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(-) Council Special Report
Weaponizing Digital Trade
To counter Chinese and Russian visions for the global internet, the United States and its allies should form a digital trade zone, a bloc of like-minded democracies that cooperates on cyber issues and through which digital trade flows freely.
Council Special Report by Robert K. Knake Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program
The End of World Order and American Foreign Policy
The United States should respond to the COVID-19 reordering moment and stop deterioration in the balance of power with China, bolster relations with India and Europe, and reform the way it deals with…
Council Special Report by Robert D. Blackwill and Thomas Wright U.S. Foreign Policy Program
Implementing Grand Strategy Toward China
The Trump administration recognizes the China challenge, but it needs a grand strategy. Blackwill recommends decisive action, sustained diplomacy, collaboration among branches of the U.S. government,…
Council Special Report by Robert D. Blackwill U.S. Foreign Policy Program
Trump's Foreign Policies Are Better Than They Seem
President Donald J. Trump’s actions have often been rash, ignorant, and chaotic. Yet some of his individual foreign policies are substantially better than his opponents assert.
Zero Botnets
Botnets—groups of computers infected with malicious software often used for crime—cost the economy billions of dollars each year. Technology makers, ISPs, cybersecurity companies, and law enforcement need to work together across the globe to fight botnets.
Council Special Report by Jason Healey and Robert K. Knake Digital and Cyberspace Policy Program
Containing Russia
The United States has failed to elevate Russia’s intervention in U.S. elections to the national priority that it is, and it has neglected to respond to it in a way sufficient to deter future attacks,…
Council Special Report by Robert D. Blackwill and Philip H. Gordon U.S. Foreign Policy Program
Repairing the U.S.-Israel Relationship
The U.S. relationship with Israel is in trouble. Robert D. Blackwill and Philip H. Gordon offer six core policy proposals to repair, redefine, and invigorate the partnership.
Xi Jinping on the Global Stage
In light of China's deepening economic slowdown, "China's foreign policy may well be driven increasingly by the risk of domestic political instability," write Robert D. Blackwill, Henry A. Kissinger …
Council Special Report by Kurt M. Campbell and Robert D. Blackwill
Revising U.S. Grand Strategy Toward China
Overview "China represents and will remain the most significant competitor to the United States for decades to come. As such, the need for a more coherent U.S. response to increasing Chinese power…
Council Special Report by Ashley J. Tellis and Robert D. Blackwill
Internet Governance in an Age of Cyber Insecurity
Overview The Internet, since its debut in 1989, has revolutionized commerce, communication, military action, and governance. Much of the modern world is simply inconceivable without it. This revol…
Council Special Report by Robert K. Knake International Institutions and Global Governance Program
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(-) Event
Robots and Artificial Intelligence
The Future of AI, Ethics, and Defense
Speakers discuss the intersection of technology, defense, and ethics, and the geopolitical competition for the future of innovation. The Malcolm and Carolyn Wiener Annual Lecture on Science and T…
Virtual Event by Ash Carter, Reid Hoffman, and Fei-Fei Li Malcolm and Carolyn Wiener Annual Lecture
Beijing at 25: Assessing Women's Economic Progress
Following the twenty-fifth anniversary of the landmark Beijing Declaration, which set strategic objectives for the advancement of women and gender equality, panelists discuss women's economic securit…
Virtual Event by Markus Goldstein, Linda Scott, and Melanne Verveer
The Future of U.S. Policy Toward North Korea
This workshop, held with generous support from the Sejong Institute, brings together prominent U.S. and South Korean specialists to discuss what can be done to break the diplomatic stalemate with Nor…
Virtual Event by Jina Kim, Kathleen Stephens, and Susan A. Thornton
Food Security During COVID-19: A Conversation With David Beasley
Please join David Beasley for a discussion about the global food crisis and how the UN World Food Program is working to ensure food security amid the pandemic's disruption of supply chains.
Virtual Event by David M. Beasley
CFR Master Class Series With Alice Hill
Please join Alice Hill for a discussion on climate change and national security, including an assessment of the growing threats to U.S. national security from climate fueled extreme weather events an…
Virtual Event by Alice C. Hill CFR Master Class
Virtual Roundtable: Racial Inequities of COVID-19
Drs. Lisa Cooper and Leana Wen discuss the racial inequities that exist in the health care field today and how that impacts the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Event by Lisa Cooper and Leana Wen Global Health Program
The Future of Work After COVID-19
Please join our panelists for a discussion on the future of work after the COVID-19 pandemic, including how workers and businesses will have to adapt to the post-pandemic economic landscape and workp…
Virtual Event by Edward Alden, James Manyika, and Jody Miller
Asia's Response to the Coronavirus
Panelists discuss the effects of the coronavirus across Asia, including lockdowns, economic challenges, and prospects for recovery.
Virtual Event by Yanzhong Huang, Joshua Kurlantzick, Sheila A. Smith, and Scott A. Snyder Asia Program
Sorensen Distinguished Lecture on the United Nations: Protecting Our Children’s Future
Henrietta Fore discusses the work of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) as well as her priorities and goals for the agency.
Event by Henrietta H. Fore Sorensen Lecture
World Economic Update
The World Economic Update highlights the quarter’s most important and emerging trends. Discussions cover changes in the global marketplace with special emphasis on current economic events and their i…
Event by Heidi Crebo-Rediker, Susan Lund, and Adam Posen World Economic Update
Scott A. Snyder
Senior Fellow for Korea Studies and Director of the Program on U.S.-Korea Policy
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Canada consumers known what hockey has always
Just then, Aikman’s cell phone buzzes.This company is forward thinking and incredibly dedicated to improving its consumer experience to drive results.Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels 15.Golden State Warriors NBA $4B 6.So, if that’s what it takes for us to get talked about then it’s time for us to start winning.Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals 8.
San Francisco Giants MLB $3B 23.Aaron Judge, New York Yankees 3.Golden State Warriors NBA $4B 6.MilB and Memphis-based ServiceMaster have signed a multi-year deal naming the company a corporate partner of the baseball organization.’Rawlings Sporting Goods has signed a deal to acquire Easton Diamond Sports, which manufactures bats, bags, helmets and other baseball and softball equipment and apparel.
during the press conference.Juan Soto, Washington Nationals 6.13 Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills ‘Dec.Stephen Curry $74 million $30 million $44 million NBA 7.A voiceover in the spot explains, Nike designers have been creating shoes for big athletes for more than five decades.1 Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles ‘Nov.
3 TBD Highest-Paid Athletes 1.Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees 17.’According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s new Hot Wheels report, which includes crime https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085TG8CTP from across the country, Ford Full Size Pick-Ups were the most stolen vehicle custom uniforms 2019.
‘AP: Short-video app Quibi said it is shutting down just six months after its early April launch, having struggled to find customers.Roger Federer $106 million $6 million salary winnings $100 million endorsements Tennis 2.We are excited to bring our team to Paris for this history-making event.The premium trading card product will offer an array of autograph and memorabilia cards from golf icons and rising stars, including Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Annika Sorenstam, Bryson DeChambeau, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Matthew Wolff, Danielle Kang and Lexi Thompson.So we know we still have a long way to go.
I have a lot of respect for them and I really enjoy working with Sam and Spike.The All-American Bowl, which was originally scheduled to be played in January 2021 in the Alamodome in San Antonio, and annually showcases personalized jerseys best high school football players in the country, will not be played due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The 2010 U.S.Full story here.Cristiano Ronaldo $105 million $60 million $45 million Soccer 3.’With baseball in World Series mode, MLB has named the 14 finalists for the Hank Aaron Award and the MLB Players Assn.
‘Rawlings Sporting Goods has signed a deal to acquire Easton Diamond Sports, which manufactures bats, bags, helmets and other baseball and softball equipment and apparel.
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‘The Bold and the Beautiful’: Is Zende Just Trying to Make Zoe Jealous With Paris?
Trey Mangum
Soap operas love a good love triangle…or in the instance of The Bold and the Beautiful, a good old love quadrangle. The Buckingham sisters look like they are caught in between a Forrester and Carter Walton on the CBS soap opera and things might actually get ugly.
Kiara Barnes and Delon de Metz on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’ | Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images
A love quadrangle including two sisters is forming on ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’
Late last year, Diamond White debuted on the show as Paris Buckingham, the younger sister of Zoe Buckingham and the other youngest daughter of Reese Buckingham. Paris arrived in town and immediately began to shake things up, even making waves in a possibly burgeoning relationship between her sister and Zende Forrester.
A Forrester party isn’t complete without music! How amazing is this performance by @diamondwhite? #BoldandBeautiful pic.twitter.com/wTjh9cBw6W
— Bold & The Beautiful (@BandB_CBS) December 24, 2020
RELATED: ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’: Liam Can’t Stop Crossing Lines With Steffy’s New Man
There were always rumors that Zende and Zoe (who is in a relationship with Carter Walton) could get together and Paris would be an interloper. Most of this seems to be coming true, as Zoe has conflicted feelings for Zende, who now seems to be falling for her sister. Recently, Paris and Zende recently shared a kiss.
Here’s what actor Delon de Metz says about this storyline on the show
In a recent interview with Soap Opera Digest, de Metz opened up about the storyline and gave his thoughts on everything that’s going down.
According to the de Metz, he believes that there was an attraction between Zende and Paris from the jump when she first landed in town. “Paris wants to save the world and sees justice in whatever capacity she can,” he said. “It’s very refreshing for Zende, and it’s a very different note from what he is used to. That captures his eye.”
Today on #BoldandBeautiful, Zoe warns Paris not to move in on her life and demands that she leave town immediately. pic.twitter.com/0TNdgZ079U
As for Zoe, he has “complicated” feelings for her and this certainly makes it all a complicated matter. Then, once you add Carter in all of this as a fourth party, it makes things even more murky.
“How do you sort out these complicated feelings, given the close proximity of the sisters — and then having Carter involved, his old friend?” questioned de Metz. “The dynamic is not a triangle. It’s a quadrangle, and there are all these different layers.”
However, de Metz doesn’t believe that his character had any ulterior motives in seemingly pushing things forward with Paris. For the actor, he doesn’t see this as a jealousy thing and thinks that it was a real reaction.
” “I think it was earnest,” he explained. “To be frank, I hadn’t really thought that or considered that, and playing it in the scenes, that thought never crossed my mind. I think, to Zende, that the chapter with Zoe was effectively closed when Paris came in. Of course, things get complicated, as they do on soaps [laughs], but it was not a jealousy factor. That is not what I was playing, and it’s not something I tried to inspire in Zoe. I think it’s really earnest in action between Zende and Paris, and it’s not something where I just want to run out the door because of all these other extenuating circumstances. It was genuine.”
The Bold and the Beautiful airs weekdays on CBS.
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Home Depot executes 'stop-sale' order for N95 masks, donates them to health care workers during coronavirus
Nathan BomeyUSA TODAY
Home Depot said it has halted all sales of N95 masks at its stores and website and "redirected" them to be donated to hospitals, health care workers and first responders treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic.
The company said Wednesday that it had issued the "stop-sale" order to all its stores and website for N95 masks, a tight-fitting respirator that offers more protection than standard facemasks.
The move came as retailers have come under scrutiny for continuing to sell the respirators amid a shortage for health care professionals during COVID-19.
Target last week apologized on Twitter for selling N95 masks in some Seattle stores.
Mike Roman, CEO and chairman of N95 respirator maker 3M, last week criticized retailers that were still selling the masks.
“It’s disappointing when you see that because we’re trying to redirect everything to health-care workers,” Roman said on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street.”
Home Depot spokesperson Sara Gorman said in an email that the company "stopped replenishing stores when we ran out starting a couple weeks ago."
"Then we asked stores to search for any leftover that might be in the overhead, or anywhere else, and to donate them locally. We redirected all shipments in our supply chain to be donated to hospitals, healthcare providers and first responders around the country. As an extra precaution, we locked them down with a stop sale beginning last week," she said.
Marvin Ellison, CEO of Home Depot rival Lowe's, told USA TODAY last week that the company was donating N-95 masks to medical centers across the country.
Home Depot said Wednesday in a statement that it is also "donating millions of dollars in personal protective equipment (PPE) and other products and prioritizing fulfillment to hospitals, healthcare providers and first responders."
Also Wednesday, Home Depot announced it would:
• Close stores at 6 p.m. "to allow more time for sanitization and restocking."
• Limit the number of customers allowed into its stores.
• Abandon "major spring promotions to avoid driving high levels of traffic to stores."
• Pare back services and installations "to those that are essential for maintenance and repair needs in impacted markets."
• Ask employees to check their temperatures with a company-provided thermometer before coming to work.
Home Depot added: "We’ve been marshalling the resources of our merchandising and supply chain teams to globally source quality products and expedite the availability of needed items."
Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.
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More than 250 vintage vehicles wow Audlem Festival of Transport
GLORIOUS weather shone on Audlem and Hankelow on Sunday as hundreds of motor enthusiasts gathered to cast their eyes on an array of vintage vehicles.
The 10th annual Audlem Festival of Transport saw more than 250 vintage cars, vans, trucks and buses parade from Hankelow Green to Audlem playing fields in Cheshire Street.
There was also a selection of vintage canal boats moored at Audlem Wharf near Audlem Mill and the Shroppie Fly.
Organisers the Audlem Special Events Team (ASET) say the event was a big success. Andrew Smith said: “It went exceptionally well, especially when you consider there were other events on during the weekend.
“The weather was beautiful and we had a great selection of vehicles for visitors to see. We were slightly down on numbers because of the Trentham Gardens transport festival but I was very impressed with the quality of vehicles we had here.”
All vehicles gathered on Hankelow Green from 9.30am and by 12.30pm they were ready to parade to the Audlem playing fields.
One man even brought his penny farthing to join in with the procession, which also featured the Audlem Carnival Queen Melissa Baxter.
Andrew added: “By 1.15pm all vehicles were parked in Audlem and we had our usual array of charity stalls, the St Luke’s Routemaster bus, which we were delighted about, and kids’ quad bike area.
“There was even a Thomas the Tank engine lookalike vehicle, courtesy of Burslem Rotary Club.”
The event will return to its usual date of the last Sunday in July next year.
Audlem
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About CSG
Paralegals & Professional Staff
Mauro G. Tucci Jr.
Member West Orange, NJ
Phone (973) 530-2088Fax (973) 530-2288mtucci@csglaw.com
Mauro Tucci is a member in the firm's Litigation Group. He regularly litigates in federal and state courts on a range of complex commercial disputes. Mauro's experience includes white collar criminal defense, regulatory and administrative matters, labor disputes, and class action defense. He routinely represents health care providers, financial institutions, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufactures, and public entities.
Prior to joining the firm, Mauro was an attorney with McElroy, Deutsch, Mulvaney & Carpenter. He served as law clerk to the Honorable Marie P. Simonelli, J.A.D. (then J.S.C.) of the Superior Court of New Jersey and interned for the Honorable William J. Martini, U.S.D.J. of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Mauro received his JD from Seton Hall Law School, and his MBA in Finance, with honors, from Seton Hall University's Stillman School of Business. He received his BA in Political Science from Colgate University, where he graduated with honors and was a member of the political science and economics honor societies.
Seton Hall Law School (J.D., 2006)
Seton Hall University (M.B.A., with honors, 2006)
Colgate University (B.A., with honors, 2002)
U.S. District Court, District of New Jersey
U.S. District Court, Southern and Eastern Districts of New York
Mauro’s cases of note include:
Defeated a constitutional challenge to a county's authority to contract for inmate mental health services, Essex Cty. Corr. Officers PBA Local No. 382 v. Cty. of Essex, 439 N.J. Super. 107, 129 (App. Div. 2014), Essex Cty. Corr. Officers PBA Local No. 382 v. Cty. of Essex, 2016 WL 7369046 (App. Div. Dec. 20, 2016)
Negotiated a consent decree with FDA and federal prosecutors resolving regulatory and criminal investigations of an international medical device manufacturer accused of violations of the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act
Defense of an international beverage manufacturer in multi-state class actions alleging consumer fraud based on "all natural" marketing under FDA labeling regulations
Trial verdict defeating undue influence claims for bank account funds involving a construction company
Won summary judgment dismissing civil rights claims against a county prosecutor’s office for false arrest in connection with a highly publicized murder investigation
Upheld the budgeting authority of a county executive against constitutional challenges asserted by the county clerk and county surrogate, Hogan v. Donovan, 2012 WL 1328279 (Law Div. Apr. 17, 2012)
Trial verdict overturning a municipal election for voter fraud
Successful defense of a $1 million arbitration demand against a major financial services corporation
21 CSG Attorneys Selected for Inclusion in the 2020 New Jersey Super Lawyers and Rising Stars List
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Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi PC Announces Five Attorney Promotions
Using Arbitration Agreements to Resolve Business Disputes Efficiently
Association of Pool & Spa Professionals' Arbitration Seminar
Essex County Bar's "E-Discovery and the Future of Predictive Coding"
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Doom Patrol Review – Baby Doll’s Day Out (2 x 05)
Cliff tries to play hero with Cyborg this week but things take unexpected turns.
Cliff Steele / Robotman in "Finger Patrol" / DOOM PATROL, 2020.
Lorenz Jan Clement
Niles urges Jane’s Baby Doll persona to have some playtime with Dorothy, Rita goes with Larry to visit his son, while Cliff and Victor go on a heroic misadventure.
Doom Patrol always hints at cleverly hidden layers or two with its episode titles and in the latest installment, “Finger Patrol,” there are a few ways that fingers come into play.
First, someone “gives the finger” (obscene gesture) that results in grave consequences, then there’s the sexual act when the appendage may or may not have been used, and finally, someone actually loses a finger – completely severed and blood-gushing from hand type situation. Also, there was finger food involved.
‘Steele and Stone’: Buddy Cops
Still from Cliff’s dream sequence in “Finger Patrol” episode of DOOM PATROL Season 2.
After Niles gives Cliff, what he calls “false hope,” about regaining his sense of touch via future upgrades. Cliff approaches Vic to convince Silas Stone, Vic’s father, to take on the challenge and possibly speed-up the process, but Silas refuses – citing ethical dilemmas and risks in achieving the task.
Cliff remains grateful for the gesture, however, and tries to return the favor to Vic by assisting him with his relationship problem with Roni. Because of Cliff’s failed experiences in his own past love life, he gives Vic surprisingly good advice that actually works! Even though Cliff sacrifices a perfectly good submarine sandwich to make his point.
The highlight of their pairing in this episode though happens when Cliff is left alone with his thoughts as Vic goes off to woo Roni.
While waiting in Vic’s car, Cliff imagines a 1980’s style buddy cop comedy show he coins “Steele and Stone” (referencing his and Vic’s last names) where the two of them are shown in classic buddy cop tropes during a montage of hilarious action scenes. At one point, Niles even makes a cameo as the “police chief,” whom the duo ignore.
After this dream sequence, he sees two guys attempting to steal a nearby car. Still pumped from the imaginary heroism in his mind, he gets overzealous on the two suspects and accidentally severs a finger on one of the thieves’ hands by closing the door of the nearly stolen car with excessive force as they attempted to escape.
Then for some odd reason, Cliff decides to pick up the severed, bloody finger and puts in his pocket. What he’ll do with it remains to be seen.
Meanwhile, Vic and Roni reconcile and make love again.
The redundant double beat of having two robot superheroes in the show has been a point of ridicule by some fans, and the show ingeniously addresses this by embracing the pairing instead of side-stepping the issue. Thus far, it has yielded some hilariously entertaining scenes as well as some deeply heartfelt camaraderie and understanding between the two characters.
This episode is no exception as Cliff and Vic exude genuine charming chemistry because they act as foils to one another.
Larry and Rita Revisited
Larry and Rita in “Finger Patrol.” c/o comicbook.com, all rights reserved/ DOOM PATROL / DC Universe.
Arguably two of the most damaged members of the Doom Patrol are incidentally the most captivating character studies in the series. Larry and Rita’s friendship stands above all others because theirs is a bond genuinely forged over a long period of time. Essentially, an epitomized form of platonic love and respect. This episode dives deep into each of their deep-seated traumas and culminates into both literal and metaphorical escapes from being trapped by a loved one’s betrayal.
For Rita, after discovering a memory from the previous episode where her mother exchanged sexual favors to talent agents, so Rita can get gigs as a child actress haunt her during this episode when she tries to land an audition. The memory flashed into her mind in the middle of a monologue, which causes her to freeze and shakes her confidence. She overcomes her doubts eventually when she saves Larry’s great-grandson from gunfire that would have killed the child and comes to terms with the actions of her mother, which she rationalizes as simply her twisted way of protecting her and ensuring she does well in life.
For Larry, the emotional pain he caused his family, particularly toward his late son and wife reared its ugly head through the wrath of his youngest son. After getting invited by his son back to the farm and having their cathartic father-son moment, and finally even admitting to his family about his struggles as a closet homosexual.
In spite of all the supposed emotional healing, however, Larry’s son betrays him by giving him up to the government. Despite this, Larry escapes with Rita thanks to the Negative Spirit, but not without the cost of Larry’s grandson’s life, who now leaves behind his own son. The ironic twist bears its full weight on Larry’s son as he has effectively done to his own grandson what Larry did to him – forced to grow up without a father.
While certainly not the most exciting pairing in the episode, Rita and Larry’s somber experiences lay new groundwork for future narratives to explore in each character.
Dorothy and Baby Doll’s Playtime Ends Tragically
Jane / Baby Doll and Dorothy have a tumultuous day together in the “Finger Patrol” episode. Images c/o DC Universe.
While the episode begins with Baby Doll and Dorothy essentially discovering they’re each other’s new “BFF,” their initially wholesome and jovial playtime escalates into a dark quarrel between two immature super-powered beings who end up severely damaging each other in their petty attempts to prove their superiority.
Niles’ good-hearted and well-meaning intentions to provide childhood-like companionship to both Baby Doll and Dorothy, which both of them missed out on, essentially backfires and has likely caused more harm than good.
Baby Doll, a powerful telekinetic, and Dorothy, whose powers are only limited by her imagination, is sure to be a dangerous combination when pitted against one another. Which this episode, sure enough, proved to be exactly the case.
Which is a shame because they seemed to be just what each other needed in terms of emotional security blankets.
In the end, Baby Doll kills Dorothy’s first and oldest imaginary friend, which prompts Dorothy to summon the Candlemaker, her all-powerful imaginary friend, who retaliates by entering Jane’s mind and killing the Baby Doll persona in The Underground.
The aftermath of their battle serves as the cliffhanger for the next episode, and the consequences could mean difficult times ahead for the Doom Patrol!
VERDICT: 9.0/10.0
Related Topics:TV reviewsHBO MAXDC UniverseDoom Patrol
The 100 Review- Surprise: It’s A Completely Different Show (7×09)
The Bold Type Review – [Spoiler] Breaks Up (4×15)
Lorenz Bacani is a pop-culture enthusiast who's trying to watch as many good comic-book movies and TV shows as superhumanly possible. He received a bachelor's degree in Journalism and New Media at California Baptist University. Wrote for a news tabloid, worked for a couple of non-profits, and dabbled in some photography (mostly for Instagram purposes). He is probably currently binge-watching an old TV show for nostalgia.
The Resident Review – [SPOILER] Is Pregnant! (4×02)
Batwoman Premiere Review – What Happened to Kate Kane? (2×01)
‘Sex and the City’ Revival Officially Happening at HBO Max with Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis
What to Watch January 2021: ‘Cobra Kai,’ ‘Riverdale,’ ‘WandaVision’ and MORE!
Doom Patrol Review — Finale Ends With Major Cliffhangers (2 x 09)
The Doom Patrol assembles to face the Candlemaker in season finale.
Doom Patrol concluded its shortened season 2 with the finale episode “Wax Patrol.” Following Dorothy’s coming of age, the Candlemaker’s powers manifest itself into the world and wreak havoc at the carnival where the rest of the team must come together if they hope to stop yet another doomsday.
This time, however, the team falls short as the Candlemaker’s powers proved too much for the team to handle.
Each member of the team had to face the toxic versions of their personal imaginary friend from their childhood.
Plus, Miranda’s tragic backstory is highlighted as it’s revealed that a sinister persona has taken over as Primary.
Miranda’s Tragic Love Story
The episode opens with a flashback of Miranda’s backstory and how she fell in love with a man named John, a street guitarist, who wooed her when she was working at a local diner during the 1970s.
Miranda is hesitant to get intimate with him at first, understandably so due to the traumatic sexual abuse she suffered through, but eventually, they fall in love and seem to have developed a healthy relationship — her first time with another man.
But once John gets a corporate job, he proceeds to brown-nose to his superiors by holding a swinger-sex party which ends in Miranda reluctantly participating and ultimately being raped by one of John’s friends. This triggers Miranda who tried to make it work but was only reminded of being raped by her father.
This causes her to fade back into the Underground and the Crazy Jane persona emerges and verbally assaults everyone participating in the sex party. It’s a well-delivered and compelling monologue from Diane Guerrero that tackles rape culture and toxic masculinity quite poignantly.
At the end of the episode, however, it’s revealed that the “Daddy” persona from the Well has taken the form of Miranda, who Jane discovers is dead at the bottom of the well.
Daddy as Miranda then confronts Kay, who was investigating the disappearances of her other personas, and reveals himself to her and the aftermath is left as a cliffhanger.
Jane’s backstory, though a bit distracting at first, has become quite compelling and how it resolves in the following season will be an interesting development.
The Team Gets Waxed
With several members of the team stuck in their personal turmoils, the Doom Patrol gets off on a rocky start against their latest doomsday event.
Cliff is worried about what to wear to his daughter’s wedding. Cyborg is heartbroken over Roni and listens to a sad love song on repeat (Haven’t we all?).
Rita loses confidence in her powers, again. Jane is well… not herself, to say the least.
Surprisingly, Larry has the healthiest mental condition on the team at this point and proceeds to lead the charge toward the Candlemaker.
Cliff, disappointed in himself after making amends with her daughter in the last episode, is heartbroken to tell her he can’t make her wedding.
Cyborg is picked up by Rita and tells him to basically buck up for Dorothy’s sake.
Jane AKA Miranda just goes with whatever because as she says, “I’m new.” (You sure are you evil little… @#%!?)
Upon arriving at the carnival where Dorothy is at, they find a beat down Kipling who runs away from his imaginary friend, a Punch and Judy puppet.
The team soon confronts each of their imaginary friends from childhood and everyone one of them is a befitting adversary that breaks them down.
Cyborg faces the Cowboy version of his father, who serves only to affirm him.
Rita deals with a paper cut-out doll model from a magazine with her mother’s eyes whose approval she promptly tries to get.
Cliff fights Jesus Christ himself (from Cliff’s time during Bible summer camp), only this version has a southern accent with the “Bro” lingo and super strength.
Larry and Jane don’t seem to have any imaginary friends. Larry, because he’s so high strung, and Jane because well… her personalities are basically imaginary friends.
In the end, everyone is waxed by the imaginary friends (except Cliff who gets blown to pieces by Jesus), which leaves Dorothy and Niles as the only ones left to stop the Candlemaker.
That is, until Slava, Dorothy’s mother comes in spirit form and basically tells her daughter to fight back.
Dorothy after hearing her father’s desperate plea conjures a gigantic trident-like weapon and cryptically tells Niles “I know what to do now”
The season ends as the Candlemaker grabs Dorothy into a huge flaming portal.
The Doom Patrol definitely took a big “L” during this finale, and it’s a bit of a shame because the ending definitely feels rushed.
Still, the show managed to set up a lot of potentially compelling storylines to follow through with once season 3 eventually returns.
VERDICT: 6.5/10
There’s a lot of great scenes and dialogue throughout the episode but every moment just feels a tad bit rushed, which is understandable because this season was cut one episode short.
However, the mysteries surrounding Dorothy and the Candlemaker, as well as Crazy Jane’s increasingly compelling backstory, should be enough to keep fans interested.
Doom Patrol Review – Daddy-Daughter Doomsday (2 x 08)
In Doom Patrol’s season 2 penultimate episode “Dad Patrol,” the team spends quality time dealing with deep-seated daddy issues.
Niles take Dorothy to the fair before almost surrendering her to Kipling, Cliff reconnects & bonds with his estranged daughter Clara, Jane drags Larry to a traumatic site from her past that’s connected to her abusive father. Meanwhile, Rita and Victor go play superhero.
The biggest revelation from last week’s Doom Patrol was that Niles and Kipling had a plan to deal with Dorothy before her powers got out of hand. That plan fell through this week, however, when Niles took too long saying his farewells to his daughter.
Dorothy Comes Of Age
In a story arc filled with sweet moments between father and daughter, Niles gave Dorothy an entire day dedicated to doing whatever she wanted. Unfortunately, the timing couldn’t have been worse.
As the day went on, Dorothy matured into a woman (for her standards anyway) as she had her first period in over 100 years – at a gas station convenience store no less – when the nicest store clerk in the world helped Dorothy through her first “red dragon,” as the kind woman gently put it.
Dorothy mistakenly keeps this secret from Niles, and unbeknownst to herself, it signals her coming-of-age and the powers from the Candlemaker imbued in her uncontrollably activates. She becomes haunted by images of her dead mother urging her “it’s time.” And by the end of the episode, everything around her begins to melt like candle wax. This signals a catastrophic event, according to Kipling and his weird circle of friends at least, and a paranoid occult rabbit that seemed pessimistic about the whole situation. Niles is stricken with his sickness at the most crucial moment as well, and is left powerless against her daughter.
This arc basically sets up the next episode (which is also the premature finale of this season due to COVID-19) when it seems Dorothy will be the main source of conflict that the rest of the team must unite for to save the day.
Clara & Cliff Steele The Show
Yet again, the most hilarious part of a Doom Patrol episode is one which features the Robotman AKA Cliff Steele. This time, he teams up with his daughter Clara, who reveals she’s getting married to a lady named Mel, and is also pregnant with a boy! Cliff is more excited for the latter news, but gets invited to the wedding after the two bond for an entire day.
Cliff serves her sausages (one of which was almost the frozen finger he kept in episode 5) and pancakes, does a full tune-up of her car, and even offers to do her laundry. Cliff was really making up for lost time, and during this episode, he finally gets to show how great a father he can be, and it seems to have worked as Clara was receptive of her robot father’s jokes and advice.
Eventually, she calls him “dad” which Cliff reacts giddily to, and says that nothing will stop him from coming to the wedding (except maybe for another cataclysmic event, but a robot can dream).
Robotman has been sensational this season, and seeing what he does in the season finale will surely set up an intriguing story arc for Cliff if Doom Patrol is officially renewed for a third season, which is more than likely given the quality of the show.
Jane Falls Into The Well
As chaos and turmoil begin happening in the Underground (the shared space manifested by Jane’s collective psyche), Jane finds her status as the Primary persona in jeopardy over the looming return of the increasingly dependable Miranda.
This prompts Jane to take action as she urges Larry to accompany her to her childhood home in order to retrieve a stuffed toy that’s hidden at the bottom of the well to prove her worth as the Primary. As revealed in the episode, the well is the device of torture and punishment used by Jane’s abusive father when she was younger, and is a place of fear by even the most powerful of Jane’s multiple personalities.
She successfully regains the stuffed toy and along with it a letter penned by Miranda that’s intended for their abusive father. Jane reads it and acknowledges Miranda’s strength of character and pledges to fall in line with the other personalities under Miranda’s leadership.
In a shocking twist, however, Jane’s hunch is proven correct when Miranda acts treacherously, and pushes Jane into the subconscious representation of “The Well” in the Underground. In it, Jane finds the “dead” personas of Baby Doll, Flaming Katy, Scarlet Harlot and Lucy Fugue floating unconscious. Jane herself begins to drown as the scene fades to black, leaving her fate unknown, at least until next week’s finale.
Jane’s whole saga in the Underground has been more of a point of emphasis for her character this season, and the reveal that Miranda is more malicious than she seems is an interesting twist. It will certainly be interesting how the show will resolve this problem, or if it will trickle over into the next season as a potential plot point to explore.
Beekeper & Borg, Spin-Off?
Both Rita and Vic are pushed into the sidelines once again in this episode as they’re plot line simply involves them going to Detriot to do some “superhero work” after Rita gains confidence as her beekeeper incident of stopping a mugger gets reported on the local newspaper.
Before she and Vic go to Detroit, Rita daydreams about herself and Cyborg in a spy-thriller like television show called “Beekeper & Borg.” The scene is hilarious as she and Vic look simultaneously stunning and ridiculous, which fits quite well into the Doom Patrol charm.
The duo’s story arc, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired as it ends up being pointless filler that involves Roni, who is now cured of her terminal disease because of the Uma Jelly she stole in the last episode, murdering the CEO of the tech company that experimented on her.
Overall the episode is still great, but the under-utilization of Victor and Rita’s characters in recent episodes has taken its toll and their overall appeal has been flat relative to their past showings.
Doom Patrol Review – Scants Keep A Good Patrol Down (2 x 07)
Promotional images c/o DC Universe from Doom Patrol episode "Dumb Patrol"
This week’s Doom Patrol episode, “Dumb Patrol,” introduces bad idea parasites called Scants that turn their victims stupid and almost kill Larry, Vic, and Roni.
However, thanks to Kipling who –returns to educate the team about the weird creatures– and Jane/Miranda’s fast thinking and immunity to the parasites, the team lives to fight another day. Proving that a little knowledge in the face of utter stupidity can go a long way.
Elsewhere, Cliff crash lands on Earth, Rita goes bee-keeping, and Niles revisits sacred ground. Also, the Beard Hunter (Tommy Snider) and the Scant Queen (Jhemma Ziegler) make guest appearances.
Robotman Crashes In The Middle of Nowhere
Following Cliff’s ejection from Niles’ spaceship in the previous episode, he crashes back to Earth with no means of transportation or communication to get help from the rest of the team. He tries hitchhiking, but who would want to pick up a stranger, let alone a robot in a leather jacket?
Besides, Cliff wasn’t in the best mood at that moment as he was cursing and threatening to kill Niles under his breath. He eventually finds a man who lets him use his phone in exchange for hilarious shout-out videos to his friends on social media. Unable to reach his team still, he decides to walk all the way back to Doom Manor where his daughter surprisingly appears waiting for him.
Cliff returns to his comedic form in this episode after last week’s dramatic shift and drops a bunch of F-bombs in the process (See Doom Patrol’s Instagram running tally on this). He’s the most honest and introspective character in the show and his charm turns almost every bad situation he’s in into comedy gold.
The Scants And Their Queen
When a large box that says “DO NOT OPEN” arrives at Doom Manor, the team of course unwittingly opens it and finds the white blank canvas painting where Mr. Nobody and the Beard Hunter were trapped in during season 1. They find that the painting itself is blank, but are unaware that it has been infested with bad idea-inducing parasites called Scants.
They become infected, and almost immediately start doing idiotic things (like Cyborg trying to perform surgery on Roni), which attracts the attention of Kipling who informs them via an old-timey slide show about the parasitic creatures. They then find out that the only way to beat the Scants is to kill their Queen, who is hiding in the painting.
They go into the painting and find the Beard Hunter, who is also infected, who “hides” himself by painting only the front half of his body in white to blend in with the canvas. As a funny meta-reference to explain Mr. Nobody’s absence, Beard Hunter tells the team he got a gig on some “DC animated bullshit,” which alludes to Mr. Nobody actor, Alan Tudyk, voicing the Joker on Harley Quinn.
They are eventually captured by the Scants and brought to their Queen to be harvested for an essence called “Idyat” from their brains which is turned into “Uma Jelly.” The process would have eventually left them to suffer dysentery and die slow and painful deaths. Fortunately, Miranda’s immunity to the Scants proved useful as she successfully kills the queen and cures everyone else of their stupidity.
As the main story arc of this episode, it showcases a light-hearted if not silly premise yet upholds the overall signature comedic tone that Doom Patrol has cultivated. It’s a refreshing watch after the mostly drama-heavy installment from the previous episode, and it works well in setting up numerous individual character story arcs as well.
The Scants themselves were an afterthought in terms of detail and served as a clever plot device to draw out hilarious scenes that would have otherwise been out of place or out of character.
Particularly, Larry and Victor, who are usually playing a “straight man” role that other characters play off of in comedy tropes. During this episode, they are both dumbed down and act strangely, which is far from the norm. In contrast, Jane/Miranda, who is usually the character who causes the most chaos, is the voice of reason for a change, and ultimately sets the team straight.
Rita And The Beekeeper
Rita is relegated to background storyline during this episode as she shadows the real beekeeper (guest star Avis-Marie Barnes) she’s portraying in the town’s upcoming play. The two share both hilarious and heartfelt moments while discussing their respective mother-daughter relationships while drinking beer. The storyline ends when the beekeeper suggests that Rita vents her frustrated feelings toward her mother to an alternate outlet, in this case, the beekeeper’s swarm of bees.
It works to some extent for Rita because as she’s walking home she witnesses a mugging in progress, and is able to stop it by easily using her powers in the heat of the moment, which is a sign that the mental block she’s been experiencing for the past few episodes has began to lift.
Niles Gets Colder
Niles goes back to the secluded area in the frozen Northern Yukon Territory where he met Dorothy’s mother to find some kind of clue or spiritual advice from its hallowed grounds. However, he only ends up met face-to-face with the spirit of the Candlemaker who threatens to kill him next and reveals horrific details about Dorothy’s birth and why she was bestowed with the Candlemaker’s power.
Niles reacts horrifically to the news and summons Kipling to make drastic arrangements against Dorothy that they have previously discussed – implying that Niles always had a backup plan in case he’s unable to control Dorothy.
The most unintentionally absurd part about Niles’ side story is that he was able to traverse the cold wasteland in an electric wheelchair whereas the last time he was there, he and his colleagues all nearly perished. It’s a minor detail that ultimately doesn’t affect the narrative, but it’s a glaring plot hole, to say the least. Then again, this is a comic-book superhero show, so screw logic, right?
Ultimately, Niles’ arc sets him up to do some dark and disturbing things again, which is always a great way to trigger plotlines that bring the rest of the Doom Patrol together in the end.
VERDICT: 9/10
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Trump pardons 73: President grants clemency to Steve Bannon who 'defrauded MAGA fans out of $1M', Lil Wayne, Kodak Black and dozens of convicted politicians
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Goodbye Mr One Pound Fish: Market singer hoping for Christmas number one to fly out of Britain on December 25th in visa wrangle
Immigration officials discover fishmonger's visa has expired
Published: 10:11 EST, 23 December 2012 | Updated: 08:14 EST, 24 December 2012
He's just been given a recording deal and his One Pound Fish Song could become Christmas number one, but singer Muhammad Nazir has been asked to leave the country after it was found his visa has run out.
Immigration officials told the novelty artist and fishmonger to get a flight back to his native Pakistan and not return until he has sorted out his paperwork.
His agent Samir Ahmed told the Daily Star Sunday: 'He will be on a plane back to Pakistan on the 25th and when he will be allowed to return is uncertain.
Scroll down for videos
Wrangle: Just days after landing a record deal, fishmonger and singer Muhammad Nazir has been ordered to leave the country by immigration officials
Something fishy going on: Immigration officials ordered Mr Nazir back to Pakistan after discovering his visa had run out
'His song has really taken off but he needs his visa sorted out so he can come back and be a full-time performer.'
Who said he didn't have the X Factor? Snubbed contestant... 'Jealousy is a weak emotion': Row between X Factor winners...
The father-of-four's song has proved to be a sensation and has attracted more then 4m hits on YouTube.
He was inspired to write the catchy tune at Upton Park market, where he is a fishmonger.
Hit: Mr One Pound Fish performs his catchy tune in London's Covent Garden
His success came after he failed to impress judges on the X Factor with the song earlier this year.
Before news of the immigration wrangle, he told Al Jazeera: 'My wife is happy, my family is happy, because they know singing is my passion from my childhood hobby.
'They are saying: "Your dream is coming complete now."'
Character: The singer's tune, inspired by his career as a fishmonger, has had more than 4m hits on YouTube
The Home Office said it didn't comment on individual cases.
Mr Nazir's record label, Warner, was not available for comment.
VIDEO The departing One Pound Fish Man is hoping for Christmas no.1
One Pound Fish: Market singer hoping for Christmas number one is in visa wrangle
Hugh Jackman takes his adorable French Bulldog Dali out for a walk in New York City... and rugs him up because 'it's a double-coat kinda morning'
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UAE’s Prime Minister Mohammad Bin Rashid joins TikTok
Vice President, Prime minister of UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has created an official account on TikTok , the social media platform which comprises of 800 million people.
The announcement about his TikTok account was made through his twitter account in which he stated, “We want to be where people are. We want to create positive Arabic content and we want to listen to young people and share our stories with them.”
I officially joined TikTok, the fastest growing platform with more than 800 million users. We want to be where people are. We want to create positive Arabic content and we want to listen to young people and share our stories with them. https://t.co/O3SArpFwnr
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 19, 2020
Around 79.1k users have followed his account with almost 92.2k likes.
The Dubai leader aims to connect with the youth, and considers this platform to be beneficial with regard to spreading awareness among the youth about his 50 year journey and visions about management and leadership through which an individual could create a positive change in the society.
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Five drivers for APAC IT services spending in 2015: IDC
IT infra consolidation; security; IT-enabled business innovation; social; big data
Industry entering most critical period of disruptive transformation, says IDC
IDC’s 2014 IT Services Survey results reveal that the top five focus areas for IT services spending in the coming 12 months are IT infrastructure resources consolidation; security enhancement; IT-enabled business innovation; social applications; and big data and analytics.
The results are in line with findings from the IDC Asia/Pacific C-Suite Barometer 2014 study: Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) chief information officers’ top priorities are saving to invest and innovate, and security the business, the research and analyst firm said in a statement.
“As we look ahead to 2015, the industry is entering the most critical period of disruptive transformation -- what IDC calls the ‘innovation stage’ of the Third Platform era,” said Cathy Huang, research manager, Services and Cloud Research Group, IDC Asia/Pacific.
“IT services (inclusive of cloud services) will be the most important catalyst and enabler, to facilitate this trend,” she added.
The opportunities are not only found in the professional services market (which IDC expects to double in the next three years), but also in the managed services and outsourcing markets.
The 2014 IDC IT Services Survey also asked respondents the primary services types they engage for each critical investment focus area.
Among the top three areas, the results showed more than 39% of respondents chose outsourcing/ managed services as the primary service types they will engage in 2015.
The business innovation theme is highest at 54%, which means more than half of the respondents chose the outsourcing/ managed services model when it comes to meeting business innovation needs.
“This finding is in line with the current transformation happening in the offshore and business process outsourcing (BPO) market,” said Huang.
“Customers who are currently outsourcing their business processes are moving away from pure cost reduction metrics to more business insights-driven metrics which can help them innovate.
“IDC believes customers will select partners who can help provide business data/ insight and consulting services to help them enhance their competitive positioning. Moreover, the BPO service delivery is moving toward a platform-based model, and customers expect a high level of automation.
“The promise of Business Process-as-a-Service (BPaaS) is to provide the next quantum of reducing costs, speed of service delivery, better financial management, and the ability to integrate more easily with other business processes,” she added.
Consolidating IT resources
On a five point scale, the majority of respondents (63.7%) chose ‘agree’ and ‘extremely agree’ for the statement “When I consolidate my IT resources in the data centre, it allows me to have better security controls and management.”
The average mean score for this statement across the APeJ region, 4.04, is the highest score among other assumptions tested in the survey. This result is in sync with the top two focus areas identified from the survey for IT services spend: IT resources consolidation and security enhancement.
“We have seen a growing number of organizations across the region leveraging their consolidated data centre as part of their security strategy,” said Huang.
“Data centres across the region are undergoing a major revamp and security is a priority for the updates,” she added.
Huang believes consolidating resources in data centres will benefit network security vendors, and other facets of security players such as mobile security and content security.
Security and the cloud
The IDC IT services survey also revealed that the primary services types for security enhancement are consulting/ systems integration and managed/ outsourcing services, in order of priority.
“Security is a critical topic for CXOs, and the traditional product-oriented sale is no longer sufficient. Customers need to ensure the maximum value and protection they can gain from the security technology investment, and as such, the engagement has become more consultative in nature,” Huang said.
Other than the top two identified services types, 37.1% of respondents chose ‘use of cloud to deliver’ as well. That, combined with the option of managed/ outsourcing services (which includes all the cloud-based managed/ outsourcing services) is in sync with one of IDC’s IT services predictions for 2015: 60% services for security will be dependent on cloud-enabled tools and service delivery.
IDC's top 10 predictions for 2015: Innovation on 3rd Platform
CMOs: The CIO may be your best friend, says IDC
Asean businesses starting to take innovation seriously: Survey
For more technology news and the latest updates, follow @dnewsasia on Twitter or Like us on Facebook.
Cathy Huang
IDC Asia/Pacific
Third Platform
IT Spending
Author Name :
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Monday Fiction – Zombie Strike – Part 3 – Chapter 24 – Epilogue
June 22, 2020 / Derek / 1 Comment
Skull Island, Southern Pacific, 23 December 2009, 1300 hours local Countdown: 2 years, 8 days
Quentin organized his notes as he tried not to gag on the low-hanging smoke from three cigars. It didn’t help the conference room’s ventilation was on the fritz. Now, it was not only hot and stale in the room, it was hot, stale, and smoky to the point of almost being unbreathable. None of the other occupants seemed bothered, and Quentin’s competitive streak wouldn’t let him show his discomfort. It was petty, and he knew it. That didn’t stop him from trying to tough it out.
Kenn Blanchard was sitting at the head of the conference table with his favored Monte Cristo smoldering in his hand. In jeans and a polo, Kenn looked more like an executive on casual day than the leader of the largest private sector anti-zombie force on the planet. Kenn looked very calm and collected. That serenity gave Quentin the bit of reassurance he needed. Mateo, Collin, and The Steve were also sitting around the table. The three men were in jeans and tee shirts. Mateo and The Steve were also smoking cigars, but Collin had forsaken the tobacco to indulge in a tumbler of scotch. Quentin didn’t understand these men’s’ need to poison themselves on their downtime. Their jobs were hazardous enough.
The door opened and the final person walked in to the conference room. Nigel Brown was impeccably dressed in a charcoal suit, complete with vest and power tie. Nigel was the team’s liaison with Mackenzie and Winston, the London-based insurance firm that financed the team’s activities. Nigel’s normally implacable face twisted in annoyance as he whiffed the grey blue smoke that swirled around the room.
“Bloody hell mates, this is a new suit,” Nigel complained, “Must you attempt to replicate smoke stacks at every attempt? Do you know how much the cleaning will cost just to get the stench out?”
“Shelve the banter for later Nigel,” Mateo said, without a trace of humor, “We need to get this meeting over with. Jess and I have a plane to catch.” Normally, Quentin would have chalked up Mateo’s grimness to the team’s lack of progress, but he knew better. Mateo was flying back to Tampa to spend Christmas with his two daughters and his ex-wife. There had been some very heated exchanges over the telephone between Mateo and his ex over the trip. It was an open secret on the team, and Mateo showed his appreciation to the team for its discretion and compassion by working even harder. As bad as this trip could be, Quentin was glad Mateo would be taking a break. Nigel nodded to Mateo and slid into his chair without further words.
“Okay Quentin, what have we learned from Mexico?” Kenn asked, setting the meeting in motion.
“In answer to the main question on everyone’s minds, no, we still do not have an identity on Giant,” Quentin began, feeling the familiar nervousness of talking in front of people. It lessened as Nigel took over briefly and elaborated.
“The firm’s investigators have been working on this,” Nigel said, referring to M&W, “So have Mexican, American, British, and everyone else and their uncle’s intelligence and investigative services. This incident has them all scared, and there’s precious little cooperation. Especially between the governmental services and the firm.”
“All of the so-called minions have been identified,” Quentin said, taking his cue from Nigel, “All were Americans. None with a known interest in Mesa-American cultures or religious practices, but all had the types of backgrounds and psychologies that would leave them open to a cult. We believe that is why Giant recruited them.”
“Still wish we would have captured one or two of them,” Collin said.
“We did,” Mateo said flatly, “Or more to the point, Quentin did. Then, the SOB suicided before we could get anything out of him.” The others simply nodded at the point. “If they were simply following a cult, how did they get powers? From what you said, one of the minions at the dig site tried some sort of mystical power on you.”
“That’s true, and that leads into what we’ve discovered from Mexico,” Quentin said, “We we’re facing a cult of Xipe Totec followers attempting to bring their god back into this world. This cult spawned both Xipe Tzin and Giant. These two are probably not the leaders of the cult, but more like field commanders. The ones selected to do the work to bring Xipe Totec back into this world and destroy those who stand against them.” Quentin gave the others a moment to digest before plowing on.
“What we’ve uncovered between the dig site and the museum are a large number religious writings from the priests of Xipe Totec,” Quentin said, “Most of these are just traditional religious teachings associated with Xipe Totec. Except for one set. This one had to deal with the creation of zombies and gollums. It also had some sort of prophecy talking about Xipe Totec returning to stop the destruction of the world. It’s cryptic, but what we have deciphered shows that Xipe Totec left instructions for waking him and opening the gateway that will bring him back. To help his followers, there are allusions to certain individuals channeling a bit of Xipe Totec’s power as well as objects that were infused with this same power. An example of one of these objects would be Giant’s whip.” The men flinched with that bit of news.
“The whip is why Giant attacked the dig site,” Quentin continued, “It was stored at that temple. It allows Giant to control undead and play with life energies. There may be more, but we haven’t confirmed it.”
“So we snatch the whip and the dude’s out of power?” The Steve asked.
