membership for their opinions on industry manufacturers.
Herman Miller receives the "2008 Manufacturer of the Year Gold Award," presented by the Office Furniture Dealers Alliance (OFDA). The industry association for independent U.S. and Canadian office furniture dealers annually surveys its membership for their
Herman Miller recognized among Information Week 500 for the sixth consecutive year as one of the country's most technologically advanced companies in the manufacturing industry. The company placed 21st among ranked manufacturers.
Herman Miller recognized by Occupational Hazards magazine as one of America's Safest Companies (ASC). It was one of 18 companies to achieve this distinction.
Herman Miller recognized by the prestigious and rigorous KLD Indexes for its commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. The company is represented both on KLD's domestic and global indexes, which are utilized by money managers
Herman Miller shares the distinction of Fortune magazine's "Coolest Corporate Headquarters" with Microsoft and S.C. Johnson & Son.
Herman Miller, Inc., named among America's Safest Companies by Occupational Hazards magazine.
Herman Miller's Space Utilization Service receives an Industry Excellence Award from CoreNet Global. The inaugural award highlights corporate real estate industry performance and innovation.
Herman Miller's Space Utilization Service receives the H. Bruce Russell Innovator's Award at the 2008 CoreNet Global Summit. The award recognizes excellence in sustainable leadership, economic development leadership, and corporate real estate workplace innovation.
Herman Miller's Space Utilization Service receives the H. Bruce Russell Innovator's Award at the 2008 CoreNet Global Summit. The award recognizes excellence in sustainable leadership, economic development leadership, and corporate real estate workplace in
Herman Miller's Teneo storage furniture collection receives the silver Spark award for Storage Furniture and Systems.
Sense desking system receives red dot award for product design.
Convia cited as Grand Prize recipient of Buildings Innovation Award.
Convia Programmable Infrastructure, the signature product of Convia, Inc., is featured among Architectural Record's most innovative new building products for 2007.
Convia receives Best of NeoCon Gold for Workplace Technologies.
Herman Miller earns LEED-CI Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its National Design Center in Atlanta, Georgia
Herman Miller earns LEED-NC Gold Certification for VillageGreen. This 20,000-square foot, naturally ventilated facility is located in Chippenham, England, and houses the company's European headquarters.
Herman Miller International receives The Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade for outstanding achievement. The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for business performance in the United Kingdom, conferred annually by The Queen on the recommendation of the Prime Minister. Herman Miller was selected for the award based on outstanding growth in revenues and exports to global markets.
Herman Miller International receives The Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade for outstanding achievement. The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for business performance in the United Kingdom, conferred annually
Herman Miller moved up to No. 14 on CRO Magazine's annual listing of "100 Best Corporate Citizens." The list takes a systematic approach to assessing the social and environmental characteristics of a good corporate citizen.
Herman Miller, Inc., chosen for Sustainable Business 20 List. The company is featured for the fifth time as one of the "World's Top Sustainability Stocks," which includes companies with strong environmental initiatives and solid financial performance.
Leaf personal light earns Spark award for integration, aspiration, collaboration, and sustainability.
Leaf personal light honored with ID Magazine Best of Consumer Products award.
Leaf personal light receives organicAWARD from organicARCHITECTS for sustainable design.
Leaf personal light receives Silver International Design Excellence Award. In its 27th year, the annual design competition is sponsored by BusinessWeek and presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America. It honors design excellence in products, eco design, interaction design, packaging, strategy, research, and concepts.
Leaf personal light receives Silver International Design Excellence Award. In its 27th year, the annual design competition is sponsored by BusinessWeek and presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America. It honors design excellence in pro
Leaf personal light recognized as International Consumer Electronics Show 'Best of Innovations' Honoree.
Aeron work stool wins Attendees' Choice Award from the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition.
Aeron Stool
Aeron work stool wins Attendees' Choice Award from the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition
The Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) honors Herman Miller with the "Corporation of the Year Award" in the commercial products sector.
Sustainable Leadership Award presented to Herman Miller at the CoreNet Global Summit for its exemplary practices and commitment to a completely sustainable business.
Sustainable Leadership Award presented to Herman Miller at the CoreNet Global Summit for its exemplary practices and commitment to a completely sustainable business
My Studio Environments earns Roscoe Award from Interior Design magazine for innovation in product design.
My Studio Environments earns Roscoe Award from Interior Design magazine for innovation in product design
My Studio Environments cited as one of five "Editor's Picks" in the annual year-end Products Report section of Architectural Record, published in December. Leaf personal light was praised as a "task light with personality" in the Electrical and Communications sector.
My Studio Environments cited as one of five "Editor's Picks" in the annual year-end Products Report section of Architectural Record, published in December. Leaf personal light was praised as a "task light with personality" in the Electrical and Com
Leaf personal light receives the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Innovations Award for Eco-Design
Leaf personal light receives the "Best of What's New" award in the Home Technology category from Popular Science magazine
IDEA awards Bronze to the Celle chair. The Industrial Design Excellence Award (IDEA) competition co-sponsored by BusinessWeek and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) to celebrate the best product designs of the year.
Herman Miller honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its WasteWise Award for its commitment to build or renovate its facilities--leased or owned--to meet at least a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certification.
Herman Miller honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its WasteWise Award for its commitment to build or renovate its facilities--leased or owned--to meet at least a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver certif
Herman Miller earns LEED-CI Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for its National Design Center in New York City, New York. This is the first LEED-CI Gold rating to be awarded in New York City.
Herman Miller earns Architecture Magazine's 2005 ACE Awards, earning top ranking from architects in each of the product groups in which it competes--furniture systems, seating, and casegoods.
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in Lighting for the Leaf personal light
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in Furniture Systems for My Studio Environments
Best of NeoCon, Best of Show awarded to My Studio Environments
FX Magazine's International Interior Design Awards 2006 ceremony pays tribute to Herman Miller's My Studio Environments, Celle chair, and Leaf personal light
DiversityInc Magazine names Herman Miller one of its Top 10 corporations for supplier diversity
Buildings magazine awards Grand Prize for Energy Efficiency to Herman Miller's Leaf personal light
The Michigan Minority Business Development Council names Herman Miller its Corporation of the Year in the commercial products sector, recognizing the company's ongoing efforts to create a diverse and inclusive supply chain
The Consumer Electronics Association presents its Best of Innovations Award to Babble, an innovative sound management tool from Sonare Technologies/A Herman Miller Company
The Brooklyn Museum presents its Lifetime Achievement Award to Herman Miller for the company's partnerships with some of 20th century's outstanding designers, as well as its long history of innovative interior solutions
Herman Miller's Celle task chair receives the People's Choice Award at the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition (NECE).
Celle Chairs
Herman Miller earns LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for the Design Yard Front Door in Holland, Michigan
Best of NeoCon, Innovation Award for the Celle chair
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in Workplace Technologies for Babble voice privacy technology
The Progressive Investor "Sustainable Business Top 20" includes Herman Miller among "world leaders in terms of both sustainability and financial strength"
Information Week magazine's annual Information Week 500 ranks Herman Miller among the top 100 "most innovative corporate users of information technology"
Esquire Magazine includes Babble, an innovative sound management tool from Sonare Technologies/A Herman Miller Company, on its annual listing of "America's Best & Brightest"
Architectural Record magazine recognizes Babble among its "Editor's Picks" for 2005
FIRA International Ltd., a leading European furniture industry research organization, awards Herman Miller's Mirra chair the FIRA Ergonomics Excellence Award
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) names Herman Miller among the recipients of its Green Building Leaders Recognition Award for 2004, in the Green Building Business category
The Industrial Design Society of America's (IDSA) annual Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and Business Week magazine awarded Silver to Herman Miller's Mirra chair
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment selects Herman Miller's Building C-1 renovation as one of the AIA/COTE Top 10 Green Projects in America
The University of Colorado, Leeds School of Business, names Herman Miller among three finalists for the first annual "Summit Awards for Social Impact," citing the company's environmental leadership
The U.S. Green Building Council awards two Gold LEEDS certifications to Herman Miller, for its new MarketPlace facility and for the renovation of the company's C1 building at its Main Site campus
The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum recognizes Herman Miller for its record of product design in the 4th Annual National Design Awards, citing the company as "a design leader...focused on accessible, problem-solving furniture design with high style, insisting on design excellence, innovation and integrity in all of its products."
The Smithsonian's Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum recognizes Herman Miller for its record of product design in the 4th Annual National Design Awards, citing the company as "a design leader...focused on accessible, problem-solving furniture design wi
The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) honored Herman Miller with its Presidential Commendation for leadership and "to recognize outstanding contributions to the Interior Design Profession"
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in "Seating, Desk/Workstation Chairs" for the Mirra chair.
American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment selects Herman Miller's MarketPlace building as one of the AIA/COTE Top 10 Green Projects in America
Fortune Magazine names the Mirra chair one of the 25 best products of the year.
Architectural Record magazine and Environmental Building News name the Mirra chair among the "Top 10 Green Products" of the year.
Architectural Record magazine and Environmental Building News name the Mirra chair among the "Top 10 Green Products" of the year
Herman Miller's patented PostureFit technology for seated low back support receives the 1st Annual Attendees Choice Award at the National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition
The Industrial Design Society of America's (IDSA) annual Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and Business Week magazine awarded Silver to Herman Miller's Capelli stool.
Capelli Stool
The Industrial Design Society of America's (IDSA) annual Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) and Business Week magazine awarded Silver to Herman Miller's Capelli stool
Program Champion recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency's WasteWise Program, for overall waste reduction achievements
Fast Company magazine hails Herman Miller's Aeron chair among the 15 best-designed consumer products of the past 100 years, based on its "thoughtful, integrated style and technology," affordability, accessibility and impact.
Fast Company magazine hails Herman Miller's Aeron chair among the 15 best-designed consumer products of the past 100 years, based on its "thoughtful, integrated style and technology," affordability, accessibility and impact
The U.S. Green Building Council awards the Herman Miller GreenHouse the LEED Pioneer Award for demonstrating exceptional qualities of sustainable design and construction that maximize both economic and environmental performance during the LEED Pilot Program.
The U.S. Green Building Council awards the Herman Miller GreenHouse the LEED Pioneer Award for demonstrating exceptional qualities of sustainable design and construction that maximize both economic and environmental performance during the LEED Pilot Progr
FIRA (the Furniture Industry Research Association) awards Herman Miller's Aeron chair the Certificate for Ergonomic Excellence, the highest ergonomic award in Europe.
FIRA (the Furniture Industry Research Association) awards Herman Miller's Aeron chair the Certificate for Ergonomic Excellence, the highest ergonomic award in Europe
Silver Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for the Aeron chair in the Contract Furniture category presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America
Gold Prize for Good Design (G-Mark), Foreign Products-Furniture and Interiors, from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) for the Aeron chair
Business Week (January 8) cited the Aeron chair among "Best Products" of 1995
Aeron Chair named one of "Designs Greatest Hits" in Your Company magazine.
Aeron Chair named one of "Designs Greatest Hits" in Your Company magazine
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award, "Most Innovative" for Design on Textile program
Resolve System
Time magazine "Best of the Decade" (1980-90) design citation for the Equa chair
Worldesign Congress 1985 to Charles Eames as the world's most influential designer of the century
Worldesign Congress 1985 to the Action Office system as the world's most significant industrial design for the years 1961-1985
Action Office System
Outstanding Corporate Innovator Award from the Product Development & Management Association for Herman Miller's new product development processes
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in "Furniture Systems" for the Passage freestanding desk system
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in "Seating Desk/Task Chairs" for the Caper chair
Best of NeoCon, Gold Award in "Furniture Systems" for the Resolve system
“Design of the Century” by <i>Time</i> magazine for Eames molded plywood chair
Eames Molded Plywood Chairs
"Design of the Century" by Time magazine for Eames molded plywood chair
EPA's WasteWise program, Large Industry Partners of the Year Award for overall waste reduction achievements
White House Presidential citation for environmental management, part of the President's Environment and Conservation Challenge Awards
America's Corporate Conscience Award from the Council on Economic Priorities
Michigan Audubon Society's highest corporate environmental award, the 1991 Corporate Award for Environmental Stewardship, for industrial leadership in environmental quality
Cited by Fortune magazine as being one of the nation's 10 most environmentally responsible corporations
The National Wildlife Federation presented Herman Miller with its 1993 Environmental Achievement Award for its commitment to earth stewardship resulting in numerous environmental programs
The National Office Paper Recycling Project presented Herman Miller with the National Leadership Award for Environmental Responsibility
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and WasteWise commends Herman Miller Inc. for its comprehensive solid waste reduction program
Waste Reduction Award Program (WRAP) from the State of California Environmental Protection Agency Integrated Waste Management Board for improving the environment by reducing waste
Fortune magazine noted Herman Miller as the "Most Admired Company in America" for Social Responsibility
The Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) recognized Herman Miller with its Corporation of the Year award for the company's commitment to minority business opportunities.
The Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC) recognized Herman Miller with its Corporation of the Year award for the company's commitment to minority business opportunities
Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), name Herman Miller's Resolve Office System a Gold award winner
Business Week magazine included Herman Miller in its "WebSmart 50" list for its use of technology to streamline business operations
Business Finance magazine's "Vision Award" for excellence in financial reporting practices
2011 Manufacturer of the year Gold Herman Miller
Herman Miller, Inc. retains its top rankings as brand leader in company image, systems furniture, seating and overall customer satisfaction in Wirthlin Worldwide Fall 1999 Office Trends Report
Sales and Marketing Management magazine ranks Herman Miller's sales team No. 9 among the "25 Best Sales Forces" in the country
"Designs of the Decade" Gold Winner in "Office Furniture" from the Industrial Designers Society of America & Business Week magazine for Aeron chair
Max De Pree and Herman Miller recognized by the Business Enterprise Trust for "sound management and social vision"
Aeron wins the Gold Prize for "Good Design Awards" in the Office and Storage category from the Japanese Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
Herman Miller named one of four winners nationwide of the Beacon Award--for excellence in integrated corporate communications and design programs--sponsored by Fortune magazine and the American Center for Design
Authors Levering and Moskowitz again name Herman Miller one of "The 100 Best Companies to Work for In America," in the sequel to their original 1984 study of best employers
Max DePree, chairman of the board, named to Fortune magazine's Hall of Fame
D.J. DePree, founder, inducted into the American Business Hall of Fame
Business Ethics magazine's 1989 Excellence in Ethics award for expanding the concept of employee ownership
Carl Bertelsmann Prize given by the German Bertelsmann Foundation for expanding the concept of employee ownership--the first U.S. company so honored
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Esenboga Hotels
Hotels in Esenboga, Turkey
Search & Compare Esenboga Hotels
Map of Esenboga hotels
Best hotels in Esenboga
What's Esenboga like?
If you're looking to discover somewhere new, look no further than Esenboga. Whether you're planning to stay for a night or for the week, the area around Esenboga has accommodations to fit every need. Search for hotels in Esenboga with Hotels.com by checking our online map. Our map displays the areas and neighborhoods around all Esenboga hotels so you can see how close you are from landmarks and attractions, and then refine your search within the larger area. The best Esenboga hotel deals are here with our lowest price guarantee.
What types of hotels are available in Esenboga?
We have Esenboga accommodations with prices starting at USD 10. Choose one of our 673 deals and get discounts of up to 40%.
Below are the number of accommodations by star rating in Esenboga and the surrounding area:
How to Get to Esenboga
What is the closest airport to Esenboga?
• Ankara (ESB-Esenboga), 3.8 mi (6 km) from central Esenboga
Things to See and Do in Esenboga
What is there to see near Esenboga:
• Turkish Family Cultural Center (8 mi/12.9 km from the city center)
• Altinpark (8.3 mi/13.4 km from the city center)
What is there to do near Esenboga:
• Deniz Dunyasi (8.1 mi/13 km from the city center)
• Meteorology Museum (8.6 mi/13.8 km from the city center)
When is the best time to visit Esenboga?
• Rainiest months: May, December, March, and January (average 1.60 inches of rainfall)
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Remove This Item Author/s: Evgeny Sveshnikov
Remove This Item Author/s: Ghenrikh M. Kasparyan
Remove This Item Author/s: James Gelo
Remove This Item Author/s: Sergei Soloviov
Remove This Item Author/s: Tibor Karolyi
Remove This Item Author/s: Todd Bardwick
Chess Detective (6)
McFarland Publishing (1)
Chess Concepts and Coloring Book for Kids
Catalog Code: B0136OB
Learn basic chess concepts and color some of the most popular chess illustrations from the Chess Detective Workbook series. This book contains fifty basic chess lessons designed to assist beginner level chess players.
The Modern Scotch
Catalog Code: B0148EU
The Scotch Game is the most “open” of all the Open Games. In fact this is the only really Open Game, in its essence, which matches the traditional terminology.
Chess Tactics and Combinations Workbook
Winning the Battles Between the Pieces
Chess Tactics and Combinations Workbook presents hundreds of tactical patterns and combinations from significant master and grandmaster games in this book in the Chess Detective® Workbook series.
Attacking the Chess King Workbook
Patterns and Strategies for Successful Attacks
Attacking the Chess King Workbook presents hundreds of attacking patterns from significant master and grandmaster games. Become a successful attacker and win more games with this book in the Chess Detective® Workbook series.
Play the Dutch! - Part 2
Systems with g3
In this book, a well-respected author provides you with a solid foundation for including the Dutch in your repertoire, dealing with almost all the sidelines you could possibly meet after 1. d4 f5.
The Exchange Queen's Gambit for Black
The Queen's Gambit is one of the oldest and most reliable opening which is mainly based on positional and structural understanding. The author gives a perfect guide about it and if somebody masters it, he will be able to use it in his entire chess career. This opening will never run out of fashion, its strategical and positional ideas will not be refuted by the strong computers.
Endgame Virtuoso Magnus Carlsen
His Extraordinary Skills Uncovered and Explained
Magnus Carlsen’s brilliant endgame play has been one of the key reasons for his success. With his fine technique, great inventiveness an iron determination Magnus has won countless endgame positions in which almost everyone else would have settled for a draw. He also has saved endgames that seemed impossible to hold. Endgame Virtuoso Magnus Carlsen will help you to appreciate Magnus’ endgame magic and shows you how to become a better endgame player yourself. A highly instructive, inspiring and entertaining book.
Play The Semi-Tarrasch! - Part 2
Play the Semi-Tarrasch! - Part 2 is an up-to- date release about one of the most popular openings nowadays. On the recent Candidates tournament in Berlin, this was the most frequently played opening and the analysis of the author includes all those games as well. Tibor Károlyi is an expert of this opening, he teaches it to many of his pupils and now he shares his in-depth view about this opening. Together with the first part, the book gives the reader a full Semi-Tarrasch repertoire with black.
Play the Semi-Tarrasch! - Part 1 is an up-to- date release about one of the most popular openings nowadays. On the recent Candidates tournament in Berlin, this was the most frequently played opening and the analysis of the author includes all those games as well. Tibor Károlyi is an expert of this opening, he teaches it to many of his pupils and now he shares his in-depth view about this opening.
Mikhail Tal's Best Games 3
1972-1992 - The Invincible
This book covers the final two decades of Tal's life and games, from 1972 until his death in 1992. Despite being more than a decade removed from his world title reign, the early 1970s saw Tal rewrite chess history with two record-breaking unbeaten streaks. Other highlights include victory in the Montreal 1979 Tournament of Champions, and winning the World Blitz Championship in 1988.
CLEARANCE - The Complete French Advance
The Most Uncompromising Way to Attack the French Defence
Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov has played the Advance Variation in countless games with excellent results and is, as former World Champion Anatoly Karpov puts it, ‘the world expert' in this variation. Together with his son, International Master Vladimir Sveshnikov, he has thoroughly updated and expanded his earlier investigations that he presented in his first book on the French Advance in 2003.The Sveshnikovs know that when you are teaching new patterns it is much more productive to use illustrative games than to show stand-alone, concrete variations. That is why they present many annotated grandmaster games in which they clearly explain the ideas and plans for both sides.
Alexander Beliavsky - Legendary Chess Careers - Part 2
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Alexander Beliavsky while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about what is happening also off the board, things you normally don't get to know about.
Nona Gaprindashvili - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of the 6th Women World Champion Nona Gaprindashvili while interviewing her.
Eugenio Torre - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Eugenio Torre while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about that is happening also off the board thing you normally don’t get to know about. Rico Mascarinas on Eugenio Torre: “Torre was capable of making it to the top for sometime, he had the ingredients of a good player, but again, he chose to stay in Baguio instead of Europe. We all know in the Philippines that if he was born in Soviet Union then that would have made the big difference.”
Yasser Seirawan - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Yasser Seirawan while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about what is happening also off the board, things you normally don't get to know about.
Lajos Portisch - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Lajos Portisch while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about what is happening also off the board, things you normally don't get to know about.
Vlastimil Hort - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Vlastimil Hort while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about what is happening also off the board, things you normally don't get to know about.
Jan Timman - Legendary Chess Careers
In this book, the author drives you through the very rich chess career of Jan Timman while interviewing him. This unique concept makes the book easy to read and gives the reader some inside information about what is happening also off the board, things you normally don't get to know about.
A Chess Opening Repertoire for Blitz and Rapid
Sharp, Surprising and Forcing Lines for Black and White
In blitz, even more than in ‘classical chess’, it is important to make the right decisions quickly and almost instinctively. That is why world-famous opening expert Grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov and his son, International Master Vladimir Sveshnikov, have created a chess opening repertoire for club players that is forcing, both narrow and deep, and aggressive.
Mikhail Tals best games 2
1960-1971 - The World Champion
In this, the second of three volumes, award-winning author Tibor Károlyi continues his groundbreaking exploration of Tal's sparkling career. Mikhail Tal is oneof the most celebrated chess players of all time, and in 1960 he demolished Botvinnik to become the youngest ever World Champion at the time, at the age of twenty-three.
The Modern Vienna Game
The Vienna set-up aims for very aggressive play, which often includes sacrifices. But White prefers to be on the safe side, without burning all the bridges and to try to justify his actions from the point of view of positional play as well. At first, he deploys his minor pieces to active positions, then he advances the thematic move f4, castles (usually on the kingside) and begins an attack only after all this. Despite the fact that the move 2.Nc3 has been played for more than a hundred years, there has not been defined a clear-cut scheme for playing this set-up.
Mikhail Tal's Best Games - VOL. 1
1949 - 1959 - The Magic of Youth
Mikhail Tal is one of the most celebrated chess players of all time. The eighth World Champion not only won the title at a record young age, but did so using a ferocious, high-risk attacking style. Tal's spectacular games, along with his charming personality and witty sense of humour, endeared him to the chess public like no other player.
Karpov's Strategic Wins - 1986-2010 - VOLUME 2
The Prime Years
Anatoly Karpov was World Champion from 1975 to 1985 and is universally regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Award-winning author Tibor Károlyi explains Karpovs genius with a particular focus on Karpovs unrivalled grasp of strategy. In this second volume, Károlyi has selected Karpov's most entertaining and instructive strategic wins from 1986-2010 when Karpov was battling with his young rival Garry Kasparov for chess supremacy.
Chess Strategy Workbook
A Blueplrint for Developing the Best Plan
A large-format, fun, comprehensive workbook and instruction book for children and adults ranging from those with a basic chess foundation up to the above-average tournament player. Chess Strategy Workbook teaches you to be observant and take your time to discover the clues in chess positions, introducing many of the strategies used by chess masters in a way that is fun and easy to understand.
Ghenrikh M. Kasparyan (1910-1995) is considered to have been without doubt the greatest composer and analyst of chess endgame studies ever. He was so great that when a great new chess star named Kasparyan appeared on the scene, the Soviet authorities decided to change the name of the second Kasparyan to Kasparov to avoid confusion. In this book, his master work, Kasparyan first classifies endgame studies into the analytic as opposed to artistic. Analytic studies are those likely to arise in an actual game.
Chess Workbook for Children
The Chess Detective's Introduction to the Royal Game
Chess Workbook for Children is a fun, comprehensive workbook and instruction book for children (and adults!) who are new to chess or who are in the beginning stages of learning to play the royal game. Ten basic chess lessons and chess rules are presented in detail.
Chess World Championships - 2 Volume Set
All the Games - All With Diagrams - 1834-2004
Catalog Code: B0006MF
If you're looking for the ULTIMATE COLLECTION of World Championship Games, Look no further than this two-book collection from McFarland Publishing.
Teaching Chess in the 21st Century
Strategies and Connections to a Standards-Based World
A beginner chess book for teachers, chess club sponsors, or parents with young children. An elementary school teacher can use this book as a textbook to incorporate chess into their standards-based math program incorporating National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards. Also included are exemplars and rubrics and teacher tips about how to handle situations that frequently occur while students are playing chess. Tried and true tested analogies that children will relate to are incorporated so that young children can learn chess in an effective and fun way.
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Home / Sports / ARCHER AND ROY FOUND GUILTY OF BREACHING THE ICC CODE OF CONDUCT
ARCHER AND ROY FOUND GUILTY OF BREACHING THE ICC CODE OF CONDUCT
Liz-Anne De Beauville June 4, 2019 Sports Leave a comment
ICC- Archer and Roy found guilty of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and Pakistan fined for minor over rate breach.
England’s Jofra Archer and Jason Roy have each been fined 15% of their match fee for breaching Level One of the ICC Code of Conduct during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match between England and Pakistan at Trent Bridge today. Whilst Pakistan captain Sarafraz Ahmed has been fined for a minor over rate offence the same game.
Jason Roy was found to have breached Article 2.3 ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to using audible obscenities in an international match. In addition to the 15% fine, one demerit point has been added to Roy’s disciplinary record.
The incident occurred during the 14th over of Pakistan’s innings when Roy used an audible obscenity after misfielding which was clearly heard by the umpires.
Archer was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision.
The incident occurred in the 27th over of Pakistan’s innings, when Archer showed obvious dissent following a wide delivery. In addition to the 15% fine, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Archer.
Pakistan Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was fined 20% of his match fee whilst his teammates were fined 10% each following a minor over rate breach after Pakistan was ruled to be one over short of its target after time allowances were taken into consideration.
All three players admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Jeff Crowe of the Emirates Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing.
On-field umpires Marais Erasmus and S Ravi, third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge and fourth official Chris Gaffney levelled the charges.
Liz-Anne De Beauville
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Tour the "Cocoon House," a Unique, Curvy Home on Long Island
By Kate Santos Updated January 16, 2020
Photos by Caylon Hackwith
credit: Caylon Hackwith
Going green often gives architects a chance to think outside the box. Nina Edwards Anker of NYC-based Nea Studio did just that with her design for the aptly named Cocoon House, a multi-layer, round-walled home located on the coast of Long Island. Edwards Anker's architectural studio is no stranger to designing items that are both strange and wonderful as well as eco-friendly, and the rounded house, which is powered entirely from solar energy, is no exception.
Using prefabricated structural laminated timber trusses, the house (built as a vacation home) is made up of two distinct halves measuring 16-feet-tall: one that offers privacy and another more transparent half made from glass walls that provides ocean views. Despite the home's unique shape, the Cocoon House is in harmony with its surroundings, featuring cedar cladding to fit in with the surrounding historic neighborhood.
After diligently searching for a company that could achieve supplying the unusual rounded timber trusses, the team found Unalam, a company in nearby Upstate New York that could meet the challenge. "The construction techniques and process that led to the double-curved geometry of the house, as well as the LEED certification process, were challenging learning experiences for us all," Edwards Anker said.
Stepping into the Cocoon House, built as a vacation home in Long Island, is like taking a step into the future. But the design was inspired by many ideas throughout history, including round-style homes of various indigenous communities.
Outside, a neutral palette lends the ideal background for the colorful aspects of the home. "Native beach grass, local cedar shingle cladding, and [a] permeable gray gravel driveway create a monotone palette of soothing lavender and gray tones," Edwards Anker said.
In front of the translucent windows, a sitting area includes The Knotties chairs made from rattan and designed by Edwards Anker's design studio, Nea Studio. A solar chandelier, also designed by Nea Studio, adds a surprising musical element to the ocean breeze by acting as wind chimes when the sliding doors are open.
The Beanie Sofa (made from lentils) designed by Nea Studio, defines the living room space and provides comfy seating in front of the energy-efficient fireplace. The heating and cooling systems of the house were designed to be as eco-friendly as possible. A southern-facing glass facade does more than afford picturesque ocean views — it also functions as a passive heating system for the home.
Eco-friendly and LEED certified, the home's circular body is inherently more eco-friendly than a typical house, as fewer materials were used for the build and less energy is used to heat and cool the house. The team used no structural steel, instead substituting timber, which lowered the carbon emissions that were used in processing the building materials. Also, by using wood, the design has a more natural presence — inside and out.
An "algae" lamp hangs over the bed.
The translucent skylight windows in the hallway were inspired by Goethe's color theory. Colors ranging from vermillion red (to signal rest) to light yellow (to signal activity), follow through the hallway and into the bedroom.
A minimal interior design coincides with the philosophy of the construction: highly functional, well-organized, and inspired by nature. A custom wood vanity table is paired with Nea Studio's Crystallized Chair, made from bent recycled aluminum.
Marble steps and the surrounding tub were made from Vermont Danby imperial white marble. A window looks out into the surrounding coastal landscape.
Kate Santos
After interning at Dwell magazine in San Francisco, Kate began writing about arts, design and culture for other national publications. She is based in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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You've Got to See This Treehouse in Coastal France
In Seattle, a Home so Energy-Efficient, It's "Passive House Certified"
A Couple Builds a Silicon Valley Property With Nature, Not Technology, in Mind
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After Salman's 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan', 'Lingaa' Producer Rockine Venkatesh Joins Rohit Shetty for 'Soodhu Kavvum' Remake
"I'd love to work with all the popular heroes,' says Venkatesh.
Jun 22, 2015 17:04 IST
'Bajrangi Bhaijaan': Stills from 'Selfie Le Le' SongTwitter/Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Leading South Indian film producer Rockline Venkatesh is planning to make more Bollywood films.
Venkatesh, who produced Rajiniknath's big budget movie "Lingaa", is co-producing Salman Khan's "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" along with Salman Khan Films and Eros International.
The producer has now confirmed that he is looking forward to make more Bollywood films and is teaming up with Rohit Shetty for the Hindi remake of Tamil hit movie "Soodhu Kavvum". The 2013 movie starred Vijay SethupathI, Bobby Simha, Sanchita Shetty and Ashok Selvan in lead roles.
"I'd like to produce more films in Hindi, provided I get good scripts. It was filmmaker Vijayendra Prasad's script that bowled over director Kabir Khan, who eventually approached Salman for this project," Venkatesh told IANS.
On his association with Salman Khan, the producer said the Bollywood star is the most humble person he has ever come across. He also added that he is looking forward to bankroll films with bg stars.
"You need good scripts to approach stars. I'd love to work with all the popular heroes,' he said.
About his next project with Rohit shetty, he said that the team is yet to finalise the cast and crew of the movie.
"The project was announced long back. Rohit is yet to cast the actors for the remake, and as soon it's done, we will start the project," confirmed Venkatesh.
Rockline Venkatesh's last film was Rajinikanth starrer "Lingaa", which incurred huge losses.
His latest production "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" is set for 2015 Eid release.
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Marijuana Testing: Startup Device Can Detect Marijuana Intoxication
By Ron Mendoza @ronmendoza_
Smoking a joint and then driving could land you in jail with this startup's device.
IMMAD, which stands for "Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving," is the first of its kind to determine if a driver is intoxicated with marijuana by testing for impaired vision.
The device that uses a Samsung HMD VR headset specifically tests the driver's peripheral vision as this gets loss after consuming marijuana, according to President and CEO Dr. Denise Valenti.
The driver would be asked to look into the headset and click a Bluetooth button every time they see a grayscale stripe flashing around a small black dot. Due to their diminished side vision, the driver may fail to see the flashing stripes.
"Marijuana causes temporary paralysis of the cell operating in the retina. So when you have certain neurologic deficit in your retina, you just can't see the stripes," Valenti told American Inno.
"If you can't see, you can't drive."
Valenti, an optometrist, developed IMMAD's software together with the University of Massachusetts Boston computer science professor Marc Pomplun and some computer science students. They also plan on increasing the device's capabilities by adding eye-tracking to determine regular marijuana users from those who are not.
Consuming marijuana may weaken peripheral vision and slow reaction time, which is why the possibility of increased accidental deaths can't be neglected. A study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found a correlation between marijuana legalization and the increased number of motor vehicle crashes.
However, some are doubtful about the study's findings, including Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), who told Consumer Reports he doubts the investigators found only marijuana as the variable.
However, to David Harkey, president of IIHS-HLDI, "Impairment is impairment, whether it's alcohol or marijuana or prescription drugs."
"Any of those can affect your ability to drive a motor vehicle. You shouldn't be behind the wheel if you're impaired by any substance."
What Valenti wants is to make IMMAD available to law enforcement, and she wants the findings to hold up in court.
"The final version will be a quick, simple, objective, sensitive, specific test of marijuana driving impairment for law enforcement. This test will be threshold related and have a number value compared to a large normative data base. That test will take two minutes per eye," Valenti said.
Marijuana buds are weighed at a dispensary in Los Angeles Photo: AFP / Frederic J. BROWN
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Boston Marijuana Startup Is Working On A Cannabis-Infused Ice Cream
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Who funds the MEI?
The MEI Team
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Commentaries on the MEI
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Theory, History and Thinkers
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Associate Researcher
Andrew Pickford works in strategy, economic analysis, and energy with organizations in Australia and North America. He has particular expertise with natural gas markets, electricity utilities, industry-driven applied research, and the reform and transformation of businesses and governments during periods of turbulence. Andrew works with decision makers in corporate, government, academic, and civil society settings. From his initial training at KPMG in internal audit and risk management, he has been fortunate to work with some of the world’s most distinguished strategists and experienced company directors. This background and experience has allowed him to produce insights and advice which are easily understood and actioned by directors, government ministers, and CEOs, while maintaining a deep approach to rigorous analysis. Andrew is currently completing a PhD on energy history at the University of Western Australia.
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Boursa Kuwait’s new market segmentation and listing rules
12 November 2018 | by John Cunha
Tags: ASAR - Al Ruwayeh & Partners John Cunha Kuwait Financial and corporate
The Kuwait law regime governing the listing of Kuwaiti companies on Boursa Kuwait (the local stock exchange) is primarily governed under Module 12 (listing rules) of the executive by-laws (the CMA listing rules) to the Kuwait Capital Markets Law (Law No. 10 of 2010) (the CML). In April 2018, Boursa Kuwait promulgated its listing rules (the rulebook), the purpose of which was to clarify the regulatory and organisational framework of Boursa Kuwait that governs all operational aspects of Kuwait’s stock exchange. Importantly, the rulebook has specified the new segmentation of the local exchange into three distinct market categories and the associated listing rules applicable for each market, as outlined in Chapter 7 (listing) of the rulebook. Without prejudice to the CMA listing rules, the Boursa listing rules apply to companies which are currently listed on the local exchange as well as those wishing to list on Boursa Kuwait.
The three new market segments are, the Premier Market, the Main Market, and the Auction Market (a listing on the Auction Market is not permissible at this time). Kuwait listed companies are now arranged among the aforementioned markets according to criteria which include market capitalisation and liquidity.
In order for an applicant company (applicant) to be approved to list its shares on Boursa Kuwait, the requisite Boursa Kuwait listing application form, together with all relevant supporting documentation, must first be filed with Boursa Kuwait and approved by Boursa Kuwait and the CMA. The CMA and Boursa Kuwait reserve the right to request the applicant provides additional information/documentation and/or complies with additional requirements.
This article provides a high level outline of the requirements and procedures for an applicant to list its shares on either the Premier Market or Main Market.
The Premier Market
A listing on the Premier Market requires:
a) That the fair value of the shares of the applicant that are not
owned by a person having control over the applicant or by a group controlling the applicant, must be at least KD45 million. The fair value of the shares must also be determined by a CMA licensed valuator or an investment adviser (valuer);
b) The applicant must have no less than 450 shareholders, each of which must hold an aggregate fair value of no less than KD10,000 of the shares in the applicant; and
c) The applicant must continue to exercise one or more of its main objects as set forth in the constitutional documents of the applicant. The majority of the applicant’s revenues must be derived from such objects and issued financial statements approved by the applicant’s general assembly during the last seven fiscal years, prior to the submission date of the listing application.
The Main Market
a) That the fair value of the shares of the applicant that are not owned by a person having control over the applicant or by a group controlling the applicant, must be at least KD15 million. The fair value of the shares must also be determined by a valuer;
b) The company must have no less than 450 shareholders, each of which must hold an aggregate fair value of no less than KD5,000 of the shares in the applicant. Alternatively, the applicant must have no less than 250 shareholders, each of which must hold an aggregate fair value of no less than KD10,000 of the shares in the applicant; and
c) The company must continue to exercise one or more of its main objects as set forth in the constitutional documents of the applicant. The majority of the applicant’s revenues must be derived from such objects and issued financial statements approved by the company’s general assembly during the last three fiscal years, prior to the submission date of the listing application.
Securities listing procedure
a) The listing application must be filed with Boursa Kuwait;
b) Within 30 days of being provided with the listing application,
Boursa Kuwait must issue its recommendation to the CMA which will then also consider the listing application and decide whether or not to approve the listing application.
The listing application must be submitted together with the following supporting documentation:
i) Basic information on the applicant;
ii) A copy of the constitutional documents of the applicant
together with a copy of its commercial register and
commercial license;
iii) A letter from the auditors of the applicant confirming that the
applicant complies with the requirements set out under
Clause 2(c) or 3(c) above, as applicable;
iv) A copy of the audited financial statements of the applicant for
the last three years preceding the filing of the listing
application;
v) A list of the members of the board of directors of the
applicant, its CEO and the authorised signatories of the
applicant;
vi) A list of the auditors, listing advisor and other relevant
advisors, of the applicant;
vii) Copies of the minutes of the applicant’s ordinary and extra-ordinary general assembly for the last three years;
viii) A copy of the shareholders register of the applicant issued by
the Kuwait Clearing Company;
ix) Written evidence of the appointment of the listing advisor of
the applicant;
x) The names of the major shareholders of the applicant;
xi) A list of all insider persons of the applicant (as required to be
maintained under the executive bylaws to the CML);
xii) An undertaking by the applicants board of directors and
executive management and applicable insider persons that they will comply with all applicable rules of Boursa Kuwait; and
xiii) A certified cheque to the CMA for application fees for the listing, as well as proof of payment to Boursa Kuwait for processing the listing application.
Once the listing application has been considered by Boursa Kuwait, it may act as follows:
a) Issue a reasoned conditional approval recommendation vis-à-vis
the applicant, subject to the completion/performance of certain
requirements; or
b) Issue a reasoned recommendation to the CMA that it rejects the
licence application where the relevant documentation has not been submitted by the applicant and/or where the prescribed fees have not been paid by the applicant.
Assuming a favorable recommendation by Boursa Kuwait, and that the CMA has also satisfied itself with the listing application, then the CMA must notify the applicant accordingly, and require the same to enter into the relevant membership agreement with Boursa Kuwait, pay all prescribed listing fees and that it complete all relevant procedural requirements for the shares of the applicant to be listed on Boursa Kuwait within one month of the CMA issuing its listing approval vis-à-vis the applicant.
2019 M&A Report: Kuwait
IFLR 2018 M&A Report: Kuwait
Kuwait’s regulatory framework gearing up to address fintech and the digital revolution
Kuwait issues new listing rules
The new Companies Law – a step towards encouraging investments in Kuwait
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Martin, David, Philip Rees, Helen Durham and Stephen A. Matthews. "Census and Population Analysis." E-Learning for Geographers: Online Materials, Resources, and Repositories. IGI Global, 2009. 53-75. Web. 18 Jan. 2020. doi:10.4018/978-1-59904-980-9.ch004
Martin, D., Rees, P., Durham, H., & Matthews, S. A. (2009). Census and Population Analysis. In P. Rees, L. MacKay, D. Martin, & H. Durham (Eds.), E-Learning for Geographers: Online Materials, Resources, and Repositories (pp. 53-75). Hershey, PA: IGI Global. doi:10.4018/978-1-59904-980-9.ch004
Martin, David, Philip Rees, Helen Durham and Stephen A. Matthews. "Census and Population Analysis." In E-Learning for Geographers: Online Materials, Resources, and Repositories, ed. Philip Rees, Louise MacKay, David Martin and Helen Durham, 53-75 (2009), accessed January 18, 2020. doi:10.4018/978-1-59904-980-9.ch004
InfoSci-Educational Technologies
InfoSci-Education
Census and Population Analysis
David Martin (University of Southampton, UK), Philip Rees (University of Leeds, UK), Helen Durham (University of Leeds, UK) and Stephen A. Matthews (The Pennsylvania State University, USA)
Source Title: E-Learning for Geographers: Online Materials, Resources, and Repositories
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-980-9.ch004
This chapter presents the development of a series of shared learning materials prepared to facilitate teaching in human geography. The principal focus of this work has been on how to use census data to understand socio-demographic phenomena such as ethnic segregation or neighborhood profiles. In this area, students are required to address a combination of substantive and methodological issues that are particularly well suited to blended learning. Much of the information describing population characteristics is itself published online and it is therefore necessary to engage with external online data resources in order to obtain and analyze information for specific study areas. Our teaching exemplars include those designed to develop students’ understanding of the data collection process, for example through the use of an online census questionnaire; analysis methods, through the provision of visualization tools to show demographic trends through time; and substantive examples, by comparison between urban social geographies in the USA and UK. Particular challenges are presented by the different nature (format, content, detail) and licensing arrangements for the census data available for student use in the UK and USA. In the UK students and researchers access census data via a research council funded program of data support units, which provides access to data from four successive censuses. In the USA open access to extensive data holdings is provided by the national statistical agency, the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the UK National Statistics offices are providing an ever-larger portfolio of datasets online and available to all, facilitating international collaboration and the types of data being provided are developing rapidly to fill the gaps between censuses.
This chapter deals with the theme of the DialogPLUS project concerned with teaching in human geography. Our aim is to describe the ways in which e-learning have been used in a variety of geography degree programs across three universities. This will provide readers with examples of how the e-learning materials were used in specific courses, which may help them in using similar approaches and of the issues that were faced in incorporating these new materials. Table 1 shows the relationship of the courses the authors have delivered to the sections of the chapter in which different aspects are discussed. The courses range from first year modules taught to 150 undergraduate students to master’s modules taught to five distance learning students. We hope that readers will find the chapter useful on several levels: as a guide to the range of ways in which to introduce e-learning materials into a human geography course, as a guide to recent UK and U.S. census data and their utility in thematic courses in human geography, and as an inspiration to students to explore the wealth of electronic information now available on our human world.
Summary of the courses described in this chapter
Level Module topic
(University) Activities delivered by e-learning Chapter sections
(campus module) Geography of the UK
(Leeds) A practical on using the Online Census Atlas; a practical using the 2001 Census Output Area Classification and the current Neighbourhood Statistics web resources for England and Wales Data exploration: an online census atlas
(campus module) Census and Neighborhood Analysis
(Southampton) All lecture materials online; practicals involve online and web based activities Data collection: an online census form
Data analysis: geodemographic and multivariate indicator demonstrators
Engaging with real places: using students’ own neighborhoods
(campus module) Spatial demography
(Penn State) Online materials on spatial analysis of population groups Data analysis: demographic modelling
(campus module) Census Analysis and Geographical Information Systems (Leeds) All module materials including practicals are available online. Combined with lectures and individual consultations Using census data to explore ethnic segregation: comparing US and UK cities
(distance module) Census Analysis and Geographical Information Systems (Leeds) All units of module delivered online with intensive electronic communication and planned telephone tutorials Using census data to explore ethnic segregation: comparing US and UK cities
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Facebook Allowed Far Greater User Data Access to Companies Like Microsoft, Amazon, and Spotify Than Previously Disclosed
Facebook shared data with more than 150 companies.
Facebook gave some companies more extensive access to users' personal data than it has previously revealed, letting them read private messages or see the names of friends without consent, according to a New York Times report.
The newspaper on Wednesday detailed special arrangements between Facebook and companies such as Microsoft, Netflix and Spotify, in the latest revelations on how the social network shares user data.
Here are highlights from the report.
Facebook shared data with more than 150 companies -- not only tech businesses but automakers and media organizations -- through apps on its platform even if users disabled sharing. Apps from many of these "integration partners" never even showed up in user application settings, with the company considering them an extension of its own network. The deals dated back as far as 2010 and were all active in 2017, with some still in effect this year.
Spotify, Netflix and the Royal Bank of Canada were able to read, write and delete Facebook users' private messages, and to see everyone on a message thread. Spotify could look at messages of more than 70 million users a month and still lets users share music through Facebook Messenger while Netflix and the Canadian bank have turned off features that incorporated message access.
Facebook let Microsoft's Bing search engine see the names of "virtually all Facebook users' friends without consent," the paper said. Microsoft officials said Bing was using the data to build Facebook user profiles on Microsoft servers but the company has since deleted the data. Yahoo had the ability to show Facebook users' news feeds, including posts by their friends, on its home page. The search company eliminated the feature in 2012 but still had access last year to data for nearly 100,000 people a month.
Facebook designated a Russian search site, Yandex, as a partner, giving it access to unique user IDs as recently as 2017 after it stopped sharing them with other applications because of privacy risks.
The New York Times says it obtained more than 270 pages of Facebook documents and interviewed more than 60 people, including many former Facebook employees.
Facebook's Response
Facebook responded to the report in a blog post, which said the partnerships did allow features like "messaging integrations" but nearly all have been shut down over the past few months, except for deals with Apple and Amazon. None of the deals gave outside companies access to data without user consent, it said. The company also said a separate product called "instant personalization," which powered Bing's features, was shut down in 2014 though it acknowledged it should not have left the data exchange interface up.
--The Associated Press
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News Europe
He was like 'a canary down a mine'
Martin Evans
JON VENABLES felt like a "canary down a mine" after his release from prison in 2001, his solicitor said yesterday.
https://www.independent.ie/world-news/europe/he-was-like-a-canary-down-a-mine-26666159.html
In a statement in which he expressed remorse for the murder of James Bulger and his shame over the child porn offences, Venables also suggested that he had been ill- prepared to cope with life on the outside.
His solicitor, John Gibson, said Venables had found it difficult to overcome the unhappiness he felt about his past.
"He is extremely remorseful and knows that he has badly let down those who have tried to help him since his release from custody."
"He puts forward no excuse for his conduct. He is genuinely ashamed and has come to an understanding of how children are harmed by those who have even a passing interest in such [pornographic] material, let alone by those who pass it on.
"He says that he appreciates there was no blueprint available to him, or those offering him support -- he felt like a canary down a mine."
Mr Gibson added: "The return to prison was something of a relief when it came."
Child-murderer, paedophile, drug addict: so they left Venables living near a school
Meghan Markle shows her new rules of engagement with the media
Victoria Ward Meghan Markle could not have been clearer this week in expressing her intentions.
Arline passenger who caused bomb scare because he was running late for flight jailed
Ben Mitchell An airline passenger who caused a bomb scare on his own flight because he was running late and feared he would miss it has been jailed for 16 months.
Meghan Markle shows her new rules of engagement with the media Britain
Kate keeps her cool with a milkshake as William talks of dealing with challenges Britain
Relaxed Harry sidesteps questions on future in first public appearance since quitting royals Britain
Arline passenger who caused bomb scare because he was running late for flight jailed Britain
Mystery of £20 bundles found in north England village since 2014 solved Britain
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Studio Dinding Brings Rejuvenated Rawness To The New Kilo Kitchen
Kilo Kitchen Has A New Home On Duxton Road, where Studio Dinding continues the brand’s character of raw homeliness.
BY Narelle Yabuka
studio-dinding.com
The Kilo brand has rightly earned a strong following in Singapore, with its unique offering of Latin- and Asian-influenced comfort food, its friendly approach to service, and its interior character fusing industrial rawness with a homely vibe.
Following the recent closure of its Kallang outlet, Kilo Kitchen has opened new digs in the Tanjong Pagar district, a short walk from its sister venue Kilo Lounge. And a new outlet will open in Jakarta in January 2019.
“As a brand, Kilo has expanded over the years to include new concepts in Singapore and new locations in Indonesia, but the core of Kilo remains faithfully the same – it is always about food and community, drinks and music,” says co-founder Joshua Adjodha.
Not to be underestimated in importance, one of the key ingredients in Kilo’s efforts to establish a sense of community around its brand has been its interiors – always blending a non-pretentious industrially based aesthetic with comforting touches that guests can engage with on a personal level.
Singapore- and Indonesia-based Studio Dinding, headed by Indonesian Partners Jessica Rina and Jimin Fadjar, was spot on with its encapsulation of the brand at the new Kilo Kitchen, delivering a space that comforts without deviating from Kilo’s unfussy style.
Rina and Fadjar worked smartly with the parameters of the 3000-square-foot space, making the most of its corner location by opening up the interior to the five-foot-way and transforming what was once a transit zone into a space to dwell on rattan seating and watch the passing parade.
“It made so much sense to connect the site with the street,” says Rina. She continues, “The Duxton Road location is only a stone’s throw away from Duxton Hill, but it is not as bustling. We thought the approach of having Kilo open, and making use of the five-foot-way where people can hang out, could make this area a lot more lively. Openness is something we and Kilo discussed and agreed that the new venue needed.”
Inside, beyond the floor-to-ceiling rusted metal-framed bi-folding glazed doors, one finds hand-sanded concrete walls, natural stone, brass finishes and recycled timber that exudes ‘Kilo’ charm. Polished marble, Italian ceramic tiles, vintage rugs and bold, bright fabrics inject warmth in tones of grey, gold, mustard and pink.
A Turkish marble and brass bar extends across the width of the space beside an open-concept, natural-flame kitchen that’s surrounded by ceramic tiles and has a brick-encased wood-fire grill at its heart.
Much work was done on site to achieve just the right finishes for the recycled timber and rusted metal door frames. “We value craftsmanship a lot,” says Rina. “It makes a lot of difference in a space. We tried to create something comfortable, familiar and homey with small details to enrich the space.”
Tags: Kilo, Kilo Kitchen, restaurant, Studio Dinding, Tanjong Pagar
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Hospitality Focus At The Real Estate Development Summit Asia 2019, Day 2
Where are the strongest Asian markets for hospitality development now? How are designers responding to today’s brand ecosystem and consumer desires? Insights were shared at REDS Asia this month in Bangkok.
Missoni Home And Bolon Bring Vibrant Colour To The Floor
Sweden meets Italy in vibrant colour for the floor. Distinctive new patterns and colours make a punchy addition to Bolon’s Missoni collection of woven flooring.
A Case For The Conservation Of Modern Architecture
At the eight mASEANa International Conference 2019, insights into best practice in the UK and USA were paired by the impetus of local advocates for a new system that recognises the value of modern architecture beyond economic returns.
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About Alpacas
Farm Locator
Fodder Systems
Alpaca Meat
IAA Admin (Administrator)
Dialog, Resources, and Articles for those interested in alpaca protein.
The document below identifies Indiana's state inspected meat processing facilities:
State Inspected Meat Processors
Alpaca: The Other Red Meat
from Modern Farmer by Kristen Schmitt
The vast majority of alpacas raised in the U.S. are for their silky fleece. But did you know you can also eat them?
True, within the U.S., alpacas are primarily bred for fiber, but meat and leather are two unique byproducts from the alpaca livestock industry – and ones that could be on the cusp of becoming a trendy new protein.
“Alpacas will always be a fiber-first industry. Nobody can raise alpacas just for meat. Cost wise, you just can’t grow them out to a full-size animal only for meat and harvest them like that,” says Roger Welck, owner and farmer of Twisted Suri Alpaca Ranch in Princeton, Minnesota.
‘I really use everything, from one end of this animal to the other.’
Twisted Suri Alpaca Ranch is one of the first operations to create a true livestock model by utilizing all aspects of the alpaca – from fiber to meat to leather to compost. “I believe that it’s not right to put an animal down for just one product. It’s disrespectful to throw waste away,” says Welck. “The hides are turned into leather, the organs are freeze-dried for pet treats and I mix the alpaca manure with coffee grounds and make my own vermicompost. I really use everything, from one end of this animal to the other.”
And while alpacas seem to populate various farms across the country, they are still a newer livestock to cross American soil. Originally from South America, alpacas came to America in 1984. Here, they are bred primarily for fiber and the U.S. alpaca fiber market initially started with a boom. Back in 2006, fiber prices were lucrative and those in the alpaca fiber business had possibly the only livestock breed able to pay for its own room and board – annually. Recent studies show a steady decline in alpaca fiber prices, which may be one of the reasons behind the emerging alpaca meat and leather markets. If alpaca fiber has crashed in price, perhaps alpacas can pay their way with their meat and leather.
Alpaca meat is the byproduct of culling the herd – but it’s a tasty byproduct. Each mature alpaca harvested equates to about 60 pounds of meat – roughly the same amount of meat you can get from a deer. Lean, tender and almost sweet, alpaca meat is nutritionally superior to many of its red meat counterparts. Lower in calories, fat,and cholesterol, this high-protein, exotic meat is beginning to appeal to those seeking out alternatives to domesticated meat like beef or pork, and even wild meat, like venison. Ground alpaca is versatile enough to be substituted in place of ground turkey or beef in most recipes.
Alpaca meat is the byproduct of culling the herd – but it’s a tasty byproduct.
Found in local food co-ops, farmers’ markets, national wholesale distributors and online, alpaca meat is an anomaly within the livestock market, falling within a gray area that allows for this fiber-producing animal to also be sold as a meat livestock.
Because the USDA does not consider the alpaca a meat animal, the sale of their meat falls under the jurisdiction of the FDA and local state authorities.
While this is good enough for local co-ops and farmers market, it also means alpaca farmers seeking a national meat market are shut out – they can’t sell their product to a state that doesn’t honor this voluntary inspection seal.
“We need the inspection stamp and seal to move it across state lines. For states that fall outside of that state-inspection approval, we need to mix the product with at least 3 percent beef or pork in order to get the USDA seal,” says Welck. It’s a stumbling block that may mean alpaca remains a culinary oddity – unless the USDA chooses to inspect and approve alpaca meat and acknowledge it as a livestock and fiber animal. Until then, it will remain an exotic species covered by the FDA.
While demand for lean alpaca meat is only beginning in the U.S., in Australia, popularity is growing, leaving alpaca farmers with a profitable way to keep herds for fiber while also catering to another specialty market. According to the Australian Alpaca Association, Australia currently has the second largest alpaca market in the world, with over 1,500 registered breeders, just behind South America, where the alpaca originates. Australian breeders have been marketing alpaca as a gourmet delicacy for the past few years under the brand name LaViande.
Regardless, alpaca meat is a low fat alternative to supermarket staples – and one that provides a quality protein perfect for summer grilling. Alpaca cuts include steak, tenderloin, strip loin, rump, shoulder roll and back strap. Because of the lean, low-fat quality of the meat, these specific cuts are perfect candidates for high-heat cooking. This means searing (or pan searing) the meat at high temperature so that a caramelized crust forms. Grilling is a great way to do this over preheated hot coals. If you pan sear the meat in a cast iron skillet (or other oven safe skillet), you can finish it by putting it in a preheated oven for a few minutes. Alpaca meat is best served medium to medium-rare and it is important to note that alpaca meat shouldn’t be cooked past medium as it could end up too dry.
© Indiana Alpaca Association
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Looking for that slice of home in the Big Apple? Here are our top 10 favourite Irish pubs in New York City.
With the growing number of Irish diaspora across the globe, it is no wonder why there are so many fantastic Irish bars on offer. Ranging from intimate Irish waterholes to vibrant party bars, they exist in abundance.
A common thread with Irish emigrants, or those who share in Irish ancestry, is that no matter how fantastic another place may be, there’s something very special and unique about Ireland. It is this quality that is missed so dearly when away from home (Ireland!).
Here are the top 10 Irish pubs in New York. You may as well be back on the Emerald Isle when you’re in any one of them.
10. O’Hara’s – a cosy local spot
Credit: @OharasPubNYC / Facebook
O’Hara’s is a small, snug Irish bar located near the World Trade Centre in Manhattan, the dominating island of New York City. O’Hara’s is the kind of place where everyone knows each other’s names, but newbies are always welcome.
The spot is reminiscent of a bar you’d find back home: Irish whiskeys and Guinness dominate the drinks offering while an eclectic mix of novelty stickers, badges, and patches fill the back bar.
Address: 120 Cedar St, New York, NY 10006, United States
9. The Mean Fiddler – great for sports events
Credit: themeanfiddlernyc.com
This spot is more of an American-Irish pub as opposed to the other way around. Nevertheless, The Mean Fiddler packs quite a punch and is the perfect playground during a major sports event or the likes of St. Patrick’s Day in New York.
Address: 266 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
8. O’Lunney’s Pub – for delicious Irish grub
Credit: olunneys.com
Located in the heart of it all (Times Square) is O’Lunney’s Pub. Yes, this one’s certainly marketed at tourists but, hell, we can’t knock it!
There’s live music and entertainment nightly. An Irish-inspired menu of fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and traditional Irish breakfasts seem to keep the crowds keen.
7. Molly’s – an “authentic” Irish pub
Credit: mollysshebeen.com
Molly’s is a true gem of an Irish bar, located in New York. It promotes itself as the “most authentic” Irish bar in the city with log-burning fires and sawdust on the floor.
The bar, which has stood at 287 Third Avenue, has run continually (except during Prohibition) since 1895 and is owned by Irish locals.
Address: 287 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10010, United States
6. The Playwright – where you’ll pop in “for one”
Credit: playwrightirishpubnyc.com
Standing strong in Midtown is The Playwright, an Irish sports bar with a touch of stately charm, is reminiscent of certain watering holes in Ireland, and a strong contender for one of the top Irish pubs in New York.
With wooden panelling, leather booths, libraryesque armchairs, and open fires, this is the type of place where you’ll pop in “for one” but stay for the night.
Address: 27 W 35th St, New York, NY 10001, United States
5. The Irish American Pub – for that transatlantic feel
Credit: irishamericanpubnyc.com
As the name conveys, this is your quintessential Irish-American pub. Décor and drinks allude to its Irish ancestry, while their food menu items and their live-streamed sports matches scream USA.
With lines of dining booths, accents on wood finishes, and low-light which sets alight mahogany tones, this is your typical Irish spot not far from the World Trade Centre.
Address: 17 John St, New York, NY 10038, United States
4. McSorley’s Old Ale House – for that slice of history
Credit: mcsorleysoldalehouse.nyc
Impressively, this Irish pub has been in operation since 1854 meaning it holds the record as New York City’s longest continually running Irish watering hole!
There’s history in every fibre of this public house, take a step inside and experience it for yourself.
This pub is Irish through and through so you can be sure to feel that bit closer to home when hanging out here.
Address: 15 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003, United States
3. Neary’s – to feel like part of the family
Credit: nearys.com
This laid-back Irish pub and restaurant is, most certainly, one of the top 10 Irish pubs in New York.
Irishman Jimmy Neary launched Neary’s all the way back in 1967. Although times have changed, this place has not.
Expect old-school vibes and the finest Irish welcome; long-term staff ensures a great family atmosphere to the place. And, to top it all off, the food is next level.
Address: 358 E 57th St, New York, NY 10022, United States
2. Hartley’s – a trendy pub with an Irish twist
Credit: @ringpullreviews / Instagram
Hartley’s is a trendy, contemporary Irish bar located in Brooklyn. Not only has it won over the hearts of the locals, but Hartley’s has been consistently named one of the best spots in Brooklyn, as well as a top Irish bar in New York.
It perfectly adapts to the cool clientele of its Brooklyn crowd while remaining true to its Irish roots.
Address: 14 Putnam Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States
1. The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog – an award-winning charmer
Credit: www.deadrabbitnyc.com
This Irish saloon fuses Old World charm with a contemporary bar climate. Modern, curated cocktails appeal to trendy New Yorkers, but the bar itself is inherently Irish.
Consciously avoiding twee décor, The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog is cool and charming. It’s so cool, in fact, that this New York Irish pub has been named the “World’s Best Bar” more than once, as well as earning a tonne of other accolades.
Address: 30 Water St, New York, NY 10004, United States
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Aeroflot reports improving results, wins two travel industry Oscars
Aeroflot was named the World’s Leading Airline Brand and World's Leading Airline for Business Class.
By bne IntelliNews November 29, 2019
Russia’s national airline Aeroflot reported improving third quarter results and announced that it had won two awards in the so-called travel industry Oscars for best airline brand and best business class service.
Aeroflot reported 6.7% and 6.5% growth of passenger volumes and revenue per passenger per kilometre (RPK) in the third quarter. The rate of growth was slower than in the previous quarter due to a lower average fleet growth at 3% y/y vs 7% seen in 2Q19, says BCS Global Markets.
“Efficiency of aircraft usage continues to improve with average number of flight hours per day per aircraft up 4.2% y/y and 8.4% q/q to 10.1 hours, total flight hours showed 6.3% growth. The passenger load factor in the third quarter was 88.5% or 1.4pp lower y/y."
The third quarter also incomes rise in Russia and that has fed through into improving traffic for Aeroflot. Traffic revenue increased 7.1% to RUB195.2bn.
“Blended yield growth stood at 4.02RUB/PAX, up modestly by 0.7% y/y, on weaker euro, high base effect, and, likely, growing share of Pobeda in total traffic. Total revenue of RUB212.5bn was marginal 1.25% below our expectations, the underperformance was driven by miss of other revenues,” reports BCS.
The key constraint on Aeroflot in the last year has been the high cost of fuel that has eaten into the bottom line, but those costs are coming off now. Fuel costs were in line with estimates at RUB52.8bn or 2.2% lower y/y, on a circa 10% decline of jet fuel price, reports BCS.
Aircraft and traffic servicing and passenger costs increased 13% to RUB35.7bn, below BCS' expectations. Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) expenses were slightly better than BCS expectations at RUB8.3bn (+22% y/y).
All in all the operating profit declined 5% to RUB47bn. Finance income and expenses were broadly in line with expectations and didn’t differ much from the previous quarter, except oil price hedge expenses.
Aeroflot wins two Oscars
While the company's business returns to health, management were chuffed to win two of the so-called industry Oscars for the second time in a row. Aeroflot won two top prizes at the grand final of the prestigious World Travel Awards 2019 and was named the World’s Leading Airline Brand and World's Leading Airline for Business Class.
“Aeroflot maintains its status as the most recognisable brand in global aviation for the third year in a row, remaining the first and only holder of this title from the World Travel Awards in history. Meanwhile, Aeroflot also took the award for World's Leading Airline - Business Class for the second year in a row,” the company said in a press release.
Voting for the awards took place on November 28 at the Royal Opera House Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman at an event that brings together leading representatives of the global travel industry, hotel business and civil aviation.
The award was established in 1993 in the UK and has since acquired the unofficial status of the Oscars of the travel industry. The awards are given at three levels: country, regional and global. Winners are decided by an online vote that attracts hundreds of thousands of travel professionals and millions of travellers. The key criteria are product quality and quality of service, Aeroflot said.
“This recognition in two prestigious categories of the main global tourism award World Travel Awards is a clear indicator that our company is developing in the right direction,” said Aeroflot CEO Vitaly Saveliev. “Our company’s delivery of the highest level of product, the best punctuality rates in the world, a convenient route network and a focus on the development of digital technologies have all been positively appraised by the international travel community.”
Earlier this year, Aeroflot won three key categories at the regional World Travel Awards for Europe: Europe's Leading Airline Brand, Europe’s Leading Airline – Business Class, and Europe's Leading Airline to Asia (for the top airline in Europe-Asia transit).
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Shaping the Internet’s future
As does every technology, the Internet has grown, evolved, and adapted to new technologies and new uses. As a global infrastructure, the Internet is also shaped by economic and policy forces.
Read our 2019 Global Internet Report: Consolidation in the Internet Economy
The Internet is changing.
From the underlying infrastructure to the way users engage, the Internet is evolving in many ways. The Internet Society’s 2017 report foresaw a hyperconnected Internet economy, one in which no sector of the economy or part of society would be untouched by technology. Among the other questions it posed, the report also asked if this technology-driven disruption would favour the existing Internet economy players, or usher in greater competition and entrepreneurship. In the 2019 report, the Internet Society explores the evolving Internet economy further. It examines the growing presence the Internet platforms have in the Internet economy, and what the implications might be for society, innovation, competition, and the economy, as well as the Internet’s broader architecture.
In the 2019 report, the Internet Society asks whether the Internet economy is consolidating and, if it is, what the implications might be. From the dominance of Facebook in social messaging, Google in search and Amazon in online shopping, the largest Internet platforms are capturing fundamental human interactions. This dominance, and the finances and reach that accompany it, enable the platforms to extend their influence and reach into new market spaces, from autonomous vehicles, to AI, to cloud services and beyond. This leverage is built on unprecedented network effects, vast troves of user data, business agility, and regulatory freedom that few other companies enjoy.
In this report, the Internet Society recognises the incredible convenience these platforms provide the Internet user. At the same time, the Internet Society also recognises the concerns that are being voiced about this dominance, and about the responsibility these companies have to society and economy. The 2019 report explores these issues by examining five key trends and themes that emerged from extensive engagement with the Internet Society community, and surveys and interviews with experts, thought leaders and influencers.
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Alissa Cooper is a Fellow at Cisco Systems. She has been serving as the Chair of the Internet Engineering...
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Chris Yiu is a senior policy fellow for technology in the Renewing the Centre team at the Tony Blair...
Future Thinking: Orla Lynskey on Data in the Age of Consolidation
Shaping the Internet's Future 7 December 2018
Orla Lynskey is an associate professor of law at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her primary...
Future Thinking: Payal Malik of the Competition Commission of India
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Payal Malik is the Economics Adviser and Head of the Economics Division (Chief Economist) at the Competition Commission of India....
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2019 Global Internet Report
Consolidation in the Internet Economy
Read the 2019 Global Internet Report
Paths to Our Digital Future
Explore 2017 Global Internet Report
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Divas Italia at Le Bon Marche
As you know I am smitten with the windows at Le Bon Marche, as they are always so clever and chic, forever putting a smile on my face.
The current windows feature marvelous photos of the dynamic divas of Italian cinema from the end of WW II to the 1960s. Iconic images of gorgeous goddesses Gina Lollobrigida, Sophia Loren, Claudia Cardinale, Monica Vitti, and Virna Lisi make us remember the great Italian cinema of that era. Of course, there are some images of the the sexiest male movie star ever, Marcello Mastroianni. Oh, Marcello, you make my heart flutter, you sexy devil! The windows are in conjunction with an exhibit in the store with photos from the new photo book "Divas Italia : Age d’or, mythe et réalité du cinéma italien" by Ronald Chammah.
Divas Italia : Age d’or, mythe et réalité du cinéma italien
Until June 13
22 rue de Sevres, 7th arr.
Metro:Sevres-Babylone
http://www.treeslbm.com/#e-boutique/boutique/MAISON_ET_DESIGN,13/Les_Livres,14/Divas_Italia_Exposition_Ronald_Chammah,1523
Virna
Marcello, you slay me!
Checkout my guest post for the cool design site SpaceTM. http://spacetm.com/
I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
May 28, 2009 in Museums/Galleries/Exhibits | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Parisian of the Month: Chloé Doutre-Roussel
photo by Kristofer Sandberg
I think I finally found someone who has a more fun job than I do. Chloé Doutre-Roussel is a chocolate expert and some of her jobs have included being the chocolate buyer for Fortnum and Mason in London, author of a best selling book The Chocolate Connoisseur, the manager of the chocolate department at Ladurée, and giving chocolate tasting classes. Read about her scrumptious life and make sure you have some chocolate next to before you read this.
I was born in Mexico from a French father,a teacher, and a German mother.
When did you move to Paris and how long have you lived here?
I lived in South America until the age of 13, moving from Mexico to Chile then Bolivia. At 13 I moved to Paris and lived there until I was accepted in a agronomy engineer school in Nancy in northeastern France at the age of 19. I studied tropical agronomy to ensure I would live in developing countries but ended up living half of my adult life in Paris
When did your love of chocolate start?
My mother says I loved chocolate at the 1st bite. She eats mainly sweet food and bakes cakes every day; she is not the kind of mother who worries about not giving this or that food before this or that age. I was only 3 weeks old and she was putting melted chocolate on my lips to see my reaction and she said I gave her big smiles.
You mentioned that at a young age you developed a knack for doing blindfolded taste tests of supermarket chocolate bars. How did that come about?
I adore chocolate but I am quite un-sensitive to sweet food in general; I prefer a good cheese or ham to a cake. As a child I never had soft drinks or sweets, only chocolate. When I lived in South America, I had to live on the chocolate my mother imported at that time which was the dark thins Lindt and something close to chocolate “Nutella”. When I moved to France at 13, I was not with my family and I had to rely on myself for the choco supply. I had a small amount of pocket money and all was spent in choco bars. But there was a much bigger choice than in South America, and I wanted the best pleasure for my money. So I purchased all and compared them, at the same time, concentrating, just like I do my tasting nowadays. I would buy and cross compare any new product and after years I ended up expert in recognizing blind the brand and the product name.
When did you graduate from supermarket chocolate and acquire a taste for fine chocolate?
I did not taste real fine chocolate until I started working in the chocolate production of Ladurée in 1998. It was a slap to my senses: Pralus and Valrhona that I discovered then were 100 times more intense, complex, elegant than my favorite of that time, Lindt 70%
Do you prefer milk or dark chocolate, or is that a sacrilegious question for a chocolate expert?
Quality is much more important than color. I would rather have a fine milk chocolate than a poor quality dark chocolate. But within the quality chocolate, I prefer dark. I eat both every day.
Tell me about your first big chocolate job at Ladurée.
I first worked as trainee, unpaid, in chocolate production for 4 weeks, to learn more about chocolate. Pierre Hermé, vice president of Ladurée at that time, proposed me to become his secretary: he was aware I needed income and could not offer me better. I accepted, and was delighted and worked close to his desk for 6 months. It was an extremely enriching time as he was developing all the new products for the restaurant and teashop, pastry and chocolates. I used to organize and of course do with him the blind tastings of all ingredients. From product development to staff training, I learned a lot. After 6 months as he was trying to recruit a manager for the chocolate shop, one evening he came to my desk and said “Chloe, you speak, breath, and eat chocolate like nobody else, would you like to be the chocolate shop manager?” and I answered with a big smile. I had already taken to his office eight candidates for that position and it had never crossed my mind it could fit me. I remained at that position for 2 years until they closed the shop; they proposed me to take care of the cakes or the bread, I said “No thank you, chocolate only” and left the company.
When and how did you start your chocolate tasting classes?
I started them in 1999 while I was at Ladurée; it was my initiative, they liked it and took care of all logistics and PR.
You worked with the legendary Patricia Wells. How was it working with her?
She is a talented businesswoman. Her concept is great and she is very professional. I never attended her class; I just came in for the chocolate sessions, for two hours.
What is your book The Chocolate Connoisseur: For Everyone With a Passion for Chocolate about and what motivated you to write it?
Early 2003 I started to work at Fortnum & Mason, a renowned department store in London as chocolate & confectionery buyer. I was recruited among 3000 candidates and when I started to work the media was present to show who was the lucky winner. I became choco famous from one day to another doing nothing. A couple of months later a publisher approached me suggesting to take advantage of this fame to write a book about chocolate. I was not interested at the beginning, there are already thousands of books about chocolate out there. But then I remembered how frustrated I was that most of these books were all telling the same things: recipes, shops, history /health. So I proposed to the publisher to write about real chocolate (the bar, not the cakes or filled chocolates), the different styles of chocolate, the people behind those styles, the art of tasting, and the basic knowledge anybody needs on how not to be manipulated by the marketing. The publisher decided to edit a lot and added information “like all the other books”. The Japanese version, released April 09, is the most complete and updated of all versions.
You gained notoriety and almost celebrity status at your last job as the chocolate buyer for Fortnum and Mason in London. What was that experience like and what did you learn?
There was a lot of good and bad, like in any job. Becoming famous allowed me to double my knowledge: before F&M; I had to fight and beg for information, products, and factories visits. When I entered F&M I was invited everywhere and they answered all my questions. However, I went to F&M at the wrong time: they were just starting a big and deep restructuring. The situation needed this restructuring, which meant that we did not have the right tools nor management to work, create, and build. It was patching and not even efficiently. As the restructure happened, the choco priorities of F&M diverged more and more from mine so early in 2006 I decided to leave and become freelance.
I’m sure you have been asked this 1,000 times but what are your favorite chocolates? I have many favorites and eat many brands and many products from one brand every day, just like I do not listen to one song all my life. My favorite brands are, in alphabetical order, Amano, Domori, Michel Cluizel, Pralus, and Valrhona. Brands like Amedei, Patrick chocolate or Amano are good too but the pleasure price ratio is too high to include them in my daily life.
I like the fact that you specifically only concentrate on chocolate bars. Why?
It is a total different pleasure, for me, more intense and complex. Filled chocolate and pastry are dilutions of chocolate. There are excellent ones, but my body prefers the pleasure a square of chocolate brings, and this is not something rational, it is the way my body is and every body is different
Tell us your future plans for your company and some of the exciting events and products you will be launching.
I love to share my knowledge and to meet people so I love very much giving conferences and classes. Consultancies are challenging but extremely enriching as every time you analyze different situations, you work with different constraints and assets. But with the current economic crisis the demand for both is reduced and I will try to concentrate on a range of products called CHLOE CHOCOLAT, hopefully to be launched at the end of 2009.
It is also a big challenge, as I do not want to be another chocolate brand out there. I want my products, just like my conferences do, to open doors in the chocolate life of consumers; But bringing a new concept of chocolate in an already very competitive market is difficult and there has been no decision yet.
I have been coaching a coop of cocoa producers since 2007 to launch a fine chocolate range and I will continue until they do not need me any more. See www.elceibo.com for more details.
If you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one kind of chocolate, what kind would it be?
Palmira from Valrhona, but if all goes well, Chloe chocolat chocolate by the end of the year!
Check out Chloe's mouth-watering website www.chloechocolat.com
May 27, 2009 in Parisian of the Month | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)
Artseen: Boris Achour
Artseen:Boris Achour by Jennifer K. Dick
Entering Boris Achour’s show “Conatus: celui dans la grotte” at the gallery Galerie Georges-Philippe & Nathalie Vallois (http://www.galerie-vallois.com/fr/artiste.html), one is struck by a series of contrasts—carnivalesque rainbow paper lines the walls, coats a series of spiked stalactites descending from the ceiling. Along the wood floor, which creates a path (almost a “natural habitat”) through which the spectator walks, there are on occasion pyramidal pyres of fluorescent tubes which recall campfires (are we tempted to huddle there, tell stories?). Then, lining the walls, paintings are spaced out from one another as if windows looking out of this interior, though not opening the gaze to an exterior but rather enclosing it in a confrontation with this series of back and white, Jean Dubuffet-style paintings of masked women peeing. Spaced along these red, yellow, blue, green walls, it is as if the color has been drained from them, and yet they are almost creepy in their unexpected affront of us, their overt use of figuration, of the face hidden (masked) but the body exposed to us in this private act. Are we in an artificial universe, exploring elements of earth, fire, water? Are we being mocked? Are we turned upside down as in a funny house at a summer fair? Are we to recall embarrassing moments of needing to duck into the woods to relieve ourselves as children at camp? The show evokes narratives, invites the spectator to invent connections.
In fact, as Achour explains, this expo is one in a “series”, and thus can be seen as a moment or “episode” in a potential movement of “autonomous exhibitions” which all, like the elements presented within this one scene, interrelate, dialogue, evoke narratives and reactions. The elements within each are, he says “articulations”, connected and disconnected, but which are held in the same space, that of the gallery. Over the past 7-8 years he has come to think of his exhibitions as “landscapes in which the spectator meanders”; within which “each work is autonomous” so that it is “a landscape of an assemblage of elements which combine,” so as to allow one “to wander” seeing (or not) “a discrete line [or lines] between them”. The exhibitions fill the space, take it over, but within them “the works are like the characters in a series, an accessory to the landscape”. The exhibition becomes the form of the show, its filmic aspect, what contains it.
This uncommon method of imagining the work he is doing as an artist takes its cue in part from film and TV. Cinema, he explains, is an art which has managed to cross borders, touch everyday, popular culture as well as specialized art viewers. It has come into contact with the real world. In fact, he feels that cinema “is touched and nourished by things which are exterior to the field of contemporary art. Cinema has succeeded in creating a very strange synthesis of the avant-garde and the common [or everyday, it is] a medium which permits gaps” in ways that he, too, seeks. He makes casual note of David Lynch or Lars Von Trier, of the American series “Friends” whose episode title style his own show’s title takes its form. Yet he also maintains a relationship with artists like DuBuffet whoses famous black and white grotto sitting just over the river in the Centre Pompidou one cannot forget as one looks at these paintings, stands in this brightly-colored “grotto”. For Achour, leaving the floor exposed also maintains the rapport one has with painting, it’s the idea of something missed, flawed, distanced. Returning to the figuration, the women peeing are making a painting-stain. Something about this is, explains Achour, both artistically charged and an erotic game.
However, despite the lines one might draw to film, this work is neither a police tale, nor something to be decoded. Achour believes he is tapping into “a ritualistic aspect at work here which is not explicit”, perhaps it’s a modern-mythic, both masked for ceremonial reasons and for some theatrical-imaginary one. Interiors and exteriors come into play. As in much of his earlier work, potential links to the way literature or writing functions exist. The tale is there and yet remains to be told. It remains masked even in its affront of us, as it surrounds us. Regardless of how one feels, we step into his wonderland, it swirls round us. Yet Achour’s work, for me, retains a peculiar mystery, exploring at once the still objects, works, and the space he has created to hold it (and me). This is even more accentuated in works where he makes and uses videos, such as his video and object piece currently showing in the Grand Palais “La Force de l’art” show. Stop by before 1 June (Le Grand Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill 75008 Paris. Closed Tues. (http://www.grandpalais.fr/fr/Accueil/p-93-Accueil.htm). Also check out his new website: Boris Achour: http://www.borisachour.net/ which contains “actions peu” written about last month, as well as some videos and many recent works.
Jennifer K Dick is an author (of Fluorescence, Retina, & Enclosures) and teacher (currently at EHESS and Ecole Polytechnique). She co-organizes the bilingual IVY reading series with Michelle Noteboom in Paris which began in a gallery thanks to curator Susie Hollands. Jennifer is now completing her PhD at Paris III on visual uses of the page in poetry: text and image in works by Anne marie Albiach, Myung Mi Kim and Susan Howe.
http://ivywritersparis.blogspot.com
May 26, 2009 in Paris Artseen | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Restaurant Review: Al Taglio
Restaurant Reivew: Al Taglio by Emily Monaco
Pizza is one of those things that can send perfectly rational people into a rage: there are several different kinds—deep dish, thin crust, plain, covered with toppings—and every type has a camp of staunch supporters who are completely convinced that everyone else is wrong. In New York, we’re perhaps the loudest supporters of our own particular kind of pizza, and as a New Yorker with Italian roots, I should probably be the most snobbish pizza eater in the world.
In the end, it’s just not true. I can happily eat pizza from anywhere, from Chicago deep-dish to regular fast food pizza with endless toppings. I have my favorites, but I’m pretty open to pizza as a concept in general.
I have to say, though, when I found out that the concept behind Al Taglio was rooted in something kitchy, I had my worries: Al Taglio has based its restaurant on the idea of pizza sold by weight—Al Taglio literally means “by size" or "by weight” in Italian—something that is done in traditional pizzerias all over Italy, but something that has not yet made it to most other parts of the world. As could be suspected, the interior of Al Taglio proved that this Parisian spot had tried to make the concept into something classy—the blue lights that descended from the ceiling and the chic Parisians who were posed at the tables seemed strange to me, who is used to the sale of pizza by weight being a marker of a cheap place to get a slice.
We invaded the restaurant anyway, and yes, invaded is the correct term for a party of four trying to get into this place, with only four long tables protruding into the section of the restaurant used as an ordering counter and a poorly devised floor plan (customers trip over one another in what has already become a popular spot in order to make their selections and pay at the register).
When we arrived, there were several rectangular pizzas in the glass counter, and we each selected our slices, which were cut to our preference with kitchen shears and heated in the oven. We later realized that, contrary to the custom in Italy, Al Taglio served pizza more as a sort of hors d’oeuvre than a meal made up of a slice or two: many of the tables around us had picked a few slices, which were then cut into bite-sized pieces and then tumbled onto a mini pizza peel that served as a plate for the entire table.
The first round of pizza was less than impressive: we had selected a range of pizzas, from plain cheese to ham to eggplant and sun dried tomato, and the only one that seemed to have any flavor at all was the one with spicy ham and artichokes. We were all very impressed with the crust—the most perfectly cooked and flavorful crust I have ever had—but as far as the toppings were concerned, all we could think of was more: more sauce, more cheese, more flavor.
As we finished our slices, we saw a few more pizzas being pulled out of the oven, and, as full as we were, we decided to take another taste. This time, we followed in the lead of the tables around us and selected a few slices, each one cut into four bite-sized pieces: just enough for a tiny taste of each.
This time around, we fared much better: potato and truffle cream and ham, smoked cheese and pumpkin were the clear winners of the night. Both were flavorful and delicious—not surprising when the topping itself is considered, although the four-cheese, which should have been bursting with flavor, was surprisingly and disappointingly bland.
The key to enjoying dinner at Al Taglio is the knowledge that toppings here are placed with a delicate hand, something that usually would not bother me in the slightest, but it’s important to know before making your choice, lest you end up with a rather plain-tasting piece of pizza crust.
Al Taglio
2, bis rue Neuve Popincourt, Paris 11e
From 11.20 to 26.40 euros per kilo
Opening hours: Tues-Thurs, 12PM-11PM, Fri-Sat, 12PM-12AM, Sun, 3:30PM-11PM, Closed Mondays
Emily Monaco is an American student/expat from New York who has (hopefully permanently) moved to Paris. She spends her time in Paris seeking out artsy movie theaters, eating in amazing restaurants and trying to figure out how to use the Vélib.
May 25, 2009 in Restaurant Reviews | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)
Hydrangeas on the Ile de Cite
Today is a bonus post (I usually post Monday to Thursday). I was walking on the Quai aux Fleurs and couldn't resist taking photos of these glorious and gorgeous hydrangeas, which are one of my favorite flowers. Did you know there is a flower and plant market -Marche aux Fleurs-on the Ile de la Cite on the Place Louis Lepine? On Sundays it becomes the Marche aux Oiseaux- the bird market.
Place Louis Lepine
Il de la Cite
Metro: Cite
I also found these incredible roses a few minutes later on my walk.
May 22, 2009 in Parks, Gardens,Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBack (0)
My Most Unique & Unusual Eiffel Tower Photos
After the Eiffel Tower Contest last week, I realized I had some of my own unique and unusual photos.
These were taken in December of 2007 from the windows of the Cite de La Architecture Museum on the Trocadero on a very wet, stormy afternoon.
The last photo was taken last weekend in similar weather with my new camera.
Should I have won the contest? Which do you like the best?
Door of the Month: 69 rue du Cardinal Lemoine
While doing research for a tour of the 5th arr. a few weeks ago, I came upon this open oasis in the middle of foreboding 17th century buildings on rue Cardinal Lemoine. A little country in the big city, I love everything about this- the archway, the royal blue swirls on the entrance gates, the flagstone tiles, the ivy and vines, the palm tree, and the rock stairway. If you are in the area, you must stop by.
69 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 5th arr.
Metro: Cardinal Lemoine
May 20, 2009 in Door of the Month | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
Meredith Mullins: Barbie Art
Barbie turned 50 this year, and the whole world seems to be celebrating (especially the Mattel CEO).
I never had a Barbie … and I never wanted one. (Although I must say I was pleased when she dumped Ken after 43 years of dating.) However, I was swept into the birthday festivities with the special haute Barbie exhibition at the Galeries Lafayette. The details were amazing (from Barbie’s French manicure to dresses by Prada, Louis Vuitton and Sonia Rykiel). I felt all the excitement of fashion week and started photographing Barbie as if she were really walking down the runway. Then I took a good look, snapped back to reality, and found myself saying “What were you thinking, Barbie? Why are you wearing a dress with a fried egg on it and a sausage on your head?”
But, hey, it’s your birthday … and you look maarhvalaas!
Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited American photographer, currently living in Paris. Visit www.meredithmullins.artspan.com to see more of the Paris images. Her award-winning book, In A Paris Moment (click here to order), and her 2009 Paris Calendar published by Browntrout Publishing can be ordered online or in bookstores throughout Paris and the U.S. Original photographs are available directly through the artist. She will be teaching several photography workshops this summer (and a special workshop for teenagers beginning July 20) and is available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Sign up for an information-filled, creative half-day lesson! Contact: meredithmullins@earthlink.net
"What Were Your Thinking" Barbie
Rags to Riches Barbie (or is it Riches to Rags?)
Coven Barbie
Haute Barbie
"Is Ken Going to Show?" Barbie
May 19, 2009 in Meredith Mullins | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
Mur de Berlin: Artistes Pour La Liberte
Attention, Danger- Takis
Commemorating the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Sculptures of the Palais Royal association under the tutelage of The Ministry of Culture and Communication, is presenting 31 sculptures by world renowned artists. Most of the provocative sculptures from the private collection Artists for Freedom are actual 3.3 X 4 ft. concrete slabs from the Berlin Wall and artists include Richard Long, Sol Lewitt, Arman, Eduardo Chillida, Daniel Buren, and Robert Longo.
You can experience stimulating art and after, take a serene stroll under the lush, green alley of trees in the Palais Royal.
Everyday 7AM to 10PM, Till June 1
Metro: Palais Royal
www.berlin1989.com
Fragment Rouge-Bernard Pages
Zone de Haute Tension-Peter Klasen
Grisha Bruskin
La Liberte Echainee-Luciano Castelli
Le Monstre Constructeur- David Mach
A Concrete Memory- Gerard Fromanger Nonstop-Erik Boulatav
Le Mur Condamne a Mort-Rolph Knie Autodestruction-9 Nov.1989-Armand
Alley of Trees in the Rain
May 18, 2009 in Museums/Galleries/Exhibits, Parks, Gardens,Outdoors | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)
New Monthly Feature: My Private Eye
I am pleased to announce a new monthly feature, My Private Eye.
I belong to The Paris Writers Group, a collection of mostly American writers living in Paris and we meet once a month to discuss our writing projects and upcoming books. It's a very talented and accomplished group, many who are well known published authors. I asked them if they would each write a piece for me once a month about their favorite person, place, or thing in their Paris neighborhood.
The first piece about a most unusual boulanger on the Ile St. Louis is by Lynn Jefress. I want to also thank Lynn for thinking of the clever name for the series: My Private Eye.
The Art of Buying Croissants Ile Saint Louis Style
(excerpt from “Island Portraits,” an article about the Ile Saint Louis)
"No soup for you! Come back one year!" Who can forget the Seinfeld Soup Nazi? Certainly not I, living here on Ile Saint Louis, where, believe it or not, there's a French version, the Croissant Nazi: Hédi Habhab. Master patissier-boulanger. Ssh! Don't say maître -- he hates the word. Too pretentious. Call him a “trainer.” He spent ten years teaching others how to make the best croissants and baguette anywhere, instructing, as well, members of his own extended family who now own twelve boulangeries in Paris.
Seven years ago, when he “hungered” to get back into the business, he bought the shop at 78, rue Saint Louis en l’Ile where he works six days, a week thirteen hours a day, along with five other bakers. His wife runs their second boulangerie at Place d'Italie.
The Tunisian born, French-raised Hédi, 48, is a proud, self-respecting artisan who, above all, despises arrogance such as that sometimes displayed, he says, by the nouveaux riches. First order of business when entering his boulangerie (that’s Hedi in the white visor cap like American house painters wear) say "Bonjour." Second order: Do not point your finger and curtly demand this, and this, and that. And, finally, do not have the audacity to ask if the croissants are fresh. This will surely call forth the dreaded words: "No croissants for you! Casse-toi!"
Amazingly, in a country where you are not allowed to refuse service to a customer, he has had only one complaint filed against him. The police came. He described how arrogant the customer was and they dropped the case. Stubbornly, laws be damned, he continues to banish the snobbish and impolite, wretched pariahs who are forced to wait across the street shame faced while a cousin or friend is sent inside to buy the famous forbidden fruit.
And famous it is. When Camilla and Prince Charles (not arrogant people) were in last summer, Camilla told Hédi his croissants were the best in France. Hédi has a cell phone picture of himself with the royal couple, which he clicks open and holds up to show me. A reserved Bill Clinton also happened by recently, just himself, no body guards. But not so Sharon Stone, a woman dangerously close to arrogance, who entered the shop with lots of garde de corps, pointed to what she wanted and left without paying. Hédi was bouche bée, not sure what to think. Then back lumbered one of the body guards with a sack of gold to pay the bill. All was well. Just as it was with Clint Eastwood a customer Hédi truly admires. “He comes in alone, a modest man, asks politely for what he wants and leaves alone.”
Hédi is self-made. Every boulangerie he’s owned he started from scratch. He’s proud of this. And the word “boulangerie” over the shop door. He points out that according to French law you can only advertise your bakery as a “boulangerie” if all the baking is done at the bakery itself.
Before bakeries, Hédi worked in fashion, designing clothes, then owning retail stores. In the late 80s the industry changed and Hédi, restless, looked to his roots: his family had always been bakers. Back he went and loved it. But he doesn’t insist on baking as a way of life; his sons are going in entirely different directions. And Hédi says the secret of his long running baking passion is the one day he takes off each week. Not a word about work. He jogs, spends time with his sons, does a hundred other things and the bakery is forgotten for 24 hours.
Wednesday morning at 5 a.m. he’s ready for the onslaught again, which can mean as many as four or more bakings a day (your odds of finding warm croissants and the amazing Tradition baguette are great). And, of course, there’s the glory. Tell Hédi his croissants are the best you’ve ever tasted and watch the Croissant Nazi smile, really smile. You are talking about his work and he is very proud of what he does. He is exactly, I think, what the best of France is all about.
78, rue Saint Louis en l'Ile, 4th arr.
Metro: Pont Marie, St. Paul
Lynn Jeffress
Writer, teacher living in Paris
Forthcoming book: The Dali Code, and Other Paris Stories
Founder: The Buzz Shop Marketing Co-op – (a group which exists to help writers work together to market each other’s work).
IMPORTANT NOTE: I apologize for ending the contest a day early. I got my dates confused and the contest winners were supposed to be announced today instead of yesterday. It did not effect my choice of the winners.
Click here read the wonderful review of my tours on the very hip blog www.hipparis.com
May 14, 2009 in My Private Eye | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBack (0)
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Back to JTA
About Jewniverse
Why This Charming Anne Frank Halloween Costume is No Longer For Sale
By Zachary Solomon
In a blow to enthusiasts of off-color role play, HalloweenCostumes.com, a Minnesota-based company, pulled an Anne Frank-themed costume from their site last Sunday, when the item went viral due, perhaps, to some keen Twitter users.
The $25 outfit, which featured a long-sleeved, blue button-up dress, brown shoulder bag, and a green beret, was listed as “WW2 Anne Frank Girls Costume,” and was about as tasteful as the notorious “blood”-soaked Kent State sweatshirt of 2014.
The company, which promised that “your child can play the role of a World War Two hero,” went on to offer that “we can always learn from the struggles of history.” By dressing up as the physical embodiment of oppression and anti-Semitism and asking people for candy, of course.
Ross Walker Smith, a PR rep for the company, issued an apology for the snafu, while simultaneously reminding the buying public that they offer “several types of historically accurate costumes.”
For those who’ve found their Halloween dress-up plans dashed, the good news is you can still buy the costume on Amazon, where it was lying low, identified tragically and ironically as “World War Two Evacuee Girl.” (If only.) Amazon’s been selling the outfit for years, and promises that it’s perfect for “carnivals, theme parties, and Halloween.” It’s only since HalloweenCostumes.com began selling the outfit as Anne Frank’s did the Internet catch on.
The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect suggests that “there are more appropriate ways to commemorate the legacy of Anne Frank than through a Halloween costume.” We dare say they might be right.
More Jewniverse
Marking the Ghosts in Poland’s Old Jewish Cemeteries
One Fat Pharaoh
A Holiday from the Black Plague
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← Kosovo community governance project completed
ECMI Kosovo’s January 2014 Newsletter released →
Kosovo decentralization project finished according to plan
Posted on 25. February 2014 by
The project Support to Minority Communities during and after the Decentralisation Process has ended. All foreseen activities implemented, reports ECMI Kosovo.
Over a period of three years, ECMI Kosovo has implemented the project Support to Minority Communities during and after the Decentralisation Process.
The goal of the project was to further the socioeconomic and political inclusion of Kosovo’s communities by supporting the municipal institutions and local communities in the field of local economic development.
According to the latest ECMI Kosovo newsletter, “ECMI Kosovo and its partners managed to implement all foreseen activities in Serb majority municipalities and contributed to a successful decentralization process in Kosovo, for the benefit of local communities”.
5-7 October 2012; Training workshop for municipal officials and business representatives from the new Serb majority municipalities on local economic development. From left: Adrian Zeqiri, Jeremie Zeitoun, Mentor Nimani, Besa Zogaj. Photo: ECMI Kosovo.
Taking only 2013, the project has materialized in a range of activities and results, out of which the following are highlights.
Report on Socioeconomic Conditions
In January, ECMI Kosovo presented a report on Socioeconomic Conditions in Northern Kosovo. A conference organized in Prishtina framed the presentation.
The report was based on a questionnaire administered to 721 respondents in Mitrovica North, Leposavić/Leposaviq, Zubin Potok and Zvečan/Zveqan to identify the population’s perceptions, needs and concerns on the following socioeconomic issues: Healthcare, Education, Social Welfare and Employment. Northern Kosovo is mainly populated by Serbs.
Policy paper on minority entrepreneurship
In May, ECMI Kosovo published the policy paper Minority Entrepreneurship in Kosovo: Opportunities and Challenges.
The policy paper aimed to highlight the challenges faced by ‘Small and Medium Enterprises’ owned or managed by members of Kosovo’s minority communities and vulnerable and marginalized groups. It also provided recommendations for the enterprises’ effective integration into the larger Kosovar business environment.
The paper was released on the day of the official launch of the Association of Serb Entrepreneurs (ASP). This association was established with the support of ECMI Kosovo to contribute to the integration of the Serb business community into broader Kosovo networks.
Information bulletins on Kosovo local elections
In October, November and December 2013, ECMI Kosovo published a series of three information bulletins respectively analyzing the (a.) pre-election situations and the major issues at stake for minority communities, the (b.) results of the first election round, and the (c.) final results of the elections, together with their impact for Serb-majority municipalities.
The bulletins were also based on ECMI Kosovo’s short-term observation mission conducted in the field on the day of the elections.
Report on the repatriation and reintegration process
In December, ECMI Kosovo published a report to document the repatriation and reintegration process in Kosovo.
Repatriated persons are often not aware of the services allocated to them due to a lack of awareness about the process. Since 2012, steps have been taken to raise awareness; however, issues still exist at central and local levels.
Hence, the report The Repatriation Process in Kosovo addressed the institutions within the government that assist with repatriation at both the local and central levels. The report also concentrated on the policy instruments adopted, such as the Strategy for the Reintegration of Repatriated Persons, the Action Plan on the Implementation of the Strategy for Reintegration of Repatriated Persons, as well as addressing the regulation management of the programme.
Handbook on local economic development
In December, ECMI Kosovo published a legal handbook for municipal officials with the English title Local Economic Development in Kosovo’s Newly-Established Municipalities.
The handbook provided an overview and assessment of the central and local level legal framework in five newly established municipalities of Kosovo, related to local economic development; land use and expropriation; registration, inspection and taxation of private enterprises; and issues related to publicly-owned enterprises, public property and public services.
The munipalities were Gračanica/Graçanicë, Klokot/Kllokot, Novo Brdo/Novobërdë, Parteš/Partesh, and Ranilug/Ranillug.
The objective of this handbook was to help municipal officials from minority communities in their attempt to develop, formulate, and implement business conductive policies at the local level.
Operation and funding
Support to Minority Communities during and after the Decentralisation Process is administered by ECMI and implemented by ECMI Kosovo. The project is made possible by financial support from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, and the report on Socioeconomic Conditions in Northern Kosovo was realized with the joint support of the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
“Socioeconomic conditions in Northern Kosovo” released by ECMI Kosovo
About ECMI Kosovo
ECMI Kosovo became active in Kosovo as a field office of European Centre for Minority Issues (ECMI) in 2001.
After Kosovo declared independence in February 2008, ECMI Kosovo became a locally registered NGO in July of that same year, while maintaining its co-operation with ECMI and thus continuing to benefit from international oversight, specialized expertise and comparative experiences.
ECMI Kosovo’s vision is a stable multi-ethnic Kosovo in which the human and minority rights of members from all communities are realized in line with domestic and international standards.
With a view to contributing to this vision, ECMI Kosovo engages in a wide range of activities aimed at stabilizing inter-ethnic relations and ensuring the effective implementation and functioning of the legal, policy and institutional framework for the protection and promotion of minority rights.
This entry was posted in Action, ECMI Kosovo, Organizational, Research, Action & Documentation and tagged Adrian Zeqiri, Association of Serb Entrepreneurs, Besa Zogaj, communities, community, decentralization, development, economy, education, elections, employment, entrepreneurship, Gračanica, Graçanicë, health care, inclusion, interethnic, Jérémie Zeitoun, Kllokot, Klokot, Kosovo, Leposavić, Leposaviq, local, majority, marginalize, Mentor Nimani, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, minority, Mitrovica, Mitrovicë, multiethnic, Municipality of Northern Mitrovica, NGO, North Mitrovica, Northern Kosovo, Novo Brdo, Novobërdë, Parteš, Partesh, Prishtina, Prishtinë, Ranillug, Ranilug, reintegration, repatriation, Serb, socioeconomy, United Kingdom, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, vulnerable, welfare, Zubin Potok, Zvečan, Zveqan. Bookmark the permalink.
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Bidders for 2026 Winter Olympics to send reduced delegations to SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit
Milan Cortina d'Ampezzo 2026 and Stockholm Åre 2026 will not send full delegations to next month's SportAccord World Sport and Business Summit as part of measures introduced to save costs in the bidding process for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Both candidates confirmed to insidethegames that they would have a limited presence in Gold Coast in Australia, where they are due to present their plans for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
The presentations - which have in the past been made to all delegates attending the summit, previously called SportAccord Convention - will be made in private and via video link to the Association of International Olympic Winter Federations (AIOWF) on May 7.
They will be streamed to the AIOWF meeting in the Australian city from Stockholm and Rome respectively.
Stockholm Åre 2026 will be represented in Gold Coast by chief executive Richard Brisius and Swedish Olympic Committee President Mats Arjes.
Italian National Olympic Committee secretary general Carlo Mornati will be the sole Milan Cortina 2026 official at the summit.
The decision not to send full teams was made to save costs owing to the distance between the two bidding nations and Australia.
It means their presentations, the last they are due to deliver before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in June, will be somewhat understated compared with previous editions of the annual convention.
The SportAccord event has previously been viewed as a key campaign milestone for bidders for the Summer and Winter Olympic Games.
Both bidders presented at the 2018 ANOC General Assembly in Tokyo ©Getty Images
Tokyo's presentation at the 2013 SportAccord Convention in Saint Petersburg was considered a turning point in the race and the Japanese capital was awarded the 2020 Summer Games less than four months later.
Presentations were not permitted for either Beijing nor Almaty, the two candidates for the 2022 Winter Olympics, in 2015 but Paris and Los Angeles staked their claim for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Aarhus two years later.
The race for the 2026 Games heated up last week when Milan Cortina 2026 and Stockholm Åre 2026 submitted their candidature files with full Government support.
Milan Cortina 2026 had earlier been backed by the Italian Government, with similar support from the Swedish Government arriving three days before the April 12 deadline.
The two candidates last presented to a wider gathering of Olympic officials at the Association of National Olympic Committees General Assembly in Tokyo in November.
Following the conclusion of IOC Evaluation Commission visits to the two bidders in recent weeks, their report is due to be published on May 24.
The publication will come one month before the final vote at the IOC Session in Lausanne on June 24.
April 2019: Milan Cortina d'Ampezzo and Stockholm Åre confirm submission of candidature files with full Government support
January 2019: Stockholm-Åre and Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo submit bid books for 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics to IOC
January 2019: IOC allows 2026 Winter Olympic candidates to submit Government guarantees after bid book deadline
April 2017: Liam Morgan: Bid race begins to turn sour at SportAccord Convention as Paris and Los Angeles stake claim for 2024
December 2016: Exclusive: "Short introduction" presentations to be given by 2024 candidate cities at 2017 ASOIF General Assembly
Hat-trick of downhill Wengen wins for Feuz at FIS Alpine Ski World Cup
Tokyo 2020 make changes to Olympic and Paralympic triathlon courses
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WELLINGTON, FL SAT® PREP COURSES
SAT Prep Courses / SAT Prep Courses in FL / SAT Prep Courses in Wellington
Studying for the SAT in Wellington, FL
Ready to start preparing for the SAT? We've put together a list of the best options for SAT prep in Wellington and the top colleges in the Wellington area. Nearly every college in Florida requires the SAT, and it's wise to find out applicants' average SAT score so you can set a score goal.
The redesigned SAT is out of 1600 points, with 800 points for math and 800 points for Reading and Writing & Language. The essay section is optional, but some colleges do require it. Be sure to check with each college to confirm application expectations.
It's important to get registered for the SAT early, and to plan your prep time accordingly. Once you set your test date, you'll be more motivated to study – and that means you'll get the most out of your study time. On average, SAT test-takers in Wellington, FL spend about five weeks preparing for the exam. That's not possible for everyone, so we've provided shorter study plans that can help you make the most out of your study time.
Check out the options below for recommended SAT prep courses closest to Wellington, FL that will help raise your score. If you can't find a local option, know there are many online options with live instruction available.
Colleges near Wellington, Florida
Northwood University-Florida Education Center West Palm Beach, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 731 52%
Palm Beach Atlantic University-West Palm Beach West Palm Beach, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2434 80%
Florida Atlantic University Boca Raton, FL 4-year, Public 22843 51%
Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 5867 53%
Saint Thomas University Miami Gardens, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 1176 59%
Barry University Miami, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 5098 57%
Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology Fort Pierce, FL 2-year, Private for-profit 40 66%
Florida International University Miami, FL 4-year, Public 31729 51%
University of Miami Coral Gables, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 10370 39%
Hodges University Naples, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2038 78%
Florida Gulf Coast University Fort Myers, FL 4-year, Public 9740 70%
Florida Institute of Technology Melbourne, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 5022 59%
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University , FL 4-year, Public 10244 61%
Webber International University Babson Park, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 605 53%
Warner University Lake Wales, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 964 50%
Florida Christian College Kissimmee, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 272 33%
Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2278 67%
University of Central Florida Orlando, FL 4-year, Public 45371 46%
Rollins College Winter Park, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2581 56%
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Orlando, FL 4-year, Private not-for-profit 2621 98%
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In first, Tepco admits ice wall can't stop Fukushima No. 1 groundwater
by Tomoko Otake
The much-hyped ice wall at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has failed to stop groundwater from flowing in and mixing with highly radioactive water inside the wrecked reactor buildings, operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings Inc. has admitted.
Tepco officials also said at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority in Tokyo that it is not the utility’s ultimate goal to shut out groundwater with the ice wall, which has been built around the four damaged reactor buildings at the plant.
Tuesday’s announcement was apparently the first time the utility publicly said it is technically incapable of blocking off groundwater with the frozen wall.
Five years after the March 2011 quake and tsunami triggered the nuclear crisis, Tepco continues to be plagued by radiation-tainted groundwater, mostly rainwater that is mixing with contaminated water in the basement of the damaged reactor buildings.
In response, Tepco has completed most of the 1.5-km-long sunken wall of frozen soil around the stricken reactors to keep groundwater out. It has also built “subdrain” wells around the buildings to pump up the tainted groundwater for treatment and ultimate discharge into the Pacific.
While the completed sections of the ice wall began operating in March, it has not made a visible impact in reducing the amount of groundwater inflows. According to Tepco, the amount of groundwater pumped up from wells near the ocean – the last defense before flowing into the sea – averaged 321 tons per day in June, just 31 tons less than the daily average in May.
Asked whether Tepco plans to eventually block rainwater from seeping through the ice wall, a Tepco official said it is not technically feasible “to keep out the groundwater 100 percent,” according to a video of the meeting released Tuesday by the NRA.
“We are aiming to control the amount of water going into the reactor buildings, with the ice wall and subdrains,” said Tomohiko Isogai, an official in charge of dismantling the plant.
Kiyoshi Takasaka, a nuclear expert at the Fukushima Prefectural Government, said it was the first time he had heard such a comment from Tepco, pressing the firm on whether it marked a “change of policy.”
A Tepco official denied this, saying that while it wants to “close off the wall as much as possible,” its ultimate goal has been to “curtail” groundwater inflow, not halt it.
Also at the meeting, NRA acting head Toyoshi Fuketa demanded that Tepco move quickly to reduce the amount of highly radioactive water inside the reactor buildings, saying such water presents the risk of escaping in the event of another monster tsunami. Some 60,000 tons of highly tainted water remain in the leaking basements of reactor buildings 1, 2, 3 and 4.
“We want the amount of (radioactive water) inside the buildings to be reduced as much as possible,” he said.
tsunami, radiation, Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, ice walls, 2011 earthquake
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NOWCAST KETV NewsWatch 7 at METV 9pm Saturday
Some in Benson want highway rerouted
Business owners cite high speeds, heavy traffic
In the middle of fast-paced economic growth, some business owners want to put on the brakes in Benson.Benson Improvement District members said there are too many cars traveling too fast, and they want more local control to slow things down, especially along Maple Street."They're concerned about the number of cars and how fast they go down the street," said Kurt Goetzinger, of the Benson Improvement District.Because Maple Street is also State Highway 64, the city of Omaha can't change much."People are flying through here," said local business owner John Larkin. "They're going 30, 35, blowing red lights."Owners want the Nebraska Department of Roads to reroute Highway 64 off Maple."It would be helpful in giving us more flexibility to think about diagonal parking or laneage or making the traffic lights a little less burdensome," said City Councilman Pete Festersen.Larkin said stop signs and diagonal parking would make Benson more like the Old Market -- more customer-friendly."People will feel more comfortable being down here," he said. "It'll have just a better feel."Nebraska's Department of Roads said the state prefers the most direct route for highways. Highway 64 follows Maple to the west.If Benson were to file an official request, many in the area believe it'll be worth the work.The mayor's office said it's willing to work with Benson on the idea, but it worries it could cost Omaha state funding if Highway 64 were to get a new route.There may also be national restrictions on what can change along Maple Street.
In the middle of fast-paced economic growth, some business owners want to put on the brakes in Benson.
Benson Improvement District members said there are too many cars traveling too fast, and they want more local control to slow things down, especially along Maple Street.
"They're concerned about the number of cars and how fast they go down the street," said Kurt Goetzinger, of the Benson Improvement District.
Because Maple Street is also State Highway 64, the city of Omaha can't change much.
"People are flying through here," said local business owner John Larkin. "They're going 30, 35, blowing red lights."
Owners want the Nebraska Department of Roads to reroute Highway 64 off Maple.
"It would be helpful in giving us more flexibility to think about diagonal parking or laneage or making the traffic lights a little less burdensome," said City Councilman Pete Festersen.
Larkin said stop signs and diagonal parking would make Benson more like the Old Market -- more customer-friendly.
"People will feel more comfortable being down here," he said. "It'll have just a better feel."
Nebraska's Department of Roads said the state prefers the most direct route for highways. Highway 64 follows Maple to the west.
If Benson were to file an official request, many in the area believe it'll be worth the work.
The mayor's office said it's willing to work with Benson on the idea, but it worries it could cost Omaha state funding if Highway 64 were to get a new route.
There may also be national restrictions on what can change along Maple Street.
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You are here: Home / Quick Links / Work for us
Working at Kingston Maurward
Firstly, note that Kingston Maurward is more than just a college.
It is a college, a country estate, a dairy farm, a wedding venue, a conference centre, an arable farm, a tourist destination, a residential provider, the birthplace of Thomas Hardy and, most crucially, the only provider of land-based studies for 60 miles in any direction. We have a major strategic role in the development of Dorset’s rural economy, which although firmly rooted in our heritage as an agricultural provider, now spans the full range of land-based studies and beyond, from entry level to degree.
Following a dynamic period the College now has a financial health rating of ‘Good’, rewritten the Strategic Plan, and developed an Estate Masterplan for the next ten years, alongside confirming our Ofsted ‘Good’ grade. We have a strong platform to make the improvements required to continually strive towards outstanding status and we are looking forward to the future with ambition and optimism.
The nature of the College, however, is much more than just an Ofsted grade. Developing a reputation for being ‘the place to go’ is core to our mission. We are at the heart of Dorset, both emotionally and literally.
Engagement and strategic positioning is vital to ensure we continue to grow both our reputation and student numbers and any successful candidate will be expected to contribute to our profile beyond the estate within the county and demonstrate our values – if that means standing in the cold in February handing out the prizes at a ploughing match, or visiting schools to inspire Year 11, or helping fill buckets of water in the snow because Equine students couldn’t get in, it’s just what we do.
We need staff who will move us to the next step as part of a forward-looking organisation, rooted in the landscape of Dorset and the history of the estate. What binds us to the past is important, but it is not what defines our future; the essence of Kingston Maurward is about people, attitudes and the culture we all inherit and develop.
Luke Rake, Principal and CEO
We offer all of our employees:
Generous Annual Leave Entitlement
Local Government Pension Scheme/Teachers Pension Scheme
A Health Benefit Scheme
Free access to our onsite Gym
Free access to our Animal Park and Gardens
Discount at our Visitors Centre and onsite Cafés
A beautiful countryside setting to work within
A friendly and supportive working environment
Free Soup Friday
Flexible Working – In accordance with legislation flexible working will be considered and granted where possible
Staff Awards – Recognises the hard work and successes of individual staff members and teams across all disciplines
Social Events- The College organises occasional social events throughout the year for staff, their family and friends to attend
If you feel you have what it takes to be part of our inspiring and friendly team, please see below for all of our current vacancies:
View vacancies here
College Application Form
Work Based Learning Application Form
The Closing time for all job applications is 9.00 am unless specified otherwise in the Job Description
Once you have completed your application please either email your electronic copy to recruitment@kmc.ac.uk
Or, alternatively forward a hard copy to:- HR Administrator, HR Department, Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 8PY
If you require any further information please contact the recruitment line on 01305 215066
Applicants for any position must complete a college employment application form.
Applicants for an apprenticeship position must complete both a college employment application form and a WBL application form.
CVs will not be accepted.
If you require an acknowledgement of an application that is sent electronically, please state this within your email message, or if posting an application where you require an acknowledgement please ensure you enclose a stamped and addressed post card with your application.
Kingston Maurward College recognises the skills and qualities that service personnel can bring to the workplace and welcome applications from the service community.
Kingston Maurward College are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant. This means we have made a number of commitments to support those from the armed forces community.
We also offer the following:
Support of the employment of veterans and service leavers through the Career Transition Partnership (CT))
Provide an additional 10 days paid leave to support service commitments to members of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
Directly address the leave requirements during periods of deployment of service spouses and partners.
From September 2019, there will be a work placement scheme at Kingston Maurward College for service leavers. Details will be published through the Careers Transition Partnership
If you have any other questions regarding the Armed Forces Convenant, please email HR@kmc.ac.uk or phone 01305 215100.
Ben was a Royal Engineers for 24 years
“I’ve now been at KMC since August 2018, employed as a Lecturer, after serving 24 years in the Royal Engineers. Since joining the college has supported me immensely. I was given the opportunity to meet with the Head of Department and a member of staff, who is also a veteran, before officially starting and this helped alleviate any concerns or anxiety I may have felt before embarking on my new career. The college has provided me with excellent mentorship by senior members of the department and countless CPD opportunities which has not only allowed me to quickly progress through my training, but has also allowed me to utilise my existing skills as well as gain the new skills required to enhance the student’s learning experience. The support the college has given me has assisted in a very smooth and problem free transition from military to ‘civvy street’ – of the latter, I will always be extremely grateful to the college.”
Jim spent 18 years in the RAF
“I was previously an instructor at a phase 2 training establishment and Kingston Maurward College have been amazing in developing my civilian teaching career. The college put me through the final element of teacher training and has allowed me to gain qualifications in lots of different professional areas including teaching, sports, outdoor adventure and student welfare. This was my first job on leaving the forces, I have now worked here for 9 years and the college continues to support my development”.
We are now accepting speculative applications for staff looking for ‘bank’ teaching and assessor roles in a wide range of subjects:
Land-based and Animal Science specialisms
Construction/Scaffolding
Business/Management
Outdoor Adventure/Sport.
Applications are also welcome for potential cover staff for administrative and estate roles.
Register Your Interest in Working with Us
Handling your enquiry*
I understand that I will receive email confirmation for sending this enquiry and also accept our Privacy Policy.
Kingston Maurward College is a “data controller”. This means that we are responsible for deciding how we hold and use personal information about you.
GDPR Candidate Privacy Notice
The above form makes you aware of how and why your personal data will be used, namely for the purposes of the recruitment exercise, and how long it will usually be retained for. It provides you with certain information that must be provided under the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR).
If you want to review, verify, correct or request erasure of your personal information, object to the processing of your personal data, or request that we transfer a copy of your personal information to another party, please contact HR in writing.
Criminal Records – Disclosure and Barring Service check and Safeguarding Status:
At Kingston Maurward College we place the safety and welfare of our students at the centre of all our activities. The safeguarding of students underpins the College values and is fully embraced by all College staff.
Kingston Maurward College considers itself a ‘specified place’ for the purposes of safeguarding legislation and therefore all posts at the College are Regulated Activity. Someone will not be employed by the College if they are barred from working with children or vulnerable adults.
The offer of an appointment with the College will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure under the Protection of Children Act 1999 and the Police Act 1997.
This means that when applying for a post, candidates will need to detail all convictions they may have – both ‘spent’ and ‘unspent’. The successful candidate will be advised of the Disclosure process in the letter offering them the appointment. Kingston Maurward College adheres to the Disclosure and Barring Service Code of Practice in applying for Disclosures. Should you require a copy of the Code or our Policy Statements on the Recruitment of Ex Offenders or the Secure Storage Handling, Use, Retention and Disposal of Disclosures and Disclosure Information please contact the College Human Resources Manager.
The College recommends that new staff join the DBS Update Service. This means that the DBS is ‘portable’ and can be accessed by employers (with your permission). It means that staff may only ever need to apply for one DBS check.
Informatuion
Kingston Maurward
Conferences & Hire
Staff/Student Email
© Kingston Maurward 2020
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AUSTIN-BOMBER
'I saw her on the ground, all bloody,' mother of Austin bombing victim says in exclusive interview
Esperanza Herrera was following her normal routine that morning. She had just finished making her mother breakfast when she noticed a package near the front door.
Author: Tony Plohetski (Austin American-Statesman)
Published: 4:55 PM CST March 6, 2019
Updated: 4:55 PM CST March 6, 2019
AUSTIN -- For five years, Esperanza Herrera lived with her 93-year-old mother in her southeast Austin home of more than a quarter-century and served as her full-time caretaker.
They followed the same morning routine on March 12: Herrera cooked her mother’s breakfast, and Mary Moreno would sit for hours in her favorite chair in her kitchen.
Moreno had just finished her eggs and bacon when her daughter noticed a package near the front door. She assumed it was her mother’s mail-order medication.
Instead, it was a near-fatal bomb.
Austin bombing victim undergoes several surgeries, feels 'blessed to be alive'
Moreno said she at first could not fathom that her home had been a target of the bomber.
“I was screaming 'the water heater burst,'” Moreno said in her first interview since the blast. “I started to hear her screaming, ‘Take my mother out,’ and I was going to walk. And I saw all the glass."
She soon realized something more dangerous had happened.
It was the second of two explosions in a series of blasts that rocked Austin that day. The other killed 17-year-old Draylen Mason.
In the nearly 10 weeks since the bomber killed himself with an explosive device as police closed in, none of the survivors have agreed to talk about their recovery. Moreno’s daughter is still recovering, and she and her other daughters say they are healing emotionally.
“It’s like, ‘Why here? Why my sister?’” said Zulema Prado, who lives in California but has been in Texas to help care for her mother.
For weeks, Moreno was unable to live in her home. Law enforcement officials had to clear it as a crime scene, and several repairs had to be made.
The family says they are now hoping Herrera recovers enough to return to the family home.
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School Violence Prevention
School violence can be prevented. Research shows that prevention efforts - by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students - can reduce violence and improve the overall school environment. No one factor in isolation causes school violence, so stopping school violence involves using multiple prevention strategies that address the many individual, relationship, community, and societal factors that influence the likelihood of violence. Prevention efforts should ultimately reduce risk factors and promote protective factors at these multiple levels of influence. (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)
School Violence Prevention - NASP - Brief Facts and Tips - All schools work to prevent school violence and schools are very safe places. Students, staff, and parents all have an important role in promoting school safety. Adults can provide leadership by reassuring students that schools are generally very safe places for children and youth and reiterating what safety measures and student supports are already in place in their schools.
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers - NASP - High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.
School Violence Prevention: Tips for Parents & Educators - NASP - Children, staff, and parents all have an important role in promoting school safety by following procedures and reporting concerns. It is also important to balance sufficient building security with a healthy, nurturing, school environment.
Threat Assessment at School - NASP - Brief Facts and Tips - Threat assessment is intended to prevent violence and involves both assessment and intervention. Threat assessment involves determining whether a student poses a threat of violence (they have intent and means to carry out the threat).
Responding to School Violence: Tips for Administrators - NASP - School principals and superintendents can provide leadership by reassuring students, staff, and parents ... and reiterating what safety measures and student supports are already in place in their school.
New Guide - Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model - July 2018 - U.S. Secret Service - This operational guide was developed to provide fundamental direction on how to prevent incidents of targeted school violence, that is, when a student specifically selects a school or a member of the school community for harm. The content in this guide is based on information developed by the U.S. Protective Intelligence and Assessment Division, National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC).
NASP - New Resource. Download the Questions to Ask for Armed Assailant Drills Factsheet, which is also included in the updated guidance document as an appendix.
School Violence Prevention - School-Counselor.org - School Violence Prevention. Time and time again we find that much of what we initially believe to be true... is false. Random acts of violence in schools turn out to be hardly random at all. Learn about school violence prevention programs and how they are lifting the veil of obscurity from acts of school violence.
Understanding School Violence - CDC - Youth violence includes various behaviors. Some violent acts - such as bullying, pushing, and shoving - can cause more emotional harm than physical harm.
Specialized Training Packages - Special Topics in Emergency Management - REMS Item Number - 7. Responding to Bereavement and Loss SPECIALIZED TRAINING PACKAGES -SPECIAL TOPICS IN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Are you seeking materials to support emergency management training at your school or district? Our downloadable Specialized Training Packages feature self-paced emergency management training materials to support high-quality emergency management across a range of special topics. School emergency managers may use these materials to train their colleagues or to brush up on their own knowledge regarding special topics in school emergency management. The topics included in these training packages range from continuity of operations and large event planning to handling food contamination and infectious diseases. Each package includes training instructions, a PowerPoint presentation, and supplemental resources. Tabletop exercises are also included with some packages. In addition to the special topics in emergency management, we have also included an introductory presentation that provides an overview of the recommended six step planning process for developing school EOPs. Finally, for practitioners who wish to assemble all of the training materials into a binder, we have included a cover page and table of contents for all training packages.
Mental Health - Common Sense Media - With concerns mounting over the impact of media and technology on well-being, parents want to make sure kids are interacting in positive ways. But when kids disappear into their devices, it's hard to tell if there's cause for concern -- or not. In partnership with the Child Mind Institute, Common Sense Media offers advice and solutions for potential pitfalls such as addiction, anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Learn more about keeping media and tech use healthy and positive, identifying mental health red flags, and when it might be time to step in.
School Violence: Prevention - CDC - Aug 22, 2017 - School violence can be prevented. Research shows that prevention efforts - by teachers, administrators, parents, community members, and even students - can reduce violence and improve the overall school environment. No one factor in isolation causes school violence, so stopping school violence...
Prevention Tools and Resources - School Violence - Youth Violence ... - Aug 22, 2017 - The CDC leads many activities that help us to understand and effectively prevent school violence. Research by the CDC helps us know how big a problem school violence is, the factors that increase or decrease the likelihood of school violence, and what prevention strategies work.
Preventing School Violence - Education World - A page listing resources relating to "School Violence Prevention".
Helping Students Cope
Disaster Media Intervention (DMI) Helping Students Cope With Disaster Media Coverage - A Guide for Teachers and School Staff - This project was funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Elementary, Middle and High School Students (Ages 5-18) - The Disaster Media Intervention (DMI) is designed to help students cope with disaster media coverage. Disasters covered in the media include natural disasters like storms or earthquakes, or human-caused disasters such as industrial accidents, terrorist attacks, or mass shootings. DMI equips teachers, counselors, social workers, administrators, and other school staff to facilitate conversations with students about these media-covered disasters, whether they occur locally or far away. Ultimately, DMI is designed to reduce distress caused by disaster media coverage by fostering healthy coping and adaptive functioning in students. Note: For school communities directly affected by a disaster, they have compiled a list of supportive resources at the end of this manual. CONSULTATION OR QUESTIONS For further questions or consultation about DMI, please contact the Disaster and Community Crisis Center (DCC) at www.dcc.missouri.edu. (Disaster and Community Crisis Center at the University of Missouri)
Student Walkouts - What to do...
CCSSO Recommended Guidance on Student Walkouts - Updated: February 23, 2018 - The following is recommended guidance that state education agencies can use and share with local education agencies regarding possible student walkouts to protest an issue. This guidance was developed at the request of state education agencies in light of plans some students across the country have made to organize walkouts on March 14, March 24 and April 20 in protest of gun violence; however, these recommendations are broad and could be applied to student walkouts in protest of any issue.
Data and Statistics- School Violence - Youth Violence - CDC - The first step in preventing school violence is to understand the extent and nature of the problem. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of Education, and the U.S. Department of Justice gather and analyze data from a variety of sources to gain a more complete understanding of school violence.
Indicators of School Crime and Safety - National Center for Education Statistics and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, this annual report examines crime occurring in schools and colleges. This report presents data on crime at school from the perspectives of students, teachers, principals, and the general population from an array of sources. The report covers topics such as victimization, teacher injury, bullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, and student use of drugs and alcohol. The indicators of crime and safety are compared across different population subgroups and over time. Data on crimes that occur away from school are also offered as a point of comparison where available.
KCSS Resources
What is a Bully? Handout (2-Sided Flyer)
Bully Myths Handout
Parents' Bullying information handout
Student Bullying Brochure
Parents' Bullying Brochure
K-12 Bully Prevention Training
Olweus - Success Story - Violence Prevention Works - (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Woodland Hills High School senior Molly Means, 17, said the anti-bullying program has made a difference at her school. Hillary Mangis, Carlynton School District's school psychologist and an Olweus trainer says, "It teaches character education like: ... What is it to be an empathetic person?" ... Olweus Bullying Prevention Program - To find out more about Olweus training for your school or district, contact Victoria Fields or Sherri Clusky at (502) 564-4772 (Kentucky Department of Education)
Preventing School Violence - Education World - Theme Page on resources relating to "School Violence Prevention".
Cruel Schools -Discovery Education - This free lesson dealing with bullying and violence will take three class period and is intended for grades 6-8.
Safe Schools Program for younger kids! - Kentucky State Police (KSP) created this video to teach younger kids about school safety, and not scare them. It is being provided for schools to use as a recourse for their kids. Any school or organization can utilize this video as a tool in their classroom. Feel free to use the streaming link from YouTube, or download the file here.
SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAM - In the wake of recent school violence, and after a strong demand from area schools, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) with input from school administrators across the state, have developed a program aimed at helping all schools respond effectively during an active shooting incident. The program does not set school policy. It provides four levels of KSP assistance to aid school officials in establishing their own action plans. School administrators, depending on the need of the individual schools, can choose any one or all four levels of the assistance being offered.
Surveys/Quizzes
Resilience Quiz - Arthur - PBS KIDS - Ten resilience quiz questions to ask younger students. Questions are multiple choice and could be completed on computers in a lab and discussed in class. The first question and possible answers: What should you do if you see something scary in the news? A. Pretend you didn't see it. B. Talk to a parent or an adult you trust. C. Hide under your bed.
Talking to Your Student about School Safety - Saydel Community ... -Talking to Kids About School Safety is a resource designed to raise a child's awareness of safety issues, determine the degree to which they feel safe in their educational environment, and to identify issues that may require a response from adults. Developed by the National School Safety Center and VisdomK12, this resource facilitates a conversation around safety that can occur in the classroom, at home, or both. The results can help families and educators create the safe environment necessary for students to achieve the highest possible level of academic and social success. (This includes an assessment/survey tool with a calculation scale for the results.)
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Home - drugs
Ministry report shows rise in drug crimes last year
The number of drug-related crimes rises by 19% from the previous year.
Officials cooperate with China to crack down on drugs
Anti-drug officials vow to strengthen cooperation on drug control with China.
Interior Ministry to focus on busting more small-scale drug dealers
The Interior Ministry plans to focus on more small-scale drug dealers.
It was Sex, Drugs and Rock n Roll… and the Sundance Kid
Michael Hutchence (of band INXS) died of sex (auto-erotic asphyxiation) and Queen band front-man Freddy (Mercury) died of sex (AIDS), Slash (of Guns N Roses) nearly died of an O.D. (drugs) and Elvis Presley the king died of drug abuse too.
Thai Minister voices concern over Golden Crescent drug trafficking
Smugglers turn to the Golden Crescent as an alternative source of drugs trafficked to Thailand: Thai Justice Minister.
Provincial court dismisses corruption allegations
Banteay Meanchey Court issues a statement to clarify a complaint made to the ACU.
Husband suspected of killing wife before attempting suicide
Police arrest a 30-year-old man suspected of killing his 42-year-old wife over drugs.
Working group on cross-border drug crimes to be formed
A joint working group to investigate cross-border drug crimes in the region.
Drug abuse crisis cripples American dream
“These newborn babies cry for drugs, not milk.” The New York Times article has triggered heated debates on social media. Written by columnist Nicholas Kristof on Saturday, the opinion piece points out directly the serious situation of drug-addicted infants and the opioid-abusing America.
Appeal Court upholds woman’s drug conviction
The Appeal Court upholds a Vietnamese woman’s life sentence over drug crimes.
Four Brits nabbed in Aussie-Kiwi drugs sting
Four British men were arrested in Australia and New Zealand in an international drugs sting that netted a record haul of potent MDMA, Australian police said Wednesday.
Nearly 200 kilos of drugs to be destroyed
Authorities check on nearly 200 kg of seized drugs and will destroy them today.
Authorities destroy tonnes of drugs
Interior Minister warns officers to not be involved with drugs as he oversaw the destruction of nearly two tonnes of seizures.
Police officer suspected of supplying drugs in Siem Reap
Court charges a penal police officer suspected of supplying drugs to criminals.
Municipal police to be tested for drugs
Phnom Penh police chief announces that police officers must undergo a drug test.
Vietnamese cops seize drugs worth $21 million
Vietnamese police have seized half a tonne of ketamine worth $21 million in Ho Chi Minh City, a key transit hub that has seen record busts of synthetic drugs in recent weeks as narcotics gangs use its ports and air links to shuttle drugs across the region.
Cambodia Court of Appeal acquits Australian Yoshe Ann Taylor of drug smuggling
Australian innocent of drug smuggling after serving 6 years of 23 year sentence.
Two suspected of smuggling drugs
Banteay Meanchey Court charges a Thai and a Cambodian over the alleged trafficking of more than 7 kg of drugs.
Owner and Six Staff of Cambodia’s Miami Club Sent to Court
Owner and six other staff were sent to court for allegedly providing the site for drug usages.
Vietnamese-Australian woman tried for transporting 2kg of Heroin
A Vietnamese-Australian woman is tried over alleged heroin trafficking.
Foreign drug traffickers don’t fear Cambodian laws: Sar Kheng
Interior Minister says Cambodians exposed to drugs because Kingdom does not have death penalty for trafficking.
Soldiers, civil servants urged to seek moral education
PM urges civil servants and members of the armed forces to seek moral education.
US FDA chief tough on e-cigs steps down in surprise resignation
US Food Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb plans to step down.
Clubbers made to sign anti-drug contract
About 200 people who were arrested in a drug raid at a popular Phnom Penh nightclub often frequented by young people last week have been made to sign a contract promising to seek rehabilitation.
Rise in drug addicts seeking treatment
Number of drug addicts who were treated last year rose by about 70%.
Duterte to ramp up drug fight
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warns that his signature anti-narcotics campaign will be even harsher in the future.
The Night of the Gun
I came across David Carr in a documentary film called “Page One: Inside the New York Times”, concerning journalism and the future of one of the most beloved newspaper agencies, The New York Times.
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Duke Environment provides a unique opportunity for aspiring environmental leaders to pursue their passions. We bring together bright, talented, and ambitious people from across the globe whose interests vary from conservation to climate change and everything in between. They’re not just pursuing a job. They’re purpose-driven individuals who look beyond themselves to pursue a career that makes a positive contribution to the environment and the world.
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In 1982, a group of pheasant hunters saw the connection between upland habitat loss and declining pheasant populations. An organization dedicated to wildlife habitat conservation was needed, and Pheasants Forever was formed. Pheasants Forever’s mission work quickly garnered it a reputation as “The Habitat Organization,” a tagline the nonprofit conservation group uses proudly to this day. Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education, and land management policies and programs. Unique among national conservation organizations, chapters of Pheasants Forever retain 100 percent decision-making control over their locally-raised funds. This allows chapter volunteers to develop wildlife habitat projects and conduct youth conservation events in their communities, while belonging to a national organization with a voice regarding state and federal conservation policy.
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Acer Predator 8 Review
The Acer Predator 8 tablet offers solid performance, a colorful display and loud audio in an edgy design, but it's not the best choice for gamers.
Head-turning design
Colorful full-HD display
Quad speakers deliver fairly loud audio
Runs hot while gaming
Shield Tablet offers better games and PC streaming
Not all Android tablets are created equal. Some slates focus specifically on kids, while others focus on productivity. In the case of the Acer Predator 8 tablet ($299 as reviewed), the focus is on gamers. Sporting an edgy design with a great display and four front-facing speakers for loud sound, the Predator 8 delivers solid performance. There's even a rumble feature so you can feel the action (although only in a couple of titles so far). However, subpar battery life keeps the tablet from rising to the level of an apex predator, and Nvidia has an even better option for gamers.
Behold, the edgiest tablet in all the land! Acer has adorned the Predator 8 in a motif of black, dark gray and red that simultaneously screams "gamer" and "trying too hard." It's not that the tablet doesn't look nice, it's just got a lot going on. Take the rear panel, for instance; it's made of three different materials.
The top and bottom of the display are wrapped in anodized aluminum. A pair of thick, red bands create a visual border for the middle panel, which is comprised of brushed aluminum with a large, shiny chrome Predator emblem smack dab in the middle. The black soft-touch grip pads make for sturdy handholds. The rear 5-megapixel camera is in the middle of the left grip.
On the front of the tablet you'll see more of the gray-and-red color scheme. Aside from the 8-inch display, the first thing you'll notice about the Predator 8 are the four red-tinted speakers. The 2MP camera is located at the top of the device, while a shiny chrome Acer insignia sits in the bottom bezel. The slate's right side houses the power button and volume rocker, and a lone microSD slot sits on the left. The micro USB port and headphone jack reside at the top.
Measuring 8.6 x 5 x 0.3 inches and weighing 12.4 ounces, the Predator 8 is slimmer and lighter than the Nvidia Shield Tablet (8.8 x 5 x 0.36 inches, 13.7 ounces). But compared with the Apple iPad Mini 4 (10.4 ounces), the Asus ZenPad S8 (10.6 ounces) and the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 (9.3 ounces), the Acer is a full-grown heavyweight.
Powered by a 1.6-GHz Intel Atom quad-core Intel Atom x7-z8700 processor with 2GB of RAM, gaming on the Predator is an enjoyable experience. No matter what I threw at it -- Asphalt 8, Dungeon Hunter 5, Star Wars: Uprising -- the tablet delivered pretty-as-a-picture graphics, without a hint of stutter. The display responded rapidly and accurately to my sometimes frantic taps and swipes.
I couldn't help but chortle with glee as I unleashed a maelstrom of lightning upon a woefully underpowered group of orcs in Dungeon Hunter 5. After clearing out the first horde, I quickly tapped the roll button to evade an oncoming attack. From there, a few well-timed taps unleashed a wicked four-hit combo that dispatched my foe and readied me for the next challenge. However, 15 minutes into the game, I felt the left side of the tablet became noticeably and uncomfortably warm, measuring 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the 3DMark 11 Unlimited benchmark, which measures graphics performance, the Predator 8 notched 20,785, defeating the 18,061 tablet average. That was more than enough to best the ZenPad S 8.0, the iPad mini 4 and the Tab S8. However the Nvidia Shield was the victor with 29,938.
MORE: The Best Gaming Laptops
It's nice that the Predator 8 can play Android games, but it lacks an all-in-one portal similar to Nvidia's Tegra Zone. Instead, Acer added hubs for Wild Tangent (not great) and GameLoft Games.
Thumbing my nose at the establishment, I downloaded Tegra Zone, only to discover that the Predator 8 can't play certain Nvidia-optimized titles such as Portal, Half-Life 2 and Trine 2. Although Acer doesn't make any promises, I also was disappointed to learn that you can't stream PC games to the tablet from a desktop, as you can with the Shield.
A great display is a major component of any gaming tablet. The 8-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel LCD panel on the Predator 8 delivers vibrant colors and crystal-clear detail, but it's not the brightest.
Watching the 1080p Deadpool trailer, I could see the tiny scaled pattern and stitching on the hero's red-and-black spandex suit. In another scene, the full extent of the protagonist's facial scarring was on display, for better or for worse. I clearly saw the taut, too-smooth skin, complete with its jarring pink blots.
Acer pre-installed MediaMaster app, which has a series of display and audio profiles (Standard, Album, Movie and Game) for optimal viewing and listing. I found that the Album and Movie settings delivered the best hues, delivering warm, deep color that made Deadpool's bright outfit pop off the screen as he hacked, slashed and flipped.
When I started playing Asphalt 8: Airborne, I settled on the Game profiles because it imbued the screen with the most saturated colors. The neon lights reflected realistically across my Dodge Dart's cherry-red paint job. Hitting the nitrous as I entered a corkscrew ramp produced a sick motion-blur effect that lasted until I pancaked into another car, causing the hood to crumple like a shiny red tissue.
When measured for its color-reproduction capabilities, the Predator 8 hit 174 percent on the sRGB gamut, which is above the 96 percent average. The Nvidia Shield, the ZenPad S 8.0 and the iPad mini 4 all scored lower, but the Tab S2 hit an even higher 185 percent.
The Predator 8's display wasn't as precise as I hoped, producing 4.98 on the Delta-E color accuracy test, missing the 0 ideal and the 3.3 average. Still, that's better than the ZenPad S 8.0 and iPad mini. The Nvidia Shield and the Tab S2 8 turned in a better 3.4 and 2.9, respectively.
The Predator hit another snag on the display brightness test, notching 296 nits, missing the 357-nit tablet average and the Shield's 335 nits
Whenever I see a made-up marketing term like "audiodacious," a chill runs down my spine. But I was pleasantly surprised when the Predator 8's four front speakers outperformed the iPad mini 4. The Acer sounded richer and fuller.
Still, the overall audio quality didn't blow me away. As I cycled among the four audio settings, (Standard, Album, Movie and Game), Sade's sultry alto went from sounding flat, to full, but kind of muffled, to passable. The Game setting delivered the best-sounding result on "Is It a Crime," allowing me to hear the longing wail of the saxophone, plinking piano keys and delicate cymbal brushes without flattening out Sade's seductive vocals.
Revving the engine in Asphalt 8 didn't have the punch I expected, instead producing a muffled vroom, vroom. The crashes didn't elicit the same weighty response that the visual created.
Rumble at Your Fingertips
Acer sneaked a pair of haptic motors under the Predator 8's slim chassis. Depending on the game, the motors will vibrate when you take a hit or initiate a power boost, similar to the Nintendo 64's rumble pack. Currently, the feature only works with two titles: Asphalt 8, which is preloaded, and Vainglory, a popular multiplayer online battle arena game. In order for you to get any real use from this feature, you'll have to hope that game developers will start incorporating the tech into their games.
The haptic feedback does add another dimension to the gaming experience. I felt a satisfying rumble as I hit the Nitro button to jockey my way into first place. Once I was far ahead of the pack, I worked on doing barrel rolls and catching air. At least I was until I was T-boned on my left, triggering a vibrating reaction along the corresponding side of the slate.
MORE: Best Acer Laptops
The strength of the vibration is mild compared to the rumble mechanics built into current console controllers. Unfortunately, I only had the option to enable/disable the feature instead of adjusting the rumble strength. Overall, it's a nice feature to have, but it won't negatively affect your gameplay.
Running 5.1 (Lollipop), the Predator 8 starts with the default three home screens that can be expanded to seven as you add more apps. Swiping right past the screens reveals the Left Page app, a content aggregator similar to HTC's BlinkFeed app that combines your social networking and news updates into one easy-to-read timeline.
Omnipresent icons for Back, Home and Recent Apps float along the bottom of the display, below a row of apps (Play Store, Play Games, Gmail, Apps, Gallery, Camera and Chrome). As usual, notification icons, date, time, battery and Wi-Fi sit at the top. Clicking on the Apps icon reveals your collection neatly displayed on a 5 x 6 grid.
A downward swipe reveals the notifications shade and mini Settings menu. Acer added its personal touch by adding icons for MediaMaster and a Bluelight Shield, an app designed to reduce eyestrain by filtering out blue light. The full Settings menu has icons for Acer EZ Snap, EZ WakeUp and EZ Tasking.
This Atom-powered tablet isn't too shabby when it comes to multitasking. Launching and switching between apps, the tablet was nice and agile. I ripped down the track in Asphalt 8 without any hiccups, despite simultaneously having five open tabs in Google Chrome.
The slate continued its aggressive performance on synthetic tests, scoring 3,112 on Geekbench 3, beating the 2,764 tablet average. That was enough to topple the iPad mini 4 (Apple A8 with M8 coprocessor) and the ZenPad S 8.0's (2.3-GHz Intel Atom Z3580). But it still wasn't a match for the Shield and its 2.2-GHz Tegra K1 CPU (3,437) or the Tab S2 8's 1.3 GHz Exynos 5433 CPU (4,113).
The Predator 8 hit a stumbling block on the video-editing test, taking 6 minutes and 48 seconds to transcode an HD video to 480p resolution in the Vidtrim app. That's a whole minute faster than the 7:48 average. The Zenpad S 8.0 was just a couple of seconds faster at 6:46, while the Nvidia Shield finished at 4:50. The Tab S2 8 completed the task the fastest at 4:26.
The Predator 8 has 32GB of onboard storage, but can be expanded up 128GB via the microSD card -- a feature the Nvidia Shield, the Tab S2 8 and the ZenPad S 8.0 offer.
With a name like Predator, this tablet doesn't have much endurance. The slate lasted only 5 hours and 36 minutes on our battery test (continuous Web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits), well below the 9:11 average. All of the main competitors lasted at least an hour longer. The Shield clocked in with a time of 8:34, while the iPad mini 4 lasted a whopping 9:23.
MORE: 10 Tablets with the Longest Battery Life
Images taken with the 5-megapixel rear camera vacillated between having a whitish haze with relatively sharp features to being a pixelated mess. Despite making sure the lens was wiped down and streak-free, I couldn't get rid of the white haze that made my dog's red winter parka look a few shades lighter than it actually was.
The slate captured some of the finer details, like my dog's fine, light brown hairs and the little drop of snow near his left eye.
When I attempted an indoor shot of Xerxes, in a low-light setting, the image looked grainy, making it hard to make out much detail.
My test video of traffic down a New York City street was passable. The yellow cabs really popped as they sped down the street. I could see the leftover snow residue speckling many of the cars that drove by, and I could clearly read the street sign on the other side of the road.
The 2-MP front camera wasn't much better. My sea-green sweater looked gray, while my normally bright blue wall looked black or midnight blue. Details, like my recently threaded eyebrows, looked like arched blobs on my face.
I did like the filters (None, Sepia, Mono and Negative) built into the camera app for the front camera. It's a fun little add-on that lets you add some whimsy to your photo without launching something else.
Although Acer is targeting mobile gamers, the company loaded the Predator 8 up with plenty of apps for productivity and entertainment. Launching the Acer Portal grants you quick access to the company's ab suite of apps including abPhoto, abDocs, abMusic, abVideo and abFiles, which uses the cloud to let you access all your PC files no matter what device you're using.
The tablet also features Acer EZ apps, such as Gadget, Note, Snap, Tasking and Wakeup. Gadget bundles tools such as calendar, calculator, a Chrome browser and a memo into a widget. Snap uses three-finger pinch to capture screenshots, while EZ Note combines Samsung's S Note templates with easy-to-use gesture controls for a nice fluid experience. EZ Tasking borrows heavily from Samsung's multi-window functionality to Acer's 8-inch display. Launching and swapping between apps was a very fluid and intuitive experience. Rounding out the EZ apps is Wakeup, which uses a five-finger tap to wake the Predator 8 from sleep.
Third-party apps that come preloaded include Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Astro, eBay, Gameloft Games Shop and Opera Max.
The Acer Predator 8 is a solid Android tablet in gamer's clothing. Take away the edgy design and rumble feature, and you still have a slate with a colorful full-HD display, louder-than-average audio and fairly strong performance. That's all good, but the battery life is well below average, and Acer doesn't offer any features that truly make this a must-have for gamers.
For $299, gamers would better off with the Nvidia Shield, which lets you stream PC games, has a better suite of Android titles and offers longer battery life. It's better to think of the Predator 8 as a multimedia tablet with some flair.
Best 2-in-1s (Laptop/Tablet Hybrids)
Best Dell and Alienware Laptops
Our Favorite Tablets for Work and Play
Brand Acer
CPU 1.6-Ghz quad-core Intel Atom x7-z8700 processor
Camera Resolution 5MP
Card Reader Size 128GB
Card Readers microSD
Company Website www.acer.com
Display Resolution 1920 x 1200
Display Size 8
Front-Facing Camera Resolution 2.0MP
Has Bluetooth Yes
Ports Headphone, microUSB, microSD
RAM Included 2GB
Size 8.6 x 5 x 0.3 inches
Storage Drive Size 32GB
Storage Drive Type Flash Memory
Warranty / Support 1-Year Limited Warranty
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n
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The Bar/
Move to QC in NSW stalls
By Leanne Mezrani|22 April 2014
A NSW Bar Association committee has voted against reinstating the QC post-nominal.
In a report released last week (16 April), four out of seven members of the Bar Association’s QC/SC Committee claimed it was not suitable to approach the Attorney-General with a view to bring back the appointment of QCs in NSW; however, the committee fell short of making a recommendation for or against the proposal.
The committee was chaired by L J Priestley QC from Frederick Jordan Chambers and included Sydney silks Noel Hutley SC, Campbell Bridge SC, Arthur Moses SC, Anthony Lo Surdo SC and Elizabeth Cheeseman SC, and barrister Victoria Brigden.
Lawyers Weekly approached Priestley and Lo Surdo for comment, but both were unavailable at the time of publication.
While most committee members favoured the current SC model, a survey of around 300 members of the Bar found that the majority supported the reintroduction of QC by a ratio of two to one.
When asked about the committee’s views and the survey findings, committee member Elizabeth Cheeseman’s only comment was that “the report speaks for itself”.
“It’s for the [Bar] Council to consider the report and the comments received by the membership,” she added.
The Committee was established in March to receive submissions from members and report to the Bar Council on a system for the appointment of QCs. All committee members agreed that any proposal to the NSW Government should insist that the Bar retains the “exclusive function” of appointing silks.
This recommendation addresses concerns that a QC scheme could hand back to the Executive a discretion to accept appointments or add to them.
“Such a system would be significantly more robust in terms of transparency and less likely to result in Executive intervention than the system of appointment of QCs that was in place in NSW prior to 1993,” the report stated.
State moves
Victorian Attorney-General Robert Clark announced in February that silk appointees in the state will have the option to have the title of QC or SC. The QC/SC Committee report has revealed that 156 of 177 SCs in Victoria have since applied to be appointed as QC.
The state followed Queensland’s lead in restoring QC, with Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie dumping SC altogether in 2013.
Seventy of that state’s 73 senior counsels changed their title to QC in the wake of that announcement.
Unlike Victoria or Queensland, re-introducing the QC title in NSW requires a legislative amendment.
The Legal Profession Act 2004 (NSW) currently prohibits official schemes for recognition of seniority or status, including “the prerogative right or power of the Crown to appoint persons as QC”.
Bar split
The QC debate has divided the Bar, with senior figures voicing the support or opposition.
In March, Jeffrey Phillips SC from Sydney’s Denman Chambers argued the business case for allowing silks to adopt the QC title.
He claimed that QC is a well-known brand in the legal services market in Asia and is associated with legal excellence.
Tasmanian barrister and former president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Greg Barns, slammed the suggestion that QC is still highly-regarded in Asia as “arrant nonsense” and described the push to bring back QC as “cringe-worthy”.
NSW, WA, SA and the ACT retain the SC title.
Leanne Mezrani
Last Updated: 23 April 2014 Published: 23 April 2014
Family law system has been ‘neglected, underfunded and under-resourced’
Revised arbitration rules to come into effect from 1 January 2020
Why the mobile phone detection legislation won’t work
Concerns about veterans and the criminal justice system
How the Federal Court supported a new mother run a class action
Darwin judge appointed deputy chief of NT Local Court
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KUBO Group
Who works at KUBO
About KUBO
Dwayne de Graaff
'A friend of mine was already working here and recommended KUBO to me. When I arrived, I was amazed by the wonderful building and then how friendly everyone is. And because everyone was so welcoming to you, you do the same for new people. That means there's always a good vibe. It's a big company, but you're certainly not just a number. What's more, there's a great sense of social commitment here. A bus for the over 50s is sponsored, but also lots of local sports clubs. Even if you have a voluntary job with the KNRM, like one of my colleagues, and you're called up, there's never a problem about going. It's considered a form of social enterprise. They just trust their personnel.'
Working with the KUBO Group means building the future. Help us push the boundaries, take the lead in developing the latest innovations and offer solutions to the developments in our world. We can always use your qualities to help us make the world of tomorrow possible today.
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HomeRay Kurzweil in the PressCNN's Morgan Spurlock Inside Man episode "Futurism" featuring Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, MD
CNN | CNN’s Morgan Spurlock Inside Man episode “Futurism” featuring Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, MD
CNN — March 24, 2014
This is a summary. Read original article in full here.
CNN | CNN original series Morgan Spurlock Inside Man, hosted and produced by the Oscar nominated documentary filmmaker, launched its second season on CNN on April 13, 2014.
The second episode “Futurism” featured Ray Kurzweil and Terry Grossman, MD.
The program, which was recently honored with an award for “best limited series” by the International Documentary Association, premiered in 2013 on CNN.
Each week, Spurlock will immerse himself in topical subjects while offering an intimate look into diverse aspects of the human condition.
episode | “Futurism” — Spurlock enters the brave new world of extreme life extension, embarking on a life prolonging regimen and trying everything from genome hacking, to creating an avatar and uploading his consciousness in preparation for the technological singularity. Spurlock’s quest to live forever includes visits with radical futurist Ray Kurzweil, Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab, and Cambrian Genomics in San Francisco.
How to live forever: Morgan Spurlock dives into the world of “futurists,” those who dedicate their lives to trying to live forever. Morgan Spurlock enters a brave new world. From harvesting 3D printed replacement organs, to hacking his own genome, to ultimately uploading his consciousness and becoming part of the singularity, eternal life is on the horizon, at least for those who can afford it.
Here’s a look at this episode of the CNN Original Series, Morgan Spurlock Inside Man. Morgan asks, are we meant to live forever? He walks a virtual reality plank, and steps off. His brain doesn’t know the difference. Watch what happens!
Trailers for CNN Morgan Spurlock Inside Man “Futurism”:
CNN | Morgan Spurlock Inside Man
related viewing from CNN’s Morgan Spurlock Inside Man:
related viewing from CNN’s Erin Burnett OutFront:
CNN | Want to live forever? Erin Burnett talks to Morgan Spurlock about his investigation into extreme life extension.
Ray Kurzweil Videos
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HomeessaysThe Rights of Your Robots: Exclusion and Inclusion in History and Future
The Rights of Your Robots: Exclusion and Inclusion in History and Future
August 6, 2001 by Sohail Inayatullah
Sohail Inayatullah is preparing for a world in which machines become sentient and begin to demand rights–this article discusses how the machines will participate in their destiny.
Originally published August 6, 2001 from an essay begun in 1994. Published on KurzweilAI.net August 6, 2001. For a further discussion of robot rights, see The Rights of Robots: Technology, Culture and Law in the 21st Century.
Many years ago in the folly of youth, I wrote an article with a colleague titled, “The Rights of Robots.” 1 It has been the piece of mine most ridiculed. Pakistani colleagues have mocked me saying that Inayatullah is worried about robot rights while we have neither human rights, economic rights or rights to our own language and local culture – we have only the “right to be brutalized by our leaders” and Western powers.
Others have refused to enter in collegial discussions on the future with me as they have been concerned that I will once again bring up the trivial. As noted thinker Hazel Henderson said, I am happy to join this group – an internet listserv – as long as the rights of robots are not discussed.
But why the ridicule and anger? Is it because as James Dator says: the only useful comments of the future should be ridiculous. That is, most statements about the future are tired and timid, reflections of staid academic thinkers who have no creativity, who are unable to grasp the grand technological and civilizations bolder souls are willing to speculate on? Is the rights of robots a problematic issue because it strikes a deep discord about the world, that is, a world we know is fundamentally unjust, a world where technology will have rights but street children will not? A world where speculative capital is free to choose the most desirous nation but we as labor can at best only hope for a decent retirement account? Where labor can only hope that we will somehow make it and not become landless and laborless?
Or is it something else?
We wrote the piece not only because we believe robots will have legal rights one day – they will, to be sure! – but more so to show that rights are not decreed by nature but are reflections of legal conventions. As Christopher Stone has argued: “throughout legal history, each successive extension of rights to some new entity has been theretofore, a bit unthinkable. We are inclined to suppose the rightlessness of rightless `things’ to be a decree of Nature, not a legal convention acting in support of the status quo.” 2
Is it that we as humans are unwilling to consider giving rights to robots partly because we live in a zero-sum world. If robots have rights than others won’t. Our history of rights can be seen as a battle between inclusion and exclusion. The forces of exclusion have not been the same, they have changed through history – sometimes they have been centralized empires, other times centralized religious systems, and other times nation-states operating in a world-capitalist system. They have also been elders, brothers, bosses and all the other petty tyrants we must negotiate with day after day.
GLOBALISM AND RIGHTS
We have consistently defined others as less than ourselves: once done so, then every possible heinous crime can be committed against them. Globalism, is of course, the latest victory in defining others as somehow less – become more efficient, more productive, export more, be all that you can be. You are fundamentally a producer and consumer, and unless you do the former first, your ability to engage in the latter will be restricted. Globalism merely continues the language of colonialism and developmentalism – the same sense of inevitability is there, the same recourse to the grand masters of social evolution – Comte and Darwin – is there. And indeed responses to globalism follow the same simplistic pattern as well – a conspiracy of the powerful, of the West, of capital (instead of an understanding of the deeper structures of history).
The basic presumption of globalism is one of hierarchy, framed neutrally as comparative advantage but in fact a social-genetic-cultural model of who is civilized and who is barbaric.
But what if we were to take a different tack? What if we took serious, for example, the Tantric Indian civilizational worldview wherein all of life, including technology, is alive. Or the American Indian, as developed by Jamake Highwater, who reminds us that it is the collective that is alive, existing in a relationship of sharing, caring and gratitude, not dominance. Could the robot then enter as friend.
Again, this does not necessarily mean a totally horizontal world where all have equal rights as in the Western perspective nor a collectivized “Father knows best” vertical world. Rather it means a world where they are layers of reality, where mind is in all things from humans to animals to plants and, even, dare we say to robots.
This certainly does mean a world with some rights for plants and animals as well – a vegetarian world; one cannot love the collective if one eats the individual, the tantrica might tell us. By vegetarian, we are not only situating the personal in the political but reminding that behind our collective foot habits is an anti-ecology regime, an anti-life regime, an anti-health regime, that is, our eco-system is at stake,3 our health would all be better if we saw animals and plants as being not part of the Darwinian chain of life, the circle of life, but as part of an ecology of consciousness.
But you will say, this is an ethnocentric argument. We are meat-eaters.
Yes, rights then are ethnocentric and more often than not human-centric. The extension of rights has always been unthinkable, the impossible, and yet we have not had any level of human progress without the extension of rights to those we previously considered not-worthy.
In an essay titled, “Visioning a Peaceful World,” Johan Galtung writes: “Abolition of war [can be seen as a similar goal to the fight against] slavery and colonialism, abject exploitation and patriarchy were and are up against. They won, or are winning. We live in their utopia, which then proved to be a realistic utopia. So is ours: a concrete utopia for peace.”4
INCLUSION AND RIGHTS
This is thus other side of the story, as much as history has been the exclusion of rights, it has also been the advancement of rights, about inclusion, about gentleness, about the struggle for love. My reading is as follows:
Glossing human history, we argue that even while there are certainly cyclical dimensions to history (the rise and fall, the strengthening and weakening, the back and forth of class, civilization, varna, nation), there has been a linear movement toward more rights, toward laying bare power.
In the European context, for example, there have been a succession of revolutions, each one granting increased rights to a group which had been exploited by the dominant social class and limiting the powers of those at the top.
(1) The revolt of the peasants against feudalism (the late middle ages, the 14th century). Increased rights for peasants.
(2) The revolt of aristocrats against clergy (church/state) – wherein church power was contested (modernity). The breakdown of Church dogma and the development of scientific thinking.
(3) The revolt of aristocrats against the king, a constitutional revolution as in the English Glorious Revolution of the 17th century, a process started much earlier with the Magna Carta in the 13th century.
(3) The revolt of bourgeois against the aristocrats and clergy. This was the French revolution and created the Enlightenment – a victory for rational humanism and science against ideational church dogma.