“No, he most likely has some power on his own,” Quentin answered, “That power is probably what mutated him from a normal person into Giant. We think that the cult is also granting minions some limited power so they can assist Giant.”
“Okay, so what was the point of the attack on the museum?” asked The Steve, “Our boy was being too loud and too open with this attack. The Steve thinks Giant would have settled for a quiet raid unless there was some other reason.” The Steve might sound insane, especially with his constant referring to himself in the third person, but he was smart.
“We do know he was after gollums,” Quentin said, “Some that were already created, and just needed a medallion and a supernatural spark to get them going. There are a few theories as to why Giant chose to attack the museum in broad daylight and in front of cameras. My opinion is that Giant was being dramatic.”
“Care to explain that mate?” Collin asked, clearly surprised by Quentin’s conclusion.
“Giant and his minions were wearing ninja costumes,” Quentin said, “Not clothes that looked like ninja robes, but actual costumes they purchased from a costume store in Los Angeles. Every time Giant and his minions talk, it’s very clichéd. It’s almost like a B-grade horror flick. The bit at the museum was entirely out of melodrama. It’s the whole letting world know that there are things beyond their control shtick.”
“You came up with this?” Mateo asked.
“No, one of my research team members minored in theater,” Quentin admitted, “The more I thought about it, the more I agreed.”
“Actually, that sounds eerily possible,” Kenn said, with a tone that made it clear he was not happy with the possibility.
“There’s been no sign of Giant since he vanished from the museum,” Mateo mused, “Do we know where he’s going next?”
“Not yet,” Quentin said, “I was working with a group of archaeologists, anthropologists, and historians, but that group was dissolved when their home countries began calling them back.”
“That matches up with what else has been going on,” Kenn said, “The attack on the museum blew the lid off a few incidents the world powers were trying to keep under wraps. Such as the Forreston incident. Things the governments were willing to let us handle. Now that the public knows, the government has to look like it’s doing something. The first thing was to serve us with a cease and desist order for Zombie Strike! As of today, we can’t legally produce the show.” Quentin was stunned. Collin and The Steve also looked surprised. Mateo just grimaced.
“What does that mean for our operations?” Collin asked.
“Not much. We will still continue to do our work, and M&W is actually expanding it,” Kenn said, reassuringly, “Within the next few months, Skull Island will become a fully function command center for world-wide operations. What losing the TV show means is we won’t have something that shows us in a positive light. It’ll also make finding new talent a bit harder. The nasty is that we may be working against government agencies instead of with them.”
“I’m surprised they are even allowing us to continue,” Collin said, “I thought we’d be disbanded and returned to service with our homelands.”
“Mackenzie and Winston made it very clear that such an action would not be in the various nations’ best interest,” Nigel said, “The price for us continuing to operate is that we no longer have the cordial relationships with certain government agencies, and all the benefits those relationships bring.”
“Gentlemen, I wouldn’t hesitate to break up this group if I thought our respective governments could fight this threat properly,” Kenn said, “If we were fighting terrorists or criminals, all of you would be back to your homes. But we’re not. We’re fighting the undead. Things normal folk can’t deal with. We’re the ones who can. Welcome to the new Zombie Strike.” Quentin wondered why Collin looked so uncomfortable.
London, United Kingdom, 1700 hours local, 26 December 2009 Countdown: 2 years, 5 days
Simon West was sitting in his study, sipping on a gin and tonic. In his hands was a crude ceramic mug. It was a present from his youngest. It was so ugly that only a parent could appreciate it. The children were out playing with their new toys, finally allowing West a chance to relax. Then the shadows moved.
Instincts came alive and the ceramic mug was replaced with a Glock. West pointed the pistol at the small man in the blue suit. Then West saw the man’s companion. The person was easily the tallest human that West ever encountered. Even taller than some of the basketball hustlers that worked for him. Like the smaller man, this one was dressed in an exquisite suit. Where had they managed to find a tailor for this person? West put down the Glock. It was useless against these two anyways. West gave another cursory examination of the huge man. So, this was the one referred to as Giant. Well, he certainly lives up to his moniker.
“I assume you have reason to intrude upon my residence,” West said as calmly as possibly, “It is a holiday after all.”
“The organization would like to know what Zombie Strike knows about our plans,” the small man said with a distinctive Spanish accent.
“This couldn’t wait until our regular meeting?” West asked, annoyed at the disruption of his holiday.
“Things need to be set in motion,” Giant answered solemnly, “Things best done undisturbed.”
“How brilliantly cryptic,” West commented sarcastically.
“We are not paying you to know our operations,” the small man said brusquely.
“Quite,” West agreed. He opened one of the desk drawers and withdrew a folder. “Here’s the transcript and data from the last contact with my informant.” The name on the folder was DuBois, Collin.
« Friday Quote – Phil Labonte Metal Tuesday – Bowling For Soup – I’ve Never Done Anything Like This Before »
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10-bit, High Speed Video DAC in TSMC (65nm, 40nm, 28nm)
12 track thick oxide standard cell library at TSMC 40 - low leakage and direct battery connection (operating voltages from 1.1 V to 3.3 V)
ONFI 3.2 NV-DDR2 PHY in GDSII
Ultra Small HEVC/H.265 Codec IP
UMC Reports Sales for April 2016
Taipei, Taiwan, May 9, 2016--United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) (“UMC”), today reported unaudited net sales for the month of April 2016.
The company's 2015 annual report on Form 20-F, which was filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2016, is also now available online at http://www.umc.com/english/investors/Reports/2010-present_report.asp.
Revenues for April 2016
Y/Y Change
Y/Y (%)
Jan.-Apr.
(*) All figures in thousands of New Taiwan Dollars (NT$), except for percentages.
(**) All figures are consolidated
Additional information about UMC is available on the web at http://www.umc.com.
聯華電子股份有限公司本（九）日公佈內部自行結算之2016年度四月份合併營收為新台幣 107.64 億元，較去年同期減少17.33%。
Contact UMC
Fill out this form for contacting a UMC representative.
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UMC Reports Sales for December 2016
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Hartmut Jatzke-Wigand
Protagonists Protagonists
Otl Aicher
Inge Aicher-Scholl
Artur Braun
Erwin Braun
Max Braun
Hans G. Conrad
C. und R. Eames
Richard Fischer
Lou Genatossio
Jürgen Greubel
J. Grinkus
Hans Gugelot
Peter Hartwein
Herbert Hirche
Jakob Jensen
H. Kahlcke
F. Kramer
Herbert Lindinger
Ludwig Littmann
Dietrich Lubs
Gerd A. Müller
Helmut Müller-Kühn
Robert Oberheim
Wolfgang Schmittel
M. Schnelle-Schneyder
Florian Seiffert
H. Sukopp
Reinhold Weiss
Hans Wichmann
Development of Braun Design
The 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' from Bose
The use of advanced technologies creates a growing demand for home entertainment systems that offer future-proof compatibility. These systems are expected not only to provide flexible connectivity for existing audio and video equipment and for the latest storage media such as HD-DVD or Blu-ray but also to combine complex control functions with intuitive ease of use. The users want to experience cinema and concerts in powerful and distortion-free surround sound. These requirements are the basis for the research and development work performed in the Bose laboratory in Framingham (Massachusetts) to design the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' (Fig. 1). 1)
This is another group of products that demonstrates the innovative potential of the Bose Corporation, founded by Professor Amar G. Bose in 1964, when it comes to developing functional, elegant and easy-to-operate audio-visual devices that deliver realistic sound. 2) The 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' add future-proof compatibility to the 'Lifestyle DVD Entertainment Systems' with the Media Center integrated into the DVD player (Fig. 2). 3)
The following article is to explain the development goals of the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' components and how these goals were achieved and to analyze their design style within the context of the process that this design has resulted from.
The Lifestyle System Display
The project definition states that the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment System' shall have a stand-alone appearance but must not relinquish Bose's basic design principles such as elegant styling, ultimate ease of use and a design reduced to the essentials. 4) The initial concepts show a system component with an integrated display (Fig. 3). The necessary dissipation of the heat emanating from the electronic circuits is ensured by a top surface made of brushed aluminum (Fig. 4). Subsequent drafts show that the designers reduce the volume and give a lower and more rectangular shape to the console, integrating the display into the front together with the user controls (Fig. 5). Finally, the designers conceive two system components that provide the user with the benefit of being able to integrate the Lifestyle System display into any décor and to hide the media console out of sight in a closet. 5)
The idea shown in initial drafts was to house the system display in an aluminum enclosure with a very narrow front profile and the user controls or displays placed on the top (Fig. 6). The designers try to achieve the level of stability required for such a narrow front profile by introducing stabilizing aluminum strips. There are also various ideas regarding the cable connections between the system display and the media console (Fig. 7).
The front face is dominated by the large display window built harmoniously into the front of what is a convincing formal design of the 'Lifestyle System Display' resulting from a long development process (Fig. 8). The vacuum-fluorescent display (VFD) is easy to read even under bright ambient light conditions. The slim, conical shape of the 'Lifestyle System Display' was reduced in volume (21.9 x 7.6 x 5.7cm) and features dynamic linework and a 3 mm high recessed base. The black, high-gloss display window is framed flush in silver facings made from alongside-brushed aluminum. The wide buttons of the control panel on the top side have been carefully integrated into the design and enable the user to control the basic functions of the system. The buttons are precisely modeled and slightly arched, with exact edge contours and well-defined gaps between them. It is this design quality that was acknowledged, among others, by the 2008 'reddot design award best of the best'. 6)
The Media Console
Developing the media console turned out to be a time-consuming and complicated task for the design and product development team. The console accommodates the key elements of the sophisticated electronic circuitry required for features such as video enhancing, Integrated Signal Processing or for optimizing the signals of certain video sources. 7)
Dissipating the heat generated by the electronic components would have been an easy task if the designers had chosen a horizontal console structure with as wide a front as possible. The vertical setup that the teams opted for, however, allows for easier accommodation of the media console and for using it as a base on which to place other audiovisual devices. In close cooperation with the product developing team, the designers reduced the size of the console to a minimum (44 x 6.8 x 19.1 cm). Effective heat dissipation is now ensured by covering the console top side with a metal cap made of cast magnesium that was the result of comprehensive testing.
The sides of the slightly curved front with its distinctive narrow profile are framed by silver accentuations (Fig.9). The goal was to make the console (which can also be hidden out of sight, by the way) esthetically more similar to the 'Lifestyle System Display' – this is why the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' are perceived as one formal unit in spite of the different designs of the individual system components. 8)
The input/output panel at the rear of the console was designed with particular care (Fig. 9). 9) The designers combined the connections into clearly arranged groups and unmistakably marked them with colors and by graphic means. This supports the smooth and error-free installation of the individual connections and contributes to the system's high level of functionality.
The 'Virtually Invisible Speaker System'
The powerful and pure surround sound of the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' is delivered by the 'Virtually Invisible Speaker System'. For the 'Lifestyle V30 Home Entertainment System', it comprises the compact hideaway Acoustimass module, a horizontal center speaker and four 'Jewel Cube Speaker Arrays' (Fig. 1). 10)11)
The 'Jewel Cube Speaker Array' is based on the DIRECT/REFLECTING speaker technology that was first introduced in 1968 when the Bose Corporation launched the '901' loudspeaker: the speakers reproduce the concert-like blend of reflected and direct sound in the listener's living room. The 'Jewel Cube Speaker Array' is characterized by its stringent basic shape and harmonious proportions (5.7 x 11.4 x 8.3 cm), the round port grille and the cylindrical port accentuated by the accurately placed recess in the enclosure (Fig. 10). 12) The carefully chosen edge radii provide the impression of high technical precision – the 'Jewel Cube Speaker Array' resembles an esthetic, precisely shaped miniature sculpture.
The Remote Control
The complexity of the control functions is mapped on the limited surface of a remote control. As Mike Laude states, the goal of the Bose design team was to translate the variety of control functions of the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' into an understandable arrangement in both haptic and visual terms and, at the same time, to ensure that this remote control can operate the basic functions of the connected audio and video sources. 13)
The radio-frequency remote of the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' has rounded edges with smooth radii, a slightly arched user interface and a flat inserted panel made of satin-brushed aluminum (Fig. 11). It is easy to pick up and operate for right- and left-handed users. The dominant feature of the remote control's elegant shape is the arrangement of the user controls neatly grouped into control panels. The designers decided to place the operating and source buttons in the upper control panel with the accentuated TV button in the middle. The contoured arrow keys and the deliberately lowered enter button are used to select the menu objects. The rocker switches for volume control and channel selection are concavely curved. The designers consistently pay attention to every detail, as can be seen from the horizontal separator of the volume button or from the fact that the designers deliberately gave a narrower shape to the SCAN button than to the pause, stop or play buttons. This button design enables the user to keep in mind the user interface and to orient himself or herself merely based on his or her tactile memory. The desired intuitive ease of use is further enhanced by clear designations and visually distinctive icons instead of incomprehensible acronyms.
The design team developed various formal shapes for the buttons. It was only after a number of prototypes that they successfully optimized the buttons and their size in tactile terms and found out how wide the gaps between the buttons must be in order to enable error-free operation (Fig. 12). 14)
The detailed design of the remote control shows the user-oriented approach of the Bose design team led by Mike Laude and makes obvious how systematically the Bose design principles - elegant design combined with forms reduced to the essentials - have been implemented in developing the 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems'.
Author: Hartmut Jatzke-Wigand
Photos: Bose Corporation and Jo Klatt
Jatzke-Wigand, H.: The 'Lifestyle V-Class Home Entertainment Systems' from Bose. In: Design+Design 89, Hamburg July-October 2009, 8-15
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Distance between cities › USA › Michigan › Breckenridge, MI › Distance from Breckenridge to Lake City
Distance from Breckenridge, MI to Lake City, GA
There are 677.27 miles from Breckenridge to Lake City in south direction and 831 miles (1,337.36 kilometers) by car, following the I-75 S route.
Breckenridge and Lake City are 12 hours 52 mins far apart, if you drive non-stop .
This is the fastest route from Breckenridge, MI to Lake City, GA. The halfway point is Blanchet, KY.
Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA are in the same time zone (EDT). Current time in both locations is 8:12 am.
Share with fellow travellers any question or tips about the route from Breckenridge, MI to Lake City, GA:
A car with a fuel efficiency of MPG will need 33.38 gallons of gas to cover the route between Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA.
The estimated cost of gas to go from Breckenridge to Lake City is $77.43.
Best Hotels In or Near Lake City, GA
Do you have where to stay when you arrive to Lake City, GA? Check out our hotel recommendations:
Halfway Point Between Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA
If you want to meet halfway between Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA or just make a stop in the middle of your trip, the exact coordinates of the halfway point of this route are 38.534756 and -84.583817, or 38º 32' 5.1216" N, 84º 35' 1.7412" W. This location is 415.54 miles away from Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA and it would take approximately 6 hours 26 mins to reach the halfway point from both locations.
The closest town to the halfway point is Blanchet, KY, situated 415 miles from Breckenridge, MI and 420 miles from Lake City, GA. It would take 6 hours 30 mins to go from Breckenridge to Blanchet and 6 hours 38 mins to go from Lake City to Blanchet.
Weather in Breckenridge and Lake City
Compare the weather today and the next four days in Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA:
6% 17% 7% 2% 47%
Rain tomorrow through Tuesday.
11% 82% 97% 4% 65%
Lowest Price Rental Cars in Breckenridge, MI
Planning on renting a car to go from Breckenridge, MI to Lake City, GA? Here there are some offers to rent a car in or near Breckenridge, MI:
Compare rental car prices in Breckenridge »
Checkout the distance in miles, kilometers and nautical miles between Breckenridge, MI and Lake City, GA in this table:
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Ruby, The First New Chocolate Variety In 80 Years, Is Naturally Pink And Fruity!
CCSS 253 Words 2-Minute Listen
New variety of Ruby chocolate introduced by Barry Callebaut (Photo Credit: Callebaut)
Tired of having to choose between dark, milk, or white chocolate? Then you may want to try the pink-hued ruby. Created by Swiss chocolatier Barry Callebaut, the all-natural confection is the first new variety to come to market since Nestlé introduced the world to white chocolate in 1930.
Unveiled at a special launch event in Shanghai, China on September 5, 2017, ruby offers a new gastronomic experience, one that is not bitter, milky, or sweet. Callebaut describes the flavor as a “tension between berry-fruitiness and luscious smoothness.”
Ruby chocolate gets its hue and color from a unique cocoa bean (Photo Credit Callebaut)
The Zurich-based manufacturer also asserts that no berries, berry flavor, or color are used to create the new confection. Instead, the all-natural chocolate gets its hue, and unusual taste, from the unique ruby bean. It belongs to the same species of cacao plants used to create traditional chocolate but contains a unique mix of compounds.
While Callebaut will not reveal the proprietary process used to extract the pink color and fruity taste, the company says it took their research team along with experts from Jacob’s University, 13 years to unlock the ruby bean’s attributes.
Photo Credit: Callebaut
Those looking to get their hands on the mouth-watering confection will have to be patient. The company, which has conducted several successful taste tests with chocolate connoisseurs in China and other parts of the world, is currently seeking partners to bring it to market. Callebaut estimates it will be at least another six to eighteen months before the fourth variety of chocolate is available to consumers!
Resources: barry-callebaut.com, mashable.com, odditycentral.com
Dolasia, Meera. “Ruby, The First New Chocolate Variety In 80 Years, Is Naturally Pink And Fruity!.” DOGObooks, DOGO Media, Inc., 11 Sep, 2017, www.dogonews.com/2017/9/11/ruby-the-first-new-chocolate-variety-in-80-years-is-naturally-pink-and-fruity. Accessed 20 Jan. 2021.
Dolasia, Meera. “Ruby, The First New Chocolate Variety In 80 Years, Is Naturally Pink And Fruity!.” DOGObooks, DOGO Media, Inc., 11 Sep, 2017, Web. 20 Jan. 2021.
Dolasia, M. (2017, September 11). Ruby, The First New Chocolate Variety In 80 Years, Is Naturally Pink And Fruity!. Retrieved 2021, January 20, from https://www.dogonews.com/2017/9/11/ruby-the-first-new-chocolate-variety-in-80-years-is-naturally-pink-and-fruity
Dolasia, Meera. “Ruby, The First New Chocolate Variety In 80 Years, Is Naturally Pink And Fruity!.” DOGObooks. September 11, 2017. Accessed January 20, 2021. https://www.dogonews.com/2017/9/11/ruby-the-first-new-chocolate-variety-in-80-years-is-naturally-pink-and-fruity.
View Comments603
tanqrsketch87Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at 5:47 am
Woah I mean,First China comes out with EDIBLE GOLD and now this????Great creation because i feel like why cant chocolate be anything but brown?I would really like to try it some day.By the way can you guys tell us if it came from a cocoa bean?Or some sort of dragon fruit or guava?I would really like to know.
zaksTuesday, November 17, 2020 at 10:11 am
Wow, I love chocolate that sounds absolutely delicious!
lenikhvadagianiTuesday, November 3, 2020 at 6:15 am
I tried that chocolate before and it is so yummy!!!!!
ladybug21Friday, September 11, 2020 at 2:16 pm
Wow i would really like to try that its looks really cool and yummy pink chocolate and its natural who new?💗🍫
rch9Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 10:30 am
I love chocolate espshely pink chocolate I LOVE PINK!!!!!!!!
strange_oneTuesday, September 1, 2020 at 7:48 am
if i dont get to eat 10 packs of this at least once in my life, i will have no choice but to drown myself in a bottle of water (im very short)
appledusk657Friday, June 26, 2020 at 7:42 am
I want It NOW
appledusk657Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 11:00 pm
GIMME ALL
hannah969Monday, May 25, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Yum! Hope I can Try it!
bscSunday, May 24, 2020 at 9:26 am
Wow! It looks really good!
(8 questions)
What three chocolate varieties are currently available to consumers?
What new variety has Barry Callebaut created?
In your opinion what would be the best time of the year to bring the...
While Callebaut will not reveal the proprietary process used to extract the pink color and fruity taste, the company says it took their research team, along with experts from...
This assignment is not currently available.
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Ugly is the new beautiful
A group of anonymous citizens in Bengaluru is cleaning filthy streets and inspiring change across India
NEXT COVERAGE ❯
By Moushumi Sharma
Published: Sunday 30 November 2014
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently launched the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan scheme for a cleaner India with much fanfare. But long before Modi’s announcement, a group of Bengaluru citizens were anonymously doing their bit.
Calling itself The Ugly Indian, the self-effacing motley group has been cleaning the city streets since 2010. It strictly prohibits members from speaking to the media, and even if they do, they do not disclose their identity. “The names of individuals are not important. What matters are results,” claims www.theuglyindian.com. Their motto is simple: kaamchalu, moohbandh (start working, stop talking). They believe the problem lies with the people and not the system.
Not all Indians are ugly With help from volunteers and local civic authorities, the group is striving to not only keep its city clean, but also bring about a change in the “ugly” attitude of Indians.
They identify “ugly spots” in the city and “fix” them— what the group calls spot fixing. A spot fix could be anything from removing garbage to covering open drains, removing paan (betel nut leaf) stains from walls to restoring public places used as urinals.
On the scheduled day, members reach the spot equipped with face masks, hand gloves, brooms, mops, spades, buckets and dustbins. “We are expected not to socialise and waste time. We spend every single minute doing our work,” one of the group members told Down To Earth in an email interview. Within hours, they restore an ugly spot to a clean and green public space.
There are no criteria for people to join the campaign. Those who want to contribute can write to theuglyindian@gmail.com or sign up on the group’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/theugl.yindian.
“It is open to all. Most new members these days are IT professionals and students. Many multinational companies in Bengaluru are also supporting The Ugly Indian by either encouraging employees to join our spot fixes or form groups to clean up the area around their organisation,” adds the member.
He claims that the group raises its funds from members and “does not entertain external sponsors for spot fixes”.
Small steps make a difference
The impact of their work is visible from the change that has come about. Take the Wind Tunnel Road in Vinayak Nagar. A few months ago, the pavement on one side of the road was a dumping ground for garbage. The Ugly Indian went about cleaning this spot. The result: a clean and colourful footpath with benches for people to rest.
The Koramangala Club area saw a similar transformation. This is an affluent neighbourhood in the heart of Koramangala, which houses many tech parks. But in the absence of civic amenities such as dustbins, residents dumped garbage on the road. Once the The Ugly Indian started their spot fixing, Koramangala Club looked as good as new.
The Ugly Indian’s sincere efforts have also led to a magical transformation of the six subways in Bengaluru’s K R Circle. The group started its cleaning spree on August 1 this year. Two spot fixes over two weekends later, the group changed the dark, urine-filled subways to underground running and walking trails, complete with lights, graffiti and paintings.
These are just three of the numerous spot fixes undertaken by the group. Most have been taken up in Bengaluru’s central business district, including M G Road, Brigade Road and Church Street. A few others have been carried out outside the passport office in Koramangala, Memorial Church in Whitefield and NMKRV College in Jayanagar.
Teaming up for better results
The group is helped by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), or Greater Bengaluru Municipal Corporation. The two entered into an agreement on July 19 this year with the signing of a memorandum of understanding.
In an email interview, B S Sathyana- rayana, BBMP mayor, says that the civic body and The Ugly Indian have together undertaken 10 spot fixes in a single day in the BTM layout, a popular residential and commercial area in the city. He says the group has helped BBMP clean seven subways and two public toilets.
“Cleaning subways was challenging. I myself took part in one of the spot fixes,” Sathyanarayana says. The success of the campaign can be gauged from the response of the public, in terms of encouragement, participation and commitment to maintain cleanliness. The group has more than 200,000 followers on Facebook. The members regularly update the page on the latest spot fixes and post photos of their work, which gives better accountability to an otherwise anonymous group.
“You are a big inspiration to a lot of us. Every day you drive sense into so many,” writes Varsha Narayanan, one of the followers. “I hope the governments integrate The Ugly Indian’s initiative with the PM’s vision of a clean India,” writes Monal Aggarwal, another follower.
Some are appreciative and sceptical at the same time. Neelam Kashyap, a resident of Koramangala, says, “The Ugly Indians have taken up an amazing initiative. I have seen transformations around my home and office. The only concern is that after a few weeks, people tend to litter again. I think this can be prevented if more people get involved.”
The group members say they try to ensure that people do not go back to throwing garbage. After a spot fix, the group keeps a close watch on the area in what they call the 15-day test. If a spot remains clean for this period, they deem their effort successful. Most of the spots fixed by the group have remained clean beyond 15 days.
Inspiring Indians to do their bit
The cleanliness drive by The Ugly Indian has encouraged people in other cities to start similar initiatives, such as Mumbai Rising, Gurgaon Rising, Kolhapur Rising and Meerut Rising. In Jaipur, the group is called Shut Up and Do It. These groups get together in their cities and beautify public places such as community centres, parks and markets.
Aman Jassal, one of the members of Gurgaon Rising, says the main problem is with the attitude. “We need to do our bit first. Only then can we hold the government accountable and force it to take action,” he says, adding that cleaning a spot is not enough. “It is important to beautify it too, say with graffiti. Only then will people find the place attractive and feel the need to maintain cleanliness,” he explains.
The citizens who are part of the camp-aign believe their initiative is a small start. But a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For this country, this step has been taken by the “ugly Indian”.
The Ugly Indian BBMP Waste Disposal Waste Disposal Urban Sanitation Sustainable Development Sanitation Public Participation Municipal corporation India Garbage Garbage Down to earth Bengaluru Cleanliness drive Spot fixing Koramangala Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Features Print edition Print edition
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Norwegian University Shades U.S. Healthcare System in Message to Students Who Are Abroad
ByGavin Evans
Gavin Evans is a contributor for Complex Media.
Image via Getty/NurPhoto
Over the weekend, a Norwegian university called out the United States healthcare system in a message that was intended for their students who had traveled abroad. In a message strongly recommending those students come home due to the coronavirus' global spread, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology wrote: "NTNU strongly recommends that all NTNU students who are outside Norway return home. This applies especially if you are staying in a country with poorly developed health services and infrastructure and/or collective infrastructure, for example the USA."
The university reportedly backtracked by editing the same message on its Facebook page to simply say "This applies especially if you are staying in a country with poorly developed health services and infrastructure and/or collective infrastructure."
The original message is still on its website. You can click here if you have trust issues.
Some people found this hilarious or deep or...I don't know. Without sports to fill Twitter trends this is what you get:
Today was supposed to be Selection Sunday.
CDC Urges Americans to Prepare for Possibility of Coronavirus Spread
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Trump Suspends Travel From Europe for Next 30 Days Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
NewsEuropeHealthTwitter BeefTwitterCoronavirus
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Carefree innovation within the framework of privacy legislation.
For political and societal support for your innovations.
Your ethical compass for innovating with data and algorithms
Digital technology at the next cabinet
What is your input on the digital policy?
In 2021, the Lower House elections will take place and a new coalition agreement is formulated - the implementation agenda which sets the direction of the new cabinet for the coming four years. Digital policy can be an accelerator or a major setback for your business objectives. In 2020 and 2021, Considerati can help you define an accurate response towards the election program committee, the (period up to the) elections, coalition negotiations, and the next coalition agreement and its implementation.
Whereas digitalisation was not yet top priority four years ago, the consequences of digital technology are now visible and tangible everywhere. There is a geopolitical race between the US and China over who has the best AI, 5G technology and other key technologies. Brussels has made responsible and progressive digital transformation - alongside sustainability - a core objective. In the Netherlands, digitalisation is a political issue more than ever before.
Responsibility of platforms, investment in key technologies such as quantum, resilience against cyber threats, privacy issues, the use of AI and algorithms, the lack of digital skills: all important, but which issue do you think should dominate the agenda? Should politics focus in preventing risks or accelerating the enormous opportunities?
In the year up to the elections, influencing the political system and communicating your company's vision on important issues becomes even more relevant. This is the time to proactively set the agenda for the coming four years. But how do you approach the election program committee with relevant input for the election program? How do maximise the chance that your input becomes part of the election program? Which actors are also imporant in the year up to the elections? How can you have an impact on the coalition negotiations and drafting of the agreement?
Are you unfamiliar with the possibilities, or do you simply lack the capacity to draft a good strategy? Our public affairs team can help you. We have developed a special strategy track which will preprare you for the coming election year in three sessions.
Do you have a question about our services? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Contact orCall me back
Considerati is the legal and public affairs consultancy firm for the digital world, with offices in Amsterdam and The Hague. For 15 years we have enabled businesses and governments to innovate socially responsible with digital technology and data.
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Part of Consultancy.org Consultancy.co.za
SMEs in South Africa beginning to embrace cloud transitions
04 May 2018 Consultancy.co.za
Executive Solutions
As business priorities tilt from cost-effectiveness towards enhanced security, the migration of company operations to cloud platforms is becoming an increasingly popular option, particularly amongst small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – according to co-founders of Executive Solutions Richard Levine and Gavin Bodill.
While cloud-based operations have become a global trend, the primary subscribers to the technology, particularly in South Africa, have been larger corporations that possess the resources to make the transition.
The migration to cloud entails the transfer of data storage and applications to the online sphere, which allows for greater flexibility, increased automation of functions, remote access and, most importantly, enhanced security. Digital advancement is causing critical disruptions to businesses across the world, while also diversifying the threats being posed to organisations – which has pushed larger corporations to transition to the cloud in an attempt to remain competitive.
Smaller firms, on the other hand, have been resisting the cloud phenomena, preferring to save on the costs of transition. According to co-founder of Executive Solutions, Richard Levine, the reluctance has stemmed from the complex nature of migrations processes, the hidden costs associated with migration, and questions about the security of the core cloud servers.
However, true to form, the disruptive effects of digital advancement have now made their way into the SME segment, as more of these firms have begun to opt for cloud options – a shift that can be attributed to a number of circumstances.
According to Levine, “One is that productivity and continuity are crucial, and cloud-based systems enable these. Also, migration to the cloud is becoming a lot simpler and security management significantly more effective, thanks to advances made by vendors such as Microsoft and Fortinet.”
The emergence of new measures to secure core servers has also played a big role in winning over SMEs. According to fellow co-founder at the firm, Gavin Bodill, these new measures include the Fortinet Security Fabric, as well as the development of software-defined wide-area networks (SD-WAN).
Fortinet allows firms to mitigate key risks, while SD-WAN allows for enhanced performance. “With these advances, we are able to offer our customers enhanced security and improved SLAs (service level agreements). This helps customers sleep at night and gives them more confidence about moving to the cloud,” said Bodill.
This shift in priorities spells opportunity for digital consulting firms in South Africa, a number of whom have begun significantly ramping up their operations, either through key senior appointments or through operational restructuring.
Executive Solutions is a South African Technology consulting firm that was established in 1998, with the primary objective of delivering IT infrastructure services. The firm consults at every stage of IT transformation, from conceptualisation to implementation and maintenance, with an emphasis on offering customised solutions based on individual needs and budgets.
More Cloud Computing
The transformational value of cloud technology for businesses Cloud technology is not just a means to enhancing operations, but a symbol of changing approaches to business as a whole in the digital era.
XContent Business Solutions acquires Auric Consulting Gauteng-based tech solutions firm XContent Business Solutions has acquired the IT business segment of Cape-Town-based Auric Consulting, a move that has been effective since February 1st.
Accenture to support Exxaro with comprehensive cloud migration Global management consultancy Accenture is set to support South African coal producer Exxaro with comprehensive migration to the Microsoft Azure cloud platform.
More SME
The unique world of private equity among owner-managed enterprises Having a strong network and building trust is crucial for owner-managed enterprises (OMEs) in South Africa to attract private equity investment, partly due to the extra time it takes for deals with O
Reputational damage for consulting is impacting smaller firms in South Africa As larger consulting corporations in South Africa begin targeted efforts to rebuild their reputations in the country, trust in these firms remains shaken across the country, which paves the way for s
Smaller consultancies can capitalise on the trust deficit in major accounting firms The growing number of scandals surrounding major auditing firms and incidents of state capture has led people to question the model of auditors doubling up as consultancies, according to CEO and co-F
About Consultancy.co.za
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Instagram Favourites
Culinary Workshops
Baking & Bread & Desserts
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Classic Cookbooks
Forgotten Skills
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CHOCOLATE FISH
Dry-Curing Pork: Make Your Own Salami, Pancetta, Coppa, Prosciutto, and More
Author(s): Hector Kent
Over the centuries, dry-cured pork has evolved as a food of the changing seasons. Its flavors are truly a taste of the landscape and climate, and they have served as a crucial, long-lasting food source for many cultures. Dry-cured pork is the ultimate slow food. It doesn't need to be complicated but it's important to have clear, step-by-step instructions. That's where Hector Kent comes in. Kent, a science teacher by trade, has written the book he wished he'd had when he made his first prosciutto: One that brings together the critical components of curing in the simplest form possible, with photographs and illustrations to assure the reader of safe and delicious results. In addition to basic recipes, Kent offers readers interviews, advice, and recipes from several trend-setting dry-curing operations across the country.
Hector Kent has taught kayaking, rock climbing, and most recently, math and biology to high school students. He first began experimenting with dry-cured meats after butchering a pig in Mosier, Oregon several years ago, and has been obsessing about the details and nuances ever since. After using a modified refrigerator for a climate controlled curing space, he recently upgraded to a custom build room in the basement with fully automated ventilation, temperature, and humidity controls. It is currently filled with delicious dry-cured pork. He lives with his family in Woodstock, Vermont.
Publisher : Countryman Press Inc.
Imprint : Countryman Press Inc.
Author : Hector Kent
Illustrations : Colour photographs throughout
COOK THE BOOKS The Cookbook Store
19 Williamson Ave | Grey Lynn | AUCKLAND
Tel: (09) 360 6513 | Email:books@cookthebooks.co.nz
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Google Workspace is Here and That Means New Icons
Kellen October 6, 2020 13
Prepare yourselves, the icon set for all of your most used Google apps will soon change to a much more colorful design. There's actually a lot more to this story, but for most of you, that's the takeaway. The rest of the story is that Google has renamed G...
Scratch That, Google Meet Keeping Unlimited Call Times for Free Accounts Well Into 2021
Tim September 29, 2020 3
Google has reversed its decision to end unlimited call times for Google Meet free accounts, instead, extending the offer to those free account owners until March 31, 2021. As we look ahead to a holiday season with less travel and important milestones like...
Reminder: Free Calls on Google Meet Will Soon be Limited to 60 Minutes
Tim September 25, 2020 10
Back in April, Google announced that free calls on Google Meet would have no time limit. This was great for everyone, with the COVID-19 shutdowns sweeping the nation. However, at that time, Google mentioned that after September 30, a time limit would be...
Google Meet on Android, iOS Gets Same Overview UI as Gmail
Google detailed the new UI for the Meet app for Android and iOS devices, though, you'll notice it's nothing too crazy. In fact, it's the same UI that's available in the Meet tab inside of Gmail, but if you're anything like me, you disabled that nonsense on day...
You Can Now Google Cast Your Google Meet
Tim August 19, 2020 5
Ahead of this week's change, the only way to cast a Google Meet to your Google Cast-enabled device was by casting the entirety of your screen. Thankfully, this is no longer the case, as Google announced this week that a Cast option is now baked natively into...
Report: Google to Replace Duo With Google Meet
Tim August 15, 2020 56
According to a source of 9to5Google, Google's eventual plan, potentially a couple of years down the road, is to eliminate Duo and push Google Meet as its primary video calling app. It seems that the primary goal for Google is to incorporate the important...
Gmail With Chat, Meet, Rooms Tabs is Rolling Out to G Suite
Kellen August 12, 2020 11
About a month ago, Google shared their vision for the future of Gmail, which showed an email experience filled with Chat, Meet, and Rooms tabs. The focus for this new bloated experience was to bring an all-in-one location for you to get all of your work done...
Gmail’s Meet Tab is Arriving on Android, but You Can Turn It Off (Updated)
It has been two months since Google first told us that they'd add a Meet tab to Gmail on Android. This new tab would be the first step towards a Gmail future with all sorts of new tabs, including Chat. Google has this vision for Gmail's future that includes a...
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Capital One Cup Final key information
The Football League
Key information for the Capital One Cup Final at Wembley between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
Chelsea The match will kick-off at 4pm and both clubs will receive an allocation of approximately 31,000 tickets.
and Tottenham Hotspur will go head-to-head in the Capital One Cup Final on Sunday 1st March at Wembley Stadium.
Blues fans will be housed in the West End of the stadium, while Spurs have been allocated the East End.
Availability of tickets
Ticket prices are £40, £56, £72, £90 and £100 with half price concessions available in all areas.
Tickets can only be purchased directly from the two clubs. Tickets are not available from either The Football League or from Wembley Stadium.
For Chelsea's ticket details please click here
For Tottenham's ticket details please click here
Tickets for disabled and visually impaired patrons
Tickets for disabled and visually impaired patrons can be purchased under the same schedule as above.
The price charged to wheelchair patrons is equivalent to the relevant price for the area in which they're situated, with their personal assistant (where required) gaining access free of charge.
Capital One Cup Final prices
£40.00 (£20 concession)
£100.00 (£50 concession)
General price structure plan
STADIUM PLAN: Click here to view the price structure plan of Wembley Stadium for the 2015 Capital One Cup Final
Capital One Cup Final kit colours
Outfield players: Blue shirts, blue shorts, blue socks.
Goalkeeper: Red shirt, red shorts, red socks.
Outfield players: White shirts, navy shorts, white socks.
Goalkeeper: Purple shirt, purple shorts, purple socks.
OLD - Carabao Cup
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Rising Star of the Year John Michael Ferrari
Cappy Records
John Michael Ferrari Recording Artist
Be the Smile on Your Face album cover art
Award-Winning Singer Songwriter John Michael Ferrari Named Rising Star of the Year by the Virtual Golden Gala Wall of Fame Awards
A fun-loving, storytelling Nam Vet from Hollywood, CA, John Michael Ferrari pours out a whiskey-hued glass of Pop, Country, Gospel, Blues and Jazz in his music.”
— Indie Music Plus
MISSION VIEJO, CA, USA, January 7, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Cappy Records congratulates award-winning recording artist songwriter arranger John Michael Ferrari honored with the eZWay Wall of Fame "Rising Star of the Year Award," presented by Dr. Dante Sears. The Wall of Fame Virtual Golden Gala and Gold Carpet aired New Year's eve and New Year's day during which Ferrari took the virtual stage to perform his country adult contemporary tune, "What Are You Doing," off his award-winning album, "Be the Smile on Your Face." The Wall of Fame Award Nominees and the Wall of Fame Award Winners are based on key fan interactions and votes. Ferrari has been hitting radio charts, receiving awards, and great reviews since he debuted his second album, Be The Smile On Your Face album in Spring 2020.
The eZWay Virtual Golden Gala honors those across numerous industries "embracing humanity through the digital age." Ferrari's Rising Star Certificate of Award and Trophy are "in recognition and gratitude for diligence and commitment to business and leadership while making a difference in his community." "Awarding those with hearts of gold." Ferrari walked the virtual gold carpet and thanked eZWay Broadcasting, Eric Zuley, Dr. Dante Sears, and all of his fans who catapulted him to first place. On the carpet, he told fans, "I send a special thank you to all of the many John Michael Ferrari fans who voted for me for this Rising Star of the Year Award. Love and appreciation to all of you. And, a very happy new year 2021".
John Michael Ferrari is a singer songwriter who spans multiple genres but cites country as his largest stylistic influence. He is a man of many talents as he writes, arranges, records and performs his original country crossover and pop tunes. His music seems to reflect his life experiences and it all comes together to create a sound uniquely his own. Ferrari’s latest album Be the Smile on Your Faces “a collection of songs inspired by his own experiences and those of others” entitled Be the Smile on Your Face.
Earlier this month, Ferrari was awarded "Outstanding Triple A Album" for his country adult contemporary love song album, Be the Smile on Your Face. The award was presented by Fame Awards CEO Al Bowman at the Nugget in Pahrump, Nevada, at which Ferrari performed two of his originals at a social distancing event.
Ferrari boasts six original songs have radio play and three have reached country, mainstream and/or adult contemporary radio charts and have placed in radio contests since the Spring 2020 release of his album, Be the Smile on Your Face. For example, "So Beautiful" landed #3 in the Ignition Country Radio contest (United Kingdom) 11-27-20, #4 on National Radio Hits Country Radio Chart, #7 on the National Radio Hits AC Radio Chart, #8 on the Indie World Country Chart Dec 11 20, #13 on The Independent Music Network Chart mainstream chart, to name a few. Somewhere We Could Fall and Keep Falling All Over Myself are also beginning to chart.
Also honored at the Virtual Golden Gala 2020 were recipients of 14 Wall of Fame LEGEND AWARDS:
Actress Kate Linder presented 'Volunteer of The Year' Legend Award to licensed clinical social worker and author Megan Fenyoe
James Dentley (The 5 Frequencies of High Performance) presented ‘Mentor Of The Year ‘ Legend Award to Focus James (The Focus of Love LLC)
Sharon Lechter (co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad) presented 'Top Author Of The Year’ Legend Award to Mark Victor Hansen (co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series)
Dr. Dante Sears (The Metaphysician) presented ‘Heartpreneur Of The Year’ Legend Award to Pepper Jay (music producer Cappy Records)
Producer James Zuley presented ‘Faith Conquers All’ Legend Award to author Father Richard Heilmann
Frank Shankwitz (Make--a-Wish foundation) presented ‘Everyone Can Be A Hero’ Legend Award to celebrity chef Bruno Serato
Wellness Queen Shea Vaughn presented 'Woman of The Year' Legend Award to Kim Marie Branch-Pettid (LeTip International)
'Don't Just Speak About It; Be About It' Legend Award to actor and former football player Lester "Rasta" Speight
'Branding Expert Of The Year' Legend Award to Brian Smith (founder of Ugg Boots)
'Legacy Maker' Legend Award in memory of author Berny Dohrmann
'Power Perseverance' Legend Award to Greg Reid (executive producer Wish Man Movie)
Entrepreneurial Achievement Legend Award to Alec Stern (co-founder of Constant Contact)
Achievement of Excellence in Communication Arts Legend Award to entrepreneur Forbes Riley
Serial Entrepreneur Legend Award to Jeff Hoffman (co-founder of Priceline)
The eZWay Virtual Golden Gala and Wall of Fame Awards 2020 was executive produced by Eric Zuley, produced by Tony Boldi, and sponsored by The Elease Project, JD3TV, Billionaires Elite TV, JL Wealth Solutions, JLS TV, and www.eZWayWallOfFame.com
Pepper Jay
Be the Smile on Your Face music video
Distribution channels: Business & Economy, Conferences & Trade Fairs, Gifts, Games & Hobbies, Music Industry, Retail
Heartpreneur Of The Year Legend Award Presented to Music Producer Pepper Jay
Outstanding Triple A Album Awarded to Singer Songwriter John Michael Ferrari
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The Country School
The Purple Elephant 39
Student Services & Wellbeing
admissions@elc.ac.th
International Kindergarten & Primary School in Bangkok, Thonglor | 3 - 11 years
plan a visit inquire
Bangkok's best kept secret
We are a specialized boutique primary school located in the heart of Bangkok’s residential district, tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city’s busy streets. Our school caters to students from three to eleven years of age with more than 40 different nationalities welcomed to our diverse community.
Our environment is one of the most beautiful in the world, presenting opportunities for inquiry where children and teachers co-construct, developing creative partnerships using a number of languages to explore curricular concepts pertinent to the various disciplines.
18 Soi Sukhumvit 49/4
Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana
Email admissions »
a unique and enchanting environment
co-constructing together
Teachers, and children, along with our highly competent pedagogical research team, work in collaboration to form a special kind of place, a community of learners where everyone is invited to grow in mind, and sensibility, and engage in meaningful dialogue to deepen their conceptual understanding of the real world, and possible worlds of the imagination.
Our approach to learning is extraordinary!
Knowledge Experience Values
We offer a broad, rigorous international curriculum, for children from the age of 3 years to 11 years, that seamlessly connects to programmes worldwide.
Learn why our kindergarten and primary school is known as a solid foundation for the top international schools in Bangkok, and a seamless transition to schools world-wide. Our students are welcomed everywhere!
Learning Geography
Have fun, make friends
The City School offers an enriched selection of after school activities, whether it be sports, the performing and visual arts or learning languages. ELC’s garden also remains open to our families after the school day is complete so that children and parents alike can continue to build relationships and enjoy our environment.
Our ‘City School and Purple Elephant’ campuses, are conveniently located within the neighbourhood of Bangkok’s most popular international community, ‘Thong Lor and Phrom Phong’.
for ELC's contribution to education
Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee
We were honoured that our school was one of only two international schools selected to be represented in the ‘Souvenir Album’ celebrating Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee for our contribution to education.
Made by our Year 3 students
a flight into the future
A warm school where every student is known by name.
Rebecca - from Denmark
We will be happy to get in touch with you. Please feel free to contact us.
contact now plan a visit inquire today
contact us plan a visit inquire now
© ELC International school Bangkok
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Underwood Electricity Rates
Commercial Electricity in Underwood
^ The average commercial electricity rate in Underwood, ND is 7.09¢/kWh.[1]
Residential Electricity in Underwood
^ The average residential electricity rate in Underwood, ND is 7.96¢/kWh.[1]
Industrial Electricity in Underwood
^ The average industrial electricity rate in Underwood, ND is 6.19¢/kWh.[1]
Underwood, ND Electricity Statistics
Commercial electricity rates in Underwood
The average commercial electricity rate in Underwood is 7.09¢/kWh.[1]
This average (commercial) electricity rate in Underwood is 11.6% less than the North Dakota average rate of 8.02¢/kWh.[2]
The average (commercial) electricity rate in Underwood is 29.73% less than the national average rate of 10.09¢/kWh. Commercial rates in the U.S. range from 6.86¢/kWh to 34.88¢/kWh.[2]
Residential electricity rates in Underwood
The average residential electricity rate in Underwood is 7.96¢/kWh.[1]
This average (residential) electricity rate in Underwood is 12.14% less than the North Dakota average rate of 9.06¢/kWh.[2]
The average (residential) electricity rate in Underwood is 33% less than the national average rate of 11.88¢/kWh. Residential rates in the U.S. range from 8.37¢/kWh to 37.34¢/kWh.[2]
Industrial electricity rates in Underwood
The average industrial electricity rate in Underwood is 6.19¢/kWh.[1]
This average (industrial) electricity rate in Underwood is 5.5% less than the North Dakota average rate of 6.55¢/kWh.[2]
The average (industrial) electricity rate in Underwood is 7.2% less than the national average rate of 6.67¢/kWh. Industrial rates in the U.S. range from 4.13¢/kWh to 30.82¢/kWh.[2]
North Dakota Electricity Rates & Consumption
Commercial electricity in North Dakota
Commercial electricity rates in ND [3]
The average commercial electricity rate in North Dakota is 8.02¢/kWh, which ranks 44th in the nation and is 20.52% less than the national average rate of 10.09¢/kWh.[3]
Commercial electricity consumption in ND [3]
Commercial electricity consumption in North Dakota averages 6,740 kWh/month, which ranks 14th in the nation and is 8.05% greater than the national average of 6,238 kWh/month.
Commercial electricity bills in ND [3]
The average monthly commercial electricity bill in North Dakota is $541, which ranks 24th in the nation and is 13.99% less than the national average of $629.
Learn more about commercial electricity in North Dakota
Residential electricity in North Dakota
Residential electricity rates in North Dakota [3]
The average residential electricity rate in North Dakota is 9.06¢/kWh, which ranks 48th in the nation and is 23.74% less than the national average rate of 11.88¢/kWh.
Residential electricity consumption in ND [3]
Residential electricity consumption in North Dakota averages 1,091 kWh/month, which ranks 12th in the nation and is 20.82% greater than the national average of 903 kWh/month.
Residential electricity bills in ND [3]
The average monthly residential electricity bill in North Dakota is $99, which ranks 30th in the nation and is 7.48% less than the national average of $107 per month.
Learn more about residential electricity in North Dakota
Industrial electricity in North Dakota
Industrial electricity rates in North Dakota [3]
The average industrial electricity rate in North Dakota is 6.55¢/kWh, which ranks 24th in the nation and is 1.8% less than the national average rate of 6.67¢/kWh.
Industrial electricity consumption in ND [3]
Industrial electricity consumption in North Dakota averages 92,778 kWh/month, which ranks 26th in the nation and is 17.28% less than the national average of 112,158 kWh/month.
Industrial electricity bills in ND [3]
The average monthly industrial electricity bill in North Dakota is $6,079, which ranks 31st in the nation and is 18.76% less than the national average of $7,483.
Learn more about industrial electricity in North Dakota
Household Income in Underwood, ND
Underwood, ND Income Breakdown [4]
Income Summary for Underwood, ND
Electric bills: The average residential electricity bill in North Dakota is about $99/month, ranking 30th in the U.S. and 7.48% less than the national average of $107.[5]
Income: Underwood vs. Nation [4]
Additional information about Underwood
About Underwood
Underwood is a city located in McLean County in the state of North Dakota, and has a population of approximately 778.[6]
More about Underwood utilities
For more information about Underwood electricity, or for additional resources regarding electricity & utilities in your state, visit the Energy Information Administration.
Nuclear energy generated little electricity 50 years ago, but in 2011 provided more than 20% of U.S. electricity.
Additional Cities in ND
Ardoch
Calio
Starkweather
Local Electricity Rates in Underwood, ND
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Bel birdies her way to championship victory
Teenager Bel Wardle came from six shots behind to birdie her way to a one-stroke victory in the English women’s open stroke play championship at Woodhall Spa.