(4) More recently the revolt of the proletariat against the bourgeoisie. This was the Russian socialist revolution of 1917. Increased rights, at least in the short run, for labor. In Nordic nations this was more of a gradual evolution of labor power, of the welfare state.
(5) Elsewhere, there was the revolt of the peasants against the city. This was Mao Zedeng’s formula (the argument that the two opposing camps are the city and the rural). Pol Pot took this view to its tragic consequence. The city, however, appears it is winning although telecommunications might allow a return to the village, but at this stage it is more the Los Angelisation of the planet than the creation of a global village.
(6) More recently (and of course, part of a long term trend) has been the revolt of women against men, against patriarchy in all its forms. This is the pivotal trend of increased rights for women.
(7) The revolt of nature against industrialism. This has been the Green position calling for a limits of technocracy.
(8) The revolt of the Third World against Europe, with calls for Third World solidarity. This decolonization process – The 18th American Revolution being a much earlier example of this – has eventually led to
(9) The revolt of the indigenous against all foreign social formations, calling for the creation of special status for them as guardians of the planet
(10) Finally is the revolt against the nation-state worldview, wherein social movements are aligning themselves to create a third space that beholden neither to the prince or merchant, nor to the interstate system or to global capitalism.5
DEFINE OR BE DEFINED
This last four have not only been about increased rights but about defining the rights discourse, deciding what constitutes a right, who defines it, and how rights are to be protected and implemented. This is one of the crucial battles of the near term future, to define or be defined by others.
Globalisation is of course about defining the world of others – asserting that traditional systems of knowledge, local languages and self-reliant cannot lead to a modern society. As Ashis Nandy writes: “Few hydrologists are interested in what the natives think about their grand irrigation projects and megadams; health planners depend almost entirely on modern medicine; and agricultural innovations are not introduced in consultation with farmers.”6 In Australia, the nomadic way of life of aborigines is to be rooted out if Aboriginal health is to improve – they have already been defined as out of the norm, health practices based on modern sedentary lifestyles are not seen as the problem, writes Michael Shapiro.7 Of course, even multinational pharmaceutical companies now scourge the planet looking for the latest herb to patent but this process is done so within the modernist corporatist context and not within the cultural knowledge system of the local. Defining what is real, what is important, what is beauty has become as important as ensuring that one is not periphery but center in the world economy.
While the general trend at one level is progressive – more happiness for more people – at another level there are exaggerations of systems such that the victory of the Enlightenment over religious systems, over traditional society, has led to a pendulum shift back to traditional systems – localisms, ethnicity, and in many ways a pre-scientific world. This tension is also leading to the possibility of a post-rational and post-scientific world, which integrates the sensate and the ideational. Finally, at a third level, there has been little progress, each new technological improvements creates new side-affects, each new growth spurt in the world-economy creates new losers and vaster sites of impoverishment.
Certainly then, the advancement of rights, while progressive, does not got far enough. Among others, including our robot friends, I think not. They need to be expanded.
(1) First, following Sarkar,8 we need to expand humanism to neo-humanism, which struggles against the Enlightenment’s human centrism and argues for increased rights of plants and animals – toward global vegetarianism and for an global ecological regime.
(2) Following, numerous third world activists and federalists, what is needed is to expand the concept of the magna carta (against the power of the king) into a neo-magna carta and develop a world government with basic human rights; rights of language, right of religion and right to purchasing power (related to this is maxi-mini wage structure wherein minimum economic rights are guaranteed).
The expansion of these rights, however, will not come about through polite conferences, but as we know, through epistemic (the language/worldview battle), cultural (through a renaissance in art, music, and thought) social (the organizations of values and institutions) and political (challenging state power) struggle.
THE PROCESS OF RIGHTS
At the level of rights, the process, according to Neal Milner is as follows.9
His first stage in this theory is imagery. Here imagery stressing rationality of the potential rights-holder is necessary. This has been part of the struggle for rights of nature, since nature is not considered a rational actor.
The next stage of rights emergence requires a justifying ideology. Ideologies justifying changes in imagery develop. These, according to Milner, include ideologies by agents of social control and those on the part of potential rights holders or their representatives.
The next stage is one of changing authority patterns. Here authority patterns of the institutions governing the emerging rights holders begin to change.
Milner next sees the development of “social networks that reinforce the new ideology and that form ties among potential clients, attorneys and intermediaries.”10
The next stage involves access to legal representation. This is followed by routinization, wherein legal representation is made routinely available. Finally government uses its processes to represent the emerging rights-holders.
Of course, for our discussion this is somewhat limiting, rights are more than legal expressions, they are nested in civilizational views of space, time and other.
Thus while for some civilizations rights become so when governmentalized, in other maps rights are part of a web of relationships between self, community and the larger collective, the state, this is especially so in collectivist societies. Rights are related to ones responsibilities, to one’s dharma.
However, rights when defined strictly in western individualistic terms often are unable to deal with issues of import from other civilizations. For example, indigenous access to land, ancestors, and gods/angels are all non-negotiable civilizational givens.
At the same time, these too should not be seen in essentialistic terms, that is, all civilizations are practice, they are potent life forces with operating mythologies. These mythologies can be used by leaders, most recently in Yugoslavia with Milosovic, to deny the human rights of other cultures. Civilizational traumas are used then by politics not for transcendence but for further exclusion. Trauma is piled on trauma and the linear progression of rights become lost – rights become not an asset for the oppressed but a stock of symbols for the state to use against others – rights are used in a zero-sum competitive world.
In contrast is the case of Taiwan where a traditional system, Confucianism, has been modernised to include the democratic impulse. Asian values are not seen as fixed but as dynamic, democracy can be reshaped to exist with non-Western values.11
A rights discourse is essentially about inclusion and about built-in agreed upon structures of peaceful mediation to resolve conflicting rights. By now it should be quite clear that what is under discussion is not the future of technology, but the future of power.
Denial of rights of robots – since they are considered other, as not sentient, and thus not part of our consideration – becomes of an exemplar of how we treat other humans, plants, animals and civilizations. Like children, the environment and future generations, robots do not have adequate representation (and thus are considered rightless). Like children, the environment and future generations, robots are considered less alive, less important, and thus are considered rightless. Since they are so different, why should they be given rights? This is made more so by a worldview which is rationalistic and reductionist, which resists emergence in technology. In contrast are Buddhist views, for example, which see all as persons, and not at things. Shamanistic perspectives as well can imagine the spirit entering technology, thus allowing it to become, while not more human, certainly part of what it means to be human.
Robots call us to consider culture and civilization not as fixed but as dynamic, as growing in response to other cultures and civilizations, to technological dynamism. Responses to dramatic changes in technologies and values can lead to societal disintegration, to a cultural schizophrenia, can be directly creative as with Toynbee’s minority, or can be resistance-based, and thus create a new culture.12
TRANSFORMATIONS IN EPISTEME13
The rights of robot is only one emerging issue that promises to change how we see ourselves and others. Genetics, multiculturalism, the women’s movement, postmodernism, information and communication technologies as well promise to alter how we see nature, truth, reality and self. There are four levels to this epistemic transformation of the future of humanity, perhaps well summed up by the following poem:14
It’s only a paper moon
Floating over a cardboard sea.
But it wouldn’t be make-believe
If you believed in me.
The first is: transformations in what we think is the natural or Nature.15 This is occurring from the confluence of numerous trends, forces, and theories. First, genetics and the possibility that with the advent of the artificial womb, women and men as biological beings will be secondary to the process of creation. The link between sexual behavior and reproduction will be torn asunder.16 But it is not just genetics which changes how we see the natural, theoretical positions arguing for the social construction of nature also undo the primacy of the natural world. Nature is not seen as the uncontested category, rather humans create natures based on their own scientific, political and cultural dispositions. We “nature” the world. Nature is what you make it. There is no longer any state of nature. Feminists have certainly added to this debate, pointing out that they have been constructed by men as natural with men artifactual. By being conflated with nature, as innocent, they have had their humanity denied to them and tamed, exploited, and tortured just as nature has.
As nature changes its social meaning, so will the idea of natural rights. Arguments that rights are political not universal or natural, that is, that rights must be fought for also undo the idea of a basic nature. Thus, nature as eternal, as outside of human construct, has thus come under threat from a variety of places: genetics, the social construction argument, and the rights discourse.
Related to the end of nature are transformations in what we think is the Truth. Religious truth has focused on the one Truth. All other nominations of the real pale in front of the eternal. Modernity has transformed religious truth to allegiance to the nation-state with science and technology as its hand-maiden. However, thinkers from Marx, Nietzsche, to Foucault from the West, as well as feminists and Third World scholars such as Edward Said have contested the unproblematic nature of truth. Truth is considered class-based, gender-based, culture-based, personality-based. Knowledge is now considered particular, its arrangement based on the guiding episteme. We often do not communicate well since our worlds are so different, indeed, it is amazing we manage to understand each other at all.
Language is central in this shift, as it is seen not as a neutral mediator of ideas but as opaque, as participating, indeed, in constituting that which it refers to.17 It is not so much that we speak languages, but that languages create our identities. We language the world and language constitutes what it is that it is possible for us to see.
Multiculturalism has argued that our images of time, space, and history, of text are based on our linguistic dispositions. Even the library once considered a neutral institution is now seen as political. Certainly Muslims, Hawaiians, Aborigines, Tantrics, and many others, would not construct knowledge along the lines of science, social science, arts and humanities. Aborigines might divide a library – if they were to accede to that built metaphor – as divided by sacred spaces, genealogy and dreamtime. Hawaiians prefer the model of aina (land), the Gods, and genealogy (links with the everpresent ancestors). Not just is objectivity under threat, but we are increasingly living in a world where our subjectivity has been historicized and culturized. The search is for models that can include the multiciplicities that we are -layers of reality, spheres with cores and peripheries.
In any case, the belief in one truth held traditionally by religious fundamentalists and now by scientists is under assault. Can we moves toward an ecology of mind, where many ways of knowing, where truth as claimed by differing traditions is honoured, dialogued? That is, once truth has been decentred, and all perspectives are allowed, what then? Can we create a global project that unites yet respects multiplicities? Can we create a world in the context of an ecology of rights – interpenetrating rights, their expansion enhancing each other?18 Or are there non-negotiable fundamentals that do not allow agreement but still might allow small practical steps taken together leading to a better world – many peace processes? 19
Central to the end of the grand narratives is a rethinking of what we consider as Real. Our view of the real is being shaped partly by technology, specifically virtual technology and its promise. Cyberspace has become a contender for the metaphor for the future of reality. By donning a helmet, we can enter worlds wherein the link between traditional, or natural physical reality and cyber/virtual reality are blurred. Will you be you? Will I be me? As we travel these worlds, will we lose our sense of an integrated self? Where is the reality principle in these new technologies? What of human suffering and misery? How will traditional Asian systems that are more collectivist in identity deal with the individuality of virtuality? Can virtuality become more group based, or will it destabilize Asian identities?
The real is what can be created by desire. Whereas for Buddhists, the task has been to extinguish desire, for the West, the project is to totally fulfil desire, reality is what you want it to be. Desire is truth.
The environment as a place of rest, as beauty, as a source of inspiration, as a living entity of itself, then becomes secondary. Whereas philosophers have deconstructed it, cybernauts have captured and miniaturised it. Why do we still need to protect wildlife when it can be virtually rendered, we can now meaningfully ask? Since we will not be able to perceive the difference between the natural and the technological, wouldn’t it be better to use the environment for development then? The virtual environment, let us remember, comes without insect bites, without bush fires, without fear. It comes without imperfections.
The rights of minorities will likely become less important since all different perspectives can be kept alive virtually, thus not stopping progress.
Paradoxically, as the real becomes increasingly metered and sold, as reality ceases to be embedded in spiritual and sacred space, becoming instead commercial real estate space, others have began to argue that the ideational is returning, that the pendulum is shifting again. Echoing Sorokin’s idea of the need for a balance between the sensate and the ideational, Willis Harmon argues that the physical world is only one layer of reality. The spiritual world is another. What is needed is a balance, a move toward global mind change. Rupert Sheldrake with his idea of morphogenetic fields, Sarkar with his ideas of microvita (providing the conscious software to the hardware of the atom), De Chardin with his idea of a noosphere, all point to the notion that we are connected at a deeper layer, perhaps at the level of Gaia. Lynn Margulis takes this to the cellular level reminding us that it is cooperation that succeeds at this minute level.
Materialism as the global organizing principle is under threat from post-rational spiritual perspectives, the new physics, and macrohistorians20 that believe the historical pendulum is about to shift again.
Reality is thus changing. The old view of reality as only religious or the modern view of the real as physical are under threat from the postmodern view that reality is technologically created and from the ecological view which sees the real as relational, an ecology of consciousness, where there is no one point, but all selves are interactively needed.
The final level of deep transformation is in what we think is Man. Whether we are reminded of Foucault21 arguing that man is a recent, a modern category, and that his image will disappear like an etching on sand, about to be wiped away by the tide, or if we focus on the emergence of the women’s movement as a nudge to man as center, man as the center of the world is universally contested. While the enlightenment removed the male God, it kept the male man. The emerging worldview of robots -what Marvin Minsky of MIT calls “mind-children” – cyborgs, virtual realities, cellular automata, the worldwideweb, microvita as well as the dramatic number of individuals who believe in angels, all point to the end of Man as the central defining category.
We are thus witnessing transformations coming through the new technologies, through the worldviews of non-Western civilisations, through the women’s movement, and through spiritual and Gaian perspectives. All these taken together point to the possibility but not certainty of a new world shaping.
Let us say this in different words. We are witnessing the end of modernity. What this means is that we are in the process of changes in Patriarchy (I am male); Individualism (I win therefore I am); Materialism (I shop therefore I am); Dualism (I think therefore I am); scientific dogmatism (I experiment therefore I know better or I have no values thus I am right); Nationalism (I hate the other therefore I am); and humanism (humans are the measure of all things). This is however a long term process and part of the undoing of capitalism. All these connect to create a new world, which is potentially the grandest shift in human history. We are in the midst of galloping time, plastic time, in which the system is unstable and thus can dramatically transform.
What this means is many things. First, my friends the robots will probably be happy in this artificial world being created. Second, civilizations will survive especially those that can quickly adapt. Cultures, of course, will not be lost but miniaturized, virtualized. Third, that the struggles for human rights, environmental rights, refugee rights, to mention a few, will pale compared to the dislocations in front of us. As important as fighting for the rainforest will be greening genetics. As important as rights for children will be the right to sexually reproduce. As important as rights for refugees will be rights for the identity-less. As important as struggles for allowing the voice of all, will be a struggle against postmodernism, which has embraced all, even evil, making all relativistic, and thus all the same, denying a layered approach to rights and values.
EAST ASIAN FUTURES
What will be the futures of East Asian cultures and systems of knowledge in this dramatically to be transformed world. First, the East Asian responses to modernity, to the problem of the West, have been dynamic. Japan, for example, has reinvented itself at the level of technology but managed to maintain its unique cultural heritage. Thus, it has at the surface level been transformed, and in many ways has become more Western than the West, that is, continuing the Western world-capitalist project. At the same time, Japan has held on to its Confucian/Buddhist and Zen/Taoist elements, having been able to selectively choose aspects of Westernisation that fits it cultural overlay.
Kinhide Mushakoji argues that the traditional two poles of Japanese society (and East Asian society as well) of Confucianism (formal/hierarchal) and Daoist/Zen (informal, networks, mystical) are with postmodernism about to shift to the Daoist pole.22 This model at essence will be self-organizing, that is, chaotic (ordered disorder). Indeed, the postmodern challenge of language as constituting the self is very much a zen perspective. The plastic nature of self that genetics and robotics create again fits well in the Zen overlay. However, while Zen has always maintained the natural/unnatural dichotomy23 (with all other dichotomies open to transgression), it is the final structure of thought that postmodernism evaporates. Moreover, multiculturalism and the women’s movement pose challenges to Confucian societies that traditional “every person in their class” ideology will not be able to manage so easily.
The Singapore model, in particular, will be under question. Singapore has been equally keen to adopt western financial practices and technological impetus but has stalled cultural democracy keeping Singapore a managed state. It will resist chaotic tendencies with more management, with more control. Indeed, it could become a type of social museum, the perfect modernist site in a chaotic world of genetic, robotics, the internet and deep multiculturalism.
South Korea has added Christianity and Westernization to its triple heritage of Shamanism (Taoism), Confucianism and Buddhism. It has managed to keep its public sphere male and Confucian with its private sphere female and shamanistic. However, the changes to come challenge that division.
Fortunately, this future is not inevitable. These trends can play themselves out in varied ways. There is room to maneuver still.
Among others, Anwar Ibrahim in his The Asian Renaissance24 believes that Asians can meet these challenges. He believes Asians and their leaders have developed the capacity to challenge the lure of jingoism, of culture being used for political capital, for immediately political gain.
Ibrahim argues that cultural jingoism, while understandably a reaction to Western dominance, cannot redeem, cannot liberate, rather it is the fodder of narrow tribalists, nationalists and fundamentalists. A renaissance is about a reawakening of the universal and not about using the category of “Asian” for authoritarian and totalitarian means, for erasing the individual in the guise of the Asian collective. Anwar Ibrahim reminds us that even in the family-oriented Confucian tradition, the self and community are seen as equally important – the wise person develops his moral self, articulating it for self-perfection and the greater good.
Economic productivity, he argues, can coexist with a cultural development. An Asian renaissance based on a true multiculturalism – unity in democratic diversity can provide a path to a new future for Asian and the world.
Importantly, he asserts that “As Asia gains wealth and power, it must search its deepest conscience. It should not assume the role of the new executioner to reply the old history of oppression and injustice.”25
In addition to Ibrahim’s vision of civilizations in dialog, of a reborn Asia, I offer the following general scenarios as possibilities.
SCENARIOS OF THE FUTURE
The first scenario is the Artificial Society. This would be the end of environmentalism, humanism and the cultural view of rights. It would lead to the technologization of the self. The goal would be full unemployment with technology working so that humans could rest and play. But more than artificial it is about the end of the distinction of technology and artificial such that we would no longer have a category called Nature. It is with postmodernity that all is possible and history is packed in virtual museums, eternally available but never realisable.
In the first stage of this scenario, rights would be framed around the tensions between humans and technologies, between humans and their genetic offspring (with humans as the missing link26). Concretely, these would include the right to procreate, the right to disconnect from the net, the right to not travel. Eventually human/machine and technology/nature distinctions would disappear, as would the idea of rights.
The second scenario is The Communicative-Inclusive Society. This is deep spiritual ecology, with rights of all, and the self as cosmic. Technology is considered part of humanity’s expansion but at issue is power and control, who owns and what values are used to design technology. Equally central is the metaphysics of life: desire as channelled expression, as creativity, creating new forms of expression as opposed to filling a fundamental emptiness. Essentially this is a communicative society, where communication between humans, plants, trees, animals,, angels, and technology are all considered legitimate. The central project is a dialog between civilisations, nature and the divine through which a good society (and not the perfect society of linear developmentalism) can be created. A good society embraces its contradictions, a liberal democracy in search of a perfect, contradiction-free society attempts to eliminate them.
Globalism would come to mean not just the right of capital mobility but labor mobility. It would also mean the creation of a planetary civilization with a world government consisting of houses for corporations, social movements, individuals and nations.
The third scenario is Business as Usual or Incrementalism – It is appropriation of the Other through the idea of the melting pot, or shallow multiculturalism. Dominant issues are daily power issues, for example, in Australia of the republic versus monarchy argument. New technologies provide impetus for the expansion of capital, giving capitalism fresh air. Technologies are considered culturally and gendered neutral tools. As the gun lobby says, people kill people, not guns. Communication is merely used for instrumental purposes not for reaching shared goals. The environment is a resource to be used for growth. Rights would remain individualistic with the structural causes of poverty and the cultural basis of reality ignored.
The last scenario is Societal Collapse. The position is that man has gone too far, that Earth will strike back with earthquakes and tsunamis. Globalism has created a system out of control, only stock market collapse through perhaps cybercurrency fraud leading to a softer slower pace of life can rend things in balance again. The most likely immediate future is a global depression and the timing will be myth related, that is, at the end of the millennium.
Rights would go the physically strongest and not just the richest or the mentally agile. Life would be “nasty, brutish, and short.”
MAKING THE RIGHTS DECISION
What the future will be like we cannot say. We do know that grand macrohistorical forces cannot be easily changed, but bifurcation is possible. At the edge of chaos lies transformation, wherein by finding the strange attractors of change, concerted efforts by the few can dramatically change all our futures.
Let us imagine a different future than that which we are heading toward. Let us through our responses help create it. Remembering the dilemma of Yang Chu, who weeping at the crossroads, said, “Isn’t it here that you take a half step wrong and wake up a thousand miles astray?”27 Let us take a half a step in the right direction and be part of a global awakening, be part of the progressive expansion of rights.
As we do let us not forget our friends the robots – that is those who are so different than us, we automatically conclude they should be rightless – let us ensure that as we progress forward – given the limitations of macrohistorical forces – we take everyone with us.
1. Phil McNally and Sohail Inayatullah, “The Rights of Robots: Technology, Law and Culture in the 21st Century,” World Peace Through Law Center: Law and Technology (Winter, 1987); in Futures (Vol 20, No. 2, 1988), 119-136; and, in Whole Earth Review (No. 59, Summer 1988), rewritten in Sohail Inayatullah and Paul Wildman, eds. Futures Studies, Brisbane, Prosperity Press, 1998) (CD-ROM).
2. Christopher Stone, Should Tree Have Standing: Toward Legal Rights for Natural Objects. Los Altos, California, William A. Kaufman, 1974).
3. For more on this, see, Roar Bjonnes, “Vegetarianism: The Ethical and Ecological Arguments,” and “From Food to Feed: How Lifestock are Threatening the Planet and What You Can Do To Stop It.” Articles available from Roar Bjonnes. Email him at [email protected]
4. Johan Galtung, “Visioning a Peaceful World,” in Glen Paige and Sarah Gilliatt, eds. Buddhism and Nonviolent Global Problem-Solving. Honolulu, Hawaii, University of Hawaii, 1991.
5. For more on this, see, Elise Boulding and Kenneth E. Boulding, The Future: Images and Processes. London, Sage, 1995.
6. Ashis Nandy, “The Politics of Indigenous Knowledge and Contending Ideals of the University,” in Sohail Inayatullah and Jenny Gidley, The University in Transformation: Global Perspectives on the Futures of the University. Wesport, Ct. Greenwood, 1998 (forthcoming).
7. Michael Shapiro, Language and Political Understanding. New Haven, Ct. Yale University Press, 1981, 1986.
8. See, Sohail Inayatullah, Situating Sarkar. Calcutta, Gurukul Press, 1998 and Sohail Inayatullah and Jennifer Fitzgerald, eds. Transcending Boundaries. Calcutta, Gurukul Press, 1998.
9. Neal Milner, “The Emergence of Rights, ” Proposal to the National Science Foundation (Honolulu, Hawaii: University of Hawaii Department of Political Science, 1980).
10. Ibid, p. 4.
11. For more on this, see Sohail Inayatullah, “Leadership, Evil and Future Generations” in Jim Dator and Tae-Chang Kim, eds, Governance for Future Generations. Twickenham, Adamantime, 1998.
12. See Ashis Nandy and Giri Deshingkar, “The Futures of Cultures: An Asian Perspective,” in Eleonora Masini and Yogesh Atal, eds, The Futures of Cultures. Bangkok, UNESCO, 1992, 25-36.
13. This is elaborated in Sohail Inayatullah, “Global Transformations,” Development, Vol. 40, No. 2, 1997, 31-37 and in “Global Transformations and the End of the Natural: Toward a Communicative Response to the Future,” Journal of Applied Social Behavior, Vol 4, No. 1, 1998, 1-14.
14. From Dator, “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” Futures, 1096.
15. See, for example, Jim Dator, “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” Futures, December 1990, 1084-182.
16. For more on this, see, Sohail Inayatullah and Jennifer Fitzgerald, “Gene Discourses: Law, Politics, Culture, Future,” Journal of Technological Forecasting and Social Change,” Vol. 52, No. 2-3, June-July, 1996, 161-183.
17. See, Michael Shapiro, Reading the Postmodern Polity: Political Theory as Textual Practice. Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 1992.
18. For more on the future of rights, see Levi Obijiofor, ed., The Futures of Human Rights and Democracy – Futuresco. Paris, Unesco, No. 5, June 1996. In particular, see, Michael Marien, “The Fragmented Futures of Human Rights and Democracy,” 7-16 and Ziauddin Sardar, “Future Challenges of Human Rights and Democracy,” 17-24.
19. See, Harlan Cleveland, “The Impact of Culture and Civilisation of Governance,” Presentation to a seminar at Brussels, 17-17th, May. As Cleveland writes: “It is observable that much real-life cooperation takes place in this manner: groups of people from differing backgrounds with different philosophies agree to take `next stops’ together without trying to agree on why they are acting together,” 9.
20. For more on this, see, Johan Galtung and Sohail Inayatullah, eds., Macrohistory and Macrohistorians: Perspectives on Individual, Social and Civilizational Change. Westport, Ct., Praeger, 1997.
21. Michel Foucault, The Order of Things. New York, Random House, 1973.
22. Kinhide Mushakoji, “Post-Modern Cultural Development in East Asia: Beyond the Japanese version of Confucianism,” in Eleonora Masini and Yogesh Atal, eds., The Futures of Asian Cultures, 57-78.
23. See, D.T. Suzuki, Introductions to Zen Buddhism. New York, Philosophical Library, 1949.
24. Singapore, Time Books, 1997.
25. Ibid., 130.
26. Mitchell Waldrop, Complexity. New York, Touchstone, 1992.
27. From the Confucian Hsun-tzu, quoted in Yehezkel Dror, “Fuzzy Gambles with History,” The Futurist, Vol. 26, No. 4, July-August, 1992, 60.
Read other articles by Sohail Inayatullah at metafuture.org
Topics: Cognitive Science/Neuroscience | Innovation/Entrepreneurship
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A VERY SPECIAL TRIP TO GERMANY RESULTING IN AN UNEXPECTED MEETING WITH OLYMPIC RIDER LEONIE BRAMALL
A few weeks ago, my husband Buz and I left Cornwall at the crack of dawn to be in time for the Eurostar to take us to Bruxelles. We were on our way to Hanover for a very special occasion, the marriage of Toby and Christian, both committed horsemen. Two days never to forget. To witness a young man, whom I had known for many years, getting married to the love of his life, was an emotional happening, to say the least.
For the newly-wed to take their first married day and drive us around for an equine-related sight-seeing trip was the icing on the cake. Not only did Toby, now a qualified equine veterinarian, show us around the Veterinary College of Hanover, but we also visited Volker Dusche and Olympic rider Leonie Bramall. The proud owners of dressage yard and stud Bramall-Dusche GbR gave us a warm welcome and were extremely generous with their valuable time.
A FUN AND LOYAL LITTLE HELPER FROM GERMANY
Some fifteen years ago, a very shy boy, named Tobias Puschmann, walked into my yard. He was on a working holiday at the organic farm next door, but so missed horses. At the time I was still breeding and, other than a few mares and foals, I had a couple of horses in work and a busy teaching schedule, so some extra help wouldn't hurt.
For three delightful weeks, Toby came every day. He not only knew how to handle a broom or shovel, but was a kind of hard-working sponge, sucking up every bit of information that could possibly help him to become a better horseman. The day he came to say goodbye with his mum, still too young to travel on his own, I will never forget. As soon as they were out of sight I basically sobbed, because I knew: such a kind and loyal young helper I would never find again.
TWO INCHES TALLER
Until he went to university, Toby came nearly every year for a couple of weeks. The third time I went to pick him up from the airport he was suddenly two inches taller than me. Little boys can grow very fast.
We always had so much fun. Other than the work in the yard, Toby came with me to all lessons, he rode some of my horses and in our spare time we walked the coast and talked about everything under the sun. As Toby got older, our conversations often were about his future.
Last year, when Toby came to see me with his partner Christian, he told me that, during one of his stays, I had made him so very angry. When yet again he had told me, he wanted to become a horse trainer, I had answered him in a very matter of fact way that he just wasn't good enough. 'I was so angry with you, but it was the very best advice you could have possibly given me.'
In another conversation, in which Toby was wondering what to study, one of the options being a veterinarian, I told him that I could not choose for him. But if he chose to study to become a vet, he would become a very good one.
A WALKING EQUINE ENCYCLOPEDIA
So now, some fifteen years later, after the official part of the wedding, we were sitting down for dinner, very convenient in the restaurant next door. The chair next to me was occasionally empty, because my neighbour, a tall and larger-than-life man with ginger hair, was regularly running off with his camera. Volker Dusche not only shot loads of beautiful pictures, but also turned out to be a walking equine encyclopaedia. Whenever he sat down he showered me with pedigrees of German and Dutch warmbloods. I really needed the breaks to recover when he was on another round of picture-taking.
OLYMPIC DRESSAGE RIDER LEONIE BRAMALL
Next to Volker sat his partner Leonie Bramall, Olympic dressage rider from Canada. Only eighteen years old, Leonie moved to Germany to train with Johann Hinneman. She rode at the Olympics in Barcelona in 1992 and again in Atlanta in 1996. Christian occasionally takes his horse to Leonie for a lesson, which has turned into a good friendship. How very attentive of Toby and Christian to put me right there.
Whether Leonie is possibly not the biggest talker, I will never know, because of the unbridled enthousiasm of Volker.
‘BRAMALL-DUSCHE GBR’: TOGETHER IS STRONGER
It wasn't that surprising that we drove to stud and dressage yard ‘Bramall-Dusche GbR’, the following morning. I forgot my hangover as soon as Volker, who calls himself the 'tractor driver', introduced me to the first horse. And he continued this from stable to stable. Again, I was told pedigree after pedigree and admired all, including the horse Leonie is competing at Grand Prix, the 9-year old Oldenburg gelding Queensland by Quaterback.
What struck me most was both Volker and Leonie's drive and their enormous pride about what they have achieved together. That 'together' is what makes ‘Bramall-Dusche GbR’ tick, makes them stronger. These two people admire and respect each other; one the trainer and rider, the other the breeder and organizer.
In the field, with three mares and foals, Volker pointed out the mare still from the line his father bred. In that respect Germany is not that different from Holland. The passion of horse breeding is passed on from father to son.
YARD WORK, BRUSHING AND TACKING UP: PART OF THE JOB
With over twenty horses in work, of which Leonie trains up to eight, and that next to a busy teaching schedule, there isn't a spare minute in the day. Still, when I asked her whether she still worked in the yard, I already knew the answer. Her strong arms and hands spoke for themselves. 'Yes, why not? Mucking out, brushing, tacking up, it gives me a chance to get to know them. We get quite a few quirky horses. Intelligent horses often have that side. It is in my own advantage to be around them and sort some issues out without being on top.'
CAN YOU SEE I'M GOOD-LOOKING?
Volker Dusche insisted to show us a two-year-old in the indoor arena. The chestnut had to be gelded, his too small testicles the reason not to be accepted into the grading system as a potential sire. Volker was sad about that, but in the end, here trotted and cantered a proud sports horse with great quality and the world at his feet. Out of their broodmare Rihanna (Sire: Royal Classic) by Galaxie, he stopped suddenly, turning sharply, putting his neck right up there and looked at us, as if to say, 'Hey, can you see I'm good-looking?'
WITHOUT ANY DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR
No, no time for cappuccino, thank you very much, 'Herzlichen dank, wir mussen weiter!' Back in the car I still feel the electric enthousiasm of two great horsemen of the highest level, who are used to work hard, day in day out, proud of their achievements but without any delusions of grandeur. Quite seldom, these days.
THE VETERINARY COLLEGE OF HANOVER
Next on our way to the veterinary college of Hanover, where Toby is now a qualified equine veterinarian. When entering the modern building, I inevitably had to think of our trip of many years ago. my home-bred PSG mare Marie had developed a chronic sinus problem. I was referred to the veterinary college in Bristol and Toby happened to be there, so joined me for the trip.
Now, I was following Toby into a similar building, realizing that he probably had reached the same, if not higher, level as the veterinarians who had drilled a hole in the head of my beloved mare to have a little look inside.
Did I feel a touch of pride? I admit, Yes, I did…
COLICS, CHRONIC EYE INFECTION AND HEAD-SHAKERS
I saw horses with colic on drips, a stallion with a chronic eye infection and a very charming little cob mare with a cute little moustache who was a head-shaker.
Toby eyed up each individual case in his quiet and steady manner. It was his day off, but that didn't keep him from making sure he left the building knowing that all was as well as could be under the circumstances.
RESEARCH FOR HEAD-SHAKERS
Toby told me that one of his research projects is head-shakers. In the outdoor arena he will sit for hours on end, watching four individual cases being lunged with all kinds of different set-ups. This to see whether side-reins, high, low, longer, tighter or none, affect the behaviour. The slightest differences will be registered with the aim to produce new knowledge.
THE CRANE, SAFETY FIRST
The crane, which moves on rails from the ceiling through part of the building, including the X-ray unit and the operating theatre, is impressive and has changed the complex and dangerous process some of the horses must go through. It means that now horses under full anaesthetics can be moved in slings, completely safe from injury.
THE HORSE VIRUS CAN BE PAINFUL...
We had one more visit to make. Christian had to prepare the food for his Oldenburg mare Anna, at the yard where she is in livery. When Christian was doing the stable,Toby looked longingly at Anna. 'Hopefully I will be able to have my own horse next year...'.
I feel for my good friend who has been so patient. I was once his age. The horse virus can be ever so painful…
Top picture: Leonie Bramall with her Grand Prix horse, the 9-year old gelding Queensland. (Picture made by Volker Dusche)
Below that: Toby with one of the foals at 'Bramall-Dusche GbR'. (Picture made by Volker Dusche)
Below that: the two-year old gelding by Galaxie. (Picture made by Volker Dusche)
Below:Toby at the veterinary college in Hanover. (Picture is made in and belongs to the veterinary college in Hanover)
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Why most elections are inefficient
Even if the candidate we liked most in the last election lost, most of us would like to think that the election itself was conducted ...
Even if the candidate we liked most in the last election lost, most of us would like to think that the election itself was conducted with secrecy, neutrality and efficiency. Jean-Pierre Benoît has studied electoral systems and found that what you think about elections may not be true.
Elected officials who sit on boards making public policy would probably like to believe that they represent the wishes of the constituents who voted them into office. Jean-Pierre Benoît, Professor and Joint Chair of Economics at London Business School, has conducted several studies on voting systems; they show that elections can actually be quite inefficient, often electing people who were by and large the second or third choice of the voters.
Benoît, who recently completed an article on the research he did with Lewis Kornhauser of the School of Law of New York University, says that the possibility of an inefficient election is especially high when several different seats on, say, an assembly, must be filled by voters who cast ballots on a seat-by-seat basis. “Such seat-by-seat procedures are efficient only under extreme conditions,” he says.
“There are some desirable properties usually associated with election systems. Three that are mentioned often are efficiency, anonymity so that all votes are counted equally and neutrality,” he notes. The latter two properties are, of course, bedrock to democratic elections. An election system that does not guarantee the privacy of how everyone voted would be anathema to the promise of a secret ballot. Similarly, the neutrality of those staging an election is also of paramount importance. The rules of elections are tied to such properties.
Voting systems take these rules into account. Most people agree that the candidate with the majority wins the office or seat and that the election must be efficient, anonymous and neutral. Yet, says Professor Benoît, while it may be possible to ensure anonymity and neutrality, efficiency is another matter.
“The anonymity and neutrality requirements simply ask that all ballots be treated equally. Efficiency only requires that if a majority of voters prefer outcome ‘A’, then outcome ‘B’ will not be chosen,” he says. But the analysis of the two professors makes one wonder if such efficiency occurs very often in assembly elections.
“Individuals run for seats on school or government boards (for example, sheriffs, fire chiefs, judges). But, once elected, they vote as a single block. It’s common for voters to select their choices strategically. In our study, we levelled the playing field and restricted the situation to comparing candidates to each other, not how they might interact with other board members,” says Professor Benoît.
“Disturbingly, even when voters rank their choices and vote for their first choice, the end result could be a board made up of all ‘A’ candidates when actually every voter preferred the ‘B’ candidates,” he adds.
How can this happen? As the two professors point out in their article, the individual seats are won by plurality vote. Thus, under the right circumstances in a hypothetical election with only three voters, two of the voters could, in essence, overrule the third voter. Play this out and one can imagine, easily, how, for sheriff, voter two and three locked out voter one; for judge, voter one and three overruled voter two; and for fire chief, voter one and two doused voter three. As long as the voters are comparing two candidates and there are three voters, this inefficiency can result. What applies for a voting population of three could conceivably play out in elections with a voting population of hundreds more.
What is seldom taken into account when elections are analysed is how voters ranked the candidates in terms of whether they shared their points of view or values. For instance, reconsider the hypothetical election profiled above. On the above slate of officers, let’s assume that voter one’s primary concern was to see that sheriff candidate B gain office — because voter one liked the positions that sheriff candidate B espoused. For the same reasons, voter two wants to be sure judge candidate B is elected; and voter three likes fire chief candidate B.
Now, consider again the outcome posited: the voters all ranked the B candidates over the A candidates, based on the true preferences of each voted — but, given the dynamics of how the votes were cast (two voters outweighing the vote of the third), the final tally added up to more votes for each A candidate. In essence, no voter ended up with his or her preferred candidate (or assembly).
“In a non-dictatorship, the voting should result in a block vote representing the wishes of the most voters,” says Professor Benoît; “thus, the outcome of the election must be judged inefficient.”
The two professors have major concerns about elections as a result of their research: “This inefficiency is not specific to plurality voting. On the contrary, we establish an impossibility result: when voting is done on a seat-by-seat basis, the only voting system that is efficient is a dictatorship. We also show that allowing for strategic behaviour on the part of voters and candidates is of no help. Our results raise questions about the electoral rules used in every representative democracy in the world.”
Thankfully, says Professor Benoît, most elections are held with millions of voters; and, with numbers that large, every candidate elected is likely to be someone’s first choice. The important point is that, if efficiency can’t be guaranteed, then those who serve in assemblies may not be representing the priorities of those who voted them into office. Which raises the profound question of whether any election so conducted should continue to be sanctioned (as most are now) — or rejected. After looking at the electoral process critically, Professor Benoît says that “virtually no system found in practice is efficient.”
Turning business students into entrepreneurs
Chasing status: who gambles on convertible securities?
Too busy to innovate?
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News one year ago - 1 min read
Large Premium SUV of the Year 2018: Land Rover Discovery
There was stiff competition for the 2018 Auto Express Large Premium SUV of the Year award. But once again, Discovery’s family-friendly features and go-anywhere abilities put it leagues ahead of the opposition for the second successive year.
Last year’s overall Car of the Year holds on to its category win this year in the face of stiff opposition. Yet it’s the Discovery’s family-friendly features and go-anywhere ability that triumph once again.
The Auto Express judges commented that the Discovery glides through miles with ease, combining quiet relaxation with a ride that smothers the worst that Britain’s roads have to offer. It rivals the best luxury cars for a sense of serenity, and it’s on mucky, hilly dirt tracks, when wading through seriously deep water or tackling a tricky steep slope, that there’s the odd juxtaposition of impressive luxury with the wilds outside the window.
The front seats are set high for a good view across traffic or terrain, in a beautifully trimmed and comfortable leather chair with air-con gently calming the cabin’s temperature and, if you want it, soothing music playing through the excellent Meridian audio.
The Discovery is family friendly, fitting you and up to six others easily with five seats at the back, yet there is still plenty of space once they’re on board. The thoughtful touches are equally impressive: cup-holders, storage space and charging points for all, and seats that are easy to put up and down – electrically in many cases.
View Our Discovery Offers
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News 8 months ago - 1 min read
Land Rover Defender - Coming Soon
NEW LAND ROVER DEFENDER. COMING SOON
The new Land Rover Defender is coming soon. Land Rover have created a vehicle that is tough, that is capable and that is unstoppable. The Defender has evolved. If you would like to be kept informed of all the latest news and preview events, please complete the form below.
TESTING COMPLETES IN KENYA
The new Land Rover Defender has moved a step closer to production, after successfully completing its final phase of field testing in Kenya.
Alongside Land Rovers global conservation partner of 15 years, Tusk Trust, the new Defender was put to the test in Kenya’s Borana Conservancy.
The specially camouflaged Defender prototype was used by wildlife managers to support their lion conservation initiatives, transporting supplies and tracking radio collared lions.
Watch the next-generation Defender as it tows heavy loads, wades through rivers and crosses unforgiving terrain in a series of real-world trials.
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All issues Volume 53 (2017) Ann. Limnol. - Int. J. Lim., 53 (2017) 361-367 Full HTML
Ann. Limnol. - Int. J. Lim.
https://doi.org/10.1051/limn/2017020
2 Material and methods
4 Discussion
Ann. Limnol. - Int. J. Lim. (2017) 361–367
Differences in anti-predator behavior and survival rate between hatchery-reared and wild grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)
Lijun Tang1,2,3, Lisa Jacquin4, Sovan Lek4, Huanzhang Liu5, Zhongjie Li1, Jiashou Liu1 and Tanglin Zhang1*
1 State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China
2 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
3 College of Bio-Resources and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Qujing 655000, PR China
4 Université de Toulouse, UPS, CNRS, ENFA, IRD, Laboratoire Évolution & Diversité Biologique UMR5174 EDB, 118 route de Narbonne, Toulouse, France
5 The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430072, PR China
* Corresponding author: tlzhang@ihb.ac.cn
Accepted: 4 September 2017
Grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus, is the primary freshwater species produced in China. Because natural populations have shrunk in the wild, restocking programs using hatchery-reared fish have emerged. Artificial rearing could affect fish anti-predator behavior, thus decreasing their survival in the wild. The impact of artificial rearing on C. idellus's behavior remains unknown because empirical studies are scarce. In this study, we compared anti-predator behavior and survival rate between hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus. Both hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus displayed clear anti-predator behavior when exposed to visual and odor cues of a predator. However, hatchery-reared C. idellus showed significantly lower aggregation index (reflecting shoaling behavior), inspection rate and spent less time in risky area compared to their wild counterparts. When directly exposed to predators, more hatchery-reared C. idellus were predated. This raises concerns about the efficiency of restocking programs and highlights the need to adjust artificial rearing and stocking conditions of C. idellus to produce fish that are better adapted to natural conditions.
Key words: hatchery fish / anti-predator behavior / survival rate / restocking
The grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus (Valenciennes), is a fish species of the Cyprinidae family native to Eastern Asia (Guillory and Gasaway, 1978). Adult individuals can be found in lakes, ponds, pools, and the backwaters of large rivers (Shireman and Smith, 1983). It prefers large, slow-flowing, or standing water bodies and tolerates temperature ranging from 0 to 38 °C (Froese and Pauly, 2017). It is a typical herbivorous species worthy of commercial cultivation because of its proficiency in consuming phytoproteins and carbohydrates (Wang, 2000; Froese and Pauly, 2017). As one of the major freshwater species in the Yangtze River, its production accounted for 25% of all freshwater fish production in 2011 in China. The natural resources of C. idellus were abundant in the Yangtze River before the 1960s (Liu et al., 2004), but water pollution, habitat degradation, and over-exploitation have caused wild fish resources to decline sharply since the 1990s (Gui, 2003). Since 2002, an annual program for supplementing C. idellus was implemented in the Yangtze River to restore and maintain this fish resource, but the potential consequences remain unknown.
Hatchery-based restocking programs are well known and widely implemented worldwide to conserve wild fish populations (Fraser, 2008; Kostow, 2009). It is estimated that over 300 fish species were released worldwide every year (Welcomme and Bartly, 1998). Although habitat restoration should always be the first choice when possible, rearing fish in hatcheries and releasing them into the wild can be useful in maintaining sensitive natural populations along with sustainable fish production (Einum and Fleming, 2001; Araki et al., 2007; Johnsson et al., 2014). As young fish that enable to survive the early stages of life are also likely to survive to adult size, many endangered species recovery programs rely on the release of hatchery-reared individuals to ensure long-term population viability (Brown and Day, 2002).
Although hatchery rearing techniques are progressing, hatchery-reared fish often display behavioral deficits and suffer high post-release mortality rates in the wild (Brown and Day, 2002). Indeed, behavioral traits in particular are modified by hatchery conditions. Fish living in the natural environment are exposed to complex habitats and natural challenges (Armstrong et al., 2003). In contrast, hatchery conditions eliminate potential stressors and modify the experiences and learning conditions of reared fish. Matsuzaki (2009) and colleagues found that feral strains of the common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus) behave differently to domestic strains. Of the two, the feral strains are better at detecting prey and are more cautious of predator attacks (Matsuzaki et al., 2009). Apart from altering behavior, hatchery programs have been documented to impact the genetic and ecological structure of wild C. idellus (Liu et al., 2009; Zhao et al., 2011).
Considering hatchery shortfalls, Chinese fisheries scientists have had concerns about the potential impacts of stocking programs on fish conservation for more than a decade (Shen, 2002; Chen, 2003; Gui, 2003). A great number of studies have investigated the impacts of hatcheries on salmonids' behavioral traits. By comparison, studies of cyprinids are scarce, especially those focused on C. idellus, despite its considerable biological and economic importance.
In this study, we compared the behavioral responses of hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus to predators after visual and olfactory contact. We also compared their survival rate after being placed in contact with an actual predator. With this study, we hope to shed light on potential ecological risks caused by hatchery-reared C. idellus in stocking programs and to improve hatchery conditions to better match natural conditions.
2.1 Experimental fish
In this study, hatchery-reared (n = 160) and wild (n = 160) C. idellus were used. Wild C. idellus fry were caught in the Yangtze River in China (Honghu, Wuhan; 114.02 E; 30.08 N) using floating trap nets. Fry were collected instead of juveniles because wild C. idellus juveniles are sparse in the Yangtze River, making it difficult to catch enough juveniles for this study. Hatchery-reared C. idellus, F4 generation, were obtained from a local hatchery. Ancestors (P0) of hatchery-reared fish were wild C. idellus caught from the Yangtze River ranging from Honghu (114.02 E; 30.08 N) to Huanggang (114.87 E; 30.45 N). The ancestors' offspring (generations F1–F4) were hatchery-reared (Fig. 1). The F1 generation was directly obtained from 60 to 80 pairs of wild brood fish. These brood fish were selected from more than 1000 wild-caught P0 C. idellus. About 1000 F1 individuals were reared to maturity in captivity, and 60–80 pairs of F1 were then selected as brood fish for F2. Analogously, the F3 and F4 generations were acquired. This rearing method obtained hatchery-reared F4 individuals with great genetic diversity (Wang, 2000). In the hatchery, brood fish (10–15 kg in body weight, 300–450 ind·ha−1 in density) were reared in ponds 1.5–2.0 m in depth, and the female:male ratio was 1:1.2. On a daily basis, they were provided with commercial feed, aquatic plants (common duckweed Lemna minor), wheat seedlings, and vegetables. Artificial reproduction began when the water temperature rose to 23–26 °C, between April and June. Brood fish were injected with luteotropin releasing hormone analogue at 10 μg·kg−1 for females and 5 μg·kg−1 for males. Oocytes were fertilized using the dry method for 2 min. The fertilized eggs were then transferred to the fry incubator for 4–5 days until hatched.
Both hatchery-reared F4 fry and wild fry were then transferred into respective outdoor ponds in similar conditions. The fry were reared at a density of 50 ind·m−2, and they fed primarily on natural zooplankton during the early phase (30 days) of culture. During the later phase (30 days), artificial food pellets (36.0% protein, 12.1% lipid, 11.3% ash, and 18.2 J·mg−1 energy) were provided. After two months, their mean (±S.E.) total length (LT) was 6.21 cm (±0.02 cm) and mass was 2.35 g (±0.02 g), and they were transferred to indoor tanks for acclimation. The two groups of juveniles were kept separate in circular fiberglass tanks (φ, 150 cm; volume, 1766 L) with a water recycling culture system. The tanks were filled with gravel and plants to minimize stress. During acclimation, water temperature was maintained between 25.0 and 27.5 °C under a 12-h light (daytime), 12-h dark (night) cycle. They were fed commercial food pellets (36.0% protein, 12.1% lipid, 11.3% ash, and 18.2 J·mg−1 energy) twice daily.
Overview of the experimental design. Wild-caught and hatchery-reared fish originated from the same region of the Yangtze River, between Honghu (114.02 E; 30.08 N) and Huangang (114.87 E; 30.45 N). Hatchery-reared fry were kept in hatchery conditions for 3 generations. Wild-caught and hatchery-reared F4 fry were kept in outdoor ponds until they became juveniles, at which point they were transferred to indoor tanks for acclimation (two weeks) before experimentation.
2.2 Anti-predator behavioral experiment
Pair-contrasts methods were performed to compare the anti-predator behavior of hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus in the presence of mandarin fish Siniper cachuatsi (Basilewsky), a natural enemy that is common and widely distributed in the Yangtze River and lakes along the river (Liang et al., 1998). Samples of hatchery-reared (n = 40, LT = 7.62 ± 0.04 cm, mass = 3.69 ± 0.08 g) and wild (n = 40, LT = 7.67 ± 0.05 cm, mass = 4.11 ± 0.09 g) C. idellus were randomly selected and tested, and no significant difference was found for LT (t-paired test, P > 0.05) between the two groups. Eight paired-test trials were conducted wherein the behavior of five hatchery-reared and five wild C. idellus were tested. Predators (n = 8, LT = 26.9 ± 5.1 cm, mass = 315.4 ± 29.8 g) were captured in Liangzi Lake using trap nets. Prior to the experiment, eight predators were reared under the same condition as that used to acclimate C. idellus. The test tank (100 × 30 × 40 cm, Fig. 2A) was filled with dechlorinated water (120 L). A transparent perforated Plexiglas™ partition was used to divide the tank into two equal compartments. The partition allowed visual and odor cues to be exchanged between the two species. One compartment contained a predator and the other five C. idellus (either hatchery-reared or wild). The compartment containing C. idellus was divided into eight cells, each 25 × 10 cm in size (Fig. 2A). It was also divided into two equal parts marked by a vertical line on the back wall of the tank. The part closer to the partition was defined as a risky area while the other part, containing two stones, was defined as a non-risky area (Fig. 2A). The compartment chosen to contain the predator was alternated on a daily basis to avoid spatial biases (Duan et al., 2013). Additionally, the individual predator used for testing was changed regularly to avoid potential biases caused by activities unique to individuals. The rear and lateral walls of the tank were covered by black sheets to reduce visual disturbances and facilitate video-tape analysis. An 80-W lamp illuminated the tank above the water. The lighting regime was maintained as in the acclimation period, and the water temperate, dissolved oxygen, and pH were 25 ± 0.5 °C, 7.5 ± 0.4 mg · L−1, and 8.19 ± 0.2, respectively.
All trials were carried out between 1000 and 1400 h every day. Each trial consisted of a paired comparison that included two test tanks, one with five randomly-selected hatchery-reared C. idellus, and one with five wild C. idellus. The C. idellus were introduced and acclimatized for 2 h. Their behavior was subsequently filmed for 1 h using a video camera (HDR-PJ790E; Sony). Then, a predator was introduced through a sliding tunnel (Fig. 2A), and filming continued for another hour. The sliding tunnel was fixed and extended from the outside of the tank to the surface of the water inside (Fig. 2A). This allowed introduction of the predator with minimal disturbance to the C. idellus. Once a trial was completed, all C. idellus and the predator were transferred to other holding tanks. The test tank was then prepared for reuse by deep cleaning and refilling with fresh water to remove potential alarm odor cues.
Because fish movement along the third dimension (from tank front to back) was not filmed, only two-dimensional images were analyzed. Videos taken from 5 min before to 5 min after predator introduction were analyzed. A frame was extracted every 20 s from each 5-min period, yielding 15 temporal frames per period. Three indicators reflecting axes of anti-predator behavior were measured, finding the mean (±S.E.) for each 5-min period for each group in each trial.
One indicator was the time spent in the risky area, reflecting the sensitivity of prey in detecting and collecting information about predators (Magurran and Seghers, 1990; Murphy and Pitcher, 1997). Another indicator was shoal cohesion, measured using the dispersion index (ID), calculated as the ratio between the variance and the mean of the distribution of individuals in a defined area (Malavasi et al., 2004). For every temporal frame, fish were counted in each of the eight cells so that the mean and variance of the fish distribution across the cells could be determined. A completely random dispersion is when ID = 1. When ID > 1, regular aggregation of the shoal is indicated. Finally, inspection rate was measured. During an inspection event, C. idellus maintains visual contact with the predator and positions itself facing the predator while slowly swimming (Seghers, 1973, Kelley et al., 2003). Of the five C. idellus in the tank, those displaying this behavior as inspection rate were counted.
Test tanks for measuring anti-predator behavior (100 × 30 × 40 cm; A) and for survival rate with exposure to a predator (B). The former containing (a) predator mandarin fish; (b) a transparent partition; (c) a compartment containing 5 wild or hatchery-reared C. idellus selected at random; (d) gravel shelter; (e) light source, and (f) fixed tube used to introduce a predator. The tank was divided into a risky area (g) and a non-risky area (h). The latter containing (a) test tank (φ, 150 cm; H, 100 cm); (b) two predator mandarin fish; (c) 10 wild and 10 hatchery-reared C. idellus selected at random (size-matched); (d) aquatic plant shelter; (e) gravel shelter; and (f) light source.
2.3 Predation experiment
Paired-contrasts methods were performed to compare anti-predator ability between the hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus. Four circular fiberglass tanks (φ, 150 cm; height, 100 cm; water depth, 80 cm) were supplied with temperature-controlled, flow-through water, and the floors were covered with gravel and aquatic plants. Two mandarin fish of similar size (LT = 29.4 ± 3.9 cm, mass = 395.9 ± 22.3 g) were introduced in the tank and were allowed to prey on C. idellus.
Hatchery-reared (n = 120) and wild (n = 120) C. idellus were selected for the tests. Because the size of the individual is a key factor affecting a fish's chance of survival (Nilsson and Brönmark, 1999), the C. idellus were divided into two groups. The big-sized group weighed 7.97 g (±0.05 g) and measured 9.67 cm (±0.01 cm) in length (t-paired test of LT, P > 0.05), and the small-sized group weighed 1.95 g (±0.01 g) and measured 5.86 cm (±0.01 cm) in length (t-paired test of LT, P > 0.05). Six replicate trials were conducted for both groups, and each trial included 10 hatchery-reared and 10 wild fish. Feeding was suspended for all individuals (predators and prey) 24 h before each trial. Hatchery-reared C. idellus were marked by clipping a small part of the right ventral fin; wild fish were similarly marked on the left ventral fin (Zhang et al., 2014). Each trial started when size-matched hatchery-reared (n = 10) and wild (n = 10) fish were introduced via a net cage to a circular tank for 30 min acclimation. The net cage was then removed to expose the C. idellus to the predators. The trial terminated when approximately 50% of the C. idellus were eaten by the predator, then the remainder was counted (Zhang et al., 2014). The survival rate, was calculated as S/10 ∗ 100, where S is the number of surviving fish.
2.4 Statistical analyses
To compare the anti-predator behavior of hatchery-reared vs. wild C. idellus, linear mixed-effects models in the R package “nlme” (Crawley, 2007) were used to account for the non-independence of repeated measures taken on the same group of fish before and after predator exposure (Zuur et al., 2009). The three anti-predator behavior indicators were the response variables. Group identity was included as a random factor. Fixed effects were fish origin (wild or hatchery), time relative to predator exposure (before or after), and their second-order interaction. The fish were size-matched, eliminating size from the model. When a significant interaction between the origin and time of exposure was found, post hoc mixed models were applied separately before and after predator exposure. The significance threshold was 0.05.
To compare the survival rate of hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus in the predation experiment, the generalized linear mixed-effects model from the “lmer” package was used. This model can evaluate the random effect of fish group, the fixed effects of origin and size, and their second-order interaction. Using this model, the effects of origin and total size on survival rate (binomial distribution) were tested. All data were analyzed using R (R Development Core Team).
3.1 Anti-predator behavior
Hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus avoided the risky area differently, as shown by the significant origin-by-exposure on the time spent in the risky area (Tab. 1, P < 0.01). Post hoc tests showed no difference in avoiding the risky area before predator exposure (P = 0.089), but avoidance of the area was stronger for hatchery-reared fish compared to wild fish after predator exposure (P < 0.001, Fig. 3a).
Hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus changed their shoaling behavior in the same way after predator exposure, as indicated by the non-significant origin-by-exposure (Tab. 1; P = 0.69). Fish shoals were more aggregated after predator exposure (Tab. 1; P = 0.02; Fig. 3b). Specifically, hatchery-reared fish aggregated less than the wild fish both before and after predator exposure (Tab. 1; P < 0.001, Fig. 3b).
Hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus changed their inspection rate differently after predator exposure, as shown by the significant origin-by-exposure (Tab. 1; P < 0.001). Post hoc tests showed that wild fish increased their inspection rate after exposure to the predator, but hatchery-reared fish reduced them after predator exposure (before predator exposure, P = 0.70; after predator exposure, P < 0.001, Fig. 3c).
Effects of predator exposure (before and after exposure) and origin (wild or hatchery) on anti-predator behavior of grass carp (mixed models with fish group as a random effect).
Comparisons of indicators measured in the anti-predator behavioral experiment. (a) Mean (±S.E.) time spent in the risky area by wild and hatchery-reared fish across eight replicates (n = 5 fish per trail). (b) Mean (±S.E.) shoal cohesion (aggregation index) of wild and hatchery-reared fish across eight replicates. (c) Mean (±S.E.) inspection rate (number of fish facing the predator) of wild and hatchery-reared fish across eight replicates. Asterisks above bars indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) after post hoc tests. (d) Mean (±S.E.) survival rate of wild and hatchery-reared fish after a predation event across six replicates. Asterisks above bars indicate significant differences (P < 0.05) between groups.
3.2 Survival rate
C. idellus of different body sizes had similar survival rates (effect of length, z = 0.38, P = 0.70), but wild fish survived better than hatchery-reared fish when directly exposed to the predator (effect of origin on survival rate, z = 3.71, P < 0.001; Fig. 3d).
Taken together, these results suggest that hatchery-reared C. idellus retained some anti-predator abilities, consistent with previous experimental studies of other species, such as cod Gadus morhua (Linnaeus), European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax (Linnaeus), and guppies Poecilia reticulata (Peters) (Malavasi et al., 2004; Meager et al., 2011; Swaney et al., 2015). However, hatchery-reared C. idellus displayed lower shoaling and inspection behavior when exposed to predator cues compared to wild fish, suggesting their anti-predator behavior is less efficient than their wild counterparts. Accordingly, hatchery-reared C. idellus had a lower survival rate than wild fish when exposed to an actual predator.
In addition, hatchery-reared C. idellus were more cautious in the risky area than wild fish. Such risk-averse behavior was also documented in hatchery-reared D. labrax and G. morhua (Malavasi et al., 2004; Nordeide and Svasand, 1990). To our best understanding, behavior of the hatchery-reared C. idellus observed in this study have not been observed in other studies of carp. Wild C. carpio were usually reported to be more cautious to predator cues, compared with its domestic counterparts (Matsuzaki et al., 2009). However, studies using carp still remain scarce, and further explorations of the mechanisms underlying behavioral divergence are required in the future.
Hatchery-reared C. idellus displayed lower shoaling cohesion and inspection rate than their counterparts in this study. In general, group formation is a widespread phenomenon in animal populations. This is thought to be an efficient defense strategy against predators (Krause and Ruxton, 2002). Prey shoals are reportedly rarely attacked by bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus (Rafinesque) because the predator prefers individuals that are not in groups (Ioannou et al., 2012). Accordingly, the wild C. idellus achieved higher survival rate than hatchery-reared fish when exposed to predators in this study, indicating that wild fish benefited from their good shoaling and inspection rate.
More specifically, more hatchery-reared C. idellus were eaten than wild C. idellus when exposed to actual predator attacks. This could have resulted from the altered anti-predator behaviors of the hatchery-reared C. idellus. Studies of steelhead trout fry Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and juvenile coral reef damselfish Pomacentrus wardi (Bonaparte) demonstrated that fish fed in artificial conditions without predator experience were predator-naive and vulnerable to benthic predators (Berejikian, 1995; Lönnstedt et al., 2012). Predator-naive D. labrax juveniles were observed to acquire anti-predator abilities through training with predators (Malavasi et al., 2004). Hence, hatchery-reared C. idellus could be trained using complex habitats (e.g., water structures, shelters, live predators) to strengthen their anti-predator abilities in future reintroduction to natural conditions where high predation risks exist.
In this study, only early life conditions (incubation and approximately 10 days after hatching) differed between hatchery-reared and wild fry. The wild fry were kept in the hatchery for two months before the experiment, the domestication could partly influence their response to predator signals. In spite of this, the present study show that wild C. idellus outperformed their hatchery-reared counterparts in anti-predator response and survival rate, suggesting that early stage exposure to predators or predator cues in nature could play important roles in behavior divergence. However, we must also acknowledge that bias owing to our experimental design should not be overlooked. The mechanisms underlying the behavioral differences between the hatchery-reared and wild C. idellus thus remain to be elucidated in future studies.
Compared to wild C. idellus, hatchery-reared C. idellus exhibited altered anti-predator behavior and lower survival rate when exposed to a actual predator. This suggests that hatchery-reared C. idellus could pose potential ecological risks when released in nature for conservation purposes. With this study, we hope to motivate further work on hatchery rearing consequences and to improve success in stocking programs.
This study was financially supported by the R&D Project (Grant No. 2015BAD13B02) of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China; the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31670542); the Research Project (Grant No. 2014FBZ04) from State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, CAS; and the Special Fund (Grant No. 201203081) for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest. In addition, Lijun Tang was supported by the LOTUS+ project for study abroad. Lisa Jacquin was funded by a Idex starting grant from the Université Fédérale de Toulouse, France (Grant No. V5R28JACQU). The EDB laboratory in Toulouse is part of the “Laboratoire d'Excellence” TULIP (ANR-10-LABX-41).
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In the text
All Figures
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Knowl. Managt. Aquatic Ecosyst. (2012) 405, 10
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Annales de Limnologie - International Journal of Limnology
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Exploring Liverpool's Black experience - Sankofa project » Culture, people and places » 7" single, 'I Could Write a Book' by The Chants
7" single, 'I Could Write a Book' by The Chants
MOL.2018.62
Culture, people and places
Examples of objects within National Museums Liverpool's collections that explore Black social history.
“We wore pretty sharp mohair suits. Our trademark was a thin tie with a tiny knot and big collar.”
Joe Ankrah, speaking in 2007. Liverpool Voices Archive, Museum of Liverpool.
The Chants were a vocal harmony group from Liverpool 8. The band, which got together in the early 1960s, consisted of brothers Joe and Eddie Ankrah, Nat Smeda, Alan Harding and Eddie Amoo. Their best-known records include, ‘I Could Write a Book’, Sweet was the Wine’, ‘She’s Mine’ and ‘Come Go with Me’.
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Joe Ankrah, speaking in 2007.
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From the Museum of Liverpool collections
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Transatlantic slavery
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Fragments of leopard altar figure
Before 3 May 1941, this bronze altar figure of a leopard was majestic. It featured as a key object in the museum’s 1931 catalogue of the African collection (see image below).
Before it arrived at the museum the leopard had already survived a great trauma. It had been taken from its altar in the city of Benin by Dr Felix Roth, a member of a British force sent there on a ‘punitive expedition’. The British invaded Benin City in 1897, looting and ransacking the city before the army left. Dr Roth sold looted objects including the leopard to the museum on his return to England in December 1897.
In 1941 the leopard was on display in the basement gallery dedicated to Africa. The basement was badly damaged in the fire. The fire was so intense that it melted some of the Benin bronzes still on display.
Conservators make Blitz survivor rise again
Here at National Museums Liverpool we’re lucky to be the keepers of some long held collections.
Edo [Bini]
Africa: Western Africa: Nigeria: Southern Nigeria: Benin City
1897 before
Glass; Copper Alloy; Enamel
Purchased From F. Roth, 1897
Felix Roth
This leopard aquamanile was damaged in the heat of the fire that consumed the Liverpool Museum after it was bombed in 1941. Said to have been "found" (sic) with 21.12.97.5 "on the altar of a dwelling house" in Benin by Dr F. Roth.
Felix Roth ( Collector)
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FERC Denies Challenge to Pepco’s 2018 Annual Update
By Tom Marshall & Elizabeth McCormick
On December 3, 2019, FERC denied a challenge filed by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (“SMECO”) challenging Potomac Electric Power Company’s (“Pepco”) balance of prepaid pension assets (“Prepaid Pension Assets”) included in Pepco’s annual transmission rate update. FERC found that SMECO did not raise any serious doubt about the prudence of the Prepaid Pension Assets and that Pepco’s inclusion of a portion of the Prepaid Pension Assets amount in its rate base was reasonable.…
FERC Issues Order on Early Action Investments
By Elizabeth McCormick & Charles Sensiba
On December 3, 2019, FERC issued an order in response to South Carolina Public Service Authority’s (“SCPSA”) October 8, 2019 request for a determination under section 36(c) of the Federal Power Act (“FPA”) that certain project investments made over the term of the existing license for the Santee Cooper Project meet the criteria set forth in FPA section 36(b)(2), and therefore should be considered when the Commission establishes the length of the next license term…
Complaint Challenges PJM’s Denial of Interconnection Service to Transmission Projects Seeking to Connect Offshore Wind
By Katherine O'Konski
On November 18, 2019, Anbaric Development Partners, LLC (“Anbaric”) filed a complaint against PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. (“PJM”) alleging that PJM’s transmission interconnection procedures deny meaningful open access interconnection service to merchant transmission projects designed to connect remote generation resources, including offshore wind generation, to the PJM transmission system (“Transmission Platform Projects”). Anbaric requested that FERC: find that the PJM Tariff is unjust, unreasonable and unduly discriminatory or preferential because it does not provide Transmission Platform…
FERC Revises ROE Methodology, Applies New Approach in Complaints Against MISO TOs
On November 21, 2019, FERC issued Opinion No. 569, adopting a revised methodology to determine whether an established rate of return on equity (“ROE”) is just and reasonable under Section 206 of the Federal Power Act. Additionally, FERC applied this new methodology to two complaint proceedings involving the base ROEs of Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. (“MISO”) transmission owners (“TOs”). FERC found first that the MISO TOs’ ROE of 12.38 percent in the first complaint…
FERC Issues 2019 Report on Enforcement
By Miriam Archibong
On November 21, 2019, FERC’s Office of Enforcement (“OE”) released its thirteenth annual Report on Enforcement (“Report”) to provide an update about its activities during the last fiscal year (i.e., 12-months ending September 30, 2019; hereinafter “FY2019”). The Report provides an overview of, and statistics reflecting, the activities of OE’s Divisions of Investigations (“DOI”), Division of Audits and Accounting (“DAA”), Division of Analytics and Surveillance (“DAS”), and Division of Energy Market Oversight (“DEMO”).…
FERC Conditionally Accepts CAISO, MISO, and ISO-NE Order No. 841 Energy Storage Participation Proposals
By Katherine O'Konski & Russell Kooistra
On November 22, 2019, FERC issued three separate orders accepting, subject to further compliance, California Independent System Operator Corporation’s (“CAISO”), the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.’s (“MISO”), and ISO New England, Inc.’s (“ISO-NE”) proposals to comply with FERC Order Nos. 841 and 841-A—addressing energy storage resources’ (“ESR”) participation in Regional Transmission Organization/Independent System Operator (“RTO/ISO”)-operated markets (see February 20, 2018 edition of the WER; April 10, 2019 edition of the WER; and May…
FERC: Transmission Formula Rates Must Account for Excess/Deficient ADIT following Tax Rate Change
By Sidney Villanueva
On November 21, 2019, FERC announced that public utilities with transmission formula rates must revise those rates to account for changes in accumulated deferred income taxes (“ADIT”) resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (“TCJA”). Utilities with transmission formula rates under an Open Access Transmission Tariff, a transmission owner tariff, or a rate schedule must: include a mechanism to deduct any excess ADIT from, or add any deficient ADIT to, their rate…
Nominee for DOE Secretary Dan Brouillette Testifies Before Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
By Katherine O'Konski & Adrienne Thompson
On November 14, 2019, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (“Committee”) held a hearing to consider the nomination of Dan Brouillette as Secretary of Energy. Mr. Brouillette is currently DOE’s Deputy Secretary, and has been nominated by President Trump to replace outgoing Secretary Rick Perry.…
Newer PostsOlder Posts
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What Are the Forms of Network Names?
The Wireless Connection
How To › Internet & Network
Network names are text strings that refer to a computer network
PM Images / Getty Images
Bradley Mitchell
An MIT graduate who brings years of technical experience to articles on SEO, computers, and wireless networking.
A network name is a text string that devices use to reference a particular computer network. These strings are separate from the names of individual devices and the addresses they use to identify each other. Network names take several different forms.
Wi-Fi networks support Service Set Identifier (SSID), a type of network name. Wi-Fi access points and clients are each assigned an SSID to identify one another. In common conversation, wireless network names typically refer to SSIDs.
Wireless broadband routers and wireless access points establish wireless networks using SSIDs. At the time of their manufacture, these devices are configured with default SSIDs (network names) at the factory.
Change the default name for your devices to prevent unauthorized access and other security problems.
Windows Workgroups and Domains
Microsoft Windows assigns computers to named workgroups to facilitate peer-to-peer networking. Alternatively, Windows domains segregate computers into named subnetworks. Windows workgroup and domain names are both set separately from the names of each computer and function independently from SSIDs.
Another distinct form of network naming is used to identify computer clusters. For example, most server operating systems (for example, Microsoft Windows Server) support the independent naming of clusters. Clusters are sets of computers that work as a single system.
Network vs. DNS Names of Computers
IT professionals often refer to computer names that are maintained in the Domain Name System (DNS) as network names, even though these aren't technically names of networks. For example, a computer might be named TEELA and belong to the a.b.com domain. The DNS knows this computer as TEELA.a.b.com and advertises that name to other devices. Some people refer to this expanded DNS representation as the computer's network name.
Creating and Using Wireless Network Names (SSIDs)
How to Change a Router's Wi-Fi Name (SSID)
The Purpose of Workgroups Compared to Domains
What to Do When a Duplicate Name Exists on Your Network
Why You Should Change the Name of Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Is It Worth It to Hide Your Wi-Fi Network?
Appropriately Name Windows Workgroups and Domains
Everything You Need to Know About Windows Homegroup
What Does Universal Naming Convention (UNC) Mean?
Features and Uses of an Ad Hoc Wireless Network
What Is a Hostname and How Do You Find It in Windows?
What a Domain Name Is and How It Works
Essential Settings for Your Home Network Routers
What Gear is Needed for a Wireless Home Network?
Do You Know Why You Should Set up an Ad-Hoc Wireless Network?
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Democratic Candidate’s Stance on Marijuana
MSNL Team / 16th April 2019
It’s that time in the United States again! The 2020 Presidential Election seems like just a stone’s throw away. This year there is not just a few Democrats running, but an entire slew of them. With some old and new faces, Dems around the country will have their pick of choices. They’ll be able to whittle down their choices to a few key issues.
With that being said, where do this year’s Democratic candidates stand on the issue of marijuana? Will Trump make any moves towards legalization if he gets reelected? And how important is this issue to the country?
Issues of Legalizing Marijuana
While marijuana remains illegal in any form at the federal level, individual states have enacted their own legislation. The fact that these laws often go so boldly against the laws of the country has many divided on the issue.
Some states such as Idaho, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Kansas have completely banned THC or CBD in any form. Other states such as Oklahoma, Illinois, Arizona, and Montana have legalized medical marijuana, but not recreational. Still other states, such as California and Colorado, have completely reformed marijuana legislation. These states have legalized both medical and recreational marijuana.
The fact there are such broad views of marijuana throughout the country is exactly why the country is so divided. Federal legislation may perhaps ease some of the division, if marijuana in all forms was legal across the nation. But, is that a possibility with this year’s Democratic candidates? What if Trump gets reelected?
Trump’s Stance
Historically, Trump has been very critical of legalizing marijuana. He called what happened in Colorado “a terrible thing” and that it wasn’t good legislation at all. Later on in the campaign trail however, he changed his stance slightly. He agreed that states should be allowed to legalize medical marijuana. He didn’t change his views on recreational marijuana. Since that time, he’s been a supporter on many occasions regarding medical marijuana.
He hasn’t though, said whether or not he was going to make a move for medical marijuana in federal legislation. Most likely, he’s not going to. The most he’s going to do is create legislation that keeps the Department of Justice from interfering when individual states decide to legalize.
This is in keeping with the way the Obama administration ran, as well. While Obama was also against legalizing many forms of marijuana, he did not allow the DOJ to interfere in any way. Jeff Sessions briefly overturned this law, although Trump has brought it back.
With Trump being a loyal Republican, this is likely where marijuana legislation will remain if Trump gets re-elected. But what do the Democrats have to say about it?
Intro Into the Democratic Candidates
The candidates in the 2020 election have already made many stands. The group holds the title of having the most women candidates than ever before. As the the Democrats, they’ve been called the most diverse group of candidates. So, who are they? And where do they stand on marijuana legislation?
This is one Democrat who’s views on marijuana are as muddled as Trump’s. She signed the “Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States [STATES] Act,” which also prevents the federal government from meddling in the legislation of other states. However, she hasn’t signed onto the Marijuana Justice Act, which removes marijuana from Schedule I int he Federal Controlled Substances Act. This suggests she has no interest in legalizing it. But, to further confuse things, she’s always promoted further research into the drug.
One of the lesser-known Democrats, Andrew Yang’s home state of New York has already legalized medical marijuana and are making moves to legalize recreational as well. He is for full legalization and has called the prohibition “stupid and racist.”
Bernie Saunders
If there’s one Democrat that is pro-pot, it’s Bernie Sanders. He has been the most vocal about legalizing marijuana and has already backed many reform bills. He wants to completely legalize the drug, and end cannabis prohibition. He wants it fully removed from all schedules listed in the Controlled Substances Act. The drug is already fully legalized in his home state of Vermont.
Corey Booker
One of the more progressive candidates in the Democratic party, his home state of New York is currently pushing for more marijuana legislation. He has already authored the Marijuana Reform Act and has argued to expunge or reduce sentences for those currently serving time on marijuana charges.
Another vocal advocate for marijuana legalization, Elizabeth Warren is one of the lead sponsors of the STATES Act. This also protects states from federal intervention should they choose to legalize certain aspects pertaining to legalize the drug. She’s also signed many marijuana reform bills.
Coming from one of the most marijuana-friendly states in the nation, Jay Inslee is not surprisingly an advocate for legalizing marijuana. As governor of Washington, he’s already expunged thousands of records. He’s also criticised Jeff Sessions’ attempt to allow the federal government to interfere with states that have legalized it.
Julian Castro comes from Florida, a state that has only legalized medical marijuana. Still, he’s been quite vocal about partial legislation making marijuana legal. He’s also spoken out about criminal charges for recreational marijuana crimes.
Kamala Harris comes from California, one of the most progressive states when it comes to both medical and recreational marijuana. However, she hasn’t always been pro-legalization. It wasn’t until 2015 when she spoke in favour of medical marijuana, but still seems hesitant to venture into the recreational arena.
Kristen Gillibrand
Kristen Gilibrand is another Democrat candidate that has spoken out in the past about the racists and unfair nature of marijuana prohibition. She’s signed several pieces of legislation including Cory Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act.
Pete Buttigieg is not a well-known name among the Democratic candidates, and his views on legalizing marijuana are just as lesser-known. A representative from his mayor’s office states that he is pro-legalization. However, his home state of Indiana is very conservative and against legalizing the drug.
Tusli Gabbard may be most well-known for her views on Assad, but she should also be known for her progressive views on marijuana legislation. She was the lead sponsor on a bill requiring the federal government to examine the effects of marijuana legalization on a state level. She’s also been very vocal about decriminalizing the drug on a federal level and criticised Jeff Sessions’ move to allow the government to interfere with legalization.
Currently, there are more Democrats in the 2020 election than there have been for the past several years. Most of them seem to be in favour, at least partly, of marijuana legalization, but they certainly take it to different extents. Clearly, if a Democrat is elected, the United States will see marijuana legalization in some form. If the Republicans win again though, that is much more doubtful as these candidates mostly stand firmly rooted in their belief that it would be bad for the nation.
View ‘MSNL Team’ Articles
The impact of marijuana tourism
MSNL Team / 22nd May 2015
Senate Green Lights Veterans Medical Pot
MSNL Team / 20th November 2015
Home Grown in Canada from 24th August
MSNL Team / 26th August 2016
Is Marijuana Legal in Australia?
MSNL Team / 12th June 2017
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ENTEREG®
(alvimopan) capsules 12 mg, for oral use
ENTEREG®(alvimopan) capsules 12 mg, for oral use
Postoperative ACP and Surgery Types in ENTEREG Clinical Studies
Improved Time to GI Recovery
Reduced Time to Discharge
Dosing and Administration
Preoperative
Administer 12 mg orally
30 minutes to 5 hours prior to surgery
Continue 12 mg orally twice daily
Day after surgery until discharge (max 7 days)
ENTEREG is for hospital use only
Patients should not receive more than 15 total doses
Download dosing information for ENTEREG
ENTEREG is limited to short-term hospital use only. This is due to potential risk of myocardial infarction with long-term use.