She fired a closing six-under 67 on the Hotchkin course, finishing three-under par for the 72 hole event and a shot ahead of Dulcie Sverdloff of Essex.
Both players charged home and both birdied the last two holes, but it was Wardle who had the edge and adds her name a trophy previously held by Solheim Cup players Charley Hull, Jodi Ewart and Joanne Morley.
“I wanted to win this so much, I can’t believe it,” said the 17-year-old from Prestbury in Cheshire.
It’s her second win in three weeks, after she produced a top class performance to claim the English girls’ title in gale force winds – and proved to herself that she could cross the winning line.
That confidence stood her in good stead this week. At the halfway stage she was two off the lead, but after the third round she’d slipped further back after returning five-over 78.
Wardle had struggled with her putting while Yorkshire’s Rochelle Morris (Woodsome Hall) fashioned a bogey-free 67 and Sverdloff (Thorpe Hall) returned 69 to share the lead on three-under with a round to play.
Wardle wasn’t phased. She sorted out her putting at lunchtime and went out again this afternoon thinking: “Anything can happen on this golf course and there’s a lot of pressure on the leaders.
“I knew I had to shoot under par and I just stuck to hitting fairways and greens and tried to make sure I was on the right side of the holes and always had uphill putts.”
She was two-under on front nine and then started her charge by holing a 25ft birdie putt on the 13th. She reached the long 14th in two shots to set up a two-putt birdie. A monster drive on 17 was rewarded with a classy pitch and putt for another birdie to draw level with Sverdloff, who has just finished on two-under.
Wardle knew she had to birdie the last to win and set about achieving it – despite having a tree on her line on her second shot. Her seven iron shot soared over the obstacle and finished within chipping distance of the green, from where she calmly got up and down to post an unbeatable score. “I was really going for that birdie,” she said afterwards.
Third place went to Austria’s Isabella Holpfer, who had shared the halfway lead on four-under and who was only one shot off the pace at the start of the final round.
She took the lead during the last round but slipped out of the reckoning with a bogey on the long 14th and went on to finish on level par.
Meanwhile Sophie Lamb (Clitheroe, Lancashire) returned her best score of the week with a bogey-free 69 to share fourth place with fellow international Rochelle Morris on one-over.
Click here for full scores
Image copyright Leaderboard Photography
She fired a closing six-under 67 on the Hotchkin course, finish three-under par for the 72 hole event and a shot ahead of Dulcie Sverdloff of Essex.
Tags: Bel Wardle, English Women's Open Stroke Play, Woodhall Spa
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Google Flooded With High-Speed Fiber Requests
Build it and they will come -- or in Google's case, simply pledging to build was enough.
By David Needle
Page of | Back to Page 1
Google's ambitious plan to test deployment of an "ultra high-speed broadband network" in select markets has resulted in more than 190,000 individual and over 600 community requests to participate, as the responses pour in just hours ahead of Friday's deadline for site proposals.
When Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) unveiled the plan last month, it said it planned to offer the fiber broadband service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 people, but potentially up to 500,000 people, and it asked for interested cities and communities to submit proposals.
The reason for the massive response in Google's broadband networks -- some communities have even renamed themselves to attract the search giant's interest, and there have been numerous YouTube pitches -- is easy to understand. Google said the small number of ultra high-speed networks in the U.S. will deliver Internet speeds more than 100 times faster than what most Americans have access to today, with 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections.
The fiber plan is similar to earlier moves by Google to promote wider access to the Internet; for example, Google offers free Wi-Fi to residents in Mountain View, Calif., where the company has its headquarters.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has praised Google's efforts, which come as federal regulators are promoting their own plans to expand the availability and adoption of high-speed Internet service across the U.S.
"If one message has come through loud and clear, it's this: People across the country are hungry for better and faster Internet access," Google product manager James Kelly said in a blog post that detailed the response to Google's plan.
While the end result will be blazingly fast Internet speeds, Google is not racing to announce who will get to participate. Kelly's post said Google plans to carefully review the responses and will make site visits, meet with local official and consult with third-party organizations over the next several months to help decide where to build.
"Based on a rigorous review of the data, we will announce our target community or communities by the end of the year," he said.
Speedy networks, new applications?
As a company, Google has long been focused on speed, particularly for its namesake search engine, which boasts millisecond response times. But Google hopes the high-speed network will not just speed up what people already do on the Web. Instead, it's wagering that it will show the potential of new kinds of applications and use models.
Google said in its announcement last month that it hopes the experiment leads to new, bandwidth-intensive "killer apps and services we can't even imagine yet." Google also said it hopes to test new ways to build fiber networks and plans to share "lessons learned" that will support deployments elsewhere.
David Needle is the West Coast bureau chief at InternetNews.com, the news service of Internet.com, the network for technology professionals.
This article was originally published on Mar 27, 2010
dneedle@internet.com
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Peer Review Week
Peer Review Week Turns Six! Celebrate ‘Trust in Peer Review’ with Enago Academy
Last updated Jul 28, 2020 0
The month of September is almost at our doorstep and so is Peer Review Week 2020! With the global lockdown being extended for months, there has been a lot of uncertainty across all sections of the society, the research community being no exception. However, this did not dampen our spirits and here we are, planning this year’s Peer Review Week (September 21-25). In fact, the celebrations have already begun with the announcement of this year’s theme—Trust in Peer Review. Are you buzzing with excitement just as we are? Let us discuss some more about this year’s theme.
Significance of Trust in Peer Review Process
The academic publishing industry includes several people from different communities, e.g., researchers, publishers, editors etc. For all these people to coexist, collaborate and co-work with each other, trust is the most key element.
Peer reviews have always been the cornerstone for every scientific and scholarly communication. In fact, the peer review process accounts for originality, clarity, and transparency of all research findings. A rigorous peer-review process is essential for building trust within the scientific community.
However, there have been instances where the trust in the peer review process may have been broken. For example, for researchers who have fallen prey to unfair means or unethical practices followed by predatory journals, maintaining trust in the peer review process becomes questionable! Similarly, publishing research plagiarized by researchers, has taken a toll on the credibility on the journals and publishers. Further, in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, having reliable and valid research publications is one of the most pressing issues that demand immediate attention. This reliability is, in turn, the key ingredient to a common man’s trust in the scientific community.
So this year, the Peer Review Week Committee has decided to focus on the trust in the peer review process, with all the events and discussions revolving around making the same. Peer Review Week brings in people having diverse views about the intricacies of peer review on a single platform. This year too, the members of the academic community, including we at Enago Academy, are planning a week full of events and activities based on the theme.
For the Peer Review Week about to be celebrated from September 21-25 this year, we have planned several events focusing on the nitty-gritties of peer review.
For more details, stay tuned and you shall hear from us soon!
What are you waiting for? Subscribe to Enago Academy and celebrate this mega event with us!
And if you are on Twitter, follow us on @Enago Academy for the latest updates.
Let’s use this opportunity to collectively train, educate, share, debate, and motivate our community for building trust during this Peer Review Week.
Feel free to share this post on your social media platforms with a hashtag #PeerReviewWeek
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Public Release: 23-Mar-2015
Cytomegalovirus hijacks human enzyme for replication
IMAGE: This is an abstract representation of virus inducing enzyme to produce lipid envelope. view more
Credit: Rabinowitz lab
More than 60 percent of the world's population is infected with a type of herpes virus called human cytomegalovirus. The virus replicates by commandeering the host cell's metabolism but the details of this maneuver are unclear.
Researchers at Princeton have discovered that cytomegalovirus manipulates a process called fatty acid elongation, which makes the very-long-chain fatty acids necessary for virus replication. Published in the journal Cell Reports on March 3, the research team identified a specific human enzyme--elongase enzyme 7--that the virus induces to turn on fatty acid elongation.
"Elongase 7 was just screaming, 'I'm important, study me,'" said John Purdy, a post-doctoral researcher in the Rabinowitz lab and lead author on the study.
He found that once a cell was infected by cytomegalovirus, the level of elongase 7 RNA increased over 150-fold. Purdy then performed a genetic knockdown experiment to silence elongase 7 and established that in its absence the virus was unable to efficiently replicate.
"Elongases are a family of seven related proteins. The particular importance of elongase 7 for cytomegalovirus replication was a pleasant surprise, and enhances its appeal as a drug target," said Joshua Rabinowitz, a professor of chemistry at Princeton and co-author on the paper.
Activation of the elongase enzyme led to an increase in very-long-chain fatty acids, which are used by the virus to build its viral envelope and replicate. The researchers fed infected cells heavy isotope labeled C13-glucose, a molecule that is metabolized by the cell to form substrates for fatty acid elongation. The heavy isotope carbon-13 atoms were incorporated into new products that were detected and identified by their mass using a specialized mass spectrometry method. This powerful technique provided insight into the amount of fatty acids produced and how they are constructed.
Cytomegalovirus infection mostly threatens populations with compromised immune systems and developing fetuses, and is the leading cause of hearing loss in children. Current treatments target the DNA replication step of the virus and are not very effective. These findings have advanced the understanding of the virus's operations and identified fatty acid elongation as a key process that warrants further study.
Read the full article here:
Purdy, J. G.; Shenk, T.; Rabinowitz, J. D. "Fatty Acid Elongase 7 Catalyzes the Lipidome Remodeling Essential for Human Cytomegalovirus Replication." Cell Reports, 2015, 10, 1375.
This work was funded by National Institute of Health grants AI78063, CA82396, and GM71508 and an American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship to J.G.P. (12POST9190001).
Tien Nguyen
tienn@princeton.edu
http://www.princeton.edu
Cell Reports
National Institutes of Health, American Heart Association
Virus Inducing Enzyme to Produce Lipid Envelope (IMAGE)
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Fastener with microscopic mushroom design holds promise American Institute of Physics
View all in Chemistry & Physics
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NGOs: how to request our support ?
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Autism - a new start for Alexis, in a supported... Listen
Autism - a new start for Alexis, in a supported apartment
Alexis will benefit from a supported apartment part of the accommodation centre run by the association, "Turbulences!". He and seven other people with autism will be welcomed into this new kind of home. He gives us his impressions after hearing that his application was chosen.
Since 2012, he has been living in Turbulences’ Specialised Adaptation Section (SAS). In 2015, he was admitted jointly to Turbulences’ ESAT (assistance facility through work) and to the Turbulences accommodation centre. He has set himself the goal of acquiring greater independence by taking advantage of the support and learning offered at the home, to move towards a more independent solution.
Now 28 years old, and after 5 years at the home, he is preparing himself for this new stage and the move planned for November 2020. For Alexis, the new experience, which he has carefully thought through, is an additional step towards achieving his medium-term ambition of moving to even greater things.
How do you feel about this new experience of living in a semi-independent apartment?
“Pretty good. A little stressed and apprehensive about eating and cleaning.
But the reason they offered me this opportunity is because they believe I can do it.
It’s a very beneficial experience for me. I see it as a step towards more inclusive accommodation like a studio.
I feel positive about it. I have everything to gain and nothing to lose. When you know what you want you have to go for it, otherwise you never do anything. You have to take risks and initiative.”
What does moving into an apartment mean for you?
“It’s an opportunity to achieve more independence, and everything that represents. I see it as a real-life trial before moving into housing completely separate from the accommodation centre.
It is big a step changing surroundings, living in a building with ordinary neighbours who do not necessarily know about disabilities.”
How did you feel about living in the accommodation centre?
“It was a new experience for me; the first step after my own family home, and semi-independent living. And now, five years later, I’m moving into the apartment. Maybe in five years’ time, I’ll move somewhere else!”
How do you see the future?
“I can see myself moving into social housing for people with disabilities. Time will tell, but I’ll do everything I can to get there.
It’s hard to imagine that for people with disabilities. Everyone is different. I can see myself living alone or with flatmates, but not too many. We’ll see how it goes living with others in the apartment.”
The “Turbulences!” centre offers its residents support to achieve independence in order to enable those who wish to consider social housing to do so.
Supported housing would provide the conditions needed to assess in situ the mental and instrumental independence of the person. This additional experimental stage(s) with supported housing would be the last "step” towards allowing residents to subsequently consider entering an inclusive home having already got their bearings.
News: 28 December 2020
Taking action for people with autism Autism France
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HomeHandgunSemiauto pistolCZ Makes a 45 for the Americans: the CZ-97B
CZ Makes a 45 for the Americans: the CZ-97B
June 19, 2018 Ian McCollum Semiauto pistol, Video 34
This pistol is up for auction at RIA on June 23.
Introduced in 1997, the CZ-97B is a .45ACP caliber addition to CZ’s line of globally popular handguns. However, the 97 has some substantial mechanical differences from the CZ-75 line. Most significantly, it locks on the front of the chamber and the ejection port instead of having locking lugs cut into the top of the barrel and underside of the slide. It also has a threaded and removable barrel bushing, unlike the 75s. This is an early 1998 production example, with wooden grips, no front slide serrations, and a solid front sight (newer examples have thinner aluminum grips, front serrations, and a fiber optic front sight).
The CZ97 has never been particular hot or popular, in large part I suspect because of its overall size coupled with a 10-round magazine. During the AWB when it was introduced in the US (and I’m sure the US is a primary market for a .45ACP CZ) this was not so much of a liability, but today there are many other options for a full-size .45ACP handgun with significantly more capacity.
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Nickl Prototype M1916/22 Pistol at James D Julia
March 11, 2015 Ian McCollum Prototype, Semiauto pistol, Video 9
Josef Nickl was one of the chief R&D designers at Mauser after the Federle brothers, and one of his pet projects was a rotating barrel military pistol developed from the Steyr-Hahn M1912 pistol. He built […]
Semiauto pistol
RIA: Praga 1921 One-Handed Pocket Pistol
This cute little pocket pistol was an early project of Vaclav Holek, who would become much better known for his work with the ZB-26 light machine gun and ZH-29 rifle. It is a very small […]
Light MGs
Shooting the ZB-26: A Jewel of an Interwar Light Machine Gun
October 27, 2017 Ian McCollum Light MGs, Slow motion, Video 18
Today we have a chance to do some shooting with a ZB-26, a German-occupation 8mm light machine gun made at Brno in Czechoslovakia. The ZB-26 does not get nearly as much attention as LMGs made […]
Jeremy Eckerman says:
I’m a fan of my 1999 example – great trigger, reasonably accurate (although I suspect a set of adjustable sights would do wonders) with factory ammo, and recoil is not as noticeable (a 9mm Colt Combat Commander. The wood grips are a bit chunky, but comfortable, and the bushing only has one detent on this early model.
*the Colt has a more noticeable recoil impulse than the CZ, from what I’ve experienced.
Matisse Enzer says:
The Ruger P-series pistols (introduced in 1985) are also Browning-derived and lock up on the chamber/slide in the same way. The Ruger design uses a swinging link and no separate barrel bushing (barrel rides in a “bushing” that is a part of the slide.)
JPeelen says:
I would like to point out that John M. Browning did not use the ejection port in the slide as a single surface for locking the breech. This is an idea of modern “improvers”. Maybe Browning had good reasons for using two separate locking lugs.
Strongarm says:
Ejection port lock surface looks a very clever improvement over multi lug hidden in the slide constuction. lt is easier to manufacture, stronger, safer and more controllable during usage. ln fact, only a single lug works in multi lug barrels initially and others, through long usage, begin to work as being peened by discharge blasts both rearward as producing and downwardly as reducing the lock surfaces. ln coil type recoil springed pistols, this type of locking is first appeared in French MAS pistols as an economical concept and became popular after SigSauer handguns.
There is one more detail and you as man of manufacturing background will understand. When you opt for two or more contact locking surface sets, you need to apply extremely tight tolerances to have them engaged simultaneously. In practice this never happens as they gradually (thru your mentioned peening) reach close to equal seating, but never perfect.
Single locking surface via ejection port is small, further reduced by barrel tilt inlet – not the best solution. More engagement surface, the better. I like it more the old fashioned way.
Of course, it can be argued that the cuts/ bosses can be produced by single tool without indexing. In that case it is consistency of tool maintenance and set-up which plays the major role.
Best approach to get maximum locking surface, should be, to clean downwardly swaged peening projections through discharge impacts which pushing the barrel out of lock, after a well calculated usage period, follwed by reheatreating.
eon says:
The ejection port/oversized chamber lockup variant of the Browning system first showed up on the French model 1935S version of the Model 1935A service automatic in 7.65 x 20mm. Both pistols were designed by Charles Gabriel Petter (1880-1953), a Swiss-born engineer who later worked for SiG in Switzerland;
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Petter
The 1935S version was developed in the 1937-38 time frame to be more easily and rapidly mass-produced than the more elegant, but also more tricky to machine, Model 1935A.
Any resemblance between the M1935A and the SiG P-210 is not coincidental; Petter was largely responsible for the 210 design, as well.
Main differences between P210 and Model 1935;
– Kidney shaped cam under barrel developed by Sig engineers,
– Slide rails nestled within the frame,
– Trigger release Lockwork constructed with a definite two stage let off.
It’s interesting to note that the French Model 1950 9 x 19mm service auto, the successor to the 1935 series, was basically an enlarged and strengthened M1935S. It served the French forces very well until replaced by a variant of the Beretta M92 in the late 1980s.
Cherndog says:
I wonder if anyone tried to fit a suppressor and a slide-lock to a modified example. There may be some merit in that, but then again the result may be another “offensive pistol” like the Mark 23…
Daweo says:
“CZ97 has never been particular hot or popular, in large part I suspect because of its overall size coupled with a 10-round magazine.”
What about adverts? Does they made some in 1990s USA? More general what was brand recognition of ČZ-UB in 1990s USA?
Brand recognition has been commendable, but there are too many choices, especially in .45 Gov.1911 – all American killer pistol.
Btw. Army of CR (cute little expeditionary outfit) has penchant for exotic stuff. They bought some CZ75 in military guise not untill 2009. Police was not interested, so company briskly offered model D (compact) with aluminum frame. There is always a Glock lurking around the corner.
“especially in .45 Gov.1911 – all American killer pistol.”
I suspected that many users of .45 Auto are sentimental to 1911, but unable to get statistical data. I found that: https://www.gungenius.com/top-selling/January2017-December2017
which as I understand show most often bought automatic pistols of 2017 on U.S. market and there is not any .45 Auto-chambered in top 5.
Maybe American shooters are finally realizing that no, the .45 ACP is not more powerful than the world-standard 9 x 19mm. Something the U.S. Defense (War) Department has known since 1945.
The first proposal to replace the .45 with the 9mm dates to 1948- and was derailed by the Korean War.
9mm pistols and SMGs were used extensively by U.S. special operations forces in Vietnam, to the point that the U.S. Navy SEAL basic training manual (1974) lists the MK22 Mod 0 pistol as the standard SEAL sidearm; it was otherwise known as the Smith & Wesson Model 39. The standard SMG is the Swedish Carl Gustaf M45 in 9mm, with the S&W M76 “clone” as “limited standard”. The 1911 .45 pistol and M3 .45 SMG are listed as “obsolescent”, and the old Thompson isn’t even mentioned.
The major complaint with the adoption of the Beretta M92 as the U.S. Pistol M9 in 1986 wasn’t its caliber, it was that the open-top slide/aluminum frame combination did not stand up well to sustained use of full-power service ammunition. (This was a long-standing complaint with both the earlier Beretta M951 and the Walther P.38 as well, BTW.) The result wasn’t a return to the 1911, it was the adoption of SiG automatics with fully-enclosed slides in 9mm as “substitute standard”, and more recently the adoption of the SiG P320 in 9 x 19mm as the new standard U.S. service pistol;
https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/news/a24852/the-sig-p320-is-the-us-armys-new-sidearm/
The .45 ACP round has been an anachronism for about a century. While many may mourn its passing, you really can’t argue the facts and figures, “stopping power theory” fantasies to the contrary. When approximately 350 to 400 foot pounds (475-542J) of kinetic energy is applied to a human body, that body is going to suffer about the same amount of physical damage, whether the application is by a large projectile at low velocity, a medium-sized projectile at medium velocity, or a small projectile at high velocity.
IOW, no matter whether you’re shot with a .45 ACP, a 9 x 19mm, or a 7.62 x 25mm, you’re hurt just as bad.
Quite enlightening, thank you.
Lets see what caliber is in following automatic pistol in statistics I linked:
1. 9×19 Parabellum
2. .22 WMR
5. 9×17 Kurz [.380 Auto]
While 1,3,4,5 are not surprise for me, number 2 is mind-boggling. While I was aware of that particular automatic pistol I did not except it to be so popular.
staghounds says:
EAA also made a CZ-75 .45, the “Witness”. Does it have the same technical quirks and size hugeness, or is it really just a .45 CZ-75?
Nanashi says:
Mags are apparently interchangeable, so I suspect the first.
The EEA “Witness” would be more like the cz 97b also the EEA aka Tanfoglio “Witness and the Witness-P magazines are not interchangeable
My impression is that the Witness is a reason the CZ75 never really took off in this country. I know friends who consider it just another “cheap foreign import semiauto.” I realize that’s a misimpression, but that’s marketing.
Frank Lester says:
Where is the bleeping link to RIA?
Why cant you make a prominent, clear visible link to them (Rock Island Auctions)?
Is that so difficult?
I don’t know for you, but it seems perfectly visible.
https://i.imgur.com/6xayXXH.png
If you are not able to detect it then you might just do as follow (tested in Firefox browser, but other might work too):
Press [left] ctrl + u
Press [left] ctrl + f
type rockislandauction
it highlight fragment containing this phrase, while it is not link you are looking for then press enter
However, I want to note that I did not have problem with finding that link, even without resorting to above described procedure.
Jacob Morgan says:
One thing that did not help sales was when Col Cooper gave it a thumbs down. It was in his “Cooper’s Commentaries” in that era. If you think about it, this gun is a lot like a Bren Ten in 45ACP. Cooper liked the CZ-75, other than it being in 9mm. So one would think this would have been a slam dunk.
Copper did not elaborate on what he did not like about it–I can only guess that it would not properly fit the hands of too many students.
If it had, back then, Cooper’s endorsement, and had become the go-to pistol when he reconnected with Gunsite, maybe it would have taken off?
Regarding 9mm and 45ACP. With good ammo, either is fine, but we did not always have good ammo. A lot of hollow points did not expand. Everyone has a theory or formula of stopping power, but accefontal evidence is the only thing worthwhile for a lot of people. McBride’s account from WWI was that the FMJ 45 put people down and the FMJ 9 was iffy. Take it or leave it, but that was what was being said so that was what people went with. McBride, by the way, suggested (IIRC) a 6mm intermediate cartridge as the ideal infantry round, so he was not of the bigger is better mindset. My personal opinion is that 45 has an edge if ammo fails to expand–but I tend to carry 9mm more than 45ACP because it is more compact.
Should have been “Anecdotal evidence”
And CZ does make really good guns. The most accurate handgun I ever shot was a CZ75.
Cooper helped design the bren 10, that might have had some pull on why he didnt like it. I have a newer 97b and love it, very accurate, fits well in my hands and the recoil isnt bad. No complaints from me about it.
Not disagreeing with you, but in the mid-1970s, when Dr. Martin Fackler of the U.S. Army Wound Ballistics study project (Infantry School) looked at medical reports and etc. from the ETO in WW2, he learned to his surprise that U.S. .45 230-gr. FMJ and German 9mm 124-gr. FMJ delivered almost exactly the same number of the much-desired “one-shot stops” with center torso area hits; about 68%. And that the .32 ACP and .380 ACP weapons, like Walther PPs and PPKs, Beretta M1934s and 35s, and the British .38 S&W revolvers, all performed at about 50%.
Even the derided Japanese 8mm Nambu cartridge was good for 55%, about the same as the U.S. .38 Special used by the OSS. Considering both had almost exactly the same muzzle energy (about 240 FPE/ 325J) this probably shouldn’t be too surprising.
The fact is that everybody’s pistols and SMGs back then were doing about the same amount of damage, regardless of actual bore specs.
“(…)SMG(…)”
This is crucial, independently from it visual or perceived terminal effect, 9×19 is just lighter than .45 Auto, just look for table here:
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/04/09/how-much-does-your-ammunition-weigh/
cartridge mass for 9×19 NATO is 12,6 g, for .45 Auto is 20,9 g, while maybe not much nuisance in case of automatic pistol and carrying limited number, there is big difference for sub-machine guns, to better depict that situation: mass of 100 rounds of .45 Auto is equivalent to 165 rounds of 9×19 Parabellum and mass of 100 rounds of 9×19 Parabellum is equivalent to 60 rounds.
And this is counting only cartridges mass, without magazine which if made from same material would probably even make this comparison less favorable for .45 Auto as it is just bigger geometric-wise.
That being said both cartridge are of 1900s and nonetheless both are still alive today.
is: “(…)both cartridge(…)”
should be: “(…)both cartridges(…)”
is: “(…)of 1900s(…)”
should be: “(…)of 1900s vintage(…)”
Watch_Doggos says:
Do you have a link for that info? Be cool to read up on.
=BCE56= says:
Interesting WWII statistics and WWI anecdotes posted above. In particular I found the 9mm vs. .45 stop percentages somewhat surprising. Disregarding such arcana as tissue disruption/wound channels etc. it seems likely the smaller, faster bullet might pass thru the target and not transfer energy as efficiently.
Bullet profiles might have a significant effect as well. 9mm FMJ is noticeably “pointier” than .45 ACP, and hollowpoints that fail to expand are essentially ball ammo.
The heavy and “slow” .45 has proven effective for a long, long time. Advances in bullet construction are said to bring 9mm ammo to a comparable level. (These same advances have been applied to other calibers, including .45.)
If one resides in a jurisdiction that limits magazine capacity to 10 rds
AND prohibits the use of expanding bullets, I reckon .45 would be the more effective choice. In these areas wadcutters, SWC or RNFP bullets might have an edge.
Are seven rounds of modern 9mm as effective as 7 rds of .45 ACP? Are 10 rds more effective than seven of .45? I doubt anybody knows for sure.
But when the chips are down I will reach for my trusty .45.
Rob Farrow says:
While caliber differences are arguable, having a firearm that the shooter can carry appropriately and shoot effectively is what matters most. A well practiced shooter with a 9mm kurtz is a more dangerous opponent than a casual shooter with a pistol of any caliber.
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Hackers Use Flaw in Cisco Switches to Attack Critical Infrastructure
By: Jeffrey Burt | April 06, 2018
The networking vendor's Talos security unit is issuing a warning to organizations that have deployed Cisco's Smart Install technology.
Attackers are taking aim at critical infrastructure in multiple countries by exploiting a software flaw in some Cisco switches that has been a point of concern for more than a year.
According to a blog post issued April 5 by Cisco’s Talos security unit, the cyber-attacks are exploiting what Cisco officials are calling a “protocol misuse” situation in Cisco’s Smart Install Client, which is designed to enable the no-touch installation and deployment of new Cisco hardware, in particular Cisco switches. The Talos unit is blaming nation-states for the bulk of these attacks, saying they are similar to those detailed in a release last month by U.S. Cert that alleged hackers associated with the Russian government were targeting U.S. government agencies and organizations in such critical areas as nuclear, water, aviation, energy, commercial facilities and manufacturing.
Cisco in February 2017 issued an alert after discovering a rise in the number of internet scans for systems where the Smart Install Client was not turned off or configured with the property security controls. Without the right security controls, hackers can send new commands to the switches running Cisco’s IOS or IOS XE network operating system.
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According to the blog post by Nick Biasini, a threat researcher at Cisco Talos, the Smart Install protocol can be misused to “modify the TFTP server setting exfiltrate configuration files via TFTP, modify the configuration file, replaces the IOS image, and set up accounts, allowing for the execution of IOS commands.” Biasini added that “although this is not a vulnerability in the classic sense, the misuse of this protocol is an attack vector that should be mitigated immediately.”
Cisco used the Shodan tool to find that more than 168,000 systems worldwide are potentially exposed to threats through the Smart Install Client, a number that is smaller than the 251,000 cyber-security firm Tenable found were exposed in 2016. Still, it’s a lot of systems, and scanning by potential bad actors for the Smart Install technology has been ongoing since Cisco’s initial disclosure 14 months ago. That said, there was a spike in scanning starting in November 2017, which has peaked in April, according to numbers compiled by Talos.
“It is noteworthy that we are seeing an increase in scanning for the Cisco Smart Install Client,” Biasini wrote.
The Talos blog post comes a week after Cisco released a patch for a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability found by security company Embedi that created a critical remote code execution flaw and could allow attackers to gain full control over a vulnerable switch. According to Embedi’s report issued March 29, a “short scan of the Internet … detected 250,000 vulnerable devices and 8.5 million devices that have a vulnerable port open. Probably, this happens because on Smart Install clients the port TCP (4786) is opened by default and network administrators do not notice this somehow.”
The spike in scanning noted by Talos regarding the Smart Install Client is aimed at the TCP 4786 port.
According to Cisco, organizations can determine if a device is impacted by the Smart Install issues by running the command “show vstack config,” which will show if the Smart Install Client is active. Also, “additional indicators could be present if the logging levels are set to 6 (informational) or higher,” Biasini wrote. “These logs could include, but are not limited to, write operations via TFTP, execution of commands and device reloads.”
The easiest way to mitigate the issue is to run the command “no vstack” on the affected device. If this isn’t possible, the best option is to restrict access through an access control list for the interface.
In his post, Biasini urged network administrators “to be especially vigilant. It can be easy to ‘set and forget’ these devices, as they are typically highly stable and rarely changed. Combine this with the advantages that an attacker has when controlling a network device, and routers and switches become tempting targets. … Customers [should] review their architecture, use the tools provided by Talos to scan their network, and remove Cisco Smart Install Client from all devices where it is not used.”
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Vote Against Jerusalem’s Recognition and Incur US Wrath – Trump Warns UN Member States
Face of Malawi > World News > Vote Against Jerusalem’s Recognition and Incur US Wrath – Trump Warns UN Member States
US President Donald Trump has threatened to cut off financial aid to countries that vote in favor Thursday of the United Nations resolution rejecting Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
US president says he ‘likes’ envoy Nikki Haley’s warning to UN member states and that he is, indeed, ‘watching their votes’.
Speaking to reporters at the White House Wednesday, Trump also expressed support for a letter sent by US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, in which she warned member states against supporting the resolution.
“The president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those who voted against us,”Haley wrote in the letter.
Trump said he “likes” Haley’s message and that he is, indeed, “watching their votes.
“They take hundreds of millions of dollars and even billions of dollars, and then they vote against us,” Trump said. “Well, we’re watching those votes. Let them vote against us. We’ll save a lot. We don’t care.”
Nikki Haley sent a letter to representatives of UN member-states, warning them against supporting a resolution rejecting President Donald Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
The resolution, which expected to pass by sweeping majority, is slated for vote on Thursday.
“The president will be watching this vote carefully and has requested I report back on those who voted against us,” she wrote in a letter obtained by Haaretz.
“Thank you for your consideration, and please do not hesitate to contact my team with any questions or concerns.”
The UN General Assembly is set to meet on Thursday at 5 P.M. Israel time (10 A.M. EST) for an emergency discussion on the unilateral American recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
Turkey and Yemen requested the meeting after an Egyptian draft resolution against the recognition was presented to the Security Council and was vetoed by the United States, although the 14 other members of the council voted for it.
Turkey said on Wednesday the US has isolated itself by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and accused it of threatening countries that might vote against it on the matter at an emergency U.N. General Assembly session.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, whose country has led Muslim opposition to Washington’s stance on Jerusalem, was speaking before leaving Istanbul with the Palestinian foreign minister to attend Thursday’s gathering in New York.
In an attempt to avoid embarrassment, Israel has instructed its diplomatic missions to seek meetings with high-level officials to persuade them to direct their representatives at the UN to oppose, not to support, or at the very least not to deliver a speech at the General Assembly.
Among the reasons ambassadors were told to cite are that Jerusalem was the de facto capital of Israel long before the United States recognised it as such; a resolution of this kind at the United Nations will damage American efforts toward a peace agreement in the region.
The resolution will spur terror and violence in the area; and unilateral steps in the United Nations do more harm than good. The envoys will also pledge to maintain freedom of religion and the status quo in the city.
-Culled from Haarezt
Tag: Donald Trump, Jerusalem, Mevlut Cavusoglu, Nikki Haley, UN
Author: FOM
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Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby Pascuzzi & Rios LLP
Can Filing a Chapter 11 Save My Oil and Gas Business?
By Steven H. Felderstein and Jennifer E. Niemann*
What will happen to your oil and gas business if low commodity prices eliminate your ability to borrow additional funds, or worse, force you to pay down some or all of your company’s credit line? Can you reduce your cost of production to make a small profit or break even at current crude prices?
Dozens of oil and gas companies filed bankruptcy cases in 2015 to take advantage of Chapter 11’s tremendous flexibility to restructure balance sheets and reorganize operations. Companies in Chapter 11 can restructure payment terms, adjust equity, sell non-core business assets or even sell an entire business as a going concern. A successful Chapter 11 reorganization depends on many factors, including not waiting too long to file, developing an exit strategy before filing, minimizing the expense of a Chapter 11 case by moving through the process quickly, and being represented by experienced Chapter 11 counsel.
How Chapter 11 Can Benefit a Business
The primary benefits of Chapter 11 are: (1) protection from collection actions by creditors; (2) management remains in control and can continue to operate in the ordinary course of its business; (3) management can decide which leases and contracts to keep or reject; (4) management has the exclusive right to propose a plan of reorganization for the first six months of the case; (5) all creditors are before the same bankruptcy court represented by a committee with whom management can negotiate a plan; and, (6) the bankruptcy court can confirm a plan over the objection of creditors.
An “automatic stay” goes into effect immediately upon filing a Chapter 11 case permitting a business to reorganize its operations with relative freedom from creditor actions. The automatic stay stops creditors from taking any action to collect their pre-bankruptcy debts. This gives management and its general counsel a breathing space to focus on righting the ship and coming up with a reorganization plan.
Management remains in control of the company which becomes known as the “debtor in possession” (“Debtor”). Continuity of management helps reassure employees, customers and creditors during the difficult initial phase of the case.
The Debtor can review its contracts to decide if it wants to continue to perform. Undesirable or unprofitable contracts may be rejected after approval by the bankruptcy court. Desirable contracts can be “assumed,” at which time the Debtor must cure any defaults under those contracts.
The ultimate goal of Chapter 11 is to confirm a reorganization plan so the Debtor can stay in business and retire all or a portion of its debt, with the unpaid portion, if any, being discharged. Only management can file a plan of reorganization for the first 120 days of a Chapter 11 case. If filed within the 120 days, management gets another 60 days to obtain votes in favor of the plan. Such a plan can include selling non-core business assets, or selling the entire business as a going concern.
Filing a Chapter 11 brings all creditors and litigation before the bankruptcy court, thus eliminating the need to defend collection actions in different courts all over the country. To give the Debtor a representative group of creditors with which to negotiate a plan, the Bankruptcy Code provides for the appointment of a committee of the seven largest unsecured creditors.
Finally, the plan process favors a consensual plan, but gives the Debtor negotiating leverage because a plan can be “crammed down” or confirmed over the objection of recalcitrant creditors.
Possible Downsides to Filing Chapter 11
Filing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy case has several potential downsides. First, the reputation of the business could suffer. Customers may decline, current vendors may stop doing business with the Debtor or may supply on a COD basis only, and employees may leave. At a minimum, filing a Chapter 11 disrupts the Debtor’s business operations and takes time away from managing the business.
Second, the automatic stay only protects the filing entity (the Debtor) and its assets. It does not protect guarantors, co-debtors, affiliates, general partners or others liable for the indebtedness.
Third, state law could impede the Debtor’s ability to deal with its leases and other contracts. In California, the Debtor likely will be able to assume or reject oil and gas leases because the landowner cannot convey a fee interest in oil and gas under the surface of his land. Rather, the landowner can only lease or transfer an exclusive right to explore for, develop and produce that oil and gas. Laws in other states may differ.
Fourth, Chapter 11 is expensive for smaller businesses because it is designed for large, publicly-traded companies.
Fifth, the Debtor may not be able to successfully exit Chapter 11 if: (1) the business does not perform sufficiently during the Chapter 11; (2) the Debtor does not have the funding to pay post-bankruptcy claims; (3) the Debtor is unable to secure the votes needed to confirm a plan; or, (4) the Debtor is unable to meet the Bankruptcy Code cramdown requirements.
Finally, the Debtor’s management must meet its fiduciary obligations to creditors as well as operate within the constraints of the Bankruptcy Code to avoid the appointment of a Chapter 11 trustee, which would displace the Debtor’s management.
A Debtor Needs Experienced Counsel
Experienced bankruptcy counsel helps a company and its general counsel determine if the benefits of Chapter 11 justify the cost and disruption to business resulting from filing a bankruptcy case. If Chapter 11 is a viable alternative, the company and counsel need to determine an exit strategy before entering bankruptcy to reduce the time and cost of the legal process.
Because the debtor remains in possession when filing a Chapter 11 case, the Debtor's management is a fiduciary of the bankruptcy estate and must operate the business in compliance with all state and federal laws and regulations. Bankruptcy counsel helps the Debtor comply with the Bankruptcy Code and Rules, as well as with filing schedules and statements detailing the Debtor’s assets and liabilities and its historical business activities.
Management must attend and be represented by counsel at two very important meetings. The first is with the administrative arm of the bankruptcy court to check on compliance. And the second, called the first meeting of creditors, provides creditors with the opportunity to ask management questions under oath about the company’s past and future performance. Chapter 11 rules also require management to prepare monthly operating reports and a statement of compliance with federal and state tax laws on forms provided by the bankruptcy court.
While the Debtor can operate in the ordinary course of its business without bankruptcy court approval, questions of what actions are not in the ordinary course require the assistance of experienced counsel.
In the first days of the case, counsel for the Debtor typically brings several motions to approve certain post-bankruptcy actions. Most are administrative, like maintaining bank accounts and making payroll. In many cases, however, where one or more creditors has a security interest in the company’s cash or assets that can turn into cash, like inventory and accounts receivable, called “cash collateral,” it is very important to the Debtor’s continued operation that counsel obtain immediate bankruptcy court approval to use cash collateral. Usually, the secured creditors stipulate to the continued use of cash collateral subject to various restrictions and a budget, and the bankruptcy court approves the stipulation and budget. If the secured lenders and the Debtor are at odds, experienced bankruptcy counsel can help the Debtor obtain authority to use cash collateral from the bankruptcy court by showing that the secured lenders will be no worse off as the result of the proposed use of cash collateral.
While the Bankruptcy Code gives the Debtor great flexibility in developing a plan, counsel provides essential legal advice and structure for plan confirmation.
The oil and gas industry is in a downturn because of low commodity prices. Barring a prompt turnaround in oil and gas prices, many in the industry will need a legal process for reorganization. Chapter 11 is a powerful tool designed to help a business in distress restructure its debts and reorganize and, when applied properly, to help it succeed in the future. Experienced bankruptcy counsel working with general counsel enables management to develop a viable exit strategy prior to entering Chapter 11, operate in Chapter 11, and negotiate and confirm a successful plan of reorganization.
This article is issued for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed or used as general legal advice.
Steven H. Felderstein
Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby & Pascuzzi LLP
sfelderstein@ffwplaw.com
(916) 329-7400, Ext.220
Jennifer Niemann
jniemann@ffwplaw.com
Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby & Pascuzzi LLP (FFWP) specializes in bankruptcy and insolvency matters. Martindale-Hubbell, Chambers USA and Reuters, The Best Law Firms all recognize FFWP as a top law firm. Steven Felderstein is a member of the American College of Bankruptcy, an adjunct professor of law at McGeorge School of Law, and recognized for his expertise in bankruptcy related matters by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers® of Northern California, and Chambers USA. Jennifer Niemann writes and speaks frequently on bankruptcy topics, is senior counsel and a very experienced lawyer.
© 2019 Felderstein Fitzgerald Willoughby Pascuzzi & Rios LLP. All rights reserved.
Use of this site is subject to our disclaimer.
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Masergy tees-up two SD-WAN options for WFH employees
Masergy announces two 'work from anywhere' SD-WAN solutions for remote workers. (Pixabay)
With the backdrop of more companies keeping their employees at home for work, Masergy is serving up SD-WAN-based "work from anywhere solutions." The new work-from-home (WFH) offerings come in two flavors and are part of the company's Managed Secure SD-WAN portfolio.
With companies sending millions of employees to work from home in about mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic, most of the first WFH solutions entailed getting VPN concentrators enabled for a large number of employees to sign on and use at the same time, which most weren't built to do.
With the uncertainty around when offices spaces will be safe again, vendors and service providers have diligently been working on remote solutions for business employees, which includes extending the WAN into users' homes.
Masergy's SD-WAN Secure Home includes a lightweight Fortinet Secure SD-WAN device for quick connections using a residential internet connection. It also includes a built in firewall and router, direct connections to cloud services and secure access service edge (SASE) cybersecurity features.
For mobile users, Masergy's SD-WAN On the Go, which will be available next month, is a multi-platform software client and VPN that uses IPsec tunnels and endpoint protection to secure remote access to corporate networks. It also provides users with SASE-based secure connectivity anywhere.
SD-WAN On the Go also has zero touch provisioning for quick set-ups by remote workers and a unified client portal for IT managers.
SD-WAN landscape
WFH has pushed SD-WAN vendors that didn't previously have a software client for mobile devices or laptops to quickly create one.
RELATED: SD-WAN for work-from-home heats up with a new entry by Versa
In June, Versa Networks launched Versa Secure Access, which was designed to provide SD-WAN and security capabilities for employees that are now working-from-home (WFH.) Comcast Business, which uses Versa for its SD-WAN service, is in the process of evaluating a WFH SD-WAN solution while AT&T announced a new broadband tier for remote workers that included a gateway that is SD-WAN compatible.
Previously, Roy Chua, the founder and principal at AvidThink, said in an interview with FierceTelecom that a dedicated last mile service that's separate from home broadband—which is under additional strain due to remote learning and video streaming during the coronavirus—is a much more ideal solution for WFH, which is what AT&T is offering.
While software-based SD-WAN solutions can provide improved security and visibility, carriers have an advantage for WFH solutions because they own the last mile.
"While these SD-WAN software solutions solve the security and visibility problems, they are still constrained by their employees' last mile access," Chua previously said. "The usual benefits of SD-WAN like application-based QoS, or multi-path routing can only be achieved with control over the employees' home routers or wireless gateways, and with the addition other another of access, like an LTE link or a second broadband link.
In a follow-up email, a Masergy spokesperson said it addresses the last mile issues by separating work-related IP traffic from employees' home internet services, among other features.
Masergy owns and operates its own Secure Edge Network. Cato Networks and Aryaka also rely on their own networks to deliver their SD-WAN services.
SD-WAN SASE COVID-19 coronavirus Masergy Versa Networks AT&T Comcast Business Fortinet
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How to buy Avalon Holdings Corporation stock | $3.2
Own Avalon Holdings Corporation stock in just a few minutes.
Buy Avalon Holdings (AWX) Learn more
Avalon Holdings Corporation is a waste management business based in the US. Avalon Holdings Corporation shares (AWX) are listed on the NYSE MKT and all prices are listed in US Dollars. Avalon Holdings Corporation employs 521 staff and has a trailing 12-month revenue of around USD$61.4 million.
How to buy shares in Avalon Holdings Corporation
Search for Avalon Holdings Corporation. Find the stock by name or ticker symbol: AWX. Research its history to confirm it's a solid investment against your financial goals.
Purchase now or later. Buy today with a market order or use a limit order to delay your purchase until Avalon Holdings Corporation reaches your desired price. To spread out your purchase, look into dollar-cost averaging, which smooths out buying at consistent intervals and amounts.
Decide on how many to buy. At last close price of USD$3.2, weigh your budget against a diversified portfolio that can minimize risk through the market's ups and downs. You may be able to buy a fractional share of Avalon Holdings Corporation, depending on your broker.
Check in on your investment. Congratulations, you own a part of Avalon Holdings Corporation. Optimize your portfolio by tracking how your stock — and even the business — performs with an eye on the long term. You may be eligible for dividends and shareholder voting rights on directors and management that can affect your stock.
AWX shares summary
Is AWX stock a buy or sell?
Can I short AWX shares?
Avalon Holdings Corporation's financials
How volatile are AWX shares?
Does Avalon Holdings Corporation pay a dividend?
Avalon Holdings Corporation share price
Use our graph to track the performance of AWX stocks over time.
Avalon Holdings Corporation shares at a glance
USD$3.2
USD$1.1771 - USD$2.49
USD$-0.293
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Is it a good time to buy Avalon Holdings Corporation stock?
Technical Analysis of Avalon Holdings Corporation by TradingView
Avalon Holdings Corporation price performance over time
Historical closes compared with the close of $3.2 from 2021-01-11
Is Avalon Holdings Corporation under- or over-valued?
Valuing Avalon Holdings Corporation stock is incredibly difficult, and any metric has to be viewed as part of a bigger picture of Avalon Holdings Corporation's overall performance. However, analysts commonly use some key metrics to help gauge the value of a stock.
Avalon Holdings Corporation's EBITDA
Avalon Holdings Corporation's EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation) is USD$2.8 million.
The EBITDA is a measure of a Avalon Holdings Corporation's overall financial performance and is widely used to measure a its profitability.
Avalon Holdings Corporation financials
Shorting Avalon Holdings Corporation shares
There are currently 6,213 Avalon Holdings Corporation shares held short by investors – that's known as Avalon Holdings Corporation's "short interest". This figure is 69.2% up from 3,673 last month.
There are a few different ways that this level of interest in shorting Avalon Holdings Corporation shares can be evaluated.
Avalon Holdings Corporation's "short interest ratio" (SIR)
Avalon Holdings Corporation's "short interest ratio" (SIR) is the quantity of Avalon Holdings Corporation shares currently shorted divided by the average quantity of Avalon Holdings Corporation shares traded daily (recently around 56481.818181818). Avalon Holdings Corporation's SIR currently stands at 0.11. In other words for every 100,000 Avalon Holdings Corporation shares traded daily on the market, roughly 110 shares are currently held short.
However Avalon Holdings Corporation's short interest can also be evaluated against the total number of Avalon Holdings Corporation shares, or, against the total number of tradable Avalon Holdings Corporation shares (the shares that aren't held by "insiders" or major long-term shareholders – also known as the "float"). In this case Avalon Holdings Corporation's short interest could be expressed as 0% of the outstanding shares (for every 100,000 Avalon Holdings Corporation shares in existence, roughly 0 shares are currently held short) or 0.0027% of the tradable shares (for every 100,000 tradable Avalon Holdings Corporation shares, roughly 3 shares are currently held short).
Such a low SIR usually points to an optimistic outlook for the share price, with fewer people currently willing to bet against Avalon Holdings Corporation.
Find out more about how you can short Avalon Holdings Corporation stock.
Avalon Holdings Corporation share dividends
We're not expecting Avalon Holdings Corporation to pay a dividend over the next 12 months.
Avalon Holdings Corporation share price volatility
Over the last 12 months, Avalon Holdings Corporation's shares have ranged in value from as little as $1.1771 up to $2.49. A popular way to gauge a stock's volatility is its "beta".
AWX.US volatility(beta: 1.27)Avg. volatility(beta: 1.00)LowHigh
Beta is a measure of a share's volatility in relation to the market. The market (NYSE MKT average) beta is 1, while Avalon Holdings Corporation's is 1.2709. This would suggest that Avalon Holdings Corporation's shares are more volatile than the average for this exchange and represent, relatively-speaking, a higher risk (but potentially also market-beating returns).
Avalon Holdings Corporation overview
Avalon Holdings Corporation provides waste management services to industrial, commercial, municipal, and governmental customers in the United States. It operates through Waste Management Services, and Golf and Related Operations segments. The Waste Management Services segment offers hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal brokerage and management services; and captive landfill management services, as well as engages in salt water injection well operations. This segment also provides turnkey services, including daily operations, facilities management, and management reporting; and sells construction mats. The Golf and Related Operations segment operates and manages three golf courses and related clubhouses, a hotel, and a travel agency. Its golf and country club facilities provide swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, dining, and banquet and conference facilities, as well as spa services. The company also owns and operates hotel under the brand of The Grand Resort, which provides various facilities, such as swimming pool, fitness center, rooms, restaurants, bars, banquet, and conference facilities, as well as adjoining tennis center. The company was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Warren, Ohio. Avalon Holdings Corporation operates as a subsidiary of The Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
What percentage of Avalon Holdings Corporation is owned by insiders or institutions?
Currently 30.043% of Avalon Holdings Corporation shares are held by insiders and 9.483% by institutions.
How many people work for Avalon Holdings Corporation?
Latest data suggests 521 work at Avalon Holdings Corporation.
When does the fiscal year end for Avalon Holdings Corporation?
Avalon Holdings Corporation's fiscal year ends in December.
Where is Avalon Holdings Corporation based?
Avalon Holdings Corporation's address is: One American Way, Warren, OH, United States, 44484
What is Avalon Holdings Corporation's ISIN number?
Avalon Holdings Corporation's international securities identification number is: US05343P1093
What is Avalon Holdings Corporation's CUSIP number?
Avalon Holdings Corporation's Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number is: 05343P109
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Dealing rooms
Bloomberg releases Islamic finance platform
Bloomberg Professional® service executives today announced the launch of a Bloomberg Islamic Finance Platform (ISLM), a comprehensive solution designed to increase transparency, better connect the community and provide analytical tools to maximise investment performance in the rapidly growing market for Shariah-compliant products and services.
Bloomberg also announced, in cooperation with the Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM), the launch of a Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) sukuk index to provide a benchmark for MYR sovereign sukuk investments.
"The Islamic marketplace is growing rapidly and there is high demand for a wide range of resources," Dan Doctoroff, President of Bloomberg L.P, said from Kuala Lumpur. "Bloomberg is delighted to increase its commitment to serve this dynamic market, where we have nearly 20 years of experience in reporting on Islamic financial news, in all regions and across multiple asset classes."
Gerard Francis, Bloomberg's Global Head of Emerging Markets and Islamic Finance, said: "Bloomberg's Islamic Finance Platform provides the most complete, customizable and innovative solution available today. ISLM has the broadest set of Islamic finance data, analytics and proprietary news, significantly increasing market transparency. ISLM will give investment professionals the edge they need to make informed decisions and meet the increasing demands of investors and regulators."
The new Bloomberg ISLM platform has extensive resources for investing in fixed income, equities and money markets that comply with Shariah including:
• Sukuk- News coverage, analytics and search tools of more than 1,500 Islamic bond issues globally including fatwa endorsements and structured diagrams of the financial instruments. It also includes credit ratings and searchable data on Islamic loans globally.
• Equities & Funds - Screening of over 35,000 Shariah-compliant stocks by prominent screening agencies. Database of more than 500 Islamic funds with ability to research and monitor debt, commodities, equities and exchange traded funds (ETFs).
• Islamic Community Database - Providing full transparency into more than 250 Shariah scholars with details on which sukuk they have rated, boards they represent and their fatwa endorsements. Also included is a listing of more than 70 e than 70 Islamic banks and profiles on all prominent Islamic institutions and regulators.
• Regional specific content - Carrying the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) initiative's content, developed in collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia and other MIFC community members; providing insights on Shariah, MIFC business opportunities and key developments; and listing the more than 90 community members for business connections.
The platform is integrated with the Bloomberg Professional® service. It supports Bloomberg's leading Order Management System (OMS) and Asset and Investment Management system (AIM).
The Bloomberg AIBIM Bursa Malaysia Sovereign Shariah Index (BMSSI) developed together with The Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM), provides a benchmark of performance for investors seeking exposure to Shariah-compliant Malaysian Ringgit-denominated Sovereign Issuances. The BMSSI will set a standard for increased transparency and provide performance measures for Islamic markets.
"The MYR sukuk index developed with Bloomberg will become the Islamic benchmark of choice for the Malaysian sukuk market and help stimulate the growth, competitiveness and sustainability of Islamic financial services," says Dato' Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid, President, AIBIM. "With strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts, we can build an extensive and innovative leading-edge Islamic financial community that will succeed globally and enhance international presence for Islamic products and services."
Sheikh Dr. Mohd Daud Bakar, Managing Director, Amanie Islamic Finance Consultancy and Education, said: "Islamic finance represents important growth opportunities, and through the full range of institutions and products available, contributes to the expansion and intensity of the financial markets. Islamic products and services present feasible and competitive alternatives to conventional methods of investment. They are increasingly popular as financing and investment tools."
"We are delighted to provide a unique solution for our customers. Our product and service should not only benefit the existing Islamic finance community, but potential new players in this rapidly growing market," says UAE-based Max Linnington, Regional Head Middle East and Africa, Bloomberg.
The announcement was made at Bloomberg client event in Kuala Lumpur, where leading financial executives attended presentations and panel discussion with Shariah Scholars, Bloomberg Islamic Finance experts and Central Bank representatives.
Sponsored: [New Industry Sentiment Report] Managing Compliance and Growth
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FitzRoy, Supporting people with learning disabilities Menu
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Home Voices Tubby’s best GP experience blows staff away
Tubby’s best GP experience blows staff away
Alex, or ‘Tubby’ as he is known at Donec Mews, our registered care home in Hampshire has always felt very anxious going to medical appointments. However, thanks to the hard work of support workers Veronica and Jeff, Tubby overcame his nerves at his GP health check last week, and left feeling happier than ever before.
Veronica and Jeff work closely with Tubby and attend most of his medical appointments with him. Tubby has lived at Donec Mews for five years, and with the help of Veronica and Jeff and the support and reassurance they have provided, last week he made a breakthrough with his anxiety. Veronica said: “Tubby has always been anxious around any kind of health visits, and support worker Jeff and myself normally support him on the check ups to make sure he feels comfortable with the routine.
“Before this visit I called the surgery to request a doctor that Tubby was used to, although he isn’t the regular GP for Donec Mews. When it came to the day of the check up, Alex really blew me away. He wasn’t quiet like usual, he was chatting away and was even chatting to the doctor which he never does.
“When we got to the surgery he was happy, chatty, and not showing any signs of being anxious. Tubby was called to the doctor’s room, where he would normally start to get agitated. He greeted the doctor directly and he even high-fived him, which is very out of character!”
“The doctor did all observations that need to be done and also managed a blood test which would normally make him very anxious and angry with all staff and the doctor.
“We made sure to hold his hand to make it as comfortable and reassuring as possible, and worked with the GP to make sure everything went smoothly. I couldn’t believe what a positive experience it was I went back and called his mum straight away to tell her how proud of him I am.”
Carol, Tubby’s mum, said: “The care Alex receives from Veronica and Jeff at Donec Mews is exemplary. Since he has lived at Donec he has progressed light years, he has gone from needing to be sedated for dental work to just needing to hold Veronica’s hand, he’s the happiest he’s ever been. Our house is home to Alex, but Donec Mews is his home too. On his first ever day he asked the staff to call him Tubby!
“During the pandemic it has been difficult for him not to come home every six weeks like he would usually, but I am confident that he is being looked after extremely well. Veronica and Jeff are so in tune with Alex and his every need.”
FitzRoy General Enquiries
FitzRoy Advice Line
Central Support, FitzRoy House, 8 Hylton Road, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3JY
Registered charity number 1011290 / A company limited by guarantee, number 2699902
© FitzRoy 2014 - 2021
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Flights from Port of Spain Flights to New York City
Direct flights from Port of Spain to New York City
Did you mean flights from New York City to Port of Spain?
Home Flights from Port of Spain (POS) to New York City (JFK)
Piarco International Airport
Airbus A320-100/200
Port of Spain to New York City Flight Schedule
Scan through all non-stop flights from Port of Spain to New York City. The full flight schedule below gives an overview of all non-stop flights from POS to JFK, which includes the daily timetable of every operating airline for the upcoming 12 months.
Airlines flying from Port of Spain to New York City
Airline-specific flight schedules from Port of Spain to New York City
In total there are 2 airlines operating nonstop flights from Port of Spain POS to New York City JFK. This section gives an overview of the flight schedules and timetables of every airline with direct flights for this route.
Click an airline below to view their POS JFK flight schedule.
Caribbean Airlines (BW)
JetBlue (B6)
Caribbean Airlines flight schedulefrom Port of Spain to New York City
JetBlue flight schedulefrom Port of Spain to New York City
JetBlue flights start in March
Port of Spain to New York City Flights
Flights from POS to JFK are operated 13 times a week, with an average of 2 flights per day. Departure times vary between 00:15 - 19:37. The earliest flight departs at 00:15, the last flight departs at 19:37. However, this depends on the date you are flying so please check with the full flight schedule above to see which departure times are available on your preferred date(s) of travel.
The fastest direct flight from Port of Spain to New York City takes 5 hours and 20 minutes. The flight distance between Port of Spain and New York City is 2,210 miles (or 3,557 km).
How many airports are there in New York City?
There are 4 airports in New York City: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Stewart International Airport (SWF).
How many flights per week are there from POS to JFK?
There are 13 flights per week flying from Port of Spain to New York City (as of January 2021).
How long does it take to fly from Port of Spain to New York City?
5 hours and 20 minutes is the average flight time from Port of Spain to New York City.
How far is New York City from Port of Spain?
The distance from Port of Spain to New York City is 2,210 miles (3,557 kilometers).
What airlines fly nonstop from POS airport to JFK airport?
Caribbean Airlines and JetBlue are flying nonstop from Port of Spain to New York City.
What alliances have direct flights from Port of Spain to New York City?
There are no alliances flying direct from Port of Spain to New York City at the moment.
What classes are available from Port of Spain to New York City?
What aircraft types fly from Port of Spain to New York City?
Aircraft types that fly from Port of Spain to New York City:
What is the earliest flight departing from Port of Spain to New York City?
The earliest flight departs at 00:15 from Port of Spain and arrives at 04:35 at New York City.
What is the latest flight available from Port of Spain to New York City?
The latest flight departs at 19:37 from Port of Spain and arrives at 23:57 at New York City.
Popular flights from Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago
Port of Spain to Tobago
POS to TAB
Port of Spain to Georgetown
POS to GEO
Port of Spain to Bridgetown
POS to BGI
Port of Spain to New York City
POS to JFK
Port of Spain to Grenada
POS to GND
Port of Spain to Miami
POS to MIA
Port of Spain to Paramaribo
POS to PBM
Port of Spain to Saint Lucia
POS to SLU
Port of Spain to Fort Lauderdale
POS to FLL
Port of Spain to Willemstad, Curaçao
POS to CUR
Port of Spain to Toronto
POS to YYZ
Port of Spain to Saint Vincent
POS to SVD
Port of Spain to Orlando
POS to MCO
Port of Spain to Kingston
POS to KIN
Show all flights from Port of Spain Show all flights to New York City
Popular routes operated by Caribbean Airlines
New York City to Tobago
JFK to TAB
New York City to Georgetown
JFK to GEO
New York City to Port of Spain
JFK to POS
New York City to Kingston
JFK to KIN
Show all Caribbean Airlines flights
Popular routes operated by JetBlue
New York City to Santiago de los Caballeros
JFK to STI
New York City to Santo Domingo
JFK to SDQ
New York City to San Juan
JFK to SJU
New York City to Fort Lauderdale
JFK to FLL
New York City to Los Angeles
JFK to LAX
New York City to Orlando
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New York City to Boston
JFK to BOS
Show all JetBlue flights
Non-stop flights from POS to JFK
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India extends flight suspensions till 3 May
By Cirium2020-04-14T10:15:00+01:00
India will suspend all scheduled passenger flights for nearly three more weeks after the country extended a coronavirus-related lockdown.
The civil aviation authority says that all domestic and international scheduled airline operations will remain suspended until 3 May, 23:59. It adds that the restriction does not apply to international all-cargo operations and “flights specifically approved” by the authority.
India’s civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri says in a post on Twitter: “There were good reasons for the lockdown to be extended till 3rd May. We can consider lifting restrictions on both domestic [and] international flights thereafter.”
India has been on lockdown since 25 March and prime minister Narendra Modi said today in his address to the nation that the country has made good progress tackling the coronavirus outbreak.
“With fast action and early lockdown, India has done much better than the bigger nations. The figures from these developed nations show that we are doing much better,” local magazine India Today quotes him as saying.
As of 14 April, the country has 10,541 confirmed cases of coronavirus and the death toll stands at 358, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
The government first banned international flights from 22 March and Cirium fleets data shows that over 600 aircraft in the country are affected. Besides Air India, all other airlines have been taking bookings for commercial passenger services from 15 April, according to local financial newspaper Mint. With the flight ban extended, they will not be able to fly passengers with tickets dated between then and 3 May.
Following today’s announcement, Air India says it will suspend all operations until 3 May, according to local media reports.
Budget carrier IndiGo tells Cirium it will provide an update “soon” about its “important lockdown plans post government’s announcement”.
Earlier this month, IndiGo’s chief executive Ronojoy Dutta said that IndiGo will gradually ramp up operations and discontinue on-board meal services for a brief period after resuming services, according to Mint.
SpiceJet is preparing to implement social distancing measures both on board and on the ground when it resumes operations.
Mint reports that the airline has marked the cabin area and aircraft seats with “X” to indicate “no occupancy”. Even the aircraft boarding staircase steps are properly marked with special ink that is illuminated at night to set a one-metre distance between passengers.
Vistara tells Cirium that when it resumes operations, it will continue to take preventative measures against coronavirus, including temporarily removing reading materials from seat pockets, cleaning all aircraft at the turnaround of every single flight, and deep cleaning aircraft every 24h.
Yet again, New Delhi extends Air India sale deadline
Bids for state-owned Air India were meant to close today, but the government has extended the deadline for a further two months. In a seventh revision for expressions of interest to buy Air India, including its 100% stake in Air India Express and 50% stake in Air India SATS ...
Asia’s bullish LCC orderbook confronts a bear trap
Following epic orders in the aviation bull market of the 2010s, Airbus and Boeing have significant exposure to the fate of the four major low-cost carrier groups in the Asia-Pacific. The 2010s were a heady time for Asia-Pacific low-cost carrier bosses such as AirAsia’s Tony Fernandes, Lion Air’s Rusdi ...
Pakistan and India ease lockdowns but flights remain grounded
Pakistan and India are easing some of their coronavirus-related lockdown measures, though it will still be at least more than two weeks before aircraft flying scheduled international flights take to both countries’ skies as Pakistan has extended its flight ban and India’s remains subject to review. The lockdown in ...
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Learn best practices for starting and running a float center:
The Russian Float Conference – OSP 08
by Float Tank Solutions | Oct 14, 2019 | Podcast
Something in the world of floating have you stumped?
What's your question?*
Graham and Ashkahn are back to give their recap on the Float Conference. No, not THAT Float Conference, the Russian Float Conference.
The guys got to go speak at the float event on the other side of the world and are reporting back on what that was like, how their industry is shaping up, and some of the lessons we can learn about their industry over there.
Additionally, Graham and Ashkahn lied to you. The show notes will not have a puppet show in them.
rusfloat.ru – the website for the Russian Float Conference
Some of the centers that Graham and Ashkahn visited while in Russia:
flotarium.org
floatstudio.ru
Also, Ashkahn was not kidding about that half moon float tank. This looks like a trip!
Listen to Just the Audio
http://traffic.libsyn.com/floatsolutions/OSP-Russian_Float_Con.mp3
Transcription of this episode… (in case you prefer reading)
Graham: Okay.
Ashkahn: Hey, everybody.
Graham: How’s it going over here?
Ashkahn: Yeah. I mean, it’s going…
Graham: In the good old, wherever you happen to be residing when you listen to this. Or traveling. You don’t have to be living somewhere in order to listen to this.
Ashkahn: You having good weather over there?
Graham: Yeah. Are you? Huh? Answer me.
Ashkahn: Yeah, we’ll wait.
Graham: So I’m-
Ashkahn: The name’s Ashkahn.
Graham: I am Graham.
Ashkahn: And this is the Occasional Solutions Podcast where whenever we feel like it, we record an episode of float information and put it out there.
Graham: And we felt like it.
Ashkahn: This is one of those times.
Graham: Yeah. We just went on a little bit of an adventure. But enough about that. Let’s move on to the float tank knowledge.
Ashkahn: We have some sponsors here… So we just recently went out to Russia, which was pretty exciting because there was a Russian float conference happening.
Graham: Which is really cool. And they invited us to go out and speak, and we did. And we’re back. All right, we’ll talk to you guys next time.
Ashkahn: That’s pretty much it. That’s as much as we have to say about that. So this was in September. It was September 10th and 11th 2019 for all of you listening however many years in the future from now.
Graham: Or in the past.
Ashkahn: Or in the past. Yeah, it’s possible. This was put on by a Russian float association called Rusfloat and the organization, the association as well as the event itself was organized by a guy named Nail Gareev who’s been in the float scene actually for a surprising amount of time.
Graham: Longer than we have.
Ashkahn: Yeah. He’s been hustling float tanks up there for, I think he said thirteen, fourteen years. Like something in that range.
Graham: In that range, yeah.
Ashkahn: B.G and A. Before Graham and Ashkahn, as we like to mark time.
Graham: I didn’t even know you were saying. I was like “B.G.A., what does that stand for”?
Ashkahn: So, yeah, in the float scene in Russia it’s actually still kind of smaller than it is here, and they’re just starting to pick up steam. So he’s been doing it for a long time while there has not been a lot of awareness about floating and kind of watching that build up, and grow, and get to the point where he was like, hey maybe we could have a float conference and gather some people from Russia around to get together and share stories and have presentations, and…
Graham: Yeah. So we’d done a little summit earlier as well, which is kind of cool.
Ashkahn: Just March of 2019. So six, seven months ago.
Graham: And then decided to kind of springboard that into doing a full on conference and we’re still not talking about the scale of conference that we’re seeing from the float conference over here, there weren’t six hundred people rolling in from across Russia. But it was cool, just seeing these events getting going at all, in any country is I think a sign of this gathering awareness and I’m pretty much enough float centers that it actually makes sense to all come together and share crazy salty stories. So it was awesome. It was actually really cool to see that Russia is getting big enough in the float world that again, there are enough people to actually gather.
Ashkahn: It also turns out that float people are float people no matter where you go. We just got there and we’re like “Huh, I wonder what kind of people are opening float centers in Russia”. We met them all and were like “Oh yeah, float people”. There’s just float people out who open the float centers, and they’re all super chill, and really fun to hang out with, and incredibly nice. So it was really delightful to get to hang out with the people we love in a different part of the world.
Graham: Absolutely. And also, for anyone over there listening who was at the conference, a big thank you to everyone who kind of sprung in and translated for us on the fly, and it was just really hospitable and welcoming.
Ashkahn: Especially for us, we didn’t speak any Russian and we were just kind of going there, and they were super helpful trying to get us to understand what was going on and helping us translate for people who didn’t speak English. And it was great. Everyone was really, really nice to us.
Graham: Yeah. And you know, in general I’d say that there was maybe what, fortyish people.
Ashkahn: Yeah, something like that. And I guess the question I feel like I’ve been getting a bunch when I bring this up to people is just-
Graham: “How are you so handsome when you’re telling me this?”
Ashkahn: “Just infatuated! What did I say again? Your eyes…” After we get through that, people just really want to know what’s going on with the float scene in Russia. And it seems like as best as we’ve been able to compare it, it kind of felt like the United States in maybe 2012 ish, ’11, ’12, somewhere in that range. Floating, it’s still not like it is here, where you can ask someone if they’ve heard about float tanks before, and they kind of cock their heads and “yeah, I feel like I’ve heard something”, we’re starting to hit some level of mass awareness we’re seeing in the U.S. And Canada and Australia and stuff like that, which is cool. So it’s not really there yet, but we’re just at the point where it felt like the first kind of real serious float centers were opening up.
Graham: Yeah, for sure. So I was talking to some guys over there during the conference and I was asking “How many centers do you think have three or more float tanks in all of Russia”? And they said probably around five by their best estimates.
Graham: And so maybe it’s a little bit more, it’s hard to know what’s going on, or somewhere around there. But most of the centers are one or two tanks going on and there’s just starting to be these newer, bigger centers that are opening up that are starting to be done really nice and not just a single tank that’s almost a… what’s the nice word for single tank setups that are…
Ashkahn: Quaint.
Graham: Quaint, yeah. Sort of quainter setups that people have. So it feels like it’s just kind of hitting the stage where, although there are people who’ve been doing it for a while and it’s kind of been around, the commercialism or the bigger actual dedicated center is just starting to rise.
Ashkahn: And these places, St Petersburg and Moscow are definitely the two biggest cities there, and they both have had float centers on some sort of scale really just in the last couple of years, even the bigger ones that we’re talking about or that we saw while we were there. One had opened I think a month before we got there. They had just basically started, they had a first location, they just opened up this nice second location that we went to. They were called Float Studio, super, super nice, high end sort of float center with a bunch of other services. And they were opening their second location right when we were there and there was a really cool place Flotarium that were awesome dudes and were super nice and hung out with us a bunch, which is great.
Ashkahn: And I mean they had opened, what was it, somewhere between one and two years? One year ago?
Graham: Exactly. Really recently. But had already had a second location as well.
Ashkahn: So they opened a second place in St Petersburg. They were opened 24 hours a day, one of the only float centers other than us that’s actually actively open 24 hours a day.
Graham: Which is so cool to visit. We’re like “It says 24 hours on here”. They’re like “Yeah, we’re open 24 hours a day”.
Ashkahn: And it’s cool. We’re seeing these places also do really well. These float centers that are opening with three, four tanks over there are spreading the word. They’re getting a lot of interest. They are booked out of several days. They have high capacity. it’s that sort of spring of float tanks popping up that I think we saw also in the U.S. when big cities were starting to get their first couple kind of big centers.
Graham: Yeah. So overall it was sort of invigorating. It was kind of nice hopping in a little time machine and going back to just the burgeoning beginnings of a float industry somewhere. Plus they already had statues of us over there, we were pretty much revered as sort of these float heroes. So yeah, it was neat showing up to all the… They knew every single Daily Solutions intro.
Ashkahn: Word for word. Yeah, it was pretty incredible. They would sing, they would make hymns…
Graham: It’s in the karaoke books over there. Karaoke also very big.
Ashkahn: Yeah, pretty big in Russia. There’s all sorts of interesting things like that that we can talk about, karaoke.
Graham: Yeah.
Ashkahn: This is just a small story I’ll share, at some point there was a presentation about float tank sanitation at the conference and someone asked the question, “Oh, what do you do in this situation”? The person’s response was, “yeah in that situation, you can just pour a little bit of vodka in the float tank”. And I was like, well no way did that just happen. No way were we at a Russian float conference, and someone just recommended pouring vodka into a float tank. So vodka is big there, despite everything you’ll hear to the contrary.
Graham: Helps with the foam.
Ashkahn: No it was fun and it was cool to see their own interest in the industry too. They had people giving these really great presentations where they had actually gone through a ton of float data and were showing the data that’s been coming out of library and other athlete specific float data and aggregating it, and giving presentations on it, and talking about what’s going on in the rest of the float world, and even having some of their own like local professors and experts kind of in similar fields including marketing and stuff like that come and give presentations to the float community there about how float tanks might work well in terms of marketing, how float tanks might work well in terms of what sort of research has even been happening there in Russia and what sort of athletes have been using it.
Ashkahn: And it was cool. It was just cool seeing like all the exciting stuff we see here in the U.S. also have these parts of it that are happening all around the world and getting to see their own kind of local athletes, and local professors, and local marketing experts kind of dig into the float world.
Graham: And I liked that even though you didn’t really have this depth of flotation experts over there that you have in the United States or places who have had a little more time to kind of develop, you did really have this depth of people who are experts in their field and really passionate about floating, coming out and presenting. I guess just kind of hopping on your bandwagon there, it’s really neat to see just that interest coming from all different areas and in the college scene, and in the business scene, and again, I actually didn’t expect to come back from that with that same sort of post float conference glow that you get from the float conference here in the States. But I totally did, I came back from Russia and I still had this Russian flavored float conference glow about me, it was good. It was tasty.
Ashkahn: I mean at least that’s…
Graham: It was tasty. That’s your cue, dude.
Ashkahn: That’s at least what we think people were talking about. I mean it was all in Russian, so we don’t really know. They could have been talking about something totally different, and whoever was translating was just making it all up. But at least that’s the impression we got.
Graham: And I did see slides up there of Justin’s data. So at least they were loosely trying to pull one over on us a little more. It sounds like they’re planning on having more of them too.
Ashkahn: I think so, yeah. It seems like they’re hoping to make it an annual thing.
Graham: And I don’t remember what they’re doing for talks or anything. I mean it’s all in Russian, but if you speak Russian and you want to hear the talks or see the slides, we’ll post up some information in the show notes about it.
Ashkahn: If we have it. I mean, sure.
Graham: Or we’ll post up a lack of information. We’ll say “We’re sorry, we don’t actually know anything”, and we’ll put that in the show notes.
Ashkahn: At some point.
Graham: Along with a handwritten note written by Juliet.
Ashkahn: We haven’t seen any slides here. Were they videotaping it?
Graham: There was some recording going on, but I really don’t know what the plans are for it. We’re out of our element. We shouldn’t be…
Ashkahn: All right. Well if they don’t, we’ll just impersonate all the speakers and reproduce the entire event for you guys in the show notes. Juliet will reproduce the entire two day event, with sock puppets.
Graham: Live! One time only.
Ashkahn: In the show notes.
Graham: On ice. I recommend it. If you get a chance you should definitely go over and hit up the Russian float conference. Ruscon.
Ashkahn: Well all right. That’s not what it’s called. That would just be Russian Conference.
Graham: Yeah, I know. I know.
Ashkahn: What were some differences you felt…
Graham: Between what?
Ashkahn: Between us and the Russians.
Graham: This turns into an interview show, huh?
Ashkahn: So one thing that was interesting was when marketing would come up and they’d start talking about paid marketing. This is kind of a small thing, but Instagram was just much more popular as an advertising platform than Facebook, they’re both owned by the same company and Instagram is very popular here too. But you still, here in the U.S. and when we do our industry survey and stuff like that, you just still see Facebook ads as this huge return. Much more than even you see people investing money or using Instagram. And it was basically flipped there. Instagram really was the main platform everyone was using and releasing media on.
Graham: Even more so than it was, flipped or something. It was, way more prevalent than Facebook was. Yeah, for sure.
Ashkahn: So that was interesting, that really was their key platform, and the main focus they had in terms of social media and content release.
Graham: Yeah. And there were some interesting takeaways just from some of their strategies that some of the centers were using too. Just the idea of not trying to sell immediate appointments but selling gift cards instead, really double that down on the gift card sales. But yeah, just trying to sell this idea of grab a gift card or grab a float on your account and then you can schedule anytime and trying to push that rather than pushing selling a float, for scheduling an immediate appointment. That was kind of an interesting note to take down.
Ashkahn: One of the bigger, more successful centers there, they said that was really helping them out. I mean it relies on a discount. So you’re incentivizing people through some sort of platform like Instagram to say “Hey, for the next day you can buy two floats for twenty bucks off” or whatever, and really I think just the call to action being not booking the appointment but buying the float.
Graham: Yeah, it was the interesting stance on that.
Ashkahn: It’s lowering and lowering that barrier. Don’t get people to have to sit down and try to deal with their schedule and stuff. Just get them to buy the float and incentivize it with some kind of discount. And then that’s just an easier pitch rather than… Then once they have the float, then they can book it and deal with the more difficult part of getting people into the float tank, which is them actually finding time in their schedules to come and do it and that seems to be working really well for them, which is cool to hear.
Graham: Yeah, definitely wrote that down in my little invisible marketing book in my brain.
Ashkahn: and I guess the really early feeling of what float centers are going to be like over there. Even Nail, who again was putting on the conference and started this Russian float association and has been doing float stuff for many years, has been kind of putting float tanks into existing spa businesses and working, partnering up with them and even just recently was actually opening up kind of his own full-on float centers. So just kind of seeing the beginning of what float centers really look like over there and the different approaches that people are taking from high end to kind of, just having a float center right in the middle of the city that’s super convenient to really kind of creating that super relaxed space for people and all the whole variety of float experiences you get to see.
Graham: Yeah. I mean to be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if in two to three years there are two to three times as many larger float tank centers over there, that have three tanks or more. It really does feel like just the beginning of that curve of larger places opening up. So yeah, it’s going to be really exciting to see what happens over there.
Ashkahn: Yeah. Unfortunately the exchange rate and just the difficulty of, I think the cost of importing stuff has made it hard for them to get equipment from out of the country it seemed.
Graham: Yeah, way more homemade tanks or just even things that are more piecemealed together over there, then we’ve seen in a lot of places.
Ashkahn: And it sounded like just out of necessity, they just looked into buying float tanks from European or U.S. manufacturers and the costs, the combination of the distance, plus the importing difficulty, plus just the fact that their exchange rate is kind of not working well in terms of comparing buying things from the U.S. or Europe, all of that resulted in a lot of float equipment or U.S. And European float tanks kind of just being cost prohibitive for them there.
Graham: When I was, when I was asking Nail what we should bring as gifts or something like that, and he was like, “Oh, I’ve been having a hard time getting these Halo neck pillows delivered swiftly. Throw a couple of Halos in your luggage”. And I was like, “Yeah, for sure”.
Ashkahn: Yeah we smuggled some Halos in.
Graham: They really don’t like that, yeah. But just speaking to how hard it is to get things. Even something as simple as neck pillows is, you can get it, but it might take a while to actually get delivered over there.
Ashkahn: Yeah. And even that, I mean it seems like there’s about four or five actual Russian float manufacturers too, but some of them at least are getting started, and some of them we heard were not really creating very long lasting float tanks, sort of thing. So they’re still kind of figuring that side of things out as well.
Graham: Yeah. Got to go out to visit this country house of someone who is constructing this whole kind of big underground chamber to be able to sit a float tank on, which is really interesting. So yeah. You know, even on the home use tank front for crazy contractors, there’s some interesting float projects going on.
Ashkahn: You know, I floated in a giant moon. I was in St Petersburg and I was like, let me see what float tank centers are around here. And the very first place I clicked on the photo pops up, and it’s just this humongous half moon dome that they built a custom float tank inside of.
Graham: We’ll put a picture in the show notes.
Ashkahn: Yeah. So there’s some crazy stuff going on over there. So I guess our advice for this show is get a visa, go to Russia.
Graham: The visa process is not the most enjoyable thing in the world.
Ashkahn: No, that was tough.
Graham: But then you do it and it’s done. anyway, you should. Definitely if you’re just passing by, stop by Russia.
Ashkahn: Yeah. If you’re out to get groceries and… Oh, I’m in Russia now.
Graham: Yeah, go say hi to Nail for us.
Ashkahn: And we’ll put the website for the conference and stuff in the show notes too.
Graham: And some amusing photos of us at the conference as well. And… Nothing else, I think, because Juliet’s been complaining that we give her too many things for the show notes.
Ashkahn: All right. Okay. Well cool. Thanks for hanging out with us, guys.
Graham: Yeah. We really enjoyed this.
Ashkahn: Yeah, this was nice.
Graham: And we’ll be back occasionally to do it again.
Ashkahn: Yeah. Sometime in the future.
Graham: maybe the not so distant future.
Ashkahn: Maybe, but also maybe the distant future. But probably not. Maybe right now. Should we just do another episode?
Graham: All right. We’re going for it! Hit the intro!
The 2019 Float Conference Recap – OSP 09
by Float Tank Solutions | Oct 28, 2019
You can tell this episode was recorded a little while ago, really close to after we all got back from the Conference. The boys are a little tired today, but they still have lots to talk about.
Grashkahmn share their initial reactions to the Conference now that it’s being run by the industry as a non-profit. This is a nice episode especially if you’re looking for some insights on their behind-the-scenes perspective on this big industry event and how it has changed this year.
Tank Topics – Health Departments
Something in the world of floating have you stumped? Show Highlights Hooo doggie! This is a big one! This Tank Topic is filled with useful information about what you should know before talking to health...
Tank Topic – Writing E-mails
by Float Tank Solutions | Sep 16, 2019
This Tank Topic covers everything you need to know to get your e-mail on. You wanna know how long your e-mail newsletter should be and what topics you should cover? You wanna know how frequently to e-mail for special deals? You even wanna know how long your e-mails should have to be? You wanna know all these answers all at once? We freaking got you! I’m so glad you asked, cuz we literally just put this episode together. I’m really glad you’re gonna find it useful. Rock on, dude. Synchronicity!
Pseudomonas in a Float Tank! – OSP 07
by Float Tank Solutions | Aug 26, 2019
This is a bit of breaking news for the float world. There was a clearly defined case of someone getting sick in a float tank and Graham and Ashkahn are here to tell you what you as a float center owner (or future owner) should know about it and the steps you can take to keep yourself informed on this issue and make sure you don’t repeat any of the same mistakes.
What’s Happening with the 2019 Float Conference? – OSP 06
Graham and Ashkahn are here to fill you in on all the exciting updates to the Float Conference, now that it’s a non-profit, along with what to expect this year.
They’re hopping in quick to let everyone know what’s going on before early bird tickets close, so definitely check the link in the description if you haven’t got tickets yet!
Can Epsom Salt Kill Coronavirus?
by Float Tank Solutions | Mar 13, 2020
NOTE: This article was originally published March 13th, 2020, last updated July 14th, 2020. While we want to make sure this advice is current, it is not definitive. We want to recognize the limitations of advice during a pandemic where information is updated by...
And the Winner of the 2020 Start-a-Center Giveaway is…
by Float Tank Solutions | Feb 11, 2020
Holy smokes we did it! This years’ Start-a-Center Giveaway was really amazing. The quality of submissions was really a cut above any other year we’ve run this, and it certainly made it a challenge choosing between all of the submissions. More than anything, we want to...
We Want to Say ‘Tanks’ to Our Giveaway Pals
by Float Tank Solutions | Jan 23, 2020
We’re just past halfway through the entry period for the 2020 Start-a-Center Giveaway, and so excited by the response thus far! It's amazing that we get to help one winner make their dreams come true and we're so excited to help make that happen. There are tons of...
Submissions Open for the Triennial Start-a-Center Giveaway!
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Resources for Entrepreneurs > Good Business Ideas > Entrepreneur Ideas
Good Business Ideas
Starting a Sporting Goods Business
These tips are ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs who hope to start a sporting goods business. This is a must-read before you start!
Thinking about opening a sporting goods business? We tell you what you need to know to get started.
Sporting Goods Industry Profile
Sporting goods is a vibrant segment of U.S. retail. Currently, there are more than 20,000 sporting goods stores in the nation, delivering annual sales in excess of $35 billion. For startup entrepreneurs with a passion for athletics, an independent sporting goods store is a logical and potentially lucrative career path.
But today's sporting goods industry isn't the same as it was twenty years ago. Facing intense pressure from chain stores and online retailers, brick-and-mortar sporting goods stores often struggle to survive past the first year. As a prospective sporting goods store owner, you'll need to quickly hone your entrepreneurial skills to conquer in the competitive arena.
Leading sporting goods entrepreneurs are masters at inventory management. Since the sporting goods industry is seasonal, you can't afford to overstock your shelves with inventory that will be out of season in a few months. On the other hand, you also can't afford to send customers away empty-handed.
Effective inventory management requires the implementation of systems and processes that give you up-to-the-minute monitoring capabilities. These days, there are a number of inventory management software solutions available to assist you, some of which can be integrated with POS technologies to create a fully integrated and automated inventory ordering process.
Sporting goods retailing is a highly localized industry. In the current sporting goods environment, the 50 largest companies in the industry account for approximately 55% of annual sales. Furthermore, only 170 companies have more than 5 locations.
This means sporting goods store owners need to intentionally and proactively nurture connections to the local community. Sponsorships of youth leagues and local sporting events are perfect opportunities for startup sporting goods stores to create community connections and forge a local brand identity.
Creating a First-Rate Sporting Goods Company Business Plan
A business plan isn't just another startup formality. It's a core business document that will guide your sporting goods business's decisions and activities on a go-forward basis.
Accuracy and an eye for detail count when writing a business plan. Fudging the numbers is the equivalent of sabotaging your sporting goods business's strategic interests.
The bottom line is that a first-rate business plan is probably more attainable than you realize. As a further guide, consider what the experts say about business plan writing.
Don't Ignore the Competition
Before you open a sporting goods business within your community, it's essential to find out how strong the competition is. We've provided the link below to help you find competitors near you. Simply enter your city, state and zip code to get a list of sporting goods businesses in your town.
Find Competing Sporting Goods Businesses
It's important to be aware of what the competition is doing. Take the time to visit the competition to properly assess their strengths and weaknesses.
A Good Source of Advice
If you want to open a sporting goods business you really ought to speak with somebody who is already in the business. Local competitors are not going to give you the time of day, mind you. It'd be crazy for them to teach you the business.
However, a fellow entrepreneur who has started a sporting goods business outside of your community can be a great learning resource for you, as long as they don't view you as a competitive threat. Many business owners are happy to give advice to new entrepreneurs It can take a while to find an entrepreneur who is willing to talk, but it's well worth the effort.
What's the best way to find an entrepreneur who is running a sporting goods business that lives outside of your area?
It's not that hard. Just use the handy link below and enter in a random city/state or zipcode.
Search for Sporting Goods Business Owners
Guidelines for a Sporting Goods Business Acquisition
There are a lot of reasons why it may be preferable to acquire a sporting goods business instead of starting a new business venture.
To avoid common mistakes, it's important understand the critical factors to consider when buying a business. Right away, you'll want to make sure the business is capable of meeting your ownership expectations.
If the business is right for you, the assistance of a business broker will help all of the rest of the pieces of the process fall in place and you will be well on your way to owning a proven sporting goods business.
Consider Franchising
As an entrepreneur, your chances avoiding failure in business are much greater if you opt for franchising and leverage their successful brand and track record.
Before you get too far along in your plan to open a sporting goods business, you ought to check out whether franchising might make your life much easier.
The link below gives you access to our franchise directory so you can see if there's a franchise opportunity for you. You might even find something that points you in a completely different direction.
Learn About Franchises
Related Articles on Starting a Company
These additional resources regarding getting started as an entrepreneur may be of interest to you.
Recurring Revenue Business Models
Characteristics of Successful Entrepreneurs
Questions to Ask Before Starting a Business
Do you have questions or comments regarding starting a sporting goods business? Your feedback is always appreciated.
Already Own a Sporting Goods Business?
If you currently own a sporting goods business, these resources will come in handy:
Marketing a Sporting Goods Business
Selling a Sporting Goods Business
Do You Sell to Sporting Goods Businesses?
If you came here to learn about selling to sporting goods businesses, we've got better information for you elsewhere on our site. Try these resources instead:
Selling to Sporting Goods Businesses
Mailing Lists for Sporting Goods Businesses
More Guides on How to Start a Business
If you are still exploring all of your options, please browse our directory of guides below.
A - Starting a Business
B - Opening a Business
C - Becoming an Entrepreneur
D - How to Start a Business
E - Startup Advice
F - How to Start a Small Business
G - Business Startup Instructions
H - Entrepreneur Idea Guide
I - How to Open a Business
J - Good Startup Businesses
K - Starting a Business How to Guides
L - Entrepreneur Business Opportunities
M - Entrepreneur Guidance
N - Small Business Startup
O - Startup How to Guides
P - How Do I Start a Business
Q - Entrepreneur Startup Concepts
R - Business Startup Ideas
S - Entrepreneur Ideas
T - Starting a Business Articles
U - Business Ideas for Entrepreneurs
V - I Want to Start a Small Business
W - Start a Business
X - Good Businesses to Start
Y - How to Become an Entrepreneur
Z - Open a Business
Spices Business
Sporting Goods Wholesale & Manufacturers Business
Entrepreneur Features
Employee to Entrepreneur
Small Business Ethics
Good Business Books
Studying Entrepreneurship
How Kids Make Money
Entrepreneur Blogs
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3 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH1 2AS
Well-presented studio apartment
Sought after location in the heart of the West End
City centre amenities on the doorstep
Excellent transport links nearby
Fantastic holiday/business let investment
Further investment potential
3 Rutland Square is a substantial Victorian property, part of a terrace forming the northern side of the Square. 1F2C is a self-contained, first floor studio apartment which would have once formed part of a substantial, purpose built flat. …
3 Rutland Square is a substantial Victorian property, part of a terrace forming the northern side of the Square. 1F2C is a self-contained, first floor studio apartment which would have once formed part of a substantial, purpose built flat.
The property is well presented and of good proportion, with a modern fitted kitchen and shower room complimenting the open-plan layout. Apartment C is situated to the rear of the building, enjoying a peaceful outlook.
Rutland Square is situated in a prime central location in the heart of the West End. The property is within a few minutes’ walk from the financial, retail and commercial city centre. Rutland Square enjoys easy access to Haymarket Railway Station and the fashionable, ever-popular West End is host to a wide variety of amenities including bars, shops and boutiques.
The world renowned Princes Street, George Street, Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile are just minutes from the apartments. Local amenities include the Edinburgh Sports Club, Dean Tennis Club and the Modern and Dean Art Galleries.
There are excellent public transport links to all areas of the city, with a tram stop at nearby Shandwick Place providing easy access to Edinburgh International Airport. The city bypass, M8, M9 and M90 motorways are all within easy reach. Edinburgh’s financial hub is on the doorstep and home to a number of blue chip companies such as Scottish Widows, Clydesdale Bank, Standard Life, Anderson Strathern Solicitors and KPMG.
INCOME POTENTIAL
The apartment is currently set up as self-contained holiday let and we understand that an income in the region of £10,000 per annum has been achieved for the last 5 years. There are significant opportunities to grow the investment return, with the close proximity to the financial hub, along with the busy festival and festive periods in Edinburgh offering potential to expand upon the offerings of the apartment.
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Paris 2024 Summer Games
By baron-pierreIV,
August 30, 2013 in Paris 2024 Summer Games
George_D 29
George_D
http://2024 Olympics: Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris: "Today, my heart is rather on Sport and Games»
http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=fr&rurl=translate.google.fr&sl=fr&tl=en&u=http://sportetsociete.org/2015/02/10/jo-2024-anne-hidalgo-maire-de-paris-aujourdhui-mon-coeur-est-plutot-sur-le-sport-et-les-jeux/&usg=ALkJrhhpVCECssAMEF-1gcgaCcTNbJqIzA
neige 237 posts
baron-pierreIV 214 posts
Roger87 187 posts
Athensfan
This thread is now unreadable.
Rendering of the Olympic stadium (stade de France) and the aquatic center.
Because Baron.
JMarkSnow2012 387
JMarkSnow2012
Location:Oop North
For some countries it seems difficult to purpose another bid than their own capital, like Japan, England, France or Italia for SoG.
Boston it's a kind of Lyon or Marseille for me if I can compare. Boston is not the first city you think about USA but i'm sure it's good choice.
European colonies (frequently very large indeed) grew in a very different way from European nations (mostly very small). Hence the multiple megacities in the USA, or even Sydney / Melbourne, very much contrasted with the clusters of smaller cities which are common in Europe.
Tulsa 45
Sondage : 73 % des Français favorables aux JO-2024 à Paris
http://www.leparisien.fr/paris-75/so...15-4521311.php
Strange pole. I'm curious to know how they ask the question. But it seems too optimistic.
Moreover this pole arrives just 2 days before the report about the opportunity to bid for Paris. It look likes political manipulation.
zekekelso 794
zekekelso
Most of the large "newer" countries decided to put their political capital outside the largest cities. I have a hunch this prevented those largest cities form becoming the all-powerful super cities that dominate places like France and England.
Yes. In many cases this was intentional. IE US states capitols are usually their second to fifth biggest cities. Sacramento instead of San Francisco, Albany instead of New York, etc. And many of the larger new world countries built a model city for their capitol. Washington, Canberra, Brazil City, etc.
The other issue is that the new world countries rarely had a royal court. (Brazil and Mexico being sometime exceptions.) So there was no need to live in the city of the king or queen in to benefit from royal patronage. However I still think Dom Pedro II was the best new world leader of all time. And Mexico would have been much better off if the Franco-Mexican war was resolved peacefully with Benito Juarez as Maximilan's prime minister. That's more than a bit off topic, though.
What has caused the French government to change its mind on the topic of hosting? I wonder if the IOC has promised them some things behind closed doors.
Edited February 10, 2015 by Nacre
DamC 48
DamC
Location:Paris, France.
The French government was never again hosting, it was Paris's mayor who was reticent. She seems now more open to it (maybe that's pressure from the government, maybe that's her wanting to be more cooperative and show unity with Hollande after the tragic events of January, I don't know), still a long way to go though IMO.
BR2028 69
Interests:Olympics
I think I read somewhere that she is now leaning in favor of the bid.
The only event I think playing a hand in all of this is the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Like the Boston Bombing, it is bringing the city closer together.
I may have posted before that that's exactly how Londinium came to be created by the Romans in the middle of a marsh. What they didn't quite get right was "the Canberra thing"- creating a capital which most people outside politics barely notice.
Tony E Loves Architecture 168
Tony E Loves Architecture
MembersP
Location:London, England.
Interests:Football plus other Sports, Architecture and Construction, Computer Gaming, Socialising, Blogging and London, England.
Europe looks more likely to host 2024. Boston and Durban should wait until 2028.
stryker 62
Location:Plano, TX, USA
I thought Durban decided against bidding for 2024 electing instead to focus on the Commonwealth Games? If Paris is indeed going to bid, a field with Rome and either Hamburg or Berlin all but sets up a return to Europe in 2024, precisely why the U.S. should've passed on this round just like the Canadians did. I could see Boston being included in a four city shortlist and eliminated in the first round.
As for a Paris bid, I raised this question a while back, but where would the Olympic Village be located. Isn't the land that was marked for the OV in their 2012 bid now developed?
JO2024 151
I'm pretty sure Paris will bid for the 2024 games, it's looking more and more positive. By 2024, a lot of infrastructures will be already built regardless the Olympics, and not much would be needed for the Games. The only issues right now is indeed about the Olympic Village, which will have to be close to the Olympic Stadium (stade de France most likely) and the Olympic swimming pool (probably where it was to be 2012, close the Stadium). There are a few options though, and I think it would be similar to what London did in 2012, transforming and old industrialised area.
I am not sure there will be a proper Olympic Park like there were ever since the 1992 games, but I think that Agenda 2020 was made to accept non-compact games, and anyway most of the infrastures for the games would be within a 20km limit, so I suppose it's acceptable.
That is indeed a problem, since the Plaine St. Denis redevelopment (of which the Stade de France is a part) turned out to be a bit premature in Olympic terms.
And for the Paris 2008 bid which had planned the Athletes village to be in Saint Denis, where the Stade de France is, the IOC didn't like this idea and suggested Paris to put this village somewhere else. As of now, it's suggested that the Olympic Village could be either at la Coureneuve, close to the Stadium and Saint Denis, or at Colombes, where most of the infrastructures for the 1924 Games were. It would then be between the Northern cluster and the Western cluster, so it could be a good option I think.
I'm pretty sure Paris will bid for the 2024 games.
The mayor of Paris promised to stop public spending... If she says yes to Paris 2024, it will be a politic problem for her.
Moreover when you have strong opposition in your team, it's very difficult to lead your team to the victory.In the French team some people thinks it's not the good moment to bid for Paris.
About the public support Paris mayor should do a referendum.
baron-pierreIV 1693
baron-pierreIV
Cauldron Lighter 20000 Club
The other issue is that the new world countries rarely had a royal court.
Uhmmm, Hawaii had a royal family.
I read the summary of the feasibility report that was introduced today to Paris' mayor Anne Hidalgo and the press. It's obviously what we all pretty much expected, very very positive. The games would cost around 4.5 billion euros if you take out the 2 billion from the IOC. A vote within Paris council will be held in April. I think it will decide whether should bid or not.
Rob. 2040
Interestng how quickly Paris' mayor seems to have changed her opinion.
I don't think she was actually against the Games, she was just being very cautious with the whole thing. Basically just making sure Paris could afford it and could win the bid! We don't want another Paris 2012. It's been 10 years but the wound hasn't healed quite yet.
I read too, it is too optimistic... The cost is utopian and isn't realistic. It's impossible to bid with 4,5 billions.
Since 2000, No cities has spent less than 10 billions and every time during the application process they underestimated or they hid the real cost of SoG or WoG.
You can find the summary here in French :
http://www.lemonde.fr/jeux-olympiques/article/2015/02/12/jo-2024-a-paris-ce-que-dit-l-etude-dite-d-opportunite_4574763_1616891.html
Another article in French :
http://http://www.francetvinfo.fr/sports/jo/candidature-de-paris-aux-jo-2024-les-questions-qui-fachent_821879.html
another in English :
http://www.connectsports.com/blogs/is-the-cost-of-the-sochi-olympics-worth-it/
child of the universe
Allez Paris!
Tulsa, here's an article about why the Games always cost more than what was planned. It's interesting, and in French. Have a look.
http://www.eurosport.fr/jeux-olympiques/jeux-olympiques-2024/2015/paris-2024-le-vrai-cout-des-jeux_sto4597550/story.shtml
I agree that this is being very optimistic, but I also think it wouldn't cost more than 8 billion, since 1) the infrastructures are already there or will be by 2024, and 2) Transportation wise, the Grand Paris project will happen whether or not Paris get the Games, so its cost won't be considered part of the Games cost but it will considerably strenghten Paris' bid. The only major cost will be the Olympic Village, the media centers and an Olympic swimming pool.
We're not up against you, so the Entente applies fully - seriously, come on Paris. It's been much, much too long.
How did that come up as a separate post
Shove it Tulsa and stop being so bitter over 2018.
Obviously recent Olympics have never costed les than $10bn but recent Olympics have never required so little infrastructure work. I can see the cost rising but not by much ultimately.
Agreed, and I think that if Paris indeed bids, it could win because of that. "Cheap" Olympics could seduce the IOC in order to regain attractivness after the insane costs of the last Olympics (Winter or Summer). That's why I don't think Boston stands a chance, since it has to build pretty much everything and would cost a lot more than what they've planned.
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GCU Wellbeing
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Within each of the three Academic Schools at GCU you will find a Learning Development Centre, staffed by Academic Development Tutors who provide one to one and group study support. The range of activities and provisions made by each of the Centres varies slightly, as the support is tailored to reflect the nature and demands of the academic programmes within each School.
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Reading FC Q&A recap as fans react to Mark Bowen announcement
Reporter Jonathan Low hosts the debate for fans on Monday lunchtime
Jonathan LowReading FC Reporter
Jose Gomes and Mark Bowen (Image: Get Reading)
Welcome to Monday's live Reading Q&A where we'll be talking about Mark Bowen's impending appointment as manager.
The Welshman will be switching from his current sporting director role to be in the dugout and replace Jose Gomes who was fired last week.