There were more reports of myocardial infarctions in patients treated with alvimopan 0.5 mg twice daily compared with placebo-treated patients in a 12-month study of patients treated with opioids for chronic non-cancer pain (alvimopan 0.5 mg, n=538; placebo, n=267).
In this study, the majority of myocardial infarctions occurred between 1 and 4 months after initiation of treatment.
This imbalance has not been observed in other studies of ENTEREG in patients treated with opioids for chronic pain, nor in patients treated within the surgical setting, including patients undergoing surgeries that included bowel resection who received ENTEREG 12 mg twice daily for up to 7 days (the indicated dose and patient population; ENTEREG 12 mg, n=1,142; placebo, n=1,120).
A causal relationship with alvimopan with long-term use has not been established.
E.A.S.E. ENTEREG REMS Program
ENTEREG is available only through a program called the ENTEREG Access Support and Education (E.A.S.E.) ENTEREG REMS Program that restricts use to enrolled hospitals because of the potential risk of myocardial infarction with long-term use of ENTEREG
Notable requirements of the E.A.S.E. Program include the following:
ENTEREG is available only for short-term (15 doses) use in hospitalized patients
Only hospitals that have enrolled in and met all of the requirements for the E.A.S.E. Program may use ENTEREG
To enroll in the E.A.S.E. Program, an authorized hospital representative must acknowledge that:
Hospital staff who prescribe, dispense, or administer ENTEREG have been provided the educational materials on the need to limit use of ENTEREG to short-term, inpatient use
Patients will not receive more than 15 doses of ENTEREG
ENTEREG will not be dispensed to patients after they have been discharged from the hospital
Further information is available at enteregrems.com or 1-800-278-0340
More information, including how to sign up for the ENTEREG E.A.S.E. REMS Program
ENTEREG is indicated to accelerate the time to upper and lower gastrointestinal recovery following surgeries that include partial bowel resection with primary anastomosis.
WARNING: POTENTIAL RISK OF MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION WITH LONG-TERM USE: FOR SHORT-TERM HOSPITAL USE ONLY
Increased incidence of myocardial infarction was seen in a clinical trial of patients taking alvimopan for long-term use. No increased risk was observed in short-term trials.
Because of the potential risk of myocardial infarction, ENTEREG is available only through a restricted program for short-term use (15 doses) called the ENTEREG Access Support and Education (E.A.S.E.) Program.
ENTEREG Capsules are contraindicated in patients who have taken therapeutic doses of opioids for more than 7 consecutive days immediately prior to taking ENTEREG.
There were more reports of myocardial infarctions in patients treated with alvimopan 0.5 mg twice daily compared with placebo-treated patients in a 12-month study of patients treated with opioids for chronic pain. In this study, the majority of myocardial infarctions occurred between 1 and 4 months after initiation of treatment. This imbalance has not been observed in other studies of alvimopan, including studies of patients undergoing bowel resection surgery who received alvimopan 12 mg twice daily for up to 7 days. A causal relationship with alvimopan has not been established.
E.A.S.E. Program for ENTEREG: ENTEREG is available only to hospitals that enroll in the E.A.S.E. ENTEREG REMS Program. To enroll in the E.A.S.E. Program, the hospital must acknowledge that:
ENTEREG should be administered with caution to patients receiving more than 3 doses of an opioid within the week prior to surgery. These patients may be more sensitive to ENTEREG and may experience GI side effects (eg, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea).
ENTEREG is not recommended for use in patients with severe hepatic impairment, end-stage renal disease, complete gastrointestinal obstruction, or pancreatic or gastric anastomosis, or in patients who have had surgery for correction of complete bowel obstruction.
The most common adverse reaction (incidence ≥1.5%) occurring with a higher frequency than placebo among ENTEREG-treated patients undergoing surgeries that included a bowel resection was dyspepsia (ENTEREG, 1.5%; placebo, 0.8%).
Before prescribing ENTEREG, please read the accompanying Prescribing Information, including the Boxed Warning about potential risk of myocardial infarction with long-term use.
US-ENT-0013208/19
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MetaTrader 5 on DGCX: Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook single stock futures are now available for trading
The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) has launched a new financial product — single stock futures. The exchange currently offers 15 equity futures, and intends to increase the number to one hundred by the end of the year.
Now, you can trade the single stock futures of five US and ten Indian blue chip companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Tata Motors, and State Bank of India, using MetaTrader 5. For DGCX traders, this is a great opportunity to further expand their portfolio and reduce costs.
"We are delighted that the partnership between DGCX and MetaQuotes Software is getting stronger and we look forward to expanding our shared community" — says Gaurang Desai, Chief Executive Officer of the DGCX. "Trading SSF contracts via the MetaTrader 5 platform will attract a lot of investors from the Middle East and North Africa, as it is primarily aimed to bring global products for the regional customers and provide unmatched cost efficiencies".
"We are pleased that MetaTrader 5 provides a ready-made solution for trading DGCX innovative products" — adds Manoj Choudhary, Head of MetaQuotes Software UAE office. "Brokers can expand their services and offer their customers new opportunities".
MetaTrader 5 iOS build 1225 supports iPad Pro and features the portrait mode on iPad
MetaQuotes Software to show its latest developments and services at iFX EXPO Asia 2016
German version of MQL5.community launched
Otkritie Broker launches MetaTrader 5 on the Equity and Bond Market
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Horizontal Machining
Vertical Machining
Horizontal Machining 4-Axis
Vertical Machining 3-Axis
U6 H.E.A.T
Expands on the diverse capabilities of the U6 with enhancements to the flushing and filtration system
Like the smaller U3 H.E.A.T., the U6 H.E.A.T. Wire EDM machine provides an ideal mix of speed, accuracy, and surface finish capability with larger travels to tackle the most demanding applications with new levels of user-friendliness and efficiency. The U6 H.E.A.T. expands on the diverse capabilities of the U6 with enhancements to the flushing and filtration system to boost productivity.
Makino’s Hyper i control delivers intuitive and familiar touch Pinch/Swipe/Drag operations similar to smartphones and tablets to the U6 H.E.A.T. machine. The operator is provided with an effective and commanding view of the control with the large 24” class HD touch-screen display that is further enhanced with a standard mouse and keyboard and full-function advanced Handbox. The Hyper i control utilizes a straightforward 3-Step operation process of Program/Setup/Run, and this efficient and user-friendly interface is used for all Makino Wire and RAM EDM machines. The Hyper i control is also standard with digital onboard electronic manuals, instructional training videos, and advanced E-Tech Doctor help functions that empower the operator with integrated and convenient resources right at their fingertips.
The U6 H.E.A.T. machine footprint is minimized with a space-savings design that integrates the di-electrode reservoir into the base machine casting, which also improves the machines thermal stability. Work tank access is excellent using the pneumatic raise and fall front door, and allows access to the underside of the work piece or lower machine head even with a large work piece on the table, and the door also has a mid-height level function for greater flexibility. The U6 H.E.A.T. utilizes a Split-V Wire Guide system that requires less maintenance and last 34 times longer than traditional Round Wire Guides. Machine maintenance and consumable wear items are also reduced when compared to traditional designs, which provides greater productivity while reducing operational costs.
As the industry leader in low wire consumption technologies, Makino has worked to reduce the single largest expenses in operating a wire EDM machine. The U6 H.E.A.T. contains a robust machining conditions library that has been developed to provide an optimal mix of Speed, Accuracy, Surface Finish, and Low Wire Consumption for both sealed and poor flush applications. The machine utilizes larger capacity independent dual flushing pumps, and harnesses this additional raw horse power to deliver higher pressure and volume of flushing to machining to reduce Rough Cut cycle time. The machine is also standard with a larger capacity (4) filter filtration system to support the higher capacity flushing capability, and are located in a non-submerged cabinet that includes an integrated Filter Air-Purge function that evacuates the water from the filters before exchanging, reducing the weight of the spent filter and preventing the traditional dirty, wet slip hazards that are normally encountered with filter replacement.
U6 H.E.A.T. enhancements from U6:
Standard 4-Sided hardened work table
Split-V Wire Guide System
Higher capacity flush pumps (2 pumps)
4 Filter filtration system
Higher capacity Chiller Unit
Standard mouse & keyboard
H.E.A.T. Technology for the High Speed machining of poor flush applications
Table: 4-Sided 910 x 710 mm"
X: 650 mm Y: 450 mm Z: 420 mm
U Axis
±75 mm
V Axis
Maximum Workpiece Size
1000 x 800 x 400 mm Tall
Maximum Workpiece Weight
1,070 mm x 880 mm
Available Wire Size:
0.100mm, 0.150mm, 0.200mm, 0.250mm, 0.300mm ø
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Monthly Promotion
One Depot Plaza
Mamaroneck , NY 10543
Software is an ever-changing landscape of the new, the old and the updated. Trying to keep up with what's available is hard enough. Trying to decide when to upgrade or when to stick with what you've got is even harder. Having the right information at the right time is essential to making the right choices.
In our Software Reviews area, you'll find up-to-date information on the latest versions of software you use and software you might want to use. We have searched the internet and brought together what we think are the best, most informative reviews on new and popular software. So before you decide on that next software purchase, be sure to check here first.
Layout & Design
Adobe Creative® Suite 3 (ZDNet.com)
"If one Adobe design application, such as Photoshop, is equivalent to, say, a box of crayons, then Adobe CS3 Master Collection suite would be like a drawer packed with crayons, markers, paints, and pencils in hundreds of hues."
Adobe Illustrator® CS3 (pcmag.com)
"Perhaps the greatest improvements in Illustrator CS3, however, are a number of smaller enhancements that will make you wonder why they hadn't been there all along."
Adobe InDesign® CS3 (macworld.com)
"But don't let that first impression fool you. InDesign CS3 will grow on you as its improved utility becomes more obvious in day-to-day work."
Adobe Photoshop® CS3 (ArsTechnica.com)
"Photoshop CS3 is a tricky one to rate since what it does, it does very well. Not all of the Extended features will appeal to everyone, but things like the Black and White adjustment, curves with histogram, layer auto-align and auto-blend, Camera RAW 4, Smart Filters and interactive art placement in Vanishing Point are all part of the CS3 Standard package and they are valuable on their own."
Adobe® Acrobat® 8.0 Professional (softpedia.com)
"Adobe Acrobat Professional 8 carries on the dream and takes it higher, faster and better than ever before!"
CorelDraw® Graphics Suite X3 (pcmag.com)
"All in all, this package is an excellent choice for budget-minded professionals and business users who need access to powerful graphics tools at an affordable price."
GNU Image Manipulation Program (GIMP) 2 (softpedia.com)
"... (GIMP) is a freely distributed piece of software for such tasks as photo retouching, image composition and image authoring. The Gimp works on many operating systems, in many languages."
QuarkXPress® 7 (macworld.com)
"Quark has added some good features to XPress 7 ... And users who stick with Quark XPress will be happy that the company is adopting some of the InDesign features that began turning heads four years ago."
Corel WordPerfect® Office X3 (cnet.com)
"Corel has a winner in WordPerfect Office X3, a feature-packed productivity suite ... (it) is a solid upgrade for longtime users, particularly those who manage a lot of PDFs."
Microsoft Office® 2007 (techweb.com)
"With this version, Microsoft has completely revamped the familiar Office interface. Gone are the toolbars, the drop-down menus, and the side-of-the-window Task Panes."
OpenOffice® 2 (cnet.com)
"OpenOffice 2 is the open-source version of Sun Microsystems' StarOffice ... (and) is an undeniable bargain. This robust, free productivity suite offers full-featured word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation apps--and it won't cost you or your business a dime."
StarOffice® 8 (eweek.com)
"StarOffice 8--the latest version of Sun Microsystems Inc.'s inexpensive, cross-platform office productivity suite--stands up better than ever next to Microsoft Corp.'s market-leading Office in terms of features, extensibility and compatibility."
Mac OS X® Leopard (cnet.com)
A sneak peek at Apple's next operating system.
Microsoft® Windows Vista™ (pcmag.com)
A compendium of all things Vista.
SuSE® Linux 10 (techgage.com)
"... SuSE is a great choice for a distro, especially if you are a Linux newbie looking to get into it."
Firefox® 2 (cnet.com)
"There are many enhancements within Firefox 2, making it a worthy upgrade for existing users and a fine introduction for new users. Firefox is truly innovative, yet it's also very practical for everyday use."
Internet Explorer® 7 (computerworld.com)
"IE7 is a clear and dramatic improvement over IE6; with tabbed browsing, increased security, excellent RSS support, better printing and a cleaner interface, it's a no-brainer to upgrade from IE6."
Opera® 9 (softpedia.com)
"I really don't know what's bad in Opera 9. Could it be that it has too many features? Not for me!"
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Front Page » Top Stories » One Little Haiti Park Could Force Relocation Of 112 Businesses
One Little Haiti Park Could Force Relocation Of 112 Businesses
Written by Susan Stabley on February 20, 2003
By Susan Stabley
As Miami commissioners await information on the price of land for a 60-acre park in Little Haiti, business owners caught inside its proposed boundaries say they don’t want to move.
The study, by Post Buckley Schuh & Jernigan, estimated land acquisitions for the Little Haiti park would cost the city $53 million to $75 million, according to the firm’s Jan. 16 memo to the city.
Commissioner Arthur Teele Jr., the project’s backer, questioned the figures, scolding the firm at Thursday’s commission meeting for including expenses that he said were not supposed to be part of the analysis.
Funds for a Little Haiti park were approved Nov. 13, 2001, as part of a $225 million bond to enhance neighborhoods and improve safety. The city has earmarked $25 million for the Little Haiti project.
Area business owners support green space but question whether they should have to move to accommodate a park, pointing to existing parks they say need improvements and other land available for a new site.
The wants to buy land from Northeast 59th Street to 67th Street and from Northeast Second Avenue east to the railroad tracks, just north of the Design District and close to Biscayne Boulevard.
The Post Buckley study said building a park there in an economically depressed neighborhood would displace 112 businesses and 262 residences.
Losing land to the city by eminent domain is the concern of companies like Sportailor Inc., a 40-year international apparel manufacturer at 6501 NE Second Court that employs 65. The business makes men’s and women’s casual clothes with divisions like Hook & Tackle Outfitters and can be found in department stores like Dillard’s or outdoors retailers like Bass Pro Shops.
Also threatened is amd2 at 335 NE 59th Terr., which fabricates, restores, installs and imports natural stone. Owner Juan Genao says he wants to double amd2 in size, expanding out of its more than 8,000 square feet into the bay next door, but can’t because he doesn’t know when the company will be told to pack up.
Peter Ehrlich, a neighborhood investor and owner of Palm Bay Studios, began investing in Little Haiti five years ago and estimates his company has put $11 million to $15 million into its parcels.
His units have 19 tenants, ranging from dentistry to web design, even a church. Mr. Ehrlich also represents the Lemon City Taxpayers Association, whose members own among them 30-35 acres in the area and employ 500 to 550. The association has organized efforts to deter condemnation, sending letters to city officials and staff.
Many of the neighborhood’s business owners say they and their businesses will leave Miami if they’re forced out.
Manny Wong, owner of Fullei Foods, has been at 400 NE 67th St. 18 years. His 68 employees manufacture bulk Chinese food, growing 16 varieties of sprouts as well as producing many kinds of tofu, soy drinks and fresh rice noodles for supermarkets, restaurants and Oriental markets, he said, with revenues at about $4.2 million a year. His 46,000-square-foot Food & Drug Administration-monitored agricultural warehouse, built in 1985, is adjacent to another parcel Mr. Wong wants to build on, but he said he’s reluctant to go forward.
"I want to add a warehouse there but I’m skeptical of it right now," he said Monday.
Mr. Wong said he’d like to grow his business and hire more workers. Most of his employees come from surrounding areas, he said, and walk to work each day.
"There’s a real upswing in this area," he said. "When we were first moving in, companies were moving out."
Mr. Wong said Fullei Foods has never relied on local government incentives or grants.
"We tried to invest back into the area… now they want the property," he said.
Because of the way the Little Haiti park project has been handled, Mr. Wong said he would leave the region if the city seized his property.
Since Fullei Foods services the Southeast, shipping goods as far as Georgia, it’s not necessary for the business to stay in Miami. Another of his plants operates in Palm Harbour near Tampa, and Mr. Wong said he’s considered relocating to Orlando if forced out. However, because of the type of equipment he uses, a move will be very difficult.
"The question I have is: What is more important, the economic situation of this area or the liability that is going to be upon the city to support the park?" Mr. Wong asked.
Charles Byrd, director of Urban Initiatives for the Beacon Council, said the city, with the recent arrival of a team of new top administrators led by just-hired city manager, appears to be "rethinking that whole issue."
In the past few months the Beacon Council, a public-private organization that focuses on job creation and economic growth, has aggressively reached out to local business as a resource, promoting tax credits and incentives that many companies were unaware they qualified for. Called "Local Business Local Jobs," the new council program centers on helping local businesses expand.
If the Little Haiti park does go forward as planned, Mr. Byrd said the Beacon Council, the county’s economic development agency, would offer to help displaced companies find new sites nearby. But discussion regarding the businesses facing eminent domain, he said, is "premature."
"We don’t want to press the issue that this is going to happen," he said. "It’s really on hold right now."
Still, Mr. Ehrlich said his calls to the Beacon Council haven’t been returned.
Mr. Byrd and the Beacon Council have targeted Little Haiti for improvement, holding a business incentive seminar in conjunction with Miami-Dade County only a few months ago. He said the area has "tremendous potential for economic development."
Commissioner Teele on Tuesday stressed that the park would not be a "Corps of Engineers job" where the area would be bulldozed and rebuilt. He said he wants to preserve the area’s Caribbean architecture and flavor.
Business along Northeast 62nd Avenue will be considered consistent, he said, and a tunnel or overpass has been suggested to link the park as the busy street divides the proposed area.
"Little Haiti is the most deprived area in all of Miami," Mr. Teele said. The need for park space is critical, he said, and the money exists.
Delays in creating a recreational area for Little Haiti are unacceptable, he said.
The public need for the park outweighs concerns of private individuals that may be impacted, Mr. Teele said. Job loss, he said, referring to the fate of the businesses, "has no merit to me in the broader context, for the role of the City of Miami. It is not the role to provide jobs… (the city’s) role is to provide streets, sidewalks, parks, police and fire protection."
"Our core business is to provide the basic municipal services including parks," he said.
However, he said Tuesday that he would be open to city administration proposals to alter the areas affected if that wouldn’t delay creating the park.
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Town meetings set on Magic City Innovation District
Fifth delay shoves 22-acre Little Haiti project vote…
Mixed-use complex ‘Magic City Innovation District’…
Miami adds a rail crossing in Miami Design District,…
Developer’s payment to city gains more density in Wynwood
Florida Department of Transportation asks city to…
44-story Alton Road tower gets Miami Beach planners’ OK
New fire station in works in downtown Miami
Little Haiti’s Magic City Innovation District on tap at city
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Palmetto Bay hospital zoning battle in court
All-free Miami-Dade transit is answer, Xavier Suarez says
Palmetto Bay grand plan reduces scale with new team
Florida faces potentially crippling nursing shortage
Moishe Mana plans 11-building tech center along Flagler
Test project shipping container home almost ready
Electric moped rental fleet hits Miami’s streets
Steven Losner: New Homestead mayor targets job creation as top need
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10 gifts for every badass feminist on your holiday shopping list
By Marilyn La Jeunesse
2016 has been a monumental year, both for women and the feminist movement they've long led.
Hillary Clinton became the first woman to be nominated for president by a major political party. Fourteen teenage girls from South Africa built the continent's first ever private satellite that will monitor Africa's weather conditions from space. Oh, and the number of women of color in the Senate quadrupled this election season.
Beyond these powerful moments, 2016 has become a year for feminists everywhere to become more outspoken in their fight toward equality. While some feminists are showing their support forthright on social media, others choose more subtle nods to the feminist movement through sassy tote bags and branded clothing items. So, other than a continued, unwavering support for feminism, here's a few cogent items you can gift the candid (and totally badass) feminist in your life.
1. "The Future is Female" sweatshirt, $50
Unisex "The Future is Female" sweatshirt. Otherwild
Let your favorite feminist make a powerful fashion statement with this bold (and historic!) pro-woman sweatshirt. As if that wasn't already good enough, 25% of the item's sales proceeds are donated to Planned Parenthood. Oh, and it's unisex. Hooray!
2. Empowering coffee mugs, $15
Feminist mugs give mornings an extra bit of feminist power. The Ankit / Etsy
Every nasty woman could use another statement mug to brighten up their morning coffee (and that extends to all you "bad hombres," as well!). Whether it's a subtle "p*ssy grabs back" reference via a petite kitten-shaped mug or an audacious and empowering statement meant to send a message, you can never go wrong gifting someone a mug. Fill it up with some delicious holiday candy or a bag of their favorite coffee for some extra pizzazz.
The pink cat, "Fierce" and "I'm not bossy, I'm the boss" mugs can be found here for $14.99 each. The "Nasty women get stuff done" mug can be found here for $15.
3. Feminist enamel pins, $7.70 - $15
Feminist enamel pins for your clothes. Etsy
Everyone has that one friend that's obsessed with colorful enamel pins to decorate their faux-leather jackets and canvas backpacks with. And you can't blame them; they're pretty freaking cute. This holiday season, gift them an eye-catching enamel pin that sends a strong feminist message.
Get the Frida Kahlo pin here for $9.75, the feminist banner pin here for $15, the feminist cat pin here for $7.70 and the "Grow a Pair" pin here for $10.14.
4. Feminist books, $6.39 - $17.65
Some feminist books everyone should read Roxane Gay / Barnes and Noble / Amazon
Knowledge is power, so gift your friends one (or all!) of these influential feminist books. From pointed criticism to subtle satire, each of these books stands as a literary ode to the feminist movement and why it's so important to fight for women's rights and equality.
You can purchase Bad Feminist here for $9.19. How to Win at Feminism can be purchased here for $17.65. All the Single Ladies can be bought here for $16.87.
Also on our feminist reading list is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All be Feminists, which can be found here for $6.39, and Rebecca Solnit's Men Explain Things to Me, which can be bought here for $9.90.
5. Pantsuit Nation apparel, $22 - $125
Items from the Pantsuit Nation collection. The Outrage
Feminist marketplace The Outrage recently released a gorgeous line of apparel for their Pantsuit Nation collection. To complement gifting your feminist friend with some #StillWithHer apparel, know that 100% of the profits from this collection will be donated to Planned Parenthood in Hillary Clinton's name.
6. Statement jewelry, $39.99 - $45
Statement necklaces make great gifts. ModCloth / Witz Jewelry Design
Jewelry is a simple but beautiful gift to give during the holidays. Rather than give your favorite feminist an ordinary piece of jewelry this year, opt for a statement piece that they can show off on any occasion.
You can buy the "feminist" slogan necklace here for $39.99, and you can buy the IUD pendant for $45 here.
7. Colorful socks, $11.95
Who says socks aren't an incredible holiday gift? Feminist Apparel offers an array of colorful socks with a ton of character for $11.95 a pair. Our personal favorite are the adorable Rosie the Riveter socks.
8. FeministBox, $69.95
The feminist gift box is filled with tons of feminist goodies. Instagram
Speaking of Feminist Apparel, the online marketplace is releasing their first ever feminist gift box this year. In addition to two fashion-forward feminist shirts, the FeministBox includes an array of clever pro-women items. Our favorite part? The inclusion of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All be Feminists.
Here's our review of the FeministBox.
9. Philanthropic donation, $1+
These gifts keep on giving. Instagram / Tampon Tribe
Don't forget about charitable giving this holiday season. Finding the right gift for someone can be difficult, so rather than giving your feminist friend something they might not use or appreciate, donate to one of their favorite feminist organizations instead.
You can donate to Planned Parenthood, an organization that is dedicated to protecting and promoting reproductive health and rights. Another charitable organization to consider donating to is Tampon Tribe, a monthly tampon and pad subscription service that donates daily tampon packs to homeless women for each subscription sold. In addition to their toxin-free, plastic-free products, Tampon Tribe is also committed to donating to Girls INC, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be "strong, smart and bold."
10. Sassy tote bags, $24.95
These feminist tote bags are too cute to not use every day. Feminist Apparel
Every badass feminist deserves to have at least one sassy tote bag in their closet. Feminist Apparel offers a wide variety of bold tote bags with powerful feminist statements printed on them. And, can we talk about how adorable the "Cats Against Catcalls" tote is? Like, seriously — need.
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MDOC: Fear of tethers “going dark” put off for another year; still need to fund ASAP
By Cheyna Roth • Dec 2, 2019
Credit Adobe Stock
The Michigan Department of Corrections says it will be able to keep its tether program up and running through 2020. The program tracks an estimated 4,000 people on probation, parole, and supervised release.
Verizon was scheduled to change its wireless system at the end of 2019, and the department didn’t have the money for new tethers. Now, Verizon is holding off until the end of next year, which means the tethers won’t “go dark” after all.
“We still don’t have the funding,” said Department spokesman Chris Gautz. “If Verizon had not have moved back a year we would have been in a very bad situation.”
Gautz said in an interview that lawmakers seem to understand the urgency of the problem, and he hopes they will put together a supplemental spending bill for the tethers; preferably by the end of this year or first thing next year.
“We don’t want to be in this same position next year where we’re wondering whether or not we’re going to have enough time to replace the tethers before the end of the deadline,” he said.
Gautz said the equipment takes time to order and come in. Then, once they have the tethers, more than 100 field offices have to go through the process of swapping out the equipment on thousands of people.
MDOC
Tree-trimming training program helps Michigan inmates secure jobs after prison
By Caroline Llanes • Jul 10, 2019
DTE Energy | Tree maintenance
The Michigan Department of Corrections has partnered with DTE Energy and IBEW Local 17 to train inmates in trimming trees.
MDOC worked very closely with DTE and IBEW Local 17 to develop the curriculum for the program, located at Parnall Correctional Facility in Jackson. It allows inmates to get hands-on experience.
MDOC launches employee mental health initiative amid concerns over stress and suicides
By Stateside Staff • May 13, 2019
Michigan Department of Corrections / Flickr
Stateside's conversation with Lynn Gorski
Working as a corrections officer can be a high stress job. Earlier this year, we spoke with Cary Johnson, a corrections officer in Jackson, about the mental health challenges facing the state’s prison workforce.
Johnson has lost four colleagues to suicide within two years, and she told us both cultural and structural changes were needed to create a healthier work environment for the state’s corrections officers.
Now, the Michigan Department of Corrections is creating an employee wellness program to help correctional officers deal with the high stress environment of working in a prison.
Test confirms another scabies outbreak at Michigan women's prison
By Lauren Janes • May 22, 2019
Officials say Michigan's only women’s prison has an outbreak of scabies. This is the second reported outbreak in six months.
The Michigan Department of Corrections says tests confirm three inmates at the Huron Valley Correctional Facility have scabies. Officials say the facility quarantined one housing unit with eighty-three inmates for twenty-four hours.
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Stateside: Whitmer’s plan for rural roads; Chicago Hamilton star on MI roots; Hash Bash turns 48
By Stateside Staff • Apr 5, 2019
The money raised by Gov. Whitmer's proposed 45-cent gas tax increase would be distributed based on a new funding formula that gives more money to heavily-trafficked, urban roads and less to more rural areas.
goodfreephotos.com
Stateside for Friday, April 5, 2019
Today on Stateside, we talk about how the money from Governor Gretchen Whitmer's proposed 45-cent gas tax increase would be divvied up. Plus, we hear from an Ann Arbor man who was among the attendees at the inaugural 1972 Hash Bash.
Listen to the full show above or find individual segments below.
Rural roads would get smaller cut of new money under Gov. Whitmer’s funding plan
Stateside's conversation with Lindsay VanHulle
Governor Whitmer's road funding plan has a lot of people talking about the pros and cons of the proposed 45-cent per gallon hike in gasoline taxes. But there's another new element to the plan. It would change the way money collected from those taxes is divvied up among the state's roads.
Bridge Magazine reporter Lindsay VanHulle joins Stateside to talk about how this would impact rural areas of the states, which would get a smaller cut of the new revenue than more heavily-trafficked urban areas.
Free Press investigation raises ethical questions about Duggan’s use of city resources to boost nonprofit
Statesides' conversation with Kat Stafford
Reducing infant mortality has been a top priority for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, and he chose Wayne State University physician Dr. Sonia Hassan to lead this effort. The Detroit Free Press has been investigating if Mayor Duggan used city resources to try and help a nonprofit headed by Hassan, and whether ethical lines were crossed.
Kat Stafford from the Detroit Free Press joins Stateside to talk about what she found in her reporting on whether the mayor gave special treatment to Hassan's group.
From church choir to studying opera at MSU, Southfield native reflects on his path to Hamilton stardom
Stateside's conversation with Jonathan Kirkland
Michiganders have been making the most of not having to travel to Chicago or New York to see the smash hit musical Hamilton. The hip-hop musical about the "ten-dollar Founding Father without a father" continues its run at Detroit's Fisher Theatre. It will open in East Lansing in May, and make its way to Grand Rapids in January 2020.
Southfield native and Michigan State University graduate Jonathan Kirkland played the role of George Washington for two years in the Chicago production of the show. Kirkland joined Stateside in late December to talk about how he got his start in music, and what his time in Hamilton's Chicago company meant to him.
This interview was originally broadcast on January 7, 2019.
Breaking down the GOP legislative maneuver to “adopt and amend” ballot initiatives in the same session
Stateside's conversation with Vicki Barnett and Ken Sikkema
Michigan lawmakers adopted two ballot proposals before the election last year: one raising the minimum wage, and the other mandating paid sick time. But organizers of the ballot campaigns weren't celebrating. That's because the state legislature moved quickly to scale them way back.
We talk to our Friday political commentators about the legislative strategy known as "adopt and amend." Vicki Barnett is a former mayor of Farmington Hills and a former Democratic state legislator. Ken Sikkema is a senior policy fellow at Public Sector Consultants and a former Republican legislative leader.
During first year of legal weed in Michigan, Hash Bash is partying like it’s 1972
Stateside's conversation with Chuck Ream
It's been nearly five decades since the first Hash Bash brought together cannabis-lovers in Ann Arbor on April 1, 1972. Chuck Ream, one of the attendees at the first Hash Bash and a cannabis advocate, joins Stateside to talk about the event's history, and discuss how he's seen attitudes toward marijuana use shift over time.
(Subscribe to Stateside on iTunes, Google Play, or with this RSS link)
political roundup
Stateside: Cash-strapped Michigan cities; cooking with cannabis; the strange magic of snow
By Stateside Staff • Jan 28, 2019
Mathieu Turle / Unsplash
Stateside for Monday, January 28, 2019
Today on Stateside, how have communities across Michigan fared in the nearly 10 years since the official end of the Great Recession? Plus, a conversation with a chef from Detroit who’s elevating the art of cannabis edibles beyond the usual pot brownie.
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'Game of Thrones': Why Cersei Lannister doesn’t deserve your singular hate
[SPOILER ALERT: This post contains major spoilers from “The Bells,” the fifth episode of the final season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Do not read any further if you haven’t seen the episode. You have been warned.]
In her final moments, I shed a tear for Cersei Lannister.
The baddest, blondest mother of “Game of Thrones” met her inevitable fate in Sunday’s penultimate episode of the HBO drama, and she did so in the only place she could find some semblance of peace — the arms of her twin brother/paramour, Jaime.
Game of Thrones, 'The Bells': the best reaction memes to season 8, episode 5
As her kingdom crumbled around the once mighty Lannisters, Cersei tearfully plead for mercy and an out-of-reach future for their unborn child that the Kingslayer couldn’t deliver. It was a monumental moment for the future of the Seven Kingdoms that tees up next week’s series finale, and one that was all but destined to happen as the show entered its endgame.
But it was also emotionally resonate and rather sad, even for two figures first introduced to us as a conniving pair of incestuous opportunists who got caught in the act and pushed a little boy out a tower window to protect their secret.
Since then, that fateful push has been trumped again and again by one terrible deed after another, a ever-steepening moral bankruptcy neither Lannister denied. But in their final moments, I felt sympathy for the siblings – especially Cersei (played by the outstanding Lena Headey).
RECAP: 'Game of Thrones' recap: Of pale horses and the Cleganebowl
For so many viewers, this season has seemingly been a waiting game until Cersei Lannister got what was coming to her.
I am not here to defend – and cannot defend – her actions because they are indefensible. If the moral code of Westeros (or any world for that matter) is that bad people deserve to die, then Cersei certainly fits that bill. But she wouldn’t be alone on Westeros’ guillotine and many viewers seem to have forgotten that – or are willing to turn a blind eye to the crimes of others.
A few hours before Sunday’s episode, Vanity Fair writer and “Game of Thrones” expert Joanna Robinson tweeted, “When people root hard for Cersei’s death I feel like they’re watching a different show than the one I’m watching.”
I have never retweeted faster. It’s a bell I’ve been ringing to anyone who will listen for weeks – and it’s rarely met with anything but fire and fury.
By the tenor of the conversation, it would seem dragonfire was too good for Cersei. She needed to die painfully, publicly and pitiless.
But answer me this: how has Cersei’s pursuit for the power she believed she was owed any different than Daenerys’ scorched earth strategy or any other person on this show?
As the mother of the world’s worst teenager (remember Joffrey?) and a sinister presence from the first moment she stepped into Winterfell with a side eye for every Stark in the land, we were told Cersei was where we should direct our hate. As the show progressed, we saw her shed her hesitations to ruthlessness in the fight to hold onto the throne. But we also learned why the steely woman put up her walls and then fortified them no matter how steep the cost.
I won’t drudge up the darkness of Cersei’s life and what led her to Kings Landing, but Headey brilliantly sold every nuanced ounce of the anguish, villainy, pain and resilience it took to keep her standing.
She was a fiercely protective mother who watched all of her children be ripped away from her. If anyone knows the cold touch of darkness, it’s her.
And yet, it was Cersei’s head that so many wanted on a spike when “Game of Thrones” comes to an end next week.
No one can excuse her deplorable acts, but Cersei has not been given the same benefit of willful forgiveness we, the audience, have bestowed upon so many of her fellow characters.
Arya has murdered people and we still root for her to check names off her naughty list. Tyrion killed his girlfriend and even Jaime was given a fleeting shot at redemption with Brienne in Winterfell.
Up until this week, most viewers had forgiven Daenerys for everything and everyone she has torched in her warpath to the Iron Throne. But as Cersei’s story as the big bad in the castle came to an end on Sunday, Daenerys blew past the point of forgiveness as she laid waste to the innocent people of Kings Landing – an act of genocide that far outweighs anything Cersei ever did.
As we entered into this week’s battle, “Game of Thrones” had already laid the groundwork for a final story of two mad queens locking horns while the men on the sidelines tried to figure out how to deal with them. It’s an unfortunate endpoint for a show that has evidently never learned its lesson in how to treat its female characters.
But as the audience, we can give these women the rightful discourse and treatment they deserve, starting with a willingness to think more deeply about who Cersei was and why we cast such unwavering villainy on her.
We owe it to her to understand the duality of Cersei as both a ruthless and stubborn queen with a deadly grip on her power, and a resourceful and heartbroken woman who learned that no one is going to protect you from the darkness of life but you.
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Two Arrested for Meth Possession
While Out on Bond, Two Arrested for Meth Possession
John Germany, 33
MCSO Photo: 03/08/2016
Mesa County, Colo -- Two Grand Valley men, out on bond, were taken into custody early morning, Tuesday, March 8, 2016, after being contacted on a traffic stop.
Just before 2:00 am, John Germany, 33 of Clifton, was seen by a Mesa County Sheriff's Office Deputy driving west on Patterson Road without visible taillights. The deputy contacted Germany and determined he was under the influence of drugs and arrested him.
During a search of the vehicle, approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine was found in multiple small baggies. One small baggie was in the possession of Germany and three small baggies were found in the possession of the vehicle passenger, Shawn Burket, 35 of Grand Junction.
Shawn Burket, 35
Germany was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Drug, Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Drug, Violation of Bail Bond Conditions (2 counts), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Driving Under the Influence and Failure to Display Tail Lamps.
Burket was charged with Possession of a Schedule II Drug, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Schedule II Drug, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Violation of Bail Bond Conditions (2 counts).
Both Germany and Burket are out on bond from three previous cases. Germany is currently out on bond for Violation of a Protective Order, Stalking, Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender and several other lesser charges. Burket's previous cases include a Violation of a Protective Order, Driving Under the Influence and a previous drug arrest. Both are being held at the Mesa County Detention Facility.
For updated bond amounts on any inmate currently in our jail, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage.
Posted by Henry Stoffel at 1:02 PM
Three Incidents, Three Arrested For Meth
Three Different Incidents Lead to Three Arrests for Possession of Methamphetamine
Chari Geisenheimer, 35
Mesa County, Colo -- Methamphetamine remains a problem in our community. On Tuesday, March 2, 2016, the Mesa County Sheriff's Office made three arrests for possession of methamphetamine during three separate contacts.
Chari Geisenheimer, 35 of Grand Junction, was contacted during a traffic stop. While speaking with deputies, Geisenheimer provided a false name and date of birth. After deputies were able to prove Geisenheimer was not being honest about her name, she was taken into custody. During a search of Geisenheimer and her property, deputies found her to be in possession of methamphetamine, non-prescribed hydrocodone, drug paraphernalia and a BB gun that had been altered to look like a firearm. After being advised of the charges she was going to be booked into jail on, Geisenheimer provided her real name and stated she had active warrants for her arrest. Deputies confirmed Geisenheimer had two outstanding warrants. One a felony warrant for Failure to Comply and one misdemeanor warrant for Probation Violation.
Jeffrey Nolen, 32
Photo MCSO: 03/02/2016
Geisenheimer was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility and charged with Possession of a Schedule II Drug (two counts), Special Circumstances (Possession of a Deadly Weapon during the Commission of the Crime), Attempt to Influence a Public Servant, Violations of Bail Bond Conditions (two counts), and Probation Violation (two counts).
Jeffrey Nolen, 32 of Grand Junction, was contacted at 588 Ronlin Street by deputies who were looking for him because he had two active felony warrants for Failure to Appear on two previous drug cases. When deputies contacted Nolen, he was in possession of a "loaded syringe" of methamphetamine.
Nicole Tafoya, 37
Nolen was arrested on the warrants and additional charges of Possession of a Schedule II Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility.
Nicole Tafoya, 37 of Clifton, was contacted by deputies who responded to Patterson Road and Irwin Street for a disturbance. When deputies attempted to speak with Tafoya, they noticed she had something in her mouth. When Tafoya was confronted about the object in her mouth, she denied having anything. Tafoya them attempted to turn away from the deputies and spit two small plastic bags containing a crystal substance onto the ground. The deputies identified the crystal substance as methamphetamine.
Tafoya was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on Possession of a Schedule II Drug Charge.
Posted by Henry Stoffel at 9:38 AM
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Severe Neutropenia is Associated with Better Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Who Receive Modified FOLFIRINOX Therapy
Back to the Future? The Fallopian Tube, Precursor Escape and a Dualistic Model of High-Grade Serous Carcinogenesis
Externalized Keratin 8: A Target at the Interface of Microenvironment and Intracellular Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Next-Generation Service Delivery: A Scoping Review of Patient Outcomes Associated with Alternative Models of Genetic Counseling and Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer
10.3390/cancers10110453
Santana dos Santos, E.
Lallemand, F.
Burke, L.
Stoppa-Lyonnet, D.
Brown, M.
Caputo, S. M.
Rouleau, E.
Full Article Text
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Open Access This article is
freely available
Cancers 2018, 10(11), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers10110453
Non-Coding Variants in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes: Potential Impact on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Predisposition
by Elizabeth Santana dos Santos 1,2,3 , François Lallemand 3,4, Leslie Burke 5, Dominique Stoppa-Lyonnet 3,6,7, Melissa Brown 5, Sandrine M. Caputo 3,4 and Etienne Rouleau 8,*
A.C.Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-010, Brazil
Department of Oncology, Center for Translational Oncology, Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo—ICESP, São Paulo 01246-000, Brazil
Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France
Institut Curie, Paris Sciences Lettres Research University, 75230 Paris, France
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
Department of Genetics at Institut Curie, Université Paris Descartes, 75006 Paris, France
INSERM U830, Institut Curie, 75248 Paris, France
Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 30 September 2018 / Accepted: 12 November 2018 / Published: 16 November 2018
Browse Figure
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are major breast cancer susceptibility genes whose pathogenic variants are associated with a significant increase in the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Current genetic screening is generally limited to BRCA1/2 exons and intron/exon boundaries. Most identified pathogenic variants cause the partial or complete loss of function of the protein. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that variants in these regions only account for a small proportion of cancer risk. The role of variants in non-coding regions beyond splice donor and acceptor sites, including those that have no qualitative effect on the protein, has not been thoroughly investigated. The key transcriptional regulatory elements of BRCA1 and BRCA2 are housed in gene promoters, untranslated regions, introns, and long-range elements. Within these sequences, germline and somatic variants have been described, but the clinical significance of the majority is currently unknown and it remains a significant clinical challenge. This review summarizes the available data on the impact of variants on non-coding regions of BRCA1/2 genes and their role on breast and ovarian cancer predisposition.
BRCA1; BRCA2; non-coding variants; promoter; hereditary breast cancer; hereditary ovarian cancer
1. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological cancer. Mutations in high risk genes contribute to at least 10% and 15% of breast and ovarian cancer diagnoses, respectively, with cases frequently associated with a strong family history and early onset of disease. Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) Syndrome is an autosomal dominant syndrome, which is caused primarily by germline mutations in two genes: breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1), which was first described in 1994, and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2 (BRCA2), which was discovered one year later [1,2]. This syndrome is characterized by an increased risk for female and male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and to a lesser extent, other cancers, such as prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma. For a heterozygous carrier, it has been reported that the lifetime risk is as high as 70% for breast and 20–40% for ovarian cancer [3,4,5]. Therefore, prophylactic surgeries, such as bilateral mastectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, are effective risk reduction strategies.
Beyond the preventive aspects, understanding the mechanism of predisposition can help in the choice of treatment to improve the response and survival of patients. Advances in translational research have confirmed the biological and preclinical evidences making it increasingly apparent that BRCA1/2 mutations are biomarkers that may predict the clinical response of breast and ovarian cancer patients to platinum salts and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors [6,7,8,9,10,11]. Therefore, mutational status is becoming increasingly important for the management of BRCA related cancers as PARP inhibitors and BRCA1/2 mutation targeting seem to be a hopeful approach for this group of patients. After three decades of research, several other breast cancer susceptibility genes have been identified, but with lower penetrance and associated risk [12,13].
The BRCA1 gene encodes a nuclear protein of 1863 amino acids [2]. This protein contains a RING domain in the N-terminal region and two BRCT domains in its C-terminal region, through which it interacts with multiple partners, performing a variety of cellular functions that are particularly related to the DNA damage repair [14,15,16,17]. The BRCA2 gene also encodes a nuclear protein that is composed of 3418 residues [1]. BRCA2, like BRCA1, is involved in DNA repair by homologous recombination, and it interacts with different partners (such as RAD51 and PALB2) to maintain the stability of the genome [18]. For the moment, three BRCA2 regions have been described as particularly important for homologous recombination function: N-terminal PALB2-binding site, BRC repeats (which correspond to eight consecutive motifs located in the central region of the protein and constitutes the principal RAD51 interaction site), and the C-terminal region (composed of three oligosaccharide binding folds, a helical domain, and a tower domain that together constitute the DNA binding region and contain a RAD51 binding domain) [18,19].
Although sequencing of these high penetrance genes BRCA1/2 has been available for over 20 years, after two decades of intense research, a pathogenic variant is identified in approximately 10% of tested families [20]. Despite the remarkable advances seen in the past years, for the majority of HBOC families, little is understood about the underlying molecular mechanisms of cancer susceptibility. New technologies are being developed to extensively search in parallel for a pathogenic variant in a panel of other genes related to the syndrome. These high to moderate penetrance variants in known breast cancer related genes, such as TP53, PTEN, STK11, CDH1, ATM, BRIP1, PALB2, and RAD51 isoforms (RAD51C, D, B) may also contribute to hereditary predisposition, but altogether these variants only explain about 5% of the unsolved cases [21]. Additional attempts to identify breast cancer risk genes have uncovered a large number of low risk loci that generally map to gene regulatory regions. The remainder of the risk is therefore likely to be a combination of not yet identified high, moderate, or low risk variants located in the non-coding regions of the aforementioned genes or in currently unidentified breast cancer risk loci. It is noteworthy that current BRCA1/2 routine screening is limited to the coding region and intron/exon boundaries. However, protein inactivating mutations may not be the only mechanism by which their function is altered. Reduction in gene expression by changes in trans acting factors (TFs) or cis-regulatory regions may achieve the same end as truncating mutations in the gene itself. Since limited information currently exists about the impact of variants in BRCA1/2 non-coding regions, the majority of variants that were identified in these regions remain unclassified. Therefore, about 80% of BRCA1/2 gene screening remains negative, while introns and proximal untranslated regions remain relatively unexplored. However, evidence of non-coding variants impact on cancer risk and response to treatment begin to emerge [22].
Current technological sequencing advancements and development of bioinformatics tools has enabled the exploration and elucidation of the genome structure and non-coding DNA regions. The description of the functional elements of the human genome by the encyclopedia of DNA elements provided a better understanding of the human genome expression regulation and how regulatory data is encoded. This effort demonstrated that most of the human genome is involved in gene expression regulation, while the small minority of the nucleotides (1.2%) encodes proteins within humans. The ENCODE project has also described thousands of regulatory active regions and showed that 90% of common variants fall outside the coding regions of the genes [23]. Nevertheless, the majority of the studies to date have focused on the coding regions of the cancer related genes.
This article summarizes current knowledge of non-coding regulatory BRCA1/2 regions and the variants that are located in these regions.
2. Germline Cancer-Associated Variants in the Regulatory Regions
Until recently, most attention had been focused on the coding regions of the genes that are associated with cancer risk. Exome sequencing of human genome and co-segregation studies have made evident that lots of disease-associated variants play a role in hereditary susceptibility. Since coding changes do not explain all of the predisposition cases, the importance of the non-coding regions (including promoters, introns, intergenic sequences, and non-coding RNAs) in biological functions and hereditary predisposition must be considered.
Gathered evidence indicates that genetic variants in the non-coding but functional elements can contribute to the development of hereditary cancers. The presence of variants in these regions can impact gene transcription by the creation or disruption of transcription factors binding sites, or by interfering with CpG island methylation which leads to an aberrant methylation pattern. In addition, variants may have an impact at the post-transcriptional level, creating or disrupting microRNA 3′ complementary binding sites in 3′UTRs, and interfering with the stability of RNAs and microRNAs. Moreover, the elucidation of three-dimensional (3D) chromatin structure reveals a complex network of interactions within the regulatory regions of the genome that includes long-range interactions between functionally coordinated domains lying hundreds of kilobases upstream or downstream of their target [24,25]. Therefore, non-coding sequence alterations may also influence this model of regulation.
As non-coding sequences correspond to 98% of the genome, the identification of regions with a greater chance of bearing a variant that contributes to disease should be prioritized. Since transcriptional activity is correlated with less condensed chromatin regions, regulatory elements are often located in DNAse I hypersensitive sites. Furthermore, regions that are conserved in mammals, containing multiple binding sites for known transcription factors are most likely to be functional and present a higher probability of containing disease-associated variants [23]. Bioinformatics, experimental, and population-based approaches are complementary in identifying and validating key regulatory regions of the genome.
There is increasing data associating germline non-coding variants with cancer risk. Additionally, most cancer-associated single nucleotide variants (SNVs) that were identified through genome-wide association studies are located in non-coding regions, some of them with a proven role in gene expression regulation [26,27]. As examples: (i) a germline variant in the promoter of TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase) gene (c.-57T>G) significantly increased promoter activity. This variant co-segregated with cancer in a family with 14 melanoma cases who were not carriers of germline mutations in the two known melanoma genes, CDKN2A and CDK4 [28]. The variant increases TERT expression, probably by the creation of a new binding site for Ets, Elk1, and Elk4 transcription factors. The increase of TERT expression is a fundamental requirement for cell transformation and immortality [29,30]. (ii) Constitutional germline mutations have also been described in MLH1 and PTEN promoters and correlated with the risk of cancer [31,32,33,34]. Interestingly, the 5′UTR MLH1 variant c.-27C>A is an example of a non-coding sequence change associated with an epigenetic modification. The presence of the variant generates aberrant methylation of the promoter and silencing of the affected allele [31,32,34]. (iii) Additionally, it was proved that an enhancer region, which is located in the intergenic sequence on chromosome 8q24, interacts with MYC proto-oncogene, even though it is located 335kb from this gene. A variant located there (rs6983267) is associated with colorectal cancer risk via the disruption of transcription factor 7-like2 (TCFL2) binding site, a co activator of the Wnt-β catenin pathway [35].
A priority now is to identify the full spectrum of non-coding variants that contribute to disease and then determine their impact of gene function and disease risk. Indeed, as subtle quantitative effects are expected, it is challenging but important to define a threshold of effect that classifies these non-coding variants as “pathogenic variants” to allow for accurate genetic counseling.
3. Regulatory Regions in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
BRCA1 and BRCA2 expression are controlled at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. The key transcriptional regulatory elements are housed in gene promoters, introns, and long-range elements, while the key post-transcriptional control elements are predominantly located in 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). Both genes are expressed in a cell cycle regulated manner, with low levels of proteins being observed in G0 and early G1 phases before entry into S phase, and high levels are maintained through the S and G2 phases of the cell cycle [36,37].
BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is located on chromosome 17q21 involved in DNA error-free repair by homologous recombination. The core promoter of BRCA1 includes the non-coding exon 1 and part of intron 1 of BRCA1, as well as the exon 1 and part of intron 1 of the neighboring gene NBR2 (chr17: 43,168,800–43,172,601). BRCA1 expression is complex with its transcription controlled by two different promoters, α and β, located upstream from the alternative first exon 1A (121bp) and 1B (378bp), respectively. These two promoters encode 5′UTR-a and 5′UTR-b [38,39], which share the same translation start codon (located in exon 2). These transcripts differ by the 5′UTR (exon 1) and they are expressed in a tissue specific fashion: exon 1B is only expressed in breast cancer while exon 1A transcripts are present in both normal or tumor tissue. The maintenance of the correct ratio between the two transcripts has the potential to be important for normal regulation and function. In vitro studies show that this structural difference is related to a lower translation efficiency of 5′UTR-a in comparison with 5′UTR-b [40].
The more efficient BRCA1 promoter (α) consists of a region of 200 base pairs, upstream of the start site, which functions as a bidirectional transcriptional element able to direct expression in either the BRCA1 or NBR2 direction. There is some evidence to suggest that these two genes, separated by little more than 200 bp, are reciprocally regulated and present divergent transcription [41]. However, gene expression data from TCGA confirm the co-expression regulation for ovarian serous carcinomas but not in the breast cancer data set [42,43]. BRCA1 promoter contains: a RIBS element that acts as an activator and possesses multi subunit EtsGA-binding protein binding sites [44], a CREB binding site that is a strong positive transcriptional element [45], a CAAT box [39], and an E2F binding site [46]. Since no estrogen responsive element (ERE) was identified in BRCA1 promoter α, the stimulation of BRCA1 expression by estrogen seems to result from an indirect effect of estrogen. In contrast, an ERE was described in BRCA1 promoter β, so, in this case, the estrogen stimulation effect is due to estrogen bound to the DNA and a subsequently interaction with the transcription machinery to stimulate transcription [39,47]. In addition to promoter elements, upstream repressor elements were also described in regions upstream of the start of transcription and translation [48].
Gene promoter methylation has been proposed as an alternative mechanism for the transcriptional silencing of cancer-associated genes [49]. As a typical example, epigenetic silencing of MLH1 that is associated with inherited variants leading to promoter methylation was described in familial colorectal cancers [32,50,51,52]. BRCA1 promoter methylation appears to be more relevant for sporadic than for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers [53,54,55]. It is an uncommon event among BRCA mutation carriers. For the BRCA1 gene, it was detected in about 3%and 11% of breast [56] and ovarian carcinomas [43], respectively.
There is limited information about regulatory elements outside of the BRCA1 promoter. Suen and Goss localized a 36-bp repressor element in the first intron of BRCA1 [48]. Wardrop and Brown subsequently described two evolutionarily conserved regions rich of TF binding sites in the second BRCA1 intron that mediates both the activation and repression of the BRCA1 gene [57]. In addition, we reported recently the enhancer property of an intronic sequence that is located in the intron 12 of BRCA1 [58]. The BRCA1 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) has been shown to be important for post-transcriptional regulation and this has been exemplified by a variety of variants located there that negatively regulate mRNA translation, probably by the disruption or creation of complementary MicroRNAs binding sites [59,60,61,62].
BRCA2 is also a tumor suppressor gene that is located on chromosome 13ql2.3 [1]. Its core promoter was first described four years after BRCA2 gene cloning [63]. It is located −66 to +129 from the transcriptional start site, and corresponds to a region rich in CG nucleotides and with several TF binding sites, including E-box, Ets/E2F, and SP1. BRCA2 promoter is induced by NFκB and Elf1 [63,64], while repressed by P53, PARP1, and SLUG [65,66,67]. Recently, functional studies that were based on micro deletions mapped other regulatory promoter regions with up and down-regulating elements [68]. Like BRCA1, BRCA2 is expressed in a cell cycle-regulated manner and the estrogen induction is also an indirect effect of mitogenic activity. Low protein levels are observed in G0 and early G1 phases, while peak levels are reached in late G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle. Misra et al. described the bi-directional activity of BRCA2 promoter, similar to that of BRCA1. It was shown that the forward and reverse promoter activity regulates both BRCA2 and ZAR2 transcription, respectively. Interestingly, during the G0 and G1 phase of cell cycle, this promoter is 8–20 times more active in the reverse orientation, increasing the production of the ZAR2 protein that binds to the promoter and silencing BRCA2 expression. Whereas, during the pre-division phases (S/G2), the forward activity is 5–8 times higher and the ZAR2 is trapped in the cytoplasm [37]. Nevertheless, TCGA gene expression data does not confirm this co-expression regulation in the breast cancer data set, while no data is available for ovarian serous carcinomas [42,43].
Evidence suggests that promoter hypermethylation is not an obvious contributor to BRCA2 related cancers [56]. For now, little information about BRCA2 non-coding regions is available. A few cis-acting intronic polymorphisms that alter the binding of transcription factors at regulatory sites have been described [69], as well as one 3′UTR variant (BRCA2c.*172G>A), but with no clear evidence of pathogenicity [60].
4. Methods to Assess the Pathogenicity of BRCA1/2 Non-Coding Variants
Variants classification is based on multiple lines of evidence, with population, computational, pathological, functional, and segregation data all being taken into account. Multifactorial prediction models are able to incorporate these different sources of data to calculate the probability of the variant being pathogenic. Currently, virtually all BRCA1/2 non-coding variants are considered to be variants of uncertain significance (VUS) [70,71], as the prediction models have been built to classify variants that have a significant impact on protein function and they are generally associated with a high risk of disease. Multiple approaches are being applied to evolve in the classification of these variants. Individually, these resources are not enough for variant classification, but taken together, they may allow a better clinical interpretation.
4.1. In Silico Tools and Genetic Data
A variety of prediction software is available to evaluate the impact of variants on splicing and on the structure of the protein. However, since many tools are based on the effect of the protein, it is difficult to extrapolate this analysis to regulatory variants, since, for them, no change in translated protein is expected. Even for deep-intronic variants, it is important to evaluate their effect on splicing before studying their impact in gene expression. For intronic variants, a variety of in silico prediction tools are available, such as Splice Site Finder-like, MaxEntScan, NNSplice, GeneSplicer, and Human Splicing Finder.
Some new tools are beginning to address non-coding sequences [72,73,74]. As an alternative for non-coding variants, bioinformatics in silico analysis are useful to prioritize the variants that are located in DNase I, FAIRE peaks of open chromatin and TF consensus binding sites. Additionally, Information theory analysis has been used to evaluate if the binding strength of several TFs are predicted to be altered by BRCA1/2 variants [75]. Moreover, the potential effect of a single nucleotide variant on RNA secondary structure can be tested by the prediction software SNPfold [76] and confirmed by the detection of covalent adducts in mRNA by the SHAPE assay [77].
Because polymorphisms are generally (but not necessarily) neutral, a first step to interpret the clinical significance of the variant is to determine its frequency in the population. Data about large populations and cohorts of HBOC patients are available for this purpose. If the variant is present in more than 1% of the general population, it is thus, on its own, thereby less likely to be high impact on disease risk, although it could still be a contributing factor.
Co-occurrence with a pathogenic mutation is another important fact that can be extracted from BRCA databases. It is known that carrying a BRCA mutation in both chromosomes is embryonic lethal, therefore we can conclude that a variant identified in trans with a pathogenic variant in the same gene, without Fanconi anemia, is unlikely to be the causative mutation and is thus is classified as neutral. However, as non-coding variants reduce but do not abolish BRCA function, this approach should be applied with caution in this case.
The co-segregation of the variant in the affected individuals, in contrast to their absence in individuals without cancer is one of the stronger arguments for causality. However, performing co-segregation studies is challenging because the majority of VUS are often reported in a single family, which often leads to a lack of statistical power for the analysis, and non-coding variants are unlikely to be sufficiently penetrant to co-segregate with disease.
4.2. In Vitro Studies
Variants can potentially affect normal pre-mRNA splicing and be deleterious either via disruption of consensus sequences, creation of de novo sequences, or alteration of splicing regulatory elements [78]. Deep intronic variants can also impact splicing, such as through altering the function of branch sites, although the significance and mechanisms of such events remain unclear [79,80].
4.2.1. Assays to Measure Splicing
The assays to evaluate the impact of VUS on RNA splicing focus on the gene region carrying the variant and compare the wild type with the variant sequencing providing proofs of the involvement of the variant in the splicing alteration. These assays complement the use of in silico prediction tools and they can be based either on a minigene construction or by an investigation of DNA transcripts derived from blood or tissue samples from patients performed by RT-PCR, qPCR, and droplet digital PCR [81]. During these experiments, the presence of both alleles can be considered as an indication of no effect of the VUS on splicing, whereas absence of the mutant allele in the full-length product can be an evidence of a complete effect. But, for RNA assays, quality control is an issue, as loss of splicing fidelity has been reported in cells analyzed under non-physiological conditions [82].
4.2.2. Assays to Measure Interaction between Enhancers and Promoters
A series of chromosome conformation capture techniques have been developed to explore interactions between enhancers and promoters to start transcription. This includes: chromosome conformation capture (3C), circular chromosome conformation capture (4C), chromosome conformation capture carbon copy (5C), and high-resolution chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) [83]. Chromosome conformation capture (3C) was used to evaluate the c-Myc gene where a variant in its distant enhancer has been shown to physically interact with the MYC locus, located 335kb away [35]. This approach has also been used to explore the impact of SNPs identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), related to the risk of ovarian and breast cancer [84]. For the moment no application has been described for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which opens new insights to explore unclassified non-coding variants.
4.2.3. Assays to Measure Gene Expression and Protein Function (Functional Assays)
Functional assays can evaluate the variant’s impact on the ability of the protein to perform some key cellular functions, which in the case of non-coding variants, might be related to deficient gene expression.
Luciferase reporter assay is a standard method to evaluate the impact of non-coding variants on gene expression. This assay consists of transfecting cells with a plasmid containing the luciferase gene under the control of DNA regulatory regions (promoter, enhancer, and repressor) with or without the variant of interest. The comparison between luciferase activities of cells transfected with the variant-containing plasmid and cells transfected with the plasmid containing the wild-type sequence, allow for the determination of the variant impact on the biological function of regulatory regions. This assay is also used to evaluate 3′UTR functional regions on gene expression.
It is challenging to integrate calibrated functional assay data into multifactorial models, since pathogenic mutations do not affect the functional endpoints in the same way. Another issue is the low reproducibility between experiments, less prominent for variants with a greater effect. Plasmid DNA is placed in an artificial environment that may fail to reproduce the expression pattern of its endogenous equivalent due to differences on chromatin context. Regarding BRCA1/2 non-coding variants, although the Luciferase assay is the current standard, the ideal cutoff that abrogates the allele expression has yet to be determined. For Lynch syndrome, it was suggested that 50% reduction of gene expression makes MMR function insufficient [85].
4.2.4. Assays to Investigate the Underlying Mechanism of Variant Impact
Transcription factors (TF) and microRNAs operate via base-paring interactions with DNA and mRNA, respectively. The majority of TF binding sites are located in promoter, enhancer, and repressor elements (some of which overlap with the 5′UTR), while the majority of microRNAs binding sites are placed in 3′UTR. Some in silico tools are available to investigate whether the variant can create or disrupt one of these. For this purpose, microRNA and TF binding site prediction software, ENCODE ChIP-seq data, and information theory analysis can all provide clues that may be confirmed with in vitro experiments.
In vitro experiments are generally the next step to elucidate the underlying mechanism through which the variant can interfere. For 3′UTR variants, the correspondent miRNA vector (synthetic or plasmid) is co-transfected with the Luciferase BRCA1/2 3′UTR reporter, with the variant or with the wild-type sequence. The results are then compared to determine if the variant has an impact. For promoter variants, several methods have been used for the characterization of protein-DNA interaction, including electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) [86] and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP) [87]. EMSA is based on the principle that a protein-DNA complex migrates more slowly through an electrophoresis gel than the corresponding free DNA. Differences in binding patterns between the wild type and mutant DNA sequences that labeled with a radioactive or luminescent tag, are indicative of TFs interacting with the DNA sequence in question. The candidate TF can be then identified by the use of an antibody against itself, using a ‘supershift’ assay. ChIP assays are an alternative method for directly visualizing an in vivo interaction between a specific protein and a regulatory element. After DNA cleavage by restriction enzymes, protein-DNA complexes are purified by immuno-precipitation with antibodies being directed against the protein of interest. Then, to confirm that the protein was linked to the TF binding site, the bound antibody is neutralized, proteins are digested, and DNA is analyzed for the presence of the regulatory element by PCR. Interacting proteins can also be identified using mass spectrometry.
Finally, promoter methylation has been described as an alternative mechanism of BRCA1 and BRCA2 silencing [56]. This is another mechanism of disrupting transcriptional regulation, which can be evaluated through pyrosequencing or Next Generation Sequencing.
4.3. Tumor Features
Tumors arising in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers are different from each other and from tumors not associated with these mutations. More than 75% of breast cancers diagnosed in BRCA1 mutation carriers are high grade and triple negative breast cancers. In contrast, the breast cancers of BRCA2 pathogenic mutation carriers usually have a Luminal phenotype. A large study proved that histopathological features could predict the BRCA mutational status and led to the incorporation of pathological data into the algorithms for variants classification [88,89].
Loss of heterozygosis (LOH) analysis can also be useful. LOH is more frequently found in BRCA-mutation positive tumors than in sporadic tumors and it is generally related to the loss of the wild-type chromosome. The loss of the wild type BRCA allele usually corresponds to the ‘second hit’ and thereby adds an additional argument in favor of the variant pathogenicity.
Furthermore, other tumor characteristics such as a high genetic instability score, genome wide tumor methylation profile, evaluation of PTEN and TP53 alterations, and gene expression arrays, could provide useful information. But, for the moment, except for tumor grade, hormonal receptor and HER2 status, this information is not incorporated into multifactorial likelihood models.
5. Impact of BRCA1/2 Non-Coding Variants on Breast and Ovarian Cancer Predisposition
Because BRCA1/2 coding mutations only explain 10% of the predisposed families, exhaustive efforts have been undertaken for more than 20 years to identify other loci contributing to breast cancer susceptibility. It remains possible that some of the remaining risk may be related to the main HBOC genes BRCA1/2, potentially by variants causing the deregulation of expression. Until now, few studies have analyzed BRCA1/2 non-coding regions (Figure 1 and Table 1).
Recent data originating from HBOC population screening confirm the presence of variants in BRCA1/2 regulatory regions. Some of these variants are functionally active, which reinforces their possible link with hereditary predisposition (Table 2). But, for the moment, except for some non-coding variants that were identified in intron and exon boundaries with impact on splicing, all the sequence alterations identified in BRCA1/2 non-coding regions remain unclassified. The incorporation of next generation sequencing analysis for germline tests should expand the availability of information, including a greater number of sequence variants whose biologic impact remains unknown.
We and others have screened BRCA1 and BRCA2 promoters of predisposed patients with no pathogenic variant identified, in search for potential 5′UTR mechanisms of gene deregulation [58,68,90]. The data generated from these studies led to the identification of some variants that demonstrated an impact on transcriptional regulation (Table 2). For some of these, the underlying mechanism of down regulation is related to disruption of interactions between transcription factors and their binding sites. While some variants are related to reduced promoter activity, others have been associated with increased gene expression. This latter effect is the opposite of what one would expect from a BRCA1/2 variant associated with an increased breast/ovarian cancer risk. Nevertheless, these enhancing variants could inhibit some repressor elements localized within BRCA1 and BRCA2 promoters, thereby inducing an over expression of BRCA1/2 [91]. We have seen that the BRCA1/2 expression strongly fluctuates during the cell cycle. BRCA1/2 expression is very low at the G1 phase to prevent DNA repair by homologous recombination at the wrong time. It can be hypothesized that variants leading to BRCA1/2 overexpression could thus still perturb DNA repair mechanisms, thereby inducing genetic alterations causing cancer. Besides that, the inconsistent results that were occasionally observed when different cell-lines were used to evaluate the same variant may reflect the availability of transcription factors or co-factors among the cells and reinforce the utility of performing these tests in more than one cell line [92].
Promoter variants can also reduce gene expression through interference of CpG islands and consequent methylation-associated epigenetic silencing of the correspondent allele. Recently, this mechanism was described in two families carrying a BRCA1 promoter variant (c.-107A>T). RNA sequencing revealed that the heterozygous variant that was segregated with the hypermethylated BRCA1 allele, resulting in the allelic loss of BRCA1 expression [83]. Similar to Lynch syndrome [90,91], this example raises the question of whether constitutional BRCA1/2 epimutations can represent an alternative mechanism for cancer predisposition. Considering that luciferase activity assay is ultimately indicative of both transcriptional and translational efficiency, it is noteworthy that, in functional studies, the reduced levels of BRCA1 protein is not always associated with reduced transcript levels [94,95]. Therefore, the disruption of post-transcriptional regulation should contribute in some cases. First, using RNAfold secondary structure prediction software, we could demonstrate that a BRCA1 5′UTR variant (c.-130del) impacts RNA conformation and it probably affects the binding of trans-acting factors and therefore mRNA translation [58]. This predicted effect was also described for some 3′UTR variants and a 5′UTR polymorphisms of BRCA1, both with an impact in translational efficiency [60,94].
A 5′UTR variant may also impact translation efficiency by interfering in the consensus motif for the start of protein translation. Wang et al. described a variant located two bases downstream BRCA1 start codon that reduced the protein expression in this way. In the presence of the 5′UTR variant (+118A>T, c.-2A>T), luciferase activity was significantly reduced as compared to the wild type, while transcription efficiency and mRNA stability were assured by equal mRNA levels. Immuno-histochemical staining of the tumor could confirm the reduced expression of BRCA1 protein for the variant carriers. Signori et al. also described a variant at position—3 from the BRCA1 start codon associated with a significant decrease in mRNA translation through the same mechanism [95].
Germline variants have been described in the 3′UTR region of the BRCA1/2 genes, some of them with a proven impact on gene expression [59,96,97]. MicroRNA is small non-coding RNA that negatively regulates mRNA translation by recognizing complementary sites, most located in this region. They can induce mRNA degradation or inhibit their translation resulting in gene down regulation. 3′UTR variants can disrupt pre-existing or create new cis-regulatory elements or binding sites for trans acting RNA binding proteins or micro-RNAs. However, there still exists a paucity of data on BRCA1/23′UTRregions. Brewster et al. performed a screening of BRCA1 3′UTR in a large population of breast cancer cases with no BRCA1/2 mutation that put in evidence 15 novel BRCA13′UTR variants. One of them (c.*1340_1342del) related to the creation of a new microRNA binding site: miR-103. Another 3′UTR screening of 716 index cases that tested negative for BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations also detected SNPs and six rare variants in these regions, three of which are novel [60].
Though intronic data is even scarcer, a few intronic variants have been described by us and others. Two variants located in regulatory regions in the intron 2 and intron 12 sequences of BRCA1 (c.81-3980A>G and c.4186-2022C>T, respectively) were able to revert the enhancing impact of these regions over BRCA1 promoter activity. Although these regions are situated several kilobases downstream of the promoter region, it is hypothesized that they regulate BRCA1 expression at the transcriptional level, most likely via gene looping [57,58].
For the moment it is difficult to predict the risk attributed to the presence of these variants, given the scarcity of data and the fact that they could have impact in different steps of gene expression, but, contrary to coding mutation, they may not impact protein function. Non-coding variants are expected to have more subtle quantitative effects and may probably be associated with a lower but still important impact on cancer risk. This impact on the relative risk of cancer is likely to occur in collaboration with other low, moderate, or high risk variants.
6. Clinical Practice Recommendations for Non-Coding Variants’ Carriers
There is currently no formal recommendation for classifying BRCA1/2 non-coding variant carriers, nor guidelines for managing patients carrying these variants. As stated before, except for some variants that are located in the intron/exon transition with impact on splicing, the significance of nearly all variants that were identified in BRCA1/2 non-coding regions remains uncertain. These sequence changes do not clearly affect the protein but cause subtle changes that are difficult to interpret. As a quantitative effect is expected, it is a major challenge to define a threshold that classifies the variant as causal or to determine their significance and contribution in breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility. So, it is still difficult to reach accurate conclusions that are useful for genetic counseling.
The last American College of Medical Genetics guideline provide no specific recommendation for the reporting and classification of variants that were identified in BRCA1/2 promoters and intronic and untranslated regions [98]. To date, carriers should be managed exclusively based on their personal and family history which allows for the estimation of cancer risk. BOADICEA [99], BRCAPRO [100] and Tyrer-Cuzick [101] are examples of software-based models that are useful for estimating the risk of a woman developing cancer in the course of her life, regardless of BRCA status. Concerning breast cancer prevention, a life time risk >20% justifies intensive surveillance, including annual MRI and discussion of prophylactic surgery. However, available data is inadequate to support the use of chemoprophylaxis with tamoxifen and risk reducing salpingo-oophorectomy in this scenario. Those variants should therefore be included in a specific program for cosegregation and linkage analysis. Once these variants are unlikely to be sufficiently penetrant to co-segregate with disease, case control studies are very useful for assessing their impact.
Variants of uncertain significance constitute a challenge for the carriers and their doctors. They occur at a frequency between 5% for Caucasian Americans and up to 20% for African-Americans. In Europe, they are present in about 10% of BRCA screenings. Since the disease risk that is associated with the VUS is unknown, the risk is not interpretable, but it may be overinterpreted or misinterpreted. As a result, it should not be used for clinical decision. Little data is currently available about sequence changes in BRCA1/2 non-coding regions. Even less information is available about the outcome of carriers that should be managed based on their lifetime cancer risk once their genetic screening remains inconclusive.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 remain the main candidates for explaining the high risk of cancer in HBOC syndrome. The first description of an epigenetic impact of a non-coding variant in BRCA1 gene launches the necessity to continue the screening of BRCA1/2 non-coding regions, in parallel with studies to determine their biochemical and clinical significance.
All authors contributed to manuscript writing.
This research was funded by the French National Cancer Institute (INCa), grant number PRT-K 14 134.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Figure 1. Non-coding regions of BRCA1/2 genes studied to date.
Table 1. Priority regions of BRCA1/2 genes for screening.
Hg19 Coordinates
BRCA1 promoter chr17: 41,277,500–41,278,500 1000 bases Comprises 1 kb upstream on transcription start site
BRCA1 5′UTR (exon 1A) chr17: 41,277,287–41,277,500 223 bases Exon 1A
BRCA1 5′UTR (exon 1B) chr17: 41,277,340–41,277,197 145 bases Exon 1B
BRCA1 5′UTR + ATG (exon 2 to ATG) chr17: 41,276,110–41,276,133 22 bases 5′ end of Exon 2
BRCA1 intron 2 chr17: 41,271,250–41,272,100 850 bases Includes validated enhancer and repressor elements that participate in gene looping and are conserved. Also contains sequences that UCSC/ENCODE indicates this region contains transcription factor binding sites, DnaseHS sites
BRCA1 intron 12 (region 1) chr17: 41,237,500–41,237,850 350 bases UCSC/ENCODE indicates this region contains transcription factor binding sites, DnaseHS sites and is conserved.
BRCA1 intron 16 Chr17: 41,220,900–41,221,250 350 bases UCSC/ENCODE indicates this region contains transcription factor binding sites, DnaseHS sites
BRCA1 3′UTR (exon 24) chr17: 41,196,311–41,197,698 1387 bases From and including stop codon
BRCA2 5′UTR (exon 1) chr13: 32,889,616–32,889,805 189 bases Exon 1 (Refseq)
BRCA2 5′UTR (exon 2 to ATG) chr13: 32,890,558–32,890,600 42 bases Includes translation start codon
BRCA2 3′UTR chr13: 32,972,904–32,973,809 905 bases From and including stop codon
Table 2. Population screening of BRCA1/2 non-coding regions in patients tested negative for BRCA1/2 codingmutations. A/Number of samples screened and number of variants identified. B/Variant impact on functional assays.
Gene Region Screened Population Screened (n) Number of Samples Presenting a Variant References
BRCA2 Promoter 95 3 [68]
BRCA1 Promoter (255 bp) 3926 55 [58]
BRCA1 Intron 2 (326 bp) 3624 30 [58]
BRCA1 Intron 12 (360 bp) 2973 11 [58]
BRCA1 5′UTR 49 2 [93]
BRCA1 5′UTR 117* 2 (somatic) [94]
BRCA1 5′UTR 96 1(somatic) [95]
BRCA1 5′UTR (2400 bp) 6475 81 [90]
BRCA2 5′UTR (2000 bp 6603 60 [90]
BRCA1 3′UTR (1561 bp) 1612 7 [61]
BRCA1 3′UTR (1376 bp) 70 2 [62]
BRCA1 3′UTR (1382 bp) 716 5 [60]
BRCA2 3′UTR (902 bp) 716 1 [60]
Gene Variant Localization Functional Test Effect References
BRCA1 c.-395C>T Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA1 c.-380G>A Promoter Luciferase assay NS [58,90]
BRCA1 c.-378C>A Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA1 c.-362T>G Promoter Luciferase assay up regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.-359G>T Promoter Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA1 c.-315del Promoter Luciferase assay down regulation [90]
BRCA1 c.-192T>C Promoter Luciferase assay down regulation [90]
BRCA1 c.-264T>G Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA1 c.-273G>A Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA1 c.-287C>T Promoter Luciferase assay up regulation [90]
BRCA1 c.-125C>T Promoter Luciferase assay down regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.-121G>C Promoter Luciferase assay up regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.-107A>T Exon 1 Promoter methylation assays;
RNA analysis by RT-PCR down regulation [93]
BRCA1 c.-71G>A Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA1 c.-24T>C Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA1 c.-3G>C (+117G>C) Exon2 Luciferase assay;
RNA translation assay down regulation [95]
BRCA1 c.-2A>T (+118A>T) Exon2 Luciferase assay; RNA analysis by RT-PCR. Protein analysis by IHC down regulation [94]
BRCA1 c.81-3985A>T Intron 2 Luciferase assay up-regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.81-3980A>G Intron 2 Luciferase assay down regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.4186-2022C>T Intron 12 Luciferase assay down regulation [58]
BRCA1 c.*291C>T 3′UTR Luciferase assay up-regulation [61]
BRCA1 c.*528G>C 3′UTR Luciferase assay down regulation (MDAMB231)
up-regulation (MCF7) [61]
BRCA1 c.*718A>G 3′UTR Luciferase assay down regulation [61]
BRCA1 c.*750A>G 3′UTR Luciferase assay NS
up-regulation [60,62]
BRCA1 c.*800T>C 3′UTR Luciferase assay NS [61]
BRCA1 c.*1012A>G 3′UTR Luciferase assay NS [62]
BRCA1 c.*1139G>T 3′UTR Luciferase assay up-regulation (MDAMB231)
down regulation (MCF7) [61]
BRCA1 c.*1271T>C 3′UTR Luciferase assay down regulation [61]
BRCA1 c.*1286C>A 3′UTR Luciferase assay down regulation [62]
BRCA1 c.*1340_1342del 3′UTR Luciferase assay up-regulation [61]
BRCA2 c.-467T>G Promoter Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-408T>A Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-296C>T Promoter Luciferase assay down regulation [58,90]
BRCA2 c.-280_272dup Promoter Luciferase assay up-regulation [58]
BRCA2 c.-280del Promoter Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-262G>A Promoter Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-220G>T Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA2 c.-218G>A Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA2 c.-200C>T Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-197A>C Exon 1 Luciferase assay down regulation [90]
BRCA2 c.-188C>T (+46C>T) Exon 1 Luciferaseassay NS [68]
BRCA2 c.-175C>T (+59C>T) Exon 1 Luciferase assay down regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-174G>A Exon 1 Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-162G>A (+72G>A) Exon 1 Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-159T>A Exon 1 Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-133T>G Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-119A>G Exon 1 Luciferase assay down regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-94T>C Exon 1 Luciferase assay up-regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-87T>G Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-82G>C Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [90]
BRCA2 c.-77C>T Exon 1 Luciferase assay down regulation [68]
BRCA2 c.-63C>T Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [68]
BRCA2 c.-52A>G Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [58]
BRCA2 c.-52A>G (+182A>G) Exon 1 Luciferase assay NS [68]
BRCA2 c.*172 G>A 3′UTR Luciferase assay up-regulation (HBL-100)
* Information about BRCA1 coding sequencing not reported.