News of Bowen's expected unveiling has caused quite a stir among Royals supporters and you can read a flavour of the reaction here .
Reporter Jonathan Low will be hosting a debate for fans on Monday lunchtime.
Any questions or queries you have about Bowen or anything Reading FC related then pop them in the box below.
Keep an eye out on our social media pages for more Reading FC news - we are on Twitter @readingfclive and on Facebook Reading FC Live
Follow our dedicated Reading FC reporter on Twitter @jonathanl50
You can also get the latest news via the FREE Berkshire Live app - download it for Apple devices here and Android devices here
Reading FC news live: Mark Bowen set to be unveiled in 'next few days,' Niedzwiecki lined up as assistant
DONE DEAL 13:56
Here are all of our stories so far today
Live as Mark Bowen appointed Reading FC manager plus fan reaction
Nigel Howe reacts to Reading FC’s appointment of Mark Bowen
Rival fans react as Mark Bowen is appointed Reading FC’s new manager
Reading FC confirm Mark Bowen as new manager
The pros and cons of Reading FC appointing Mark Bowen
‘League One awaits’ - Reading FC fans furious as Mark Bowen set to be appointed new manager
That’s it for today - I’ll do another Q&A later in the week so keep an eye out for that.
I’ll be at Hogwood tomorrow for Bowen’s first press conference.
It starts at 12.45pm and I’ll have live updates on Berkshire Live.
No ready replacement
Melvin Wilson says: “Mark Bowen is probably the worst choice of all the rumoured applicants and the other applicants are not that good, apart from Hughton. Parky or Rowett would be a good choice as well, but nobody at Reading fc would pick him. Why sack Gomes if they haven’t got a ready replacement. Apart from the Fulham game we haven’t been thumped. Gomes needed to go but he could have been kept there until they needed a replacement.”
Agree, doesn’t look like there was a replacement lined up or much of a thought process behind Gomes’ sacking.
A joke appointment
Michael hawkes says: “This is a joke appointment. It seems to me this has been set up from the minute Bowen walked in door. Who sacks him? Are we still getting sporting director or is this joke appointment the end of that?. Although he has no managerial experience like McDermott and Pardew let’s hope it works but can’t see it myself. Seems like bullivant appointment although years ago. Michael Hawkes royal since 84 now living in South Wales. Come on you royals”
The owners presumably sack him. But as he advises the owners that could be interesting.
Not sure if there is a sporting director coming in just yet.
Agree, let’s hope it works!
Next three games
Gary asks: “So here is a scenario i would like your thoughts on. Next 3 games in quick succession are Preston / QPR / Forest...three good teams, that will be tough to beat. We lose all 3 games and go into November propping up the Championship, supporters turn away, players are dejected, what happens then ?
“Running into the new transfer window at the end of the year surely anyone within the club can see that without the fans behind him MB has more potential than anyone to take this club further into a situation we cannot dig ourselves out of ? Whereas at least a Keane, Hughes, Sherwood,Houghton would get longer with the fans and players before being condemned ?”
Very good point. Only the owners can answer that really.
It’s a bleak scenario which is quite possible. Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that stage.
I would say Bowen is at Reading for the rest of the season whatever happens.
Chris Hughton
Russ asks: “Do you think Bowen is the answer to Reading’s problems or should they have gone for someone like Chris Hughton?”
Well, time will tell!
Alienating fans
Paul asks: “Why does the club seem to be doing all it can to alienate the fans? We never hear anything from the board and they clearly never listen to us. When was the last time you managed to speak to one of them directly?”
Good question - have never spoken to Nigel Howe officially seen he came back to the club. Make of that what you will.
All this One Reading stuff is not quite all it’s cracked up to be if you ask me...
Prague Gary says: “Well if Mark Bowen is a short term replacement until this coming summer, there will be no comfort in the fact when we are relegated to the 1st Division. An abysmal decision of an appointment, we are in free-fall now there is no denying the fact!!!”
Admittedly things don’t look that good, but give him a chance!
Results quickly
John asks: “I’m willing to support him, and it’s a better appointment than some of the names on the bookies list, but he needs to get results very quickly to get the fans on board. I also think you guys need to ask some searching questions around the selection process, and who was involved, at the press conference.”
Agree. And yes, first press conference tomorrow at 12.45pm.
PG asks: “Could this be FFP rearing its head again - must have spent a bit to offload Gomes, so moving someone already on the payroll might make sense? Agree with all of the other sentiment that it looks like a massive conflict of interest, first interview will be interesting to hear the explanation. Can’t see this as anything other than a bad appointment.”
Well yes I imagine it’s a cheaper option compared to some managers out there..
Employ Gomes
Skipper asks: “Did he not employ Gomes?who failed. What good is he going to be if he cannot pick a good manager in the first place ?”
No, I don’t think he had anything to do with Gomes coming in. He only came to the club in March.
Jonathan Lara asks: “What the hell is going on with the appointment of Bowen. Never felt so disconnected from this club.”
Well, all I can say is give the guy a chance, starting on Saturday.
On we go
On we go with the Q&A..
Follow all the news and reaction to Bowen’s appointment here
It’s a done deal - Mark Bowen has been officially confirmed as new Reading manager
Mark Bowen (Image: Eddie Greville)
John asks: “Is there any reason we haven’t gone after a better manager? its seems like were clutching at straws”
To be fair, there are few stand-out candidates I’d say.
The fact no one name stood out when fans put their suggestions on social media proves that.
Bowen is a safe option in that he knows the club and the players, at least.
Yes he doesn’t have managerial experience, but he will hopefully keep the club afloat over the next few months and then we can reassess in the New Year.
Risky appointment
Mark asks: “Are we to assume that expectation has sky rocketed with the late summer investment and if so Bowen needs to work a miracle. It’s a risky appointment and unlikely to lead to short term success.”
The owners want / wanted promotion this season. I assume they’re still hoping to achieve that.
So yes, Bowen does need to work a miracle in that respect.
But as he advises them, no doubt he has explained the situation and given them an insight into what they can realistically expect.
It’s hard to know what they are thinking exactly.
G-Mak asks: “Does this mean Mark Hughes now becomes Director of Football on Bowen advise??”
Interesting to see who does come in. Can’t see it being Hughes.
He’s more of a football man, not an admin one.
A wind up
Joaquin Phoenix asks: “Any chance this is a wind up and a proper manger will be announce soon?”
No, afraid not. Can’t see a change of heart now.
David asks: “Any truth in the rumours you are going to be the new DoF at Reading and appoint yourself Manager in December?”
Haha those rumours are wide of the mark.
A temporary solution
Don’t Call Me Shirley asks: “Surely appointing Bowen is only a temporary solution until an experienced manager becomes available?”
Well it depends on how you define temporary - his contract’s only until next summer so who knows what happens then.
Though I assume you’re thinking Bowen is more a caretaker boss until someone else comes around, but I don’t think that’s the case.
StellaPlease says: “It’s no coincidence that all of the owners clubs are struggling at the foot of their respective tables. They simply have no idea how to run one. Who is advising them? I thought Howe coming back and Gourlay going would spell a return to good management, running of the club, It’s getting worse.
“I don’t believe the owners have an idea just how many fans will simply stop going after this. I have been a fan my whole life, home and away as are many of my friends. We won’t go now until the Owners up their game. Snake move by Bowen and an awful appointment.”
Super agent Kia Joorabchian and Bowen are advising the owners. Howe is having very little say on things I’m afraid.
Interesting to see what crowds are like from Saturday onwards.
Bowen playing for Reading
Andy Bryant asks: “When did Mark Bowen play for Reading and how many games?”
I believe it was around 1999. Not sure how many games it was - but not very many.
November in bottom three
nathan asks: “if we are still in bottom three by the next international break in November you think bowen will be there or will they change manager again.”
I dread to think!
But no, I can’t see a change of manager so soon after this one.
Can't afford replacement?
Bob asks: “Is there a chance that the club just simply cannot afford a long term replacement until the summer So Bowen is a short term solution?”
That’s obviously a possibility - he represents a cheaper option than others I imagine.
Perhaps their no.1 choice is not available and they would want to recruit next summer.
He’s reportedly signed a new deal until next summer so it is a short term solution for the time being.
Mr Fish asks: “Is Bowen represented by Kia Joorabchian by any chance?”
Believe so, yes.
Attendances might fall
dave says: “i really dont see how the owners are not taking a lead in getting an experienced manager into the club . just seems that if Bowen is announced attendances might fall drastically fan might turn on owners the whole situation is just a mess”
A certain super agent Kia Joorabchian is having an influential say I believe and Bowen is the advisor to the owners so it’s a combination of the three different parties.
Interesting to see the crowd on Saturday, yes. Anything other than a win and it could be pretty messy (if it isn’t already)
Shambles
loyalroyal says: “what a shambles of a club, bowen sacks a man then nicks his job, if that’s the only way he can get a manager’s job he’s a joke, and the the club should be ashamed of how they treated Jose regardless of results”
A lot of fans are saying very similar..
Very fishy
Matt says: “This smells very fishy. Can’t believe the club has come to this. Pretty sure in most workplaces you can’t sack someone and then take their job!
“Coaching wise you’d think he would do well but management wise he’s got a STEEP learning curve. Fans aren’t pleased which makes the job that much harder. How long will the owners give him? Is there any indication he “worked” his way to this job...?”
It doesn’t look very good from the outside, no. It’s a very steep learning curve now and he simply has to hit the ground running.
The rumour is he has signed a deal until the end of the season so make of that what you will.
Is it a short term fix in view of bringing someone else in next summer?
Back him
Neil says: “If it is to be Mark Bowen, we have to back him. I’m trying to be positive here, so a) Brian McDermott was a bit of a left-field appointment and look how well he did and b) Bowen must have great knowledge and has spent a lot of time in the dug-out. Surely that counts for something? #fingerscrossed”
See where you’re coming from and you just never know, it might work out.
Seems unlikely but you have to give him a chance.
Yes I’m sure he does have great knowledge, but whether he can make the step up to the no.1 position is very different.
Just look at Paul Clement. Knowledgement and man management are very different.
Mark Bowen
Swift stunning and Joao brilliant in Reading FC player ratings after Coventry City victory
Reading FCOur on the whistle verdict for how each Royals player performed on Tuesday night
Reading FC fans go crazy as club unveils new badge to mark 150th anniversary
Reading FCThe club is celebrating being 150 years old in 2021
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Reading FCRoyals' matchday squad in full ahead of the visit of the Sky Blues to Madejski Stadium
Slough now has second highest coronavirus infection rate in country
CoronavirusThe borough is now only behind Knowsley in terms of cases per 100,000 people
New speed calming measures planned for Reading streets
Traffic and TravelThe council is ramping up enforcement of Reading's 20mph zones
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Hardywood to distribute to western Va.
This post was filed under: Food + Beverage
Richmond Bizsense
A Richmond brewery is headed to Wahoo and Hokie territory.
Hardywood Park Craft Brewery has signed a pair of distribution deals that will take its full line of beers west of the Richmond market to Charlottesville, the Roanoke Valley and up to the West Virginia border.
“We’ve had a lot of people that have been coming to the brewery for a long time from Charlottesville especially, but (also) from a lot of places in the west part of the state that travel this way,” said Ben Petty, Hardywood’s sale manager. “We just haven’t been able to (expand there) yet because we haven’t had enough liquid to supply it.”
The first batches of Hardywood will roll west on Interstate 64 later this month. Virginia Eagle Distributing and P.A. Short Distributing, both distributors of the Anheuser-Busch beer portfolio, will carry Hardywood’s products in western Virginia.
The move marks the 3-year-old brewery’s third expansion in the last nine months.
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Human Resources and Payroll Services
Current: Human Resources and Payroll Services
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Welcome to Human Resources and payroll Services
Welcome to the Gulf Coast State College Human Resource Department web page. We have two objectives in establishing and maintaining this site: first, to provide an "easy to use" format for finding necessary human resource information sought by our faculty and staff; and second, to provide those interested in employment with a user friendly way to identify and express interest in specific job opportunities at one of our three campuses.
Gulf Coast State College has three campuses situated along Florida's Emerald Coast. The main campus is located in Panama City, Gulf-Franklin Campus, North Bay Campus. Our Panama City Campus is located on water front property, with views of the water from many campus buildings. People who live here love to be outside, enjoying the world's most beautiful beaches and incredible state parks. Whether you prefer shopping at Pier Park, swimming with the dolphins at Shell Island, or playing mini golf with the kids at Emerald Falls, you'll find living along the Gulf as rewarding as working at Gulf Coast State College.
Gulf Coast State College is a wonderful place to work. It is our vision to provide life changing learning opportunities and to be a full partner in dynamic cultural and economic development in our region. We are community-focused and dedicated to the success of our students. We value a culture of honesty and trust, open expression of ideas, creativity and innovation, diversity of thought and culture in a purposeful work environment. Consider relocating to Gulf Coast State College in Panama City, Florida. We have job opportunities for qualified faculty and staff and are excited about your interest.
Employees at Gulf Coast State College have excellent employee benefits. We offer health and life insurance, retirement benefits, annual and sick leave accrual, flexible benefit plans, and optional insurance plans, such as whole life and disability.
Employees receive free admission to Gulf Coast State College cultural and athletic events, access to wellness facilities, including the weight room, fitness and aquatic classes and open swim time all of the Panama City Campus. Employees enjoy borrowing privileges at the college library and services at the college Dental Clinic for a nominal fee.
Adjunct faculty are hired by each division. Please complete the adjunct application and check individual job postings for additional requirements and information on how to apply.
Career and Job Placement Services for Students and New Graduates
Need help finding a job after you’ve completed your program at Gulf Coast State College? Visit our Career Services Center for assistance.
Veterans Placement Services for the State of Florida
http://floridavets.org/benefits-services/employment/
The HR website offers additional information however if you can’t find the information you’re looking for, you can email a general human resources question or contact the office below.
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Gulf Coast State College Human Resources
5230 West U.S. Highway 98, Panama City, FL. 32401
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Don Jazzy Finalize Arrangement To Unveil His Own Record Label
Date: 09-03-2012 2:25 pm (8 years ago) | Author: Naija Nedu
NaijaNedu at 9-03-2012 02:25 PM (8 years ago)
The recent announcement that Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainer Don Jazzy, chief executive of Mo’Hit records and his partner D’Banj, the number one musician on the label, have parted ways, has left most Nigerians still reeling in shock.
Most people are yet to come to terms with the development as the broken down relationship many thought was made by the gods was untouchable.
Their decision to part ways was something our source said was agreed upon by the two former pals.
It was taken long before the deal by D’Banj, Don Jazzy and Kanye West’s GOOD music was sealed.
The lack of a business structure in Mo’Hit records made the company the butt of a joke especially in the international business community. Everything seemed to revolve around D’Banj alone.
It was becoming increasingly difficult for both to continue as partners because Don Jazzy who doubles as the label’s producer was having difficulties controlling D’Banj who was also a partner in the business.
Conflicts often arose in the house because of the seeming financial gap between D’Banj and other artistes on the label.
This grossly affected the business and also contributed to the duo relocating to the Island leaving the other artistes at their former abode in Maryland, Lagos.
The situation between the two deepened to a point where other artistes on the label were made to look ordinary.
Often, Don Jazzy faced an uphill task convincing other Mo’Hit records sign-on like Wande Coal, Dr. Sid and The Prince that he (Don Jazzy) was as committed to their career as he was to D’Banj’s.
Several newspapers in the past had talked about the situation but the record company through their managers had often denied having conflicts in the house.
The recording of a promotion song for President Goodluck Jonathan by D’Banj, was the icing on the cake as Nigerians descended on the Mo’Hit crew and accusing them of a sell out.
During the protest against government decision to remove subsidy on petrol, Nigerians took to the internet, calling for the head of D’Banj.
Don Jazzy desperate to protect his record company, quickly disassociated it from a sell-out. He went as far as tweeting on the wall of his Twitter that he regretted ever associating with the President.
To crown it all, D’Banj was no where to be found when the heat was turned on his partners.
Don Jazzy has since moved out of the mansion they once shared in Lekki Phase 1 and he’s currently squatting with Dr Sid at 1004, the same estate that Wande Coal lives on Victoria Island.
As at the time of filing in our story, Don Jazzy may have finalised arrangement to unveil his own record label which sources say will be structured in a way no one musician will hold sway.
What happens to other Mo’Hit artistes will be revealed on these pages.
agbonson at 9-03-2012 07:05 PM (8 years ago)
we don hear..thanks
I VE SAID IT B4 ,NIGERIAN MUST LEARN HOW TO DIG DEEP BUSINESS ROOT, TO MAKE IT THE ENVY OF OTHERS, WE DO TRY GOING HIGH BUT AT A POINT WE LOOSE INSIGHT AND FOCUS,WHY NOT LET THE BOTH SEAT DOWN AND SETTLE THINGS AND CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS
Tyahaya at 9-03-2012 08:15 PM (8 years ago)
ok na!!!
Senegal at 9-03-2012 08:25 PM (8 years ago)
proly at 9-03-2012 08:53 PM (8 years ago)
i-go-talk at 9-03-2012 09:15 PM (8 years ago)
them no get talk
osesunday at 9-03-2012 09:25 PM (8 years ago)
i knew dat deh will surely separate just like plantashun boys. Deres no partnership wen it comes 2 business in 9ja
i bliv dat don jazzy will still make it cos dat guy is a master planner
CHUKAGLY at 9-03-2012 11:58 PM (8 years ago)
I DEPEND SOLELY IN GOD
zoe61 at 10-03-2012 12:23 AM (8 years ago)
no friendship in business.make every body bear his papa name.
Posted: at 10-03-2012 12:23 AM (8 years ago) | Hero
Ifemylove at 10-03-2012 12:30 AM (8 years ago)
jtownconnect at 10-03-2012 12:32 AM (8 years ago)
Nothing lasts for ever.....!
Posted: at 10-03-2012 12:32 AM (8 years ago) | Newbie
moralemike07 at 10-03-2012 12:34 AM (8 years ago)
No long thing
legzide at 10-03-2012 01:13 AM (8 years ago)
ooooo sorry 4 dat fool call d'banj, i pray he never forget his sources........
malvin2525 at 10-03-2012 04:53 AM (8 years ago)
Hollandear at 10-03-2012 08:24 AM (8 years ago)
Okay oh!
I'm not Lucky, I'm Blessed.
bigchi at 10-03-2012 08:57 AM (8 years ago)
any which ways we dey
JBoyEscalante at 10-03-2012 09:27 AM (8 years ago)
So it's true
pchinedu20 at 10-03-2012 09:54 AM (8 years ago)
The more things changes the more they are the same . Nothing is permanent on earth .Guys let part ways
Ibadan Chief Escapes Being Lynched After Allegedly Shaving Pubic Hair Of 2 Sisters, Aged 13 &17
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National Solar Mission Current Affairs, GK & News
Indian Railway to become energy self-reliant by 2030
Contributing towards National Solar Mission, Indian Railway under the chairmanship of Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal is all set to become self-reliant and self-sufficient in terms of energy for all its operational work by 2030. Objective World’s fourth-largest rail network spreading over 1,23,236 km, with 13,452 passenger trains and 9,141 freight ..
Category: India Nation & States Current Affairs
Topics: Indian Railway • Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission • National Solar Mission
PM Modi holds Council of Ministers meet
On December 21, 2019, PM Modi chaired a meeting of his council of ministers. The works of the ministers in the past 6 months were reviewed by the PM at the meet. Highlights The progress card of ministers and their works were evaluated by the PM. The ministers also presented their plans for the next ..
Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019
Topics: Agriculture • Council of Ministers • Farmers Welfare • Housing for All by 2022 • National Solar Mission • Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
Delhi Police signs pact to implement Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
Delhi Police signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to set up Rooftop Solar Energy Systems in more than 200 of its buildings across the city. Key Highlights of MoU As per MoU, SECI will support implementation of grid-connected rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on establishments of Delhi police. This ..
Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019
Topics: Companies Act 1956 • Delhi Police • Memorandum of understanding • National Solar Mission • Rooftop Solar Energy Systems • Solar Energy Corporation of India • Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
WTO to set up compliance panel in solar dispute case between India, US
The dispute settlement body (DSB) of World Trade Organization (WTO) has decided to set up panel to examine whether India has complied with its 2016 ruling in case against US regarding domestic content requirements (DCR) rules for solar cells and modules. Background In 2016, the multilateral body had ruled against India for favouring local manufacturers ..
Month: Current Affairs - March, 2018
Topics: Dispute Settlement Body • Domestic Content Requirements • India-US • National • National Solar Mission • Solar Case • WTO
IISc scientists develop first super critical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton Test Loop facility
Scientists from Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have indigenously developed country’s first super critical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton Test Loop facility. The facility was inaugurated at the IISc campus. It is first test loop technology coupled with solar heat source in world that will generate clean energy from power plants, including solar thermal. Key ..
Topics: Energy Sector • IISc • India-US • National Solar Mission • S-CO2 Brayton Test Loop facility • Science and Technology
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Jennifer Aniston would trade bodies with Gisele
By Lauren Smith
Most of us would think (correctly) that Jennifer Aniston has a slammin' body that any A-list with a Malibu beach pad would be proud of.
But it turns out that if she could, Jen An would switch bodies with a certain iconic supermodel - who goes by the name of Gisele.
Speaking to Self magazine, Jennifer said if she could be someone else for a day, she would either pick an athlete, or Bündchen:
"I'd love to be able to ski like a crazy person, like (alpine skier) Lindsey Vonn. Then I'd also like to have Gisele Bündchen's body, just 'cuz, why not?"
She also revealed that she won't be joining Instagram any time soon, and that she doesn't 'get' selfies:
"I don't understand them" she said. "I feel like there's enough out there, why add to it?"
Other nuggets of inisght into Jen An's world include how she spends her Sundays, "having eggs and a bagel and reading the paper" and what she'd do if she ruled the world: "I would command everyone to stop buying tabloids! I would command everyone to stop violence".
Enjoy more of Jennifer Aniston's best lines in the gallery below:
Jen On Jen
Using harsh cleaning products and stripping sanitisers more than ever? Here's how to reduce your 'toxic load' for the sake of your health
It's time to trade in your toxins.
Retinol for the body is the biggest beauty breakthrough guaranteed to give you an all-over glow
Body brilliance.
Would you use crystals to help conception? Everything you need to know about fertility crystals and why everyone's searching for them
Crystal healing is a common alternative therapy for conception.
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The Roadmap to Reopening our Schools
by Tom Pittam | Jul 31, 2020 | Latest News, School Memos, Uncategorized | 0 comments
Dear Parents/Guardians & Students,
We hope you continue to enjoy your Summer break. We are currently working to put procedures in place so we can safely welcome back our students and teachers as planned from the 31 August. We would like to update you on some recent developments concerning the reopening of our school.
The Roadmap for the full return to school was published on 27 July 2020 by the Minister for Education and Skills, Norma Foley. Please click on the link below to view a letter to parents from the Minister.
Letter to Parents & Guardians from the Education Minister
There are a number of substantial documents to be consulted around the reopening process. The 2 key documents are (1) Reopening Our Schools The Roadmap for the Full Return to School and (2) COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable reopening of Post Primary Schools. Links to both documents are provided, should you wish to familiarise yourself with the guidelines and recommendations.
Please click on the following link to view the document Reopening Our Schools The Roadmap for the Full Return to School
Roadmap for the Full Return to School
Please click on the following link to view the document COVID-19 Response Plan for the safe and sustainable reopening of Post Primary Schools
Covid-19 Response Plan for Safe Reopening of Post Primary Schools
The school is currently considering the documents provided by the Department of Education and Skills (DES) and has already begun working on implementing the DES recommendations. We are also consulting with our Patron body, Cork ETB, to ensure that the school is able to provide a safe teaching and learning environment for all our students and staff.
From developing a Covid-19 Policy document, completing return to work protocols and updating our risk assessment there is much for the school to do in a very short timeframe. As always, we will be dependent on the support and co-operation of parents, staff and students to ensure the successful reopening of our school. The most critical part of managing the risks of COVID-19 in schools is to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school. The documents provided by the DES identify the steps schools can take to do everything practical to avoid the introduction of COVID-19 into the school. They also identify the steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of the spread within the school itself, in the event that COVID-19 is introduced to the school. The range of supports available to schools is also outlined.
Our key priority is to provide a safe learning and teaching environment and to ensure the systems and procedures are in place to support the best possible learning outcomes. The key challenge for schools is to balance the need for a practical and sensible level of caution with the need to provide a supportive environment for teaching and learning. We must all apply common-sense in our approach. Whilst we acknowledge and understand individual concerns and anxieties around the potential risk of infection, an excessive preoccupation with infection and hygiene may also be detrimental to academic engagement and progress. It is important for all of us in our school community to accept that no interpersonal activity is without risk of transmission of infection at any time. As the current national and international trends have shown, it is not possible to guarantee that infection can be prevented in any setting either in an education centre, at home or in any other setting that involves human interaction.
It is our intention to update you on our progress at regular intervals through the school website. Updates will be provided on the following dates*:
Friday 14 August
* Please note these are planned updates. If other more urgent updates are required you will be notified by text to access the school website.
GCC Senior Management Team
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La Baignoire
Nicholas Bowlby, UK
There is much about Anthony Murphy’s work for a modern art critic to despise. His paintings are full of life and colour and energy. They are not impenetrable allegories about 18th century slavery or the opression of the Ngo people. They are unrelated to the unspeakable calamities of the Turner Prize, or the car-crash that is the Tate Modern. Simply, they are what they are: the work of a painter who passionately knows his art, who has carefully mastered the technical skills of drawing, of composition, of colour, and who understands how to create balance and poise in a single canvas. More infuriating still for modernists, who so often depend on undiciplined self expression for their work, is the range of skills that enable him to paint portraits, landscapes, still life and abstracts. These would be of astounding merit if he confined himself to one genre: but as this latest exhibition of his work once again revealsm he achieves mastery of them all. One is in no doubt here about the matching of intent and of outcome. There are no accidents in this process, merely artistic vision, creative purpose, technically accomplished excution and triumphant result.
Kevin Myers. The Irish Times.
More original art and limited edition prints available at Nicholas Bowlby
View all Anthony Murphy art for sale
Other listings from Nicholas Bowlby
Dong Li Blackwell
Ben grace
Silver4D Sphere
Samvado
Woman bending
Tracy Steel
Sitting Girl in floral Dress
Gernot Kissel
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Blog / April 9, 2010
Good news and bad news in the fight for libel reform
I was delighted to see Simon Singh's victory at the Court of Appeal last week, after a massively expensive, two-year fight to defend his right to contest the scientific opinion of the British Chiropractic Association. As he noted himself, the fact that the judges "endorsed the view that a so-called comment defence should be adequate for scientific and other articles on matters of public interest" made happy reading for all those wishing to see some common sense brought to bear on the UK's libel laws. As an organisation committed to exposing matters of great public interest, we hope that this ruling will indeed extend beyond health and science to all issues which fit this description.
Less happily this month, a handful of MPs have successfully blocked Jack Straw's proposal to reduce success fees for lawyers operating on a ‘no-win, no-fee' basis from 100% of costs awarded to 10%. The group of four Labour rebels, led by Tom Watson MP, stopped the legislation, citing concerns that the changes would prevent ordinary constituents being able to defend their privacy affordably. Global Witness wholeheartedly supports this principle - but has seen it systematically abused by the rich, powerful and very often guilty, who can well afford to pay their lawyers, but are happy to take advantage of the no win-no fee system which can make mounting a defence prohibitively expensive - thereby chilling freedom of speech. The proposed reduction would limit the unjustifiably high fees currently charged by predatory lawyers to defend private and often highly dubious interests.
The matter is now due for review after the election. Given that these reforms received broad cross-party support prior to the above setback, Global Witness hopes that the matter will be given the urgent attention it deserves by the new parliament. All three major parties have made encouraging noises on this issue - we must pressure them to make good on these promises in their manifestos. We can all make our voice heard on this issue by signing up to the Libel Reform Campaign and calling for a return to common sense in Britain's libel laws.
Charmian Gooch, Founding Director.
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Semicircle
Calculate the length of a semicircle with a radius of 6cm.
x = 18.8496 cm
r=6 cm o=2 πr=πD x=o/2 x=π⋅ r=3.1416⋅ 6=18.8496 cm r=6 cm o=2 πr=πD x=o/2 x=π⋅ r=3.1416⋅ 6=18.8496 cm
Need help calculate sum, simplify or multiply fractions? Try our fraction calculator.
Tractor wheels
The front wheel of the tractor has a circumference of 18 dm and the rear 60 dm. We will make a red mark on the lowest point of both wheels. The tractor then starts. At what distance from the start will both marks appear identically at the bottom again?
Rectangular garden
Rectangular garden has a length of 48.7 m, a width of 6.3 meters shorter than the length. How much mesh should be bought for its fencing if the gate is 2.9 m long and the gate 1.1 m? What is the area of the garden?
Second side
Calculate the length of the other side of the rectangle if its circumference is 60 cm and one side is 10 cm long.
Length of the arc
What is the length of the arc of a circle k (S, r=68mm), which belongs to a central angle of 78°?
Winch drum
Originally an empty winch drum with a diameter of 20 cm and a width of 30 cm on the rescue car, he started winding a rope with a thickness of 1 cm beautifully from edge to edge. The winch stopped after 80 turns. It remains to spin 3.54m of rope (without h
How many crowns CZK do we pay for a carpet for a bedroom, when 1m of square carpet costs 350 CZK and the bedroom has dimensions of 4m and 6m? How many crowns do we pay for a strip around the carpet, when 1m of the strip costs 15 CZK?
The playground has the shape of a square with a side of 64 m. It is fenced on three sides. What is the area of the playground and how long is its fence?
Sum of the edges
The sum of the lengths of all edges of the cube is 72 cm. How many cm2 of colored paper are we going to use for sticking?
The land is in the shape of a square with a dimension of 22 meters. How much will we pay for the fence around the entire plot?
The restaurant has sixty-two square tablecloths with a side length of 150 cm and 36 rectangular tablecloths with dimensions of 140 cm and 160 cm. A) How many meters of hemming ribbon will be needed if we add 50 cm to each tablecloth? B) The ribbon sale in
Coal mine
The towing wheel has a diameter of 1.7 meters. How many meters does the elevator cage lower when the wheel turns 32 times?
An equilateral triangle
The perimeter of an equilateral triangle is 33cm. How long is each side?
Radius of the circle
Calculate the radius of the circle whose length is 107 cm larger than its diameter
From a square of 12 dm perimeter is cut smaller square, whose side is the third side of the square. What is the area of the rest?
The perimeter 3
The perimeter of a rectangle is 35 cm. The ratio of the length to its width is 3:2. Calculate the dimensions of the rectangle
Triangular prism
Calculate a triangular prism if it has a rectangular triangle base with a = 4cm and hypotenuse c = 50mm and height of the prism is 0.12 dm.
Ribbon on the cube
A cubical gift box is tied with a piece of ribbon. If the total length of the free ends and the bow is 18 inches, what is the length of the ribbon used? (Each side of the cube is 6 inches).
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← Home | Yoon Eun-hye (윤은혜)'s Drama Episodes
| Pictures
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Love Alert DVD TW
The Legend of Seven Cutter DVD TW
Chronicle of a Blood Merchant DVD TW
Marry Him If You Dare DVD (TW - Ch Tr Subtitled)
Female - 1984/10/03
•Music department •Actress •Singer •Director
Daum Café (다음 카페)
Yoon Eun-hye
She's the gem that puts a smile on audience's faces with her role in the hit TV drama, “Goong”, or “Princess Hours” - actress YOON EUN-HYE!
From singer to actress, she's been at the center of attention and deemed one of the hottest stars of 2006. STAR FOCUS got Yoon Eun-hye for a little one-on-one.
We sat down with her during a commercial shoot for a green tea beverage. Yoon's schedule has been CRAZY hectic, but she was happy to meet with us!
With her soaring popularity as a budding actress, Yoon Eun-hye is swamped with daily casting calls for commercials. She takes this one in-stride - a vivacious young lady, full of bouncy cheer, a bit simliar to her character in “Princess Hours”!
From hit comic book series, to the small screen - the adaptation of “Princess Hours”! It's a fictitious tale of Korea as a constitutional monarchy, with a royal family. Yoon is an ordinary high-school girl who ends up marrying the royal prince. For first-time actress Yoon Eun-hye, the response has been pleasantly shocking.
But the truth is that Yoon Eun-hye wasn't welcome in the acting arena at first. People were surprised to hear that such a rookie would be taking the lead in an upcoming drama; A rookie who used to be a singer and had no formal acting training. But she showed them how it could be done! Yoon Eun-hye played her character PERFECTLY and made sparks fly with co-star, Joo Ji-hoon. So, how is it that she dug-out such a hidden talent?
In 1999, a five-member girl group blasted into K-pop. They were Baby VOX and that was Yoon Eun-hye's debut into stardom.
They cranked out hit after hit, and basked in the limelight. Not many people realize how popular Baby VOX actually was - They were one of the first to promote overseas, forerunners of the Korean Wave.
(Successful in music and acting, which was HER personal favorite?)
Yoon is already a 8-year veteran celebrity. Music, drama, and soon enough, we'll see her on the silver screen, with the movie, “Escaping Charisma”.
This bright-eyed star is also wanted for her spunk in many variety programs, as well as commercials.
She's shown us different sides to her personality in a couple ads, but there's still more she wants to try out.
Quiet and lady-like? There was none of that here today!
The production team wanted upbeat, bouncy, cute! And that's what they got. She gave us the highlight with her special "happy-dance."
Another reason she was so loveable - her easy-going spirit.
Glowing praise for her performance in “Princess Hours”! Yoon Eun-hye has adjusted extremely well into the world of acting.
One step at a time, we hope she'll continue bringing us more of the best.
Source Open the link
Love Alert
설렘주의보
Drama on Viki
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Kathie Nielsen
Kathryn Nielsen
ABR, ePRO®
(832) 527-7641 Email https://www.har.com/KathrynANielsen
Kingwood West Real Estate and Homes for Sale
Find Kingwood West details, real estate for sale, real estate for lease and more near Kingwood West
Photos Source: TKImages
Find Kingwood West Real Estate and Kingwood West Homes For Sale. Kingwood West is a real estate market area in Greater Houston Area. Detailed information includes Kingwood West Real Estate Profile, Kingwood West Trending Homes, and Schools Nearby Kingwood West. Click here to find recently sold properties in Kingwood West, foreclosures in Kingwood West, recently listed homes in Kingwood West.
The Kingwood West subdivision is surrounded with restaurants, education opportunities, entertainment venues, shopping and more. See below for more information on the surrounding resources for the Kingwood West subdivision.
Kingwood West Real Estate Overview:
Currently there are 168 homes for sale in Kingwood West.
The average price of the homes for sale in Kingwood West is $308,417.
The average square feet of the homes in Kingwood West is 2,605 sqft.
There are currently 35 homes for lease in Kingwood West subdivision.
The average rent in Kingwood West is $1,654 at an average price of 1 per square foot.
Kingwood West is a real estate market area in Greater Houston Area. Currently there are 168 homes for sale. The average price of the homes for sale is $308,417. The average square feet of the homes is 2,605 sqft. There are currently 35 homes for lease in the Kingwood West neighborhood. The average rent is $1,654 at an average price of $1 per square foot.
The Kingwood West neighborhood is surrounded with restaurants, education opportunities, entertainment venues, shopping and more.
See below for more information on the surrounding resources for the Kingwood West neighborhood.
Kingwood West Home Search
Search 168 homes for sale in Kingwood West and 35 homes for rent in Kingwood West
Kingwood West Real Estate Profile
Home for Sale 168
Average Price 308,417
Average Price/Square Ft. 114
Home for Lease 35
Average Rent 1,654
Average Rent/Square Ft. 1
Average Bedrooms 4
Average Baths 2
Average Square Ft. 2,605
Kingwood West Boundary
Recently Listed Homes for Sale in Kingwood West
2618 Riverlawn Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
Kingwood West
2238 Middle Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
3002 W Lake Crescent Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
1702 Burning Tree Road, Houston, TX, 77339
796M Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood, TX, 77339
2210 Lazy Grove Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
5218 Shady Maple Drive Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
26901 Palace Pines Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
21262 Lucknow Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339
1511 Chestnut Ridge Road, Humble, TX, 77339
1610 Chestnut Ridge Road, Houston, TX, 77339
3323 Golden Willow Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
21348 Kings Guild Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339
2011 Fairway Green Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
21380 Somerset Shores Crossing, Kingwood, TX, 77339
4022 Sherwood Street W, Kingwood, TX, 77339
611 Trail Springs Court, Houston, TX, 77339
1206 Eversham Way, Houston, TX, 77339
3202 Holly Green Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
2618 Riverlawn Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $339,900 4/2 3,112 2
2238 Middle Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $195,000 4/2 2,020 1
3002 W Lake Crescent Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $286,000 3/2 2,572 2
1702 Burning Tree Road, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $299,900 4/2 2,226 2
796M Russell Palmer Road, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $450,000 4/2 1,600 1
2210 Lazy Grove Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $325,000 4/2 2,579 1
5218 Shady Maple Drive Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $215,000 3/2 1,833 1
26901 Palace Pines Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $220,000 3/2 1,715 1
21262 Lucknow Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $361,898 4/3 3,360 2
1511 Chestnut Ridge Road, Humble, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $285,000 4/2 2,984 1
1610 Chestnut Ridge Road, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $235,000 5/2 2,379 1
3323 Golden Willow Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $199,900 3/2 1,706 2
21348 Kings Guild Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $299,999 4/2 3,398 2
2011 Fairway Green Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $565,000 4/3 4,186 2
21380 Somerset Shores Crossing, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $306,612 4/2 2,293 1
4022 Sherwood Street W, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $210,000 3/2 1,446 1
611 Trail Springs Court, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $209,900 3/2 1,912 2
1206 Eversham Way, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $495,000 4/3 3,228 2
3202 Holly Green Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West Single-Family $219,500 4/2 2,076 1
View All Listings in Kingwood West
Recently Sold Homes in Kingwood West
1843 Willow Point Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
3519 Pickwick Park Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
2606 Riverlawn Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
1354 Trailwood Village Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
4002 Cedar Forest Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
3742 Rocky Woods Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
21151 Bastide Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339
4014 Fawn Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
1907 Hidden Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
2906 Twin Knolls Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
2914 Elm Grove Court, Kingwood, TX, 77339
Townhouse/Condo - Townhouse
5450 Fern Park Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
1726 Whispering Forest Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
5430 Fern Park Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
3310 Evergreen Glade Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
1943 Running Springs Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
3022 Glen Spring Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
4323 Long Glen Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339
2639 Tinechester Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
2902 Park Garden Drive, Houston, TX, 77339
1843 Willow Point Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/19/2021 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 1,767 1
3519 Pickwick Park Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/19/2021 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 4/2 2,058 2
2606 Riverlawn Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/15/2021 Single-Family $285,001 - $325,000 4/2 2,562 1
1354 Trailwood Village Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/13/2021 Single-Family $250,001 - $285,000 4/2 2,336 2
4002 Cedar Forest Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/13/2021 Single-Family $160,001 - $185,000 4/2 1,573 2
3742 Rocky Woods Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/12/2021 Single-Family $325,001 - $370,000 4/3 2,761 2
21151 Bastide Lane, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/12/2021 Single-Family $285,001 - $325,000 4/2 2,895 2
4014 Fawn Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/12/2021 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 2,236 2
1907 Hidden Creek Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/11/2021 Single-Family $250,001 - $285,000 4/2 2,440 2
2906 Twin Knolls Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/09/2021 Single-Family $160,001 - $185,000 3/2 1,643 1
2914 Elm Grove Court, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/08/2021 Townhouse/Condo - Townhouse $185,001 - $215,000 4/2 1,919 2
5450 Fern Park Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/08/2021 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 1,854 1
1726 Whispering Forest Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/06/2021 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 1,708 1
5430 Fern Park Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/05/2021 Single-Family $215,001 - $250,000 5/2 2,239 2
3310 Evergreen Glade Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/04/2021 Single-Family $215,001 - $250,000 4/2 1,960 1
1943 Running Springs Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 01/01/2021 Single-Family $160,001 - $185,000 4/2 2,597 1
3022 Glen Spring Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 12/31/2020 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 1,651 2
4323 Long Glen Drive, Kingwood, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 12/31/2020 Single-Family $215,001 - $250,000 3/2 2,270 1
2639 Tinechester Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 12/31/2020 Single-Family $185,001 - $215,000 3/2 1,470 1
2902 Park Garden Drive, Houston, TX, 77339 Kingwood West 12/30/2020 Single-Family $140,001 - $160,000 2/2 1,467 1
View All Recently Sold in Kingwood West
Kingwood West Real Estate Market Overview®
For Rent Listing
Average Rent/sqft
Kingwood West Schools Nearby
Kingwood West Subdivisions with Most Properties
kings mill (13)
elm grove village (7)
woodland hills village (4)
sherwood trails (4)
north kingwood forest (4)
forest cove country club estates (3)
kingwood place village (3)
kingwood greens (3)
kingwood lakes south (3)
barrington (3)
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HBA Legal
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HBA brings you the latest insights from the court room, the industry and the evolving legal industry.
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Our team regularly produces articles and updates on legal developments and the implications for clients. Our latest publications can be viewed below. Alternatively, use the Search function on the left to find the topic of your choice.
Tribunal finds significant relationship between lateral epicondylitis and computer use
Mansfield and Comcare [2020] AATA 3917. Key Points: Ms Mansfield claimed compensation for an injury to her right arm (right lateral epicondylitis), as a result of using a computer mouse. The Tribunal was asked to decide whether Ms Mansfield’s injury was contributed to, to a significant degree, by her employment. The Tribunal found in […]
No compensation: sailor’s ‘workplace’ hip injury would have happened anywhere
Ross and Comcare (Compensation) [2020] AATA 4350. Key Points The Tribunal was asked to decide on liability for a stress fracture of the hip sustained on a Commonwealth Maritime Vessel. The Tribunal highlighted the importance of distinguishing between whether a condition was made worse by work, or whether it simply became worse while the […]
Psychological condition arising out of adverse determination not compensable
Crick and Comcare [2020] AATA 4483. Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider whether Ms Crick continued to suffer from a back injury and a psychological condition. The Tribunal considered whether claims management processes can be considered part of “employment”. The Tribunal affirmed the decision to cease liability for Ms Crick’s claims because […]
Tribunal finds headaches are not an “injury”
Wuth and Comcare [2020] AATA 3625 Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider liability for a chronic daily headache condition. The Tribunal highlighted the importance of distinguishing between symptoms and an identifiable physiological change. In the absence of any physiological change the Tribunal concluded that Ms Wuth had not suffered an injury for […]
Tribunal rejects application for Stay Order
Clavero and Australian Postal Corporation [2020] AATA 4167. Key Points: Mr Clavero sustained an injury to his cervical spine while working for the Australian Postal Corporation. After his compensation payments were ceased, Mr Clavero applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a stay order. The Tribunal refused to grant the order. Background: Mr […]
Back claim fails for former pasta maker
Hovenden and Comcare [2020] AATA 3695 (21 September 2020). Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to decide whether an employee suffered an exacerbation of his low back condition as a result of his work as a Customer Service Officer for Services Australia. The Tribunal found that flare ups of symptoms did not amount to […]
Crawford & Company® acquires HBA Group
Australian legal enterprise becomes part of Crawford Legal Services LONDON (November 4, 2020) Crawford & Company® (NYSE: CRD-A and CRD-B), the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers and corporates is pleased to announce the acquisition of Australia-based HBA Group as part of the continuing expansion […]
It’s official: HBA among WA’s best insurance firms
Well-respected Doyle’s Guide has announced the leading defendant insurance lawyers and law firms in Western Australia for 2020, with HBA Legal appearing across four key categories. Lawyers, barristers and firms are awarded based on feedback from industry peers, clients and relevant industry bodies. HBA has been named among the top law firms in the following defendant […]
Pride in Law expands into WA with HBA Legal
PERTH: HBA Legal has become the latest law firm to support Pride in Law, as the association dedicated to the LGBTIQ+ legal community expands into Western Australia. Starting in Queensland in 2017, and then branching into Western Australia this year, Pride in Law seeks to erase homophobia, gender inequality, and other affronts to individuals, families, […]
Tribunal: chemical sensitivity not an ‘injury’ but employee’s claim gets up
Flood and Comcare (Compensation) [2020] AATA 2152. Key Points: The Tribunal considered whether a Centrelink employee was entitled to receive ongoing compensation for multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. The Tribunal found that multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome is not commonly accepted as a medical condition and instead concluded that Ms Flood suffers from a psychological condition. […]
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Home » Geriatrics & Aging » U-M researchers discover stress in early life extends lifespan
U-M researchers discover stress in early life extends lifespan
Last Updated December 5, 2019 by Healthcanal Staff
ANN ARBOR—Some stress at a young age could actually lead to a longer life, new research shows.
University of Michigan researchers have discovered that oxidative stress experienced early in life increases subsequent stress resistance later in life.
Oxidative stress happens when cells produce more oxidants and free radicals than they can deal with. It’s part of the aging process, but can also arise from stressful conditions such as exercise and calorie restriction.
Examining a type of roundworm called C. elegans, U-M scientists Ursula Jakob and Daphne Bazopoulou found that worms that produced more oxidants during development lived longer than worms that produced fewer oxidants. Their results are published in the journal Nature.
Researchers have long wondered what determines variability in lifespan, says Jakob, a professor of molecular, cellular and developmental biology. One part of that is genetics: If your parents are long-lived, you have a good chance for living longer as well. Environment is another part.
That other stochastic—or random—factors might be involved becomes clear in the case of C. elegans. These short-lived organisms are a popular model system among aging researchers in part because every hermaphroditic mother produces hundreds of genetically identical offspring. However, even if kept in the same environment, the lifespan of these offspring varies to a surprising extent, Jakob says.
“If lifespan was determined solely by genes and environment, we would expect that genetically identical worms grown on the same petri dish would all drop dead at about the same time, but this is not at all what happens. Some worms live only three days while others are still happily moving around after 20 days,” Jakob said. “The question then is, what is it, apart from genetics and environment, that is causing this big difference in lifespan?”
Jakob and Bazopoulou, a postdoctoral researcher and lead author of the paper, found one part of the answer when they discovered that during development, C. elegans worms varied substantially in the amount of reactive oxygen species they produce.
Reactive oxygen species, or ROS, are oxidants that every air-breathing organism produces. ROS are closely associated with aging: the oxidative damage they elicit are what many anti-aging creams claim to combat. Bazopoulou and Jakob discovered that instead of having a shorter lifespan, worms that produced more ROS during development actually lived longer.
“Experiencing stress at this early point in life may make you better able to fight stress you might encounter later in life,” Bazopoulou said.
When the researchers exposed the whole population of juvenile worms to external ROS during development, the average lifespan of the entire population increased. Though the researchers don’t know yet what triggers the oxidative stress event during development, they were able to determine what processes enhanced the lifespan of these worms.
To do this, Bazopoulou sorted thousands of C. elegans larvae according to the oxidative stress levels they have during development. By separating worms that produced large amounts of ROS from those that produced little amounts of ROS, she showed that the main difference between the two groups was a histone modifier, whose activity is sensitive to oxidative stress conditions.
The researchers found that the temporary production of ROS during development caused changes in the histone modifier early in the worm’s life. How these changes persist throughout life and how they ultimately affect and extend lifespan is still unknown. What is known, however, is that this specific histone modifier is also sensitive to oxidative stress sensitive in mammalian cells. Additionally, early-life interventions have been shown to extend lifespans in mammalian model systems such as mice.
“The general idea that early life events have such profound, positive effects later in life is truly fascinating. Given the strong connection between stress, aging and age-related diseases, it is possible that early events in life might also affect the predisposition for age-associated diseases, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” Jakob said.
Next, the researchers want to figure out what key changes are triggered by these early-life events. Understanding this might allow scientists to develop lifespan-extending interventions that work at later stages in life.
Categories Geriatrics & Aging
IU School of Medicine researchers discover groundbreaking test for post-traumatic stress disorder
Early-life Alcohol Intake May Increase the Odds of High-grade Prostate Cancer Later in Life
Early life factors connected to suicide risk later in life
Stress eating can start in early childhood, may lead to extra weight later
Scientists discover an early sign of type 2 diabetes: Misfolded proinsulin
Early life trauma in men associated with reduced levels of sperm microRNAs
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Home Our work Learning disability The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism.
What is The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disabilities and Autism?
This training will ensure staff working in health and social care receive learning disability and autism training, at the right level for their role. They will have a better understanding of people’s needs, resulting in better services and improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
In November 2019, the Government published 'Right to be heard' its response to the consultation on proposals for introducing mandatory learning disability and autism training for health and social care staff.
The response included a commitment to develop a standardised training package. The training will draw on existing best practice, the expertise of people with autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers as well as subject matter experts.
HEE and Skills for Care are co-ordinating the development of training in both health and social care. The training is being co-produced and delivered by autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers.
Why is it called The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training?
The training is named after Oliver McGowan, whose death shone a light on the need for health and social care staff to have better training.
You can see more about Oliver’s Campaign here.
What will the training look like?
Oliver's training is about awareness and understanding and does not include training about treatments or specific interventions. It will give staff the right skills to ensure people with a learning disability and autistic people have positive health and social care outcomes.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training will be co designed and co delivered by autistic people, people with a learning disability, family carers and subject matter experts. It includes face-to-face delivery and blended learning approaches.
The content is based on the Capabilities Framework for Supporting People with a Learning Disability and the Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People. See the capabilities frameworks.