© 2018 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Cancers, EISSN 2072-6694, Published by MDPI AG
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Delaware Supreme Court Holds That Directors Can Still Be Friends
News & Media Mentions
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Lewis H. Lazarus
While Martha Stewart's criminal trial has garnered its share of headlines, a derivative claim brought by a stockholder of her company has generated an opinion by the Delaware Supreme Court that clarifies the standards by which Delaware will measure the independence of a director for purposes of assessing demand futility. In Beam v. Stewart, No. 501, 2003 (Del. March 31, 2004) (en Banc) the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Chancery's dismissal of a claim that Stewart had breached her fiduciary duties of care and loyalty by illegally selling Imclone stock and by mishandling the attendant media publicity, causing injury to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. ("MSO") and its stockholders. The Supreme Court ruled that plaintiffs had failed to plead facts sufficient to cast a reasonable doubt on the ability of a majority of the six-member MSO board objectively to determine whether to pursue a potential claim against Stewart, and on that basis affirmed the dismissal by the Court of Chancery of plaintiff's complaint.
Standard for Independence
In so holding, the Delaware Supreme Court emphasized that directors of a Delaware corporation are presumed to have acted consistent with their fiduciary duties. Plaintiffs thus have a burden to plead facts raising a reasonable inference that a director is so beholden to a fellow director that his or her "discretion would be sterilized." Plaintiffs here so pled as to one director who as an officer received substantial compensation from MSO. But as to the other four directors, plaintiffs simply alleged friendship, including having attended a wedding reception hosted by Stewart's personal attorney for his daughter. The Supreme Court held that "allegations of mere personal friendship or a mere outside business relationship, standing alone, are insufficient to raise a reasonable doubt about a director's independence." Id. at 13. Plaintiff failed to "plead facts that would support the inference that because of the nature of the relationship or additional circumstances other than the interested director's stock ownership or voting power, the non-interested director would be more willing to risk his or her reputation than risk the relationship with the interested director." Id. at 16-17.
Oracle Distinguished
The Delaware Supreme Court also rejected plaintiff's efforts to analogize the
facts of her complaint with the facts of In re Oracle Corp. Derivative Litigation, 824 A.2d 917 (Del. Ch. 2003). In Oracle, the Court of Chancery had rejected the report of a special litigation committee ("SLC") established to investigate whether the corporation should dismiss a claim against certain of its directors for breach of fiduciary duty. Without passing on whether the substantive standard of independence in an SLC context differs from the standard in a case involving pre-suit demand, the Supreme Court did note that in the former case the SLC bears the burden of demonstrating its independence with the directors required to demonstrate that they, like Caesar's wife, are above reproach while in the latter independence is presumed. Id. at 23.
Court Encourages Use of Inspection Rights
Finally, the Supreme Court observed that plaintiff had failed to take advantage of means at her disposal to learn more facts which may have enabled her to meet her pleading burden and raise sufficient doubts about the independence of the directors. Section 220 of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a stockholder to demand inspection of the books and records of the corporation where she suspects mismanagement affecting her interests as a stockholder. Among the items the Supreme Court identified as legitimate areas of inquiry in this case were irregularities or 'cronyism' in the process for nominating board members; the independence of the nominating committee, if any, from management; and whether Stewart controlled the nominating process. Id. at 24-25. The Court noted that plaintiffs in the celebrated Disney case had likewise failed to make a demand for books and records, had their original complaint dismissed but with leave to replead, and after exercising their inspection rights were able to plead facts sufficient to raise a reasonable doubt as to the good faith of a majority of the Disney board in a new complaint which survived a motion to dismiss.
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Home / News / Sports Cars
McLaren 620R revealed as race car for the road
Viknesh Vijayenthiran December 9, 2019 Comment Now!
McLaren on Monday unveiled a new Sport Series member that sits above the already extreme 600LT.
The new car goes by the name 620R, and it's essentially a street-legal version of the 570S GT4 race car.
Just 350 are destined to be built and the price, assuming you can secure a build slot, is set at $299,000. That figure includes a day at the track with tuition from a professional racing driver.
2017 McLaren 570S GT4 race car
Power comes from the familiar 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 fitted to all Sports Series members, including the GT4 racer, and peak output in this latest application registers at 610 horsepower (620 metric hp, hence the name) and 457 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and driving the rear wheels, the engine will see the 620R rocket to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, pass 124 mph in 8.1 seconds, and keeping going until it tops out at 200 mph.
That's not a huge jump in performance over the 592-hp 600LT but the 620R benefits from numerous aerodynamic and chassis mods to make it even more capable at the track. Buyers can even select a bespoke set of Pirelli slick tires to boost grip and braking performance, though these are designed for track-use only. For the street, McLaren fits the 620R with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo Rs.
Impressively, the 620R doesn't require any of the usual adjustments when switching between street-legal and slick tires, meaning owners will be able to drive to the track, swap the tires and be ready to go straight away. The wheels measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear and are wrapped in 225/35-size tires at the front and 285/35-size tires at the rear. Carbon-ceramic brake rotors are standard, naturally.
McLaren 620R
The aerodynamic package is taken straight off the GT4 race car. The key feature is the adjustable rear wing which is made from carbon fiber and sits about 12.5 inches above the vehicle to increase downforce while keeping drag at bay. You'll also notice the splitter and dive planes at the front. McLaren quotes a maximum 408 pounds of downforce at a speed of 155 mph.
Inside the car, carbon fiber racing seats with six-point harnesses are fitted as standard, along with door pull straps and carbon fiber shift paddles to further save weight. A performance data recorder, known as the McLaren Track Telemetry system, is also fitted and joined by an individually numbered dash plaque. Note, buyers who choose to add an available roof scoop can also add a three-camera system for the McLaren Track Telemetry system.
Deliveries of the 620R commence in February 2020.
High-Res Gallery: McLaren 620R
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Home/Summaries/Chinatown (1974) Movie Synopsis
Chinatown (1974) Movie Synopsis
Listen to the Film Review
In Roman Polanski‘s Chinatown, Ida Sessions impersonates Evelyn Mulwray for a few hours in order to hire private investigator, J. J. “Jake” Gittes. She wants him to survey the real Evelyn’s husband, Hollis I Mulwray, and find out if he’s having an affair with another woman. Jake takes the job, and sets out to find out what he finds out.
He tails Mulwray, who is the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s chief engineer, to a public meeting on the creation of a new reservoir. Mulwray publicly opposes the dam because a dam he created years earlier failed; killing many people. They plan to build the new dam on the same earth foundations as the failed one. So he wants no part of it.
Eventually, Jake catches Mulwray redhanded with another woman, and publishes pictures of their encounter in the daily newspaper. However, the next day, the real Evelyn Mulwray (and her lawyer) greets Jake. His revelation angers them, and worry about its affects on her reputation.
She tells Jake to expect a lawsuit, but it’s unclear what she can sue him for or, why she’d want to expose herself in this manner. The aforementioned encounter a) takes place in a public space, and b) Evelyn wouldn’t want to take her chances that Jake can’t find out the truth about the mistress’ identity. He could then exploit that fact to save his own ass.
Jake doesn’t accept someone set him up, and sets out to learn who set up Mulwray. Before he’s able to talk to Mulwray, he winds up dead in a freshwater reservoir. Things turn a bit crazy from there.
The real Evelyn Mulwray drops her lawsuit against Jake, and hires him to find out what he finds out. Jake’s investigation leads him to discover that the reservoir lets out thousands upon thousands of gallons of water at night. Water Department Security Chief, Claude Mulvihill and his lackey interrupts his discovery. The midget lackey slashes Jake’s left nostril as a warning of what will happen if he doesn’t drop the case.
Later, Ida Sessions calls Jake, but refuses to tell him who her employer is. She does offer a clue when she reveals that one of them appeared in that day’s obituaries. Jake has no clue who that’d be thus far, so he goes to meet the very pleasant Noah Cross. He used to be Mulwray’s business partner, and is Evelyn’s bastard father.
Noah finds out from their conversation that Evelyn hired Jake to find out what he find out. So Cross offers to double Evelyn’s money plus a bonus if he finds Mulwray’s now missing mistress.
Jake heads off to the Hall of Records, and he learns someone is buying huge tracts of land in the Northwest Valley; the very valley where the drought has now taken hold. Jake goes to see some of the property for himself, but local farmers, thinking he’s another water department thug looking to poison their water or blow up their storage tanks, attack him.
Jake realizes that Cross, and some of his associates at the Albacore Club, faked the drought. Distressed farmers then have no choice but sell their land for cheap. Evelyn picks Jake up from a farm, and as they head home, Jake reads the day’s obituaries. One of deceased has the same name as one of the people who just bought a lot of land in the Northwest Valley, BUT he bought the land a week after his death.
He was a resident of the Mar Vista Inn retirement home, so Jake and Evelyn bluff their way into a tour of the place. Here, Jake confirms his suspicions that Cross and others at the Albacore Club are purchasing land in the Northwest Valley with the identities of the elderly residents at Mar Vista Inn. Jake narrowly escapes the home when Cross’s thugs show up to kill him, but Evelyn snatches him up in her car, and drives them back to her place.
Back at her place, Jake bones the noir out of Evelyn, but it ends when Evelyn receives an urgent phone call, and she frantically rushes off. Jake tails her to the mysterious location where through one of the windows, he spots Mulwray’s missing mistress. He confronts Evelyn about the mistress in her car as she starts to drive off. He claims Evelyn is holding the girl against her will, but Evelyn confesses that the girl is actually her sister, Katherine.
The next day, Jake heads over to Ida Session’s place, but he finds her dead. He also finds police Lieutenant Escobar and his merry police squad hiding in her bathroom. Escobar wants answers because Mulwray has salt water in his lungs, but that can’t be if the guy drowned in a fresh water reservoir. Escobar believes Evelyn murdered her husband, and then moved the body. He also thinks Jake is unlawfully hiding evidence for her, and orders him to bring Evelyn to him or face arrest.
Jake goes to Evelyn’s house, but she’s packing to leave town. So, he runs off to Katherine’s house where he retrieves a pair of broken bifocals out of her salt water pond; believing them to be Mulwray’s. He arrives at Katherine’s place, and finds Evelyn finishing up packing. Jake pressures Evelyn about Katherine. She breaks, and tells him that Katherine is both her sister and daughter because her father raped her at the age of 15.
Evelyn also tells Jake that the bifocals he found in the water are not Mulwray’s but her father’s (Noah Cross if you’ve lost track in all the names). Jake now links Cross to Mulwray’s drowning/murder in the salt water pond at Mulwray’s house, so he tells Evelyn to go to her butler’s house in Chinatown, and wait for him.
Jake goes back to Evelyn’s house again, and calls Cross to tell him he has Katherine. When Cross arrives, Jake confronts Cross with what he has found out. Cross admits that he is the mastermind behind a plan to annex the Northwest Valley into the City of Los Angeles; That will allow him to develope the cheap land he bought, and then sell the residents in the area the water he owns.
Things go down hill between the two men when Jake shows Cross his broken bifocals he found in the saltwater pond that Mulwray died in. Mulvihill shows up again, and takes the glasses. They then force Jake to drive them all to Evelyn and Katherine in Chinatown, but when they show up, Lieutenant Escobar and his men are waiting to arrest Jake.
As this is going on, Evelyn refuses to let Cross near Katherine. Evelyn shoots Cross in the arm, and drives away with Katherine. Escobar and his men fire at the car. A bullet hits Evelyn in the back of her head, and it explodes out her left eye. She falls face first onto the car’s horn; dead.
Cross gets his daughter for himself, the farmer’s land for himself, and the dam for himself. The city annexes his land, and Cross becomes even more wealthy from the whole shady ordeal. The cops release Jake, and tell him to: ”Forget it, Jake. It’s Chinatown.”
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By Colette Stadin
Moose Lake Star Gazette
Know what matters most
Family first. Always.
This statement defines me.
As I observe others deal with tragedies and struggles, yet band together in the strong bond of family, I am reminded to hold dear to me those who mean the most.
There's not a single decision I make without first thinking of my family.
I have an amazing husband and three awesome, energetic children, ages 1, 8 and 11. We started our family when we were young — children were in our future, this we knew without a doubt.
As they get older — and, boy, does that happen quickly — I find myself taking a close look at my priorities. Never once has family moved away from the No. 1 spot.
We are lucky — every challenge, bump in the road, and dreaming of the future we do together.
Early on, my husband and I made the decision to always be with our children — one of us would be a stay-at-home parent if at all possible. And, we're lucky to have made it work.
No, we will likely never live the lavish life with this arrangement, but that doesn't matter. If that's the price we pay to hear our children's first words, hug them tight when they fall or watch them dance to made-up tunes, then we'll take it any day.
Life is unpredictable and at times incredibly difficult. All we can do is make the most of it each and every day. There's no better way to do this than hand in hand with family.
So, whether your family is big, small or far from traditional, my advice is never hold a grudge, listen to each other, always hug your children and keep your priorities in check.
Tonight, I'll go home to a tiny house, wrestling children and a major mess — and, in the big picture, it's perfect.
Moose Lake, MN 55767
Email: evergreen@mlstargazette.com
© 2020 Northstar Media, LLC
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Mindaviews
Marawi Crisis
Home Top Stories Zambo business sector urged to stop corruption
Zambo business sector urged to stop corruption
Darwin Wally T. Wee
An “Integrity Pledge” is being passed around in Zamboanga City, urging business leaders to help stop corruption.
In a letter, Pedro Rufo N. Soliven, chair of the Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. urged members to support the anti- corruption movement dubbed “Integrity Initiative.”
“We are endorsing this initiative by inviting you to sign the Integrity Pledge. Your signing the pledge is a clear demonstration of your commitment to ethical practices. Corruption will not stop after signing the pledge but signatories to the pledge will lead the private sector in continuously pushing for changes towards good governance and transparency. With your help, this is possible,” Soliven said.
“We grant that entirely wiping out corruption might be a tall order, but we certainly intend to make a significant difference in terms of cutting the scale and depth of corruption in our country. Government has been very supportive of this campaign,” he added.
The Integrity Pledge was launched last September by a consortium of 21 groups and associations that includes business organization, such as the Makati Business Club.
The movement calls for the organizations to follow the Unified Code of Conduct that aims to make a significant dent in the fight against corruption, especially in the private sector
The 1st Integrity Summit was held at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, where President Benigno Aquino III, the summit’s keynote speaker, was presented with a copy of the document, the Makati Business Club said.
“The Unified Code of Conduct is intended to guide companies who have joined the Integrity Initiative campaign and signed an Integrity Pledge. The Code describes how company executives and rank-and-file employees can uphold the highest standards of ethics in all their transactions. It has sections for top management, human resources, sales and marketing, finance and accounting, procurement, and logistics,” the business club said.
Last year, the Philippines was ranked fourth for being most corrupt in the 16 major Asia-Pacific investment destinations. The survey was made by the Hong Kong-based Political & Economic Risk Consultancy, which provides strategic business information and analysis for companies doing business in East and Southeast Asia
Rufino said they support the initiative for “creating a wider coalition of companies and organizations that clamor for change in doing business under fair market conditions, promoting ethical business practices, and ensuring that corruption is kept under check.”
In its website, the Integrity Initiative program main objective is to cultivate a culture of integrity as a basis for improving the competitiveness of the Philippines. It seeks to put in place integrity systems and controls in both the private and public sectors.
The initiative was crafted by the Makati Business Club, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the Asian Institute of Management through its Hills Program on Governance, the Management Association of the Philippines, and the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, with the critical support of the German industrial giant Siemens.
The business groups expect more than 1,000 firms to sign the Integrity Pledge before end this year (Darwin Wally Wee/MindaNews)
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Collection of Carles Millan
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Index -> Collection photos and Collector's page
Carles Millan
Location: Catalonia
Posted: Jun 13, 2011 16:18 Post subject: Collection of Carles Millan
Baryte, orpiment, realgar
Group of translucent colorless, rhombic Baryte crystals, set aesthetically upon a matrix of orpiment. The rhombs are covered in the upper side with a large number of very small orpiment and several larger realgar crystals. Overall size: 93 mm x 66 mm x 37 mm. Major Baryte crystal: 33 mm long, 11 mm thick. Weight: 290 g.
Quiruvilca Mine (La Libertad Mine; ASARCO Mine), Quiruvilca District, Santiago de Chuco Province, La Libertad Department, Peru.
Photos copyright © Carles Millan. Reproduction allowed as long as the author's name is cited (if it is not too much to ask...). Creative Commons Attribution Licence - Some Rights Reserved.
6163M-barite1.jpg
Quiruvilca Mine, Quiruvilca District, Santiago de Chuco Province, La Libertad Department, Peru
Quiruvilca.jpg
_Baryte, orpiment, realgar
Geographical position of Quiruvilca
(the red marks point to well known mineral localities in Peru)
JMiguelE
Posted: Jun 13, 2011 16:25 Post subject: Re: Collection of Carles Millan
Very nice specimen and pics, Carles.
Location: Good Old Germany
Good stuff as usual, Carles!
The Baryte/orpiment/realgar paragenesis is really awesome, congratulations!
Fluorite, hübnerite, quartz
Pale green octahedral fluorite crystal, complete all around, on a matrix of quartz, accompanied by hübnerite. Overall size: 65 mm x 65 mm x 56 mm. Fluorite crystal size: 35 mm on edge. Weight: 202 g. The crystal of fluorite is green in the inside and almost colorless in the outer part, near the surface, which says something interesting about the history of the specimen. With strong rear illumination the hübnerite shows red translucency.
Huayllapon Mine (Huallapon Mine), Pasto Bueno District, Pampas, Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, Peru.
Photos copyright © Carles Millan. Reproduction allowed as long as the author's name is cited and the image not modified. Creative Commons Attribution Licence - Some Rights Reserved.
3191M-fluorite2.jpg
Huayllapon Mine (Huallapon Mine), Pasto Bueno District, Pallasca Province, Ancash Department, Peru
What an amazing fluorite with hübnerite!!! I didn't know this kind of combination.
GneissWare
Carles:
What an outstanding specimen. And its nice to see you posting again after an absence. I really enjoy looking at your specimens, and I am so glad you live in Europe so we don't have to compete for the same kinds of specimens ;=))
GneissWare wrote:
What an outstanding specimen.
Group of seven diverging, twinned, transparent and colorless gypsum crystals set upon a gypsum matrix. Undamaged. Overall size: 79 mm x 63 mm. Maximum crystal sizes: 38 mm long, 16 mm wide, 6 mm thick. Weight: 67 g.
Alabaster quarries, Cerro Patillas, Fuentes de Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain.
Other gypsum specimens from the same deposit can be seen at https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=6465#6465 and https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=6477#6477
6352M-gypsum1.jpg
Alabaster quarries, Cerro Patillas, Fuentes de Ebro, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
Tetrahedrite, pyrite, quartz
Group of near two dozen, metallic gray color tetrahedral tetrahedrite crystals set on a pyritohedron of pyrite. Overall size: 65 mm x 51 mm. Longest tetrahedron edge: 12 mm. Longest pyrite crystal edge: 25 mm. Weight: 143 g.
Actually a member of the series tennantite-tetrahedrite. So it might be from a Sb-rich tennantite to an As-rich tetrahedrite, somewhere between.
I might be from a Sb-rich tennantite to an As-rich tetrahedrite, anywhere between.
Mundo Nuevo Mine, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru.
Another tetrahedrite specimen from the same locality can be seen at https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=7367#7367
Photos copyright © Carles Millan. Reproduction allowed as long as the author's name is cited. Creative Commons Attribution Licence - Some Rights Reserved.
2274M-tetrahedrite2.jpg
Mundo Nuevo Mine, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru
65 mm x 51 mm. Longest tetrahedron edge: 12 mm. Longest pyrite crystal edge: 25 mm
Augelite, quartz
Group of several green augelite crystals on quartz. The largest is doubly terminated and 25 mm long. Overall size: 61 mm x 61 mm x 51 mm. Weight: 115 g. From a recent find in the Tamboras area, at 5500 m above the sea level.
From The Mineralogical Record, March-April 2011, vol. 42/2, page 141: These specimens [augelite from Mundo Nuevo] are probably the world's finest for the species, with crystals as large as the largest known from Rapid Creek, Yukon, and from the Champion mine, California.
Mundo Nuevo, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru.
7241M-augelite2.jpg
Tamboras area, Mundo Nuevo, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru
Hübnerite, quartz
Two black tabular hübnerite crystals with quartz. Overall size: 48 mm x 47 mm. Major hübnerite crystal: 42 mm tall, 32 mm wide. Weight: 80 g.
From Labor Jacky, Mundo Nuevo mine, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru.
Other hübnerites from the same locality can be seen at https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=14854#14854
6665-hubnerite1.jpg
Labor Jacky, Mundo Nuevo mine, Huamachuco, Sanchez Carrion Province, La Libertad Department, Peru
From the other side.
Alabandite, rhodochrosite
Group of octahedral {111}, bright metallic black color, alabandite crystals partially coated with pink microcrystalline rhodochrosite. From a new pocket found on late February 2011 next to the area where the silver ore is being worked. It shows some spinel law twins. Size: 60 mm x 59 mm x 46 mm. Major crystal: 20 mm tall, 14 mm on edge. Weight: 204 g.
From The Mineralogical Record, January-February 2011, vol. 42/1, page 73: The specimens from this pocket represent the highest quality ever seen for this species.
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon, Lima, Peru.
Another specimen from the same locality can be seen at https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=16943#16943
2461M-alabandite1.jpg
Uchucchacua Mine, Oyon, Lima, Peru
2461MC-alabandite1.jpg
Great specimen Carles. Fits perfectly with the rest of your collection.
Posted: Jul 01, 2011 06:05 Post subject: Collection of Carles Millan
(Old specimen, better photos)
Beryl, tourmaline, microcline
Group of transparent to somewhat cloudy beryl crystals with tourmaline (schorl) set on corroded or weathered microcline. Undamaged. Overall size: 65 mm x 58 mm x 40 mm. Main beryl crystal: 21 mm wide, 45 mm tall. Weight: 88 g. From a new pocket of intense blue aquamarine discovered in August 2009.
Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia.
Another beryl from the same locality can be seen at https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=4585#4585
Photos copyright © Carles Millan. Reproduction allowed as long as the author's name is cited. Creative Commons Attribution License - Some Rights Reserved.
8204M-beryl.jpg
Erongo Mountain, Usakos and Omaruru Districts, Erongo Region, Namibia
8204M-beryl1.jpg
Posted: Aug 01, 2011 08:26 Post subject: Re: Collection of Carles Millan
A really aesthetic classic from Erongo, Carles, i always like to see that specimen - especially on the better photos :-)
Posted: Sep 27, 2011 13:21 Post subject: Collection of Carles Millan
Group of 7 cubic pyrite crystals without matrix, disassembled while being extracted and then reattached with a polycyanoacrylate in their original position (I believe). Overall size: 160 mm x 130 mm x 85 mm. Longest crystal edge: 43 mm. Weight: 1274 g.
Ampliación a Victoria mine, Sierra de Alcarama, Navajún, Rioja, Spain.
2775M-pyrite1.jpg
Ampliación a Victoria mine, Sierra de Alcarama, Navajún, Rioja, Spain
Posted: Sep 27, 2011 14:28 Post subject: Re: Collection of Carles Millan
Hi Carles,
i suppose 1274 grams of assembled pyrite crystals are quite fragile ... How do you prevent this specimen from breaking apart? Is it fixed somehow? Or does the polycyanoacrylate make it stable?
Tobias Martin wrote:
I do nothing at all to prevent it from breaking. People at the mine have much experience with polycyanoacrylate, and are using a special kind of this glue that supports, they say, up to 300 kg/cm², which is a lot. For several years this pyrite had been standing in my showcase in the least stable position, only one cube in contact with the base, the others directed upwards, as you can see in the photo below, without any problem of breaking apart and dropping. However, it is currently resting in a much more stable horizontal position, as seen above.
But 1274 g is nothing compared with the 3.9 kg that this other very similar specimen weighs, also in my collection: https://www.mineral-forum.com/message-board/viewtopic.php?p=2789#2789
2775M-pyrite.jpg
Horrible photo!
Aegirine, orthoclase
Huge aegirine crystal, an octagonal prism complete all around, in a group with orthoclase. Overall size: 89 mm x 78 mm x 70 mm. Main aegirine crystal width: 39 mm. Weight: 525 g.
Mount Malosa, Zomba District, Malawi.
8340M-aegirine1.jpg
Mount Malosa, Zomba District, Malawi
Malosa.jpg
Mineral: _And where the hell is Mount Malosa?
Posted: Oct 02, 2011 14:30 Post subject: Collection of Carles Millan
Powellite, stilbite
Polysynthetic translucent colorless powellite crystal sitting on a brown matrix of stilbite. Overall size: 63 mm x 59 mm x 46 mm. Powellite crystal: 37 mm tall, 30 mm on edge. Weight: 164 g.
Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India.
6644M-powellite2.jpg
Index -> Collection photos and Collector's page All times are GMT - 5 Hours
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The Ghost Ship of Salem – God at Work in America
Rev. Cotton Mather was nothing if not a prolific storyteller and historian. His writings, more than 400 books and pamphlets, informed many people living back in England about America. In his Magnalia Christi Americana he told of the ways God was at work in America. John Greenleaf Whittier drew on the work for his poem about the ghost ship of Salem.
The setting was the main wharf in early Salem, Massachusetts sometime before 1675. At that time, it wasn’t unusual for colonists to return to England to visit family or to tend to their estates or other business matters.
But no sea voyage was without risks, and this story captures four of the colonists overriding concerns: fear of ocean travel, suspicion of strangers, grappling with harsh nature and supernatural occurences.
In this story, a strange young couple arrives in Salem to make passage on the vessel Noah’s Dove. The people of the town are leery of the strangers. Some take their presence as a bad sign. But the ship is headed to England and on the day of its departure, the passengers – eager for a taste of England – are bent on leaving.
The wharf is crowded with passengers getting on the ship and those seeing them off. As the boarding continues, a raven flies overhead and lands on one of the hands of the town clock, pushing it forward ten minutes.
The sight makes the crowd even more uneasy and as the crew of the ship cast off lines in preparation to sail, fights break out among some of the departing passengers and their wary friends and family who are staying behind and trying to discourage them from leaving.
Into the scene, the two strangers arrive – husband and wife. She is crying as they board. No sooner have they set foot on the boat then a breeze kicks up and the ship is briskly carried out to sea. Within hours, the breeze has turned into an all-out storm. Hail, thunder, lighting and strong winds all lash the sea for three solid days.
The Noah’s Dove has surely perished, the townspeople say. On the fourth day, the sun comes out and the townspeople go to the harbor. In the distance they see a sailing vessel. The off-shore winds will prevent it from landing for at least a day, cautions one old salt. But the ship defies logic. It sails forward straight into the wind and toward the shore.
The Rev. Zebedee Stibbin, shaken by the site, leads some in reciting the 46th Psalm for comfort: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear . . .”
The Noah’s Dove steadily presses on toward land, and as it nears the passengers can be seen. The young couple, the strangers, are arm in arm on the deck. But they are dead silent and don’t seem to even be aware of the approaching shore.
Suddenly, the masts of the ship collapse, and with one huge thunderclap and flash of lightning, the ship is sunk to the bottom. The story was so powerful, it has lived on and been retold for more than 300 years.
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How strange. Interesting story.
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Oh my gosh, if this is true, oh my gosh!
I am just imagine the Colonists telling and retelling this story with great embellishments!
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Diverse coalition issues joint statement on proposed changes to Community Reinvestment Act
Newsroom: Press Releases Dec 13, 2019
Media Contact: Nahida Uddin, (347) 283-1757, nahida@nationalcapacd.org
Diverse coalition issues joint statement on proposed changes
to Community Reinvestment Act
Yesterday, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) released a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).
A group of ten civil rights, consumer protection, and industry leaders issued the following joint statement:
Yesterday, the FDIC and OCC released their notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for changes to the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). This proposal utterly fails to achieve what were supposed to be the primary objectives of rule changes: greater clarity for lenders and better results for low- and moderate- income communities and people of color. It ignores the recommendations of our groups for changes that would bring safe and affordable credit to low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, including communities of color, that are bombarded with abusive and toxic lending. The proposal fails to fulfill the CRA’s original purpose. This important tool was designed to expand financial opportunity, equity, and help spur investments in underserved areas.
Instead, the proposal’s overly simplistic metrics create a loophole for banks to exploit, allowing them to get a passing CRA rating by making investments in communities where they can reap the largest rewards, while excluding underserved consumers and neighborhoods where their investments could have a much-needed impact. It invites a return to discrimination against communities of color and low- and moderate-income neighborhoods, a destructive, decades-old process known as redlining that the law was designed to end forever. The proposed rules are inconsistent with the law, plain and simple.
Discrimination in lending is still widespread and devastating for families and their communities. And yet 98% percent of banks pass their CRA exams while families and communities of color remain locked out of access to quality credit, which contributes to the persistent and widening racial wealth gap. The Black homeownership rate is as low as it was when discrimination was legal, and overall homeownership rates for families of color lag at 30 points lower than for White families. Abusive payday lenders are over concentrated in communities of color despite the reality that their customers must have viable bank checking accounts to qualify for loans. Asian-Americans, Pacific Islanders, Latinos, and Blacks face displacement from the gentrifying communities they have long occupied while newcomers arrive with access to vast lending opportunities unavailable to longtime residents. Our nation’s history of redlining and federally supported mortgage discrimination have yet to be addressed and sadly this proposal will continue to leave behind the communities most impacted by these injustices.
Over the past three years, deregulation has benefited business and corporate interests over the very citizens and communities that laws like CRA were designed to aid. Instead of easing CRA regulation and enforcement, the OCC and FDIC should partner with the Federal Reserve to put teeth into CRA so that rural and urban communities and the hardworking families that reside in them can access the financial tools needed to secure their American dreams. We should be holding banks — especially those rescued during the 2008 housing crash with taxpayers’ dollars — more, not less, accountable for their obligations to the law and our country.
The proposed rules weaken a compliance system that needs to be strengthened, introduce new loopholes and add confusion and inconsistency, all while failing to address the real changes needed to modernize CRA to respond to changes in our country’s demographics and changes in the structure of the banking industry. We urge the FDIC and the OCC to abandon this misguided approach and craft a new set of proposals that will ensure that all communities have access to safe, affordable credit, as the CRA intended.
This statement was issued jointly by the following organizations:
Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund
Center for Responsible Lending
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
National Association of Real Estate Brokers
National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development
National Community Reinvestment Coalition
National Fair Housing Alliance
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
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More Media Support For Death Panels
Human Exceptionalism
The mainstream media often promotes death panel rationing–even as it denies the threat is real.
Slate has published a piece by a Canadian student studying law at Yale. He extols Canadian death panels in the context of the Hassan Rasouli case, about which I have written on more than one occasion. From, “Canada Has Death Panels–and That’s a Good Thing:”
When taxpayers provide only a finite number of acute care beds in public hospitals, a patient whose life has all but ended, but whose family insists on keeping her on life support, is occupying precious space that might otherwise house a patient whose best years are still ahead
Exactly so. As I have noted, single payer health care = health care rationing. That’s one reason why its imposition after Obamacare’s implosion must be fought tooth and tong.
But the article goes badly wrong on stating that the US current system deters death panels:
The incentives in the American health care system point in the opposite direction. In the United States, keeping an all-but-dead patient alive on life support in a hospital bed generates income for the hospital, for as long as its bills get paid.
No. These days, ICUs are often a big money loser for hospitals.
Here’s why: Medicare’s DRG system (diagnosis related group) pays a hospital a lump sum for all of the patient’s care. The quicker the patient is discharged, the more money the hospital makes.
But if he or she lingers–especially in the ICU–it’s a financial red ink black hole. Ditto, HMO capitated systems.
And that’s the kind of payment Obamacare is aiming for. In other words, death panels here we come unless we reverse course.
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Portugal Arms imports Stats
Arms imports
Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
Constant 1990 US$ 406 million constant 1990 US$ 2005 16th out of 79
Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 38.48 constant 1990 US$ per c 2005 8th out of 79
Constant 1990 US$ per capita 38.49 constant 1990 US$ 2005 9th out of 79
SOURCES: World Development Indicators database; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.
Portugal categories
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Factoid #7
Israel enjoys a GDP per capita 21 times that of the Palestinian West Bank and 33 times that of the Gaza Strip. Its military spending per capita tops the world.
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Malaysian leader in waiting Anwar in triumphant return to parliament
Malaysia's People's Justice Party president and leader of the Pakatan Harapan coalition Anwar Ibrahim (C) takes an oath as a member of the parliament during swearing in ceremony at Parliament House in Kuala Lumpur on October 15.//AFP
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's leader in waiting Anwar Ibrahim returned to parliament as a lawmaker Monday, and vowed to give former nemesis Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad space to get on with running the country.
MPs applauded as Anwar took the oath of office following his weekend local election victory, a sight that would have been unthinkable just months ago when he was an opposition leader languishing behind bars.
The former deputy premier's remarkable political resurrection was triggered by his alliance's shock election victory in May, which toppled a corruptionriddled coalition that had ruled Malaysia for six decades.
Following the triumph, Anwar was pardoned and released from jail, where had been imprisoned since 2015 on widely criticised sodomy charges, and is now the presumptive successor to the country's leadership.
Mahathir, 93, has pledged to hand power to Anwar within two years. The deal was struck when the pair, whose upanddown relationship has long loomed over Malaysian politics, formed an unlikely alliance to take on the government of Najib Razak.
Anwar needed to be elected as an MP again to succeed Mahathir, and he cruised to a thumping victory in Saturday's poll in Port Dickson, where his opponents included a former aide whose sodomy accusations landed him in jail.
It is the first time that Mahathir who, during a first stint as premier, sacked Anwar and had him thrown in jail and his former foe have been in the same government since the 1990s.
Anwar, wearing a tradiฌtional black Muslim cap, brushed aside questions about when he will become premier, and insisted he would let Mahathir have "the space, the latitude" to get on with governing.
"That's very important because some of the decisions that have to be made by the prime minister and the cabinet are key, fundamental decisions of policy," the 71yearold told reporters.
He also insisted he would not take up a cabinet position.
After their fallout, Anwar became a prominent opposition leader at the head of a reformist alliance. But Mahathir himself turned on the party he once headฌed as corruption allegations mounted against Najib, and later teamed up with Anwar.
Since his defeat, Najib has been charged over the alleged plundering of state fund 1MDB. He denies any wrongdoing.
Anwar Ibrahim Monday Dr Mahathir Mohamad Parliament return MP Malaysian leader waiting Anwar
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Korea urged to pay conscripts better
Japanese govt congratulates Tsai, seeks deeper ties
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NBA Scouting Live
Premier, top-notch content on prospects for the NBA Draft.
Observations on Kevin Hervey
by Alan Lu
Just before we get into Portsmouth, I wanted to scout one more player that I had yet to cover this season, and I decided to watch a full game of Texas-Arlington’s senior forward, Kevin Hervey. There wasn’t much I could find online, so I decided to see him play in an NIT match from last season against BYU that was played on March 15th, 2017, as I was able to view this with thanks to YouTube via Zak Buncik. Here are my thoughts on how Kevin Hervey fared, as well as how his game may translate to the NBA.
Hervey generally excelled at scoring on hustle plays. He was active at finishing plays around the basket, and he can get scores using off-ball motion. He did a very good job of scoring on rolls and cuts, and he scored on a reverse layup once off of a backdoor cut. He also managed to score on a timely tip-in, but he missed a put back another time after dribbling in to take the shot.
He also showed a decent ability to knock down jumpers. Early on, he ran quickly off of a screen, as he made a quick three off the catch. Late in this contest, Hervey dribbled around and then made a pull-up three from well beyond the arc. He has a lot of range on his shot and he can make jumpers in many different ways. Hervey also managed to make a mid-range jump shot off the catch on a give and go from around the elbow. However, he struggled to be consistent in knocking down threes, and he did have a couple of bad misses, as he can sometimes rush his shots in which he may not always be set when taking them.
Plus, he also did a decent job of scoring in the post. Hervey managed to get the ball in the high post once, and after his opponent whiffed on a steal attempt, Hervey took a couple of dribbles to promptly score off the glass. He also managed to get open inside to get the ball, as he later scored on a drop shot. But sometimes, he will end up taking tough shots, as he may struggle more to score if opponents don’t give him much space to operate on the block. He also had trouble scoring on drives, as he also does not seem to have an elite first step to the hoop.
He also displayed good playmaking skills. Hervey is a patient, unselfish player that sees the floor well, and he can throw long passes to set up scores for his teammates. He also can find teammates on the move, and he can hit the cutter. Plus, he will also set numerous screens for his team. But sometimes, he have trouble protecting the ball in traffic, as he was called for a push off when he was looking to score off the dribble, and he also had a ball taken away from behind shortly after grabbing a rebound once.
Also, he did a good job of rebounding the basketball. Hervey was quite active at crashing the glass, and he would haul in plenty of boards on both ends of the floor. But he would also sometimes forget to block out his man, which would lead his team to allow put back scores. There was also another play where he committed an over the back foul when going for a defensive board in the first half.
He also showed off adequate defensive skills. Hervey did a good job of helping his team force turnovers, as he can catch errant passes that go his way, and he also poked a ball away when defending in the post to help his team get steals. Plus, he will use his length to deflect passes, and he also will rotate on drives as well as in the post to force some misses.
But sometimes, he’ll sag too far particularly when defending opponents off of screens, and communication issues with him and the point guard on how to defend them off of pick and rolls would lead their team to give up three-point baskets to the opposition. In addition, he sometimes struggled to defend opponents when he would have to chase after them. On one play, he fell when defending a pass out on the perimeter, as this ended up with his teammate to commit a foul in the post. Another time, he was called for a reach-in foul when opponent attempted to race up the floor off of a defensive board.
In general, Kevin Hervey had a fairly good game in his team’s double-digit win over BYU on this day. He is a skilled combo forward that possesses good athletic abilities, and he can score the basketball in a variety of ways. He also is a solid rebounder that will actively crash the glass, and he also may be a better passer than given credit for. On the other hand, he has had multiple knee injuries in the past, as that could negatively impact his draft stock somewhat. But regardless, Hervey may have the skills to help an NBA team in a variety of ways, and he could potentially be a second round pick in this year’s draft.
Texas-Arlington’s 6-2 combo guard Kaelon Wilson had a really good showing in this game, as he had an excellent first half in his team’s win over BYU. He especially played well in the frenetic paced first half, as he was getting buckets at will, and he also is a good athlete that can make plays above the rim.
He is a good scorer off the dribble as he has a good first step to the hoop, and he also has the ball handling moves, balance, and body control to regularly finish plays around the basket. Sometimes, he may miss shots in traffic as he may play too fast, though. He did have a really good basket once as he used a crossover to score on a nifty, underhanded scoop shot.
Plus, he shot the ball well, as he can make pull-up mid-range jumpers and spot-up threes. He also ran the floor and got the ball on a cut to score on a thunderous dunk on the break, as he managed to dunk on someone. Also, Wilson used a quick rip move in the post another time to draw a non-shooting foul.
While he primarily looks to score first, he will also look to make the extra pass, as he can quickly move the basketball to set up scoring chances for his team. He also handles the ball well, but sometimes, he may play too recklessly on offense, which can lead him to commit turnovers. Wilson also did a good job of rebounding the basketball, as he excelled at hauling in defensive boards for his team.
Plus, he also played adequate defense, as he can run in to poke balls away and catch errant passes thrown his way to help his team get steals. Wilson is a quick, agile player that also will fight through screens, and he will deflect passes and contest shots. But sometimes, he would be too aggressive on the defensive end, as he would be called for hand-checking and reach-in fouls.
In summary, though Kaelon Wilson posted up fairly pedestrian numbers throughout his collegiate career, he undoubtedly had a terrific game in his team’s win over BYU on this day. He is an athletic, skilled combo guard that thrives when his team plays uptempo, and he could end up having a solid career in the G-League or overseas.
Texas-Arlington’s 5-10 point guard, Erick Neal also played well to help get his team a win over BYU. He is a table setter that possesses strong facilitation skills, as he is an agile playmaker that possesses good court vision that can get his teammates the ball in a variety of ways. He also can split double teams off the dribble, and he can find teammates on the move.
On the other hand, he rarely looks for his own shot, and while he can knock down jumpers both off the catch or dribble, Neal may not take look to score enough on offense, and against BYU, he was inconsistent with his outside shot. But he did have one nifty score that he made, as he used a quick crossover and a step back move to make a long, pull-up two from the baseline. He also looked to go all the way to the hoop to try to score around the basket once, as he managed to split a double team quickly off the dribble, but he then missed an open finger roll afterwards. Neal will also look to push the ball up the floor off of defensive boards.
On the other hand, he may need to improve his defense. While he showed a good motor, and he can deflect passes, he also can be too aggressive, which can lead him to pick up quick fouls. Neal tended to commit fouls due to hand-checking, but he also has a tendency to be caught on screens, which can lead him to allow three-point baskets. Other times, he may lapses on this end that may cause his team to allow baskets.
In summary, Erick Neal is a smart, skilled point guard that can effectively run a team, and he can rack up many assists with the ball in his hands. On the other hand, he also is an undersized playmaker that doesn’t look to score often, and his lack of size or elite athletic gifts may make it tough for him to defend opponents at the next level. While he may be a longshot to make it to the NBA, Neal has a high basketball IQ, as he could thrive as a player in the G-League or overseas.
Texas-Arlington’s 7-0 senior center Link Kabadyundi appeared to score early on off of a roll to the rim, but that was called back, as the officials had called him for committing a charging foul instead. As he ended up committing his first foul and turnover of the game, things snowballed pretty quickly for him. Kabadyundi was often out of position and unable to come away with boards that were in his area, and he also struggled to defend in the post, as he tended to pick up quick fouls.
He did set numerous screens, and he was able to help a teammate score on a jump shot, as he is a big, physical center that has a wide frame which enables him to set good screens on offense. But Kabadyundi was unable to score in this game. He rolled to the hoop another time but was led too far by the passer, as he ended up catching the ball out of bounds. In summary, Link Kabadyundi did not play very well, as he was in foul trouble despite not having played much. He did manage to grab a defensive rebound at the end of the game though, as he leapt up quickly to do so that time.
Kabadyundi is a big man that may be the most effective as a scorer around the basket, and he shows some promise as the roll man on offense. While he may have some mobility for a player his size, he will need to improve his conditioning, as that can help him grab more rebounds and make more plays on both ends of the floor. There was one instance where he didn’t run the floor on offense when his teammate collected a steal late in the contest, so Kabadyundi will need to work on getting into better shape, as that will allow him to improve his ability to play in fast-paced games. Right now, Kabadyundi looks to be a project player that might not be anywhere close to being ready to play in the NBA, but if coaches work to improve his skills and overall game, he could end up getting regular playing time in either the G-League or overseas sometime down the road.
Assessing Obi Toppin in the Dayton-Saint Louis Game
Observing Anthony Edwards, Rayshaun Hammonds, and Santiago Vescovi
Thoughts on Paul Reed and Saddiq Bey
Evaluating N’Faly Dante, Nico Mannion, and Payton Pritchard
Assessing Devon Dotson, David McCormack, and Tyrese Haliburton
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Great “Mad Men” Moment: Miss Blankenship’s Death at Her Desk
Published at 8:07 am on September 20, 2010
Yet another reason why "Mad Men" rules the television drama planet: just when you start to love Don Draper's new secretary, she dies an inglorious, lonely death at her desk.
The scene, and the various ripple effects it caused in the office, carried what was an otherwise uneven episode of the Emmy award-winning drama on Sunday.
Miss Ida Blankenship had been brought in for Draper because we were assured she would not end up sleeping with the boss and then quitting. Loud, brash, slow, blind and thoroughly unattractive, she was the other extreme of Draper's smooth, cool world.
Yet, there were moments, especially in last night's episode, where it appeared she could carve out a role in the dangerous world of Madison Avenue.
"It's a business of sadists and masochists, and you know which one you are," she said to Peggy, after she had been snapped at by Draper.
And then, when sitting next to Bertrand Cooper, he asked her a three-letter word for a bird that doesn't fly. When he dismisses her suggestion of an emu, claiming the word should begin with an L, she replies without even looking up: "Like hell it does."
Her rigid, face-first plunge into the desk was pure dark comedy that allowed for the office to devolve into pure mad-cap comedy -- her body had to be removed without disturbing a key client meeting across the way.
It was also as painful as it looked. The actress, Randee Heller, told AMC that even the foam placed on the desk did not entirely protect her from the 10 takes it took to shoot the scene.
But most importantly, it was a poignant statement about the cold business world on the fringe of which she had lived.
“She died like she lived -- surrounded by the people she answered phones for,” said Roger Sterling, in a depressing but dead-on tribute.
Rest in Peace Ida Blankenship.
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Russian Journalist in Moscow Police Custody Sent to Hospital
Ivan Golunov's publication, Meduza, said he allegedly was beaten after his Thursday arrest
Published at 2:52 pm on June 8, 2019
Dmitry Serebryakov/AP
A prominent investigative journalist who was detained on drug-dealing charges in Russia is being taken to the hospital after complaining of feeling poorly in police custody.
The Moscow police department said Saturday that an emergency medical squad was called for Ivan Golunov and determined he should be taken a hospital for examination.
It did not specify Golunov's medical problem. The head of human rights organization Agora, Pavel Chikov, told Russian news agencies Golunov was suspected to have a concussion and a broken rib.
The day's top national and international news.
Golunov's publication, the independent website Meduza, said he allegedly was beaten after his Thursday arrest.
Police are alleging four grams of a synthetic stimulant were found in his backpack. But many journalists suspect the arrest was retribution for Golunov's investigative work.
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FRIENDS OF PLANT CONSERVATION
Articles on Plants and Conservation
NCPCP Staff
About the Preserves
Rare Plants & Regulations
Explore the Preserves >
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Redlair History
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Conservation with Kids
North Carolina Imperiled Plant Regulations
and related information
Let us be guardians rather than gardeners. Adolph Murie
Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species
List of E, T, and SC species
The NC Plant Conservation Board, with input from the Scientific Committee, is charged with the responsibility to maintain a list of endangered, threatened, and special concern plant species in North Carolina.
Among the plants in North Carolina that are described as rare, which we generally refer to as imperiled, are those classified as Endangered, Threatened, and Species of Concern. There are 421 plant species protected by NC Plant Conservation Program regulations, and 65 of those species are currently protected on Preserves.
Turkey beard, Xerophyllum asphodeloides
North Carolina is one of the most ecologically diverse states in the southeast. This diversity is exhibited by more than 4000 native plant species found from the sandy dunes of the coast to the tops of our tallest mountains.
The beauty of our state has brought an expanding population, with need for agricultural and urban development to support us. Our activities have meant that much of what once grew in abundance has been lost. Native plant habitat has also been lost to
Timbering
Wetland drainage
Collection of plants for medicinal or ornamental purposes
The plants listed by the NCPCP are not only rare, but are imperiled by the loss of habitat and over-collection. Plants are collected because of their perceived economic value, medicinal properties, or as curiosities. Some poachers collect rare plants simply because they are rare.
Any collection of imperiled plant species from private property without permission from the property owner, for whatever the reason may be, further endangers the remaining plants -- and is against the law, carrying the possibility of fines and/or jail time.
Imperiled: a native plant on the endangered or threatened list.
Endangered: any species or higher taxon of plant whose continued existence as a viable component of the State's flora is determined to be in jeopardy by the NCPCP Board; also, any species of plant determined to be an "endangered species" pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Threatened: any resident species of plant which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range, or one that is designated as threatened by the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service. (1979, c. 964, s. 1.)
Special Concern-Vulnerable (SC-V): means any species or higher taxon of plant which is likely to become a threatened species within the foreseeable future due to pressure from collecting, development or other threats.
Special Concern-Historical (SC-H): means any species or higher taxon of plant that occurred in North Carolina at one time, but for which all known populations are currently considered to be either historical or extirpated.
Protected plant: a species or higher taxon of plant adopted by the Board to protect, conserve, and/or enhance the plant species and includes those the Board has designated as endangered, threatened, or of special concern.
Is a Permit Required...
North Carolina regulations specify that activities such as collecting from land other than your own, selling or trading protected plant species requires a permit or certificate of origin issued by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services. The information below summarizes the regulations [02 NCAC 48F .0400] and operational procedures into a written description as well as a flowchart below to help you determine if your activities will require a protected plant permit/certificate of origin or not. If you have any questions, you may contact us directly at (919) 707-3758.
Collecting: A protected plant permit is required when rescuing or collecting (scientific collections included) protected plants species on land you do not own- even with land-owner permission. This is true for whole plants as well as plant parts (i.e. seeds, leaves, rhizomes, etc.). If you are collecting protected plants or plant parts from your own property and NOT selling or giving them away, then no permit is needed.
Acquiring/Purchasing: Individuals who purchase protected species to plant in a home garden do not need a permit; however, a permit IS needed (1) to acquire and relocate a protected species in a non-garden setting--this includes rescuing plants, (2) to propagate, or (3) to re-sell, auction, or otherwise give away a protected species. All commercial operations regarding purchase of protected plant species will require a certificate of origin.
Propagating and/or Offering (Selling/Trading/Bartering/or Exchanging): No wild collected protected plants (or plant parts) may be offered for sale or trade. Only propagated stock may be sold, traded, or otherwise exchanged, even if for free. All commercial operations must acquire protected plant permits or certificates of origin for each protected plant species they propagate and sell. These forms are obtainable through the NCDA&CS nursery inspector assigned to your county. All individuals, non-profit organizations, and exempt entities will also require protected plant permits to sell plants with protected status.
Full details on the permit process are available HERE or by calling the NCPCP office:
A Few of NCs imperiled species
Big leaf magnolia, Magnolia macrophylla
Echinacea laevigata, smooth
coneflower
Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula. One of 800 confiscated by Wildlife officers from poachers and replanted by volunteers.
Friends of Plant Conservation, Inc.
Mail: FoPC, c/o NC Plant Conservation Program
Plant Industry Division
1060 Mail Service Center
Raleigh NC 27699-1060
Email: Please Use Contact Form
Photos appearing on this site are the property of the owner listed under each photo. If you use a photo, please credit: Photographer's Name., ncplantfriends.org
Friends of Plant Conservation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Service ruling.
Financial reports are available on request. Please use the contact form for our latest Annual Report-no charge if emailed. A small charge for printed copy.
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A series of essays explains what Judaism is, the history of the religion and its people, the beliefs and traditions of the religion, and challenges facing Judaism and Jews today.
Judaism / Adriane Ruggiero, book editor.
Ruggiero, Adriane
Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press
הערת תוכן ותקציר
Foreword -- Introduction -- People, a Place, a Faith: What Is Judaism? / Hayim Halevy Donin -- Judaism is a broad term denoting the civilization of the Jewish people, their faith, their perceived purpose as believers, as well as their rites and sacred literature -- Ancient Hebrews: A Historian's View / Norman F. Cantor -- Although the ancient Hebrews left no great cities or monuments, their belief that God had chosen them as his own people is a unique contribution to civilization -- Bible as Divine Revelation/F.E. Peters -- Judaism, like Christianity and Islam, is a scriptural religion. All affirm the existence of God's revelation in written form -- Concept of a Homeland / Oscar I. Janowsky -- Key ingredient of Judaism is its identification with the land of Israel -- Basic Beliefs of Judaism: Oneness-of God / Milton Steinberg --
Judaism was the first religion to proclaim the oneness of a transcendent and unknowable God whose presence can be felt in the daily lives of ordinary humans -- Covenant Between God and the Hebrews -- From the Book of Exodus -- Book of Exodus describes how God made an agreement or covenant between himself and the Hebrews through Moses -- Love Thy Neighbor as /Jacob Neusner -- Judaism demands that its adherents study the Torah and fulfill its commandments first and foremost. This means obeying the will of God, imitating God, and living a life that glorifies him -- Role of Prayer / David S. Ariel -- In Judaism, prayer is not only one of the commandments but also provides a sense of belonging and serves as an affirmation of one's Jewishness. There are many types of prayer in Judaism -- Rites, Rituals, and the Sacredness of Time -- Keeping the Sabbath / Francine Klagsbrun --
God's commandment to the Israelites to observe a day of rest and keep it holy is one of the cornerstones of Jewish belief and practice -- Feast of Passover / Ira Steingroot -- Passover commemorates the escape of the Israelites from Egypt as told in the book of Exodus in the Bible -- Living Kosher / Joseph Grunblatt -- Kosher is a Hebrew word meaning "fit" or "proper." By following laws about food and its preparation, or "keeping kosher," observant Jews impart spirituality to their everyday lives-- Bar and Bat Mitzvah / Linda Burghardt -- Bar/bat mitzvah ceremony marks the child's coming-of-age and his or her admission into the community of those who observe the commandments -- Interpreting, Preserving, and Evolving: Rabbi as Necessary Teacher / George Robinson -- Rabbi can lead worship services, decide on questions of practice, and marry a couple, but cannot intercede with God on behalf of the congregation -- Talmud /Harry Gersh --
Talmud (from the Hebrew word for "study" or "teach") is the complex body of discussions on Jewish law, ethics, and customs built up over a period of seven hundred years -- Moses Mendelssohn: Famous Thinker / Shira Schoenberg -- German-born Moses Mendelssohn (1729-1786) was the leader of Jewish emancipation from political and social discrimination -- I and Thou / Martin Buber -- Martin Buber (1878-1965) was one of the most important Jewish philosophers of the twentieth century -- Challenges Facing Jews Today: Marriage between Jews and Non-Jews / Samuel G. Freedman -- Interfaith marriage is one of the most serious challenges facing Judaism. The major denominations of Judaism-Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform--have formulated ways of confronting this challenge to Jewish identity -- Women and Judaism: Reform Rabbi Speaks / Malka Drucker -- Reform Judaism has made gender equality one of the main components of its movement --
It was the first movement in Judaism to ordain women as rabbis -- Future of Conservative Judaism / Clifford E. Librach -- Conservative Judaism inhabits the middle ground of Jewish denominations. It promotes an evolutionary Judaism that meets the social and political challenges of the twenty-first century -- Expressing a Jewish Identity: Current Trends / G. Jeffrey MacDonald -- As American Judaism celebrates its 350th anniversary, young American Jews follow a variety of paths toward greater identification with and observance of their faith -- Support for Israel / Dan Ephron -- Support for the State of Israel is one of the most important aspects of Judaism. In recent years North American Jews have helped Israel maintain its Jewish ethnicity by emigrating -- Glossary -- Chronology -- For Further Research -- Index.
Religions and religious movements
224 pages : ill., map
ISBN0737725737 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
ISBN9780737725735 (lib. bdg. : alk. paper)
Judaism / written by Douglas Charing.
Douglas Charing author.
Judaism / Nicholas de Lange.
N. R. M. De Lange (Nicholas Robert Michael), 1944-
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Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 44F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..
Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low 44F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Marysville Getchell’s junior fullback Cheron Smith takes the short pass and takes it 43 yards for the late touchdown against the Ferndale defense at Marysville-Pilchuck High School on Sept. 20.
Josiah Koellmer, Chargers’ junior quarterback, drops back to pass in the third quarter against the Ferndale Golden Eagles at Marysville-Pilchuck High School on Sept. 20.
Golden Eagles defeat Chargers 44-14
The Marysville Getchell football team went to battle against the Ferndale Golden Eagles in an up-and-down performance, on Sept. 20.
Ferndale came out with a strong ground game as they marched down the field and scored within the first two minutes. After falling behind early, Marysville Getchell had their chance on offense as they were able to successfully convert twice on fourth down. However, on the Golden Eagles’ 18-yard line they fumbled and lost their chance at scoring on the drive. Through the rest of the first half the Chargers didn’t find much success with the ball and seemed to only slow down Ferndale, as they entered halftime down 27-0.
Coming into the second half the Chargers began to shift their offensive focus to attacking through the air. They gained yardage with huge plays down the field and put up their first points four minutes into the third quarter. There wasn’t much offensive production through the rest of the quarter as both teams were forced to punt. In the fourth quarter, the Golden Eagles managed to score two more times while Marysville Getchell was able to put up one more touchdown in the final few minutes. In the end, the first half lead proved to be too much, as the Chargers lost 41-14.
“We made a lot of mistakes after multiple series of successful plays. But, going forward we’ll keep getting better, and it’s good to see us being able to have this two-headed monster in being able to run the option and attack through the air,” said Marysville Getchell Head Coach Davis Lura.
On the offensive end, Marysville Getchell was led by their juniors Josiah Koellmer, Cheron Smith and Landyn Olson. Koellmer, quarterback, passed for over 160 yards, ran for 32 and tallied two passing touchdowns. Smith, fullback and linebacker, rushed for 36 yards, caught one pass for 43 yards, earned one receiving touchdown and also put up six tackles on defense. Olson, receiver and defensive back, added on four receptions, 27 receiving yards, one receiving touchdown and five tackles.
Other big contributors for the Chargers were their two-way players in Phillip Melomey, Aiden Verdugo and Austin Byron. Melomey, senior receiver and linebacker, caught five passes for 27 yards while adding on 10 rushing yards and six tackles. Verdugo, junior receiver and linebacker, caught three passes for 48 yards and tallied three tackles. Byron, senior running back and linebacker, took advantage of his touches as he had three carries for 40 yards and four tackles.
The Chargers next home game will be their Homecoming matchup against the Squalicum Storm on Friday, Sept. 27, at 7 p.m.
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U.S. Military Kicks China Out of Pacific War Games
"China's continued militarization of disputed features in the South China Sea only serve to raise tensions and destabilize the region," the Pentagon said.
Iran Is at 'Peak of Power' and Ready if U.S. Strikes
The Iranian military's chief of staff said America "is a disloyal, atrocious, criminal, isolated, angry enemy with disloyal, corrupt leaders."
China Reveals Advanced Stealth Tests for First Time
Only the U.S., Russia and some European Union countries have such advanced stealth capabilities.
Russia Says Missile Ships to Stay in Mediterranean
Russian warships and submarines don't only target ISIS and other Syrian insurgents, but also provide a cover against NATO's southern flank in Europe.
China Says War Drills Show 'No Way Out' for Taiwan
China says it has "the resolve, confidence and ability" to defend its territorial integrity by reuniting Taiwan with the mainland by force.
Northeast Storm Update: Death Toll, Power Outages
Tuesday's storms proved deadly—and the effects of the severe weather were still being felt the next day.
U.S. Is Top Asia Power, But Russia Helps China Catch Up
China is rapidly gaining on the U.S. lead in Asia, but its quick growth requires more energy. That's where Russia comes in.
China Wants to Play Bigger Role Helping Russia in Syria
China's envoy to Syria said he saw "huge space" to expand support for Russia and its role in Syria's seven-year civil war.
Navy Wants to Challenge Russia, China With New Missiles
The Naval Strike Missile is a top candidate for the Navy's littoral combat ships, which critics have said may not stand up to Russian and Chinese power.
Commander: U.S. Can 'Work with Russia' in Afghanistan
The longest-serving commander in the longest war in U.S. history said he would welcome Moscow's help.
How Does Russia's Air Force Compare to America's?
The U.S. and Russia are the world's top military powers, and Moscow is pushing to challenge Washington's air dominance around the world.
Russia, China Will Hold Joint Navy War Games in Pacific
China confirmed it would be hosting another series of joint exercises with Russia as the two lead U.S. military rivals boost their Pacific cooperation.
U.S. Commander: Only 'War' Can Stop China in South Sea
China is investing in military bases to project its power across the Asia Pacific and there's little the U.S. can do to stop it.
China Launches War Games In Warning To U.S., Taiwan
Chinese President Xi Jinping appears to be losing patience with Taiwan's ideas of independence and he's turning up the heat with military exercises.
Donald Trump Is Not Above the Rule of Law
It may be foolish, and the president may be well-advised to keep his mouth shut and his thumbs in his pocket, but like everyone else, he has a right to be an idiot.
Worker: Fukushima Was Supposed To Have Massive Seawall
A 2008 test showed that a 52-foot-high tsunami could strike the Fukushima nuclear plant, but bosses delayed building a protective seawall.
Puerto Rico Outage World's Second Largest Blackout
Puerto Rico has lost 3.4 billion customer hours of electricity service because of Hurricane Maria, making it the largest blackout in U.S. history and the second largest in the world
Trump 'Believes' He Can Fire Mueller: Is He Right?
Sarah Huckabee Sanders spoke about the president's authority after the raid on his lawyer's office.
China's Military Will 'Defeat' U.S. Plans to Arm Taiwan
As a trade war looms, China says it won't tolerate U.S. arms sales to self-ruled Taiwan.
U.S. and China Flex Military Might in Pacific War Games
In contrast to the allegedly scaled-down U.S. and South Korean drills, experts have commented on the unusually large formation of Chinese warships heading to the South China Sea.
Could Trump Use the Pardon Power to Obstruct Justice?
Think of a simple scenario. The president is asked to pardon a criminal and is given a bribe to induce the act.
U.S. Lost $60M on Afghan Power Project That Won't Work
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has spent $60 million trying to bring power to remote parts of Afghanistan, but has produced an unusable high-voltage system with towers in danger of collapse on land where Afghans live and farm.
China Military to Russia: 'We've Come to Support You'
China's new defense chief chose Russia for his first visit and pledged support at a time when Moscow's relationship with the West has deteriorated.
Russia Hopes Trump Keeps Promise to Leave Syria 'Soon'
Russia's top diplomat argued that U.S. military presence in Syria was illegal and rebutted accusations over the poisoning of an ex-Soviet spy.
Russia May Unleash 'Satan 2' Nuke by 2020 U.S. Election
Vladimir Putin said the RS-28 Sarmat has no range limits and "is untroubled by even the most advanced missile defense systems."
China Defends Role in Africa, Calls U.S. 'Hegemonic'
China said the U.S. should abandon its "tinted glasses" and "hegemonic mindset" toward Beijing's growing economic and military role in Africa.
Russia and China Presidents Win Big, Challenging U.S.
Neither Russian President Vladimir Putin nor Chinese President Xi Jinping expected much opposition this weekend, but their victories resound worldwide.
China Conducts Largest Drill of Its Kind, Blasts U.S.
Over 10,000 Chinese marines traveled across the country for battle exercises as they prepared for threats at home and abroad.
Sheriff's Deputy Arrested for Stalking Her Ex-Boyfriend
"Had she not resigned, she would have been terminated," the Polk County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.
U.S. Claims Russian Hackers Attacked Key Infrastructure
It is not just the election that Russia has been accused of hacking.
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Academic & Professional Books Habitats & Ecosystems Hot & Cold Deserts
The Plough that Broke the Steppes Agriculture and Environment on Russia's Grasslands, 1700-1914
Monograph SPECIAL OFFER
Series: Oxford Studies in Modern European History
By: David Moon(Author)
319 pages, 3 b/w illustrations, 4 b/w maps, tables
ISBN: 9780198722878 Paperback Oct 2014 Usually dispatched within 5 days
ISBN: 9780199556434 Hardback Feb 2013 Usually dispatched within 5 days
Selected version: £20.99
About this book Contents Customer reviews Biography Related titles
This is the first environmental history of Russia's steppes. From the early-eighteenth century, settlers moved to the semi-arid but fertile grasslands from wetter, forested regions in central and northern Russia and Ukraine, and from central Europe. By the late-nineteenth century, they had turned the steppes into the bread basket of the Russian Empire and parts of Europe. But there was another side to this story. The steppe region was hit by recurring droughts, winds from the east whipped up dust storms, the fertile black earth suffered severe erosion, crops failed, and in the worst years there was famine.
David Moon analyses how naturalists and scientists came to understand the steppe environment, including the origins of the fertile black earth. He also analyses how scientists tried to understand environmental change, including climate change. Farmers, and the scientists who advised them, tried different ways to deal with the recurring droughts: planting trees, irrigation, and cultivating the soil in ways that helped retain scarce moisture. More sustainable, however, were techniques of cultivation to retain scarce moisture in the soil. Among the pioneers were Mennonite settlers. Such approaches aimed to work with the environment, rather than trying to change it by planting trees or supplying more water artificially.
The story is similar to the Dust Bowl on the Great Plains of the USA, which share a similar environment and environmental history. David Moon places the environmental story of the steppes in the wider context of the environmental history of European colonialism around the globe.
Part I: Understanding the Steppe Environment
1: The Eyes of Outsiders
2: The Lens of Science and Statistics
Part II: Understanding Environmental Change
Introduction: Who is to Blame?
3: Vegetation
4: Climate Change
5: The Land
Part III: Combating the Steppe Environment?
Introduction: What is to be Done?
6: Tree Planting
7: Irrigation
8: Agronomy
David Moon is a specialist on Russian history. In recent years his research has focused on environmental history in a transnational context. He combines conventional historical research in archives and libraries with field work in the environments he studies. He has spent much of his career teaching at universities in the north of England and Scotland. He also has extensive experience of both Russia and the USA. He studied for a year at Leningrad State University in what was then the Soviet Union, and makes regular visits to Russia and Ukraine, including the steppe region, for research and field work.
"Rare is the book that casts Russian history in an almost wholly new light."
– Financial Times 2013 Books of the Year
"Moon's book is an extremely important contribution to Russian and environmental histories, and can be used in advanced undergraduate as well as graduate courses."
– Mark Bernard Tauger, American Historical Review
"With this book, David Moon contributes significantly to the environmental history of the Russian and Soviet empires [...] The book is thoroughly supported by extensive archival, journal and other research. I recommend it for students of European history, environmental history, Russian history and agricultural history."
– Paul Josephson, European History Quarterly
"The Plough That Broke the Steppes is an important contribution to the global history of grassland [...] Moon's work is both immensely readable and scholarly with a broad historical sweep and interdisciplinary scope. He brings life to scholarly, scientific, and practical agricultural debates on the steppes"
– Elizabeth Walden, Environmental History
"This stimulating book is the first environmental history of the Russian steppe, a flat plain that stretches from Western Russia to Mongolia, north of the Black and Caspian Seas [...] Recommended."
– N.M. Brooks, Choice
"In this impressively researched and compellingly argued book, David Moon elevates this problem of what to do with the fertile yet fragile belt of grasslands in Russia's south to one of the enduring 'cursed questions' of the country's history [...] Throughout the book Moon evokes his personal experiences on the steppe. These environmental encounters clearly aided his historical thinking and provide vivid examples for the reader. Coming to know the grasslands themselves helped him write this insightful and lasting contribution to environmental and imperial Russian history."
– Andy Bruno, History
"In the context of current discussions on the causes of climate change and the search for sustainable forms of agriculture, this work is a credit."
– Katja Bruisch, Jahrbücher für Geschichte Osteuropas
"yet another wonderful and ground-breaking book from David Moon [...] Throughout, Moon retains a moderate and scientific tone."
– Christopher Read, English Historical Review
Bestsellers in Hot & Cold Deserts
Conservation of Threatened Desert Plants [in India]
Tundra-Taiga Biology
Desert Plants of Egypt's Wadi El Gemal National Park
The Biology of Polar Regions
The Desert Islands of Mexico's Sea of Cortez
Geomorphology of Desert Environments
The Biology of Deserts
Ecology of Desert Systems
Soil Atlas of the Northern Circumpolar Region
Biogéographie de la Flore du Sahara: Une Biodiversité en Situation Extrême [Biogeography of the Flora of the Sahara: Biodiversity under Extreme Conditions]
The Periglacial Environment
Browse titles in Hot & Cold Deserts
Other titles from OUP
Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe
The Sensory Ecology of Birds
A Field Guide to the Birds of China
Britain Begins
A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore
Who We Are and How We Got Here
A Guide to the Birds of the Philippines
Conservation Drones
The Humans Who Went Extinct
Browse titles from OUP
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Get Our FREE Book On Writing Perfectly Persuasive Onboarding Emails
By Nicholas Holmes
How to Quantify the Impact of User Onboarding on Churn and LTV
An interesting question was posed to us on Quora this week - what’s the impact of user onboarding on the total lifetime value of a customer?
We brainstormed a bit internally, and came up with the answer below - essentially, it’s a hard thing to work out but it is possible if you make some sensible assumptions.
About LTV
At first glance, this is a tricky one to answer because lifetime value (we’ll go with LTV from now on) is a revenue metric, based on how long the customer is likely to pay a company for before they leave.
As a quick reminder, a simple way to calculate a customer’s lifetime value as total revenue / churn.
Imagine a simple scenario - essentially, with 10% of customers moving on every month, the average customer is going to be with us for 10 months before statistically, they’ll disappear. If we assume they pay us $1,000 a month, their LTV is 10 months * $1,000, or $10,000.
So LTV is a revenue metric - but a good onboarding experience doesn’t immediately translate into a number we can just plug into the equation.
Measuring retention
Normally, SaaS businesses measure the effectiveness of onboarding in terms of their retention - how many customers will come back and use a product after signing up? In an ideal world, of course, you’d be able to just switch on an app and have it deliver value without any manual intervention, but there are relatively few apps like this so active users has emerged as one of the key yardsticks by which to judge a SaaS business.
Sidenote: We recommend a mix of retention, conversion rates and other key indicators, such as completion of Key Activation Points, to judge the success of your user onboarding.
The tricky part is that retention isn’t directly tied to churn, especially monthly churn. By the time most businesses come up with a churn number, it’s factoring in a lot about their business and it’s applied to the entire customer base, regardless of whether they’ve been a customer for one day or one year. And as we know, user onboarding is most effective at the start of a user’s journey.
For instance, a standard benchmark of monthly user churn in the SaaS industry is around 5-10% per month, according to this awesome dash by Baremetrics - but it’s not untypical for some of our clients to see 50% retention when someone signs up for their app the first time. In order to quantify the impact of user onboarding, we need to do some calculations that can take both of these variables into account.
The assumption
So here, we have to factor in a new number, which represents our ability to keep new customers based on how good their onboarding experience is. We’ll call it new customer churn (NCC).
NCC is an assumption because it’s not a metric most businesses measure or choose to report (unless they offer a free trial, in which case the trial-to-paid conversion ratio is a similar indicator). However, it stands to reason that for many SaaS products, users are likely to try the service in the first month and end their subscription quickly if it doesn’t work out for them. If you segment churn rate by month of usage, you’ll normally see that it spikes in month one (M1) and then normalises.
New customer churn is the best way to translate retention into a revenue metric, because it combines both existing churn and new churn to come up with a combined number:
Churn = ( New Customer Churn * New customers) + ( Existing Customer Churn * Existing customers) / ( New customers + Existing customers )
NCC is normally higher than existing churn, understandably - it’s far more likely that a new user will leave you than an existing user will. However, NCC is also critical because of the devastating effects of churn on business.
To illustrate: a company with 5% churn and 1000 users needs to add 50 users a month just to stand still. If it fails to do that, it will be in decline immediately - despite having what appeared to be a healthy customer and revenue base in the first month. So NCC needs to be as low as possible to allow the business to make maximum use of the new customers coming in to offset existing churn.
Armed with our NCC number, we can calculate overall churn for a business. Let’s make an assumption that our business has a 5% existing customer churn rate, and a 50% new customer churn rate. Let’s say we’re adding 100 new users monthly and essentially, we lose half of our users in the first month because of poor onboarding.
In terms of our total churn, 5% of it is happening among existing users, and 50% is happening among new users - overall churn is 10%.
The chart of our users lost through one year (by month) will look something like this:
The company’s user base hasn’t moved, despite adding 1200 users in a year! And our LTV is $10,000, because with an average churn rate of 10% customers will stay for an average of 10 months, paying $1,000 a month.
Improving retention
Now, let’s assume our company pursues some tactics that improve the user onboarding experience and increase retention (like, ahem, using Nickelled). If we can bring users back in the first month, we’ll assume that brings down the NCC from 50% to 30%.
Of our total churn, in month one 37.5% of it is coming from new users. But by month 12, only 34% is, because our user base has grown. And our total churn rate has dropped from 10% to 7%, just from improving our user onboarding and reducing M1 churn.
All of a sudden, our growth looks very different:
In total, our business has grown revenues by $183k, or 18%, rather than stagnating.
And to go back to the original question, we can recalculate the LTV using our first formula - because with a churn rate of 7%, customers will stay for an average of 14 months before they churn, instead of 10. So our LTV has become $14,000 - because of better user onboarding.
This was the best way we could think of to quantify the impact of better user onboarding on LTV and churn. Do you know a better way, or have you seen other effects? Let us know in the comments below, or Tweet us @nickelledapp.
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Research Uncovers the Genetic Causes of Aggressive Leukemia in Children
By Julie Grisham Monday, February 18, 2019
Physician-scientist Alex Kentsis studies how genetic changes lead to cancer in children.
The finding that the mutations behind certain pediatric blood cancers are different from those that trigger leukemia in adults helps explain why some leukemias in children are so difficult to treat.
A study exploring the genetic landscape of leukemia in children has discovered that the kinds of mutations behind certain pediatric blood cancers are different from those that trigger leukemia in adults.
The genetic changes the researchers found help explain why some pediatric leukemias are so difficult to treat. They also suggest new approaches for more-accurate diagnosis and better therapies. The multicenter study was co-led by Memorial Sloan Kettering physician-scientist Alex Kentsis and published in the journal Leukemia. The first authors were MSK investigators Nicole McNeer and John Philip.
“The types of mutations that we saw implicate an entirely different set of genetic causes for blood cancer in children compared with adults,” says Dr. Kentsis, a pediatric oncologist who also leads a lab in the Sloan Kettering Institute’s Molecular Pharmacology Program. In adults, he explains, the most common mutations are relatively simple changes in the genetic code, called point mutations. In children, the genetic changes involve much more complicated rearrangements of the DNA.
New Findings about the Causes of Pediatric Leukemia
In the study, the researchers analyzed cancer cells from 28 children who had a form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that’s resistant to chemotherapy. About half of children with more-aggressive subtypes of AML eventually die from the disease.
The investigators set out to determine why this cancer is so difficult to treat. The ultimate goal is to develop new targeted therapies that will work better than existing treatments and have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
“Our findings were very much in agreement with the emerging understanding that children develop cancer through an entirely different set of causes than adults do,” Dr. Kentsis says. “We think these findings apply to all leukemias, not just AML subtypes.”
The types of mutations that we saw implicate an entirely different set of genetic causes for blood cancer in children compared with adults.
Alex Kentsis physician-scientist
What Happens When a Normal Process Goes Wrong
In adults, the majority of cancer is caused by aging and exposure to environmental factors that disrupt DNA. The causes of cancer in children can be very different, however. Most young people have not had time to accumulate these kinds of mutations or damage from exposures, such as to UV light. (The exception is children who have been exposed to radiation or chemotherapy as treatment for another cancer. This can sometimes cause pediatric AML.)
Instead, the investigators believe that the kinds of large-scale errors seen in these pediatric leukemias result from built-in defects in the DNA’s stability in developing cells. For example, a maturing immune system needs to make antibodies. These proteins help the immune system learn to recognize foreign substances. Rearranging the DNA is an important part of normal antibody production. “But for reasons we don’t yet fully understand, rearrangements that are normally required for immune function can sometimes be abnormally activated in developing blood cells. This can result in the formation of cancer-causing genes and ultimately blood cancers,” Dr. Kentsis says.
“We found that these pediatric leukemias have extensive changes in their DNA that lead to the production of fusion genes, complex deletions, and translocations — where pieces of DNA get moved around,” he adds. Previous research from Dr. Kentsis’s lab looked at the role of similar genome rearrangements in many types of solid tumors in children.
“Based on this research and many other efforts across the world, we at MSK are now incorporating genetic tests to look for these kinds of errors in all our pediatric patients,” Dr. Kentsis concludes. “We’ll use this new information to develop targeted therapies that are tailored to individuals’ specific tumors to ultimately provide therapies that are precise, curative, and safe.”
The study was part of the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatment program, a joint initiative between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the Children’s Oncology Group, and initiated by Robert J. Arceci. The study was done in collaboration with the New York Genome Center. Dr. Kentsis’s co-leader in the study was Soheil Meshinchi of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
This research was funded by NCI grants U10 CA98543, U24 CA114766, U10 CA180886, U10 CA098413, U10 CA180899, P30 CA008748, and R01 CA204396. It was also supported by a Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation–Richard Lumsden Foundation Clinical Investigator Award, a St. Baldrick’s Foundation Arceci Innovation Award, and the Charles E. Trobman Scholarship. Dr. Kentsis is a consultant for the pharmaceutical company Novartis.
Cancer Care › Diagnosis
Cancer Care › Treatment
Discoveries & Advances › Clinical Research
Research › Cancer Genetics & Genomics
Treatment › Targeted Therapy
Jumping Genes and the Dark Genome: MSK Researchers Gain New Insight into Childhood Cancers
How Acute Myeloid Leukemia Is Treated at MSK: An Interview with Martin Tallman
Blocking Enzymes That Signal DNA Damage Could Be a Treatment Strategy for Childhood Cancers
Leukemia and Other Blood Cancers
Molecular Pharmacology Program
Alex Kentsis
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Category Archives: Archives of FundAlarm
Sextant Growth (SSGFX), January 2007
. . . from the archives at FundAlarm
These profiles have not been updated. The information is only accurate as of the original date of publication.