These frameworks identify the different tiers of skills and knowledge staff need to support people. They were developed with autistic people and people with learning disabilities including their families of all ages.
There are two frameworks as learning disability and autism are different and social care and health staff need to clearly understand this. They share a similar format to make it as straight forward as possible for workers and employers to use.
Each framework has 3 tiers, each tier refers to a defined target audience:
- Tier 1 – People who require a general understanding of autism, and learning disabilities, and the support people may need
- Tier 2 – People with responsibility for providing care and support (for an autistic person or people, and / or people who have a learning disability) but who could seek support from others for complex management or complex decision-making
- Tier 3 - Health, social care staff and other professionals with a high degree of autonomy, able to provide care and support in complex situations and/or may also lead services for autistic people / people who have a learning disability.
Four partners have been appointed to co-produce and co-deliver the training in a trial for groups of health and social care staff. An independent evaluation will be co-produced to report on the impact of the training, identify the most appropriate content material and delivery methods and the cost implications for the wider rollout.
The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training will include tiers 1 and 2 capabilities.
Who is involved?
A panel which included: autistic people, people with learning disabilities and family members representing interest groups; representatives from HEE; Skills for Care; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Local Government Association and NHS England and NHS Improvement have selected the following organisations as trial partners:
- British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD)
- Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Mencap Society/National Autistic Society
- Pathways Associates Community Interest Company
The National Development Team for Inclusion are the independent evaluation partner.
Trial and evaluation partners are each leading a consortium of diverse groups and networks involving 51 organisations.
Skills for Care are coordinating all enquiries about the trials and evaluation, on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care, and Health Education England. If you have a question, please contact: information.team@skillsforcare.org.uk
How did we find our partners?
HEE’s procurement processes were used to appoint the trial and evaluation partners. Every stage in the procurement process included the direct involvement of autistic people, people with learning disabilities and their families as well as professional expertise.
All bids were assessed and scored against published criteria. Only bids which met the quality standard were invited to the interview stage with the panels. There were separate panels for the trials the evaluation bids. Each panel included: autistic people, people with learning disabilities and family members representing interest groups; representatives from HEE; Skills for Care; the Department of Health and Social Care; the Local Government Association; NHS England and NHS Improvement.
Each partner is required to ensure that autistic people, people with a learning disability and family carers are involved in every stage of the trials and must be appropriately remunerated for their work.
Once The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training trial is complete the Department for Health and Social Care will use the evaluation to inform a wider rollout of the training.
Key meetings
Strategic Oversight Group
The Strategic Oversight Group provides high level, oversight, quality assurance and leadership for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Learning Disability and Autism Training programme. It is responsible for managing the delivery of the programme, including decisions relating to the day-to-day running and development of the programme.
The membership includes representatives from the Voluntary and Community Sector, Experts-by-Experience, family members, Department of Health and Social Care, Health Education England and Skills for Care.
The Strategic Oversight Group met in December and agreed the trial can be extended by six months to allow COVID safe delivery of face-to-face training. The additional time means the evaluation is now due in February 2022.
Stakeholder Forum
The stakeholder forum is a regular open meeting where we can meet with interested groups and organisations to share updates, respond to questions and hear the voices of stakeholders. The first Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Stakeholder Forum met on Monday 14 December 2020.
This is an open meeting for interested groups and people. Paula McGowan told the group how the training came about and why it is named in memory of her son Oliver McGowan. There was an introduction from Health Education England showing how the trials will work, and how autistic people and people with learning disabilities are co-producing at each stage. The National Development Team for Inclusion, the organisation leading the evaluation, presented their approach and who will be involved.
The team then responded to questions raised prior to and in the meeting. The full list of Questions and Answers will be published on our website shortly. The next meeting will be Friday 12 February 2021 (between 10:00 and 12:00) via Zoom.
At the February meeting the four partners developing and trialling the training will be sharing their approaches with the forum. There will also be the opportunity for those attending to ask questions before and during the session.
If you would like to attend, please register here.
BILD Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Summary (.pdf) 1.22 MB
Glos. Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Summary (.pdf) 445.84 KB
Mencap NAS Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Summary (.pdf) 1.44 MB
NDTi Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Summary (.pdf) 1.67 MB
Pathways Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training Summary (.pdf) 1.73 MB
Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism Partner Consortium Listing (.pdf) 54.24 KB
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NEWS | Sikorsky S-92 in Sikorsky Helicopters
Farren Delivers Multiple Helicopters In June
Transportation supplier Farren delivered a VH-92 trainer, CH-148 Cyclone and a CH-53K airframe to Sikorsky and its 11th CH-47D Chinook to Columbia Helicopters all in June 2015
Farren, July 07, 2015 - Randolph, NJ - Farren International, a global supplier of transportation and rigging services, reached a company milestone in cross-continent oversize aircraft transportation on 26 June 2015, when it successfully delivered its 11th CH-47D Chinook helicopter from Delaware to Columbia Helicopters in Oregon.
However, that achievement was merely one of many deliveries that Farren completed throughout June. The month started when Farren transported the 10th CH-47D Chinook in its care to Columbia Helicopters. “This aircraft is a twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter that requires extensive expertise and planning to transport. We specialize in the proper methods of loading, securing, and transporting such aircraft over land,” said Glenn Wargo, director of Farren International’s Aircraft Transportation Division.
Next, the company used its specially modified tractor-trailer to transport a new CH-53K airframe from Spirit Aerosystems in Wichita, Kansas, to Sikorsky Aircraft in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
While Farren was completing this mission, they also transported two special Sikorsky S-92 variants and one S-92 trainer from another Sikorsky facility in Jupiter, Florida, to Port of Brunswick, Georgia, for eventual delivery to Norway.
Farren also transported another VH-92 trainer from Sikorsky in Jupiter to Lockheed Martin in Orlando. This was indeed a special delivery, as this trainer will assist Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin in their partnership work on the next presidential helicopter. While working with Sikorsky Global Logistics and both Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin engineers, Farren obtained special surveys and permits prior to transport, which was made with the aircraft completely intact. It crossed the highways at 16 feet high, 14 feet wide, and 92 feet long. “We are proud to play our part in the Sikorsky/Lockheed Martin presidential helicopter program,” said Wargo.
The busy month concluded on June 30 when Farren successfully took a Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone from Sikorsky’s operations facility in Plattsburgh, New York, down to a Sikorsky facility in Troy, Alabama.
However, although June is over, transportation projects for Farren are not. Among other endeavors, the company is preparing to deliver the 12th CH-47D Chinook to Columbia Helicopters in Oregon later this summer. Farren International is proud to have the opportunity to transport special helicopters for all its many special and valued customers.
About Farren International: Farren International is a global supplier of transportation and rigging services that has been serving customers across North America since 1959. With corporate offices in Randolph, New Jersey, Farren is equipped with a large, well-maintained fleet of tractors, prime movers, hydraulic platform trailers in 8-, 10-, and 13-axle configurations, step decks, double drops, flat bed, and logistics trailers.
The company employs only highly trained drivers, riggers, and project managers. Rigging equipment includes hydraulic gantries and slide systems to up 500 tons, fork lift capacity from 50 to 500 tons equipped with crane booms, hydraulic truck cranes to 75-ton capacity, electric fork lifts, as well as fully remote control skates (the first of their kind in North America).
Farren has the equipment and personnel to perform all transportation and rigging requirements. Whether a job requires moving one piece of equipment or an entire facility, Farren International will complete the project in a safe, timely, and efficient manner because it defines success by customer satisfaction.
This article is listed in :
Sikorsky S-92 in Sikorsky Helicopters
Sikorsky VH-92A
Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
Boeing CH-47D Chinook in Columbia Helicopters
Farren International
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No commercials this go round, which makes it more serious and believable. If my hunch is right, they want the government out something fierce. Pay it off gentlemen and get two work.
From Edward Niedermeyer at The Truth About Cars:
News that the government will sell only $6b-$8b worth of its GM equity has been joined by an even more surprising GM IPO announcement: GM will buy the Treasury’s entire $2.1b holding of preferred stock in the initial offering. GM has not announced how much it will pay for the stake, and the Detroit News reports that it’s not yet clear if GM will also buy some $400m in preferred stock held by the Canadian and Ontario governments. We’re also getting word via Twitter that GM will put $4b in cash and $2b worth of its stock into its overdrawn UAW pension fund, as well as making a $2.8b payment to the UAW VEBA account. With a $5b line of credit secured, GM says these and other steps will reduce its debt by $11b over an unspecified timeline.
Written By Larry W Johnson II on Thursday, October 28, 2010
File Under GM
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Coastin'
More than 17,000 sign petition asking Cardi B to skip appearance at 'abusive' Houston rodeo
Deborah Sengupta Stith , Austin American-Statesman
Days after rapper Cardi B took home the Best Rap Album trophy for her debut release “Invasion of Privacy,” an online petition asking the hip-hop star and Instagram celeb not to play the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo logged more than 17,000 signatures.
The petition, on the Care2 platform, is titled “Cardi B Should Not Perform at this Abusive Rodeo.”
It describes the Houston rodeo as “an event chock-full of animal abuse.” The petition’s author cites the Calf Scramble, “where stressed and scared baby cows are set loose and then chased by children,” the Paint Horse Show and the bull riding competition as examples of animal cruelty at the rodeo.
“Cardi B has 11 dogs, that’s how much she loves animals,” the petition reads. It goes on to note, “She may not know all the ways animals are being abused to make this Houston event go on though. That’s why it’s up to us, her fans, to ask her not to use her name and popularity to support such gruesome behavior.”
But not everyone who signed the petition is an outraged animal lover. Signees are asked to answer the question, “Why do you want Cardi B to not play this rodeo?” Alongside statements about animal cruelty, comments left on the page included, “Didn’t like her stance on the Super Bowl,” “She cusses in her song ‘Money’” and “Because she’s so ratchet.”
The Herald News, Fall River, MA ~ PO Box 3408 Fall River, MA 02722 ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Cookie Policy ~ Do Not Sell My Personal Information ~ Privacy Policy ~ Terms Of Service ~ Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy
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Free weekend will not change Oxford United team for Tuesday – Karl Robinson
Karl Robinson: I know my Oxford United team for Cambridge
By James Roberts @OxMailJamesR Senior sports reporter
Elliott Moore is set to start for Oxford United against Cambridge United in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday Picture: David Fleming
OXFORD United’s free Saturday will not impact Karl Robinson’s team selection when his side returns to action.
Today’s home clash with Shrewsbury Town was postponed due to their opponents’ Emirates FA Cup third round tie against Southampton – although that has since been called off due to Covid cases at the Shropshire outfit.
With the midweek visit of Doncaster Rovers also shelved because of coronavirus at the away side, Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy third round match against Cambridge United will be the U’s first outing in ten days.
Karl Robinson: Oxford United are first club to face up to Covid 'breach'
The extended break will not stop Robinson making several changes, but he is set to start Elliott Moore and Sam Long – the two United players to rack up the most minutes this season.
“I know what my team is going to be,” United’s head coach said.
“Elliott and Longy will play, but every other player that steps on that pitch will be someone who hasn’t been playing.
“The reason we know we can go with those two is they’ve had a long break, so there won’t be a fatigue element.
“Those two positions are probably covering 9.3 or 9.4km per game, probably not at top speed in some of those.
“Centre back is probably the lowest physical output on the football pitch, except for the goalkeeper.
“We know we can comfortably get through that with those two players.”
Read also: Oxford United unsuccessful in League One monthly awards
The Cambridge tie could be an opportunity for Cameron Brannagan to make his first start since October.
The midfielder returned from a serious eye problem in the 5-1 win at Burton Albion last Saturday, coming on as a 75th-minute substitute.
Brannagan and Sam Winnall’s returns mean Robinson has a fully-fit squad to choose from and he insisted it would be a strong line-up.
He said: “People will question me making a lot of changes, but it’ll be Simon Eastwood in goal, Jordan Obita at left back and Sean Clare (at right back). It’s not bad.
“When people see the players ahead of that they’ll realised we’ve developed a half-decent squad.”
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Ambulances waiting more than an hour in Hereford to hand over patients
Ambulances waiting more than an hour at Hereford Hospital
By James Thomas @JamesThomasHere Reporter
More than 10 patients have waited more than an hour after arriving at Hereford County Hospital A&E by ambulance. Picture: Rob Davies
DOZENS of A&E patients have waited up to an hour before entering Hereford County Hospital after arriving in ambulances, new figures reveal.
NHS England figures show 418 patients arrived at A&E in Hereford by ambulance between December 28 and January 3 – 50 had to wait between 30 and 60 minutes, and 11 had to wait even longer.
National guidance says patients arriving at an emergency department by ambulance must be handed over to the care of A&E staff within 15 minutes.
The busiest day was December 31, when 12 were waiting at least half an hour and six more than 60 minutes.
The week before, 413 patients arrived at A&E in an ambulance. Forty had to wait between 30 and 60 minutes, and four even longer.
A delay does not necessarily mean the patient waited in the ambulance itself – but staff were not available to complete the handover.
An NHS spokesman said earlier this month: "NHS staff are now caring for record numbers of seriously ill Covid patients requiring hospital treatment.
"But they are doing so while also caring for substantially more emergency patients with other conditions than were in hospital during the first Covid peak in April.
"The pandemic has required changes to the way the NHS delivers care, with hospitals having to split services into separate Covid and non-Covid zones, so to protect individual patients some beds and ward bays have to be taken out of use."
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Alpha Precision - Ireland
VISI Helps Mouldmaker Rise To New Challenges
Having revamped their corporate image and website in the last few weeks, an injection mould manufacturer welcomes new challenges, and is pushing ahead with important medical, aerospace and automotive contracts.
Alpha Precision say they push the boundaries of what’s possible in precision engineering, through state-of-the-art software. In particular, this helped them through the recession in their native Irish Republic by giving them a competitive edge to work in high-end markets.
Alpha Precision, based at Tubbercurry in County Sligo, operates an almost full suite of VISI modules, which Director Brendan Feely describes as a seamless communication tool.
“Several years ago Ireland experienced an exodus of toolmaking contracts as work went overseas, particularly to China. At the same time, the specialist VISI CAD/CAM software for the mould and die industry was rapidly developing and adding new features. Even companies which weren’t computer literate were investing in the technology to survive. The software had a huge effect on the toolmaking industry, giving us a competitive advantage to weather the storm.”
He says it’s now “high end all the way” for Alpha Precision – high end staff building high end mould tools with high end software. “The technology promotes a more automated process, and means our staff need a different skillset nowadays, to use VISI to its full potential.”
And he describes VISI as the glue in the complete toolmaking environment. “We have a variety of different machines doing different jobs, so our operators have different skills. The software’s applied on the back of the machining, and because there are several disciplines, such as design, milling, wire and spark eroding, the software fits naturally into its given area. The operator in that area is just trained on the one particular VISI module.”
He compares the toolroom to a group of people from different countries, with none of them speaking a language other than their own. “One language is design; others include flow analysis, milling, wire eroding and spark erosion. VISI is the common language that unites all those processes, ensuring everything moves fluently through the toolroom from one discipline to another.”
Operating with 16 employees, the company produces an average of around 40 tools a year, ranging in size from 100mm x 100mm x 100mm, up to 600mm x 1-metre, mainly for the automotive, medical, packaging and electronics industry sectors.
Partnering with their clients from the initial concept, right through to the final production, he says the experienced design team utilises VISI to design complex moulds…such as a number of high cavitation tools for one of their many medical customers; and two-shot plastic injection tools, which involves an overmould. “Although two-shot production adds another element by involving a second material and process, VISI keeps it simple and efficient.”
With VISI programs running their high speed milling on Röder, and F3 and F5 Makino machining centres, the challenges posed by the medical industry requiring very fine micro levels, are readily overcome. “We use high-end 42,000 rpm spindle speed for very small detail finishing, and cut our electrodes on the Makino F3, with high definition being done on the F5. And we can also machine a cavity in just one night, that would otherwise take a week. Using VISI Machining we can quickly produce a highly polished medical part with fine detail, a milled finish, and a split line within micron accuracy.”
VISI Electrode & Wire also powers Alpha Precision’s EDM machines for spark eroding, and Mitsubishi wire erosion. He says parts of the tool will have been cut on each of the machines, and when it’s ready for shipping it is a very fine-micron, accurately controlled finished tool for, typically, the medical or automotive industry.
Having invested in many VISI modules including Modelling, Analysis, Flow, Mould, Progress, the wire cutting and electrode systems, along with 2D Milling, 3D Milling and High Speed Milling, the software is used at every stage of their process, beginning with providing an accurate quotation for the customer. “We use VISI’s analytical tools to check the drafts and all the different features we’ll need to build into the mould, such as the core and side pieces.
“When the order’s been placed, we work closely with our customer’s moulders on the design concept, including flow analysis and tool layout. Once the 2D design is broken down and we have the tooling in full 3D we really begin to see the huge power of VISI, which controls everything from design, through milling to wiring in one environment. Because we’re not going across translators there’s a perfect understanding within the technology, taking it right through every stage.”
VISI ensures that all milling for hard prepping and high-speed finishing is handled quickly and accurately, which he says is vital to their operation. “We make a lot of one-off custom components for each mould, meaning we only run a program once. As pattern cutters we need to be very good at generating CNC code time after time, and VISI is exceptional at doing that job for us.”
Although injection mould tools form Alpha Precision’s core business, they also provide a blow moulding and forming tool service, and have experience in specialised press tooling.
HxGN LIVE, die jährliche Konferenz von Hexagon, bietet inspirierende Vorträge, unbegrenzte Networking-Möglichkeiten und neueste Technologien.
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By: ZigZag
Berserker Blu-ray Review
Written by ZigZag
Blu-ray released by Vinegar Syndrome
Written and directed by Jef Richard
1987, 85 minutes, Rated R
Released on October 29th, 2019
Joseph Alan Johnson as Mike
Valerie Sheldon as Kathy
Greg Dawson as Josh
Rodney Montague as Larry
Beth Toussaint as Shelly
Shannon Engemann as Kristi
George “Buck” Flower as Pappy Nyquist
John Goff as Officer Walt Hill
Back in tenth-century Norway, there were extreme warrior Vikings known as Berserkers who wore the skins and snout of a bear and ate the bodies of their victims. When these fighters grew recklessly unstable, they were banished to ships at sea for new lands. Legend has it they held the power to possess the bodies of their descendants and continue their violent behavior against future generations.
Today, a group of young adults visit the Rainbow Valley Campgrounds (Little Norway) in scenic Utah where they pass the time drinking beer, smoking pot, playing in the stream and riding around on their three-wheeler. They are warned by local police and the caretaker to be careful of wild animals. That night around a campfire, Larry, the bookish one, shares the legend of the Berserkers. Alpha-male Josh grew up vacationing here with his dad and tells the others that a young girl was mauled by a bear six years ago. The night is full of stories and romantic interludes, but the kids are not alone. A giant grizzly bear stalks the grounds and if that were not trouble enough – there is also a Berserker out for blood.
1980s horror films are loaded with familiar tropes and clichés involving camping teens and unseen danger in the woods and Berserker (aka Berserker – The Nordic Curse) recycles them one and all. The premise is interesting, but the script is a howler full of overripe scenarios and clunky dialogue. This was the first film for a lot of the cast, so performances are decidedly uneven and making matters worse, the make-up effects are pretty weak – but there is a decent body count. On a positive note we get some lovely scenery of the Utah countryside and a welcome appearance from character actors George “Buck” Flower (They Live!) and John Goff (The Fog) as Pappy the caretaker and Officer Hill respectively. The real surprise in this film is the addition of Bart the Bear (The Bear), one of the most famous animal actors of his time.
Writer-director Jef Richards (In Search of a Golden Sky) reportedly wrote this script in one day – and it shows. The kids are carefree and looking to party while the authority figures are middle-aged adults who shake their heads at the shenanigans. There is some confusion as to how much mayhem the Berserker is responsible for and how much credit goes to the bear. One highlight comes when these two foes face off in a dramatic wrestling match. Bart, the real bear, participates in some shots while his stunt double, a man in a bear suit, fills in for close ups. There is not a lot to recommend in Berserker outside of some gratuitous nudity and adequate bloodshed.
Video and Audio:
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the original 16mm camera negative has received a 2K scan and restoration and the transfer is light years above the muddy VHS. Most of the movie is set at night and viewers can finally see what’s happening. The clear picture does nothing to improve the gore, but faces and clothing are well-defined.
The audio arrives in a DTS-HD MA 2.0 mono track that gets the job done. Dialogue is easily understood and free from hiss, pops or other distortion.
Optional English subtitles are included for anyone in need.
The film begins with an optional director’s intro (18 seconds) that simply encourages you to enjoy the show.
Justin Kerswell and Joseph Henson of The Hysteria Continues podcast provide an entertaining audio commentary full of humorous anecdotes and asides. They provide biographical information on the director and cast and point out some of their favorite scenes. It is no secret that this picture is something of a stinker and they don’t offer much of a defense for it, but they appear to enjoy sharing their thoughts on it.
Writer-director Jef Richard discusses the film in the interview segment A Family Affair (26 minutes). He marvels at how quickly everything came together and how he employed various family members to help fill out the crew. There is discussion on designing the look of the picture and praise for the cinematographer as well as thoughts on casting.
In Valley Girl (11 minutes), actress Shannon Engemann (Kristi) reflects on her time on the film. She shares her memories of the audition process and her experience working with the director. She recalls the time as being a fun shoot but cringes at parts of her performance. She is currently working on her singing career.
Beware of Bears (16 minutes) is an interview with actor Joseph Alan Johnson (Mike), who has fond memories of the shoot and kind words for his co-stars. He reflects on his career and how he is comfortable working as a character actor.
Up next is an audio interview with actor Mike Riley (10 minutes), who played the Berserker. Acting was never a serious calling and this was his only film. Though his time on set was limited, he does have an awesome story about wrestling with Bart the Bear. He never saw the finished film and has since moved on to building technology corporations and working with veterans.
A still gallery (2 minutes) slideshow of promo shots plays with music from the film.
Author: ZigZag
ZigZag's favorite genres include horror (foreign and domestic), Asian cinema and pornography (foreign and domestic). His ability to seek out and enjoy shot on video (SOV) horror movies is unmatched. His love of films with a budget under $100,000 is unapologetic.
Hammer Films: The Ultimate Collection
Jef Richard
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System Human Resource Services
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System Human Resource Services » Employee Development & Engagement » Professional Staff Leadership Academy
The University of Illinois System’s Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA, formerly known as the Academic Professional Leadership Program) utilizes superior leadership principles and applications to develop key professionals. Through relationships built across the University of Illinois System, the program uses the knowledge of University staff, executives, academic theory and practical applications to foster an environment where leaders can emerge.
The program accommodates 20 participants in any given twelve-month class. Candidates for the program must meet eligibility requirements and possess the desire and passion to contribute to the success of the University of Illinois System. They must demonstrate values that are consistent with those of the system and have the characteristics and competencies that are exemplary of superior leadership.
Foster and sustain a culture of exceptional, dynamic, and transformational leadership at all levels throughout the University of Illinois System.
The goals of the Professional Staff Leadership Academy focus on the individual development of University of Illinois professionals and the transmission of inter-institutional knowledge. The program goals are:
Create opportunities for the development of emerging leaders.
Teach and provide opportunities to develop and implement best practices associated with leadership roles and responsibilities.
Create a cross-functional system-wide network of leaders that are capable of successfully executing strategic plans and accomplishing strategic goals.
Develop leaders' change capability in order to react quickly to our rapidly changing economic and social environment.
Develop leaders' emotional intelligence to advance leadership impact.
The curriculum consists of six integrated components. Topics included in each of the components include:
University Organization
Leadership and Academic Theory
University Operations
The sessions will be supplemented by two extracurricular activities:
A reading program will offer insights into current literature related to the program topics. Reviews of the literature will be integrated throughout the twelve-month curriculum.
A mentoring program will be offered to academy members. Mentoring can offer insights into the University operation, its formal and informal culture. Mentors can also be good sounding boards to test ideas, discuss issues and career goals. The mentoring program will be established and supported by the academy, but mentor meetings will occur outside of the formal conference sessions.
Group project related to current system-wide or system-level initiatives or events.
Permanent, 12 month, non-visiting Academic Professional or professional civil service employees with at least an 80% time appointment.
Applicants should have a minimum of three (3) cumulative years of service as an academic professional or civil service employee at the University. Eligible applicants should have completed the three year requirement by the application deadline (extended to November 13, 2020).
Minimum of two or more years in a management role. Example include, but are not limited to supervising staff, managing large projects and/or programs that require responsibility for deliverables and/or project budget.
Support of supervisor and/or department head.
Not currently a member of another University-sponsored leadership program or past UAFP (University Administrative Fellows Program) participant.
Eligible employees must complete the online application and provide the following:
letter of interest (500 words or less) indicating:
their interest and expectations for the program
a description of a professional experience in which the candidate took a leadership role, including examples of how the candidate was or was not effective, as well as what the candidate learned from the experience
letter of support and commitment from his/her immediate supervisor and/or department head.
Applications are due by Friday, November 13, 2020.
Participation Selection
The Professional Staff Leadership Academy (PSLA) steering team selects 20 participants and 3 alternates from all eligible submissions and makes a recommendation to the Program Sponsor for final class participation. Selected candidates will be notified via a letter no later than January 16, 2021.
Conference Dates
Dates for the 2021 cohort will be February 17-19, 2021 (Springfield), May 12-14, 2021 (Chicago), September 15-17, 2021 (Urbana) and November 17-19, 2021 (Urbana). All dates and conference formats are subject to change based on COVID circumstances and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.
Program Cost
The participant's department will pay a one-time $1,000 fee* to participate in the program. The System Office will cover the remaining costs of the program.
*For the 2021 cohort, the one-time fee from the participant's department is reduced to $500 to reflect current budgetary constraints.
Program Sponsor: Office of the Executive Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs - Dr. Barbara Wilson
Program Coordination: System Human Resource Services - Jami Painter, Associate Vice President and Chief HR Officer and Jackie Billhymer, HR Coordinator
Steering Team:
Jami Painter, Chair, System Human Resource Services
Lisa Caridine, UI Hospital and Health Sciences System
Laura Clower, President's Office
Kyle Harfst, Office of the Vice President for Economic Development and Innovation
Catherine Sanders, Chancellor's Office, UIC
Joan Sestak, Chancellor's Office, UIS
Kandace Turner, Chancellor's Office, UIUC
Curriculum Advisory Committee*:
Jami Painter, Chair, System Human Resource Services
Brian Brauer, Fire Service Institute (UIUC), Class of 2019 Graduate
James Gallaher, Illinois Human Resources, UIUC
Michael Ginsburg, Human Resources, UIC
Michele Gribbins, Center for Online Learning, Research & Service (UIS), Class of 2019 Graduate
Agnes Herget, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences (UIC), Class of 2019 Graduate
Melissa Mlynski, Human Resources, UIS
Kathy Sullivan, Institute of Government & Public Affairs, Class of 2019 Graduate
Sarah Zehr, Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs
*Each year, one member from each of the universities and system office will be selected by their class to serve on the Curriculum Advisory Committee for the next program year.
2021 Program Participants
To view participant bios, click here.
Urbana-Champaign
Margaret Browne Huntt, Assistant Director for Strategic Research Initiatives and Chief Diversity Officer, Cancer Center at Illinois
Kara Johnson, Associate Director for Administration, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science & Technology
Julia Nucci Kelly, Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, Krannert Art Museum
Moises Orozco Villicaña, Director of Enrollment Management, School of Information Sciences
James Quisenberry, Director, Student Affairs Technology
Brian Rogers, Senior Associate Director of Proposals, Sponsored Programs Administration
Jen-chien Yu, Director of Library Assessment, Main Library Administration
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Dramatic moment man is tasered by police after hurling microwave at officers
Nathan Caine has been jailed for four months after threatening to hurtle a microwave at South Wales Police officers
Sign up to the Hull Live newsletter for daily updates and breaking news
Dramatic bodycam footage has captured the moment a man is tasered by police after he threatened to lob a microwave at them.
Shared by South Wales Police, the intense video shows a policewoman shout "drop the microwave now" before tasering Nathan Caine, 25, as he charged towards officers with the kitchen appliance.
Officers were responding to reports of an assault on February 4 when they became embroiled in a standoff with Nathan, the Mirror Online reports.
The bodycam footage shows the officer aim the Taser at the criminal and repeatedly ask him to drop the microwave as he backs away from her.
You can watch the dramatic video above.
After ignoring the multiple cautions, the man starts to scream and charge at police with the device in hand.
The moment the criminal is tasered by police (Image: South Wales Police)
Before he could launch the microwave at officers, the constable fires her Taser, bringing the man crashing face-first down to the ground.
As he writhes around on the floor, the police order him to put his hands behind his back, before arresting him.
Caine has since been sentenced to four months in prison.
It comes after the Home Office awarded more than £273,000 to South Wales Police to fund 331 Tasers.
Chief Constable Matt Jukes said: “Equipping officers to be able to protect themselves, their colleagues and, importantly, the public, is a priority.
"This increase is not in response to a specific threat, but the nature of policing means officers frequently put themselves in harm’s way.
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“Additional availability of Taser is one part of our strategy to address the safety of officers and the public.
"Ensuring officers have appropriate protection is recognition of their vital role in standing between the public and harm, and their daily commitment to doing exactly that.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Alun Michael, who has reviewed and endorsed the planned increase in the number of Taser-trained officers in South Wales, said the use of the weapons is proporitionate.
He said: “In many cases, the presence of a Taser alone is enough to calm an offender or an individual who is in crisis, and in the vast majority of incidents the Taser is not discharged."
Mr Michael added that they frequently prevent harm to the police, those being restrained and members of the public.
UK & World NewsLive as Joe Biden inauguration takes place outside the Capitol BuildingHe will be the 46th president of the United States
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Hull & East Yorkshire NewsNorthern Gas Networks cannot give an exact time for when reconnection to the gas supply will start
Boris JohnsonThe level of hospital activity means we are likely to see many more deaths reported
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The HUSTLR Podcast
Data Analytics For Marketing
Competitive Analysis Service
TikTok Marketing Agency
EP 67 – Hacking Healthcare With Sarah Bolt From Forth
By Jeremy Ong
Updated : July 29, 2020
DISCLOSURE: This blog post may contain affiliate links and any purchase(s) made through such links will result in a small commission to HUSTLR (at no cost for you).
EP 67 - Hacking Healthcare With Sarah Bolt From Forth
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Hey hustlers, welcome back to another episode of the HUSTLR Podcast. Firstly, I want to apologize to our avid podcast listeners that have been following this show closely that we will not be publishing weekly episodes now as we are undergoing massive amounts of change internally over the past few months and there has been a small shift of focus. I’ll continue to try my best to publish as often as I can but we want to be pickier with who we bring onto the show as we only want to publish the best interviews we have our hands on.Which brings me to today’s guest – Sarah Bolt from Forth. Sarah is a high growth startup founder that is in the health tracking space. Forth is an innovate biomarker tracking platform which helps people at the UK navigate their way to better health. In this episode, she shares her journey as a female startup entrepreneur in the healthcare space and growth strategies that she has used to grow her business.
Mentioned in the episode
For the general public – https://www.forthwithlife.co.uk/
For athletes – https://www.forthedge.co.uk/
Jeremy Ong
Jeremy has been running several online businesses behind his laptop for the past 5 years and he has worked as a freelance web developer previously. A trained marketer by profession, he also has Ruby on Rails and web development knowledge. His forte lies in eCommerce, SEO and content marketing. He’s been featured on Vice, Thrive Global, YFS Magazine, Forbes and several other publications. He prefers to connect with people on LinkedIn.
EP 69 – The Smart Way Of Investing In Real Estate With Chris Prefontaine
Hey hustlers! It’s been a really really busy period for myself and I’ve finally found more time to start publishing again! Today’s guest – Chris Prefontaine is a real estate investing coach who’s been in the industry since 1991. We
EP 68. Building Highly Profitable Authority Sites With Mark Webster From Authority Hacker
Hey hustlers, it’s pleasure to present today’s guest – Mark Webster. He is one of the co-founders of authorityhacker.com which is one of my favourite SEO blogs on helping people make a living building and running authority sites. Over the
SharePinTweetShareRedditHey hustlers, welcome back to another episode of the HUSTLR Podcast. Firstly, I want to apologize to our avid podcast listeners that have been following this show closely that we will not be publishing weekly episodes now as we are
EP 66: Building A Business With Nothing But A Computer With Luke Sartain From UpUGo
Hey hustlers, welcome back for another episode of The HUSTLR Podcast. I know I have not been sticking to the publishing schedule lately but there has just been too much to do and I am looking to improve the quality
EP 65. How Anyone Can Start Writing As A Bountiful Career With Anthony Moore
Hello hustlers, thanks for coming back onto the show. It’s an insane time to be alive and do you know what’s even more crazy? The fact that Anthony Moore is crushing making money with his writing skills during this difficult
EP 64. Going Where You’re Treated Best With Andrew Henderson From Nomad Capitalist
Welcome back to the show hustlers. The team at HUSTLR hopes you’re doing fine in this very difficult time. Today’s topic is around the growing trend of global nomadism and today’s guest, Andrew Henderson – Managing Partner of the Nomad
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links on this website are affiliate links. We may get paid for recommending products and services. We test all these products and would not recommend products we would not use ourselves.
Copyright © 2020 HUSTLR ® All rights reserved.
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Etienne PARDOUX
epe.html
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[55] Markov field properties of solutions of white noise driven quasi-linear parabolic PDEs, with Nualart, D., Stochastics & Stoch. Rep. 48, no. 1-2, 17-44, 1994.
[54] White noise driven parabolic SPDEs with measurable drift, with Bally, V.; Gyöngy, I., J. Funct. Anal. 120, no. 2, 484-510, 1994.
[53] Symmetric reflected diffusions, with Williams, R. J., Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Probab. Statist. 30, no. 1, 13-62, 1994.
[52] Backward doubly stochastic differential equations and systems of quasilinear SPDEs, with Peng, Shi Ge, Probab. Theory Related Fields 98, no. 2, 209-227, 1994.
[51] A stochastic Feynman-Kac formula for anticipating SPDEs, and application to nonlinear smoothing, with Ocone, Daniel, Stochastics & Stoch. Rep. 45, no. 1-2, 79-126, 1993.
[50] On the regularization effect of space-time white noise on quasi-linear parabolic partial differential equations, avec Gyöngy, Istvan, Probab. Theory Related Fields 97, no. 1-2, 211-229, 1993.
[49]] Absolute continuity of the law of the solution of a parabolic SPDE, with Zhang, Tu Sheng, J. Funct. Anal. 112, no. 2, 447-458, 1993.
[48] White noise driven SPDEs with reflection, with Donati-Martin, C., Probab. Theory Related Fields 95, no. 1, 1-24, 1993.
[47] Stochastic partial differential equations, a review, Bull. Sci. Math. 117, no. 1, 29-47, 1993.
[46] On quasi-linear stochastic partial differential equations, with Gyöngy, I., Probab. Theory Related Fields 94, no. 4, 413-425, 1993.
[45] Backward stochastic differential equations and quasilinear parabolic partial differential equations, with Peng, S., in Stochastic partial differential equations and their applications (Charlotte, NC, 1991), 200-217, Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci., 176, Springer, Berlin, 1992.
[44] White noise driven quasilinear SPDEs with reflection, with Nualart, D., Probab. Theory Related Fields 93, no. 1, 77-89, 1992.
[43] Lyapounov exponent of linear stochastic systems with large diffusion term, with Wihstutz, V., Stochastic Process. Appl. 40, no. 2, 289-308, 1992.
[42] Second order stochastic differential equations with Dirichlet boundary conditions, with Nualart, David, Stochastic Process. Appl. 39, no. 1, 1-24, 1991.
[41] Finite-dimensional approximate filters in the case of high signal-to-noise ratio, with Roubaud, M.-C., in Stochastic analysis, 433-448, Academic Press, Boston, MA, 1991.
[40] Boundary value problems for stochastic differential equations, with Nualart, D., Ann. Probab. 19, no. 3, 1118-1144, 1991.
[39] Filtrage non linéaire et équations aux dérivées partielles stochastiques associées. (French) [Nonlinear filtering and associated stochastic partial differential equations], in Ecole d'été de Probabilités de Saint-Flour XIX 1989, 67-163, Lecture Notes in Math. 1464, Springer, Berlin, 1991.
[38] An introduction to Malliavin calculus and some of its applications, with Michel, Dominique, in Recent advances in stochastic calculus (College Park, MD, 1987), 65-104, Progr. Automat. Info. Systems, Springer, New York, 1990.
[37] Monotonicity methods for white noise driven quasi-linear SPDEs, with Buckdahn, R., in Diffusion processes and related problems in analysis, Vol. I (Evanston, IL, 1989), 219-233, Progr. Probab. 22, Birkhäuser Boston, Boston, MA, 1990.
[36] Applications of anticipating stochastic calculus to stochastic differential equations, in Stochastic analysis and related topics II (Silivri, 1988), 63-105, Lecture Notes in Math. 1444, Springer, Berlin, 1990.
[35] Stochastic Volterra equations with anticipating coefficients, with Protter, Philip, Ann. Probab. 18, no. 4, 1635-1655, 1990.
[34] Differential calculus and integration by parts on Poisson space (avec Carlen, Eric A.), in Stochastics, algebra and analysis in classical and quantum dynamics (Marseille, 1988), 63-73, Math. Appl., 59, Kluwer Acad. Publ., Dordrecht, 1990.
[33] Adapted solution of a backward stochastic differential equation, with Peng, S. G., Systems Control Lett. 14, no. 1, 55-61, 1990.
[32] A Lie algebraic criterion for nonexistence of finite-dimensionally computable filters, with Ocone, Daniel, in Stochastic partial differential equations and applications II (Trento, 1988), 197-204, Lecture Notes in Math. 1390, Springer, Berlin, 1989.
[31] Piecewise monotone filtering with small obervation noise, with Fleming, W. H., in SIAM J. Control Optim. 27, no. 5, 1156-1181, 1989.
[30] Linear stochastic differential equations with boundary conditions, with Ocone, Daniel, Probab. Theory Related Fields 82, no. 4, 489-526, 1989.
[29] Stochastic variational inequalities of parabolic type, with Haussmann, U. G., Appl. Math. Optim. 20, no. 2, 163-192, 1989.
[28] A generalized Itô-Ventzell formula. Application to a class of anticipating stochastic differential equations, with Ocone, Daniel, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Probab. Statist 25, no. 1, 39-71, 1989.
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[18] Almost sure and moment stability for linear Itô equations, with Arnold, L.; Oeljeklaus, E., in Lyapunov exponents (Bremen, 1984), 129-159, Lecture Notes in Math. 1186, Springer, Berlin, 1986.
[17] Time-reversal of diffusion processes and nonlinear smoothing, in Systems and optimization (Enschede, 1984), 171-181, Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci. 66, Springer, Berlin, 1985.
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[15] Time reversal of diffusion processes, with Haussmann, U. G., in Stochastic differential systems (Marseille-Luminy, 1984), 176-182, Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci. 69, Springer, Berlin, 1985.
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[13] Etude de la stabilité de la solution d'une EDS bilinéaire � coefficients périodiques. Application au mouvement des pales d'hélicoptêre. (French) [Study of the stability of the solution of a bilinear SDE with periodic coefficients. Application to the motion of helicopter blades], with Pignol, M., in Analysis and optimization of systems, Part 2 (Nice, 1984), 92-103, Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci. 63, Springer, Berlin, 1984.
[12] Asymptotic analysis of PDEs with wide-band noise disturbances, and expansion of the moments, with Bouc, R., Stochastic Anal. Appl. 2, no. 4, 369-422, 1984.
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[10] Smoothing of a diffusion process conditioned at final time, in Stochastic differential systems (Bad Honnef, 1982), 187-196, Lecture Notes in Control and Inform. Sci. 43, Springer, Berlin, 1982.
[9] Equations of nonlinear filtering and application to stochastic control with partial observation, in Nonlinear filtering and stochastic control (Cortona, 1981), 208-248, Lecture Notes in Math. 972, Springer, Berlin, 1982.
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[2] Stochastic partial differential equations and filtering of diffusion processes, Stochastics 3, no. 2, 127-167, 1979.
[1] Equations aux dérivées partielles stochastiques non linéaires monotones; Etude de solutions fortes de type Itô. Thèse, Univ. Paris Sud, 1975.
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[House Hearing, 110 Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
TRANSPORTATION WORKER IDENTIFICATION CREDENTIAL: A STATUS UPDATE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME,
AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
ONE HUNDRED TENTH CONGRESS
Serial No. 110-139
Printed for the use of the Committee on Homeland Security
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
Available via the World Wide Web: http://www.gpoaccess.gov/congress/
U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
48-090 WASHINGTON : 2009
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office Internet: bookstore.gpo.gov Phone: toll free (866) 512-1800; DC
area (202) 512-1800 Fax: (202) 512-2104 Mail: Stop IDCC, Washington, DC
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi, Chairman
Loretta Sanchez, California Peter T. King, New York
Edward J. Markey, Massachusetts Lamar Smith, Texas
Norman D. Dicks, Washington Christopher Shays, Connecticut
Jane Harman, California Mark E. Souder, Indiana
Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Tom Davis, Virginia
Nita M. Lowey, New York Daniel E. Lungren, California
Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Mike Rogers, Alabama
Columbia David G. Reichert, Washington
Zoe Lofgren, California Michael T. McCaul, Texas
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania
Donna M. Christensen, U.S. Virgin Ginny Brown-Waite, Florida
Islands Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Bob Etheridge, North Carolina David Davis, Tennessee
James R. Langevin, Rhode Island Paul C. Broun, Georgia
Henry Cuellar, Texas Candice S. Miller, Michigan
Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania
Yvette D. Clarke, New York
Al Green, Texas
Ed Perlmutter, Colorado
Bill Pascrell, Jr., New Jersey
I. Lanier Lavant, Staff Director
Rosaline Cohen, Chief Counsel
Michael Twinchek, Chief Clerk
Robert O'Connor, Minority Staff Director
SUBCOMMITTEE ON BORDER, MARITIME, AND GLOBAL COUNTERTERRORISM
LORETTA SANCHEZ, California, Chairwoman
Zoe Lofgren, California David G. Reichert, Washington
Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas Michael T. McCaul, Texas
James R. Langevin, Rhode Island Gus M. Bilirakis, Florida
Henry Cuellar, Texas Mike Rogers, Alabama
Al Green, Texas Peter T. King, New York (Ex
Bennie G. Thompson, Mississippi (Ex Officio)
Officio)
Alison Rosso, Director
Denise Krepp, Counsel
Carla Zamudio-Dolan, Clerk
Mandy Bowers, Minority Senior Professional Staff Member
C O N T E N T S
The Honorable Loretta Sanchez, a Representative in Congress From
the State of California, and Chairwoman, Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism.................. 1
The Honorable Mark E. Souder, a Representative in Congress From
the State of Indiana, and Ranking Member, Subcommittee on
Panel I
Rear Admiral James Watson, Director of Prevention Policy for
Marine Safety, Security and Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard,
Department of Homeland Security:
Oral Statement................................................. 4
Prepared Statement............................................. 6
Ms. Maurine Fanguy, Acting Director for Maritime and Surface
Credentialing, Transportation Security Administration,
Prepared Statement............................................. 11
Mr. Stephen M. Lord, Acting Director, Homeland Security and
Justice Issues, Government Accountability Office:
Oral Statement................................................. 13
Panel II
Ms. Judith Marks, President, Transportation and Security
Solutions, Lockheed Martin:
Ms. Stephanie Bowman, Manager, Federal Government Affairs, Port
of Tacoma:
Mr. Philip L. Byrd, Sr., President and CEO, Bulldog Hiway
Mr. Steve Golding, President, Golding Barge Line:
Ms. Laura Moskowitz, Staff Attorney, National Employment Law
Project (NELP):
Questions From Honorable Loretta Sanchez......................... 75
U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on Homeland Security,
Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global
Counterterrorism,
Washington, DC.
The subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:05 a.m., in
Room 311, Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Loretta Sanchez
[Chairwoman of the subcommittee] presiding.
Present: Representatives Sanchez, Cuellar, Green, and
Souder.
Ms. Sanchez. The Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and
Global Counterterrorism will now come to order. The committee
is meeting today to receive testimony on the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential program rollout, a status
Good morning. Thank you all for attending this morning to
receive an update on the progress of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential program rollout, as we know it, TWIC.
The program is rolled out and managed by the Transportation
Security Administration, or TSA.
We have two great panels today that will allow us to gain
some in-depth knowledge of where we stand with the TWIC. Both
Government and industry are providing testimony for TWIC today.
However, I am disappointed that TSA Administrator Hawley did
not make this hearing a priority; his perspective on the
current status of the TWIC rollout would have been very useful.
It is imperative that all levels of leadership at the
Department of Homeland Security make this program a priority.
TWIC is a key element in ensuring that our ports are secure and
that the personnel operating them have the access that they
In a recent report conducted by the National Maritime
Security Advisory Committee, which I will be submitting for the
record, they stated that TWIC is a user-funded program; users
must not be penalized for working to help TSA meet its goals.
I ask unanimous consent to submit this for the record that
is part of report.*
* The information referred to has been retained in Committee files.
Ms. Sanchez. For instance, throughout our Nation's ports,
there are TWIC enrollees that have been part of our program for
more than a year-and-a-half. I applaud these working men and
women for taking the initiative and making the effort to
enroll, knowing how difficult the process can be.
However, having had to obtain a TWIC card and never once
needing to actively use it once on a reader has made many
workers feel foolish for signing up early, especially when the
mandatory enrollment date keeps getting pushed back. Of course,
they are complaining about how they have paid for this. For the
workers who haven't enrolled yet, the constant delays only give
them more incentive to wait until the very end until they sign
To put this in perspective, the program was authorized in
the Maritime Transportation Security Act in November 2002. That
was almost 6 years ago. The TWIC program is still not fully
rolled out at port, much less at any other transportation
modes, and we continue to see delays in the mandatory
enrollment date and in the reader rollout.
Moreover, there have been significant technical problems in
the TWIC enrollment rollout. For Example, the TWIC web site is
frequently down for maintenance, workers often have to make
multiple trips to the TWIC enrollment facilities. This is
actually quite unacceptable, as they are working people and
repeat trips are inefficient and they take up their valuable
The TWIC disclosure form that enrollees must sign is not in
multiple languages, even though a large percentage of the
workers may have difficulty understanding English. When there
are multiple Government forms in various languages, there is no
excuse for that. These workers have a right to know exactly
what they are disclosing.
I could go on about this customer service and its issues
for the program, but because we are pressed for time today, as
it is a busy day, I will stop there.
A concern that I have not only with the program, but with
many programs at the Department of Homeland Security, is what
is the plan for transition as we go into the next
administration?
Tomorrow we will once again hear about the lack of progress
in the virtual border fence and these problems will be left for
a new administration. So I hope that today that the panel can
speak to us about the solutions for what plagues the TWIC and,
more importantly, the plans for moving this program beyond the
end of December; in other words, through the transition into
the new administration.
I look forward to receiving your testimony and to your
responses to the concerns that we are raising today. I now
yield to my Ranking Member, Mr. Souder. Thank you.
Mr. Souder. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman. For the past 6
years, there have been numerous challenges and delays in the
Transportation Worker Identification Credential program. The
progress made since passage of the Safe Port Act, however,
leaves me cautiously optimistic. Between October 2007 and
today, there are over one-half million individuals in various
stages of the TWIC process, either pre-enrollment, or having
actually received a card. That having been said, there are
still a large number of individuals who still need to enroll,
with some estimates at over 1 million more.
The real impact will be apparent when the card readers are
installed. Any problem with the readers, even slight delays,
could cause major trucking delays at the port gates. With
implementation deadlines looming, it is important that TSA
proceed with a sense of urgency, while taking extreme care to
get it right.
My congressional district has the highest number of
manufacturing jobs in the United States. We are among the
highest producers of steel, medical devices, RVs, boats,
plastics, defense electronics and auto parts. The ability of
the trucking community to access materials and components from
exports and quickly transport them to the manufacturers in my
district is essential not only for our local economy but for
the rest of the Nation.
I have dedicated my time in Congress to making sure that
U.S. companies are not disadvantaged due to unfair trade laws,
counterfeiting, and dumping policies.
It is equally important that our homeland security
initiatives do not negatively impact the movement of goods in
and out of the United States or during domestic transportation.
To that end, I look forward to hearing from the witnesses
today about the implementation of TWIC and especially how both
the Government and the private sector are working to
efficiently roll out the program. I hope to hear more about
opportunities to improve the enrollment process and reduce the
burden of workers needing a TWIC. I understand that individuals
estimate a minimum of two trips to the enrollment center if
everything goes right, and more if there are any issuance
delays.
Given that U.S. passports are mailed to recipients, I am
wondering why a similar process can't be set up for the TWIC.
It seems that the cards could be activated in some other way
without requiring a second in-person meeting.
I would like all the witnesses to think about where
additional program efficiencies can be found so that this
program can be rolled out successfully. Thank you for holding
this hearing and I yield back the remainder of my time.
Ms. Sanchez. I thank my Ranking Member. I want to remind
the other Members of the subcommittee that under committee
rules, opening statements may be submitted for the record.
I am told that we are going to have votes at 10:30 or so,
and so I would like to welcome our first panel. I am actually
going to cut short your introductions in an effort to get your
testimony before we go across for votes. I don't know how long
those votes may be. Just one? There are two? We are unsure. We
are unsure.
But what we will try to do is get your testimony in,
probably go across for votes, and then come back for questions
because we also have a second panel.
So our first witness is Rear Admiral James Watson, Director
of Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security, and
Stewardship, the U.S. Coast Guard.
Our second witness is Ms. Maurine Fanguy, Acting Director
for Maritime and Surface Credentialing, Transportation Security
Our third witness is Mr. Stephen Lord, Acting Director of
Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accountability
Office. Without objection, your full statements will be
inserted into the record. I will now ask each witness to
summarize his or her statement for 5 minutes, beginning with
Admiral Watson.
STATEMENT OF REAR ADMIRAL JAMES WATSON, DIRECTOR OF PREVENTION
POLICY FOR MARINE SAFETY, SECURITY AND STEWARDSHIP, U.S. COAST
GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Admiral Watson. Good morning, Chairwoman Sanchez and
Ranking Member Souder. Thank you very much for this opportunity
to speak with you about the progress that we have made and our
future plans for the Transportation Worker Identification
Today I would like to update you on the Coast Guard's
efforts, in partnership with the Transportation Security
Administration, to implement the TWIC program. The TWIC is an
additional layer of security to the Maritime Transportation
Security Act, which has provided comprehensive security regimen
for 3,200 waterfront facilities for over 5 years now.
While a significant portion of the expected maritime worker
population has either pre-enrolled or enrolled, more work still
lies ahead to fully realize the potential security benefits
that TWIC provides. We constantly keep in mind that what we do
directly impacts individuals, their livelihoods. We continue to
focus on balancing the need to facilitate commerce while
minimizing adverse effects on those individuals.
Since enrollment started in Wilmington, Delaware on October
16, 2007, the Coast Guard, TSA and TSA's contractor, Lockheed
Martin, have been closely monitoring the TWIC enrollment
process to identify and address any areas of concern. For
example, due to the delay in the opening of enrollment centers,
the TSA and Coast Guard published a final rule on May 7, 2008,
changing the compliance date from September 25, 2008 to April
15, 2009, providing 18 months from the date the initial
enrollment centers opened to compliance date, the intended
timeline of the TWIC final rule. This ensures that every
individual, particularly mariners who are at sea for extended
periods of time that require a TWIC, will have ample
opportunity to enroll prior to the compliance date.
We also have been working closely with TSA in the
development of phased-in Captain of the Port Zone compliance
dates in accordance with the TWIC final role. Factors taken
into account when determining dates include progress of TWIC
enrollments and activation, estimated local and regional TWIC
populations, regional maritime commerce and enrollment capacity
in a given Captain of the Port Zone. Currently, TWIC compliance
dates have been announced for 30 of the 42 Captain of the Port
From the outset, engagement with our affected stakeholders
has been crucial to the program's success. From the thousands
of comments received during the initial TWIC making to the
National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, NMSAC,
recommendations on reader specifications, stakeholder dialog
continues to play a key role in the creation of critical Coast
Guard policies related to TWIC.
While TSA has primary responsibility for outreach during
the initial enrollment phase, the Coast Guard through captains
of the port and area maritime security committees continue to
closely monitor and encourage TWIC enrollment by working
closely with owners and operators of MTSA-regulated facilities
and vessels to ensure industry will be ready for the compliance
As enrollment moves forward and compliance is on the
horizon, the Coast Guard is focused on the implementation and
enforcement of TWIC regulations. Phased-in COTP zone compliance
for MTSA-regulated facilities allows for the security benefits
of the program to begin as early as possible.
The first group of the Captain of the Port Zones is in the
northern New England area. It has a TWIC compliance date of
October 15, 2008. Internal guidance documents for training
implementation and enforcement for Coast Guard personnel are
being finalized for completion this month.
We also continue to work on proposed rulemaking that
addresses potential requirements for regulated vessels and
facilities to apply electronic card readers to verify a TWIC
holder's identity before gaining unescorted access to secured
areas.
Card readers are a key step in maximizing the secure
benefits of a TWIC. But we need to be mindful of the
technological challenges and potential adverse impacts that are
involved. A key component of this second role will be
operational, environmental and technical data that will be
collected from a TWIC reader pilot test. TSA and the Coast
Guard have already identified geographically and operationally
diverse port and vessel locations willing to participate in the
reader pilot testing. The initial planning and testing
protocols have been developed and we look forward to deploying
and testing readers in the real-world maritime environments in
the very near future.
In the meantime, to maximize the security benefit of the
current TWIC retirement, the Coast Guard is in the process of
procuring and will deploy hand-held readers in the coming
months for use during routine and unscheduled vessel and
facility security examinations after the compliance date. These
readers will supplement our already established examinations
which verify that facility and vessel owners and operators are
in compliance with the approved MTSA security plans.
The first compliance date, next month, marks a major
milestone in the MTSA port security program. We approach that
milestone with a steadfast commitment to protecting the
maritime transportation system while facilitating commerce. We
remain committed to the developing and operationally sound
framework that maximizes the security benefit that TWIC
provides.
These vetted individuals are a vital component of our
multilayered approach to preventing a transportation security
incident and serve as the eyes and ears of our maritime
commerce. While we have accomplished a great deal thus far, we
acknowledge that the process has not been free from challenges.
As we have in the past, we will address any future challenges
in turn to the best of our ability in keeping with the best
public interest, and we will keep you informed on our progress.
Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak today and
I will be happy to answer questions.
[The statement of Admiral Watson follows:]
Prepared Statement of James Watson
Good morning, Mr. Chairman and distinguished Members of the
committee, thank you for the opportunity to provide you an update about
how the Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) are partnering to implement the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program. I am Rear Admiral James
Watson, Director of Prevention Policy.
At the outset, I would like to note with the commencement of TWIC
enrollment in Wilmington, Delaware on October 16, 2007, and the 148
other enrollment centers thereafter, this program reached a major
milestone where the plans and capabilities developed in the past will
yield the security benefits envisioned for our ports and vessels. In
the 20 months since the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published
the TWIC requirements in a Final Rule, the Coast Guard and TSA have
been developing regulations, policies, systems, and capabilities to
serve as a solid foundation for enrollment and compliance. The
deliberate process and careful steps taken to lay this foundation have
been absolutely crucial to ensuring that we gain the full security
benefit from TWIC, facilitating compliance for the approximate 1.2
million people who are required to enroll.
The TWIC program builds on the security framework established by
Congress in the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) of 2002.
Coast Guard regulations stemming from the Act established security
requirements for maritime vessels and facilities posing a high risk of
being involved in a transportation security incident. MTSA also
required DHS to issue a biometric transportation security card to all
licensed and documented U.S. mariners as well as those individuals
granted unescorted access to secure areas of MTSA-regulated vessels and
facilities. TSA was assigned this requirement, and because of our
overlapping responsibilities, the Coast Guard and TSA formally joined
efforts to carry out the TWIC program in November 2004. In this
partnership, TSA is responsible for TWIC enrollment, security threat
assessment and adjudication, card production, technology, TWIC
issuance, conduct of the TWIC appeal and waiver process as it pertains
to credential issuance, and management of Government support systems.
The Coast Guard is responsible for establishing and enforcing TWIC
access control requirements at MTSA-regulated vessels and facilities.
Both agencies communicate daily to make sure our collective efforts
achieve the increased security objectives envisioned in MTSA.
TSA and the Coast Guard published a joint TWIC Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM) on May 22, 2006. Following the publication of the
NPRM and the subsequent comment period, Congress enacted the Security
and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 (the SAFE Port Act). The
SAFE Port Act created new statutory requirements for the TWIC Program,
including: The commencement of a pilot program to test the viability of
TWIC cards and readers in the maritime environment; deployment of the
program in priority ports by set deadlines; inclusion of a provision to
allow newly hired employees to work while their TWIC application is
being processed; and concurrent processing of the TWIC and merchant
mariner applications.
TSA and the Coast Guard published the TWIC 1 Final Rule on January
25, 2007, in which the Coast Guard's MTSA regulations and TSA's
Hazardous Material Endorsement regulations were amended to incorporate
the TWIC requirements. After receiving many comments and concerns
regarding technology issues of the reader requirements as proposed in
the NPRM, we removed from this final rule the requirements to install
TWIC readers at vessels and facilities. This requirement is currently
being addressed in a second notice and comment rulemaking which I will
discuss hereafter.
On May 7, 2008, TSA and the Coast Guard published a Final Rule
moving the compliance date from September 25, 2008 to April 15, 2009.
This extension provides 18 months from the initial enrollment center
opening to the compliance date, the intended timeline of the TWIC 1
Final Rule. By extending the compliance date, this ensures that every
individual who requires a TWIC will have the opportunity to enroll and
TSA will have time to complete the security threat assessments on all
applicants. This now allows mariners until April 15, 2009, to obtain a
valid TWIC.
Owners and operators of MTSA-regulated vessels have until the new
compliance date to implement access control procedures using TWIC. For
owners and operators of facilities and Outer Continental Shelf (OCS)
facilities, the Coast Guard has begun announcing rolling Captain of the
Port (COTP) zone compliance dates requiring the use of TWIC in access
control procedures before April 15, 2009 in accordance with the TWIC 1
Final Rule.
The Coast Guard, TSA and TSA's contractor, Lockheed Martin, worked
collaboratively to develop the rolling COTP zone compliance dates.
Factors taken into account when determining dates include progress of
TWIC enrollment and activation, estimated TWIC population, and the
enrollment capacity in a given COTP zone. COTP zones are grouped
geographically for compliance where possible to account for the
regional nature of commercial operations and to address concerns
regarding port competition within geographical regions. Compliance
dates seek to balance progress of enrollment with the need to motivate
individuals to enroll. Capacity to enroll the TWIC populations is also
a critical factor. In general, COTPs with smaller estimated TWIC
populations and fewer enrollment locations were grouped together for
earlier compliance while larger populated port areas with multiple
locations were grouped later in the compliance schedule to facilitate a
smooth transition from the enrollment phase to compliance.
At present, TWIC compliance dates have been announced for 30 of the
42 COTP zones. The first compliance date of October 15, 2008, was
published in the Federal Register on May 7, 2008, for COTP Zones
Boston, Northern New England, and Southeastern New England. The most
recent announcement for a TWIC compliance date of January 13, 2009, was
announced for COTP zones Hampton Roads, Morgan City, New Orleans, Upper
Mississippi River, Miami, Key West, and St. Petersburg on September 9,
The Coast Guard and TSA developed several supplementary documents
to help those who are required to comply with the regulation. To
explain in detail how the Coast Guard intends to apply TWIC
regulations, we established policy guidance in the form of a Navigation
and Vessel Inspection Circular (NVIC), and provided answers in three
Policy Advisory Council Frequently Asked Questions documents which were
made available to the industry and general public on July 6, 2007,
November 21, 2007 and January 7, 2008 respectively.
The Policy Advisory Council is a group which was established during
the original implementation of the MTSA regulations. It is made up of
Coast Guard representatives from Headquarters, Area, and District level
commands that are charged with considering questions from stakeholders
and/or field offices to ensure consistent interpretation of regulation.
These guidance documents will assist the maritime industry and general
public with TWIC compliance and are designed to ensure consistent
application across all of our MTSA-regulated facilities and vessels.
Additionally two Small Business Administration Compliance Guides,
one for owners and operators and another for TWIC applicants, were
written to explain the program in basic language intended for the
general public. These guides are available on our web sites and at our
field units in printed form.
Internal guidance documents for training, implementation, and
enforcement for Coast Guard and TSA personnel were approved and
distributed to field personnel during the first week of September.
stakeholder engagement and outreach
From the onset, we have recognized that engagement with our
affected stakeholders is crucial to successful implementation. The
responses received during the NRPM comment period, for example,
provided valuable insight into the unique operational issues facing
labor, maritime facilities, and vessels required to comply with TWIC
requirements. Comments questioning the technological and economic
feasibility of employing the TWIC cards and card readers in the
maritime environment led to splitting the rule, with the card reader
requirements forming a separate, pending rulemaking.
The Coast Guard also solicited comments from Coast Guard field
units and industry stakeholders while drafting the TWIC NVIC. We
received over 400 comments voicing general support for the policy and
highlighting issues which needed more clarification. The stakeholder
dialog continues and informs Policy Advisory Council decisions that aid
in consistent TWIC implementation.
Since publication of the Final Rule, the Coast Guard, TSA and TSA's
contractor Lockheed Martin have conducted numerous outreach events at
national venues such as the Passenger Vessel Association, American
Waterways Operators, National Association of Charter Boat Operators,
National Association of Waterfront Employers, and National
Petrochemical Refiners Association meetings, SMART card and biometric
industry conferences, maritime union meetings, American Association of
Port Authorities conferences, and many others.
While TSA has primary responsibility for outreach, the Coast Guard
through Captain of the Port (COTP) and Area Maritime Security
Committees (AMSC) continues to closely monitor and encourage enrollment
for TWIC and work collaboratively with owners and operators of
regulated facilities and vessels to ensure industry will be ready for
The first enrollment center opened on October 16, 2007. With the
opening of the enrollment center in Saipan, all 149 enrollment centers
are currently operational. As of September 5, 2008, more than 483,000
people have enrolled for their TWIC. The estimated population for those
who will require this credential is between 750,000 and 1.2 million
individuals.
The Coast Guard has the primary responsibility for ensuring
compliance with the TWIC regulations. We are working extensively with
our DHS partners, including TSA and Customs and Border Protection
(CBP), to develop enforcement assistance protocols.
We have instituted several initiatives to encourage TWIC enrollment
and to prepare owners and operators for compliance. One example is
allowing MTSA exercise credit for facilities and vessels that survey
TWIC holders through anticipated screening tactics and provide the data
to the COTPs on the number of employees who have enrolled and activated
their TWICs.
We are also performing spot checks at facilities to gauge overall
compliance. The data collected from these efforts is critical in
understanding the overall readiness for compliance within a geographic
reader requirements
The Coast Guard, with the support of TSA, has commenced work on the
second TWIC rule which will address the requirement for TWIC readers in
the maritime environment. Our intent for this rulemaking is to apply
requirements in a risk-based fashion to leverage security benefits and
capabilities. The Coast Guard solicited and received valuable input and
recommendations from the Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC),
Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee (MERPAC), and the National
Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) on specific aspects of
potential applications of readers for vessels and facilities. As in all
aspects of the TWIC program, our goal is to enhance maritime security
while balancing the impact upon the stakeholders who are at the
forefront of providing that security. As we evaluate the economic and
operational impact on the maritime industry, we will continue to seek
input and recommendations to develop and propose regulations requiring
industry compliance.
reader pilot testing
In accordance with the SAFE Port Act of 2006, TSA and the Coast
Guard identified geographically and operationally diverse port and
vessel locations willing to participate in the TWIC reader pilot
testing. We are engaged in planning these pilot tests with ports and
facilities including Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York, New Jersey,
Brownsville, Magnolia Marine in Vicksburg, MS, Kinder Morgan in
Chicago, IL, and Watermark Cruises in Annapolis, MD. All involved ports
and facilities volunteered to participate and have received grants to
purchase and install readers with necessary equipment. The initial
planning and testing protocols have been developed and we look forward
to deploying and testing readers in real world environments over the
coming months. The data and lessons learned from the pilot tests will
be invaluable information for the second proposed rulemaking.
As enrollment rolls out across the country, the Coast Guard is also
focusing on implementation and enforcement of the TWIC regulations.
Compliance for MTSA-regulated facilities will be staged for each COTP
Zone to gain the security benefits of the program as early as possible.
TSA and the Coast Guard are continuing to monitor enrollment progress
and trends. As we consider appropriate COTP zone compliance dates, we
are mindful to balance the motivation to enroll with the capacity to
deliver. In each case, the Coast Guard will announce compliance dates
for each zone at least 90 days in advance. Currently, vessels and all
mariners will be required to have TWICs by the national compliance date
of April 15, 2009. Thus far, we have announced compliance dates for
MTSA-regulated facilities in 30 out of 42 COTP zones.
To leverage TWIC's biometric capability, the Coast Guard is
procuring handheld biometric card readers to enable verification of
identity and validity of credentials during vessel and facility
inspections and spot checks. We are also on track with developing the
systems necessary to implement the provision for newly hired employees
to work while they await issuance of a TWIC.
The TWIC program is a complex endeavor. We continue to work closely
with TSA to facilitate outreach to the maritime industry and improve
enrollment processes. We have accomplished important milestones,
strengthened working relationships with public and industry
stakeholders, and held a steadfast commitment to protecting the
maritime transportation system while facilitating commerce. While we
have accomplished a great deal, much work remains involving
implementation, compliance, enforcement, and continued industry
engagement. As in the past, we will ensure Congress is informed of our
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. I look forward to
your questions.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you for your testimony. I now recognize
Ms. Fanguy. Is that correct? I always slaughter your name.
Ms. Fanguy. You have it exactly right.
Ms. Sanchez. To summarize her statement for 5 minutes.
STATEMENT OF MAURINE FANGUY, ACTING DIRECTOR FOR MARITIME AND
SURFACE CREDENTIALING, TRANSPORTATION SECURITY ADMINISTRATION,
Ms. Fanguy. Good morning, Chairwoman Sanchez, Ranking
Member Souder and distinguished Members of the subcommittee.
Thank you for this opportunity to speak about the steady
progress we have made in implementing the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential, or TWIC program.
My name is Maurine Fanguy and I am the program director for
TWIC. Today I am pleased to announce that we opened the final
enrollment center in Saipan, successfully completing TWIC
deployment. This makes 149 enrollment centers, 19 more than
originally planned, and together with our mobile units provides
an extensive network to support workers.
We have the facilities and resources in place to support a
smooth transition to compliance starting in October. We
encourage workers who have not yet enrolled to start the
process as soon as possible.
Since we began TWIC enrollment 11 months ago, we have a
number of other accomplishments to report. This week we crossed
the half-million mark on enrollments and are well positioned to
enroll all workers prior to April 2009. We have partnered with
over 200 local businesses, unions and industry groups to enroll
workers at their places of business. This has made the process
much easier and saved the industry millions of dollars in
travel and time away from work.
We are enrolling nearly 20,000 workers per week and that
number is climbing. Processing time has been streamlined and
turnaround times continue to decrease. Currently the average
time to get a card after enrollment is less than 2 weeks for
workers with routine cases.
We have 98.8 percent success rate with fingerprint
submissions to the FBI, which is better than the industry
standard. We have worked closely with the National Institute of
Standards and Technology to ensure that those workers with poor
quality or no prints are provided with cards that reflect that
status. Help desk wait times average less than a minute, and
customer satisfaction surveys indicate that the process is
TWIC is by far the largest biometric smart card program of
its kind in the world. As leaders in Federal credentialing, we
continually analyze data in the field to find ways to
streamline processes, refine the technology, and make TWIC
easier and more convenient for workers.
Partnership with industry is critical to developing
practical approaches to make the program successful now and in
the future. Some of these common-sense solutions include adding
and relocating enrollment centers and direct response
stakeholder feedback.
For example, we recently added new centers on terminal
islands between Los Angeles and Long Beach, and also in
Houston, offering flexible hours of operation to accommodate
after-hours enrollment when requested by stakeholders; adding
on-line status checks so that workers can track the progress of
their credentials; redesigning the disclosure form and
translating it into 12 languages; rewriting the eligibility
letters to make them easier for workers to understand and
facilitate the appeals and waivers process; adding new help
desk features, including e-mail and on-line and phone self-help
to facilitate resolution of questions.
We also continue with our aggressive communications
campaign in partnership with the Coast Guard and industry. We
have provided communications tool kits to our industry partners
and maintain an outreach database with over 7,000 stakeholders.
We applaud the efforts of maritime stakeholders to aggressively
get the word out to their workers.
We have developed targeted marketing materials for trucking
and rail, advertising industry publications, attended numerous
conferences and local meetings and participated in trucking
radio call-in programs. We redesigned the TWIC web site to
provide information tailored more specifically to workers,
owners and operators, and technology providers.
We also have several milestones to report on the TWIC
reader pilot. In June we issued an announcement calling for
biometric reader manufacturers to provide products for testing.
We completed one round of testing and are pleased with the
results. We are preparing to publish those results in the next
few weeks.
Based on the interest of additional manufacturers, we
opened a second round of testing in August and expect to
complete this testing in early October. The two rounds of
testing will provide pilot participants with a wide selection
of readers to choose from for their operational tests.
We have completed initial baseline analysis at all of the
pilot locations. We currently have more than 20 participants at
four port authorities and three vessel operators, including the
Port Authority of Los Angeles, Long Beach, New York and New
Jersey, Brownsville, Magnolia Marine in Mississippi, Watermark
Cruises in Annapolis, and the Staten Island Ferry.
Based on the progress of our port partners in developing
their operational test plans, we expect to begin field testing
readers this winter. Much progress has been made in the first
11 months of the TWIC enrollment program. When compliance
begins next month, it will mark a significant milestone in our
multilayered approach to securing our Nation's ports.
We will continue to work with our partner, the Coast Guard,
maritime stakeholders, and this subcommittee to ensure the on-
going success of the TWIC program.
Thank you for the opportunity to appear today, and I would
be happy to answer any questions.
[The statement of Ms. Fanguy follows:]
Prepared Statement of Maurine Fanguy
Good morning Chairwoman Sanchez, Ranking Member Souder, and
distinguished Members of the subcommittee. Thank you for this
opportunity to speak about the steady progress we have made in
implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
My name is Maurine Fanguy and I am the Director of the TWIC
TWIC, as you know, is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
program with joint participation from the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to
provide a tamper-resistant biometric credential to maritime workers
requiring unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities and
vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of
2002 (MTSA), (Pub. L. 107-295). The operational costs of the TWIC
program are entirely funded from fee revenue with no direct
appropriated funds.
I am especially pleased to announce today that we are completing
the rollout of fixed enrollment centers with the opening of a center in
Saipan. In 11 months since our beginning in Wilmington, Delaware, TSA
has opened 149 fixed enrollment centers across the United States--from
Maine to Hawaii; from Florida to Alaska, and the territories of Puerto
Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and now, Saipan.
As we continue rolling-out the TWIC program throughout the Nation,
we have also made steady progress in several other areas in the past
Successful Program Rollout
In addition to the 149 fixed enrollment centers, TSA continues to
establish mobile enrollment centers Nation-wide, and has opened 183
mobile centers to date, with plans for more than 100 additional mobile
centers to bring TWIC to the worker. These mobile centers save workers
significant travel costs, particularly in remote locations such as
Alaska. As of the first week of this month, nearly 500,000 workers
enrolled for their card, with more than 447,000 cards printed and
319,000 cards activated. We are pleased with the program's start and
look forward to continuing our efforts to complete the initial
enrollment and support the full implementation of the TWIC program. A
dashboard containing all pertinent enrollment statistics is updated
weekly and publicly available through our web site at: www.tsa.gov/
assets/pdf/twic_dashboard.pdf.
Online Self-Service Capability
As the enrollment program has grown over the past year, we enhanced
our customer service by providing many services on the TSA TWIC web
site. We offer workers the opportunity to pre-enroll by entering basic
biographic data in advance of an appointment; locate enrollment center
addresses and hours of operation; schedule appointments for enrollment
and activation; check the status of the TWIC; access frequently asked
questions; and obtain port-specific information, including timely
information on enrollment center closings due to hurricanes.
Improved Operational Efficiency
We have significantly shortened the time required for a worker to
enroll in the program, produce the card, and return the card to the
enrollment center. Currently, we are showing an average turnaround time
of 2 weeks or less to provide a TWIC for a worker who completes the
enrollment process with no additional issues requiring attention.
Establishing Reader Technical Specifications
On June 20, 2008, TSA issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
inviting vendors to express their interest, provide information, and
demonstrate their capability to provide Smart Card biometric readers.
Through the BAA, TSA is interested in obtaining information on both
fixed and handheld portable readers that will fully read a TWIC and the
biometric capabilities. A number of vendors participated in the first
round of Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) testing. Although TSA has
not completed the formal review of the results of the first round of
ICE testing, we are encouraged with the preliminary findings. TSA
issued a second BAA on August 28, 2008, to solicit additional vendors
to participate in the ICE testing of readers. Our intent is to continue
ICE testing on an on-going basis to assist our stakeholders with
identifying a choice of readers for deployment at secure areas of the
marine transportation system.
Update on Card Reader Pilot Program
As required by the SAFE Port Act, in cooperation with the USCG we
have initiated pilot programs with over 20 participants at 7 locations
across the country to test card readers. The pilots will test access
control technologies in real world marine environments by investigating
the impacts of requiring biometric identity verification on business
processes, technology, and operational impacts on facilities and
vessels of various size, type, and location. Our current list of
locations includes the Port Authorities of Los Angeles, Long Beach,
Brownsville, and New York/New Jersey, in addition to Watermark Cruises
in Annapolis, Maryland, Staten Island Ferry, New York, and Magnolia
Marine Transport of Vicksburg, Mississippi. For fiscal year 2008,
Congress appropriated $8.1 million to support the card reader pilots,
enabling TSA and the USCG to move forward with this important program.
As part of the outreach efforts for the TWIC program and in conjunction
with the Department's Port Security Grant Program, we continue to seek
additional participants. Our objective is to include pilot test
participants that are representative of a variety of facilities and
vessels in a variety of geographic locations and environmental
conditions. There appears to be sufficient interest from the maritime
community to achieve this objective.
Through collaborative efforts with our DHS and stakeholder partners
we have made steady progress. We gained DHS approval of the pilot Test
& Evaluation Master Plan. We obtained initial baseline data collection
from all the pilot test locations and are working with each participant
as they develop facility and vessel plans for the installation of
readers and access control systems. As one example, the Port of Los
Angeles has made commendable progress by completing detailed facility
plans and utilizing an integrated approach for the facilities
participating at the Port. As the program proceeds, the pilot tests
will inform the USCG's TWIC reader rulemaking process and ultimately
result in final regulations that require the deployment of
transportation security card readers consistent with the findings of
the pilot program.
Implementation of Compliance Date
The TWIC Final Rule established an 18-month enrollment period. To
better synchronize the implementation of the TWIC enrollment program
with the TWIC Final Rule, TSA and the USCG published a final rule on
May 7, 2008 (May Final Rule), moving the compliance date from September
25, 2008 to April 15, 2009. The extension ensures that every individual
who requires a TWIC will have the full 18-month enrollment period and
provides adequate time for completion of the required security threat
assessment, especially for workers who may be on the road or at sea for
long periods of time. The May Final Rule also extends the compliance
period for implementation of access control procedures for owners and
operators of MTSA regulated vessels. Owners and operators of facilities
and Outer Continental Shelf facilities should note, however, in
accordance with the TWIC Final Rule, the Coast Guard has begun
announcing rolling Captain of the Port zone compliance dates that
require the use of TWIC in their access control procedures before April
lessons learned and future efforts
As we move forward with the TWIC program, we continue to
incorporate our ``lessons learned'' to drive sound management decisions
that improve all aspects of the program and continue to closely monitor
the end-to-end process to ensure accurate and timely security threat
assessments are being conducted and high quality credentials are
produced. We are proud of the significant progress we have made during
the past year and we remain mindful of the challenges that lie ahead.
Looking for efficiencies by eliminating duplicative
regulatory processes.--TSA and Coast Guard continue to develop
procedures for the sharing of fingerprints, identity
verification, criminal history, and photographs for TWIC and
Merchant Mariner Documents, which is expected to save not only
money but time. In addition, merchant mariners will no longer
be required to visit a Regional Exam Center to obtain and renew
their credentials, resulting in substantial time and travel
Placing the highest value in stakeholder input; it is time
well spent.--The public hearings, comments to the Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, meetings with operators and associations,
and contributions of advisory councils all added great value.
We came away from each and every one of these efforts better
informed about the challenges, the impacts, and the practicable
options for protecting our ports. As an example, we added 19
fixed enrollment centers as a result of stakeholder feedback.
Promoting and safeguarding privacy.--All data collected at
an enrollment center is completely deleted from the enrollment
center work stations after transmission to TSA. The entire
enrollment record (including all fingerprints collected) is
stored solely in a secure TSA system, which is protected
through role-based entry, encryption, and segmentation to
prevent unauthorized use. No paper records with personally
identifiable information are created in the enrollment process.
Implementing technical innovation and adaptive contract
management.--The TWIC card is a 21st Century technology that
accommodates evolving IT standards suited to emerging needs
that span local, international, public, and private interests.
This requires continual reevaluation of the scope and methods
of contracting. We will continue to look for and implement
adaptive program planning, aggressive contractor oversight, and
metrics to ensure the success of the program.
Addressing new issues that may arise as we continue to
implement the program.--TSA is working towards coordinating the
technology, such as card readers, and creating a changing
environment and program control constraints. This is especially
a concern when the technology must be deployed to a vast
multitude of entities with remote connectivity challenges
(e.g., vessels) and varying degrees of access control system
capabilities. We will closely monitor the results of the card
reader pilot and work with the USCG to ensure the results are
reflected in the final rulemaking.
In implementing TWIC, we are taking steps that constitute an
extremely important aspect to the security of our port facilities and
vessels. TSA will continue to work with the U.S. Coast Guard and our
maritime stakeholders to ensure that, for the first time in history,
thousands of independent businesses will have one interoperable
security network and workers will hold a common credential that can be
used across that entire network.
I appreciate the subcommittee's keen interest in an effective
implementation of TWIC and I thank you for your support. Madam
Chairwoman, this concludes my testimony, and I would be pleased to
answer any questions that you may have.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you for your testimony.
I now recognize Mr. Lord to summarize his statement for 5
STATEMENT OF STEPHEN M. LORD, ACTING DIRECTOR, HOMELAND
SECURITY AND JUSTICE ISSUES, GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE
Mr. Lord. Thank you, Chairwoman Sanchez, Ranking Member
Souder and Members of the subcommittee for inviting me here
today to discuss GAO's work on TWIC. We have reported on the
status of TWIC several times over the last few years, most
recently in October 2007. My statement today is based on the
information in these prior reports as well as some of the
updated information we are collecting as part of our ongoing
audit.
Today I will highlight the recent progress made in
implementing the program as well as some of the challenges
facing TSA, the Coast Guard, and the maritime industry in
implementing the program.
I would now like to summarize my key observations. Overall,
TSA and the Coast Guard continue to make progress in rolling
out this program on a Nation-wide basis.
First, TSA and the Coast Guard issued a first TWIC rule in
January 2007, which establishes the basic enrollment
requirements for the program. In addition, in July 2007, the
Coast Guard issued additional guidance to clarify requirements
for industry stakeholders.
Second, enrollment numbers continue to grow. Close to
500,000 of the estimated 1.2 million TWIC users are now
enrolled in the program. Further, about 319,000 cards have been
activated and issued to workers.
Third, a TWIC reader pilot has been initiated to test TWIC
access control technologies and their impact on maritime
operations. This testing is an important step as the results of
the pilot test will help inform the development of the second
TWIC rule. However, given the complexities of the program, it
will be important that TSA and the Coast Guard continue to work
with industry stakeholders to monitor the program and
effectively address any challenges that arise.
One challenge is related to enrollment. TSA and the
enrollment contractor continue to face the challenge of
enrolling and issuing TWICs to a large population of workers by
the April 15, 2009 deadline. Although TSA and its enrollment
contractor have enrolled close to 500,000 people in the
program, they still need to enroll an additional 700,000
workers by the April 15, 2009 deadline. However, based on our
review of average monthly enrollment trends, TSA could
experience challenges in meeting this enrollment target.
A second potential challenge is related to testing, as
highlighted in our prior work, TSA and industry stakeholders
need to carefully test the TWIC technology to ensure it works
effectively in the harsh maritime environment. However, TSA and
the Coast Guard have yet to complete these tests, distill the
lessons learned of these tests, and incorporate these results
in the proposed second rule. Thus, until the testing is
completed and the second rule is issued, we will not know how
well the technology works in practice or the time frames for
final program implementation.
In closing, as highlighted in our recent work, TSA has
taken some important steps to strengthen the program. We
commend their efforts. However, we still have several
unanswered questions about the TWIC program:
No. 1: How many people will eventually enroll in the
program? Will TSA meet its looming April 15, 2009 enrollment
deadline?
No. 2: Will the technology work as designed in the harsh
maritime environment? What are the lessons learned of the
initial test?
Finally, when will the second TWIC rule be issued? When
will the TWIC program be thought fully operational? As you
know, this program has been on-going for several years.
Chairman Sanchez and Members of the subcommittee, this
concludes my statement. I look forward to your questions.
[The statement of Mr. Lord follows:]
Prepared Statement of Stephen M. Lord
gao highlights
Highlights of GAO-08-1151T, a testimony before the Subcommittee on
Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, Committee on Homeland
Security, House of Representatives.
why gao did this study
U.S. transportation systems and the estimated 4,000 transportation
facilities move over 30 million tons of freight and provide an
estimated 1.1 billion passenger trips each day. Since 2001 the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA), part of the Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) has protected these systems and facilities from
terrorist attack. One program TSA utilizes is the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program, through which a common
credential is being developed for transportation workers with access to
secure areas. Ultimately planned for all transportation sectors, TSA,
in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard, is initially focusing the
TWIC program on the maritime sector.
This testimony discusses: (1) The progress made in implementing the
TWIC program and (2) some of the remaining program challenges. This
testimony is based on GAO's September 2006 TWIC report, as well as
selected updates and on-going work. To conduct this work, GAO reviewed
program requirements and guidance, documentation on the status of the
TWIC program, and interviewed program officials from TSA and the Coast
Guard.
what gao recommends
GAO has previously recommended that TSA conduct additional testing
of the TWIC program to help ensure that all key components work
effectively. TSA agreed with this recommendation and has taken action
to implement it.
transportation security.--transportation worker identification
credential: a status update
What GAO Found
Since GAO's 2006 report on the TWIC program, TSA and the Coast
Guard have made progress in addressing legislative requirements and
implementing and testing the program through a prototype and pilot, as
well as addressing GAO recommendations related to conducting additional
systems testing. Although GAO has not yet evaluated the effectiveness
of TSA's and the Coast Guard's efforts, the two agencies have taken the
following actions to continue to implement the TWIC program:
In January 2007, TSA and the Coast Guard issued the first
rule in Federal regulation to govern the TWIC program, setting
the requirements for enrolling maritime workers in the TWIC
program and issuing TWICs to these workers. The Coast Guard
issued complementary guidance in July 2007 to explain how the
maritime industry is to comply with these requirements.
Enrollment efforts began at the Port of Wilmington,
Delaware, in October 2007, and additional enrollments are under
way through a contractor. Of the 1.2 million identified TWIC
users, 492,928 (41 percent) were enrolled as of September 12,
The TWIC program has initiated its TWIC Reader pilot to test
card reader technology for use in controlling access to secure
areas of maritime transportation facilities and vessels, and
assess the impact of their installation on maritime operations.
This pilot is expected to inform the development of a second
TWIC rule on implementing access controls in the maritime
TSA and the maritime industry continue to face two potential
challenges in implementing the TWIC program.
TSA and its enrollment contractor continue to face
challenges in enrolling and issuing TWICs to a significantly
larger population than was done during TWIC program prototype
testing. TSA and its enrollment contractor now plan to enroll
and issue TWICs to an estimated target population of 1.2
million workers by April 15, 2009, compared to 770,000 workers
estimated in January 2007. Over 700,000 additional workers (59
percent of projected enrollees) still need to be enrolled in
the program by the April 15, 2009 deadline.
TSA and industry stakeholders will need to ensure that TWIC
access control technologies perform effectively in the harsh
maritime environment and balance security requirements with the
flow of maritime commerce. While testing is underway, the
lessons learned of the on-going tests remain to be distilled
and used to inform the development of additional regulatory
Madame Chairwoman and Members of the subcommittee: Thank you for
inviting me to participate in today's hearing on the status of the
Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The TWIC program was created
to help protect the Nation's transportation facilities from the threat
of terrorism by issuing identification cards only to workers who are
not known to pose a terrorist threat and allowing these workers
unescorted access to secure areas of the transportation system. Key
aspects of the TWIC program include collecting personal and biometric
information, such as fingerprints, to validate workers' identities;
conducting background checks on transportation workers to ensure that
they do not pose a security threat; and issuing tamper-resistant,
biometric credentials, such as identification cards, for use in
granting workers unescorted access to secure areas. The TWIC program is
ultimately intended to support all modes of transportation. However,
TSA, in partnership with the Coast Guard, is focusing initial
implementation on the maritime sector.
The TWIC program was established to respond to the provisions of
several pieces of legislation and subsequent programming decisions. In
the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the
Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) \1\ was enacted in
November 2001 and, among other things, requires TSA, an agency within
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to work with airport
operators to strengthen access control points in secure areas and
consider using biometric access control systems \2\ to verify the
identity of individuals who seek to enter a secure airport area. In
response to ATSA, TSA established the TWIC program in December 2001.
Enacted in November 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of
2002 (MTSA) \3\ required the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue a
maritime worker identification card that uses biometrics to control
access to secure areas of maritime transportation facilities and
vessels. In addition, the Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE)
Port Act of 2006 amended MTSA to direct the Secretary of Homeland
Security to, among other things, implement the TWIC Program at the 10
highest-risk ports by July 1, 2007.\4\ TSA's responsibilities include
enrolling TWIC users, conducting security threat assessments, and
processing appeals to adverse TWIC qualification decisions. The Coast
Guard is responsible for developing maritime security regulations and
ensuring that maritime facilities and vessels are in compliance with
these regulations.
\1\ Pub. L. No. 107-71, 115 Stat. 597 (2001).
\2\ A biometric access control system consists of technology that
determines an individual's identity by detecting and matching unique
physical or behavioral characteristics, such as fingerprint or voice
patterns, as a means of verifying personal identity.
\3\ Pub. L. No. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064 (2002).
We have reported on the status of the development and testing of
the TWIC program several times. Our 2004 report \5\ identified
challenges that TSA faced in developing regulations and a comprehensive
plan for managing the program, as well as several factors that caused
TSA to miss initial deadlines for issuing TWICs. In September 2006, we
reported \6\ on challenges TSA encountered during TWIC program testing
and several problems related to contract planning and oversight. We
have since provided updates to this work in April and October 2007.\7\
\5\ GAO, Port Security: Better Planning Needed to Develop and
Operate Maritime Worker Identification Card Program, GAO-05-106
(Washington, DC: Dec. 10, 2004).
\6\ GAO, Transportation Security: DHS Should Address Key Challenges
Before Implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential
Program, GAO-06-982 (Washington, DC: Sept. 29, 2006).
\7\ GAO, Transportation Security: TSA Has Made Progress in
Implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential, but
Challenges Remain, GAO-07-681T (Washington, DC: Apr. 12, 2007), and
GAO, Transportation Security: TSA Has Made Progress in Implementing the
Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program, but Challenges
Remain, GAO-08-133T (Washington, DC: Oct. 31, 2007).
My testimony today focuses on: (1) The progress made since
September 2006 in implementing the TWIC program; and, (2) some of the
remaining challenges that TSA, the Coast Guard, and the maritime
industry must overcome to ensure the successful implementation of the
program. Today's observations are based on our September 2006 TWIC
report, which reflects work conducted at TSA and the Coast Guard, as
well as site visits to transportation facilities that participated in
testing the TWIC program; our subsequent updates to this work issued in
April and October 2007; and our on-going review of the TWIC program
initiated in July 2008. This current review of the implementation of
the TWIC program will be published in 2009, and is being conducted for
the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation; the
House Committee on Homeland Security; and the House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure. As part of our current engagement,
we reviewed program documentation on the status of TWIC implementation;
related guidance provided by the Coast Guard; information from maritime
industry stakeholders, such as TWIC Stakeholder Communication Committee
meeting minutes and reporting by the National Maritime Security
Advisory Committee--an advisory council to DHS. In addition, we
interviewed TWIC program officials from TSA--including the TWIC Program
Director--and the Coast Guard regarding their efforts to implement the
TWIC program and our prior recommendations although we did not
independently assess the effectiveness of these efforts. We requested
and received comments on the draft statement from TSA. We conducted
this work from July 2008 through September 2008 in accordance with
generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain sufficient,
appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and
conclusions based on our audit objectives. We believe that the evidence
obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions
based on our audit objectives.
Since we reported on the TWIC program in September 2006,\8\
progress has been made in implementing the program. Although we have
not yet independently assessed the effectiveness of these efforts, TSA
and the Coast Guard have taken action to address legislative
requirements to implement and test the program as well as our
recommendations related to conducting additional systems testing.
\8\ GAO-06-982.
TSA and the Coast Guard issued the first TWIC rule in
January 2007, which sets forth the requirements for enrolling
maritime workers in the TWIC program and issuing TWICs to these
workers. In July 2007 the Coast Guard issued guidance
complementing the January 2007 TWIC rule. This guidance
provides additional context for how the maritime industry is to
comply with this TWIC rule.
Enrollment efforts have been underway. As of September 12,
2008, 492,928 enrollees, or 41 percent of the anticipated 1.2
million TWIC users, have enrolled in the TWIC program. Further,
318,738 TWICs have been activated and issued.
The TWIC program initiated the TWIC reader pilot to test
TWIC access control technologies and their impact on maritime
operations. A second rule is planned to be issued on the use of
TWIC access control technologies,\9\ including TWIC readers,
for confirming the identity of the TWIC holder against the
biometric information on the TWIC. However, TSA has not
established a date for completing the pilot.
\9\ With regard to TWICs, access control technologies include, for
example, card readers capable of reading TWICs, existing systems for
controlling access at maritime transportation facilities and vessels,
the TWIC database containing biometric information, and the interface
between existing access control systems and the TWIC database.
TSA and maritime industry stakeholders face two potential
As we have previously reported, TSA and its enrollment
contractor continue to face the challenge of enrolling and
issuing TWICs to a significantly larger population of workers
than was previously estimated. TSA and its enrollment
contractor now plan to enroll and issue TWICs to an estimated
target population of 1.2 million workers by April 15, 2009,
compared to 770,000 workers estimated in January 2007.\10\
While 492,928 enrollments (41 percent) out of an estimated
target population of 1.2 million had been processed as of
September 12, 2008, an additional 707,072 workers (59 percent)
still need to be enrolled in the program by the April 15, 2009,
\10\ The January 2007 TWIC rule established that all maritime
workers were expected to hold TWICs by September 25, 2008; however, the
final compliance date has been extended from September 25, 2008 to
April 15, 2009, pursuant to 73 Fed. Reg. 25562.
As highlighted in our prior work, TSA and industry
stakeholders will need to ensure that TWIC readers perform
effectively in the harsh maritime environment and balance
security requirements with the flow of maritime commerce.
However, since testing of how this technology works in practice
and accumulating the lessons learned remains on-going, TSA and
Coast Guard have yet to incorporate the results of these tests
into the second rule establishing the requirements and time
frames for implementing TWIC access control technologies. Our
on-going work will assess how the results of this testing is
used to inform the development of a second TWIC rule, and help
ensure an appropriate balance between security and commerce
Securing transportation systems and facilities is complicated,
requiring balancing security to address potential threats while
facilitating the flow of people and goods. These systems and facilities
are critical components of the U.S. economy and are necessary for
supplying goods throughout the country and supporting international
commerce. U.S. maritime transportation systems and facilities \11\ move
over 30 million tons of freight and provide approximately 1.1 billion
passenger trips each day. The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
estimate that they alone handle about 43 percent of the Nation's ocean-
going cargo. The importance of these systems and facilities also makes
them attractive targets to terrorists.
\11\ For the purposes of this report, the term maritime
transportation facilities refers to seaports, inland ports, offshore
facilities, and facilities located on the grounds of ports.
These systems and facilities are vulnerable and difficult to secure
given their size, easy accessibility, large number of potential
targets, and proximity to urban areas. A terrorist attack on these
systems and facilities could cause a tremendous loss of life and
disruption to our society. An attack would also be costly. According to
testimony by a Port of Los Angeles official, a 2002 labor dispute that
led to a 10-day shutdown of West Coast port operations cost the
Nation's economy an estimated $1.5 billion per day.\12\ A terrorist
attack at a port facility could have a similar or greater impact.
\12\ Testimony of the Director of Homeland Security, Port of Los
Angeles, before the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, May 16, 2006.
One potential security threat stems from those individuals who work
in secure areas of the Nation's transportation system, including
maritime transportation facilities, airports, railroad terminals, mass
transit stations, and other transportation facilities. It is estimated
that about 6 million workers, including longshoremen, mechanics,
aviation and railroad employees, truck drivers, and others access
secure areas of the Nation's estimated 4,000 transportation facilities
each day while performing their jobs. Some of these workers, such as
truck drivers, regularly access secure areas at multiple transportation
facilities. Ensuring that only workers who are not known to pose a
terrorism security risk are allowed unescorted access to secure areas
is important in helping to prevent an attack.
TWIC Program History
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the
TWIC program was established in December 2001 to mitigate the threat of
terrorists and other unauthorized persons from accessing secure areas
of the entire transportation network, by creating a common
identification credential that could be used by workers in all modes of
transportation.\13\ As of September 2008 appropriated funds for the
program totaled $103.4 million. Below are a number of key actions taken
with respect to the implementation of the TWIC program.
\13\ TSA was transferred from the Department of Transportation to
DHS pursuant to requirements in the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub.
L. No. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (2002)).
November 2002.--Enactment of the Maritime Transportation
Security Act of 2002, which required the Secretary of Homeland
Security to issue a maritime worker identification card that
uses biometrics to control access to secure areas of maritime
transportation facilities and vessels.
August 2004 through June 2005.--As part of its prototype
testing, TSA--through a private contractor--tested the TWIC
program at 28 transportation facilities across the country.
August 2006.--TSA decided that the TWIC program would be
implemented in the maritime sector using two separate rules.
The first rule covers use of TWICs as a credential for gaining
access to facilities and vessels. The second rule is planned to
address the use of access control technologies, such as TWIC
readers, for confirming the identity of the TWIC holder against
the biometric information on the TWIC.
October 2006.--The SAFE Port Act directed the Secretary of
Homeland Security to, among other things, implement the TWIC
program at the 10 highest-risk ports by July 1, 2007, and to
conduct a pilot program to test TWIC access control
technologies, such as TWIC readers, in the maritime
January 2007.--TSA and the Coast Guard issued a rule
requiring worker enrollment and TWIC issuance. TSA also awarded
a $70 million contract to begin enrolling workers and issuing
TWICs to workers.
July 2007.--The Coast Guard issued guidance on how the
maritime industry is to comply with the January 2007 TWIC rule
and how the Coast Guard will implement TWIC compliance efforts.
June 2008.--As part of the TWIC reader pilot, TSA issued an
agency announcement calling for biometric card readers to be
submitted for assessment as TWIC readers.
Key Components of the TWIC Program
The TWIC program includes several key components:
Enrollment.--Transportation workers will be enrolled in the
TWIC program at enrollment centers by providing personal
information, such as name, date of birth, and address, and will
be photographed and fingerprinted. For those workers who are
unable to provide quality fingerprints, TSA is to collect an
alternate authentication identifier.
Background checks.--TSA will conduct background checks on
each worker to ensure that individuals do not pose a security
threat. These will include several components. First, TSA will
conduct a security threat assessment that may include, for
example, checks of terrorism databases or watch lists, such as
TSA's No-fly and selectee lists. Second, a Federal Bureau of
Investigation criminal history records check will be conducted
to identify if the worker has any disqualifying criminal
offenses. Third, the worker's immigration status and prior
determinations related to mental capacity will be checked.
Workers will have the opportunity to appeal negative results of
the threat assessment or request a waiver in certain
TWIC production.--After TSA determines that a worker has
passed the background check, the worker's information is
provided to a Federal card production facility where the TWIC
will be personalized for the worker, manufactured, and then
sent back to the enrollment center.
Card issuance.--Transportation workers are to be informed
when their TWICs are ready to be picked up at enrollment
centers. Once a TWIC has been activated and issued, workers may
present their TWICs to security officials when they seek to
enter a secure area, and in the future may use biometric card
readers to verify identity.
progress has been made in implementing the twic program
Several positive steps have been taken since our September 2006
report \14\ toward successfully implementing the TWIC program. One key
step was the issuance of the first TWIC rule by TSA and the Coast Guard
in January 2007 establishing requirements for providing workers and
merchant mariners access to maritime transportation facilities and
vessels. To help facilitate the rule's implementation, in July 2007 the
Coast Guard issued complementary guidance to help the maritime industry
comply with the new TWIC regulations and facilitate the Coast Guard's
implementation of TWIC-related compliance efforts. In addition,
enrollment efforts have been under way, and 41 percent of the estimated
1.2 million people needing TWICs have been enrolled. Finally, the TWIC
program has initiated the TWIC reader pilot and is moving forward in
testing TWIC access control technologies and their impact on maritime
operations. However, TSA has not established time frames for completing
this pilot program, the results of which will be used to inform the
second rulemaking related to TWIC access control technologies.
\14\ GAO-06-982.
TSA and the Coast Guard Issued a TWIC Rule, and Coast Guard Has Issued
Complementary Guidance to Facilitate TWIC's Implementation
On January 25, 2007, TSA and the Coast Guard issued the first TWIC
rule that, among other things, sets forth the regulatory requirements
for enrolling workers and issuing TWICs to workers in the maritime
sector. Specifically, this TWIC rule provides that workers and merchant
mariners requiring unescorted access to secure areas of maritime
transportation facilities and vessels must enroll in the TWIC program,
undergo a background check, and obtain a TWIC before such access is
granted. In addition, the rule requires owners and operators of MTSA-
regulated maritime transportation facilities and vessels to change
their existing access control procedures to ensure that a merchant
mariner and any other individual seeking unescorted access to a secure
area of a facility or vessel has a TWIC.\15\ Table 1 describes the key
requirements in the first TWIC rule.