FundAlarm Annex – Fund Report
The fund seeks long-term growth by investing in common stocks, as well as convertible and preferred shares. While Morningstar classifies it as a mid-cap growth fund, the firm claims to follow a “value approach to investing” in looking at stocks with favorable potential over the next one to four years. They list a variety of predictable factors (revenue growth, p/e and p/b ratios, industry position and so on) in their selection criteria. No more than 5% of the fund may be invested in foreign companies.
Saturna Capital. Saturna oversees four Sextant funds, the Idaho Tax-Free fund and two Amana funds. The Amana funds invest in accord with Islamic investing principles and were recognized as the best Islamic fund manager for 2005.
Nicholas Kaiser. Mr. Kaiser is president and founder of Saturna Capital. He has degrees from Chicago and Yale. In the mid 1970s and 1980s, he ran a mid-sized investment management firm (Unified Management Company) in Indianapolis. In 1989 he sold Unified and subsequently bought control of Saturna. As an officer of the Investment Company Institute, the CFA Institute, the Financial Planning Association and the No-Load Mutual Fund Association, he has been a significant force in the money management world. He’s also a philanthropist and is deeply involved in his community. By all accounts, a good guy all around. Morningstar must think so, too, because he’s a finalist for its 2006 Domestic Manager of the Year award.
December 30, 1990, though its name was then Northwest Growth Fund. Morningstar insists that the Growth Fund was launched in 1987. Saturna claims 1990, either October or December, for its predecessor fund and 1995 for the fund under its current configuration.
$1,000 for regular accounts, $100 for IRAs.
1.24% on an asset base of about $14 million. There’s a considerable performance adjustment built into the fee: management fee will change by as much as .3% based on performance in the trailing year. There’s also a 2% redemption fee.
This seems like a wonderfully admirable little fund. It should, in principle, do well. Expenses are quite low for such a tiny fund and management has linked its compensation to a solid performance fee. Its base management fee is 0.60% and the performance fee of up to 0.30% can cut the manager’s profits by half if he screws up. The fund holds stocks across all market capitalizations and ranges from deep value to growth holdings. The portfolio is pretty compact at 55 names, the manager is tax-sensitive and turnover is virtually non-existent. Morningstar reports 4% turnover, Saturna reports 0% for the year ending in May 2006. The fund reports virtually no frictional loss to taxes; that is, the annual tax cost on unsold shares trims less than 0.20% from the fund’s pre-tax returns. Finally, the manager, his employees and their families own nearly 40% of all outstanding shares. Which is good, since Mr. Kaiser’s pay is remarkably modest: $81,360 in total compensation for calendar 2005.
Happily, principle is aligned with practice. Sextant Growth has compiled a remarkable record for consistent excellence. It is one of just a tiny handful of equity funds that seems always above average, at least as measured by Morningstar’s metrics. Sextant Growth currently qualifies as four-star fund, but has also earned four stars for the preceding three-year, five-year and ten-year periods. For every trailing period, Morningstar gives it “above average” returns and “below average” risk.
Sextant Growth ranks in the top 15% of mid-cap growth funds over the long term, but the comparison is not terribly meaningful since the fund does not particularly target mid-caps (or, for that matter, growth stocks). It has returned 11.6% annually over the past decade and has substantially led the S&P 500 for the preceding three, five and ten years. It does tend to lag, but perform well, in growth markets: for example, it had a bottom decile rank in 2003 but still racked up gains of 26% and a bottom third rank in ’99 with returns of 41%.
The “Growth” name and “value” claim notwithstanding, this strikes me as a really solid core holding. The manager is experienced, the fund has prospered in a wide variety of market conditions, and the management firm seems highly principled. Kind of like a tiny little version of T. Rowe Price. It’s well deserving of substantially greater attention.
Sextant Growth Fund
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm, Profile on January 15, 2012 by Editor.
Wasatch Global Opportunities (WAGOX), May 2010
The Fund invests in small and micro cap foreign and domestic companies, though it reserves the right to put up to 35% in larger companies. Up to 90% of the portfolio may be in micro caps and up to 50% in emerging markets. Currently the US is about 40% of the portfolio which, if I’ve read the prospectus rightly, is at the high end of the anticipated range. The fund is technically non-diversified, but currently holds 330 stocks. They use quantitative screens to focus their attention, then “bottom up” analysis – including extensive, expensive company visits – to make the final selections.
Wasatch Advisors of Salt Lake City, Utah. Wasatch has been around since 1975. It both advises the 18 Wasatch funds – including the recently acquired 1st Source funds – and manages money for high
net worth individuals and institutions. Across the board, the strength of the company lies in its ability to
invest profitably in smaller (micro- to mid-cap) companies. As of January 2010, the firm had $7 billion
in assets under management, about $5 billion of which were in their funds.
Robert Gardiner and Blake Walker. Mr. Gardiner had previously been Wasatch’s research director and managed three exceedingly strong Wasatch funds, Micro Cap, Micro Cap Value and Small Cap Value. With the launch of this fund, he gave up his other charges to focus here. Mr. Walker co-managed Wasatch International Opportunities. They both speak French. Mais oui!
Management’s Stake in the Fund
Mr. Gardiner has over a million dollars in the fund. Mr. Walker is in the $10,000 – $50,000 range, with a larger investment in his other fund.
$2,000 for regular accounts, $1,000 for IRAs and Coverdells.
2.25% after waivers, which are in effect through January, 2011. There’s also a 2% redemption fee for shares held fewer than 60 days. Don’t expect much of a price drop. International niche investing is an expensive proposition. The International Growth fund, with a quarter billion in assets, still has expenses around 1.9%. The prospect for any substantial reduction is further limited by Wasatch’s entirely-admirable tendency to close its funds while they’re still small enough to pursue their mandates effectively.
There’s a lot to be said for investing with specialist firms. Firms that know what they’re after and foster a culture that focuses on their core competency, tend to succeed. It’s clear that Matthews is the place to go for Asia funds. Royce is your single best bet for small cap value investing. Bridgeway is better at quant work than pretty much anyone else. And Wasatch is as close as we have to a small growth specialist. They define themselves by their expertise in the area, though they’ve purchased funds with other mandates. They promise incredibly thorough research, cross-team collaboration, and discipline in pursuit of “the World’s Best Growth Companies.”
They started with a couple very fine funds whose success drove them to quick closings. While they’ve added more flavors of funds lately – Emerging Markets Small Cap, Microcap Value, and Global Tech – their focus on great, smaller companies has remained.
Mr. Gardiner is likely one of their best managers. He ran, most famously, Wasatch Microcap from its inception through 2007. His success there was stunning. If you had invested $10,000 with Mr. Gardiner on the day he opened Micro Cap and sold on the day he retired as manager, you would have made $129,000. Put another way, your $10,000 investment would have grown by an additional $10,000 a year
for 12 years. That is almost four times more than his peers managed in the same period. Microcap Value – in which both Roy and I have personal investments – did almost as well, both during the years in which he served as mentor to the fund’s managers and afterward. His new charge is off to a similar performance: WAGOX has turned $10,000 into $20,000 from its launch at the end of 2008 to April 29, 2010. Its world-stock peers have returned about half as much.
The managers recognize that such returns are unsustainable, and seem to expect turbulence ahead. In their April 20th note to investors, Messrs. Gardiner and Walker sound a note of caution:
Given our view of the world, our main focus continues to be on quality. In each and every market, including emerging markets, we are trying to invest in what we consider to be the highest-quality
names. If the global economy ends up growing faster than we expect, stocks of high-quality companies may not lead the market, but they should do just fine. And if we see the type of subdued growth we envision, we believe high-quality stocks will do better than average.
Investing is never a sure thing. Several of Wasatch’s star funds have faded. Wasatch, here and in its
other funds, are purposefully targeting higher risk, higher return asset classes. That tends to make for “lumpy” returns: a string of great years followed by a few intensely painful ones. And Wasatch charges a lot – over 2% on average for their international and global offerings – for its services.
That said, Wasatch tends to find and keep strong employees. They’ve got a track record for “tight” closings to protect their funds. Their communications are timely and informative and, in the long run, they reward
their investors confidence.
This is a choice, not an echo. Most “global” funds invest in huge, global corporations. While that dampens risk, it also tends to dampen rewards and produces rather less diversification value for a portfolio. This bold newer fund goes where virtually no one else does: tiny companies across the globe. Only Templeton Global Smaller Companies (TEMGX) – with a value bent and a hefty sales load – comes close. Folks looking for a way to add considerable diversity to the typical large/domestic/balanced portfolio really owe it to themselves to spend some time here.
Fund website
Wasatch Global Opportunities
FundAlarm © 2010
FundAlarm – Highlights & Commentary – (Updated 1st of Each Month)
David Snowball’s
New-Fund Page for February, 2010
You can’t imagine the sinking feeling I had at the beginning of January, when I read the headline “Stocks have best first week since 1987.” Great, start with parallels to a year that had one of the market’s greatest-ever traumas. I was somehow less disturbed to read three headlines in quick succession at the end of that same month: “January barometer forecasts a down 2010” and “Three crummy weeks for stocks” on the same day as “Growth hits 6-year high” and “Energy prices dip in January.” There’s such a sense of disconnect between Wall Street’s daily gyrations (and clueless excesses) and the real-world that there’s not much to do, other than settle back and work toward a sensible long-term plan.
Portfolio Peeking Season
As is our tradition, Roy and I take a few minutes each February to share our portfolios and the thinking that shapes them. Our hope is that our discussions might give you the courage to go look at the bigger picture of your own investments and might, too, give you some guidance on how to make sense out of what you see.
My portfolio lives in two chunks: retirement (which used to be 15 years away but now, who knows?) and not. My retirement portfolio is overseen by three entities: TIAA-CREF, T. Rowe Price, and Fidelity. Within each retirement portfolio, I have three allocation targets:
80% equity / 20% income (which includes real estate)
50% domestic / 50% international in the equity sleeve
75% developed / 25% developing in the international sleeve
Inevitably things vary a bit from those weightings (TIAA-CREF is closer to 75% domestic / 25% international, for example), but I get pretty close. Over the past decade, that allocation and good managers have allowed me to pretty consistently outperform the Vanguard Total Stock Market (VTSMX) by 1 to 2% per year. In 2008, I lost about 36% — a percent better than Vanguard’s Total Stock Market but a percent worse than my benchmark composite. In 2009, I gained about 37% — eight percent better than Vanguard’s Total Stock Market, almost five percent better than either Vanguard’s Total World Stock Market ETF (VT) or my benchmark.
The same factors that drove the portfolio down in 2008 (a lot of international exposure and a lot of emerging markets exposure) drove it back up in 2009. Early in 2009 I rebalanced my account, which meant adding equity exposure and, in particular, emerging market equity exposure. None of my funds earned less than 20% and four of them – T. Rowe Price International Discovery (PRIDX), T. Rowe Price Emerging Market Stock (PRMSX), Fidelity Emerging Middle East and Africa (FEMEX) and Wasatch Microcap Value (WAMVX, in a Roth IRA) – returned more than 50%.
My non-retirement portfolio is considerably more conservative: it’s supposed to be about 25% US stocks, 25% foreign stocks, 25% bonds and 25% cash. It lost about 20% in 2008 and made about 30% in 2009.
Right now that’s accomplished with six funds:
TIAA-CREF Money Market, which generates income of $2.66 for every $1000 in my account. Sigh.
T. Rowe Price Spectrum Income (RPSIX): a fund of Price’s income-oriented funds. Technically a multi-sector bond fund, its relative performance is often controlled by what happens with the one stock fund that’s included in its portfolio. In general, it serves as a low-volatility way for me to keep ahead of inflation without losing much sleep. It’s pretty consistently churned out 5-6% returns and has lost money only during the 2008 meltdown. I could imagine being talked into a swap for Hussman Strategy Total Return (HSTRX), which didn’t lose money in 2008 and which also offers a low-volatility way to keep ahead of inflation. It has pretty consistently outperformed Price by 2-3% annually, but HSTRX’s fate lies in the performance of one guy – John Hussman, PhD – while Price is spread across eight or nine managers.
Artisan International Value (ARTKX): a very solid fund run by two Oakmark alumni. Made 33% in 2009, while lagging the vast majority of its peers. I’m fine with that, since leading in a frothy market is often a sign of an undisciplined portfolio. My only question is whether I’d be better in Artisan Global Value (ARTGX), which is smaller, more flexible and run by the same team.
Leuthold Global (GLBLX) is one manifestation of my uncertainty about the global economy and markets. It’s a go-anywhere (really: think “pallets of palladium in a London warehouse”) fund driven by a strict quantitative discipline. I bought it because of my admiration for the long-term success of Leuthold Core (LCORX), of which this is the “global” version. It made about 32% in 2009, well beyond its peers. I’d be substantially happier if it didn’t cost 1.82% but I’m willing to give Leuthold the chance to prove that they can add enough value to overcome the higher cost.
Finally, my portfolio by enlivened by the appearance of two new players: FPA Crescent (FPACX) and Matthews Asian Growth & Income (MACSX). I started 2009 with a pile of cash generated by my sale of Utopia Core (which was closed and liquidated, at a painful loss) and Baron Partners (which talked big about having the ability to take short positions – which I hoped would provide a hedge in turbulent markets – but then never got around to actually doing it). After much debate, I split the money between FPA and Matthews. FPA Crescent is a no-load fund from a mostly “loaded” family. Its manager, Steven Romick, has the flexibility to invest either in a company’s stock or its bonds, to short either, or to hold cash. This has long been a fixture of Roy’s portfolio and I finally succumbed to his peer pressure (or good common sense). The Matthews fund is about the coolest Asian fund I know of: strong absolute returns and the lowest risk of any fund in the region. Once it reopened to new investors, I began piling up my pennies. In 2009, it did what it always does in soaring markets: it made a lot of money in absolute terms (about 40%) but trailed almost all of its peers (97% of them). Which is just fine by me.
A more rational person might be drawn to MACSX’s sibling fund, Matthews Asia Dividend (MAPIX). Over its first three years, it has actually outperformed MACSX (by almost 2:1) with no greater risk. “Bob C.,” on the FundAlarm discussion board, mentioned that he’d been moving some of his clients’ assets into the fund. In retrospect, that looks like a great move but I’m reluctant to sell a fund that’s doing what I bought it to do, so I’ll probably watch and learn a bit longer.
What does the next year bring? Not much. Most of my investment success has been driven by two simple impulses: don’t take silly risks (which is different from “don’t take risks”) and save like mad. I continue to gravitate toward conservative managers who have a fair amount of portfolio flexibility and a great record for managing downside risks. And I continue saving as much as I can: about 13.5% of my annual income goes to retirement, my employer – Augustana College – contributes the equivalent of 10%, and about 10% of my take-home pay goes into the funds I’ve just mentioned. While college professors don’t make a huge amount of money, the fact that all of my investments are set on auto-pilot helps me keep with the program. Although I’ve profiled several incredibly intriguing funds over the past year, I’ll probably not add any new funds right now – I don’t have any really obvious holes and I’m not great at keeping control of large numbers of funds.
Roy writes:
Alas, I am quite a bit less systematic than David in designing my portfolio, not that there is anything wrong with David’s approach (in fact, it is quite good). Basically, I try to keep my portfolio roughly divided into broad capitalization “thirds” — one-third each large cap, mid-cap and small-cap funds — and within each third roughly divided into value, blend, and growth orientation. In other words, I try to fill each square of the venerable, nine-square Morningstar style box with a roughly equal percentage of my portfolio, with a further goal to have about 15% of my portfolio in foreign stocks, and an overweight in the health care, technology and fiancial services sectors (I’ll get back to you in about 10 years on that last one). To get an overview of my portfolio for this purpose, I use the Morningstar portfolio X-ray tool (which, by the way, is available free on the T. Rowe Price WSeb site).
Roy’s Mutual Fund Portfolio (as of December 31, 2009, in alphabetical order within each percentage category)
More than 15% by dollar value
Buffalo Small Cap (BUFSX)
iShares Russell 3000 Index ETF (IWV)
Less than 15% by dollar value
Allianz RCM Global Technology D (DGTNX)
Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Market (BRSIX)
Cohen & Steers Realty Shares (CSRSX)
Fidelity Select Brokerage & Investment (FSLBX)
FPA Crescent (FPACX)
Vanguard 500 Index (VFINX)
Vanguard European Stock Index (VEURX)
Vanguard Health Care (VGHCX)
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI)
Wasatch Global Technology (WAGTX)
Weitz Partners Value (WPVLX)
In early 2010, shortly after the snapshot above, I sold Bridgeway Ultra-Small Company Market, due to poor performance, and invested the proceeds in Wasatch Mid Cap Value (WAMVX). I also have arranged to invest this year’s retirement plan contributions in WAMVX.
To simplify things a bit, I probably should sell my shares of Vanguard 500 Index (VFINX) and invest the proceeds in iShares Russell 3000 Index ETF. But I hold the VFINX in a taxable acccount, and my desire not to pay capital gains tax outweighs my need to tidy up. Likewise, to reduce the number of my holdings, I should sell my shares of Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) and invest the proceeds in iShares Russell 3000 Index ETF (IWV), which plays a very similar role in my portfolio (the shares of VTI are held in a retirement account so, in this case, such a sale would have no tax consequences). Here, I just don’t want to pay the transaction fees which, while minor, ultimately strike me as unnecessary.
[Back to David] Forward Long/Short Credit Analysis: a clarification and correction
In January, I profiled
Forward Long/Short Credit Analysis (FLSRX), a unique fund which takes long and short positions in the bond market. The fund’s appeal is due to (a) its prospects for extracting value in an area that most other mutual funds miss and (b) its pedigree as a hedge fund. Forward’s president was particularly proud of this latter point, and took some pains to dismiss the efforts of competitors who could come up with nothing more than hedge fund wannabes:
Unlike the “hedge fund light” mutual funds, this one is designed just like a hedge fund, but with daily pricing, daily liquidity, and mutual fund-like transparency.
Forward’s commitment to the fund’s hedge roots was so strong that it was initially available only to qualified investors: folks with a net worth over $1.5 million or at least $750,000 invested in the fund.
Since Forward says that FSLRX models a Cedar Ridge hedge fund, but doesn’t specify which hedge fund they mean, I guessed that it was Cedar Ridge Master Fund and highlighted Cedar Ridge’s performance as an illustration of FSRLX’s potential.
I was wrong on two counts. First, I had the wrong hedge fund. “Evan,” one of our readers, wrote to inform me that the correct fund was Cedar Ridge Investors Fund I, LP. Second, the Investors’ fund record raises serious questions about FSLRX. The Cedar Ridge Master Fund lost 6% in 2008, a respectable performance. Cedar Ridge Investors, however, lost 31% — which is far less reassuring. Worse, there was a cosmic gap between the 2009 performance of Cedar Ridge Investors (up 98%) and its doppelganger, FSLRX (up 47%). When I asked about the gap in performance, the folks at Forward passed along this explanation:
The Forward Long/Short Credit Analysis Fund is based on the Cedar Ridge Investors I. The performance difference in 2009 between the two is easily explained. Compared to the Cedar Ridge fund, FLSRX fund is more diversified and uses less leverage to be able to provide daily liquidity and operate as a fund for retail investors.
Somehow that 2:1 return difference is making the Forward fund look pretty durned “hedge fund light” about now. (Many thanks to Evan for pointing me, finally, in the right direction.)
Akre Focus: Maybe it is worth all the fuss and bother
In the January issue, I took exception to the uncritical celebration by financial journalists of the new Akre Focus (AKREX) fund. Manager Chuck Akre intends to manage AKREX using the same strategy he employed with the successful FBR Focus (FBRVX) fund, and Akre is the only only manager FBRVX has ever known. AKREX – for all intents and purposes – is FBRVX: same manager, same expenses, same investment requirement, same strategy. I was, however, still suspicious: FBRVX has a very streaky record, Mr. Akre’s entire analyst team resigned in order to stay with the FBR Fund and, in doing so, they were reported as making comments that suggested that Mr. Akre might have been something less than the be-all and end-all of the fund. I e-mailed Akre Capital Management in December, asking for a chance to talk but never heard back.
Victoria Odinotska, president of a public relations firm that represents Akre Focus, read the story and wrote to offer a chance to chat with Mr. Akre about his fund and his decision to start Akre Focus. I accepted her offer and gave our Discussion Board members a chance to suggest questions for Mr. Akre. I got a bunch, and spent an hour in January chatting with him.
Our conversation centered on three questions.
Question One: Why did you leave? Answer: Because, according to Mr. Akre, FBR decided to squeeze, if not kill, the goose that laid its golden eggs. As Mr. Akre, explained, FBR is deeply dependent on the revenue that he generated for them. He described his fund as contributing “80% of FBR’s assets and 100% of net income.” While I cannot confirm his exact numbers, there’s strong evidence that Focus is, indeed, the lynchpin of FBR’s economic model. At year’s end, FBR funds held $1.2 billion in assets. A somewhat shrunken Focus fund accounted for $750 million, which works out to about 63% of assets. By Mr. Akre’s calculation, he managed $1 billion for FBR, which represents about 80%. More importantly, most of FBR’s funds are run at a substantial loss, based on official expense ratios:
Expense ratio before waivers
Expense ratio after waivers
Loss on the fund
FBR Pegasus Small Cap Growth
FBR Pegasus Mid-Cap
FBR Pegasus Small Cap
FBR Technology
FBR Pegasus
FBR Focus
FBR Large Cap Financial
FBR Small Cap Financial
FBR Gas Utilities Index
Source: FBR Annual Report, “Financial Highlights, Year Ending 10/31/09”
Based on these numbers, virtually all of FBR’s net income was generated by two guys (Mr. Akre, whose Focus fund generated $10.8 million, and David Ellison whose two Financial funds chipped in another $3.5 million), as well as one modestly over-priced index fund (which grossed $1.5 million)
FBR underwent a “change of control” in early 2009 and, as Mr. Akre describes it, they decided they needed to squeeze the goose that was laying their golden eggs. After a series of meetings, FBR announced their new terms to Akre, which he says consisted of the following:
He needed to take a 20% cut in compensation (from about 55 basis points on his fund to 45 basis points), a potential cash savings to management that he did not believe would be passed on to fund shareholders.
He would need to take on additional marketing responsibilities, presumably to plump the goose.
And he had eight days to make up his mind.
Mr. Akre said “no” and, after consulting with his team of three analysts who agreed to join him, decided to launch Akre Focus. The fund was approved by the SEC in short order and, while his analysts worked on research back at the home office, Mr. Akre took a road trip. Something like three days into that trip, he got a call. It was his senior analyst who announced that all three analysts had resigned from his new fund. The next day, FBR announced the hiring of the three analysts to run FBR Focus.
FBR has been taking a reasonably assertive tack in introducing their new portfolio managers. They don’t quite claim that they’ve been running the fund all this time, but they come pretty close. FBR Focus’s Annual Report, January 2010, says this: “Finally, we are pleased to be writing this letter to you in our expanded role as the Fund’s co-Portfolio Managers. We assumed this position on August 22, 2009, after working a cumulative 23 years as the analysts responsible for day to day research and management of the Fund’s investments (emphasis added).” Mr. Akre takes exception to these claims. He says that his analysts were just that — analysts — and not shadow managers, or co-managers, or anything similar. Mr. Akre notes, “My analysts haven’t run the fund. They have no day-to-day investment management experience. They were assigned to research companies and write very focused reports on them. As a professional development opportunity, they did have a chance to offer a recommendation on individual names. But the decision was always mine.”
Mr. Akre’s recollection is certainly consistent with the text of FBR’s annual and semi-annual reports, which make no mention of a role for the analysts, and don’t even hint at any sort of team or collegial decision-making.
Question Two: How serious is the loss of your entire staff ? Answer: not very. After a national search, he hired two analysts who he feels are more experienced than the folks they replaced:
Tom Saberhagen: Since 2002, a Senior Analyst with the Aegis Value Fund (AVALX), which I’ve profiled as a “star in the shadows”.
John Neff, who has been in the financial services industry for 15 years. He was a sell-side equity analyst for William Blair & Company and previously was in the First Scholar program at what was then First Chicago Corporation (now JP Morgan).
Question Three: What can investors expect from the new fund? Mr. Akre has some issues with how the size of FBR Focus was managed at the corporate level. It’s reasonable to assume that he will devote significant attention to properly managing the size of his own fund.
In general, Mr. Akre is very concerned about the state of the market and determined to invest cautiously, “gingerly” in his terms. He plans to invest using precisely the discipline that he’s always followed, and seems exceptionally motivated to make a success of the fund bearing his name. In recognition of that, I’ve profiled Akre Focus this month as a “star in the shadows.”
Thanks again to Mr. Akre for taking the time to talk with me, and for giving us some rare behind-the-scenes views of fund management. Of course, if there are credible viewpoints that differ from Mr. Akre’s, we’d like to hear them, and we’ll carefully consider printing them as well.
Noted briefly:
RiverNorth Core Opportunity(RNCOX), was recognized by Morningstar as the top-performing moderate allocation/hybrid fund over the past three years. My profile of RNCOX was also the subject of vigorous discussion on the FundAlarm Discussion Board, where some folks were concerned that the closed-end market was not currently ripe for investment. (Source: Marketwire.com, 1/12/10)
Manning & Napier, Matthews Asia and Van Eck were recognized by Strategic Insight (a research firm) as the fastest-growing active fund managers in 2009. I know little about Van Eck, but have profiled several funds from the other two firms and they do deserve a lot more attention than they’ve received. (Source: MutualFundWire.com, 1/14/10)
T. Rowe Pricewas the only pure no-load manager to make Lipper/Barron’s list of “best fund families, 2009.” The top three families overall were Putnam (#1 – who would have guessed?), Price and Aberdeen Asset Management. Top in U.S. equity was Morgan Stanley, Price topped the world equity category, and Franklin Templeton led in mixed stock/bond funds. Fidelity ranked 26/61 while Vanguard finished 40th. (Source: “The New Champs,” Barron’s, 2/01/10).
Raising the prospect that Forward Long/Short Credit Analysis (FSLRX, discussed above and profiled last month) might be onto something, Michael Singer, head of alternative investments for Third Avenue Management, claims that the best opportunities in 2010 will come distressed debt (a specialty for the new Third Avenue Focused Credit (TFCVX) fund), long-short credit (à la Forward) and emerging markets. Regarding long-short credit, he says, “Last year, making money in long-short credit was like shooting fish in a barrel. This year talented traders can make money on both the long and short side, but you better be in the right credits.” (Source: “Tricky Sailing for Hedge Funds,” Barron’s, 2/01/10).
In closing . . .
I’ve written often about the lively and informative debates that occur on FundAlarm’s discussion board. For folks wondering whether supporting FundAlarm is worth their time, you might consider some of the gems scattered up and down the Board as I write:
“MJG” linked to the latest revision of well-regarded Callan Periodic Table of Investment Returns, which provides – in a single, quilt-like visual – 20 years’ worth of investment returns for eight different asset classes. “Bob C” had reservations about the chart’s utility since it excludes many au currant asset classes, such as commodities. After just a bit of search, Ron (a distinct from rono) tracked down a link to the Modern Markets Scorecard which provides a decades’ worth of data on classes as standard as the S&P500 and as edgy as managed futures. You can find the Scorecard here: Link to Scorecard (once you get to this page, on the Rydex Web site, click on the appropriate PDF link).
After a January 28 market drop, “Fundmentals” offered up a nice piece of reporting and interpretation on the performance of variously “hedged” mutual funds.
Posted by Fundmentals
on January 28, 2010 at 20:02:18:
The long/short category in M* includes many different strategies which may not be correlated with each other but days like this expose the different strategies and how they behave.
I have divided the funds into several behavioral categories
Long huggers: These are the category equivalent of closet indexers in active long-only funds. Their short/hedging positions don’t prevent them from being close to the market movements (say upto -1% on a day like this). These should be avoided if they do this consistently. Examples include:
Astor Long/Short ETF I ASTIX -0.71% (try shorting for a change bud)
Old Mutual Analytic Z ANDEX -1.01% (need more analytics it seems)
Schwab Hedged Equity Select SWHEX -0.85% (hedged? try again)
Sound Mind Investing Managed Volatility SMIVX -0.90% (no one with sound mind will think this is managing volatility)
The Collar COLLX -0.67% (cute name but is the manager a dog?)
Threadneedle Global Extended Alpha R4 REYRX -0.94% (What alpha? Missing the needle)
Virtus AlphaSector Allocation I VAAIX -0.71% (Pick whether you want to be an alpha fund or a sector fund)
Wasatch-1st Source Long/Short FMLSX -0.95% (Perhaps time to try the 2nd Source for ideas?)
Wegener Adaptive Growth WAGFX -1.12% (Sorry bud, you ain’t adapting nor growing)
Long-biased: These hedge/short sufficiently to reduce downside but still manage to lose with some correlation to the market (say around -0.5% on a day like this. Examples include
AQR Managed Strategy Futures N AQMNX -0.51% (future ain’t looking bright with this)
Beta Hedged Strategies BETAX -0.41% (need more cowbells.. er.. hedging)
Glenmede Long/Short GTAPX -0.37% (a bit more short perhaps?)
Highland Long/Short Equity Z HEOZX -0.56% (High on long?)
ICON Long/Short Z IOLZX -0.58% (Not too long if you please?)
Janus Long/Short T JLSTX -0.51% (More like long T-shirt, try a short size)
Nakoma Absolute Return NARFX -0.55% (absolute loss?)
Market neutral: These funds are hedged/short sufficiently to provide a return largely unrelated to the market movement (say between -0.3% to 0.3% on a day like this). Most of them fall here and are what you need in this category
Alpha Hedged Strategies ALPHX -0.30%
Alternative Strategies I AASFX -0.16%
American Century Lg-Shrt Mkt Netrl Inv ALHIX +0.20
Arbitrage R ARBFX -0.08%
DWS Disciplined Market Neutral S DDMSX +0.22
First American Tactical Market Oppt Y FGTYX -0.1%
GMO Alpha Only III GGHEX 0.00%
Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Tracker IR GSRTX -0.11%
ING Alternative Beta W IABWX -0.18%
Merger MERFX +0.06%
MFS Diversified Target Return I DVRIX -0.22%
Robeco Long/Short Eq Inv BPLEX +0.12%
TFS Market Neutral TFSMX -0.33%
Turner Spectrum Inv TSPCX +0.18%
Vantagepoint Diversifying Strategies VPDAX -0.20%
Short biased: These are hedged/short sufficiently that they are mostly inverse correlated with the market but do have some upside in up markets (say around +0.5% on a day like this)
None I can find
Short huggers: This is the opposite of the long huggers who are so hedged/short that they are more correlated with inverse funds than being short biased and are likely to do poorly in up markets. Avoid if they do this consistently. Examples
Hussman Strategic Growth HSGFX +0.95% (The strategy is to grow only when everyone is shrinking?)
In addition to well-earned words of thanks, many of the 20 replies offered up other hedged and risk-diversifying funds worthy of consideration and suggestions for ways to interpret the inconsistent ability of managers to live up to the “market neutral” moniker.
Of the 20 funds with “absolute” in their names, precisely half have managed to break even so far in 2010. Only two “absolute return” funds actually managed to achieve their goal by staying above zero in both 2008 and 2009 — Eaton Vance Global Macro Absolute Return (EAGMX) and RiverSource Absolute Return Currency & Income (RARAX). Both also made money in January.
In common with many nervous investors, “Gandalf” was curious about how much investable cash other folks were holding in the face of the market’s (so far) minor correction. You might be interested to read why several respondents were at 75% cash – and what they intended to do next.
The joys of the board are varied, but fleeting – after a week to 10 days, each post passes into The Great Internet Beyond so that we can make room for the next generation. As we pass the 280,000 post mark, the members of the discussion community have offered up a lot of good sense and sharp observations. Roy and I invite you to join in the discussion, and to help provide the support that makes it all possible.
Please do let us know, via the board or e-mail, what you like, what makes you crazy and how we can make it better. We love reading this stuff!
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm on January 2, 2012 by Editor.
American Century LIVESTRONG funds: Income (ARTOX), 2015 (ARFIX), 2025 (ARWIX), 2035 (ARYIX) and 2045 (AROIX), June 2006
These are “funds of funds” which grow increasingly conservative as the
retirement target date approaches.
American Century Investment Management. American Century is located in Kansas City and manages about $80 billion through 70 funds. That slightly overstates the case since 10 of their offerings – the LIVESTRONG and One Choice groups – are “funds of funds.”
Jeffrey Tyler and Irina Torelli. Mr. Tyler is the lead manager and has been managing money for American Century since 1987. Ms. Torelli joined the firm as a quant analyst in 1997 and became a co-manager in 2005.
August 31, 2004. Formerly called the “My Retirement” funds (another marketing gem), they were rebranded as LIVESTRONG funds on May 15, 2006.
$2500 for both regular and tax-sheltered accounts, and $2000 for a Coverdell Education Savings Account. The IRA minimum is $500 if you establish a monthly automatic investing plan.
The Investor class shares are 0.2% above and beyond the underlying funds’ operating expenses. The total expense ratios range from 0.77% for the Income Portfolio to 0.95% for 2045.
The LIVESTRONG funds, like the MY RETIREMENT ones before them, invest in 14 other American Century funds. The funds had very modest performance in their first year or so of operation and drew little interest from retail investors. In rebranding the funds as LIVESTRONG, American Century did four things:
It acquired Lance Armstrong as a spokesmodel.
It agreed to contribute at least $1 million of corporate – not investor – money to the Lance Armstrong Foundation in each of the next several years.
It eliminated tobacco companies from the investment mix.
And it latched on to a sort of goofy marketing slogan (“Get your Lance face on!”), accompanied by a very odd website.
All of which is unobjectionable, despite some snickering from the pundit gallery (“Tour de Funds”). The Armstrong Foundation is
generally well-respected and highly-rated by the charity watchdog groups. There’s a logical tie for the American Century funds, whose founder and founder’s wife are both cancer survivors. The founder already supports a cancer research center. Fidelity has already led the way on celebrity spokesmodels (Sir Paul McCartney) and a number of other fund companies (Ariel and Bridgeway among them) have charitable missions.
But none of that offers a reason to invest in the funds. They seem a tiny bit more costly and noticeably less aggressive than the offerings from the Big Three. Here, for example, is a comparison of American Century’s target-date 2025 fund to those of the Big Three:
American Cent.
Vanguard*
Int’l stocks
*The Vanguard portfolio reflects changes that will occur early in June, 2006. We reported on those earlier.
The LIVESTRONG funds are distinguished by their annual asset mix adjustment, while the others wait for five years. The LIVESTRONG funds also hold a few international bonds (something like a half percent for 2025), a little real estate (2%), some emerging markets equity exposure (3%), and the manager is meditating upon commodities.
It’s not clear that there’s any particular reason to choose these funds over their competitors. Retirement investors seeking a more-aggressive portfolio might consider T. Rowe Price and then make their own contribution (and receive their own tax deduction) to a worthy charity such as the Armstrong Foundation. (While you’re at it, send a little to FundAlarm as well.)
Livestrong Portfolios
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm, Profile on January 2, 2012 by Editor.
Al Frank Fund (VALUX), April 2008
The objective of the Al Frank Fund is long-term capital appreciation. The manager selects equity securities that he believes are out of favor and undervalued, then purchases and holds them until it believes that the securities have reached a fair value. That tends to take a while, so portfolio turnover is quite low and the portfolio is quite diverse: just under 300 holdings, across all valuations and size ranges. Currently the portfolio is comprised mostly of U.S. names.
Al Frank Asset Management. The adviser, named for its late founder, manages two mutual funds (Al Frank and Al Frank Dividend Value) and about 800 separate accounts. Altogether, it manages about $750 million in assets.
John Buckingham and Jessica Chiaverini. Mr. Buckingham is the Chief Investment Officer for Al Frank, which he joined in 1987. He’s responsible for the fund’s day-to-day management. He’s also the Director of Research and editor of both The Prudent Speculator and the TechValue Report newsletters. Ms. Chiaverini works mostly with the firm’s separate accounts and the analysts.
Mr. Buckingham has between $100,000 and $500,000 in each of the funds and owns about 20% of the adviser. Ms. Chiaverini has a marginal investment in the fund, but does buy many of the individual stocks recommended by The Prudent Speculator and held in the fund. Because Al Frank is part of the Advisers Series Trust, which provides the fund’s administrative and legal services, their board is actually a group designated to oversee all of the Advisers Series funds. As a result, they generally have no investment in either of the Al Frank funds.
January 2, 1998.
$1,000 for regular and IRA/UGMA accounts.
1.50% after an expense cap that the advisor has agreed to extend “indefinitely.” There’s a 2.0% redemption fee on shares held fewer than sixty days.
Since I’m working on next week’s quizzes for my Advertising and Social Influence class at Augustana, I thought I’d toss in a short quiz for you folks, too. Here’s the set-up to the question:
Fund-tracker Morningstar provides an analysis in visual form of each mutual fund’s “ownership zone.” They define the “ownership zone” this way:
Ownership zones are the shaded areas of the style box intended to be a visual measure of a fund’s style scope–that is, the primary area of a fund’s ownership within the style box. Some key points to remember about the ownership zone are that it encompasses 75% of the stock holdings in the fund’s portfolio, and that it is centered around a centroid that is determined using an asset-weighted calculation.
Please match each fund with its corresponding ownership zone:
a. Al Frank Fund b. Fidelity Low-Priced Stock c. Vanguard Total Stock Market
If you thought Fidelity’s Low-Priced is represented by image #1, you get a point. If you thought Vanguard’s Total Stock Market index is represented by index #3, you’re wrong. Terribly wrong. Image #3 represents a picture of the Al Frank Fund’s holdings.
For a fund whose ticker is VALUX, you might imagine . . . well, you know, “value” stocks in the portfolio. And while Mr. Buckingham thinks of himself as a value investor, he is wary of letting his portfolio get anchored merely to traditional value sectors like financials and utilities (the latter of which, by the way, he does not own). He argues that non-traditional realms, like tech, can offer good – and occasionally spectacular – values which are missed when you stick strictly to traditional valuation metrics. He argues that tech firms (the subject of his TechValue Report) might have no earnings but nonetheless represent legitimate “value” investments if the business shows evidence of substantial growth potential and the available valuations are at the low end of their historic ranges. He write:
In short, we seek bargains wherever they reside. If Blue-Chips seem cheap, we buy them. If technology stocks appear undervalued, we snap them up. We believe that limiting our investment universe by market-cap or value-versus-growth distinctions likely will serve only to limit our potential returns.
As new money comes (slowly, he grumps) into the fund, Mr. Buckingham rebalances the portfolio by investing in the new names with the most compelling valuations rather than adding to his existing positions. He argues that having a sprawling portfolio offers the best prospect for long-term success, in part because much of a portfolio’s gain is driven by a relative handful of wildly successful investments. Since it’s hard to predict which invest will be spectacular as opposed to merely “good” and since something like a third of any good investor’s choices “simply don’t work out,” he holds “200 or more stocks in our Funds, to improve our chances of owning those rare few stocks that everyone wishes they’d noticed earlier. This disciplined approach makes it possible for us to put patience – perhaps the most elusive of investment qualities – to work.” Skeptics might recall that Joel Tillinghast, on the short list of the best investment managers ever to work for Fidelity, consistently holds 700 or more stocks in his Fidelity Low-Priced Stock (FLPSX) portfolio. That’s complemented by the fact that Mr. Buckingham’s newsletter, “The Prudent Speculator has evolved to become the #1 newsletter as ranked by The Hulbert Financial Digest in its fifteen-, twenty- and twenty-five-year categories for total return performance through May 31, 2007.”
Over the decade of Al Frank fund’s existence, it’s landed in the top 2% of its peer group clocking in with annual returns of 12.7%, which tops the S&P500 and its mid-cap blend peer group by about 5% a year. Its absolute returns over the past five years – 19% annually – are stronger while its relative returns and about the same as for the longer period. The headache for investors comes in the pattern of year-to-year performance that leads to those strong, long-term numbers.
Peer Group Ranking
Bottom 10%
Just below average
On whole, that pattern doesn’t bother him. Citing Warren Buffett’s famous dictum, “At Berkshire, we would rather earn a lumpy 15% over time than a smooth 12%,” Mr. Buckingham takes lumpiness as an inevitable consequence of independent thinking.
Al Frank definitely offers lumpy returns. The manager neither aspires to nor achieves smoothly mediocre results. He tends to make a lot of money for his investors, but punctuates periods of stout returns with periods where a good glass of stout might be called for. For folks willing to take the bad with the good, they’ve got access to a strong track record and devoutly original thinking.
http://www.alfrankfunds.com/
Driehaus International Small Cap Growth (DRIOX), November 2007
The Driehaus International Small Cap Growth Fund seeks to maximize capital appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in equity securities of smaller capitalization non-U.S. companies exhibiting strong growth characteristics. The fund invests at least 80% of its net assets in the equity securities of non-U.S. small capitalization companies, currently that is companies whose market capitalization is less than $2.5 billion at the time of investment.
Driehaus Capital Management LLC, which was organized in 1982 to provide investment advice to high net worth individuals and institutions. As of July 31, 2007, it managed approximately $4.4 billion in assets. Driehaus runs three other mutual funds: Emerging Markets Growth (closed to new investors), International Discovery, and International Yield Opportunities (new in 2007).
Howard Schwab and David Mouser. Schwab is the lead manager here and was the lead manager for the Driehaus International Opportunities Fund, L.P., the predecessor limited partnership from its inception in August, 2002 until it transformed into this mutual fund. Schwab is also a co-manager of the Driehaus Emerging Markets Growth Fund and, for several months, helped manage the Driehaus International Equity Yield Fund. Mr. Mouser has “certain responsibilities” for investment decision-making on fund, “subject to Mr. Schwab’s approval,” just as he did with the limited partnership.
Technically none, since the fund began operation after the date of the last SAI.
September 17, 2007. If you don’t like that date, you could choose July 1, 2001 (the date on which Schwab began managing separate accounts using this strategy) or August 1, 2002 (the date that they launched the International Opportunities Fund, L.P., whose assets and strategies the mutual fund inherits). Technically you might also choose February 26, 2007, the date that the fund was “established as a series of Driehaus Mutual Funds” but apparently had no assets or investors. It’s a little confusing, but it does offer a certain richness of data.
$10,000 for regular accounts, $2,000 for IRAs. The minimum subsequent investment for regular accounts is high, at $2,000, but it’s only $100 with an automatic investment plan. In any case, it’s a lot more affordable for most of us than the $20 million minimum required for a separate account that uses this same strategy.
1.95% on assets of $101 million. The expense ratio is not likely to drop much because it includes a fairly high (1.50%) management fee which is not configured to decline as assets grow.
DRIOX represents an interesting case for investors. It’s a new fund but it’s directly derived from two predecessor entities. There are separately managed accounts with combined assets of $210 million and there was a Limited Partnership with assets of $100 million, both managed by the same guys with the same strategies. But they were also managed under very different legal structures (for example, the L.P.s don’t have to pay out distributions the way that funds are required to do) for very different sorts of clients (that is, folks with $20 million or more to invest). In addition, Driehaus runs two other mutual funds with different management teams but with the same investment discipline.
In general, all Driehaus managers are growth guys who look for companies which have:
Dominant products or market niches
Improved sales outlook or opportunities
Demonstrated sales and earnings growth
Cost restructuring programs which are expected to positively affect company earnings
Increased order backlogs, new product introductions, or industry developments which are expected to positively affect company earnings
They also consider macroeconomic and technical information in evaluating stocks and countries for investment.
What might we learn from all of that data? Driehaus makes gobs of money for its investors.
The International Small Cap Growth separate accounts have returned 36.9% annually since inception. Their benchmark has returned 13.5% over the same period.
The International Opportunities LP returned 36.75% annually since inception. Its benchmark returned 27.3% over the same period.
Emerging Markets Growth fund (DREGX) has returned 22.3% annually since inception. Its benchmark returned 13.6%. Over the past five years it has returned 44.2% annually, while its Morningstar peer group returned 36.7%.
International Discovery fund (DRIDX) has returned 22.2% annually since inception. Its benchmark returned 7.2%. Over the past five years it has returned 34.4% annually, while its Morningstar peer group returned 24.0%.
While I’m generally not impressed by big numbers, those are really big performance advantages, delivered through a variety of investment vehicles over a considerable set of time frames.
There are two risks which are especially relevant here. The first is that Driehaus is a very aggressive investor. Morningstar classifies Emerging Markets Growth and International Discovery as having Above Average risk. Both of the funds have turnover rates around 200%. That aggressiveness is reflected in considerable swings in performance. International Discovery, for example, has the following peer ranks:
Year Morningstar Peer Rank, Percentile
Emerging Markets shows the same saw-tooth pattern, though in a tighter range:
The performance data for the International Small Growth separate accounts makes the strategy’s strengths and limits pretty clear. They calculate “capture ratios,” which are essentially volatility estimates which measure performance in rising and falling markets separately. A score of 100 means you rise (or fall) in synch with the market. A score of 110 up and 130 down means that you rise 10% more than the market when it’s going up and fall 30% more when it’s going down. Here are the most recent capture ratios, as of 9/30/07:
Which is to say, it rises 80% more in good times and drops 40% more in bad than does the market. You don’t want to be here when the rain is falling.
The second risk is Driehaus’s penchant for closing and/or liquidating funds. Driehaus had a bunch of other funds that they seem to have liquidated: Driehaus International Growth (DRIGX), Driehaus European Opportunity (DREOX) and Driehaus Asia Pacific Growth (DRAGX), all of which died in 2003. The very successful Emerging Markets Growth fund just closed to new investors.
For investors with $10,000 to spare and a high tolerance for risk, this might be as good as bet for sheer, pulse-pounding, gut-wrenching, adrenaline-pumping performance as you’re going to find.
http://www.driehaus.com/DRIOX.php
Guinness Atkinson Alternative Energy (GAAEX), September 2007
The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in US and overseas of companies involved in the alternative energy or energy technology sectors, which includes companies that increase energy efficiency but excludes nuclear.
Guinness Atkinson Asset Management, headquartered in Woodland Hills CA but also has offices in London. The company was founded by a number of then and former managers for Investec, a multinational investment firm. The firm manages mutual funds whose net assets are about $340 million.
Tim Guinness, Ed Guinness and Matthew Page. Tim Guinness is the lead manager, the firm’s Chief Investment Officer and manager of the Global Energy and Global Innovators funds. Immediately prior to founding GA, he was joint chairman of Investec. Ed Guinness, Tim’s son, has engineering and management degrees from Cambridge. Before joining Guinness Atkinson, he worked on tech investing at HSBC and risk arbitrage for Tiedemann Investment Group in New York. Matthew Page has a Master’s degree in Physics from Oxford and worked briefly at Goldman Sachs before joining GA.
$5000 for regular accounts, $2500 for regular accounts for individuals who own shares in other GA funds, $1000 for IRAs and $100 for accounts opened with an automatic investing plan.
1.7% and falling. There’s a 2% redemption fee on shares held for fewer than 30 days.
More than is usually the case, I feel like I’m on a precipice over a gaping dark chasm of ignorance. There are two questions – is there a strong case now for alternative energy investing? and if so, is there a strong case for making that investment through an open-end mutual fund? Those are good questions for which good answers would take pages. Multiple, many, numerous pages. Little of which I’m competent to write. As a result, I’ll try to offer the second-grader’s version of the story and will ask the indulgence of folks who have profound professional knowledge of the subject.
Is there a case now for alternative energy investing? Well, there’s certainly a case for alternative energy so there’s likely a parallel case for investing in the field. What’s the case?
The world is running out of affordable oil and gas –
While there’s no question of imminent physical exhaustion, a number of economists project the future price of oil based on the notion of “peak oil.” At base, the peak oil theory says that once half of the oil in a particular reservoir is withdrawn, the price for removing the other half escalates sharply. There’s no single, definitive estimate for when a peak has been passed, since every oil field has its own life cycle. In general, though, experts seem to agree that the US peaked in the early 1970s and the North Sea peaked in the early 2000s. The most pessimistic estimates claim that global production is has already passed its peak (this is a subject, by the way, that causes Saudi oil ministers to sputter mightily), with 54 of the world’s 65 major producing nations in decline. A more cautious study commissioned by the US Department of Energy (Hirsch, et al, Peaking Of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation, & Risk Management, 2005) predicted the peak would be “soon,” by which they meant within 20 years. Natural gas is not substantially better off.
That study made two other important claims: (1) “As peaking is approached, liquid fuel prices and price volatility will increase dramatically, and, without timely mitigation, the economic, social, and political costs will be unprecedented.” And (2) “Viable mitigation options exist on both the supply and demand sides, but to have substantial impact, they must be initiated more than a decade in advance of peaking.”
A point rarely recognized is that much of the oil that remains is not light sweet crude; it’s generally a heavy, sour oil that’s hard to refine and a relatively poor source of higher distillates such as gasoline.
Fossil fuel consumption is irreparably affecting the global climate
You don’t actually need to believe this argument, you mostly need to agree that it is moving into the area of “commonly accepted wisdom,” since that’s what motivates governments and other organizations to act.
I’ll note, in passing, that I’m not a climatologist and so I’m not competent to judge the technical merit of what appears to be an enormous and growing body of peer-reviewed research which substantiates this claim. I am, as it turns out, trained to assess arguments. From that perspective, I’m note that those arguing against the theory of human-induced climate change generally support their case through deceptive and misleading arguments – they mischaracterize their sources, suppress inconvenient conclusions found in the research they cite, over-claim their own qualifications, and shift argument grounds midway through. The vast majority of the skeptics’ discourse appears in blogs rather than in peer-reviewed journals and little of it is research per se but rather they focus on often-narrow methodological critiques (one recent controversial was over a quarter-degree difference in a calculation). With the possibility that the future of human civilization hangs in the balance, we deserve much more honest debate.
In anticipation of the two preceding arguments, governments are going to push hard for alternatives to fossil fuels
Whether through taxation, carbon emission caps, subsidies or legal protections (e.g., relaxed siting requirements), governments around the world are moving to support the production of alternative energy.
The tricky question is the “now” part – is it currently prudent to invest in this field? The Guinness Atkinson folks are refreshingly blunt, both in print and on the phone, about the undeniable risks in the field:
. . . a large percentage of alternative energy companies are thinly traded small cap stocks . . . many of these companies are loss making or just beginning to produce profits [and] many alternative energy stocks have appreciated significantly recently as a result of increased energy prices (Guinness Atkinson, The Alternative Energy Revolution, March 2006).
In a phone conversation, Jim Atkinson (GA’s president) stressed that these were voluntary caveats that GA included because they wanted well-informed investors who were willing to hold on through inevitable, short-term dislocations. The company does, indeed, support the goal of informed investors. Their monthly Alternative Energy Briefs provides a richness of information that I’ve rarely seen from a fund company.
Three factors specific to Guinness Atkinson cut against these concerns: (1) the elder Mr. Guinness has a lot of experience in the field of energy investing. The Alternative Energy fund is the offspring of a successful, offshore global energy fund of his. Both of the younger fund managers have graduate training in technical fields (engineering and physics) which bears on their ability to read and assess information about firms and their technologies. And (2) they’re reasonable conservative in their choice of companies. By Mr. Guinness’ calculation, about 82% of the portfolio companies have “positive earnings forecasts for 2007.” That number climbs to 90% by 2008. Finally (3) they build risk management into portfolio construction. They expect to have 30 or so stocks in the portfolio and, in a perfect world, they’d assign 1/30th of their assets to each stock. Lacking perfect confidence in all of their companies, they assign a full share only to companies in which they have the greatest confidence, a half share to those in which they have fair confidence and a “research share” – that is, a very small amount – to those whose prospects are most speculative but which they’d like to track. The managers note that their poorest performers are generally held in the “research” pool, which both vindicates their stock assessment and limits the damage.
Is there a strong case for making that investment through an open-end mutual fund? I’m rather more confident that the answer here is, yes. The alternative channel for alternative energy investing is one of about three exchange traded funds:
PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy
(PBW) which invests in clean energy and conservation technologies. Its top holding is Echelon Corporation which provides “control networking technology for automation systems.” Echelon’s website highlights their work in improving McDonald’s kitchens. Net assets are $1.1 billion with expenses of 0.70%.
Market Vectors Global Alternatives
(GEX) which tracks the Ardour Global Index (Extra Liquid) of companies “engaged in the business of alternative energy.” Net assets are $61 million, expense ratio is not available.
First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge US Liquid
(QCLN) tracks the NASDAQ Clean Edge U.S. Index of “clean energy” companies, which includes lots of semiconductor makers. The fund has $23 million in assets.
There are several “clean technology” ETFs, which invest in pollution control, networking, and efficiency-supporting companies. There are, in addition, a number of specialized “green” mutual funds (Spectra Green) and ETFs (Claymore/LGA Green) which don’t particularly focus on the energy sector. They like, for example, Starbuck’s because of its commitment to recycling and environmental causes.
So why not an ETF? At base, the only argument for them is low-cost: their expense ratios are about 0.7% and Guinness’ is about 1.7%. That cost advantage is overstated by three factors: (1) Guinness e.r. is declining, their’s isn’t. (2) Brokerage fees aren’t included – each purchase of an ETF goes through a broker for whose services you pay. And (3) ETFs don’t trade at their net asset value. When ETFs trade at a premium, you actually pay for less than you get. Premiums on the alternative energy ETFs have run lately from 33 to 260 basis points. By way of translation, a fund with a 70 basis point expense ratio and a 260 basis point premium to NAV is costing an investor 3.3% to buy.
The arguments against the ETFs are (1) that they’re limited to liquid investments. That’s why you’ll notice the “liquid” in the names of several. That generally excludes them from investing in private placements or very small companies. (2) You have to have a lot of confidence in the quality of the underlying index. A number of commentators don’t. Of PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy, which has more assets than all of the other investment options combined, Morningstar recently opined:
. . . this fund lacks a well-reasoned strategy as well as a sensible, diversified benchmark. Instead, its index holds lots of companies with unproven business models and speculative stock prices. For example, the index’s average return on equity is actually negative, despite its rich average price/earnings multiple of 25 (Analyst Report, 3/5/07).
They concluded that investors “would be better off with an active manager,” though that was not a particular endorsement of Guinness Atkinson. In addition, (3) ETFs can be sold short and otherwise made part of the arbitrage games of hedge fund managers. Which isn’t a recipe for stable returns.
Perhaps as a result, Guinness Atkinson has consistently outperformed the ETFs. It benchmarks its performance against the WilderHill Clean Energy index. Here are the performance comparisons, as of 7/30/07:
Guinness WilderHill
YTD 30.60% 25.01%
Trailing twelve months 34.35 22.39
Since fund inception 14.53 0.64
If I were to invest in alternative energy, I think there’s a strong case to be made for investing with an active manager who has broad discretion and considerable experience. The ETF’s cost advantages are simply not sufficient to overcome their design limitations. Even if Guinness did not have a corner on the market for no-load alternative energy funds, their excellent work in a range of other funds, thoughtful portfolio construction and broad expertise makes them a strong candidate for the role.
(By way of full disclosure, my wife – who has degrees in environmental planning and law – reviewed a bunch of the literature I’ve been working through and chose to invest several thousand dollars of her retirement account in the Guinness Atkinson fund.)
http://www.gafunds.com/gaaex.asp. You’ll find links to the monthly Alternative Energy Briefs there.
For those interested in the peak oil theory, the DOE-commissioned study is available at http://www.netl.doe.gov/publications/others/pdf/Oil_Peaking_NETL.pdf.
Active M International Equity (NMIEX), November 2006, July 2010
At the time of publication, this fund was named Northern Multi-Manager International Equity (NIEWX) Fund.
Update (posted July 1, 2010)
The fund seeks long-term capital appreciation through a diversified portfolio of non-U.S. securities. Income is “incidental.” It’s willing to invest in companies of any size, though primarily in the developed markets. The portfolio is allocated among four independent, outside managers.
Northern Trust. The parent company was founded in 1889 and has about $650 billion in assets under management. Northern Trust Global Advisors (NGTA) has been managing money for institutional investors for about a quarter century.
Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer for NTGA since 2000. Before that, he managed about a billion dollars in asset allocation funds for Spectrum Investments. Smith’s task here is primarily to select and monitor the fund’s sub-advisers. The four current sub-advisers are:
Altrinsic Global Advisors – A Connecticut-based firm with about $3 billion under management. They focus on large, high quality companies. Northern describes them as having a “relative value style: expected to protect capital in negative markets.”
Nicholas-Applegate Capital Management – A California-based adviser with about $15 billion under management. These folks provide an aggressive-growth element to the portfolio.
Oechsle International Advisors – A Boston firm which oversees about $18 billion. This is a fairly GARP-y, conservative growth group. Oechsle was subject to a disciplinary action by the SEC in 1998 for failing to adequately supervise one of its private portfolio managers, who has since left the firm. Oechsle subsequently reimbursed its clients for the monetary losses they suffered.
Tradewinds NWQ Global Investors – This is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nuveen Investments with about $23 billion under management. These folks pursue an “absolute value” style which is “distinguished by deep specialization, fundamental analysis and transparency.” In theory they’ll provide the best down-side protection for the portfolio.
$2,500 for regular accounts, $500 for IRAs and $250 with an automatic investment plan.
1.45% after waivers, although only 1.59% even without the waivers. There’s also a 30-day, 2% redemption fee to discourage active traders.
The argument for Northern’s various multi-manager funds is pretty straightforward. Northern has been selecting investment managers for really rich people for 125 years. They’ve done it well enough that Northern has been entrusted with assets that are starting to creep up on the trillion dollar mark. They sorted through a set of 500 managers before selecting these four.
And, in general, they seem to be getting it right. Collectively Morningstar awards four-stars to Northern’s international fund line-up and praises their “very low” expense ratios. Nicholas-Applegate runs a bunch of pretty solid international funds, but their investment minimums are typically around a quarter million dollars. Tradewinds has only a few funds, but they’re solid, disciplined performers. Altrinsic and Oechsle’s public records are mostly with funds for sale to Canadian investors. In the US, they seem to serve mostly high net-worth individuals.
Northern positions this as a fairly aggressive choice. On their risk-reward spectrum, it occupies the fourth spot from the top behind the emerging markets, international real estate and international growth funds and next to their international index fund.
This fund is a calculated risk, in some ways more than most. You’re basically betting on Northern’s ability to assemble a group of superior investors whose services are not generally available. Mr. Smith has been doing this for better than 20 years and seems to be rising steadily within his profession. And Northern has been doing it, to the apparent satisfaction of “a well-heeled client” for better than a century. This seems to create a fair presumption in their favor, especially at a time when compelling choices in international funds are few.
http://www.northernfunds.com
Assets: $2.7 billion Expenses: 1.4%
YTD return (through 6/17/10): (4.0%)
Our original thesis
This fund is a calculated risk, in some ways more than most. You’re basically betting on Northern’s ability to assemble a group of superior investors whose services are not generally available.
Our revised thesis
Since inception, NMIEX has performed modestly better than its peers or its index. The fund is down about 6% since inception, its international core peer group is down about 7% and its primary benchmark is down about 9%. It has earned those modestly above-average returns with modestly below-average volatility. It substantially outperformed its peers and benchmark during the 2007-09 crash, slightly outperformed them in the May 2010 mini-crash and substantially trailed (47% for NMIEX versus 61% for its benchmark index) through during the 12 month surge following the market low. Both the better performance in the down market and the poorer performance, especially in the early phases of the rebound, are attributable to the same factor: the fund had only about half of the exposure to European financial stocks as did its peers.
In general, the seven Northern Multi-Manager funds have been entirely respectable performers over the short life spans. Like Price funds, they generally seem to do a bit better than the peers over time and rarely end a year in the basement. Northern has been pretty vigilant about monitoring the performance of its sub-advisors and has not been reluctant to replace teams that are drifting (mostly notably in the underperforming Small Cap NMMSX fund, where they’ve made three switches in about 12 months).
It’s regrettable that the fund’s expense ratio has remained virtually unchanged, despite the tripling of assets under management from 2007 through 2010. The 1.4% fee here compares to 1.1% for the average international fund, and rather less than that for the average large cap, developed market international fund.
This is a solid choice whose low minimum investment (down to $250 for folks setting up an automatic investment plan) and broad diversification might recommend it to a wide audience.
FundAlarm © 2006, 2010
New-Fund Page for July, 2010
In celebration of the hazy, lazy, crazy days of summer, we’ve decided to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the long days. At least to the extent that you can enjoy days when a twitchy computer program can appreciably change your fortunes in a fraction of a second. So we’re taking time to catch up with the funds we’re already presented, starting with . . .
The Billionaire’s Club
Attracting a billion dollars’ in assets is hard. There are about 5200 funds below that threshold and only 1200 over it. 260 of those smaller funds have earned five stars from Morningstar and some of those smaller five-star funds (CGM Mutual, Mair & Powers Balanced, Valley Forge, FMI Common, Greenspring . . . ) have been in operation for decades. As a result, it’s noteworthy when a new fund is able to draw more than a billion in just a few years. This month’s New Fund page focuses on the nine funds that we’ve previously profiled which have crossed that threshold. Here’s the snapshot and link to each.
Dodge & Cox Global (DODWX), launched 05/01/2008 and now at $1.1 billion. Dodge & Cox is one of the most respected names in investing. They do just about everything right, and have been doing it right for 80 years. Global, which had a wretched 2008, combines the strengths of Dodge & Cox Stock (DODGX) and Dodge & Cox International (DODFX).
Leuthold Asset Allocation (LAALX), launched 05/25/2006 and now at $1.3 billion. Before the Leuthold funds, there was The Leuthold Group which did quantitative historical research to develop sophisticated models for institutional investors. Steve Leuthold was prevailed upon to launch a fund, Leuthold Core (LCORX), to give folks with less than a million to invest access to his models. LCORX’s closing led to the launch of look-alike LAALX. Steven Goldberg, writing for Kiplinger’s, was unambiguous about the virtues of these eclectic offerings: “In uncertain times, I think Leuthold Asset Allocation will prove its worth. Put 20% of your money here.” Yes, sir! (See “The 7 Best Mutual Funds for This Market,” 06/22/2010)
Northern Multi-Manager International Equity (NMIEX), launched 06/22/2006 and now at $2.6 billion. Northern’s multi-manager funds proceed from a simple premise: different people do different things well. Pick out what needs done well, then go find the best managers for the job. Northern concluded, for example, that “absolute value” stocks should be represented as should “aggressive growth” ones, so they hired high value institutional managers who specialize in each of those niches. With the large size of the resulting management teams, some worry that too many cooks might spoil the broth. Northern, though, hires only one broth chef (to complement the pastry chef and the soup guy). The results have been consistently solid.
PIMCO Global Advantage Strategy Bond, “D” shares (PGSDX) launched 02/05/2009 and now at $1.8 billion. PIMCO’s chief, the legendary Bill Gross, is unambiguous: “Bonds have seen their best days.” The question is, what’s a bond specialist like PIMCO to do about it? They’ve offered two answers, in Global Advantage and Global Multi-Asset, below. Global Advantage addresses the risk of a bond market bubble and long, slow decline by changing the rules for bond investing. Instead of focusing on the biggest borrowers (the “market cap” approach used by virtually all bond indexes and benchmarks), shift to the credit-worthy borrowers (those whose Gross Domestic Products are large enough, and growing vigorously enough, to support their bond obligations). Global Multi-Asset goes a step further.
PIMCO Global Multi-Asset, “D” shares (PGMDX), launched 10/29/2008 and now at $2.2 billion. PIMCO tried diversifying away from bonds before, in the 1980s, but Mr. Gross’s heart simply wasn’t in the move. When their handful of stock investors tried to get PIMCO invested at the start of the greatest bull market in the 20th century, they got shut down. Mr. Gross admits, “Those sessions basically said, ‘Hey, we’re a bond shop. This is what we’re going to do. It’s the party line.’” With the help of CEO Mohamed El-Erian, a distinguished emerging markets investor and former head of Harvard Management Company, PIMCO is beginning to market opportunistic strategies that encompass a far wider array of asset classes and economic possibilities than ever before.
Rydex/SGI Managed Futures Strategy (RYMFX), launched 03/02/2007 and now at $2.3 billion. Sometimes it seems that intriguing new asset classes remain excellent options only until you invest in them. That must be the way that RYMFX investors feel. The fund, which holds long and short positions solely in financial instruments (e.g., currency futures and bonds) and commodities, amazed everyone by completing ignoring the 2008 market crisis and turning a handsome profit. But as the investors rushed in, the underlying market conditions changed and the fund has spent 18 months drifting lower. Fans argue that the long-term record of its underlying index (the Diversified Trends Index) gives reason for cheer: once financial markets start being “normal” again, this fund will take off again.
T. Rowe Price Overseas (TROSX), launched 12/29/2006 and now at $2.2 billion. Back in 2006, T. Rowe Price had a problem: their flagship international fund Price International (PRITX) utterly mediocre and had been so for years. In apparent response, they delegated the very successful manager of one of their smaller international funds (International Growth and Income TRIGX) to manage both this fund and his old charge. That turns out poorly, as TRIGX sagged to mediocrity while TROSX never rose above it. But the other response, fix the original problem by getting a more-focused manager for PRITX, has done a world of good for that fund.
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index (VDAIX), launched 04/21/2006 and now at $3.9 billion. In 2006, a lot of new investments were aimed at exploiting the virtues of dividends: high dividends, high dividend growth, high relative dividends or whatever. Most of them have fallen flat, but VDAIX (and its ETF clone, VIG), have gotten it right: high alpha, low beta large cap domestic investing. With low expenses and a focus on companies, that advantage seems likely to prove durable.
Wintergreen (WGRNX), launched 10/17/2005 and now at $1 billion. This is what mutual funds were supposed to be. Not “wimpy, cover my butt, don’t get too far out of line and do keep CNBC blaring in the background” investing, but “I’m smarter and I’m getting their first” investing. If DC Comics ever wanted to create a new super-hero, The Superman-ager, they’d surely model him off Mr. Winters who presents the perfect alter ego (funny, thoughtful, self-effacing, the unremarkable guy in the next cubicle over). But when night falls, off comes the green (wintergreen?) tie and out The Superman-ager flies.
The oddest thing about the Billionaire’s Club? No Fidelity funds. The titan of asset accumulation is still rolling out new funds – something like 65 in three years – but the vast majority are either retirement products (their target-date funds of funds), funds open only to other Fidelity funds or cloned share classes of long-standing funds (for example, the all-important “F” and “K” classes of Diversified International). Their most-successful new retail funds – at least as measured by their ability to attract assets – areDynamic Strategies (FDYSX, at $250 million) and Emerging Middle East and Africa (FEMEX, at $120 million). There are profiles of both in the archives, below. Beyond that, their most successful launches are index funds and “enhanced” index funds.
Fidelity. Small. Index funds. Eeeek.
Quick Updates from SteelPath
SteelPath offers the only open-end mutual funds which invest exclusively in master limited partnerships. In my June 2010 profile of SteelPath Alpha (MLPAX), I argued that “This seems to be an asset class with sustained, compelling advantages. SteelPath is, currently, the only game in town for mutual fund investors. Fortunately they seem to be a pretty good game: experienced players, rational arguments about their portfolio, and reasonable expenses especially for folks who can access the no-load shares.” Some of the posters on FundAlarm’s discussion board had follow-up questions, in particular about the peculiar tax status of MLPs. I put those questions to SteelPath and Gabriel Hammond, SteelPath’s founder and the fund’s manager, was kind enough to respond. Here are the highlights:
Q. Since your fund is structured as a corporation, are payments to shareholders taxed as income?
A. “No, the Funds’ distributions are taxed as qualified dividends. The Funds’ distributions may also be classified as return of capital in some cases, and not subject to taxation.”
Q. Since MLPs represent a relatively small portion of the investment universe, will you be constrained to close your funds while they’re still relatively small?
A. “We believe that a manager would have difficulty delivering the type of outperformance we envision if he held more than 1%-1.5% of the float of the securities in the space. As such we would consider a soft close at $1.25bb.” Given their different mandates, SteelPath’s Alpha 40 fund doesn’t face a meaningful upper limit and the Income fund might see “a soft close at $1.75bb.”
Q. While MLPs have been great portfolio diversifiers so far – their long-term correlation to the S&P500 is 0.24, rather lower than emerging market equities’ – do you anticipate an increasing correlation to the stock market as MLPs become increasingly securitized, or mainstream?
A. Over time, as the MLP asset class becomes more institutionalized, there may be a marginal increase in correlation with other market sectors, but fundamentally, because the underlying cash flows are uncorrelated (that’s the key difference: REITS are correlated not because they’re institutionalized, but because their distributions go up and down with the vicissitudes of the broader economy, as do the cash flows of the average widget maker in the S&P 500) so we expect MLPs to remain largely uncorrelated.
The fund also offered great news for interesting individual investors. While the fund has a 5.75% front load, “the fund is available with no load if purchased through Schwab, TD, among others and directly from the Fund, through its website, telephone, or mail.”
Quick Updates from Wasatch
Several months ago, Kenster, a contributor to FundAlarm’s Discussion Board, recommended Wasatch Global Opportunities(WAGOX) to me as a fund worthy of much more attention. I did the research and concluded, not surprisingly, that Kenster was right again. In my May 2010 profile of WAGOX, I concluded: “This is a choice, not an echo. Most global funds invest in huge, global corporations. While that dampens risk, it also tends to dampen rewards and produces rather less diversification value for a portfolio. This bold newer fund goes where virtually no one else does: tiny companies across the globe. Only Templeton Global Smaller Companies (TEMGX) with a value bent and a hefty sales load comes close. Folks looking for a way to add considerable diversity to the typical . . . portfolio really owe it to themselves to spend some time here.” I reported that the fund held 330 stocks, more than triple the average global fund’s average. Some of the folks on the Discussion Board were concerned that this might represent a watering-down of performance. Eric Huefner, a Wasatch Vice President and Director of Mutual Funds & Brand Management, wrote in early June:
Robert Gardiner [the manager] always ran a longer list than most others at Wasatch in his domestic funds. He feels like he is able to get to know the most promising companies better if they are actually in the portfolio, and as his confidence grows in a company so does his position size. As Robert & [co-manager] Blake [Walker] traverse the globe they are finding a handful or more of promising companies in each country they visit. In Robert’s classic style, they have initially purchased small positions in each of these companies of greatest interest. Over time you are likely to see the concentrations and number of holdings fluctuate. Even with a list of 350 holdings, Robert describes the list as we he thinks are the best 2-3% of the companies in his consideration universe.
I’ll also note that the estimable Fidelity Low-Priced Stock Fund (FLPSX) has long favored holding many hundreds of small companies – nearly 900 at the moment – without a noticeable detriment in performance.
More great small funds are disappearing!
Oak Value (OAKVX), which has recently become small enough – about $80 million, but once four times that large – to interest me and appall the managers, has agreed to become the RS Capital Appreciation fund by September. OAKVX has a very tight, large cap portfolio (27 stocks), and a long record of producing above-average returns at the cost of above-average volatility. In moving to RS, which used to be the fine no-load firm Robertson Stephens, OAKVX will gain a 4.75% sales load though the expense ratio will initially drop about 25 bps. Those who buy before the formal acquisition get “grandfathered-in” to the no-load share class.
FBR Pegasus Small Cap Growth (FBRCX) is merging into FBR Pegasus Small Cap (FBRYX) at the end of summer. In my January 2010 profile of FBRCX, I argued that the fund was “fundamentally sensible: they offer most of the upside without much of the gut-wrenching volatility. It’s hard to find managers who can consistently pull it off. Mr. Barringer seems to be one of those people, and he deserves a serious look by folks looking for core small cap exposure.” In the short term, it’s “no harm, no foul.” Mr. Barringer runs the acquiring fund and the expenses are identical. Neither fund is economically viable – the $24 million growth fund is being rolled into the $9 million core fund and FBR had to waive $90,000 in fees on each fund in 2009 – which seems to be a problem for a number of FBR funds.
Why isn’t there an Emerging Markets Hybrid fund?
There are a couple dozen funds, mostly of the “global allocation” variety, which have at least 25% of their portfolios in bonds and at least 25% in non-U.S. stocks. None of them has even 10% of their money in the emerging markets. Why would anyone want such a crazy creature? Let’s see:
Over the past ten years, the EM bond group has returned about 11% per year while the EM stock group turned in 10% annually.
GMO predicts that the highest-returning equity class over the next 5-7 years will be emerging markets equities and the highest-returning debt class will be emerging markets bonds (GMO 7-Year Asset Class Return Forecasts, 5/31/2010).
EM bonds are weakly correlated to EM stocks in the long run (around 30), though all correlations spike during crises. EM bonds also have a weak-to-negative correlation with all domestic bonds, except for high yield bonds (all of that derived from the site www.assetcorrelation.com).
The EM market is investable and broadly diversified. According to the Emerging Markets Traders Association, by 2007, secondary market trading volumes for emerging market debt (Brady bonds, sovereign and corporate Eurobonds, local markets instruments, debt options and sovereign loans) was about U.S.$6.5 trillion, with local bonds (as opposed to Brady bonds) comprising nearly 66%. Trading in such bonds was down by a third in 2008 and 2009 figures don’t seem yet available.
There are eight emerging markets bond funds and 32 emerging markets equity funds with over $1 billion in assets. A half dozen of the bond funds and 26 of the stock funds have records longer than 15 years.
But there are no funds, with a total of no assets, which systematically invest in both.
Admittedly EM bonds cratered in September and October 2008, with Fidelity New Markets (FNMIX) losing a third of their value in six weeks. That said, it has also rebounded to a new high by the following June.
Briefly noted:
Fidelity had picked up on the alternative energy bandwagon. The former Fidelity Select Environmental Portfolio (FSLEX) has become the Select Environment and Alternative Energy Portfolio and adopted the FTSE Environmental Opportunities & Alternative Energy Index as its benchmark. The fund’s target will be “companies engaged in business activities related to alternative and renewable energy, energy efficiency, pollution control, water infrastructure, waste and recycling technologies, or other environmental support services.” Alternative and renewable energy and water infrastructures are all new, energy efficiency is more prominent now than in the old portfolio. FSLEX has been around for 20 years but has accumulated only about $50 million in assets. Morningstar classifies itself as a midcap growth fund, a group which it has solidly trounced over the past decade.
The $1.4 billion Arbitrage Fund (ARBFX) is slated to close to new investors on July 19th. The advisor announced the closing about a month ahead of time, which is almost never in the best interest of existing shareholders since it constitutes an open invitation for “hot money” investors to get in while they still can. The managers had previously planned on closing at $1 billion, so this might be a bit late. Their closest peer, Merger Fund (MERFX), is even-larger at $3.2 billion.
The Forward Frontier Markets fund (FRONX) has been recommissioned as the Forward Frontier MarketStrat fund. The difference in focus is not entirely clear from the revised prospectus. Given that Forward trails virtually all frontier market, regional frontier market and emerging markets funds since inception, the desire to make some sort of change is understandable. I just wish I understood what they were doing.
Let’s not be hasty about this whole execution thing! On May 6, 2010, the Board of Directors voted to close, liquidate and terminate (not just “liquidate,” mind you – “liquidate and terminate”) the SAM Sustainable Climate Fund, Sustainable Water Fund andSustainable Global Active Fund. On June 14, 2010, the Board issued an unexplained “hold on there!” and voted to reopen (hence, “and neither liquidate nor terminate”) the SAM Sustainable Global Active Fund (SGAQX). The funds were launched between late 2007 and late 2009, presumably to capture the then-trendy green investing passion.
The Intrepid All Cap and Income funds have added institutional share classes. Both of the funds are small, newish and have performed very solidly. These shares will be 25 basis points cheaper than the retail shares but will have a $250,000 investment minimum. Tickers not yet assigned.
For reasons unexplained, Global X has announced that the following ETFS are “not operational and unavailable for purchase:Global X Brazil Consumer ETF, Global X Brazil Financials ETF, Global X Brazil Industrials ETF, Global X Brazil Materials ETF, Global X Brazil Utilities ETF [and] Global X China Mid Cap ETF.” Geez, this really derails my plan to make a play on the booming Brazilian snack foods market.
Well, that’s it for now. The time spent with your families is far more precious than money. Enjoy it while you can. Our new fund and stars profiles will return as soon as the weather cools.
As ever,
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm on September 1, 2011 by Editor.
New-Fund Page for August, 2010
In celebration of the Dog Days of Summer (which have turned out to be less “lazy, hazy” and more “crazy” than I’d liked), we continue with one last potpourri of fund news before returning to the serious business of autumn.
If you didn’t know that “potpourri” originally meant “meat stew” and, in particular “slightly-rotten meat stew,” you might want to check my “Closing” note for a lead to a book purchase which will leave you enlightened and amused (and, as always, will support FundAlarm’s continued financial health).
The fund industry’s awareness of how quickly the sands are shifting is illustrated by a series of recent repackagings, renamings, and rechristenings. Since this stuff sometimes drives me to drink (in the summer heat: iced lambrusco festooned with raspberries, maybe sangria), I tend to think of them in terms of wines and bottles.
Old Wine in New Bottles
The Bridgeway Balanced Fund (BRBPX) is now the Bridgeway Managed Volatility Fund (still BRBPX). Most Bridgeway funds have names descriptive of their composition (Ultra-Small Company, Large Cap Value), rather than their outcomes. The new name is meant to reflect, rather than change, the fund’s long-time goals. Dick Cancelmo, the fund’s manager since inception, writes:
We seek to provide a high current return with short-term risk less than or equal to 40% of the stock market – new name has more alignment with the objective. Balanced Funds are typically a fairly generic mix of equity and fixed income. Our fund also uses options and futures to dampen risk and we wanted to highlight that distinction.
Mr. Cancelmo felt compelled to highlight that distinction, since “I can’t tell you how many times I have told an advisor that I manage a balanced fund and I am told they won’t look at it.” They hope that the new name “will at least get us a better look.”
The fund certainly warrants a long, hard look. Since inception in June 2001, it has managed to earn 2.46% per year against the S&P’s 0.01% with a beta of just 44 (pretty close to his target of 40). The fund’s recent record has been damaged by the 15% or so of the portfolio dedicated to investments mirroring those in Bridgeway Aggressive Growth I (BRAGX). BRAGX’s computer programs performed brilliantly for more than a decade, but cratered in the past three years. That collapse has reportedly led to a substantial rewriting of the programs.
In another set of changes, the IQ funds have shaken the fund world by renaming IQ CPI Inflation Hedged ETF (and the similarly-named underlying index) to IQ Real Return ETF (and similarly-named index). They compounded the tremor by dropped “ARB” from the names of IQ ARB Merger Arbitrage and IQ ARB Global Resources.
New Wine in Old Bottles
Effective at the end of June, PowerShares Value Line Industry Rotation Portfolio became the PowerShares Morningstar StockInvestor Core Portfolio (PYH) and Value Line TimelinessTM Select Portfolio became the PowerShares S&P 500 High Quality Portfolio (PIV).
Since inception, both of the Value Line versions of the fund had laughably bad performance (losing more in 2008, earning less in 2009, trailing enormously since their respective inceptions) compared to any of their benchmarks. The decision was announced on April 29. But since these are not new funds, they don’t require vetting by that sleepy ol’ SEC. The mere fact that nothing about the new funds’ strategy or portfolio will have any resemblance to the old funds’ apparently doesn’t rise to the level of material change. PowerShares is a relatively new player on the fund scene, but it’s already learning the lessons of cynicism and customer-be-damned quite well. We’re guessing that there’s more like this in the PowerShares future.
The other changes: PowerShares Autonomic Growth NFA Global Asset Portfolio became PowerShares Ibbotson Alternative Completion Portfolio, and PowerShares Autonomic Balanced Growth NFA Global Asset Portfolio became PowerShares RiverFront Tactical Balanced Growth Portfolio.
A Nice Table Wine: Tweaked Blend, New Label
T. Rowe Price has changed its internal Short-Term Income fund into its internal Inflation-Focused Fund. Inflation-Focused is only available to the managers of Price’s funds-of-funds, but I was curious about what the rest of us might learn from the rationale for the change. Wyatt Lee, a member of Price’s asset allocation team, explained the fund’s evolution this way: originally, Price’s funds-of-funds invested separately in a short-term bond fund and cash, as part of the most conservative sleeve of their portfolios. That struck Price as clunky, so they shaped the portfolio of the Short-Term Income fund to balance cash and short-term bonds. The new version of the fund will invest in a “diversified portfolio of short- and intermediate-term investment-grade inflation-linked securities . . . as well as corporate, government, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities. The fund may also invest in money market securities, bank obligations, collateralized mortgage obligations, foreign securities, and hybrids.”
Why now? Mr. Lee stressed the fact that Price is not acting in anticipation of higher short-term inflation. They’re projected 1% or so this year and around 2% in 2011. Instead, their research suggested that they can decrease the fund’s volatility without decreasing returns, and still be positioned for the inevitable uptick in inflation when the global economy recovers. Mr. Lee says that Price isn’t discussing a comparable change to its retail Short-Term Bond fund, but he left open the possibility.
Price has a second, more aggressive internal fund in registration, the Real Asset Fund. Real Asset will invest both in “real assets” and in the securities of companies that derive their revenue from real assets. Such assets include energy and natural resources, real estate, basic materials, equipment, utilities and infrastructure, and commodities. It’s typical of Price’s approach to pursue such a fund when everyone else is turning away from the sector and it might be prudent for the rest of us to ask whether investing in, say, T. Rowe Price New Era (PRNEX) when it’s down (by about 6% YTD through July 27) is better than waiting to rush in after it’s gone up.
Broken Bottles, Spilt Wine
AARP is liquidating all four of their funds. Damn, damn, damn. Four funds, all rated five-star by Morningstar, and all rated somewhere between “solid” and “outstanding” by Lipper. The three stock-oriented funds (Aggressive, Moderate, Conservative) are all way above average for 2010 after posting unspectacular results in the 2009 surge. Low expenses (0.5%). Ultra-low minimum ($100). Straightforward, low turnover strategy (invest in varying combinations of four indexes). All of which generated quite modest investor interest: between $20 and $50 million in assets after almost five years of operation.
These would be great funds to test Chuck Jaffe’s suggestion that retail giants might be logical marketers for lines of mutual funds (“Aisle 1: Frozen Foods, Aisle 2: Mutual Funds,” Wall Street Journal, July 13 2010). Here’s the oversimplified version of Mr. Jaffe’s argument: funds have been increasingly like commodities over the past two decades, and they’d be a good complement to firms (Wal-Mart, Microsoft) which have brand recognition and a knack for selling mass consumption items. While I like the branding possibilities of the very fine GRT Value (GRTVX) fund – it’s already Wal-Mart’s brand – the simplicity, ease of expansion, and sensibility of AARP’s approach makes it a natural fit.
AARP’s Board is not alone in the painful decision they had to make. Investors remain deeply skittish about stock investing and fund flows generally are negative, especially to “vanilla” products that don’t tout downside protection. That’s annoying to Fidelity but catastrophic to boutique firms or mom-and-pop funds
Of the 401 funds which hold Morningstar’s five-star designation (as of late July, 2010), 46 live at the edge of financial extinction, with assets under $50 million. While I would not propose a No-Load Death Watch list, investors might have reasonable concern about and, in several cases, interest in:
Aegis High Yield AHYFX A great value-stock manager’s bond fund, which makes sense because the small value companies that Mr. Barbee and his team were researching were also issuers of high yield bonds. 2010 has been tough, but it’s a top 1% performer since inception with annual returns of better than 8%.
Akros Absolute ReturnAARFX A well-qualified manager with a complex long-short strategy that I don’t actually understand. Morningstar’s analysts are impressed, which is a good thing. The fund charges over 2%, which is less good, but not surprising for a long-short fund. It lost only 2% in 2008 and has a string of solid years relative to its peer group.
Bread & Butter BABFX It sounded like a goofy fund when it was launched in 2005 and the strategy still sounds stilted and odd: the Contrarian/Value Investment Strategy driven by analyses of things like “overall management strategy” and “financial integrity.” Except for a relatively outstanding 2008 (admittedly, a big exception), the fund has been a lackluster performer.
CAN SLIM Select GrowthCANGX The newspaper Investor’s Business Daily has a list of can’t miss aggressive growth stocks. The point is to identify solid firms whose stocks are about to pop and to exercise a rigid sell discipline (if a stock drops 7% below the purchase price, it’s history – no exceptions). Unlike the funds attempting to profit from Value Line’s rating system, this one actually works, though not quite as well as the theory predicts.
FBR Pegasus InvestorFBRPX, Midcap FBRMX and Small Cap FBRYX The Pegasus line of funds is FBR’s most distinguished and all are managed by David Ellison, a long-time colleague of the now-departed Chuck Akre.
Kinetics Water Infrastructure KINWX Kinetics just fired the fund’s sub-adviser, Brennan Investment Partners LLC, presumably because the fund managers left Brennan. Unconcerned by … oh, qualifications, Kinetics then put their regular team of (non-water) managers in place.
LKCM Balanced LKBAX A mix of mostly dividend-paying stocks plus investment grade bonds, reasonable expenses, low risk, same team since inception. A thoroughly T. Rowe Price sort of offering.
Marathon Value MVPFX Small, low turnover, low risk, domestic large cap fund with pretty consistently top 10% returns and the same manager for a decade.
Midas Perpetual PortfolioMPERX “Perpetual Portfolio.” “Permanent Portfolio.” What’s the diff? These two funds invest in the same sorts of precious metals, solid currencies, commodities and growth stocks.Permanent Portfolio (PRPFX) just does it a lot better. Perpetual shows a remarkablysmooth, slow, upward trending return line over the past decade. It has essentially ignored the stock market’s gyrations and made about 40% over the decade, about 3.5% per year. Permanent Portfolio made about 160%, 10% a year.Perpetual Portfolio’s managers have shown no interest in investing in their fund. Three of the four managers have invested zero and one has a token investment.
Monetta Young InvestorMYIFX “Young investor” funds typically buy Apple and Disney, with the illusory hope that “young investors” will be drawn to their favorite brands. Here, the fund’s top 10 holdings are all broad ETFs. Fairly short history with market-like risk but above-market returns.
Needham AggressiveNEAGX and Small Cap Growth NESGX Needham’s funds suffer from relatively high cost and high manager turnover but both of these have produced strong returns with limited volatility.
Neiman Large Cap ValueNIEMX Purely domestic, same managers since inception (2003), low volatility, solid returns, rather more impressive in down markets than in rallies.
Royce Global SelectRSFTX The fund invests in a combination of larger stocks, preferred shares and debt. With a $50,000 minimum, it seems unlikely that Royce cares about the fund’s asset level.
Sextant Core SCORX andGrowth SSGFX Part of Nicholas Kaiser’s fleet of outstanding funds, both here and through the Amana group. Core is a balanced fund,Growth is a low-risk, large cap domestic growth fund.
Tilson Dividend TILDX The larger and stronger of value guru Whitney Tilson’s two funds.
Valley Forge VAFGX Bernand Klawans, now 89, has run the fund since the first Nixon administration. His co-manager, added in 2008, owns 75% of the fund’s advisor, but has only $1000 invested and does not contribute (according to the latest SAI) to the fund’s day-to-day operation. The fund’s fate after Mr. Klawans eventual departure is unclear.
The Brazos drama continues. Brazos was a line of fine, small no-load funds launched in the late 1990s. It became a loaded family in 1999 when the advisor was bought by AIG (booo! Hissss!). Its original no-load shares were redesignated as institutional shares and a new share class was launched. Their flagship Micro-cap fund closed in 2001 with $300 million in assets. In 2002, they dropped the funds’ sales loads (hooray!). In 2003, they settled an SEC case involving improper, but not fraudulent, actions. Fast forward to 2008, when the funds suffered losses of 48 to 54% which, shall we say, dented investor enthusiasm for them. In January 2010, PineBridge bought and renamed the four Brazos funds. Shareholders quickly rubber-stamped the Board’s proposal that the funds’ investment objectives were “not fundamental,” though for the life of me I can’t imagine anything more fundamental to a fund than its reason for existence. And, after all that, they’ve concluded that their US Mid Cap Growth Fund (PBDRX) is unsalvageable, so it’s being liquidated.
Aston Funds closed Aston/Optimum Large Cap Opportunity Fund [AOLCX] in mid-July. The fund will be liquidated by mid-August.
Speaking of Deathwatches, the ETF Deathwatch List has grown to 133 funds, up 54% in the past year. The Deathwatch List targets funds which trade under $100,000 daily. The most moribund of the lot is FaithShares Lutheran Values (FKL), which trades an average of 41 shares a day and which doesn’t trade at all on most days. (That’s a trading volume usually associated with stocks on the smallest African frontier market exchanges.) It’s especially annoying to be trailing the durn Baptists, whose Baptist Values ETF (FZB) is equally tiny, but modestly more successful YTD.
The most interesting note is Ron Rowland’s speculation that many of these funds serve as mere “placeholders,” that is, once launched they become tools for the advisors who can – as with the PowerShares funds mentioned above – keep flipping the fund’s mission and composition until they find something that draws money. And when it stops drawing, they cut it loose again. (“ETF Deathwatch List Is Longest In A Year,” Investors.com, July 19 2010)
What am I, chopped livah?
Another in a long line of “best investments you’ve never heard of . . . unless you read FundAlarm” articles, Kiplinger’s senior editor Jeffrey Kosnett offers up master limited partnerships for your consideration.
We lionize a mutual fund that returns 20% during a bear market. Or we assume that anything earning such fabulous returns must be a fraud or caught in a bubble. Now consider a whole class of investments, many of which have returned double digits annualized during the stock-market quagmire of the past decade. More remarkable: Few of us are aware of this phenomenon called pipeline master limited partnerships. (“The Best Investment You’ve Never Heard Of,” July 15 2010)
Kosnett’s short article reviews the asset class and options for owning MLPs, including direct ownership, ETFs and the SteelPath funds. We part company on his endorsement of direct ownership; I suspect that might be best for folks looking for a meaningful, long-term relationship with their tax accountants. Folks interested in more depth on MLPs, links to the research and a profile of the (no-load) SteelPath funds might check either FundAlarm’s June 2010 profile of SteelPath Alpha or the July 2010 update on the fund’s no-load availability, investment capacity and tax status.
SteelPath’s Investor Commentary for June 30, 2010, made two interesting points:
MLPs as a group registered gains on 63% of the trading days in June. The Alpha fund was in the black for the month as well.
The sector might be experiencing a new type of fund inflows. Traditionally MLPs have been dominated by leveraged hedge fund trading but much of the new money seems to originate with institutional investors, who are less likely to fall prey to “hot money” impulses. As a result, demand for MLP shares might see a steady, sustainable rise.
As we move into fall, we’ll also move back to the normal rhythm of things: new fund profiles and stars in the shadows, snarky comments and interviews. But before getting all serious again, you should indulge in a last few moments of diversion. Of late, I’ve been reading Martha Barnette’s amusing Ladyfingers & Nun’s Tummies (2005). Barnette tracks the origins of our food names and food related words, including a remarkable array of foods named for the body parts or … uh, bodily functions of revered religious figures. The number of foods dedicated to nuns’ … uh, toots (occasionally cleaned up for children by calling them “nun’s kisses”) is striking. If you enjoy food and diversion, and would like to painlessly help support FundAlarm, please use our link to Amazon.com to pick up a copy. While you’re there, you might pick up a can or two of delicious Spotted Dick, which you’ll probably enjoy more before you read Barnette’s history of the name.
Take care and we’ll talk again as the weather cools!
New-Fund Page for September, 2010
The Silly Season is upon us. It’s the time of year when Cleveland Brown fans believe in the magic of Jake Delhomme (those last 18 interceptions were just a fluke). And it’s when investors rush to sell low-priced assets (by some measures, the U.S. stock market’s p/e ratio is lower now than at the March ’09 market bottom) in order to stock up on over-priced ones (gold at $1240/ounce, up 30% in 12 months and 275% over five years). Again. Three examples of the latest silliness popped up in late August.
Trust us: We’re not like those other guys
A small advisory service, MarketRiders, is thrashing about mightily in an effort to get noticed. The firm offers a series of ETF portfolios. The portfolios range from 80% bonds to 80% stocks, with each portfolio offering some exposure to TIPs, emerging markets and so on. You take a sort of risk/return survey, they recommend one of their five packages, and then update you when it’s time to rebalance. $10/month. A reasonable-enough deal, though it’s not entirely clear why the average investor — having been assigned a portfolio and needing only to rebalance periodically — would stick around to pay for Month #2.
MarketRider’s key business development strategy seems to be hurling thunderbolts about, hoping to become . . . I don’t know, edgy? Their basic argument is that every other investment professional, from financial advisors to investment managers, operates with the singular goal of impoverishing you for their own benefit. They, alone, represent truth, virtue and beauty.
The last thing Wall Street wants you to do is start using a system that works. . . So here’s The System. Yale, Harvard, and wealthy families all over the world use it. Experts recommend it. MarketRiders has revealed and made it simple for you.
Actually, no. Harvard has 13% of its money in private equity, 16% in absolute return strategies, and 23% in real assets. Yale has 26% in private equity, 37% in real assets. God only knows what “wealthy families all over the world” buy.
One of their more recent rants compared the mutual fund industry to the tobacco industry, and likened Morningstar to the industry’s dissembling mouthpiece, The Tobacco Institute. A money blog hosted by the New York Times quoted their marketing e-mail at length, including the charge
For years, the mutual fund industry has waged a similar war against the passive index investment methods that we support. Like big tobacco, the mutual fund industry is large, profitable and immensely powerful. With large advertising budgets to influence “unbiased” mainstream media, they guide investors into bad investments. Morningstar has lined its pockets as a willing accomplice.
Given the presence of over 300 conventional index funds, including the world’s third-largest fund and 20 indexes with over $10 billion each, one might be tempted to sigh and move on. Add the 900 eagerly-marketed ETFs – including those from fund giants Vanguard and PIMCO – and the move away might become a determined trot.
In response to the Times blog, the estimable John Rekenthaler, Morningstar’s vice president of research, chimed in with a note that suggested MarketRiders substantially misrepresented the research both on Morningstar and on fund manager performance. Rather than respond to the substantive charge, MarketRiders’ president issued a typically pointless challenge to a five-year portfolio contest (following MarketRiders’ rules), with the loser donating a bunch of money to charity. JR has not yet responded, doubtless because he’s hiding under his desk, trembling, for having been exposed as a huckster. (Or not.)
It’s not clear that any of MarketRiders’ staff carries any particular qualifications in finance, though they might wear that as a badge of honor. They have only four employees:
Mitch Tuchman, CEO: venture capitalist. According to his various on-line biographies, for “27 years, Mitch has invested in and served as a troubleshooter for technology, software, and business services companies.” In 2000, he co-founded a venture capital fund specializing in b2b e-commerce projects. Later he advised APEX Capital “on the firm’s technology micro-cap and special situations portfolio.”
Steve Beck: “serial entrepreneur” with a B.A. in Speech.
Ryan Pfenninger: “accomplished technologist” with experience in computer games.
Sally Brandon: offers “diverse experience in product management, market analysis and client relations.”
They have no public performance record. Their website reports the back-tested results of hypothetical portfolios. Like all back-tests, it shows precisely what its creators designed it to show: that if, five years ago, you’d invested between 2.0 – 8.5% in emerging markets equities, you’d be better off than if you’d sunk all of your money into the S&P500. Which doesn’t tell us anything about the wisdom of that same allocation in the five years ahead (why 8.5%? Because that’s what we now know would have worked back then).
On whole, you’re almost certainly better off plunking your money in one of Vanguard’s Target Retirement funds (average expense ratio: 0.19% and falling).
Hindenburg (Omen) has appeared in the skies!
Be ready to use it as a convenient excuse to damage your portfolio. As one on-line investor put it in September of 2005, “The Hindenburg Omen thing weirded me right out of the market.” “Weirded boy” presumably missed the ensuing 4% drop, and likely the subsequent 12% rise.
This seems to be the Omen’s main utility.
The story of “the Omen” is pretty straightforward. A guy named James Miekka, who has no formal training in finance or statistics, generated a pattern in the mid 1990s that described market movements from the mid 1980s. At base, he found that a rising stock market characterized simultaneously by many new highs and many new lows was unstable. Within a quarter, such markets had a noticeable fall.
We are, according to some but not all technicians, in such a market now. For the past month, based on a Google News search, the Omen has appeared in about 10 news stories each day. The number is slightly higher if you include people incapable of spelling “Hindenburg” but more than willing to agonize about it.
The Hindenburg has passed overhead on its way to its fateful Lakehurst, NJ, mooring 27 times since 1986 (per CXO Advisory, 23 August). Its more recent appearances include:
June 6 and 17 2008
Faithful followers have managed to avoid five of the past two market declines. It’s about 25% accurate, unless you lower the threshold of accuracy: in 95% of the quarters following a Hindenburg warning, the market records at least one drop of 2% or more. (2%? The market moves by more than that on rumors that Bernanke hasn’t had enough fiber in his diet.)
So why take it seriously?
First, it’s more dignified than saying “I’m not only living in the state of Panic, I’ve pretty much relocated to the state capitol.” The condition is true for most investors since the “fear versus greed” pendulum has swung far to the left. But it’s undignified to admit that you invest based on panic attacks, so having The Hindenburg Omen on your side dignifies your actions. Fair enough.
And too, Glenn Beck uses it as proof that the Obama administration’s economic policies aren’t working.
Second, it has a cool back story (mostly untrue). The story begins with James Miekka, almost universally designated a “mathematician” though occasionally “brilliant technical analyst,” “blind mathematician” or “blind oracle.” Which sounds ever so much cooler than the truth: “legally blind former high school algebra and science teacher with a B.A.in secondary education.” The exact evolution of the Omen is fuzzy. It appeared that Mr. Miekka sat and fiddled with data until he got a model that described what had happened even if it didn’t exactly predict what would happen. Then he adjusted the model to align with each new incident, while leaving enough vagueness (it only applies in “a rising market” – the definitions of which are as varied as the technicians seeking to use it) that it becomes non-falsifiable.
Third, it has a cool name. The Hindenburg Omen. You know: “Ohhhhh! It’s–it’s–it’s the flames, . . . It’s smoke, and it’s flames now . . . This is the worst thing I’ve ever witnessed.” Technicians love spooky names. They’re very marketable. Actual names of technical indicators include: The Death Cross. The Black Cross. The Abandoned Baby. The Titanic Omen. The Lusitania Omen.
Miekka actually wanted “The Titanic Omen,” but it was already taken so a friend rummaged up the poor old Hindenburg. As a public service, FundAlarm would like to offer up some other possibilities for technicians looking for The Next Black Thing. How about, The Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 Omen (it occurs when a third-tier nation manages to sicken everyone else)? Or, The Half Billion Contaminated Egg Recall of 2010 Omen (which strikes investors who made an ill-timed, imprudent commitment to commodities)? Maybe, the Centralia Fire Signal (named for the half-century old underground fire which forced the abandonment of Centralia, PA, the signal sounds when small investors have discovered that it’s a bit too hot in the kitchen for them).
“Danger, Will Robinson, Danger! I detect the presence of bad academic research”
Academic research really ought to come with a bright red and silver warning label. Or perhaps Mr. Yuk’s lime-green countenance. With the following warning: “Hey, you! Just so you know, we need to publish something about every four months or we’ll lose our jobs. And so, here’s our latest gem-on-a-deadline. We know almost no one will read it, which allows us to write some damned silly stuff without consequence. Love, Your Authors.”
The latest example is an exposé of the fund industry, entitled “When Marketing is More Important than Performance.” It’s one of those studies that contains sentences like:
R − R =α +β *MKTRF +β * SMB +β *HML +β *UMD +ε ,t=T-36,T-1
The study by two scholars at France’s famed INSEAD school, finds “first direct evidence of trade off between performance and marketing.” More particularly, the authors make the inflammatory claim to have proof that fund managers intentionally buy stinky stocks just because they’re trendy:
. . . fund managers deliberately prefer marketing over performance.
Funds deliberately sacrifice performance in order to have a portfolio composition that attracts investors.
Their work was promptly featured in a posting on the AllAboutAlpha blog and was highlighted (“A New Study Casts Fundsters in an Unflattering Light”) on the Mutual Fund Wire news service.
All of which would be more compelling if the study were worth . . . oh, say, a pitcher of warm spit (the substantially cleaned-up version of John Nance Garner’s description of the vice presidency).
The study relies a series of surrogate measures. Those are sort of fallback options that scholars use when they can’t get real data; for example, if I were interested in the weight of a bunch of guys but couldn’t find a way to weigh them, I might use their shirt sizes as a surrogate (or stand in) for their weight. I’d assume the bigger shirt sizes correlated with greater weight. Using one surrogate measure introduces a bit of error into a study. Relying on six of them creates a major problem. One key element of the study is the judgment of whether a particular fund manager had access to super-duper stock information, but failed to use it.
They obviously can’t know what managers did or did not know, and so they’re forced to create two surrogate measures: fund family size and the relationship of portfolio rebalancing to changes in analyst recommendation. They assume that if a fund is part of a large fund complex, the manager automatically had access to more non-public information than if the fund is part of a boutique.
The folks are Matthews Asia Funds beg to differ.
Scott Barbee of sub-microcap Aegis Value (AVALX) rolls his eyes
John Montgomery, whose Bridgeway funds have no use for any such information, goes back to fine-tuning his models.
The managers tend go on to correlate the often six-month old fund portfolio data with analyst recommendations which change monthly, in order to generate a largely irrelevant correlation.
And, even with a meaningful correlation, it is not logically possible to reach the author’s conclusions – which attribute specific personal motivations to the managers – based on statistical patterns. By way of analogy, you couldn’t confidently conclude anything about my reasons for speeding from the simple observation that I was speeding.
At most, the authors long, tortured analysis supports the general conclusion that contrarian investing (buying stocks out of favor with the public) produced better results than momentum investing (buying stocks in favor with the public), though making trendy, flavor-of-the-month investments does attract more investor interest.
To which we say: duh!
Harbor has abandoned plans to launch Harbor Special Opportunities fund. The fund has been in a holding pattern since March 2009. Harbor filed a prospectus that month, then filed “post effective amendments” every month since in order to keep the fund on hold. On August 26 they finally gave up the ghost. Harbor is also liquidating their distinctly mediocre Harbor Short Duration Fund [HRSDX) in the next month.
Speaking of ghosts, four more Claymore ETFs have left this world of woe behind. Claymore/Zacks Country Rotation,Claymore/Beacon Global Exchanges, Brokers & Asset Managers Index ETF, Claymore/Zacks Dividend Rotation, andClaymore/Robb Report Global Luxury Index ETF are now all defunct. According to the firm’s press release, these are dumb ideas that failed in the marketplace. No, they’re celebrating “product lineup changes.”
The Robb Report Global Luxury ETF? For those who don’t subscribe, The Robb Report is a magazine designed to let rich people (average household income for subscribers: $1.2 million) immerse themselves in pictures of all the things they could buy if they felt like it. If you want the scoop on a $418,000 Rolls Royce Phantom Coupé, these are the guys to turn to. The ETF gave you the chance to invest in the companies whose products were most favored by the nouveau riche. Despite solid returns, the rich apparently decided to buy the car rather than the ETF.
Does it strike you that, for “the investment innovation of the millennium,” ETFs are plagued with rather more idiocy than most other investment options?
Two actively managed ETFs, Grail RP Financials and Grail RP Technology are also being . . . hmm, “moved out of the lineup.”About two dozen other ETFs have liquidated so far in 2010, with another 350 with small-enough asset bases that they may join the crowd.
Folks not able to make it to Iowa this fall might find that the next-best thing is to pick up shares of a new ETF: Teucrium Corn CORN. Long-time commodity trader Sal Gilbertie was “shocked” (“shocked, do you hear?”) to learn that no one offered pure-play corn exposure so he stepped in to fill the void. Soon to follow are Teucrium Sugar, Trecrium Soybean and Teucrium Wheat Fund.
Shades of Victor Kiam! The employees of Montag & Caldwell liked their funds so much, they bought the company. Montag was a very fine, free-standing investment advisor in the 1990s which was bought by ABN AMRO, which merged with Fortis, which was lately bought by BNP Paribas. Crying “no mas!” the Montag folks have reasserted control of their firm.
In addition to merged FBR Pegasus Small Cap Growth into the FBR Small Cap, FBR has decided to strip the “Pegasus” name from the series of very successful funds that David Ellison runs: FBR Pegasus becomes FBR Large Cap with a new “principal investment strategy” of investing in large cap stocks. FBR Pegasus Mid-Cap and FBR Pegasus Small Cap lose the “Pegasus” but keep their strategies.
As summer ends, I mourn all the great places that I haven’t had a chance to visit. My morose mood was greatly lightened by Catherine Price’s new book, 101 Places Not to See Before You Die (Harper, 2010). I’ve always been annoyed by the presumptuous twits who announce that my life will be incomplete unless I follow their to-do list. The “before you die” genre includes 2001 Things to Do, 1000 Places to See, Five Secrets You Must Discover, 1001 Natural Wonders You Must See, 1001 Foods You Must Taste and unnumbered Unforgettable Things You Must Do. I was feeling awfully pressured by the whole thing but Ms. Price came along and freed me of a hundred potential obligations. She X’s out the Beijing Museum of Tap Water, the Blarney Stone and the entire State of Nevada. I’m feeling lighter already. If you’d like to share in my ebullience and help support FundAlarm, use FundAlarm’s special link to Amazon.com to pick up a copy. (By the way, there’s a similarly-titled book, Adam Russ’s 101 Places Not to Visit: Your Essential Guide to the World’s Most Miserable, Ugly, Boring and Inbred Destinations while is a parody of the “before you die” genre while Price actually did visit, and abhor, all of the places in her book.)
I’ll see you next when the trees start to don their autumnal colors!
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm on August 14, 2011 by Editor.
New-Fund Page for October, 2010
September: who’d have guessed? The NFL has three remarkably unlikely undefeated teams: the Pittsburgh Steelers (led by the world’s nicest fourth-string quarterback), Da Bears, and the Kansas City Chiefs (4-12 last year). The Hindenburg has moved from being an Omen back to another of history’s sad tales (press mentions of The Hindenburg Omen dropped by 60% between August and September, and the remaining coverage scoffs at all of last month’s chumps). Ninety-five percent of all mutual funds (6,100+ by count) made money this month and over 1000 returned 10% or more in September. All of that from what is, historically, the cruelest month of all for stock investors.
A Celebration of Predictably Bad Funds
The math on bad funds is irresistible. Morningstar tracks 6400 funds. By definition, 3200 of them will post below-average performances this year. If performance were determined by pure chance (hello, Mr. Bogle!), 1600 funds would post back-to-back sub-par years, while the rest of the progress is shown below.
To test that hypothesis, I counted 2010 as a complete year and then checked a database for the number of funds that have managed to turn in below average returns year after year after year.
Consecutive Years
Below Average Predicted Number Observed Number
Good news, I guess. “Continually horrible” is a bit less likely than you might guess. Two reasons suggest themselves. Fund companies either (1) bury the manager or (2) bury the fund. If you want to wander through the graveyard, check out FundAlarm’s master list of manager changes.
Highlights from the list of awful funds:
The Futile Five are Davis Government Bond “B,” Embarcadero Market Neutral (Garret Van Wagoner is back in the saddle again!), ING Emerging Countries “A”, Performance (that’s ironic)Short-Term Government Income and ProFunds Bull. Between them, they hold $465 million in assets. Two of the four funds (Davis and Performance) have had the same manager for the entire period, while Embarcadero had no manager for a number of years (it was one of the Van Wagoner zombie funds), and ING has all-new managers in 2010. I wish them well.
Over the past three years, investors in the Invesco funds, 17 of which are on three-year cold streaks, have suffered the greatest misery. Likewise 16 Fidelity, six Bridgeway and three Hennessy funds. (That probably makes it a poor time for Mr. Hennessey to pick a public fight with the Bogles, pere and fils, over fund fees and performance. Mr. Bogle the Elder recently suggested, “[Hennessy] is running an enormously profitable management company with inferior performance in these funds, in part because of the excessive fees he charges.”)
At the five-year mark, there are two Hennessy funds, five from Invesco and four from Fido. After eight years, Fidelity Growth & Income (FGRIX) is still hanging on as the $5 billion poster child for irremediable incompetence. In defense of the new manager, James Catudal, who was appointed in January 2009, the fund now consistently trails its peers and benchmark – but by less than it used to.
Permanent Portfolio: Unlikely Superstar?
I was prepared, from the outset, to dislike Jason Zweig’s recent article on the $6 billion Permanent Portfolio Fund (PRPFX) (“Unlikely Superstar: How a Forgotten Fund Got Hot in a Hurry,” WSJ, September 18-19, 2010). Mr. Z., however, produced an essay more thoughtful than the headline assigned to it.
For those unfamiliar with Permanent Portfolio, the fund holds a series of uncorrelated assets, some of which are likely to thrive regardless of the state of the market or of the economy. Harry Browne propounded the underlying notion in the 1970s. He saw the strategy as, of all things, a way to run toward the despised stock market rather than away from it. The fund’s asset allocation never changes, except in the sense that sharp market fluctuations might temporarily throw it out of whack. Give or take a little, the fund invests:
20% in gold
5% in silver
10% in Swiss francs
15% in real estate and natural resources stocks
15% in aggressive growth stocks
35% in cash and U.S. bonds
The fund has produced perfectly splendid results over the past decade, with an annualized return of 10.7% and a 2008 loss of only 8%. The fund is no-load, it takes only $1000 to get in and expenses are 0.8%.
Mr. Zweig’s article makes two points. First, much of the fund’s success is driven by mania. Bill Bernstein of Efficient Frontier Advisors wrote an essay critical of Permanent Portfolio’s newfound popularity. Fifty-five percent of the fund is in bonds and gold, which Bill Bernstein describes as being in the midst of “a non-stop beer-and-pizza party.” Those same wildly attractive assets, over the long term, have been dismal losers. Mr. Bernstein reports:
Diversifying asset classes, as Harry Browne knew well, can benefit a portfolio. The secret is deploying them before those diversifying assets shoot the lights out. Harry certainly did so by moving away from gold and into poorly performing stocks and bonds in the late 1970s. Sadly, this is the opposite of what the legions of new TPP adherents and PRPFX owners have been doing recently—effectively increasing their allocations to red-hot long Treasuries and gold. Consider: over the long sweep of financial history, the annual real return of long bonds and gold have been 2% and 0%, respectively; over the decade ending 2009, they were 5% and 11%. (“Wild About Harry“)
Second, all of the money that poured in will – just as quickly – pour out. “[M]any of its new buyers,” Zweig opines, “seem to be seeking capital appreciation – chasing this fund the same way they chased Internet funds in 1999 and 2000. They could leave just as quickly.” Mr. Bernstein is rather more pointed: “During the frothy 1990s stock market, however, investors abandoned the fund in droves.”
That is, by the way, an enormous problem for the remaining shareholders. The rush out forces the manager to sell, without regard to the wisdom of selling, just to meet redemptions.
Some of FundAlarm’s most thoughtful professional investors use Permanent Portfolio as a core position in their more conservative portfolios, providing substantial and consistent profits for their clients in the process. Despite that fact, I have never warmed up to the fund, and doubt that I ever will.
Setting aside the fact that it’s an index fund that charges 0.8%, I’m troubled by two things. First, the manager has neither closed nor even discussed the possibility of closing the fund. In most cases, responsible managers seek to dissuade a mindless inrush of (highly profitable) cash. Vanguard imposes high investment minimums, for example, $25,000 in the case of its Health Care fund (VGHCX). Oakmark restricts access through third-party vendors for several of its funds. Bridgeway, Artisan, Leuthold, Wasatch and others simply close their funds. Permanent Portfolio, instead, welcomed an additional $3,000,000,000 in the first eight months of the year – which provides an additional $24,000,000 in revenue to the advisor. In 2009, Mr. Cuggino’s firm, of which he is sole owner, received $31,286,640 in fees from the fund. In 2010, that’s likely to approach $60,000,000.
Mr. Cuggino does report “I’ve educated people right out of our fund.” Given that the fund’s website dubs it “a fund for all seasons” and the manager is a frequent speaker at money shows, it’s not clear exactly who he has talked away or how.
Second, the manager’s interests are not aligned with his investors. Though Mr. Cuggino has had a long association with the fund and has managed it since 2003, he’s been very reluctant to invest any of his own money in it. The fund’s 2006 Statement of Additional Information reports, “As of April 30, 2006, Mr. Cuggino and his immediate family members owned no shares of the Fund.” A year later that changed, but in an odd way. The SAI now reports that Mr. Cuggino 2,3 owns “over $100,000” in fund shares. Those footnotes, though, indicate that “As of April 30, 2010, Mr. Cuggino owned shares in each of the Fund’s Portfolios through his ownership of Pacific Heights.”
Which seems to say, the company buys the shares for him. And the company likely pays him well. My favorite passage from the 2010 SAI, with emphasis added,
Pacific Heights, of which Mr. Cuggino is the manager and sole member (also its President and Chief Executive Officer), compensates Mr. Cuggino for service as the portfolio manager for each of the Fund’s Portfolios. As the manager and sole member of Pacific Heights, Mr. Cuggino is the owner of Pacific Heights and determines his own compensation. Mr. Cuggino’s compensation from Pacific Heights is in the form of a share of Pacific Heights’ total profits.
So he collects a salary (“not based directly on the performance of any of the Fund’s Portfolios or their levels of net assets”) for serving as the firm’s president and gets to allocate to himself (apparently at his discretion) a share of the firm’s considerable profits.
What does he do with his money, if not invest it alongside his shareholders? I don’t know, though the SAI contains the slightly-nervous warning that
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise because Mr. Cuggino has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to each of the Fund’s Portfolios and certain personal accounts. The management of the Fund’s Portfolios and these other accounts may result in Mr. Cuggino devoting unequal time and attention to the management of the Fund’s Portfolios and these other accounts.
Mr. Cuggino is subject to the Fund’s and Pacific Heights’ Amended and Restated Code of Ethics, discussed in this SAI under “Code of Ethics,” which seeks to address potential conflicts of interest that may arise in connection with Mr. Cuggino’s management of any personal accounts. There is no guarantee, however, that such procedures will detect each situation in which a potential conflict may arise.
There is no reason to believe that Mr. Cuggino has done, is doing or ever will do anything improper in his management of the fund (unless sopping up assets to generate huge fees is wrong). Nonetheless, given the tremendously foul history of the fund under its previous management (after repeated violations of SEC rules, Morningstar became so disgusted that they dropped commentary on the fund for 15 years), a far more transparent approach would seem appropriate.
Update on the best fund that doesn’t exist
A couple months ago, I pointed out the obvious hole in the fund and ETF universe: there is no emerging markets balanced fund in existence. Given that both E.M. stocks and E.M. bonds are seen as viable, perhaps imperative, investments, I can’t for the life of me figure out why no enterprising group has pursued the idea.
In the decade just passed, the storied “Lost Decade,” a perfectly sensible investment of $10,000 into Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX) on the first day of the decade (January 1, 2000) would be worth $9700 on the last day of the decade (December 31, 2009).
I attempted a painfully simple, back-of-the-napkin calculation for the returns generated by a 60/40 emerging markets balanced fund over that same period. I did that by starting with T. Rowe Price’s Emerging Markets Stock (PRMSX) and Emerging Markets Bond (PREMX) funds. I placed 60% of a hypothetical $10,000 investment into stocks and 40% into bonds. On January 1 of every year thereafter, I rebalanced to 60/40. Mostly that meant selling bonds and buying stocks. Here’s how the hypothetical E.M. balanced fund (ROYX) would compare to investing all of the money into either of the Price funds:
“FundAlarm Emerging Markets Balanced” (ROYX) $30,500
Price Emerging Markets Stocks (PRMSX) 24,418
Price Emerging Markets Bonds (PREMX) 30,600
Had the fund existed, it would have suffered two losing years in the past decade (down 9.7% in 2000 and 43.4% in 2008), while an all-stock portfolio would have had twice as many losing years including a gut-wrenching 61% drop in 2008. An all-bond portfolio would have suffered one losing year, 2008, in which it would have lost 18%.
It’s clear that a pure emerging markets bonds commitment would have been a (slightly) better bet. In reality, though, it’s a bet that almost no investor would make or would long live with.
We can also compare our hypothetical balanced fund with the best of the global funds, including the highly flexible Leuthold Core (LCORX) fund and a number of the Morningstar “analyst pick” picks which have been around for the whole decade.
Oakmark Global (OAKGX): 30,300
Leuthold Core (LCORX): 23,700
Mutual Quest (TEQIX): 20,700
American Funds New World Perspective(ANWPX): 14,800
The results are pretty striking, though I’m not pretending that a simple back-test provides anything more than a reason to stop and go, “hmmmmm.”
David Dreman, one of those guys to whom terms like “guru” and “legend” are attached, has decided to step down as his firm’s co-CIO. The 74-year-old, who started his firm 33 years ago, will keep busy running two funds (High Opportunity and Market Overreaction), serving as chairman and writing a fifth book.
The very fine Intrepid Small Cap fund (ICMAX) lost manager Eric Cinnamond at the start of September. He’s joined institutional manager River Road Asset Manager as head of their “Independent Value strategy.” The fund remains in good hands, since the two co-managers added in 2009 also guide Intrepid Capital (ICMBX, a star in the shadows!).
Oak Value (OAKVX) just became RS Capital Appreciation. Oak Value gathered only $70 million in 17 years of operation, despite a strong record and stable management. After the acquisition, everything stays the same for this fine small fund. Except a change in name and ticker symbol (RCAPX for the “A” shares). And, oh yes, the imposition of a 4.75% front load.
Driehaus Select Credit Fund (DRSLX), which seeks “to provide positive returns under a variety of market conditions” through long and short positions in both equity and debt (primarily US) went live on September 30th. The lead manager, K.C. Nelson, also runs Driehaus Active Income(LCMAX). The fund’s $25,000 minimum and 2.0% expenses might spook off most folks except, perhaps, those looking to add to their hedge fund collection.
I want to offer a belated thanks to Stacy Havener of Havener Capital Partners LLC for recommending that I profile Evermore Global Value (EVGBX). Back in August, she mentioned that Mr. Marcus has “banded together a team of former Mutual Series people (including Jae Chung most recently PM at Davis Advisors) to start a new firm called Evermore Global Advisors. David and team are utilizing the same deep value with catalyst investment approach learned under the tutelage of Michael Price.” I was, as is too often the case, entirely clueless and deeply grateful for her perceptiveness.
Thanks to Kenster, a contributor to FundAlarm’s boisterous Discussion Board, for the New York Magazine article on hedge fund managers. The last quarter of the article includes a discussion with David Marcus, formerly of Mutual Series and now lead manager at Evermore. Mr. Marcus certainly comes across as the voice of anguished reason in a story redolent with self-important young fools.
I often stockpile reader suggestions over the summer for use in fall. I’d like to acknowledge a couple particularly good ones. First, apologies to Scott Lee, who recommended this summer a fund that I haven’t yet written about (but will). Scott writes of an “undiscovered fund manager here in Birmingham. I’m sure you’re aware of Southeastern Asset Management, the advisers behind the Longleaf Partners funds. Three years ago, Mason Hawkins’s ‘second in command,’ C.T. Fitzpatrick left Longleaf after running money there for about 20 years. . . C.T. Fitzpatrick resurfaced in his hometown of Birmingham, AL and has now started a new fund company known as Vulcan Value Partners. Thus far he has put up astounding performance numbers, with his small-cap value fund (VVPSX) ranked in top decile amongst its peer group.” Vulcan Value Partners Small Cap (VVPSX) launched in December 2009, has returned 4.6% over the first nine months of 2010. That places it in the top 4% of small core funds. The large cap Vulcan Value Partners (VVPLX) made a modest 2.5% in the same period.
Brian Young, another sensible soul, recommended that I look at two funds in the months ahead:Iron Strategic Income (IRNIX) – “a great way to get exposure to high-yield bonds without losing your shorts” – and Sierra Core Retirement (SIRIX) – “fund of funds asset allocation fund that looks more like a multisector bond fund.” Folks on the Discussion Board have had a lengthy conversation – diplomats use phrases like “frank and open” to describe the tenor of such conversations – about Sierra in late June and early July of this year. The funds are a bit larger ($500 million) than those I normally cover (under three years old and/or under $100 million), but are definitely worth a look.
Speaking of the Discussion Board, we’re quickly coming up on another milestone: our 300,000thpost. The range of topics covered in a single day – the allure of emerging market debt funds, the growing timidity of Fidelity’s equity managers, what small cap fund might be appropriate for a college-aged investor – is remarkable. If you haven’t visited and spoken up, you should! If you have, then you’ve got a sense of the value that FundAlarm offers. Please consider using a strategy as simple to FundAlarm’s link to Amazon to help support its continued vitality.
New-Fund Page for November, 2010
Having survived what are, historically, the two worst months for equity investors, we now enter the “sweet spot” on the calendar. The great bulk of the stock market’s annual returns since 1927 have occurred in the late fall and winter months. In theory, we should all be happy and relieved. Instead, I keep hearing Warren Buffett in the background: “Investors should remember that excitement and expenses are their enemies. . . they should try to be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful.” And so, just as we have reason to relax, I think I’ll work a bit on being anxious.
Abetted by financial advisors who are confronting “career risk” (that is, what happens when you annoy enough clients), investors continue to sell domestic equity funds – which have seen steady outflows in each of the past six months – and buy (overpriced) bonds. About the most hopeful sign is that the rates of outflow have slowed dramatically from $7 billion/week at the start of September to just $200 million/week now.
Sniping at the Absolute Return crowd
The pressure to find something new to say, pretty much every day, occasionally produces spectacularly weak arguments. Such was the case with Daisy Maxey’s recent dismissal of absolute return funds in the Wall Street Journal(“Absolute-Return Funds: Low Risk, Low Return,” October 29 2010). Ms. Maxey analyzes three funds (only one of which is an absolute return fund) and quotes as her authorities the manager of a small wealth management firm (albeit one that offers you “a business plan for life”) and a young man who just made the leap from “summer intern” to “new employee” at a well-respected financial research corporation. Her conclusion, unsupported by data or testimony, was that “such funds tend to minimize risk but aren’t likely to consistently deliver positive returns.” There are 16 funds with “Absolute Return” in their names, though she notes that there is no “absolute return” category or peer group in systems such as Morningstar’s, that many de facto absolute return funds don’t use the phrase in their names and that funds whose marketers have chosen the phrase “absolute return” often have nothing in common. Her one source does sniff that “a lot of absolute-return funds [are] coming out that will be what I call ‘no-return funds'” but that’s about it for evidence.
Ms. Maxey’s concern is either that the funds produce “low returns” or that they won’t “consistently deliver positive returns,” which are two very different complaints. I’ll take them in turn as we look at funds (in Morningstar’s system, market neutral, long/short, conservative allocation) whose goal is something like absolute returns.
First, most absolute return funds don’t promise high returns. They attempt to provide something greater than zero (that’s the “absolute” part), regardless of the market environment. Most of the managers I’ve spoken with would be very happy if they could produce consistent gains in the 5 to 7% range. It’s hardly a knock on the funds that they don’t produce something they never claim to produce.
The more serious objection is that they don’t produce absolute returns either. Unfortunately, the market crisis of 2008 – the worst mess in more than three –quarters of a century – makes it hard to generalize since pretty much everything except Treasuries cratered. By way of illustration, there are 422 funds that have produced positive returns in each of the past five years, of which 416 are bond funds. If you change the criteria to “four years of gains and no worse than single-digit losses in 2008,” you get a much more positive picture. Two dozen no-load funds pass the test.
Among the funds that use absolute return strategies, such as shorting the market, a handful survived 2008 and went on to produce gains in both 2009 and 2010. They are:
2008 2009 2010,through 10/29 3 year average
Driehaus Active Income LCMAX 0.4 22.1 4.0 8.4
Quaker Akros Absolute Strategies A AARFX,formerly no-load (2.9) 13.9 1.8 4.2
Vantagepoint Diversifying Strategies VPDAX (6.7) 6.6 4.8 n/a
TFS Market Neutral TFSMX (7.3) 16.6 3.5 4.8
Hussman Strategic Growth HSGFX (9.0) 4.6 2.2 (0.8)
None of the other no-load “Absolute Return” funds qualify under this screen.
Three funds with exceedingly broad mandates – a little stock with precious metals, bonds and cash – have made a case for themselves. Midas Perpetual Portfolio (PRPFX) and Mr. Hussman’s less ambitious Total Return fund, first profiled here in early 2008, are among the few funds never to have lost money in a calendar year. Both have strategies reflecting the Permanent Portfolio (PRPFX ) approach. PRPFX is a fund which makes me slightly crazy (see Permanent Portfolio: Unlikely Superstar? in the September 2010 essay), but which has made its investors a lot of money.
Hussman Strategic Total Return HSTRX 6.3 5.8 7.9 7.5
Midas Perpetual Portfolio MPERX 1.2 17.0 6.1 9.1
Permanent Portfolio PRPFX (8.4) 19.1 13.8 7.4
Another fine year for The Fund Morningstar Loves to Hate
Let’s say you had a mutual fund that posted the following returns:
Period Absolute Return Relative Return
Past year 19.4% Top 1% of peer group
Three years (5.3) Top 10%
Five years 9.1 Top 1%
Ten years 11.5 Top 1%
Fifteen years 11.9 Top 1%
And let’s assume that the fund had a substantially below-average expense ratio, and a five-star rating. Add to our fantasy: above average returns in 11 of the past 12 years and top 5% returns about two-thirds of the time. And, what the heck, high tax-efficiency.
How might the good folks at Morningstar react? Oh, about the same way you react when, in a darkened room in the middle of the night you step on something squishy. Which is to say, with disgust.
The fund in question is Fidelity Canada (FICDX) and its record has been spectacular. The tiny handful of international funds with comparable 15-year records include First Eagle Global (SGENX), Matthews Asian Growth & Income(MACSX), First Eagle Overseas (SGOVX) and Janus Overseas (JAOSX). Which leads Morningstar to observe:
This is one of two funds focused on Canada. If we had to pick, we’d choose the other one. (2009)
Approach this mutual fund with caution. (2007)
Do you really need a Canada fund, especially now? (2006) Answer: no, “it’s unnecessary and risky.”
This mutual fund has been on a hot streak, but cool north winds could easily prevail. (2005)
A reversal of fortune. (2004)
Should you be looking at this chart-topper? (2003) Answer: no, “it’s hard to justify owning” it.
Beating its index-tracking rival handily. (2002) Nonetheless, “it’s a tough sell.”
This fund’s purpose can be questioned, but not its execution. (2001)
Fidelity Canada has shown resilience in the face of adversity. (2001) Though the fund still “doesn’t have broad appeal.”
Fidelity Canada’s high return doesn’t make it a compelling choice. (2001) “It’s hard to make a case for buying this fund.”
Even the most loyal Canadian would have a tough time defending Fidelity Canada Fund. (1998)
Fidelity Canada Fund is unusual, but it’s not clear if its appeal goes beyond that. (1997)
Fidelity Canada Fund looks–and acts–a lot like a natural-resources offering. (1997)
Fidelity Canada Fund’s sector bets are giving it a bad case of frostbite. (1997)
Fidelity Canada Fund looks more like Siberia. (1996)
Fidelity Canada Fund makes about as much sense as a spring break in Saskatoon (1996)
Morningstar’s latest complaint: the manager Doug Lober “isn’t introspective enough.” I think this is the first time I’ve seen Morningstar complain about a manager’s mental acuity. The dim bulb has, by the way, placed the fund in the top 5% of international large-core funds in 2010.
In the meanwhile, Greg Frasier, who managed Fidelity Diversified International (FDIVX) and who was described by Morningstar as “a legend,” attributed his fund’s consistent outperformance to two factors: the wise use of ADRS, and a willingness to invest in Canada. The case for investing in Canada might not be a slam-dunk, but it’s surely better than “spring break in Saskatoon.”
Small, newer funds can be good investments!
Well duh.
Two new studies prove the obvious: old and large aren’t requirements for investment success.
Northern Trust, based in Chicago, specializes in picking fund managers rather than picking individual securities. Their recent study of large-cap manager performance and size, No Contest: Emerging Managers Lap Investment Elephants, concludes that smaller investment firms have better five-year records than either managers at larger firms or the S&P 500, have better performance during bear markets, and are more likely than larger managers to end up in the top quarter of funds.
Lipper reached the same conclusion earlier this year. Their study of Europe-based funds, Ruling Out New Funds? Wrong Decision, finds “[n]o evidence . . . that funds with long track records enjoy better performance or incur less risk than new funds. On the contrary, the empirical data suggest that newly- launched funds post higher average total returns and lower risk data.”
Fund managers respond to charge: “We are not a stegosaurus”
Barron’s writer Tom Sullivan just announced, “It’s Adapt or Die for Fund Businesses” (October 30, 2010). Drawing on a survey of 1000 “distribution professionals” conducted by Strategic Insight, a New York-based research and consulting firm, Sullivan reports that equity funds – which used to draw 65% of inflows – now draw only 25%. The brands of many larger firms have suffered damage that will take years to undo, while smaller and midsized firms have a competitive advantage.
Fund companies seem to be endorsing Mr. Sullivan’s prognosis. One sign of that: the number of long-only equity managers who are suddenly enamored of funky global strategies. Among the funds, newly-launched or still in registration, are:
Aston/River Road Long-Short Fund, in registration and likely to launch around year’s end.
Causeway Global Absolute Return Fund, likewise in registration.
Fairholme Allocation Fund, which will invest in anything, anywhere, in any direction.
Forward Commodity Long/Short Strategy Fund which tracks the Credit Suisse Momentum and Volatility Enhanced Return Strategy Index.
GRT Absolute Return Fund, run by three brilliant equity investors.
Navigator Equity Hedged, which will buy ETFs and put options.
River Park/Gravity Long-Biased Fund, one of five new funds from an advisor founded by Baron Asset alumni.
That’s in addition to Third Avenue’s decision to launch an unconventional income fund (Third Avenue Focused Credit), Fairholme’s to launch a Focused Income fund, and Driehaus’s to buy an “active income” fund in 2009 and to give the same team a second fund (Driehaus Select Credit). Even some “alternative” managers are branching out, as in the case of Arbitrage Event-Driven or RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Income Fund.
Two questions that potential investors had better answer before opening their wallets: (1) is there any reason to believe that success in long-only equity investing translates to success anywhere else (answer: not particularly) and (2) is there reason to be concerned that adding the obligation to manager complex new vehicles may over-extend the managers and weaken their performance across the board (answer: no one is sure, would you like to figure it out with your money?).
Move over, Geico gecko, here comes Jerry Jordan. Mr. Jordan is now running TV commercials for his five-star Jordan Opportunity (JORDX) fund. The spots, airing on Bloomberg TV, reported show an investor using Morningstar.com and finding Jordan Opportunity. Why Morningstar rather than FundAlarm for the spot? “[I]f you’re quoting Morningstar,” the ad agency’s president opines, “you’re basically quoting the Bible.” (I knew I shouldn’t have brought my copy of The Satanic Verses to our last staff meeting!)
Hakan Castegren, manager of the Harbor International Fund and Morningstar’s International Stock Fund Manager of the Year award for 1996 and 2007, passed away October 2, one week shy of his 76th birthday. He was, by all accounts, a good man and a phenomenal manager. His firm, Northern Cross, will continue to sub-advise the Harbor fund.
On October 7, Reuters reported “AQR seeks smaller investors.” Ten days later Investment News updated the search for smaller investors: “Retail investors will no longer be able to buy mutual funds from AQR.” AQR is, of course, AQR Capital Management, a $29 billion institutional quant investor which launched a line of retail funds in 2009. Apparently the numbers weren’t looking good, and the company shifted all of its sales to the advisor-sold channel.
The Board of Trustees approved the liquidation of a slug of PowerShares ETFs, with the executions to occur just before Christmas. The walking dead include
Dynamic Healthcare Services Portfolio (PTJ)
Dynamic Telecommunications & Wireless Portfolio (PTE)
FTSE NASDAQ Small Cap Portfolio (PQSC)
FTSE RAFI Europe Portfolio (PEF)
FTSE RAFI Japan Portfolio (PJO)
Global Biotech Portfolio (PBTQ)
Global Progressive Transportation Portfolio (PTRP)
NASDAQ-100 BuyWrite Portfolio (PQBW)
NXQ Portfolio (PNXQ)
Zacks Small Cap Portfolio (PZJ)
Standard & Poor’s recently announced finalists for its U.S. Mutual Fund Excellence Awards Program. Three funds were designated as “new and notable.” They are Dodge & Cox Global (DODWX), Northern Global Sustainability Index Fund(NSRIX) and T. Rowe Price US Large-Cap Core (TRULX).
Those folks at Mutual Fund Wire need to get out more. Writer Hung Tran trumpeted the fact that “[r]ookie mutual fund shop Simple Alternatives is making headlines with its first product: a mutual fund of hedge funds.” The great advantage of their fund (called “S1”) is that it offers “mutual fund-like liquidity terms and fees. The new fund, which debuted on Monday, reportedly charges just 2.95 percent and offers daily redemptions without notice.” Earth to MFWire: 2.95% is extortionate and shouldn’t be preceded by the word “just.” Out of 6250 mutual funds, only 30-odd have expenses this high and they’re generally sad little fly-specks.
The folks at Ironclad Investments (“ironclad” as in the Civil War era navy vessels) just launched two risk-managed funds which use the popular institutional strategy of buying and selling options to limit their volatility while still participating in the market. Ironclad Managed Risk Fund (IRONX, precariously close to IRONY) sells covered put options on a variety of indexes while Ironclad Defined Risk Fund (CLADX) purchases of call options and sells call and put options on ETFs and equity indexes. Both are run by Rudy Aguilera and Jon Gold, both charge 1.25% and have $2500 investment minimums. Since I’d missed them in the “Coming Attractions,” it felt right to acknowledge them here.
We celebrate the passing of a milestone. FundAlarm’s discussion board recorded its 300,000th message late in October (ironically, one asking about the 300,000th message), then quickly tagged on another 500 messages as folks sorted through their options for finding funds invested in “high quality” American companies and ones holding “rare earth metals” stocks. The board is wonderfully dynamic and diverse. If you haven’t visited, you should. If you have visited but consigned yourself to lurking, speak up, dude! It’s not a discussion without you.
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm on August 5, 2011 by Editor.
New-Fund Page for December, 2010
Multiple stories in the past month (“Hedged mutual funds on the ascent,” “Here come the ‘hedged’ mutual funds”), complemented by a series of high profile fund launches, are heralding hedge funds as the future of mutual funds. So, despite their questionable performance, expensive strategies, secretive nature, frantic trading and tendency to be liquidated by the thousands, it appears that
It’s Hedge-Mania Time!
There are three ways in which we discuss “hedges” in regard to mutual funds: currency hedging by international funds, hedge fund-like strategies adopted by mutual funds, or mutual funds that attempt to replicate the performance of the hedge fund universe.
Currency hedging
The oldest, least expensive and least controversial practice is currency hedging by international funds. Currency hedges are a sort of insurance which, for a price, can largely nullify the effect of changing currency values on an international fund’s performance.
The simplest way to measure the effects of currency changes is to compare the performance of Tweedy, Browne Global Value (TBGVX), which does hedge its currency exposure, with Tweedy, Browne Global Value II (TBCUX) which is identical except that it doesn’t purchase currency hedges.
Over the past twelve months, the hedged version of the fund has earned its investors 12.85%, which places it in the top 1% of its peer group. The unhedged version (same stocks, same manager, same expenses) has returned 4.75%. Tweedy’s managers believe that, in the long term, neither currency strategy has an inherit advantage: the hedges cost some money but moderate short term volatility.
Hedge fund strategies
The second strategy, which has been around for a decade or more, has been the importation of hedge fund strategies into mutual fund portfolios. While the extent of those strategies is limited by federal regulation, such funds might sell securities shorts in order to benefit from their falling values, use leverage to over-expose themselves to a market, or use derivatives to hedge various risks. All of which is expensive: the average long-short fund charges 2.04% in expenses, with the worst of them charging over 5% annually for their services. With considerable confidence and absolutely no evidence, Alistair Barr and Sam Mamudi of The Wall Street Journal recently (11/15/10) assured readers that “Hedged mutual funds provide stock-like returns with less volatility.” Oddly, the only fund they point to – Thesis Flexible Fund (TFLEX) – had lost 0.4% since inception while the S&P was up 10%. Of all 562 “alternative” mutual funds tracked by Morningstar, only 86 managed “stock-like returns” in 2010. Nonetheless, the Journal’s sources pronounce us in “the very early stages of a multitrillion-dollar wave that’s going to wash over” the fund industry.
Whether “multi-trillion” or not, it’s clear that more and more long-established equity managers – recently Turner, Fairholme, Aston, Causeway, GRT, plus the bond guys at DoubleLine – have committed to new hedge-like funds.
Hedge fund replication
The most recent manifestation of hedge mania are the so-called “hedge fund replication” funds. Operating under the assumption that hedge funds are, by definition, good, these funds use complex mathematical modeling to construct portfolios of traditional investments (for example, convertible bonds) whose performance matches the risk and return profile of some part of the hedge fund universe. In theory, they offer all of the advantages of hedge fund investing with none of the pesky fees, minimums and liquidity problems.
The fact that they don’t work seems secondary. I compared the returns since inception for all of the “hedge fund replication” funds that I could identify with the returns of the simplest, blandest and cheapest alternative I could identify: Vanguard’s Balanced Index fund (VBINX). The Balanced Index charges next to nothing (0.08 – 0.25%, depending on share class) and offers a very simple 60/40 stock/bond split.
To date, every hedge fund replicant, from inception to late November 2010, trails the returns of the VBINX. Here’s the comparison of what you’d get it you’d place $10,000 either in a hedge replicating fund on the day it opened or in the balanced index on that same day. All results are rounded to the nearest $100:
Natixis ASG Global Alternatives (“A” shares) 11,000
Vanguard Balanced Index 11,500
Goldman Sachs Absolute Return Tracker (“A”) 9,100
IQ Alpha Hedge Strategy 10,800
Ramius Dynamic Replication (“A”) 10,000
IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF QAI 11,100
While it’s true that the records of these funds are too short (between one and 30 months) to offer a great test, the fact that none of them have outperformed a simple alternative does remind us of Occam’s Razor. William of Ockham was a 14th century logician and friar, who embraced the minimalist notion that “entities must not be multiplied beyond what is necessary.” His “Razor” is generally rendered as “the simplest explanation is more likely the correct one” or “when you have two competing theories that make exactly the same predictions, the simpler one is the better.” The same, perhaps, might be said of investing: “if two different investments get you to the same spot, the simpler one is the better.”
Shaving USAA Total Return Strategy with Occam’s Razor
“Scott,” an active and cheerful contributor to FundAlarm’s discussion board, made a sharp-eyed observation about the USAA Total Return Strategy (USTRX) fund: “it has 70% in SPY [an ETF which tracks the S&P 500]. I’ve never seen a mutual fund with 70% of its weighted portfolio in one position. . . For the record, the performance combined with the expenses of the fund are not attractive. In its worst year it lost almost twice as much as it gained in its best year. Have you ever seen a fund with almost 75% in one ETF?”
Actually, Scott, not until now.
USAA is a financial services company open to “anyone who has ever served honorably in the military,” a restriction you could dodge by investing through one of the several fund supermarkets who offer the funds NTF. Since they restrict information about their funds to members, outsiders need to work through SEC filings to get much detail.
The Total Return portfolio is divided into three parts. There’s a tiny market-neutral sleeve, which invests long and short in equities. There’s a tiny, bizarre sleeve invested in a hedge fund. Here’s their attempt to explain it:
[We employ] a global tactical asset allocation overlay strategy (GTAA) by investing in hedge or other funds that invests in short-term money market instruments and long and short positions in global equity and fixed-income exchange-traded futures, currency forward contracts, and other derivative instruments such as swaps.
But 92% of the portfolio consists of SPY (70%) and “Currency United States” (at 21% and somehow distinct from “cash”). The strategy is to sell index calls or buy puts in an “attempt to create a collar on our stock market exposure that effectively limits downside (and upside) potential and gives us the flexibility to quickly change the Fund’s risk.”
Which would be nice except for the fact that it doesn’t actually do anything. $10,000 invested in the fund nearly six years ago has grown to $10,100. The same investment in the bland Vanguard Balanced Index grew to $12, 900. (The fund trails its Lipper Flexible Portfolio Funds peer group by a comparable amount.) And the Balanced Index imposed virtually the same degree of volatility (a five-year standard deviation of 11.27 versus USTRX’s 10.84), had virtually the same downside (down 22% in 2008 versus 21% for USTRX) and charges one-fifth as much.
And in the background, one hears the good Friar Ockham intoning, “don’t make it unnecessarily complicated, ye sinners.”
Silly advice of the month: “Why You Must ‘Time’ This Market”
Levisohn & Kim’s lead story in The Wall Street Journal’s “Weekend Investor” section (11/13/10) begins: “Forget ‘buy and hold.’ It’s time to time the stock market.”
You can’t imagine how much of a headache these stories give me. The story begins with the conspiratorial insight, if timing “sounds like sacrilege, it may be because mutual-fund firms have spent decades persuading you to keep your money in their stock funds through thick and thin so they could collect bigger profits.” The depth of the conspiracy is illustrated by a hypothetical $1 million doing investment (because bigger numbers are, well, bigger) in the S&P 500 made on December 24 1998. Since then, you’d have made nuthin’.
The solution? Tactical allocation funds which “have the flexibility to jump into and out of asset classes to avoid market losses.”
There are three problems with Levisohn and Kim’s advice:
First, it tells you what might have worked 12 years ago, which is a lot different than telling you what will work in the years ahead. Did the WSJ advocate market timing in 1998 (or 2002, for that matter)? Nope, not so far as I can find in the paper’s archive. Why not? Because they had no idea of what the next decade in the market would be like. Nor do Levisohn and Kim have any particular evidence of insight into the decade ahead.
Second, it relies on your ability to time the market. “And,” they assure us, “it turns out sometimes you can.” Sometimes, it turns out, is a dangerous notion. Their faith depends on knowing that you’re “stuck in a trading range for an extended period” (the same assumption made by the folks selling you day-trading software). Unfortunately, the market of the past 12 years hasn’t been stuck in a trading range: it’s had two catastrophic collapses and two enormous rallies.
Third, most of the solution seems to come down to the fact that two funds have done well. The authors point to the sparkling performance of FPA Crescent(FPACX) and Ivy Asset Strategy (WASAX). Of the remaining 82 funds in the “world allocation” category, three-quarters either haven’t made it to their fifth anniversary, or have made it and still trail the modest returns of Vanguard’s Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX).
“Transparent” is relative
“Ira Artman,” a long-time reader and thoughtful guy, wrote one of the shortest and most provocative notes that Roy and I have lately received. Here, in its entirety, is Ira’s note concerning the Transparent Value family of funds:
“transparent”?
Which got me to thinking: “what’s up, Ira?”
Might it be that the actual names of the funds are longer than some summary prospectuses, as in: Transparent Value Dow Jones RBP® U.S. Large-Cap Aggressive Index Fund (Class F-1 shares)? The name’s long enough that you can’t search for “Transparent Value” at Morningstar, which squeezed the name to Transparent Val DJ RBP US LC Agr Idx F-1.
Or that the funds’ “Principal Investment Strategies” appear to have been penned by an irascible French historian?
The Aggressive Index consists of common stock of companies in the Dow Jones U.S. Large-Cap Total Stock Market IndexSMthat Dow Jones Indexes has selected for inclusion in the Index by applying Required Business Performance® (RBP®) Probability scores (as defined below), as further described in the “Index Construction” section on page 22 of this prospectus. Dow Jones Indexes is part of CME Group Index Services LLC, a joint-venture company which is owned 90% by CME Group and 10% by Dow Jones (“Dow Jones Indexes”). The RBP® Probability scores are derived from a quantitative process of Transparent Value, LLC.
Might he wonder about the claim that the fund offers “High RBP, weighted by RBP”?
Perhaps even that the fund tracks its index by investing in stuff not included in the index?
The Fund also may invest up to 20% of its net assets in securities not included in the Index, but which the Adviser, after consultation with the Sub-Adviser, believes will help the Fund track the Index . . .
He might be worried about his difficulty in “seeing through” management’s decision to charge 1.50% (after waivers) for an index fund that has, so far, done nothing more than track the S&P 500.
The fact that Morningstar has cross-linked all of Tamarack Value’s (TVAAX) analyst reports with Transparent Value’s fund profile doesn’t materially help.
Doubtless, Ira will clear it all up for us!
Searching for “perfect” mutual funds
Warren Boroson has been writing about personal finance for several decades now. (He has also written about blondes, dueling, and Typhoid Mary – though not in the same column.) Lately he decided to go “In search of ‘perfect’ mutual funds” (10/18/2010), which he designates as “six star funds.” That is, funds which combine a current five-star rating from Morningstar with a “high” rating for return and a “low” rating for risk. In addition to funds that his readers certainly have heard of, Boroson found three “intriguing newcomers, funds that may become the Fidelity Magellans, Vanguard Windsors, or Mutual Series funds of tomorrow.” They are:
Appleseed (APPLX) which he describes as “a mid-cap value fund.” One might note that it’s a socially responsible investor with no particular commitment to midcaps and a 15% gold stake
Pinnacle Value (PVFIX), “a small-cap fund, run by John Deysher, a protégé of Charles Royce . . . 47% in cash.” Actually Mr. Deysher is 57% in cash as of his last portfolio report which is absolutely typical for the fund. The fund has held 40-60% in cash every year since launch.
Intrepid Small Cap (ICMAX), “a value fund . . . [r]un by Eric Cinnamond . . . Up an amazing 12.24%-a-year over three years.”
Or not. Mr. Cinnamond resigned from the fund six weeks before Mr. Boroson’s endorsement, and now works for River Road Asset Management. The fund’s lead manager, Jayme Wiggins, returned to the company from b-school just weeks before taking over the Small Cap fund. Wiggins was a small cap analyst at the turn of the century, but his last assignment before leaving for school was to run the firm’s bond fund. He’s assisted by the team that handles Intrepid Capital (ICMBX), which I described as “a fund that offers most of the stock market’s thrills with only a fraction of its chills.”
All of which raises the question: should you follow Mr. Cinnamond out the door? He was clearly a “star manager” and his accomplishments – though, go figure, not his departure – are celebrated at Intrepid’s website. One way to answer that question is to look at the fate of funds which lost their stars. I’ve profiled seven funds started by star managers stepping out on their own. Two of those funds are not included in the comparison below: Presidio (PRSDX) was splendid, but manager Kerry O’Boyle lost interest in liquidated the fund. And the River Park Small Cap Growth fund, at only a month, is too new. Here’s the performance of the five remaining funds, plus a first look at the decade’s highest-profile manager defection (Jeff Gundlach from TCW).
Manager Inception New fund Old fund Peer group
Chuck Akre 09/01/09 $11,900 Akre Focus $13,400, FBR Focus $13,600, mid-growth
David Winters 10/17/05 $14,200, Wintergreen $14,200, Mutual Discovery Z $12,200, global
David Marcus 12/31/09 $10,000, Evermore Global Value $10,700, Mutual Shares Z $10,900, global
Rudolph Kluiber 05/01/08 $11,000, GRT Value $9600, Black Rock Mid-Cap Value $10,000, mid-blend
John B. Walthausen 02/01/08 $15,200, Walthausen Small Cap Value $11,200, Paradigm Value $10,700, small value
Jeffrey Gundlach 04/06/10 $11,700,DoubleLine Total Return $11,000, TCW Total Return $10,600, intermediate bond
What are the odds? The managers new fund has outperformed his previous charge four times out of six (Wintergreen was a touch ahead before rounding). But the old funds continue to perform solidly: three of the six beat their peer group while another two were pretty close. The only substantial loser is BlackRock Mid-Cap Value (BMCAX) which is only a distant echo of Mr. Kluiber’s State Street Aurora fund.
Briefly noted . . .
Oops! They may have done it again! The folks at Janus are once again attracting the interest of Federal enforcement agencies. According to the New York Times, “SAC Capital Advisors, the hedge fund giant run by the billionaire investor Steven A. Cohen, received an ‘extraordinarily broad’ subpoena from federal authorities” while Wellington Management Company and the Janus Capital Group were among the fund companies which received subpoena requests seeking “a wide range of information.” Coincidentally or not, the subpoenas were revealed the day after the feds raided the offices of three hedge funds. This is part of a year-long investigation in which the funds are suspected of insider trading. Wellington and Janus, I presume, became implicated because they’re clients of John Kinnucan, a principal at Broadband Research, who is suspected of passing insider information to his clients. The WSJ quotes BU law professor Tamar Frankel as concluding that the investigation is building a picture of a vast “closed market in insider information.”
In a letter filed with the SEC, Janus’s CFO, Greg Frost, announced that Janus “intends to cooperate fully with that inquiry [but] does not intend to provide any further updates concerning this matter unless and until required by applicable law.”
As some of you may recall, Janus was knee-deep in the market-timing scandals from several years ago, and afterward the firm underwent a self-described transformation of its corporate culture. Note to Janus: In the area of “disclosing more than the bare minimum required by law,” it looks like you have a bit more work to do.
Repeat after Jack: “All men are mortal. Bruce Berkowitz is a man. Therefore…” In a recent interview, Vanguard founder Jack Bogle explained away Bruce Berkowitz’s inconvenient success. Mr. Berkowitz’s Fairholme Fund (FAIRX) has crushed his peers by turning $10,000 into $30,000 over the course of “the lost decade.” Mr. Bogle rather skirted the prospect that this performance qualifies as evidence of skill on Mr. Berkowitz part (“he seems like an intelligent manager” was about as good as it got) and focused on the real issue: “investors who start out in their 20s today could end up investing for 70 years, since people are living longer. Well, Bruce Berkowitz is not going to be around managing funds 70 years from now.” On the other hand, at 51, Mr. Berkowitz could be managing funds for another quarter century or more. For most people, that’s likely a good consolation prize.
TIAA-CREF seems to be steadily slipping. The Wall Street Journal reports (11/17) that T-C led all providers in sales of variable annuities in 2008, with $14.4 billion sold. In 2009 they slipped to third, with $13.9 in sales. During the first three quarters of 2010, they finished fourth with sales of $10.4 billion. That might reflect investor disenchantment (Morningstar’s ratings for their variable annuities, with the exception of Social Choice, reflect respectable mediocrity), or simply more competent competition.
Susan Bryne and the nice people at the Westwood Holdings Group just acquired McCarthy Multi-Cap Stock fund (MGAMX) to add to their family. It’s a solid little fund: $65 million in assets, mostly mid- to large-cap, mostly value-tilted, mostly domestic. The fund won’t quite compete with Ms. Bryne’s own WHG LargeCap Value (WHGLX), which has a substantially higher market cap and a slightly greater value tilt. On whole, it’s not good to compete with your new boss and downright bad to beat her (which MGAMX does, while both funds far outstrip their Morningstar peer group).
Fidelity Canada (FICDX), the fund Morningstar loves to hate, has posted top percentile returns in 2010 (through 11/26). Which isn’t unusual. FICDX has returns in the top 1% for the week, month, year, five year, ten year and fifteen year periods.
Driehaus International Small Cap Growth Fund (DRIOX ) will close to new investors on the last day of 2010. In my original profile of the fund, I concluded that “for investors with $10,000 to spare and a high tolerance for risk, this might be as good as bet for sheer, pulse-pounding, gut-wrenching, adrenaline-pumping performance as you’re going to find.” That’s still true: $10,000 invested in the fund at launch (August 2002) has grown to $53,000 versus $28000 for international small cap peers. The fund holds about a third of its assets in emerging markets, roughly twice its peers’ stake. Despite above average volatility, it has trailed peers only once, ever, and spent four of its eight years in the top 10% of international small cap funds. It remains, for 30 days, an intriguing option for the bold.
The launch of the Market Vectors Kuwait Index ETF is been delayed until, at least, the week before Christmas. Dang, I’d been so looking forward to investing in an exchange with “an independent judicial personality with the right of litigation in a mode facilitating the performance of its functions for the purpose of realizing the objectives of its organization in the best manner within the scope of regulations and laws governing the Stock Exchange operations.” So saith the Kuwaiti Stock Exchange. Likewise RiverFront Strategic Income has been delayed.
The former Dreman Contrarian Large Cap Value (DRLVX) morphed into an institutional fund Dreman High Opportunity with loaded retail shares in 2010, so it’s being dropped from our Archive listings.
For most folks, the “fourth quarter holiday retail season” (4QHRS) is the easiest time of year to help support FundAlarm. Folks spend, on average, $400 on gifts, and another $800 on entertaining and decorations, over next four weeks. As many of you know, if you choose to shop using FundAlarm’s link to Amazon, FundAlarm receives an amount equivalent to about 7% of your purchase that Roy uses to defray the cost of servers and bandwidth and such.
Many folks think of Amazon as a bookseller, but my own holiday purchases highlight the breadth of its opportunities. Among other things, I’ve recently squirreled away are a case of herbal tea, an iPod and a smart phone, a really nice chef’s knife (8″ Victorinox Fibrox, wonderfully light, wickedly sharp), a hospital quality air cleaner, four movies, a dozen books and a videogame.
For bookish Bogleheads, one new book stands out: Goldie and Murray’s Investment Answer Book. Mr. Murray is a former Goldman Sachs institutional bond seller and Managing Director at Lehman Brothers. He discovered, only after retirement, that most of his professional life – spent trying to beat the market – was wasted. He became a consultant to Dimensional Fund Advisers and then discovered he was dying of a brain tumor. Last summer he ceased his medical treatments and worked to complete a readable, short book that reduces your investment plan to five decisions, the fourth of which is whether you want to continue pouring your money down the rathole of actively managed investing. (His sentiments, not mine.) Mr. Murray hopes to see Christmas, but has little prospect of experiencing another spring. By all accounts, the book is readable, sensible and useful.
For the merely perverse, my favorite travel book ever, The Clumsiest People in Europe: Or, Mrs. Mortimer’s Bad-Tempered Guide to the Victorian World, has been rereleased in paperback. Mrs. Mortimer, a wildly popular Victorian travel writer, seems never to have ventured five miles from home. Nonetheless she offers up sober, unintentionally ridiculous descriptions of two dozen nations from Ireland (“there are no huts in the world so miserable as Irish cottages”) or China (“All the religions of China are bad, but of the three, the religion of Confucius is least foolish”). It’s at least as delightful as Michael Bell’s Scouts in Bondage: And Other Violations of Literary Propriety or Catherine Price’s 101 Places Not to See Before You Die. All worthy whimsies to lighten a winter’s eve.
Oh, and those of you who had the good sense to respond to our profiles of Wasatch Emerging Markets Small Cap (WAEMX) or Walthausen Small Cap Value (WSCVX) — both up 35% this year — well, you might choose the simpler route of a direct contribution through PayPal.
Wishing you all a wonderful 4QHRS,
New-Fund Page for January, 2011
Welcome to the New Year! Having survived The Death Cross and the Hindenburg Omen, as well as Elliott Wave theorists’ prediction of a civil war, we enter a new year heartened by a New York Times’ prediction that “most of the good news is already behind us” (“Why Investor Optimism May Be a Red Flag,” 12/25/10). Before embracing the cover stories that tell us “Where to Invest in 2011” (Kiplinger’s) or direct us to “Make Money in 2011” (Money), I thought we might take a look at the decade just passed.
This just in: sometimes academics are right!
Academic researchers seem comfortable with a series of conclusions: over time, small beats large, value beats growth, cheap beats costly, focused beats unfocused, and so on. The combination of our miserable communication skills (“Ex ante asset pricing models provide the normative basis for the commonly used ex post estimation models”) and overweening sense of self-importance (see Robert Arnott) sometimes masks the fact that researchers can have useful things to say. So here’s a quick decennial perspective on the research.
Researcher’s say, expect small to outperform large, value to outperform growth, small value is optimal.
Hey, it did!
Morningstar’s “investment radar” offers a really striking visual representation of the effect. If you set the radar to show all domestic funds, then to show ten-year returns, you’ll see a thousand colored dots each representing one fund. The funds are divided by deciles (top 10% of all funds, next 10%…). If you turn off the middle 80%, leaving only the best 10% and the worst, a striking visual pattern emerges: there’s an almost perfect dividing line from the northwest corner down to the southeast corner. Virtually everything on the left of the line (smaller, lower priced) is bright green, virtually everything on the right (larger, growthier) is bright red.
Almost nothing that favored smaller and cheaper failed. The only wretched funds in that half of the universe were NYSA (NYSAX) whose website has vanished, ING Small Cap Opportunities (five share classes), PFW Water (PFWCX) which used to be the really bad Bender Growth fund before becoming the really bad Water fund, Oberweis Small Cap Opportunity (OBSOX) and Maxim Small Cap Growth(MXSGX) whose manager claims to run “top performing institutional small cap growth portfolios.”
A nearly identical number of funds represented the few bright spots on the larger, growth side. These include Baron Opportunity(BIOPX) and Wasatch Small Growth (WAAEX) are the growthiest survivors. Yacktman (YACKX), Yacktman Focused(YAFFX),Fairholme (FAIRX), MassMutual Select Focused Value(five share classes) and Columbia Strategic (CSVFX) are the large cap winners.
The most striking difference between the winners and the losers: with the exception of the Water fund (constrained by the limited number of watery stocks available) the losers traded at two- to ten-times (125-250% turnover) the rate of the winners (8-75% turnover), and had substantially more expansive portfolios (150 for losers versus 50 for winners).
Researchers say, expect the slow, steady advantages of index funds to win out in the long run
One simple test is to ask how, over the long term, Vanguard’s index funds have fared against the actively-managed universe. Of 23 Vanguard index funds with a record of 10 years or more, 18 have posted average (S&P500, Extended Market) or better (16 others) performance. That is, about 77% are okay to excellent. The laggards in the group are a motley collection: Value, Small Value, Europe, Pacific, and Social Choice.
The second test, though, is to look at Vanguard’s index funds against their comparable actively-managed funds. For this test, I focused on what might be considered “core” funds in a portfolio. Vanguard has 13 actively-managed large cap domestic equity funds and six index funds in the same space. Ten of the 13 actively-managed funds, about 77% by coincidence, have outperformed their indexed counterparts over the past decade. On average, the active funds returned 2.2% per year while the indexes earned 1.4%.
Vanguard’s active fund charge between 0.3 – 0.45% in expenses. If they charged the more-typical 1.25%, their advantage over the indexes would have been lost. So, if it’s not a game of inches, it’s certainly a game of pennies.
Researchers say, Expect focus to win out over diversified.
The best test I have is to compare sibling funds. In four instances, a particular manager runs too nearly identical funds, one diversified and one focused. If the researchers are right, the managers’ focused funds should prevail over his more diffuse portfolios. The four sets of funds are Mainstay ICAP Equity and Select, Marsico Growth and Focus, Oakmark and Select, Yacktman and Focused. In every case, the focused fund outperformed the diversified one, though often by fractions of a percent per year.
Researchers say: don’t buy based on past returns. It’s such a powerful temptation that the SEC requires funds to tell investors that a fund’s past performance does not necessarily predict future results.
I looked at the top large cap core funds of the 1990s, and tracked their performance over the past 10 years. Here are their subsequent absolute returns and performance relative to their peers.
10 year return 10 year rank
Hartford Capital Appreciation (ITHAX) 5.23% Top 10% , the fund has been run by the same group of Wellington managers since 1996
Legg Mason Value(LMVTX) (1.65) Bottom 5% overall, with bottom 1% returns in four of the past five years.
Oppenheimer Main Street (MSIGX) 1.64% A bit above average.
Putnam Investors(PINVX) (1.36) Bottom 5% — though rallying. The winning team was gone (without a trace) by 2002 with 10 individuals cycling through since then. Currently it’s no more than a high cost index fund (1.27% expenses despite assets of $4 billion and an index correlation of 98)
RS Large Cap Alpha(GPAFX) 1.32% A bit below average – with six complete management changes in 10 years.
The odds are unlikely to improve. The 25 best funds of the 2000s clocked over 20% annual returns through “the lost decade,” but did it by investing in gold and dictatorships (primarily Russia and China, though I lumped emerging markets in general into this category). While it’s not impossible that one asset class and two countries will rise 750% over the next decade – the outcome of 20% or better growth – it seems vanishingly unlikely.
284 funds beat the 10% threshold that defines the long-term returns of the US stock market. The best diversified equity funds in the bunch were Bridgeway Ultra-Small (BRUSX at 15.6%), CGM Focus (CGMFX, 15%), FBR Focus (FBRVX, 15%), Satuit Microcap(SATMX, 14.7%), Perritt Microcap (PRCGX, 14.5%) and Heartland Value Plus (HRVIX, 14.4%). For the record, that’s four microcap funds, one mid-cap fund whose star manager was squeezed out (and now runs Akre Focus, AKREX) and one fund so volatile (about twice the market’s standard deviation and a 500% annual turnover rate) that is has virtually no long-term investors.
One good strategy is to avoid the previous decade’s biggest losers, a simple notion that has evaded millions of investors.
Vanguard’s worst diversified loser of the decade: Vanguard U.S. Growth (VWUSX), which is closer to Vanguard U.S. Decline with an annualized loss of 3.7%. And $4 billion in assets. Fidelity contributes Fidelity Decline Strategies . . . sorry, Fidelity Growth Strategies(FDEGX), formerly Fidelity Too-Aggressive Growth and Fidelity Submerging Growth, to the list with 5.4% annual losses and over $2 billion in assets. American Century Select (TCWIX) pares $2 billion assets with a half-percentage annual loss. The Janus Fund(JANDX) has dropped 1.1% per year while Legg Mason All Cap (SPAAX) holds a half billion while steadily shrinking by 2.5% per annum.
Legg Mason added Bill Miller to the management team here at the start of 2009, and the fund rallied mightily. At the same time, Miller announced his own successor at the flagship Legg Mason Capital Management Value “C” class shares (LMVTX, formerly just Legg Mason Value). Remarkably low returns remain paired there with remarkably high fees.
Less venturesome folks might have done with boring ol’ planners and scholars suggested: diversify across asset classes, rebalance periodically, keep your expenses down. Funds that followed that simple discipline, and which I’ve used as benchmarks, had an okay decade:
Vanguard Balanced Index (VBINX): up 4.2%
Fidelity Global Balanced (FGLBX) : up 6.7%
Vanguard STAR (VGSTX): up 5.3%
T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation (PRWCX): up 8.9%
Another possible hedge against this disturbing reality is to consider investing some of your portfolio with companies that get it right. There are a set of boutique firms which have consistently by sticking to their discipline and building stable, supportive management teams. Among the fund companies whose products we’ve profiled, there are a number whose funds beat their benchmarks consistently over the long term. Below are four such companies. Artisan Partners hires only experienced teams of risk-conscious managers and has a tradition of shareholder friendly practices (low minimums, falling expenses, closing funds). Matthews knows Asia better than anyone.Harris Associates understands value. Royce does small and value with passion and discipline. Here’s a recap of their funds’ performance:
Number of funds Winners since inception Winners over 10 years
Artisan 11 11/11 6/6
Matthews 11 9/11 6/6
Oakmark 7 7/7 6/6
Royce 27 19/22 9/9
The poorest Royce funds are only a year or two old. The poorest Matthews ones are single country funds.
There are no guarantees. Ten years ago I might have (though, in truth, wasn’t) writing about Oak Associates or Janus. But there are ways to at least tilting the odds in your favor.
The research says so!
2010: the cloudy crystal ball
It’s the time of year when every financial publication promises to make you rich as Croesus in the year ahead. As a reality check just ahead of that exercise, you might want to consider the one thing the publications rarely mention: the track record of their set of “best funds for 2010.”
For each of four major publications, I created an equally weighted portfolio of their 2010 fund picks and compared it to the simplest-available benchmark: a balanced index for portfolios with balance, and a stock or bond index otherwise. They appear in rank-order, by performance. Performance is as of 12/20/2010.
Kiplingers. Steven Goldberg, “The 5 Best Stock Funds for 2010,” Kiplinger.com December 18, 2009
Absolute 2010 return Relative 2010 return
Primecap Odyssey Growth (POGRX) 15.5% Middle third
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Value (PRSVX) 24.5 Middle third
T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Stock (PRMSX) 15.5 Middle third
Fairholme (FAIRX) 21.5 Top 1%
Masters’ Select International (MSILX) 13.0 Top 10%
Portfolio return:
Vanguard Total World Index (VT) 11% Top third
Comments: good recovery, Mr. G! His 2009 picks including Primecap and Price Emerging Markets, but also two terribly disappointing funds: CGM Focus and Bridgeway Aggressive Investors I. He seems to have dialed-back the risk for 2010, and profited from it.
Morningstar. “Where to Invest, 2010.”
This is a long Morningstar stand-alone document, including both market analyses and individual equity recommendations as well as the industry’s longest list of fund recommendations.
Mutual Quest TEQIX 9% Bottom third
T Rowe Price Spectrum Income RPSIX 8.5 Bottom third
Dodge & Cox Income DODIX 6.5 Middle third
Fidelity Government Income FGOVX 5 Middle third
Manning & Napier Worldwide EXWAX 7.5 Middle third
Artisan International Value ARTKX 17.5 Middle third
Wasatch Small Cap Growth WAAEX 29 Middle third
Schwab Total Market Index SWTSX 16 Top third
Royce Premier RYPRX 26 Top third
Vanguard Inflation-Protected Securities VIPSX 6 Top third
Vanguard Convertible Securities VCVSX 18 Top third
Longleaf Partners LLPFX 16.5 Top 10%
Portfolio return: 14%
Vanguard Balanced Index 12.5% Top third
Comments: a nicely-done, T. Rowe Price-ish sort of performance. The collection succeeds less by picking a few “shoot out the lights” stars and more by avoiding silly risks. When your two worst funds are rock-solid, risk-conscious gems, you’re doing good.
Money. “Make Money in 2010,” Money magazine, December 2009
FPA New Income (FPNIX) 3.0% Bottom 1%
FMI Large Cap (FMIHX) 11 Bottom third
Jensen (JENSX) 12 Bottom third
T. Rowe Price New Era (PRNEX) 17.5 Middle third
iShares Barclays TIPS Bond (TIP) 5.5 Middle third
Templeton Global Bond (TPINX) 11 Top 5%
Comments: The folks at Money assumed that high-quality investments – blue chip multinationals, AA bonds – were finally due for their day in the sun. “Don’t hold your breath waiting for gains much beyond 6% in either stocks or bonds for 2010. …The key to surviving is to go for high quality, in both stocks and bonds.” Off by 300% on stocks – the Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX) was up near 18% in late December – but close on bonds. And wrong, for the moment, on quality: Morningstar’s index of high-quality stocks returned about 8% while junkier small-growth stocks returned four times as much.
Smart Money. “Where to Invest 2010,” Smart Money, January 2010.
T. Rowe Price Short-Term Bond (PRWBX) 3% Bottom third
Vanguard GNMA (VFIIX) 6.5 Top third
iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) (72.5) Worst fund in the world
Vanguard Total Bond Market (VBMFX) 6%
Comments: I despaired of this particular essay last year, claiming that “It’s hard to imagine a more useless article for the average investor.” The difficulty is that Smart Money offered four broad scenarios with no probabilities. “If you think that we’ll plod along, then…” without offering their expert judgment on whether plodding would occur. Thanks, Dow Jones!
The funds, above, come from elsewhere in the “Where to” issue and received positive reviews there.
The Strange Life and Quiet Death of Satuit Small Cap
Readers of FundAlarm’s discussion board pointed out, recently, that I failed to eliminate the archived profile of Satuit Small Cap. Sorry ‘bout that!
In reality, Small Cap turned out to be the firm’s lonely step-child. It was an adopted child, have begun life as the Genomics Fund,world’s first and only mutual fund specializing in investing in the dynamic, new genomics industry!” After years of wretched performance, Satuit Microcap’s manager took over the fund and, eventually, rebranded it as Satuit Small Cap. I could do so because an exciting genomics fund is virtually identical to a diversified small cap one with virtually no genomics investments. We know that’s true because the fund solemnly attested to the fact: “The Fund was reorganized as a separate series of the Satuit Capital Management Trust on November 1, 2007. The Fund has the same investment strategy as the Predecessor Fund.” Similarly, PFW Water fund (ridiculed above) had the same strategy as Bender Growth, give or take investing in water.
The firm’s passion for the fund seemed limited from the start: there was little information about it at Satuit’s website, the website continued to refer to Microcap as if it were the firm’s only product, and the manager declined the opportunity to invest it in. There’s limited information about the new fund on the website. For example, most of the site’s text says “the” fund when referring to Satuit Microcap.
The manager’s last letter to his few investors (the fund had under $2 million, down by more than 60%) was full of . . . uh, full of . . . optimism!
I began writing this letter on Tuesday September 15th, 2009. What a difference a year makes. Last year I was writing about Monday September 15th, 2008. It was the day that Lehman Bros filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and Bank of America bought Merrill Lynch. And I said, “My sense is that by the time you read this letter, those events will be water-under-the-bridge, much like the JP Morgan acquisition of Bear Stearns and the Treasury take-over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are today.” Fortunately, these events are water under a very high bridge. I’m glad it’s all behind us!
Robert J. Sullivan
Portfolio Manager, SATSX
Eight weeks late, the Board – presumably at Mr. Sullivan’s recommendation – liquidated the fund. There was no explanation for why the fund wasn’t simply merged into its successful sibling.
Causeway has added an “investor” share class to their Global Value (CGVIX) fund. Up until now, Global Value has required a $1 million minimum. The fund is not quite two years old and has been a respectable but unspectacular performer. The new share class charges 1.35% with a $5000 investment minimum.
Brett Favre is not the only weary warrior leaving the field one last (?) time. Michael Fasciano decided in October to liquidate the new Aston/Fasciano SmallCap Fund (AFASX). Mike explained it as a matter of simple economics: despite respectable returns in its first three quarters of operation, Aston was able to attract very little interest in the fund. Under the terms of his operating agreement, Mike had to underwrite half the cost of operating AFASX. Facing a substantial capital outflow and no evidence that assets would be growing quickly, he made the sensible, sad, painful decision to pull the plug. The fund ends its short life having made a profit for its investors, a continuation of a quarter-century tradition of which Mike is justifiably proud.
When a door closes, a window opens. Just as Aston/Fasciano liquidates, Aston/River Road Independent Value (ARIVX) launches! Eric Cinnamond, the founding manager of Intrepid Small Cap (ICMAX) left to join River Road in September. He’s been heading River Road’s “Independent Value” team and has just opened his new Independent Value fund. The fund focuses on high-quality small- to mid-cap stocks. The initial expense ratio is 1.41% with a $2500 investment minimum, which exactly match the terms and conditions of his former fund. Given Mr. Cinnamond’s top 1% returns, consistently low risk scores and string of five-star ratings from Morningstar, fans of his work have reason to be intrigued by the chance to access Mr. Cinnamond’s skills tied to a tiny asset base. With luck, we’ll profile his new fund in the months ahead.
Ten years ago, the FundAlarm discussion board was abuzz. In his December “Highlights and Commentary,” Roy reviewed the recent scandal in Strong’s bond funds, which would eventually doom the firm, and lambasted a remarkable collection of sad-sack Internet funds (Monument Digital Technology or de Leon Internet 100, anybody?) Bob C warned of the imminent closing of Scudder Funds’ no-load shares. Roy offered T. Rowe Price Science & Tech as a stocking stuffer, which was certainly a better idea than most of the other options circulating on the board: Firsthand E-Commerce, IPS Millennium, Strong Enterprise . . . Happily, most of the comments about those funds were deeply cautionary and much of the discussion center on tax-management, portfolio allocations and strong management teams. Ten years, and 280,000 posts (!) later, we’d like to recognize the good and thoughtful folks who have been sharing their reflections, now and over the decade past.
Below is a Wordle, a visual representation of data frequency generated at Wordle.net. I sampled the names appearing on our current discussion threads and added those prominent in December 2005 and December 2000. To you all, and to them all, thanks for making FundAlarm what it is!
{image removed}
A blessed New Year to all!
Ariel Focus (ARFFX), May 2006 (updated September 2008)
Ariel Focus (ARFFX)
Non-diversified, mid- to large-cap domestic value fund. Generally speaking, the fund will invest in 20 stocks with a market cap in excess of $10 billion each; half of those stocks will be drawn from the portfolios of Ariel Fund or Ariel Appreciation. Ariel funds favor socially-responsible company management; the firm avoids tobacco, nuclear power and handgun companies. Ariel argues that such corporations face substantial, and substantially unpredictable, legal liabilities.
Ariel Capital Management, LLC. Ariel manages $19 billion in assets, with $8 billion in its two veteran mutual funds. Ariel provides a great model of a socially-responsible management team: the firm helps run a Chicago public charter school, is deeply involved in the community, has an intriguing and diverse Board of Trustees, is employee-owned, and its managers are heavily invested in their own funds. One gets a clear sense that these folks aren’t going to play fast and loose either with your money or with the rules.
Investment team led by Charlie Bobrinskoy (Ariel’s Vice Chairman and Director of Trading, previously with Salomon/Citigroup), and Tim Fidler (Ariel’s Director of Research).
It varies. The firm ran in-house money using this strategy from March 1 through June 29 2005. The fund was offered to Illinois residents and Ariel employees beginning June 30, 2005. It became available nationally on February 1, 2006.
$1000 for regular accounts, $250 for an IRA. The minimum is waived for investors establishing an automatic monthly investment of at least $50.
1.25% (after expense waiver). Ariel estimates that first-year expenses would be 2.55% without the waiver. The waiver expires September 30th, 2006, but such waivers are generally renewed.
This is the latest entrant into the “I want to be like Warren Buffett” sweepstakes. I had the opportunity to speak with Tim Fidler, one of the co-managers, and he’s pretty clear that Mr. Buffett provides the model for Ariel investing, in general, and Ariel Focus, in particular. The managers are looking for companies with a sustainable economic advantage — Mr. Buffett calls them companies with “moats.” Ariel looks for “high barriers to entry, sustainable competitive advantages, predictable fundamentals that allow for double digit earnings growth, quality management teams, [and] solid financials.” In addition, Ariel espouses a concentrated, low-turnover, low-price style. Mr. Fidler had been reading Artisan Opportunistic’s materials and was struck by many similarities in the funds’ positioning; he characterized his fund as likely “more contrarian,” which might suggest more patience and longer holding times. (Artisan Opportunistic was discussed in last month’s FundAlarm Annex.)
Ironically, for all of the Buffett influence, there’s no overlap between Buffett’s (i.e., Berkshire Hathaway’s) 32-stock portfolio and the 20 stocks in Ariel Focus.
What might drive your investment consideration with Ariel Focus? Two factors:
It’s a concentrated, non-diversified portfolio. That should, in theory, drive risk and return higher. In practice, the evidence for either proposition is mixed. There are four firms that each offer two funds with the same managers and the same value philosophy, one diversified and one focused. They are Oakmark/Select, Yacktman/Focused, ICAP Equity/Select, and Clipper/Focus (yes, I know, there’s been a recent manager change, but most of the three-year record was generated by the same management team). Generally speaking, the focused fund has exhibited higher volatility, but only by a little (the standard deviations for Oakmark and Oakmark Select are typical: 8.2% versus 8.9%). The question is whether you’re consistently paid for the greater risk,and the answer seems to be “no.” There’s only one of the four pairs for which the Sharpe ratio (a measure of risk-adjusted returns) is higher for the focused fund than for the diversified one. The differences are generally small but have, lately, favored diversification.
The fund is building off a solid foundation. In general, 50% of the Focus portfolio will be drawn from names already in Ariel or Ariel Appreciation. Those are both solid, low-turnover performers with long track records. Focus will depend on the same 15 person management team as Ariel; most of those folks are long-tenured and schooled in Ariel’s discipline. Their task is to apply a fairly straightforward discipline to a limited universe of new, larger stocks, about 90 companies, in all. If they’re patient, it should work out. And they do have a reputation for patience (their corporate motto, after all, is “slow and steady wins the race”).
If you believe in buying and holding the stocks of good, established companies, this is an entirely worthwhile offering. The advisor’s high standards of corporate behavior are pure gravy.
Ariel Focus (Ariel Web site)
(posted September 1, 2008)
Assets: $40 million
Expenses: 1.25%
YTD return: (4.8%)(as of 8/29/08)
Ariel Focus has been slowly gaining traction. Its first year (2006) was a disaster as the fund trailed 97% of its peers and 2007 was only marginally better with the fund trailing 79% of its peers. 2008 has been a different story, with the fund now leading 97% of its peers. That performance has helped the fund move back to the middle of the pack, with a three-year annual return of 2.3%.
The managers attribute most of their recent success, which began in the second half of 2007, to the hard-hit financial sector. Financials helped ARFFX because (1) they didn’t own many of them and (2) the companies they did hold – Berkshire-Hathaway, JPMorgan, Aflac – weren’t involved in the most-toxic part of the mess. They were also helped by the managers’ skepticism about the durability of the commodity and oil bubble, which has helped its consumer holdings in the past several months.
Unfortunately the fund’s improving fortunes haven’t been enough to forestall layoffs at Ariel. The company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year but the party’s a bit bittersweet since it’s accompanied by the loss of a contract to manage part of Massachusetts’ retirement fund and the laying off of 18 staff members.
© Mutual Fund Observer, 2011. All rights reserved. The information here reflects publicly available information current at the time of publication. For reprint/e-rights contact [email protected].
This entry was posted in Archives of FundAlarm, Profile on April 15, 2011 by Editor.
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https://mv-voice.com/blogs/p/print/2016/02/16/song-pa-replaces-totoro-in-mountain-view
Song Pa replaces Totoro in Mountain View
One Korean restaurant out, and another moves in: Longtime downtown Mountain View eatery Totoro was replaced last week by Song Pa Korean Cuisine.
Family-run Totoro, which served traditional Korean food from a tiny space at 241 Villa St. since 2002, recently closed.
One of Totoro's bento special's was bulgogi, marinated beef with house sauce served with tempura, noodles, rice, kimchi, soup and other vegetables. Photo by Michelle Le.
A family that owned a Korean restaurant in Pleasanton called Song Pa took over the space and opened a second restaurant of the same name, owner Anna Won said Tuesday. She said she owns Song Pa with her brother and mother. The family sold the Pleasanton restaurant before moving to the Mountain View area, she said.
Song Pa's menu is similar to Totoro's, with dishes like bibimbap, kimchi fried rice, japchae and bulgogi. There’s also an entire vegetarian section on the menu.
Song Pa is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day of the week except Sunday
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Issue’s Structure #63 – March/April 2018
22 March, 2018 221 views
archive221 views 42 min read
هيكل العدد بالعربي
Issue’s theme: ‘Representation’
Definition of ‘Representation’:
Is an act of description or portrayal of a group or individual in media, literature, art, film, music etc, to speak or act on behalf of an individual or a group of individuals, whether it’s positive, negative or neutral
Types of Representations:
The political perspective and political science professor at the University of California Hannah Finnichil Pitkin has developed four theories about Representations:
The first is formal representation, which includes arrangements that precede and coincide with the representation process, such as delegation and accountability (where the mandate revolves around the means by which the representative obtains his or her position, or office; accountability is the ability of constituents to punish their representatives for not acting according to their wishes)
The second is called symbolic representation. It is about the way the actor represents who he/she is trying to represent, and how the community sees the representative’s representation. The representative is assessed by the degree of acceptance among those who seek to represent them.
The third is ‘Descriptive Representation’ centered on the characteristics of the representative and whether there are common characteristics between him/her and those who try to represent them (or have similar experiences).
The fourth is the ‘Objective Representation’ which focuses on the activity of the representatives themselves in the extent to which he/she expresses the needs and demands of the represented society, and the representative is evaluated by adapting the policies adopted to the needs of the community and the results of these policies during their service/s.
Why did we choose this topic for this issue?
The topic ‘Representation’ has been used as one of the most important tools in distorting and reducing the bodies and practices of non-normative or SOGI groups over time. The only way to stop this distortion campaign is to critique the means of representation that these individuals/groups might’ve have not elected or delegated to represent, questioning such process, and seeking the potential to change enforced representations over the realities lived daily by the marginalized social groups.
Cover Titles / Issue’s listed articles
Cover story: Saleem Haddad
Looking beyond labels, what’s next for the humanitarian turned novelist?
The Representation Myth
How can we use our platforms to advocate for rights without marginalizing others?
Qabbani in love
Fetishization or Representation? Reading The “Evil Poem” Through a Queer Lens. Read here
More features in this issue:
Photography – Fashion: The Hram Collection tackling Intimacy, Sleep, Romance and Nostalgia by Fadi Zumot. Here
Previous ArticleGone, But Not Forgotten
Next ArticleThe Homosexuality around us – Palestine
Issue #66 Structure – January/February 2019
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Pair busted in Queens robbery pattern
By Rocco Parascandola
Apr 26, 2019 | 8:19 AM
Khyrel Ware, 21, and Luis Martinez, 19, were arrested Thursday after police executed a search warrant at a home on Queens Blvd. in an unrelated case and found them there. (DCPI)
Two young men have been busted in a string of seven Queens robberies, police said Friday.
Khyrel Ware, 21, and Luis Martinez, 19, were arrested Thursday after police executed a search warrant at a home on Queens Blvd. in an unrelated case and found them there, officials said.
They had been previously identified as suspects in the robberies. On Tuesday, their mugshots were released to the public.
Police said the duo pulled a gun and a knife at various times to threaten their victims, though none of them were hurt.
The robberies, all but one of which were perpetrated in Astoria, took place between Feb. 6, when they forced a 38-year-old man to withdraw $100 from an ATM, and April 19, when a 25-year-old man on an E-bike was robbed of $40, cops said.
Ware has three previous robbery arrests, plus one for attempted robbery. Martinez has five prior arrests, one for robbery plus others for weapons possession, criminal trespass, intimidation and criminal contempt, police said.
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NYPD officer accused of running Bronx drug stash house after caught with $25G
By VICTORIA BEKIEMPIS and John Annese
Mar 13, 2018 | 11:37 PM
Yessenia Jimenez, 31, allegedly helped her boyfriend run a drug trafficking ring and stashing about 250 grams of heroin in their apartment. (Facebook)
An NYPD housing officer who helped her boyfriend run a heroin trafficking ring was caught with $25,000 in drug money, stuffed in a purse with her service weapon, federal authorities said.
Yessenia Jimenez, 31, and her boyfriend, Luis Soto, 33, were busted Tuesday on drug-trafficking and weapon possession charges, as part of a larger investigation into heroin trafficking from Mexico into New York.
The two turned their Bronx apartment into a drug stash house, federal prosecutors said, and Jimenez traveled to Massachusetts with Soto for an "important stop" with a heroin trafficker, prosecutors said.
The couple popped up on the Drug Enforcement Administration's radar in January, after finding Soto's phone number on the cell phone of a narcotics trafficking suspect from Queens.
Soto made the trip to Massachusetts on Sunday, and headed back to New York at about 10:30 p.m., authorities said.
At 2 a.m. on Tuesday, a joint DEA, NYPD and state police task force stopped Soto's car outside their Boynton Ave. apartment in Soundview, after he started unloading bags from his trunk.
Jimenez was sitting in the passenger seat, the stuffed purse at her feet, with the handle of her NYPD-issued Glock 9-mm gun sticking out.
Soto was carrying another $25,000 in a black plastic grocery bag, and he admitted he picked up all the cash from Massachusetts, according to court filings.
A search of their apartment uncovered about 250 grams of alleged heroin in a closet, prosecutors said.
Jimenez joined the NYPD in 2015. She's been suspended without pay, a police spokesman said.
Her Facebook page shows her wearing NYPD t-shirts and hats, and sharing several pro-police messages.
Jimenez's lawyer, Mark Gombiner, challenged the weapon-possession charged filed against her.
"This is her service weapon," Gombiner said. "Given that she's a police officer she's kind of mandated (to have) her service weapon with her."
A judge ordered her held on $75,000 bond, while Soto agreed to be held without bail.
Jimenez declined to comment.
drug busts
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Tustin girls volleyball eyes top prize Saturday…
Tustin girls volleyball eyes top prize Saturday in CIF Division 5 finals
Tustin’s girls volleyball team, led by Coach Joanna Lane, middle,is off to the CIF finals. (Courtesy of Tim Burt)
By Tim Burt | Orange County Register
PUBLISHED: November 7, 2019 at 1:29 pm | UPDATED: December 8, 2019 at 10:32 am
Tustin High’s girls volleyball team has been pointing toward its first CIF championship all season and Saturday night, Nov. 9, the Tillers will get a chance to bring one home in front of their fans.
Top-seeded Tustin (26-3) will face No. 10 Vistamar of El Segundo (25-2) in the CIF Division 5 finals at 6 p.m. in the Tustin gymnasium.
“We’re excited to do what no other team has done and contribute to the Tiller legacy,” Tustin Coach Joanna Lane said.
Tustin (26-3) defeated Palm Desert in three sets in the semifinals on Nov. 2 at Palm Desert 25-20, 25-17, 25-18.
“Our mindset was strong the entire time of the match,” Lane said. “There was never a moment of panic, we controlled our energy, effort and physicality the entire time.
“We made the decision we’re going to serve tough, pass first, play solid defense by never letting a ball drop, and go after the Aztecs offensively. I’m proud of how we executed our game plan and kept our eyes focused on the prize,” Lane said. “A sweep against a solid team like Palm Desert was what we worked for.”
Lane said there was a large contingent of Tustin fans, which she refers to as the “Good Vibe Tribe,” who were “awesome and made the 108 mile drive out to Palm Desert. We’re so lucky to be surrounded by the entire Tiller community.”
Tustin was led by Sam Cannone, the senior setter, who had 35 assists, three aces and nine digs.
Senior outside hitter Alex Cox had five kills and 17 digs. Senior outside hitter Ava McInnes had eight kills, one ace and 17 digs.
Junior middle blocker Paige Cutwright had seven kills and senior middle blocker Sophie Palmer had three kills and one block.
Sophomore outside hitter Erin McInnes had nine kills and two digs.
Junior libero Malia Acosta had 37 digs and one ace and junior opposite hitter Jade Croopnick had two kills, four aces and seven digs.
The Tillers also defeated Windward in three sets in the quarterfinals on Oct. 30 at home. The scores were 25-15, 25-23, 25-23.
She said the team set a goal at their first practice of not just being finalists in 2019, but CIF champions.
“So we’ve been setting that goal that whole time and to go to the semifinals and sweep a good team like Windward in three is just a testament to the hard work that the girls have put in every day.”
Tustin was led in that meeting by Cox, who had 11 kills and no errors, four aces, and 15 digs; Erin McInnes, who had six kills and no errors; Palmer, who had six kills and two blocks; Cutwright, who had four aces and four kills; Ava McInnes, who had eight kills, three aces and 15 digs; Acosta, who had 26 digs and two aces and Cannone, who had 38 assists and six digs.
Tim Burt
Tim Burt is a freelance reporter who first joined the Irvine World News in May of 1984 covering high school and youth sports in the city of Irvine. Since then, he has covered some of the most exciting high school sports events in Orange County. Tim's job includes reporting on sports in Irvine and Tustin and other communities for the Orange County Register and OC Varsity. He found his passion of journalism in high school at Long Beach Wilson on the school newspaper, the Loudspeaker. He later got his bachelor's degree in journalism from Long Beach State. Tim was honored in 2016 by the City of Irvine when he was named to the Wall of Recognition. In addition, the Pacific Coast League named the baseball championship trophy in his honor. In his off hours, Tim enjoys watching college and professional sports with friends and playing softball on the city of Irvine coed softball team, the Misprnts, founded by former Irvine World News editor Don Dennis. Tim has lived in Orange County for more than 30 years.
Follow Tim Burt @TimBurtIrvine
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Washington Township takes first step toward $6 million firehouse
Municipal officials are looking to bond for construction of a combined firehouse and ambulance corps facility.
Washington Township takes first step toward $6 million firehouse Municipal officials are looking to bond for construction of a combined firehouse and ambulance corps facility. Check out this story on northjersey.com: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/washington-township/2019/08/30/washington-township-nj-takes-first-step-toward-6-million-firehouse/2152733001/
Stephanie Noda, North Jersey Record Published 6:29 a.m. ET Aug. 30, 2019 | Updated 7:08 p.m. ET Sept. 2, 2019
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP — The township has taken a first step toward building a $6 million firehouse and emergency services facility to replace its 60-year-old building.
An ordinance to bond for $6 million for a combined firehouse and ambulance corps building, which was initially denied on Aug. 12, was introduced at a special meeting last week, with a public hearing anticipated in early September.
At the Aug. 26 meeting, members of the Fire Department lined the rows of the council chambers. Megan Callea, a resident, said she was "100% for the new firehouse" during the meeting's public comment session.
"I think we need to get this done for these guys," Callea said.
Washington Township firehouse will be demolished and replaced under $6 million plan (Photo: Stephanie Noda/NorthJersey.com)
Site plans presented in July by architect Robbie Conley show that the new firehouse, a two-story, 20,338-square-foot building, would be built slightly east of the current firehouse’s location on Washington Avenue, near the intersection with Pascack Road. The old firehouse would be knocked down.
More: Woodcliff Lake controversy prompts borough to itemize dramatic changes in reassessments
More: Paramus mayor: Our plastic bag ban is better than others
The ambulance corps, which is at 354 Hudson Ave., near the municipal building, would move into the first floor of the new facility.
The ambulance corps would be on the east side of the building, with a bay that would hold two ambulances and a first responder utility vehicle. The Fire Department would be on the west side of the first floor, which has its own bay, and on the second floor.
Resident Toni Plantamura said the firehouse is in a “horrible place and location” and questioned why the township wasn’t talking about sharing services with other fire departments.
“We are spending millions and millions of dollars here,” Plantamura said.
The firehouse was last renovated in the 1960s, Mayor Peter Calamari said in a statement posted on his Facebook page. The new facility will include bay doors to fit modern trucks, space for volunteers, room to store gear and areas to dress before a call, the mayor said in the statement.
Plans also call for new traffic signals outside the firehouse to “synchronize with trucks coming and going” to improve safety and efficiency, Calamari said.
Download our apps and get alerts for local news, weather, traffic and more. iPhone app | iPad app | Android app | Sign up for our newsletter | Subscribe| Find us on social media: Twitter | Sports Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Food Instagram
Read or Share this story: https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/washington-township/2019/08/30/washington-township-nj-takes-first-step-toward-6-million-firehouse/2152733001/
Kirkland's in Paramus to close
Judge dismisses some evidence in fatal Wayne crash, driver too stoned
Mega Millions winning numbers for Friday, Jan. 17
See inside some of the celebrity homes with hefty price tags in North Jersey
One dead in Route 80 shooting in Lodi
Two dead in Nutley house fire Saturday
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Details of the Xiaomi Mi 9 surface — Snapdragon 8150 and Sony IMX586 48 MP camera inbound
The Xiaomi Mi 9 could be the first phone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150. (Source: IGeeKphone)
Xiaomi's upcoming flagship, the Mi 9 could be the first smartphone powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150 according to supply chain sources. The Mi 9 will also sport the latest Sony IMX586 48 MP sensor for its main camera, up to 10 GB RAM, and an in-display fingerprint sensor making for an impressive spec sheet.
by Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 2018/11/08
Android Chinese Tech Smartphone
Details of Xiaomi's upcoming flagship, the Mi 9 have started making their way online. GizChina quotes sources in the supply chain that say that the Mi 9 could be the first smartphone to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8150 SoC. Sources indicate that the Mi 9 could launch sometime in the first half of 2019 in China.
The launch date would more or less align with that of the Mi 8 that was launched in June 2018. The Mi 9 is expected to sport 6 or 8 GB RAM with a possible 10 GB variant in the offing as well. The other highlight of the Mi 9 is that it will feature a triple camera setup (a first for Xiaomi) and the primary shooter is likely to be equipped with Sony's latest IMX586 48 MP sensor. An in-display fingerprint sensor and wireless charging are also expected to make the cut.
The possibility of the Mi 9 being the first Snapdragon 8150-powered phone is somewhat uncertain. A host of OEMs including Samsung are expected to unveil new phones at the start of the year and by MWC 2019, we would have a pretty long list of phones sporting Qualcomm's latest flagship SoC. The Mi 9 would only be launching around May to June 2019 if the current Mi 8 timeframe is taken in account. However, there could be a possibility that the Chinese smartphone major could be pushing for an early launch window as well. We will get to know more in the days to come so stay tuned.
GizChina
Xiaomi's upcoming Mi Mix 4 promises to push the boundaries of smartphone photography 07/07/2019
Xiaomi Mi 9 gains 3 discrete new leaks in same day 02/13/2019
Redmi is now Xiaomi's high-value sub-brand, will set sail with a new 48 MP smartphone 01/04/2019
The Xiaomi Mi 9 will feature three rear cameras and a Snapdragon 855 12/30/2018
The Redmi Pro 2 may just be Xiaomi's upcoming Snapdragon 675-powered phone 12/21/2018
New 38MP Sony sensor leaks, could be destined for Huawei P30 series 12/12/2018
The Honor V20 is coming with a single rear camera, a 48 MP absolute unit 12/11/2018
The upcoming Xiaomi phone with a 48 MP camera will likely be a mid-range offering 12/11/2018
Xiaomi teases 48 MP camera handset, might launch it in early 2019 12/06/2018
New Sony Xperia XZ4 case leak may confirm previous design-related rumors 11/30/2018
The HP Spectre Folio makes for a good alternative to the new Apple MacBook Air 11/25/2018
Details of the Snapdragon 8150 leak - How does it compare with the Kirin 980? 11/25/2018
The Snapdragon 8150 will be unveiled on December 4 11/24/2018
A "beyond imaginable" 44% of Xiaomi's revenue so far this year came from outside China 11/21/2018
Leaked AI benchmarks place the Snapdragon 8150 in the lead, Helio P80 not too far 11/20/2018
The Snapdragon 8150 makes its way to AnTuTu, outperforms Apple's A12 Bionic 11/15/2018
Xiaomi closed 11.11 event with US$747 million in sales 11/12/2018
Xiaomi Black Shark to hit Europe on November 16 11/11/2018
Apple is losing its European market share to Xiaomi and Huawei: new report 11/07/2018
Android Pie-driven Xiaomi Mi 8 SE hits Geekbench 10/31/2018
Xiaomi has already reached its annual sales target 10/29/2018
Qualcomm Snapdragon 845-powered Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 now official with wireless charging and up to 10 GB of memory 10/25/2018
Xiaomi Black Shark 2 pops up in Geekbench 10/18/2018
Xiaomi Mi Mix 3 with 10 GB of memory coming next week 10/17/2018
First live video of the Xiaomi Black Shark 2 gaming phone surfaces as launch looms 10/17/2018
Qualcomm Snapdragon 636-powered Xiaomi Redmi Note 6 Pro now official 09/28/2018
Xiaomi set to unveil two new devices in the Mi 8 series 09/11/2018
Xiaomi executive nabbed promoting the new Poco F1 with fake camera samples 09/02/2018
Xiaomi and Samsung hold down the Indian smartphone market with massive combined 60% market share 07/26/2018
Samsung's One UI will not make it t...
The latest Huawei Matebook 13 sport...
> Notebook / Laptop Reviews and News > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2018 11 > Details of the Xiaomi Mi 9 surface — Snapdragon 8150 and Sony IMX586 48 MP camera inbound
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam, 2018-11- 8 (Update: 2018-11- 8)
Vaidyanathan Subramaniam - News Editor
I am a cell and molecular biologist and computers have been an integral part of my life ever since I laid my hands on my first PC which was based on an Intel Celeron 266 MHz processor, 16 MB RAM and a modest 2 GB hard disk. Since then, I’ve seen my passion for technology evolve with the times. From traditional floppy based storage and running DOS commands for every other task, to the connected cloud and shared social experiences we take for granted today, I consider myself fortunate to have witnessed a sea change in the technology landscape. I honestly feel that the best is yet to come, when things like AI and cloud computing mature further. When I am not out finding the next big cure for cancer, I read and write about a lot of technology related stuff or go about ripping and re-assembling PCs and laptops.
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Pathway Summary
Pathway ID
Pathway Title
Business Diploma (2 year) to BBA International Business Management
Pathway Last Updated
Sending Institution Information
Sending Institution
Discipline/Division
Business/Finance/Administration
Business, General Business/Administration; Logistics; E-Commerce; Small Business/Entrepreneurship,
Receiving Institution Information
Receiving Institution
Global/International Business
Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management
Contact Procedures
Program Information: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/fulltime/1172C.jsp
Program Coordinator: Kate Toth, Tel: 519-748-5220 ext. 3179, Email: ktoth@conestogac.on.ca
Admissions: http://www.conestogac.on.ca/admissions/contact.jsp
Pathway Details
Terms for renewal or cancellation
All pathways will have a default review date of three years from the date of implementation. Pathways may have a shorter review date if substantive curriculum changes are made to either the sending or receiving program. Students enrolled in the receiving institution at the time of any change or notice of termination will be given the opportunity to complete their studies based on the terms of the transfer pathway in effect at the time of their enrollment.
Eligibility for Pathway
Graduates of the 2-year diploma in Business with a minimum average of 70% may apply for advanced standing into the Bachelor of business Administration -International Business Management degree program. Once they are given an offer of admission by Conestoga, applicants must successfully complete a Bridging Module consisting of 1-2 online courses during the Spring term (May-August) before beginning Year 2 full-time studies in September.
Transfer credit will be granted for the first year of the Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management.
Credits that must be achieved at the receiving institution
Advanced Standing students must successfully complete Years 2, 3 and 4 and three co-op terms in order to graduate from the Bachelor of Business Administration - International Business Management program.
Anticipated normal schedule of student progression
3 calendar years: 6 academic terms plus 3 co-op terms
Credential(s) to be granted on successful completion of all required components
Save PathwayGo Back
Don’t forget: You should always review institution transfer information before you finalize your options. Contact a transfer advisor if you have further questions.
This site is developed and maintained by ONCAT and funded by the Government of Ontario.
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Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association
Instructions for Arbitration Witnesses
WorkPartners Member Assistance Program
Officer Wellness Resources
OPBA Grievance Form
OPBA Direct Mail Request
OPBA Promotion Information Sheet
OPBA Retirement Information Sheet
OPBA Members' Seminar
Join the OPBA
Ohio Public Employee Rights
Right to Union Representation
Garrity Rights
OPBA Membership Form
OPBA Store
Volume 41 No. 4 Winter 2019
Volume 41 No. 2 Summer 2019
Volume 38 No. 1 Spring 2016
Volume 39 No. 3 Fall 2017
What Your Association Dues Provide (An Insurance Policy).
Retention and Recruitment of Law Enforcement Officials in the 21st Century
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGES
Message from the Executive Director – Winter 2018
Message from the Executive Director – Fall 2018
Message from the Executive Director – Spring 2018
A Message from the Executive Director
Letter to the OPBA – Appreciation – 2012
Summer, Politics, Retirement, New Hire and OP&F
OPBA Proud
Message from the Executive Director – Tom Austin
Spring 2016 – Message from the Executive Director
Thank You Letter – Summer 2016
Message from the Executive Director – Summer 2016
Valued Supporters
Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund Healthcare Transition
Temporary Disability Benefits thru OP&F
Reasons to Be Optimistic About Your Pension Funds
Law Enforcement Officers Shot in the Line of Duty 2018
Officer's Physical and Mental Health and Safety
Past Practice
FBI Ambushes and Unprovoked Attacks
FMLA Basics Part 2
Brian Holb Introduction
Protect Your Protections
Brady Revisited
When is a Dispute a Grievance?
Moving Past the Past Practice Misconception
The “Zone of Employment” in Workers’ Compensation Cases
Ohio Public Records Law
In re Urbana Firefighters: The Latest from SERB on the Toledo Exceptions
Young v. UPS, The Latest From the Supreme Court on Pregnancy Discrimination
How To Negotiate Your Health Insurance Costs
Social Media in the Workplace Part 2
Understanding Intermittent FMLA Certification and Use
Thoughts Here and There
Where Does the Money Come From?
Workers’ Compensation Coverage Clarification
Need for OPBA Representation? Know the Continuum
Is the “Display” of a Weapon Considered Use of Force?
The Downward Swing of the Pendulum of Public Scrutiny and Opinion
Supreme Court Decision in Young v. United Parcel Service – Raises New Questions about Light Duty Work Policies
Social Media Assisted Career Suicide
50th Anniversary of Miranda
The Status of Body Camera Recordings Under Ohio’s Public Records Act
Arbitration Process and Procedure
Motor Vehicle Searches
What is Just Cause?
Where Government Spending May Go and Consumer Spending May Be Going
Prince of His Estate?
Statutory and Practical Considerations Related to Retroactivity For New Contracts
Labor Management Meetings: Friend or Foe?
The Opioid Battle
It Has Been a Fight From the Beginning: Rocky I – IV
Warrants and Electronic Tracking
Social Media in the Workplace
Fleeing Felon Rule and Vehicle Stops
Are Personal Electronic Device Records Private?
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects “Provocation Rule”
The Latest from the Ohio Supreme Court on Vindictiveness in Sentencing
Creative Settlement Opportunities for a New Contract
Enforcing Protection Orders
Case Law Update
Contract Negotiation Under 4117
Defining Insubordination
Purse Searches & Traffic Stops
Use of Force in Correctional Facilities
Top 10 Social Media Tips for Public Safety Employees
I Don't Want to Lose My House
Search Incident to Arrest
Right of Expression
Responding to the Needs of Victims
The United States Supreme Court to Again Hear Fair Share Fee Challenge
24/7 Coverage-The Use of Body Cameras
The Washington Report November 20, 2019
The Washington Report September 16, 2019
The Washington Report July 29, 2019
NAPO Legislative Positions July 2019
The Washington Report June 25, 2019
The Washington Report June 7, 2019
The Washington Report May 16, 2019
The Washington Report April 29, 2019
The Washington Report April 8, 2019
The Washington Report March 25, 2019
Ohio Legislative Report - 132nd General Assembly Review
The Washington Report 115th Congress Review
NAPO 116th Congress Legislative Sponsors
NAPO 116th Congress Legislative Priorities
Zadroga Act Update
NAPO Immigration and Border Security
The Washington Report March 8, 2019
2018 OPBA Endorsements
The Washington Report January 11, 2019
The Washington Report February 22, 2019
NAPO Washington Report : May 23, 2019
By Daniel Leffler
The Supreme Court in Graham v. Connor (1989), 490 U.S. 386, set forth the exclusive framework for analyzing whether the force used in making a seizure complies with the Fourth Amendment. “Determining whether the force used to effect a particular seizure is ‘reasonable’” requires balancing of the individual’s Fourth Amendmentinterests against the relevant government interests. Id., at 396. The operative question in excessive force cases is “whether the totality of the circumstances justifie[s] a particular sort of search or seizure.” Id. If there is no excessive force claim under Graham, there is no excessive force claim at all.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals expanded the analysis to include a claim where the officer’s unconstitutional search and seizure provoked the excessive use of force. Under the Ninth Circuit’s “Provocation Rule,” an officer could be held liable for excessive force, even if the use of force was reasonable under the circumstances, when there was a preceding Constitutional violation of the 4th Amendment.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently rejected the “Provocation Rule” in City of Los Angeles v. Mendez (2017), 581 U.S. ____, 2017 U.S. LEXIS 3396. In that case, two County Deputies Christopher Conley and Jennifer Pederson were assigned to assist a task force searching for a parolee Ronnie O’Dell. “The task force received word from a confidential informant that O’Dell had been seen on a bicycle at a home in Lancaster, California, owned by Paula Hughes, and the officers then mapped out a plan for apprehending O’Dell. Id., at 58a. Some officers would approach the front door of the Hughes residence, while Deputies Conley and Pederson would search the rear of the property and cover the back door of the residence. Id., at 59a. During this briefing, it was announced that a man named Angel Mendez lived in the backyard of the Hughes home with a pregnant woman named Jennifer Garcia. When the officers reached the Hughes residence around midday, three of them knocked on the front door while Deputies Conley and Pederson went to the back of the property.” Id., at 63a. “Meanwhile, Deputies Conley and Pederson, with guns drawn, searched the rear of the residence. The property included three metal storage sheds and a one-room shack made of wood and plywood. Id., at 60a. Mendez had built the shack, and he and Garcia had lived inside for about 10 months. Id., at 61a. The shack had a single doorway covered by a blue blanket. *** Mendez kept a BB rifle in the shack for use on rats and other pests. Id., at 62a. The BB gun “closely resembled a small caliber rifle.” Ibid.
Deputies Conley and Pederson first checked the three metal sheds and found no one inside. Id., at 65a. They then approached the door of the shack. Id., at 66a. Unbeknownst to the officers, Mendez and Garcia were in the shack and were napping on a futon. Id., at 67a. The deputies did not have a search warrant and did not knock and announce their presence. Id., at 66a. When Deputy Conley opened the wooden door and pulled back the blanket, Mendez thought it was Ms. Hughes and rose from the bed, picking up the BB gun so he could stand up and place it on the floor. Id., at 68a. As a result, when the deputies entered, he was holding the BB gun, and it was “point[ing] somewhat south towards Deputy Conley.” Id., at 69a. Deputy Conley yelled, “Gun!” and the deputies immediately opened fire, discharging a total of 15 rounds. Id., at 69a–70a. Mendez and Garcia “were shot multiple times and suffered severe injuries,” and Mendez’s right leg was later amputated below the knee. Id., at 70a. O’Dell was not in the shack or anywhere on the property.” Ibid.
“The District Court found Deputy Conley liable on the warrantless entry claim, and the court also found both deputies liable on the knock-and-announce claim. The District Court then addressed respondents’ excessive force claim. The Court began by evaluating whether the deputies used excessive force under Graham v. Connor, 490 U. S. 386 (1989). The Court held that, under Graham, the deputies’ use of force was reasonable “given their belief that a man was holding a firearm rifle threatening their lives.” But the Court did not end its excessive force analysis at this point. Instead, the court turned to the Ninth Circuit’s provocation rule, which holds that “an officer’s otherwise reasonable (and lawful) defensive use of force is unreasonable as a matter of law, if (1) the officer intentionally or recklessly provoked a violent response, and (2) that provocation is an independent constitutional violation.” Id., at 111a. Based on this rule, the District Court held the deputies liable for excessive force and awarded respondents around $4 million in damages.” Id., at 135a–136a.
The Court of Appeals affirmed “the application of the provocation rule. The Court of Appeals did not disagree with the conclusion that the shooting was reasonable under Graham; instead, like the District Court, the Court of Appeals applied the provocation rule and held the deputies liable for the use of force on the theory that they had intentionally and recklessly brought about the shooting by entering the shack without a warrant in violation of clearly established law.” Mendez v. County of Los Angeles, 815 F. 3d, at 1193.
The U.S. Supreme Court held “that the Fourth Amendment provides no basis for such a rule. A different Fourth Amendment violation cannot transform a later, reasonable use of force into an unreasonable seizure.” 581 U.S. at *5. “To the extent that a plaintiff has other Fourth Amendment claims, they should be analyzed separately.”
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OPITO, Petronas in offshore skills agenda in Malaysia
Oil and gas workers and those seeking to enter the industry in Malaysia now have access to globally recognised qualifications and training thanks to an agreement between OPITO and PETRONAS, OPITO said in the press statement.
The Malaysian national oil company and the international oil and gas skills body signed a strategic skills memorandum of understanding in 2012 to help build “a safe and competent, indigenous oil and gas workforce” and establish INSTEP as a globally recognised centre of technical excellence. The outcomes of this agreement, announced today, have seen seven training centres in South-east Asia become accredited to deliver emergency response training to international standards and the world’s first OPITO-approved qualification centre delivering technical training to globally recognised qualifications.
At a ceremony in Kuala Lumpur today OPITO and PETRONAS will recognise the achievements of INSTEP (Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas) in becoming “the world’s first centre to offer globally recognised vocational qualifications in electrical and mechanical maintenance and instrumentation and controls”.
According to OPITO, hundreds of Malaysians will now be trained to recognised industry qualifications, allowing them to work anywhere in the world. This will open-up new economic opportunities for the Malaysian people, increase the global mobility of the country’s workforce and give employers confidence in the competence of their technicians, OPITO added.
Chief executive officer of INSTEP, Chandramohan Saminathan, said: “We are proud of our achievements in creating a regional hub of excellence in learning and safety training. Through our work with OPITO, we are establishing Malaysia as a world class centre for the oil and gas industry where innovation and quality are at the core of everything we do.”
Earlier this month, OPITO announced the launch of a global framework for vocational qualifications. The oil and gas skills body has developed global technical standards and a qualifications framework which will meet current and future skills demands and improve competence in the operations and maintenance activities associated with the extraction of hydrocarbons, the organization said.
On presenting INSTEP with its accolade, group chief executive of OPITO, David Doig, said: “Through our work with PETRONAS, INSTEP will now be the first in the world to deliver qualifications which are industry-designed and industry-recognised and underpinned by technical training standards, occupational standards, a robust assessment process and accredited certification and qualifications.
“Through the visionary leadership of PETRONAS, Malaysia has now established the finest technical training facility I have ever seen. We are proud of our relationship and association with PETRONAS and look forward to continuing to work together to develop the skills of the Malaysian people.”
PETRONAS and OPITO have also been working to ensure that every worker gains Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) before going offshore as a mandatory requirement in the same way as it is compulsory in the North Sea. Seven training providers in South-east Asia have now been accredited by OPITO to deliver this training which makes sure an individual knows how to get to work safely, carry out their work offshore safely and return home safely.
Doig added: “We are immensely proud of the results achieved by this partnership between OPITO, Petronas and INSTEP together with the seven training providers. In a short space of time, we have designed appropriate, industry-specific, valued nationally and globally recognised training that will result in a safe and competent workforce.
“Being invited by PETRONAS to design a framework that ensures local workforces are suitably trained and qualified to work in the oil and gas industry is an honour and underlines the esteem in which OPITO Is held globally.”
As a not for profit organisation, owned by the industry, OPITO says it will reinvest the revenues generated by these accreditations and standard in the continuous development of educational products and services for the benefit of the industry.
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Posted on April 2, 2015 with tags INSTEP, Malaysia, OPITO, Petronas.
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Address to the Czechoslovak Hussite Church
By World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, on 17 December.
Located in Resources / … / WCC general secretary / Speeches
Vesakh 2018
On Vesakh - a day commemorating the life and legacy of Gautama Buddha - WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit extended his greetings to Buddhists across the world.
Located in Resources / … / WCC general secretary / Messages and letters
Keynote speech at Being “Holy common”, Oslo, Norway, October 2018
Some 500 youth workers and leaders from churches all over Norway gathered outside Oslo in October, for a youth and faith conference to learn and to share knowledge and visions on Christian youth work. WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit was one of the keynote speakers elaborating on that subject. He sees “holy” and “common” as two very different things which at the same time are closely related.
Race, Repentance, and Reparation: An Ecumenical Opportunity
Speech by Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, General Secretary, World Council of Churches, 15 October 2019, Hampton, Virginia, USA
A Christmas greeting from the World Council of Churches
Ecumenism: Is It Still On?
World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, at Sant’Egidio Conference, 16 September 2019, Madrid.
The Oneness of the Ecumenical Movement
Address of Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, WCC General Secretary at the 11th General Assembly of the AACC
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Here's 25 minutes of gameplay from The Division 2
By Christopher Livingston 2019-02-04T17:06:04Z
Watch us battle through Washington DC to conquer control points and complete missions in the opening hours of the game.
Your base of operations in Tom Clancy's The Division was a post office. It was one hell of a post office, to be sure: The James A. Farley Building in Manhattan is a grand and beautiful historical building occupying two square blocks in New York City. But ultimately, it's still a post office, and that's simply not going to stack up against your HQ in The Division 2, which which is nothing less than damn The White House itself. Tough to beat that for pomp and circumstance.
At an event in San Francisco last week, I got to play a few hours of The Division 2, beginning with the opening mission in which players will have to fight their way to the steps of the White House, which will be, similar to your HQ in The Division, a place for you to upgrade over time, adding NPCs like vendors who will allow you to unlock new skills and weapons, plus a home base to restock and stash extra gear between missions.
With the White House unlocked, I set out into the ruins of DC with three other players as a squad, and we tackled several missions and open world objectives together in one portion of Washington DC: the same area and missions that will be available beginning February 7 in The Division 2's beta. Above, you can watch about 25 minutes of combat footage from the event, from taking control points to battling bosses in campaign missions and open world challenges. Some written impressions and clips are below as well.
Meanwhile, Samuel's got The Division 2's endgame covered, including specializations, signature weapons, and the powerful new faction that arrives once you've completed the campaign.
The Division 2 is set months after the original battle for Manhattan. The smallpox crisis is over, but the nation's capital has crumbled and is in the grip of several different armed factions. Caught in the crossfire are citizen survivors who have been fighting to stay alive in small, ramshackle settlements. There are a number of such settlements in DC, and once you arrive and clear out the nearby bad guys you're able to revisit these settlements to acquire new missions, visit vendors, and donate supplies and resources you've found.
Liberating and aiding settlements also gives you backup when you're completing open world missions. In battle, you can fire off a flare gun and armed settlers you've helped in the past will show up to provide assistance in your fight. After liberating a settlement on our first mission, I called in support a few times, and while it never felt like the settlers were doing a heck of a lot to turn the tide (they can't revive you if you're down, for example), at the very least they provide your enemies a few extra targets. I also imagine that seeing a settlement improve and grow over time will—just like your White House HQ as it grows and expands—give you a feeling that you're actually having some impact in the world beyond just shooting the parade of bad guys and acquiring new gear.
As far as shooting all those bad guys: I'd heard from a few people who attended an earlier Division 2 event in December that the AI enemies felt a bit less like bullet-sponges than the enemies in the original game. I recall in original The Division emptying entire magazines into gang members who were wearing sweatshirts and jeans and watching them essentially shrug it off. In the Division 2, I wouldn't say that's really changed all that much: enemies comparable to your level still absorb a pretty ridiculous amount of damage before they drop. At least now they look a bit more like they can take it. The Hyenas, the paramilitary faction we mostly faced in this session, are pretty heavily armored, a far cry from the plainclothes gang members encountered in the original's early game. You're still going to have to pour a heck of a lot of lead into them, though.
Feedback feels a bit stronger than I remember from the original. You really can tell when your bullets are connecting: enemies falter and stagger, a nice red x flashes in your reticle and the sound of your bullets hitting are clear and unmistakable in your headphones. A flash of XP pops up when an enemy is killed, making sure you know you've eliminated a target even when a fight is taking place in near darkness or at a great distance.
The feedback is especially good when taking on heavily armored tank-style bosses, whose protection needs to be shredded away piece by piece. The audio cues (you should be able to hear them if you turn on sound in the gif above) means you can tell when you're hitting the armor, and there's a distinct sound when a portion of their protection shatters and falls away. Visually, it's easy to make out when the boss has lost his chestpiece and arm protection so you can really tell when you're making progress.
The streets of DC are also strewn with control points, strategic zones inhabited by factions than can be conquered, and then immediately need defending as enemy reinforcements arrive. It's probably my favorite of the open world activities, first fighting your way into the control point, then quickly bracing against the waves of baddies invading it. It also gives you a chance to use any mounted guns the bad guys have placed, which is an incredibly satisfying and effective way to mow down the incoming supplemental mobs and any fresh bosses who have arrived.
There were only a couple of skills available to us during most of the sessions: turrets, drones, and the rollermine. The turrets can be placed or thrown and can fire bullets or launch mortars, and I didn't really get much out of them. I'm not sure about the other factions, but The Hyenas weren't particularly prone to staying in one place, so setting up a turret in one spot often proved a bit useless as the enemies scattered, charged, or flanked. I also played a bit with the drones, which can hover above defending you (or a teammate) or be sent out over the battlefield to carpet bomb enemies along a path you indicate, and again, by the time you select the turret's path the enemies you where hoping to annihilate may have cleared out of it.
I guess still prefer the simple rollermine set to airburst, wheeling away into the fray to detonate any bad guys who aren't fleet-footed enough to get out of the way, and the mine seemed to reach its target zone much more quickly than the other skills. One sidenote that occurred to me during the session: after playing Anthem last weekend, it's hard not to hate how damn long it takes The Division 2's skills to cool down so they can be used again. In Anthem, abilities recharge almost immediately, in The Division 2, the fight can be over long before you get a chance to activate them a second time.
I'm not certain how much the player movement system has been changed since the original Division, and it's been quite a while since I played, but cover felt much stickier in The Division 2, to the point where I occasionally felt a struggle while trying to disengage from it. I first thought some of the awkwardness might have been in how my keys were bound—using Ctrl to go over something and Space to crouch behind something took some getting used to since I normally associate Ctrl with crouching and Space with jumping—but even by the end of the session I still felt like I was too often getting wedged behind cover even while trying to leave it.
With only a couple of hours to shoot and loot in the streets and buildings of DC, there wasn't much time to spend doing the other main activity in The Division 2: standing in your base comparing the various weapons and gear you've picked up in an attempt to create the most effective loadout and talent combination. That's not really something that can be dissected in the space of an afternoon, but we'll be getting more time with The Division 2 when the beta begins on Thursday.
Christopher Livingston
Chris has a love-hate relationship with survival games and an unhealthy fascination with the inner lives of NPCs. He's also a fan of offbeat simulation games, mods, and ignoring stories in RPGs so he can make up his own.
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HomeArticleSouth Africa
Brazil: Setback for Lula’s presidential candidacy
September 4, 2018 By Emile Schepers
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal voted six to one that former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is barred from running.
Philadelphia educator Rosita Johnson recognized by South African government
August 21, 2018 By Special to People’s World
In a career spanning decades, Rosita Johnson has distinguished herself as an advocate for quality public education on two continents.
South Africa’s women demand an end to gender-based violence
August 2, 2018 By Mark Waller
South Africa joins the list of countries around the world in which women are on the march for basic human rights that have been denied them for far too long.
Nelson Mandela: 100 years since his birth
July 16, 2018 By Emile Schepers
Celebrating the centennial of a hero of South African liberation.
South African version of classic ballet ‘Giselle’ gives men the willies
April 17, 2018 By Eric A. Gordon
“In this Giselle,” reads a program note, “I aimed to create a work that is not about forgiveness, but rather is about love, deceit, betrayal, anger, and heartbreak."
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Office very early about casting up the debts of those twenty-five ships which are to be paid off, which we are to present to the Committee of Parliament.
I did give my wife 15l. this morning to go to buy mourning things for her and me, which she did. Dined at home and Mr. Moore with me, and afterwards to Whitehall to Mr. Dalton and drank in the Cellar, where Mr. Vanly according to appointment was.
Thence forth to see the Prince de Ligne, Spanish Embassador, come in to his audience, which was done in very great state.
That being done, Dalton, Vanly, Scrivener and some friends of theirs and I to the Axe, and signed and sealed our writings, and hence to the Wine cellar again, where I received 41l. for my interest in my house, out of which I paid my Landlord to Michaelmas next, and so all is even between him and me, and I freed of my poor little house. Home by link with my money under my arm. So to bed after I had looked over the things my wife had bought to-day, with which being not very well pleased, they costing too much, I went to bed in a discontent.
Nothing yet from sea, where my Lord and the Princess are.
Paul Brewster on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
which we are to present to the Comittee of parliament tomorrow.
L&M add the word "tomorrow" and the following footnote: "The committee continued to sit during the parliamentary adjournment (13 September - 6 November)."
which was done in very great State
L&M add the footnote: "The audience was in the Banqueting House, Whitehall, and the procession consisted of 50 coaches. ... The cavalcade consisted of '16 ritch coaches, one especially comparable to His Majesties, drawne with sixteen faire blacke horses' (Mundy). This was the only audience de Ligne was given and it was said the he went away sad to think he was not to be allowed to repeat the splendid occasion." L&M don't explain the difference in the count of coaches.
Wheatley is certainly busy with his grammatical corrections in this entry
Per L&M:
"to buy mourning things for her and I"
"so all is even between him and I"
"where my Lord and the Princesse is"
Nothing yet from sea, where my Lord and the Princess is.
L&M: "They did not set sail from Holland until the 20/30th." I was unfamiliar with the 20/30th notation until I remembered that Holland had accepted the Gregorian changes ahead of England and thus the 10 day difference. I guess they sailed from Holland three days from now on the 20th (in England) or 30th (in Holland) and arrived before they left. I don't think the Concorde could rival this form of time travel.
Pauline on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
"Home by link with my money under my arm."
I like this--a certain jauntiness; but I suppose it means he clinched his money under his arm against pickpockets.
Glyn on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
Did they have pickpockets at this time - I think they were "cutpurses". Did they have pockets even?
Bullus Hutton on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
to buy mourning things for her and me,
Ok, who is it we're buying these funereal weeds for? Henry the King's bro, or Sam's sainted mum, or am I missing some body?
Is the reason he sups twice in the same cellar instead of usual upscale venues somehow guilt-related?
As for going home with money under arm, that's as good as anything - when walking around New York I used to put my money in my shoe, until my chum told me that's the first place muggers look.
helena murphy on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
Pepys and his wife now have new standards to adhere to and it is necessary to have appropriate attire as the occasion demands, therefore the mourning clothes form part of their general wardrobe along with the more elegant garments. The mortality rate is high and as an up and coming bureaucrat living in London one is expected to conform to the correct dress code. It is to be noted that Pepys goes to Whitehall Garden , probably rigged out in black where hopefully he caught the eye of the king in his purple. The practical Pepys is right to comment on the cost as it is the appropriate shade which matters.
mourning things
I wonder what these "things" are. Sam has visited his father Saturday and "bespoke mourning." I thought he had ordered a suit then. What now? Wonder what the specific trappings are.
afterwards to White-hall ... and drank in the Seller ...then to the Wine Seller again
I'm not sure that the wine cellar wasn't "upscale" or anything of the kind. My guess is that SP may be referring to a place that the L&M Companion identifies as a Wine Cellar in the entry on Whitehall Palace. They describe it as "part of Woolsey's original palace; under the Guard Chamber. It was not wholly destroyed by the fire of 1698 and still survives. The King's or Privy cellar was separate." I believe this may be one and the same as Wine Cellar in the Old War Office Building which according to a web site on the history of the building was once used as "a luncheon club for Ministry of Transport staff". On the web site the Wine Cellar is labelled as "King Henry VIII's Wine Cellar" and is described as "the only substantial part of the old "Whitehall Palace" that remained after the disastrous fire of 1698 and a fine example of a Tudor brick-vaulted roof some 70 feet long and 30 feet wide.” http://www.mod.uk/aboutus/history/mainbldg.htm
Nix on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
"with my money under my arm" --
I don’t think he was worried about pickpockets -- home “by link” means it was nighttime, when there would not have been crowds to facilitate pickpockets. He’s concerned about robbers holding him up in a dark, empty street. I’d guess that “Under my arm” probably means stuffed as far as he could get it up the sleeve of his coat.
martha wishart on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
Pockets were not sewn into garments. Rather, they were worn on a string around the waist. Clothes had slits in them through which you could reach to put your hand into your pocket.
Jenny Doughty on 18 Sep 2003 • Link
Re pockets being worn on a string around the waist - hence the children's nursery rhyme, which makes no sense if you think of modern pockets:
Lucy Locket lost her pocket,
Kitty Fisher found it.
Not a penny was there in it
But a ribbon round it.
Mary on 19 Sep 2003 • Link
Pockets on strings
I've also heard it stated that women often wore these pockets beneath their skirts, which must have meant that they would have accessed them through a placket in one of the skirt's seams.
Has this anything to do with the phrase "holding the purse strings"?
tamara on 22 Sep 2003 • Link
purse strings
yes, that's exactly where it comes from
vincent on 6 Oct 2003 • Link
"pockets" were not attached, they were what we call a purse today. A story I read recently about a couple that went by coach at this period of time . When they got home, the husband asked for some money, because she kept the money in her pocket under her skirts. She says the pocket has gone, He says "how come"?. Well she says "I felt this hand and took no notice because I thought it was after my honor not my money". He says yer should have known better, Yer too old for that". Enough said.
Bill on 14 Sep 2013 • Link
POCKET. The small bag inserted into the cloathes.
---A Dictionary of the English Language. Samuel Johnson, 1768.
Sasha Clarkson on 17 Sep 2013 • Link
"It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good"
It looks as though the unfortunate death of Prince Henry is going to give a "fiscal boost" to certain parts of the economy!
Adam on 18 Sep 2013 • Link
It must be a strange time to live in. High infant mortality, people dropping like flies from smallpox and common illnesses. Sam probably had to wear those mourning clothes a lot.
""pockets" were not attached, they were what we call a purse today. " vincent posts. This is confirmed by the Wikipedia page on Pickpocketing in the 17th century https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pickpocketing#Pickp… that refers to the lyrics of ballads of the time about cut-purses: http://ebba.english.ucsb.edu/ballad/30274/image
All diary entries from September 1660
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Adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Religious composition of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Baptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 14%
Nondenominational fundamentalist 1%
Interdenominational (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Presbyterian Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Church of God (Cleveland, Tennessee) 1%
Adventist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Seventh-day Adventist 1%
Anabaptist Family (Evangelical Trad.) 1%
Historically Black Protestant 11%
Independent Baptist (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Methodist Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
African Methodist Episcopal Church 1%
Pentecostal Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 2%
Church of God in Christ 1%
Other Pentecostal (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Nonspecific Protestant Family (Historically Black Protestant Trad.) 1%
Jehovah's Witness 2%
Other Christian 1%
Buddhist < 1%
Hindu < 1%
Unaffiliated (religious "nones") 8%
Nothing in particular 8%
Nothing in particular (religion not important) 2%
Age distribution among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who are ages…
Compare: age group by frequency of prayerage group by household income
Generational cohort among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who are…
8% 14% 28% 33% 15% 1% 3,366
< 1% 11% 30% 36% 19% 3% 3,880
Compare: generational group by frequency of prayergenerational group by household income
Gender composition among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: gender by frequency of prayergender by household income
Racial and ethnic composition among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who identify as…
Compare: race/ethnicity by frequency of prayerrace/ethnicity by household income
Immigrant status among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: immigrant status by frequency of prayerimmigrant status by household income
Educational distribution among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who have completed…
Compare: educational group by frequency of prayereducational group by household income
Marital status among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
51% 6% 16% 7% 19% 3,387
Compare: marital status by frequency of prayermarital status by household income
Parent of children under 18 among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: parental status by frequency of prayerparental status by household income
Belief in God among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say they…
87% 11% 1% < 1% < 1% < 1% 3,398
90% 8% 1% < 1% 1% < 1% 3,922
Compare: belief in God by frequency of prayerbelief in God by household income
Importance of religion in one's life among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say religion is…
79% 15% 2% 2% < 1% 3,398
Compare: importance of religion by frequency of prayerimportance of religion by household income
Attendance at religious services among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who attend religious services…
Compare: religious attendance by frequency of prayerreligious attendance by household income
Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who attend prayer group…
Compare: attendance at prayer groups by frequency of prayerattendance at prayer groups by household income
Frequency of meditation among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who meditate…
Compare: frequency of meditation by frequency of prayerfrequency of meditation by household income
Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…
77% 12% 5% 5% 1% 3,398
Compare: frequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by frequency of prayerfrequency of feelings of spiritual wellbeing by household income
Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…
Compare: frequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by frequency of prayerfrequency feeling a sense of wonder about the universe by household income
Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong
51% 7% 35% 5% 3% 3,398
Compare: sources of guidance on right and wrong by frequency of prayersources of guidance on right and wrong by household income
Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say…
Compare: belief in existence of standards for right and wrong by frequency of prayerbelief in existence of standards for right and wrong by household income
Frequency of reading scripture among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who read scripture…
Compare: frequency of reading scripture by frequency of prayerfrequency of reading scripture by household income
Interpreting scripture among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say the holy scripture is…
Compare: interpretation of scripture by frequency of prayerinterpretation of scripture by household income
Belief in Heaven among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who …in heaven
87% 8% 5% 3,398
Compare: belief in heaven by frequency of prayerbelief in heaven by household income
Belief in Hell among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who …in hell
Compare: belief in hell by frequency of prayerbelief in hell by household income
Party affiliation among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: political party by frequency of prayerpolitical party by household income
Political ideology among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: political ideology by frequency of prayerpolitical ideology by household income
Views about size of government among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who would rather have…
Compare: views about size of government by frequency of prayerviews about size of government by household income
Views about government aid to the poor among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say government aid to the poor…
Compare: views about government aid to the poor by frequency of prayerviews about government aid to the poor by household income
Views about abortion among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say abortion should be…
Compare: views about abortion by frequency of prayerviews about abortion by household income
Views about homosexuality among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say homosexuality…
Compare: views about homosexuality by frequency of prayerviews about homosexuality by household income
Views about same-sex marriage among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who …same-sex marriage
Compare: views about same-sex marriage by frequency of prayerviews about same-sex marriage by household income
Views about environmental regulation among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
Compare: views about environmental protection by frequency of prayerviews about environmental protection by household income
Views about human evolution among adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily
% of adults with a household income of $30,000-$49,999 who pray at least daily who say humans…
Compare: views about human evolution by frequency of prayerviews about human evolution by household income
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Ward 3 candidate column: CHRIS SWANSON
It’s been an honor serving Ward 3 since being appointed in July. I’ve had the privilege of visiting with city staff, various department heads, fire district personnel, police officers and acting chiefs, local leaders and, of course, the public. We have much to be proud of and I’m grateful for the insights gleaned along the way and their confidence.
I’ve taught government and history classes at Cloquet High School since 2001, have served on the Carlton County Historical Society Board, on my church board, and in various leadership roles for Education Minnesota- Cloquet, the teachers’ union, and for the United Transportation Union local during a brief stint as a railroad conductor.
Natalie and I have four children, two cats and a dog. We grew up here and feel fortunate to have our family in Cloquet. This is a great place to live and raise kids.
After work and on weekends, I’ve knocked on nearly half the doors in the ward and visited with as many constituents as possible. I’m continually impressed with how much people care about our reputation as a city and how concerned they are about the bread-and-butter issues affecting us all.
Most folks understand some change is likely when a new police chief comes on board. They’d like some relief from local taxes and maintaining city services at the current level. Many want street improvements, nothing outrageous or extravagant.
We are resilient, hardy people from across the political spectrum. What’s great, though, is that with a little time I’ve found we often agree more than we disagree about city business. One gentleman recently gave me the full brunt of his frustration over renters who weren’t being so neighborly, what seems like inaction on drug crimes nearby, and the fact we all pay more when leaves and grass clippings are blown into the street, clogging the sewer system and polluting water downstream. I heard him, loud and clear. He cares deeply about this town, about the people around him. And he cares about our future. I admire that, and I think by the time I left his driveway we understood each other.
I’ve subsequently brought some of those issues up with city staff. Community spirit and civic-mindedness should drive all of us to do better, be better, and move this city in a better direction. Your voices matter.
I’ve always done the best I can to disagree without being disagreeable, to remain level-headed when the tension gets high, and to pursue mutually acceptable resolutions whenever possible. Sometimes, people just aren’t going to agree, but we do better when we assume the best about others’ intentions, try to understand their positions and carefully explain our own — that takes time, building or maintaining relationships and trust. And it’s the kind of councilor I intend to be.
I’m humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement from friends, family and former students who have returned to Cloquet, the people who want to chat at the gas station, the young families starting out, the kids on Prospect that just wanted a selfie with me and to introduce me to their moms, the retirees who appreciate someone dropping by, and by the working men and women that answer their doors after another day of grinding it out.
It’s clear we’ve had some challenges in Cloquet, and my sincere hope is whoever finally wins the Ward 3 seat in February will continue to restore the trust and dignity to city government we’ve known and expect. I can help get us there and would appreciate your vote on Nov. 5.
Find out more about Chris Swanson’s campaign at chris swansoncampaign.com or @chris4cloquet on Facebook.
Sappi chooses locally
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History mystery solved
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