\15\ Persons not required to obtain or possess TWICs before
accessing secure areas include, for example, Federal officials with
specified types of credentials, State or local law enforcement
officials, and State or local emergency responders.
TABLE 1.--KEY REQUIREMENTS IN THE JANUARY 2007 TWIC RULE
Requirement Description of Requirement
Transportation Workers................. Individuals who require
unescorted access to secure
areas of maritime
transportation facilities and
vessels, and all merchant
mariners, must obtain a TWIC
before such access is granted.
Fees................................... All workers applying for a TWIC
will pay a fee of $132.50 to
cover the costs associated
with the TWIC program. Workers
that have already undergone a
Federal threat assessment
comparable to the one required
to obtain a TWIC will pay a
reduced fee of $105.25. The
replacement fee for a TWIC
will be $60.
Access to secure areas of maritime By no later than April 15,
facilities and vessels. 2009, facilities and vessels
currently regulated under the
Maritime Transportation
Security Act must change their
current access control
procedures to ensure that any
individual or merchant mariner
seeking unescorted access to a
secure area has a TWIC.
Newly hired workers and escorting Newly hired workers who have
procedures. applied for, but have not
received, their TWIC, will be
allowed access to secure areas
for 30 days as long as they
meet specified criteria, such
as passing a TSA name-based
background check, and only
while accompanied by another
employee with a TWIC.
Individuals that need to enter
a secure area but do not have
a TWIC must be escorted at all
times by individuals with a
TWIC.
Background checks...................... All workers applying for a TWIC
must provide certain personal
information and fingerprints
to TSA so that they can
conduct a security threat
assessment, which includes a
Federal Bureau of
Investigation fingerprint-
based criminal history records
check, and an immigration
status check. In order to
qualify for a TWIC, workers
must not have been
incarcerated or convicted of
certain disqualifying crimes,
must have legal presence or
authorization to work in the
United States, must have no
known connection to terrorist
activity, and cannot have been
adjudicated as lacking mental
capacity or have been
committed to a mental health
facility.
Appeals and waiver process............. All TWIC applicants will have
the opportunity to appeal a
disqualification through TSA,
or apply to TSA for a waiver
of certain disqualifying
factors, either during the
application process or after
being disqualified for certain
crimes, mental incapacity, or
if they are aliens in
Temporary Protected Status.
Applicants who apply for a
waiver and are denied a TWIC
by TSA, or applicants who are
disqualified based on a
determination that he or she
poses a security threat, may,
after an appeal, seek review
by a Coast Guard
Access control systems................. The Coast Guard will conduct
unannounced inspections to
confirm the identity of TWIC
holders using hand-held
biometric card readers (i.e.,
TWIC readers) to check the
biometric on the TWIC against
the person presenting the
TWIC. In addition, security
personnel will conduct visual
inspections of the TWICs and
look for signs of tampering or
forgery when a worker enters a
secure area.
Source: GAO analysis of TWIC rule and TSA information.
The January 2007 TWIC rule does not currently require owners and
operators of maritime transportation facilities and vessels to employ
TWIC readers to verify the biometric feature (e.g., TWIC holder's
fingerprints) of the TWIC. These requirements are to be issued under a
second rule at a later date. As a result, the TWIC will initially serve
as a visual identity badge (i.e., a ``flash pass '') until the new rule
requires that TWIC access control technologies, such as TWIC readers,
be installed to verify the credentials when a worker enters a secure
area. According to TSA, during initial implementation, workers will
present their TWICs to authorized security personnel, who will compare
each TWIC holder to his or her photo and inspect the card for signs of
tampering. In addition, the Coast Guard will verify TWICs when
conducting vessel and facility inspections and during spot checks using
handheld TWIC readers to ensure that credentials are valid.
On July 2, 2007, the Coast Guard also issued some supplementary
guidance to help facilitate implementation of the January 2007 TWIC
rule. Among other issues, the Coast Guard's Navigation and Vessel
Inspection Circular (NVIC) Number 03-07 is designed to clarify the TWIC
enrollment and issuance process, the waiver and application process,
and approaches for enforcing TWIC program compliance. For instance,
with regard to TWIC enrollment, the NVIC provides guidance on applying
for appeals to disqualification decisions. The NVIC also provides
guidance for escorting non-TWIC holders in secure areas. Under current
procedures, one TWIC holder is allowed to escort 10 non-TWIC holders in
secure areas of a facility.
TWIC Enrollment Efforts Are Progressing
As we reported in October 2007,\16\ following the issuance of the
first TWIC rule in January 2007, TSA awarded a $70 million contract to
a private contractor to enroll the then estimated 770,000 workers
required to obtain TWICs. Since our last update, enrollment in the TWIC
program has progressed. TSA began enrolling and issuing TWICs to
workers at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware, on October 16, 2007. Since
then, 148 of 149 enrollment centers have been opened to meet TWIC
enrollment demand, with the remaining center scheduled to be opened by
September 17, 2008. Additionally, according to TSA, mobile centers have
been deployed on an as-needed basis. As of September 12, 2008, TSA
reports 492,928 enrollments and 318,738 TWICs activated and issued. All
maritime workers are expected to hold TWICs by the January 2007 TWIC
rule's revised compliance deadline of April 15, 2009.
\16\ GAO-08-133T.
TWIC Reader Pilot Has Been Initiated to Test TWIC-Related Access
Control Technologies
In response to our recommendation,\17\ and as required by the Safe
Port Act,\18\ TSA has initiated a pilot, known as the TWIC reader
pilot, to test TWIC-related access control technologies. This pilot is
intended to test the business processes, technology, and operational
impacts resulting from the deployment of TWIC readers at secure areas
of the marine transportation system. As such, the pilot is expected to
test the viability of existing biometric card readers for use in
reading TWICs within the maritime environment. It will also test the
technical aspects of connecting existing access control systems at
maritime transportation facilities and vessels to TWIC readers and
databases containing the required biometric information, for confirming
the identity of the TWIC holder against the biometric information on
the TWIC. After the pilot has concluded, the results are expected to
inform the development of the second rule requiring the deployment of
TWIC readers for use in controlling access in the maritime environment.
However, at this time, TSA officials do not yet have a date established
for the completion of this pilot. Further, time frames for completing
the second rule are not set.
\18\ Pub. L. No. 109-347, 120 Stat. 1884, 1889-90 (2006).
The TWIC reader pilot consists of three assessments with the
results of each assessment intended to inform subsequent assessments.
This testing is currently under way, and we will analyze the test
results as part of our on-going work. The three assessments are as
Initial technical testing.--This assessment is laboratory-
based and is designed to determine if selected biometric card
readers meet TWIC card-reader specifications.\19\ These
specifications include technical and environmental requirements
deemed necessary for use in the harsh maritime environment. At
the completion of initial technical testing, a formal test
report will be developed to prioritize all problems with
readers based on their potential to adversely impact the
maritime transportation facility or vessel. Based on this
assessment, readers with problems that would severely impact
maritime operations are not to be recommended for use in the
next phase of testing. At this time, TSA is conducting the
initial technical testing portion of the TWIC reader pilot. As
part of this assessment, in June 2008, TSA issued an
announcement calling for biometric card readers to be submitted
for assessment as TWIC readers. According to the TWIC Program
Director, an initial round of TWIC reader testing has been
completed and a second round of testing has been initiated.
This is expected to provide a broader range of readers to be
used as part of subsequent assessments.
\19\ TWIC Card Reader Specifications were first published in
September 2007 and last updated on May 30, 2008.
Early operational assessment.--This assessment is to
evaluate the impact of TWIC reader implementation on the flow
of commerce. Key results to be achieved as part of this
assessment include obtaining essential data to inform
development of the second rule, assessing reader suitability
and effectiveness, and further refining reader specifications.
As part of this process, maritime transportation facilities and
vessels participating in the pilot are to select the readers
they plan to test and install, and test readers as part of the
test site's normal business and operational environment. In
preparation for the early operational assessment segment of
this pilot, the TWIC Program Director stated that program staff
have started working with pilot participants to review test
plans and expect to initiate the early operational assessment
portion of the pilot in early 2009. As part of this pilot, TSA
is partnering with maritime transportation facilities at five
ports as well as three vessel operators.\20\ TSA's objective is
to include pilot test participants that are representative of a
variety of maritime transportation facilities and vessels in
different geographic locations and environmental conditions.
\20\ Port test participants include the port authorities of Los
Angeles, Long Beach, Brownsville, New York, and New Jersey. In
addition, vessel operation participants include the Staten Island Ferry
in Staten Island, New York; Magnolia Marine Transports in Vicksburg,
Mississippi; and Watermark Cruises in Annapolis, Maryland.
System test and evaluation.--Building on the results of the
initial technical testing and the early operational assessment,
the system test and evaluation is intended to evaluate the full
impact of maritime transportation facility and vessel operators
complying with a range of requirements anticipated to be
included in the second TWIC rule, such as TWIC reader
effectiveness, suitability, and supportability. In addition,
this evaluation is expected to establish a test protocol for
evaluating readers prior to acquiring them for official TWIC
Our on-going review of the TWIC program will provide additional
details on the results of the TWIC reader pilot and how these results
helped inform the anticipated second TWIC rule.
tsa and maritime industry stakeholders face two potential challenges in
implementing the twic program
challenges in ensuring that the TWIC program will be implemented
successfully. TSA and its enrollment contractor are planning to enroll
and issue TWICs to a significantly larger population of workers than
was originally estimated. Specifically, TSA estimates that it will need
to issue TWICs to 1.2 million workers by April 15, 2009.\21\ This
target population is significantly larger than the estimated target
population identified in the January 2007 rule. Further, TSA and
maritime industry stakeholders also face challenges in ensuring that
TWIC access control technologies, such as biometric card readers, work
effectively in the harsh maritime environment and ensuring that
security requirements are balanced with the flow of commerce. However,
since TSA is still testing this technology and accumulating the lessons
learned from this testing, it is unclear how effectively this
technology works in practice. These testing results will be used to
help inform the development of the second rule establishing the
requirements and time frames for implementing TWIC access control
technologies. Our on-going work will assess how the results of this
testing are used to inform the development of the second rule and help
ensure an appropriate balance between security and commerce.
\21\ As previously noted, the final compliance date has been
extended from September 25, 2008, to April 15, 2009 (73 Fed. Reg. 25562
(May 7, 2008)).
Increase in Estimated Target Population one of Several Issues
Identified During the Initial Enrollment Process
In September 2006 we reported \22\ that TSA faced the challenge of
enrolling and issuing TWICs in a timely manner to a significantly
larger population of workers than was done during the TWIC prototype
test, which was conducted from August 2004 through June 2005. Since
then, steps have been taken to improve the enrollment and TWIC issuance
process. For example, according to TSA officials, the TWIC enrollment
systems were tested to ensure that they would work effectively and be
able to handle the full capacity of enrollments during implementation.
Despite these positive steps, there have been issues associated
with the TWIC enrollment process. As documented in TWIC program
documentation, enrollment issues include miscommunication about the
wait time for TWICs to be available, such as enrollees being told that
TWICs would be available in 10 to 30 days rather than 6 to 8 weeks. In
addition, help desk issues existed, such as approximately 70 percent of
calls placed to the help desk being abandoned and call wait times
reported to be as long as 20 minutes when they were planned for 3
minutes. According to TSA officials, actions have been taken to address
these problems.
Additionally, in July 2008, the National Maritime Security Advisory
Committee--chartered to advise, consult with, report to, and make
recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
on matters relating to maritime security--reported \23\ on several
unresolved problems, which it contends help to foster an unfavorable
sentiment among stakeholders. \24\ Among other issues, the committee
report noted:
\23\ National Maritime Security Advisory Committee, TWIC Working
Group, Discussion Items, as amended July 30, 2008.
\24\ The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee was
established under the authority of the Maritime Transportation Security
Act of 2002 to provide advice and make recommendations to the Secretary
of Homeland Security via the Commandant of the Coast Guard on national
maritime security matters.
poor communication and outreach regarding the trucking and
merchant mariner communities, and whether these communities are
fully aware of TWIC program requirements, and:
technical issues whereby biometric scanning equipment did
not accurately record and process enrollee fingerprint
templates.
TWIC program management disputed the National Maritime Security
Advisory Committee's findings, stating that some of the findings in the
report are outdated or inaccurate. For instance, according to the TWIC
Program Director, the fingerprint rejection rates for the program are
within acceptable standards as defined in the contract and are
consistent with other Government experiences. Moreover, the Program
Director noted that to be helpful, the committee needs to prioritize
the issues it identified. TSA plans to meet with the committee on
September 18, 2008 to respond to the report.
Nevertheless, TWIC program management and the contractor report
that they have taken action to remediate several of the problems
identified above. For example, to address the issues related to the
help desk, TWIC program management reports that it worked with its
contractor to add additional resources at the help desk to meet call
volume demand. Similarly, to counter the lack of access or parking at
enrollment centers at the Port of Los Angeles, TSA's contractor opened
an additional enrollment facility with truck parking access as well as
extended operating hours.
Additional Steps Are Being Taken to Clarify Final
Enrollment Figures and Address Enrollment
To help meet the challenge of enrolling and issuing TWICs to an
estimated 1.2 million workers by April 15, 2009, TSA and the Coast
Guard are working to update estimates for the number of people
requiring TWICs. TWIC program management does not have a precise
estimate of the total number and location of potential enrollees. For
instance, while the January 2007 TWIC rule identifies that 770,000 TWIC
enrollments were anticipated, that number has been revised to
approximately 1.2 million--nearly double the original estimate.
According to the TWIC Program Director, it is difficult to know how
many individuals will enroll in the program as no association, port
owner, or government agency previously tracked this information. The
Program Director also told us that some anticipated enrollees may have
been double-counted. Therefore, the number of enrollees that actually
enroll may be fewer than the estimated 1.2 million. As part of an
effort to develop better enrollee estimates, TSA reports that it is
currently completing a contingency analysis in coordination with the
Coast Guard that will better identify the size of its target enrollee
population at major ports. For example, in preparation for meeting
enrollment demands at the Port of Houston, TWIC program officials are
updating prior estimates of maritime workers requiring TWICs for access
to this port's facilities. To better meet possible short-term spikes in
enrollment application demand--such as in final weeks before individual
ports must meet final TWIC enrollment requirements--the TWIC program is
promoting the use of mobile enrollment centers whereby temporary
centers are set up to help enroll employees for TWICs.
However, given that 492,928 enrollments (41 percent) out of an
estimated target population of 1.2 million had been processed as of
September 12, 2008, an additional 707,072 workers (59 percent) still
need to be enrolled in the program by the April 15, 2009 deadline.
Further, assuming the current rate of enrollment, there will be an
estimated shortfall of 393,391 TWIC enrollees in April 2009. As such,
meeting final enrollment and TWIC issuance requirements by April 15,
2009, could pose a challenge. We will continue to monitor these efforts
as part of our on-going engagement.
TSA and Industry Stakeholders Taking Steps to Ensure That TWIC Access
Control Technologies Work Effectively in a Harsh Maritime
In our September 2006 report,\25\ we noted that TSA and maritime
industry stakeholders faced significant challenges in ensuring that
effectively in the maritime sector. Few facilities that participated in
the TWIC prototype tested the use of biometric card readers. As a
result, TSA obtained limited information on the operational
effectiveness of biometric card readers for use with TWICs,
particularly when individuals use these readers outdoors in the harsh
maritime environment, where they can be affected by dirt, salt, wind,
and rain. In addition, TSA did not test the use of biometric card
readers on vessels, although they will be required on vessels in the
future. Further, industry stakeholders with whom we spoke were
concerned about:
the costs of implementing and operating TWIC access control
systems;
linking card readers to their local access control systems;
how biometric card readers would be implemented and used on
vessels.
Because of comments received from maritime industry stakeholders
prior to issuing its January 2007 TWIC rule, TSA and Coast Guard
excluded all access control requirements from this rule. Instead, TSA
and Coast Guard now plan to issue a second TWIC rule pertaining to
access control requirements, such as TWIC readers.
In our September 2006 report, we noted \26\ that TSA and industry
stakeholders will need to consider the security benefits of the TWIC
program and the impact the program could have on maritime commerce.
According to TSA, if implemented effectively, the security benefits of
the TWIC program in preventing a terrorist attack could save lives and
avoid a costly disruption in maritime commerce. Alternatively, if key
components of the TWIC program, such as biometric card readers, do not
work effectively, they could slow the daily flow of commerce.
Our September 2006 report \27\ also recommended that TSA conduct
additional testing to ensure that TWIC access control technologies work
effectively and that the TWIC program balances the security benefits of
the program with the impact that it could have on the flow of maritime
commerce. In response to our recommendation and to address SAFE Port
Act requirements,\28\ TSA has initiated a TWIC reader pilot that, as
previously discussed, includes an assessment of card readers against
TWIC technical and environmental specifications. In addition, the pilot
will include testing at various maritime transportation facilities and
vessels to assess the performance of biometric card readers as well as
the impact TWIC use will have on operations when used as part of
existing maritime transportation facility and vessel access control
systems. The results of this pilot are to be used to help develop the
second TWIC rule on TWIC access control technologies, such as TWIC
readers. However, as discussed earlier, this testing is still under way
and TSA has not established a date for completing the pilot program.
Moreover, a date has not been set for issuing the second TWIC rule on
the requirements and time frames for implementing the TWIC access
control technology. Our on-going work will assess how the lessons
learned from the testing are used to inform the development of the
second rule and help ensure an appropriate balance between security and
\28\ The SAFE Port Act requires TSA to issue a final rule
containing the requirements for installing and using TWIC access
control technologies no later than 2 years after the initiation of the
pilot.
concluding observations
Addressing the issue of maritime security is a major challenge
given the size and complexity of the maritime transportation network.
Since we first reported on the TWIC program in December 2004,\29\ TSA
has made progress toward implementing the program, including issuing a
TWIC rule, enrolling some workers in the program, and conducting
additional testing at several key maritime transportation facilities
and vessels. While the additional testing that TSA reports conducting
and the actions it has taken should help address the challenges that we
have previously identified, the effectiveness of these efforts will not
be clear until the program further matures. TSA still faces the
challenges of clarifying the size of its target enrollee population and
ensuring that the lessons learned from the ongoing TWIC pilot are
distilled and used to inform the development of additional regulatory
requirements. Given the looming April 2009 enrollment deadline and that
more than 700,000 workers still need to be enrolled in the program, a
late enrollment surge could potentially impact maritime security and
trade. Successfully addressing these challenges will help ensure that
TWIC meets the goal of establishing an interoperable security network
based on a common identification credential.
Madam Chairwoman, this concludes my statement. I would be pleased
to answer any questions that you or other Members of the subcommittee
may have at this time.
Ms. Sanchez. I thank the witnesses. I remind each Member
that they will have 5 minutes to question the panel. I will now
recognize myself for questions.
Ms. Fanguy, Mr. Lord had a series of questions at the end
of his testimony, including how many people do we think will
eventually be signed up in this program and will we meet the
April 2009 enrollment deadline? Will the readers work? Can you
give me your best guess, since you are the program manager on
the answers to his questions?
Ms. Fanguy. Absolutely. On question No. 1, in terms of the
enrollment numbers, we are continuing to work with the Coast
Guard to make sure that we refine the population estimates
locally. When we are looking at the trending of enrollment
figures, what we are seeing is that the numbers each week go
up, especially as the Coast Guard continues to announce
compliance. So as we are looking at the trending, we do feel
confident that we will enroll all of the workers by April 2009.
On the second question of the technology, again I think
that is where industry collaboration is key. We worked very
closely with the NMSAC TWIC Working Group to actually develop
the technology standards for TWIC, and I think that we got some
very good input from them which we incorporated into our final
specifications. So we are in the process of completing our
bench-testing of the readers. We have had very good results
thus far. We are looking forward later this year to actually be
able to take that equipment and put it out in the field so we
can get good data back.
Ms. Sanchez. When will the second rule be done?
Ms. Fanguy. The Coast Guard is actually the lead agency on
the final rule, but we will be supporting them in that effort.
Ms. Sanchez. Admiral.
Admiral Watson. We are in the process of getting that
second rule sequence going. It will begin with an advance
notice of proposed rulemaking very, very soon. The challenge is
that we need to get some information so that we can propose
rules for how these readers are going to be used in different
circumstances, with different risk levels, in the various
ports.
Ms. Sanchez. Let us go back. Very, very soon means?
Admiral Watson. Oh, within days. For the advanced notice of
proposed rulemaking.
Ms. Sanchez. What type of information do you not have in
hand, and how long will it take you to get that before you can
move forward?
Admiral Watson. We got a lot of information through our
advisory committee, but obviously the broader public has
information to offer in light of the fact that there are
technological challenges as well as operational challenges for
reader deployment and use. So getting this information back is
critical for us to put out the notice of proposed rulemaking.
But because of all of that work that has been done, we don't
anticipate a very long time frame between getting the responses
from the advance notice to putting out the notice.
Ms. Sanchez. Back to the original question. How many people
in total do you think are going to be in this program, enrolled
by April 2009? Do you think that will be the--I mean, what will
that--what do you think that will be? Ninety percent of the
people who actually are the ones trying to get enrolled, 99
percent of the people?
Ms. Fanguy. We are aiming for 100 percent. Right now our
population estimate is 1.2 million. But again, one of the
challenging parts of this industry is that we have a highly
mobile work force. There are people who work at multiple ports,
multiple facilities, and they move around quite a lot. So what
we are trying to do is make sure we are not double-counting.
But the best estimate we have right now is 1.2 million. But we
are going to continue to work very closely with our partners at
the Coast Guard as well as industry to make sure that everyone
has enrolled in time.
Ms. Sanchez. So you think 1.2 million people would be the
total, and you are shooting for 100 percent, and you think you
are going to meet that 100 percent by April 2009?
Ms. Fanguy. Our goal is to continue to communicate with
people to make sure that they come in on time, to make sure
that they know what their responsibilities are.
Ms. Sanchez. That wasn't the answer--I mean, I asked a
specific question.
Ms. Fanguy. We have more than adequate capacity to handle
that. The one thing we don't have under control is human
nature. But anybody that wants to enroll. There are plenty of
appointments right now, especially in some of the larger areas.
Right now, of course, in Texas, people have other things that
they may be focusing on. But out on the West Coast, plenty of
appointments for people to come in and enroll, and we encourage
people to come in now so that they don't have any inconvenience
as it gets closer to April.
Ms. Sanchez. What about this whole issue as with respect to
citizenship? I know it has affected many of your people,
Admiral. The issue that the Lockheed people don't have a very
good understanding of the differences in ship, paper, et
cetera. Do we have a program where we are educating more about
what to accept? What about these people who came in with
passports and were actually sent away without even getting
copies of their passports and then denied because you all
thought they weren't citizens?
Ms. Fanguy. A few things on that. One is that we asked our
contractor to do a retraining of all their trusted agents,
which they have done, to make sure that they have the right
information on collecting immigration documentation. They have
been given the clear message that if somebody brings in a
passport, that is absolutely a good document to take and that
should be taken.
In addition to that, we recently put out guidance to be
able to go through all of the different immigration classes
that we support to provide information to workers about what
documents to bring. But if somebody is confused about the
process, we do have a way of handling their cases. All they
have to do is really to send us a photocopy of their
documentation so that we can clear them out of the system and
get them their card.
Ms. Sanchez. I am going to let Mr. Souder ask his 5
minutes' worth.
I would just say to Mr. Lord, I would like you to think if
there are any questions you would like answered by any of these
that we can come back and ask them. Yes?
Before we do that, I would like to ask unanimous consent to
proceed in the absence of a quorum because I don't know, Mr.
Souder, if you will be coming back or not. So be it. Five
Mr. Souder. I am merely going to put two questions on the
record because I have a bill up that I have to go over and see
what the status of it is right away. But I wanted to make sure
that these two questions get answered, but I need to take off
as quick as I can.
One is what specific steps has TSA taken to ensure that the
trucking industry is adequately notified of their need to have
a TWIC, and is there any way to gauge how successful these
efforts have been? Is that part of this unknown? We are getting
more and more people coming in because there was lack of
clarity as to who needed what, and now there is increasing
concern, and do we know where that cap is?
The other question for the Coast Guard is, as you said, you
were looking at the proposed rulemaking; that you will play a
large role in specifying the facilities, how they screen their
employees for TWIC upon entry. There are numerous questions.
Will they be required to give their fingerprint each time they
enter, or once a day? What about their PIN number? What if the
machine is malfunctioning, will they be required to swipe their
TWIC card upon exit?
All of these will have a direct impact. The question is,
will you get an operational test of this while we are testing
the systems, or could this result in significant delays
depending on the details of how it is implemented as we are
moving forth? I am sorry I need to head to the floor, but I
need to get there as quick as possible. Thank you.
Ms. Sanchez. Okay. Well, why don't we hear the answers to
those questions?
Ms. Fanguy. I can address the aspect about trucking.
Trucking is an absolutely critical part of maritime
transportation security, and we have embarked on a pretty
aggressive campaign to get outreach out to the truckers. I know
I personally have attended a number of trucking association
meetings. I have worked very closely with the American trucking
associations. We have recently developed flyers that are very
specifically targeted to truckers, and then try to get those
out to our port partners.
As I have been traveling around the port, I think that
there is very good messaging. When we actually got some
photographs from Boston and it says ``No TWIC, no entry'' right
there on the gates to the port, I think that is a pretty clear
message, very easy for truckers to see.
When I was out on the West Coast, Los Angeles and Long
Beach, very clear signage to let people know you need to come
in and enroll for a TWIC. We are actually located right off of
the roads where the truckers are going back and forth.
In addition to that, we have tried to do outreach through
other mechanisms, like call-in radio programs. I think that has
actually been pretty effective to get the drivers who are
actually at work hauling between the different ports. But
truckers are certainly an unknown population in terms of how
large they are. We want to continue to work to make sure that
we enroll all of the truckers so there is no delay at the
Ms. Sanchez. Mr. Lord, can you comment on what you have
seen with respect to truckers and the TWIC situation?
Mr. Lord. I agree with Ms. Fanguy that truckers tend to be
an independent lot by nature and they have been reluctant in
the past to come forward, absent a firm deadline for enrolling.
So I think it is good that the Coast Guard is moving this to a
phased-out process and establishing deadlines before April 15
to help serve as an additional incentive to enrollment.
But I think that poses an additional challenge, you know,
identifying the magnitude of the truckers subject to TWIC. I
think they are still working through that.
Ms. Sanchez. I hope when you are out in Los Angeles/Long
Beach next week, maybe you will take a look at how that whole
trucking situation is happening out there.
Mr. Lord. We would be glad to.
Ms. Sanchez. Great. How will these on-going programs with
the TWIC be handed over when a new President comes in? What is
the backup plan? What is the transition plan? What have you
been doing with respect to all of this?
I will start with Ms. Fanguy and then I will ask the
Admiral.
Ms. Fanguy. In terms of transition planning, we have an
overall program plan that takes us up to April and then plans
we have had in place for a long period of time post-April. So
our plans really won't change.
The other part of it is that we have been developing
transition briefing materials for the next administration so
that whoever that may be, will be well-briefed on where we are
in the program, any of the challenges we face, the history of
the TWIC program, and what our plans are for going forward. But
we have a strong structure in place and the management team
that is running the TWIC program, to the best of my knowledge,
will be the same team as we move into--as the January time
frame.
Admiral Watson. The same with the Coast Guard. We have
plans set through April 15. We are announcing these different
sequential Captain of the Port Zones for enforcement. We have
got a plan to get these regulations out for the reader program
and deployment.
The transition I don't think will have a huge effect on
this. We will obviously get the new people that come in as a
result of the transition fully informed and explain to them the
timeline and where we have come from and where we are going to.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Admiral. Mr. Lord, is there a
question I should be asking these two in front of me about the
program?
Mr. Lord. One question I am still interested in clarifying
is the relationship between the issuance of the final rule and
the testing. If the testing is not scheduled for completion
until late next year, how will that inform the development of
the rule if it is issued earlier? I mean, to me it makes sense
to distill the lessons learned of the test and then issue the
rule. But from Admiral Watson's testimony, it sounds like the
rule may be issued before all the testing is completed.
Ms. Sanchez. Anybody want to take that?
Admiral Watson. I think I can try that. It also ties into,
I think, Congressman Souder's questions with regard to the
terminal operator's use of the TWIC reader equipment. We are
collecting a lot of this information on basically how terminals
work. As you know, there is lots of credentialing already going
on at the individual port level. There are even readers in
place in a lot of facilities using locally developed systems
and so on. There are lessons learned from that. We expect to be
collecting that information, even before we do our own
piloting, and then put out a notice of proposed rulemaking.
That actually is timed, I think appropriately, so that the
pilots in Los Angeles and New York and so on, can actually
deploy their pilot readers using that proposed rule as their
standard. Then we will see how that proposed rule standard is
working through the piloting program and then the final rule
will come out.
Now, you know, the exact timing of the final rule to the
completion of the pilot program, obviously, there are some
variables in there. I don't think that we necessarily have to
wait until the pilot program is completely finished and
documented and all that stuff. But we will certainly be looking
very closely to get as much out of that pilot program before we
publish the final rule as possible.
Ms. Sanchez. Unfortunately, I have to go down to the House
because it is 2 minutes away from the end of a vote. Mr. Souder
did have a question about the types--the operational questions
that he had about the card reader pilots and the role and the
guidance of the Coast Guard and et cetera.
So, for the written record we will be submitting his
questions to make sure you all get back to us on those. I hope
you do get back to us on those. Because sometimes the
Department of Homeland Security doesn't answer our questions
when we send them in writing, and that is all going to change
from now on.
So I have, I believe--most likely Mr. Souder won't be
coming back, and I will be the only one. So what I am going to
do is thank you for being before our committee and actually
dismiss you. It will be about half-an-hour's worth of vote
because there are some recommits and some debate that will have
to happen on the House floor before we get back. So what I will
do is go into recess on the committee and we will meet back in
about half-an-hour's time with the second panel. But the first
panel is not off the hook because we are going to submit some
questions to you in writing and we would like those answers
back from you as quickly as possible. Thank you.
[Recess.]
Ms. Sanchez. The subcommittee is now in order, and I
welcome the second panel of our witnesses.
Our first witness is Ms. Judy Marks, President, Lockheed
Martin Transportation and Security Solutions. Our second
witness is Ms. Stephanie Bowman, Manager, Federal Governmental
Affairs, Port of Tacoma. Mr. Roberto Saarenas, the Security
Director, was originally supposed to testify, but his father
passed away on Monday, so we offer our condolences to him and
to his family. Our third witness is Mr. Philip Byrd, President
and CEO, Bulldog Hiway Express. Our fourth witness is Mr. Steve
Golding, President of Golding Barge Line; and our fifth witness
is Ms. Laura Moskowitz, Staff Attorney, National Employment Law
Project. Or whatever. It is easy here.
So, without objection, the witnesses' full statements will
be inserted into the record.
I now ask Ms. Marks to summarize her statement in 5 minutes
or less.
STATEMENT OF JUDITH MARKS, PRESIDENT, TRANSPORTATION AND
SECURITY SOLUTIONS, LOCKHEED MARTIN
Ms. Marks. Chairwoman Sanchez and Members of the
subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to discuss the
Transportation Worker Identification Credential, or TWIC,
program. I look forward to sharing the progress we have
achieved on this important program.
Before discussing our role in depth, I would like to
provide a real-time snapshot of where we are in the Nation-wide
enrollment phase of the program.
Lockheed Martin has deployed all 149 enrollment centers and
provided enrollment and activation services for the past 11
months. We are proud to report that we have deployed more sites
faster than any other credentialing program in operation today.
On average, we enroll 3,200 people every day; and, to date, we
have enrolled over 500,000 individuals and have activated and
distributed credentials to over 300,000 enrollees.
The wait times continue to meet all required TSA service
level agreements; and, perhaps most importantly, we have
received a greater-than 93-percent-positive customer
satisfaction rating based on individual customer surveys. As
with any program of this magnitude, we have experienced some
start-up challenges. But the majority of these initial issues
have been resolved through the deployment of additional
resources, assets and skilled people.
Currently, our national average wait time to enroll is
under 15 minutes. We continuously monitor throughput, and we
have routed additional resources and staff to areas of high
demand. The current average time of enrollment to the
credential being available for issuance is approximately 2 to 3
weeks, and we have been able to issue credentials to applicants
in as little as 5 days.
The Coast Guard, as you just heard, has begun announcing
compliance dates for ports. While we continue to enroll and
activate TWIC credentials Nation-wide, we are also focusing our
energies on encouraging the remainder of the transportation
worker population to enroll prior to these announced compliance
dates.
As part of our targeted outreach and in direct response to
stakeholder feedback, we have opened two additional facilities,
one in Long Beach and the other in Houston, to increase
convenience and enrollment capacity.
Lockheed Martin and the Coast Guard have met with the
majority of rail industry leaders, and in response to concerns
from the rail industry TSA and Lockheed Martin are working
together to develop alternative enrollment options. Similarly,
we have met with representatives from major trucking companies
and associations, including the ATA, Truck Stop Operators and
Motor Vehicle Association, to find ways to reach out to the
trucking community, including utilizing trucking publications
and other methods.
Initial enrollment projections indicated an estimated
750,000 applicants would be enrolled in TWIC. Since contract
award, the Coast Guard, TSA and Lockheed Martin have received
reports from a number of ports indicating national population
will be significantly larger than was initially anticipated. We
anticipate the initial population to be closer to 1.2 million
The Coast Guard continues to conduct weekly calls with the
captain of the port zones to develop an accurate assessment of
how many people remain to enroll before the mid-April
compliance date. Meanwhile, we have taken a very flexible
approach to planning our operations. We focus on the use of
mobile enrollment stations which can be taken directly to
stakeholder facilities and certain geographically dispersed
communities in Alaska and other locations. To date, we have
conducted over 220 mobile enrollments Nation-wide at port
facilities, at employers, maritime academies and union halls.
In addition to the use of mobile units we have developed a
Nation-wide surge plan that allows for rapid expansion of
capacity at any of the 149 port locations.
Lockheed Martin also provides resources and information to
applicants through our web site at a TWIC call center. Earlier
this year, we did experience challenges with this TWIC call
center, an important resource for all workers. We made multiple
enhancements at no cost to our customers which decrease helped
us speed up answer times, bringing them well below our
contractual requirement of a 3-minute average. In fact, today
the average caller to the help desk experiences less than a 30-
second wait time.
Lockheed Martin is committed to the successful
implementation of the Nation-wide enrollment phase of the TWIC
program. As compliance is declared at ports across the country,
we will work diligently to support the remaining maritime
workers who need to enroll; and we will promptly activate their
credentials.
In addition, we very much appreciate your continued
leadership in your home States and districts. The relationships
you have cultivated with port and industry leaders in your
communities will be invaluable in continuing to emphasize the
critical nature of this program to our Homeland Security and to
our continued economic vitality.
[The statement of Ms. Marks follows:]
Prepared Statement of Judith Marks
The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) IV
program is a Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Coast
Guard port security initiative. The TWIC program provides a tamper-
resistant biometric credential to maritime workers requiring unescorted
access to secure areas of port facilities, outer continental shelf
facilities, vessels regulated under the Maritime Transportation
Security Act (MTSA), and to all U.S. Coast Guard credentialed merchant
mariners.
Enrollment and issuance of TWIC credentials began in October 2007
at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware and is now available at 149 port
locations and at multiple stakeholder facilities via mobile enrollment.
Although original estimates placed the port worker population requiring
TWICs at 750,000, recent data suggests the revised population count may
be double that original projection. Over 500,000 people have enrolled
to date. To obtain a TWIC credential, an individual must provide
biographic and biometric information in the form of fingerprints, sit
for a digital photograph, and successfully pass a security threat
assessment conducted by TSA.
The Coast Guard continues to announce compliance dates for ports,
mandating that those personnel who require unescorted access to secure
areas of port facilities must have received their credentials. We are
continuing to enroll and activate TWIC credentials Nation-wide, while
also focusing our energies on encouraging the remainder of the port
worker population to enroll prior to the Coast Guard compliance dates.
enrollment activities to date
Lockheed Martin has deployed 149 enrollment centers and provided
enrollment and activation services for the past 11 months. We are proud
to report that we have deployed more sites faster than any other
credentialing program in operation today. On average, we enroll 3,200
individuals daily but in recent weeks have seen daily volumes approach
5,000 as we near the first compliance date. To date, we have enrolled
more than 500,000 individuals, activated and distributed credentials to
300,000 enrollees, and deployed to 149 fixed port locations.
We are proud that Lockheed Martin has met every contractual
deployment milestone on the TWIC IV program, including deploying to
some of the Nations' largest ports: Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/
New Jersey, and Houston. Wait times continue to decrease and continue
to meet all required TSA service level agreements for wait time.
Perhaps most importantly, we have received a greater than 93 percent
positive customer satisfaction rating to date based on individual
customer surveys that TWIC recipients return after their credentials
have been activated. As with any program of this magnitude, we have
experienced some start-up challenges, specifically in areas such as
network connectivity, customer interaction, and wait times. The
majority of these initial issues have been resolved through the
deployment of additional resources, assets and skilled people to
address them when and where they have been identified. We have
continued to apply lessons we learn during each port deployment to
avoid repetition as we completed the national network of enrollment
centers.
program outreach
The TWIC program will touch more than 1 million Americans' lives,
and we have strived to ensure that the experience is as positive as
possible for those affected. We utilize several methods for
communicating about the program and receiving feedback.
On a national level, stakeholder outreach and communications is
facilitated primarily through the TWIC Stakeholder Communications
Committee (TSCC). The TSCC is facilitated by Lockheed Martin and
Deloitte Consulting. TSA and the Coast Guard take a leadership role in
our monthly TSCC meetings, which are attended by representatives from
49 organizations including labor unions, industry associations, and
other related groups. The TSCC provides a forum for communication about
the program status and key features, and offers stakeholders the
opportunity to provide feedback and voice concerns. To date, 21
meetings of the TSCC have been held.
Local outreach to port stakeholders has always been an integral
part of the TWIC deployment process. Our local database is approaching
7,000 owners, operators, unions, port authorities, associations and
other TWIC program participants.
In several port locations, local stakeholder working groups have
been formed, which may be chaired by TSA, Coast Guard or a local
stakeholder. These groups have provided an excellent forum to discuss
on-going enrollment operations, provide updates on the program, and
receive feedback. As part of our targeted outreach, Lockheed Martin has
met with the majority of rail industry leaders. In response to concerns
from the rail industry, TSA and Lockheed Martin are working together to
develop alternative enrollment options. Similarly, we have met with
representatives from major trucking companies and associations to find
ways to reach the trucking community.
enrollment population
One of the key objectives of our deployment operation is to
understand the size and geographic distribution of the maritime
population. Initial projections developed under contract to TSA were
provided to Lockheed Martin as part of the TWIC IV solicitation
process. These projections indicated that an estimated 750,000
applicants would be enrolled during the initial base term of the
Lockheed Martin contract. Since contract award, the Coast Guard, TSA,
and Lockheed Martin have received reports from a number of ports
indicating that the actual population may be significantly larger in
some areas than was initially anticipated. We anticipate the initial
population to be closer to 1.25 million people. The Coast Guard
continues to conduct weekly calls with Captain of the Port Zones, which
are actively surveying and assessing their population numbers to
develop an accurate assessment of how many people remain to enroll in
the TWIC program.
Meanwhile, we have taken a very flexible approach to planning our
operations. We focus this flexible approach on the use of mobile
enrollment workstations, which can be taken directly to stakeholder
facilities. This provides an additional level of convenience for the
individual workers and employers, and also enables more effective
management of applicant throughput, by minimizing lines at fixed
facilities and easing the burden on major employers.
To date, we have conducted over 220 mobile enrollments at port
facilities, employers, maritime academies and union halls. In addition
to use of mobile units, we have developed a national surge plan that
allows for rapid expansion of capacity at any of the 149 port
locations. This includes extending the hours of operation and adding
additional work shifts, adding additional staff, and increasing the
number of enrollment stations by bringing in mobile units. We
demonstrated this flexibility and used this plan to move additional
assets and resources into key areas such as Baton Rouge, Lake Charles,
New Orleans and Houston.
minimizing inconvenience
We recognize that with a population that is already working hard to
support a constantly growing maritime transportation and commerce
system, convenience in the TWIC enrollment process is critical. That's
why we have taken steps to make this process as smooth as possible.
As discussed above, we work with major stakeholders at all ports to
enroll as much of the population as possible at stakeholder facilities.
These may be employer facilities, union halls, maritime academies or
industry association offices. We also coordinate the issuance and
activation of cards at these locations wherever possible.
We also offer multiple pre-enrollment options. Pre-enrollment
involves the advance provision of biographical information so that this
information does not need to be collected at the time of enrollment.
Pre-enrollment may be accomplished on-line, via the TWIC Helpdesk phone
number, or, at larger ports, via self-service kiosks. Pre-enrollment
also provides an opportunity to schedule an appointment at the TWIC
enrollment facility, further reducing an applicant's wait time.
Currently, our national average wait time to enroll is 15 minutes.
We continuously monitor throughput and we have routed additional
resources and staff to areas of high demand. From the point at which an
enrollment application is completed, the information is securely sent
within 1 day to the Government. A background check is conducted via the
TSA security threat assessment, which varies in cycle time. Other
factors may also influence the turnaround time for a credential being
available for issuance. We have been able to issue credentials to
applicants in as little as 5 days. The current average from time of
enrollment to the credential being available for issuance is
approximately 2 to 3 weeks.
We recognize that certain parts of the country have significant
populations of people for whom English is not their first language. In
these locations, we have trusted agents who speak other languages. Our
pre-enrollment web site and multiple help desk call attendants are
bilingual (English/Spanish), as is our enrollment center work station
software and TWIC web site.
As with any program involving a FBI background fingerprint check, a
percentage of the population will have their fingerprints rejected by
the Bureau as unreadable. Our current fingerprint rejection rate is 1.5
percent of the population, which is far lower than other fingerprinting
programs nationally which range between 2 percent and 4 percent. To
minimize the number of rejects, we apply quality algorithms to each set
of fingerprints captured in our enrollment centers. This provides
trusted agents with an immediate indicator if prints are of low
quality, and provides an opportunity to recapture them on the spot. If
repeated attempts to capture high-quality prints are unsuccessful, we
turn to a procedure recently developed in conjunction with TSA to
electronically enhance the captured fingerprint, without distortion,
and resubmit to the FBI. This new process should allow us to avoid
calling the applicant back to the enrollment center and further
inconveniencing the applicant. Notifications of this new policy and
information on the status of the applications were recently sent out to
those affected applicants.
In addition, when enrollment centers have experienced technical
difficulties that resulted in significant downtime, or have had to
close, we have made efforts to contact affected individuals and offered
to reschedule appointments. We understand that workers' time is very
valuable--to them and to the companies they support.
One of the geographic areas we have seen significant differences in
the population estimates to date has been in the Gulf Coast. In Baton
Rouge, initial enrollee estimates were around 6,000 and current
estimates appear to be closer to 40,000 to 60,000. This initially
resulted in higher-than-expected demand and, as a consequence, longer-
than-desired wait times. To address this, we activated our surge plans,
increasing our capacity to five times greater than the number of
enrollment stations originally deployed and scheduling mobile
enrollment at additional sites. Feedback from our Exxon mobile
enrollment has been positive and we have seen sustained improvement in
enrollment activities at the Baton Rouge site.
In Houston, we anticipated a large demand and started with a higher
capacity than originally planned. We also instituted longer operating
hours. To date, Houston throughput has been the highest of any site to
date, averaging 250 enrollments per day. We have sent additional
enrollment and activation stations to Houston as well as brought on
additional trusted agents to handle the increasing workload. We have
also been working closely with the local stakeholder working group to
quickly address issues as they arise; recent feedback has been
positive. Perhaps most notably, based on stakeholder feedback, we
opened an additional enrollment center in Houston in July.
ports of los angeles and long beach
We had also encountered some concerns regarding enrollment
operations at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. This issue
focused primarily on the enrollment center locations, specifically
their proximity to the ports and the availability of truck parking.
Additionally, stakeholders expressed concern that the two initial fixed
enrollment locations would be insufficient to cover the enrollment
population at their ports.
To address these issues, we have worked very closely with key port
personnel and area stakeholders to develop an aggressive mobile
enrollment plan. We also opened an additional fixed enrollment center
at Terminal Island, squarely between the two port properties, with
truck parking and directly on a key route that truck operators utilize.
Since opening in June, this Terminal Island location has seen more than
1,600 enrollees.
Enrollments in Alaska began on April 28 in Juneau, the first of
four fixed centers to open in the State. Over the ensuing 2 months,
centers also opened in Anchorage, Valdez and Nikiski. We knew that four
fixed centers would not fully accommodate Alaska's geographically
dispersed projected population of 5,000 port workers. Along with TSA
and the Coast Guard, we worked closely with key stakeholders in Alaska,
including the Alaska Marine Highway Association and the Alaska Maritime
Exchange to develop a ``round robin'' approach to enrolling hard-to-
reach communities.
Through this method, we utilize mobile enrollment units in publicly
accessible ``hosted'' locations. Some of the populations to be enrolled
in these hosted locations are small in comparison to our normal mobile
activities. Once enrollments are completed in each area, the mobile
team then moves to the next location. The mobile team will re-deploy at
the appropriate time to those locations to issue and activate the
Multiple communities in Alaska have or will benefit from this
tailored approach, including Kodiak, Sitka, Cordova, Wrangell, Craig,
Dutch Harbor, Ketchikan, Skagway, and Haines.
We are very proud of our work with the Alaska stakeholders to
develop an enrollment plan that will reach a significant majority of
the estimated population in Alaska. We are striving to replicate this
model for some of the hard-to-reach communities in Hawaii and we are
currently working with local stakeholders there.
Lockheed Martin also provides program resources and information to
applicants through a web site and a TWIC call center. Earlier this
year, Lockheed Martin experienced challenges with the TWIC call center
help desk, an important resource for port workers. Reducing wait times
and enhancing service levels to increase customer satisfaction is a top
priority. We made multiple enhancements--at no cost to our customer--
which decreased help desk speed of answer times, bringing them well
below our contract requirement of a 3-minute average. In fact, today,
the average caller to the help desk experiences only a 30-second wait
Lockheed Martin is committed to the successful implementation of
the enrollment phase of the TWIC program. We are proud of our team
which has successfully opened 149 enrollment locations Nation-wide,
enrolled over 500,000 people in the program, remained responsive to
stakeholder and applicant feedback, and conducted extensive stakeholder
outreach across the country. As compliance is declared at ports across
the country, you have our promise that we will work diligently to
support the remaining maritime workers who need to enroll--and to
promptly activate their credentials. In addition, we very much
appreciate your continued leadership in your home States and districts.
The relationships you have cultivated with port and industry leaders in
your communities will be invaluable in continuing to emphasize the
critical nature of this program--to our homeland security and to our
continued economic vitality.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you.
Now we will hear from Ms. Bowman.
STATEMENT OF STEPHANIE BOWMAN, MANAGER, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS, PORT OF TACOMA
Ms. Bowman. Good morning Madam Chairwoman, Members of the
committee. For the record my name is Stephanie Bowman, Director
of Federal Affairs for the Port of Tacoma. I am here on today
on behalf of our port security director, Mr. Roberto Saarenas.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony on behalf of
the implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification
The Port of Tacoma began TWIC implementation on November 7,
2007. We were selected by the Department of Homeland Security
as one of the first five ports to adopt TWIC; and as of
September 5 of this year we have had 6,107 enrollments, of
which 4,635 cards have been activated. However, we
conservatively estimate that 4,000 individuals, or about 40
percent, still need to enroll in our port area before the
deadline in 7 months.
Last week, the Port of Tacoma participated in the Port
Security Caucus hosted by the American Association of Port
Authorities. At this meeting, port security directors from
around the country exchanged information about their
experiences with the TWIC enrollment process. We are
experiencing similar challenges as other ports, including:
Problems with the fingerprint readers. Specifically, there
have been problems with the software being unable to verify
fingerprints of individuals when they come into the enrollment
center to activate their TWIC. If there are problems in a
secure office environment, it is difficult to imagine how the
readers will work once exposed to the extreme weather of the
maritime terminal.
Lack of communication and inconsistent messages from the
enrollment center staff about requirements for enrollment or
activation. For example, some of the our security officers have
been told to come into the enrollment center and then are
admonished by staff when they show up without an appointment.
Additionally, citizens born outside the United States receive
inconsistent information about the documentation required of
them. This has frequently resulted in long waits to enroll or
activate cards. We are concerned that the situation will get
significantly worse the closer to the enrollment deadline or
unsure if the contractor will be prepared to handle the surges
in enrollment.
Outreach to critical port personnel such as truckers,
vendors and contractors. While we and other ports have
conducted considerable outreach, including signage, town hall
events and the like, this remains a significant concern.
Looking forward, the Port of Tacoma, along with other U.S.
major ports, have identified a number of areas we urge DHS and
the Coast Guard to address, including:
Ensuring ample time for vendors, contractors and service
workers to get their TWIC. This is particularly worrisome for
those individuals who need access to the port only temporarily
or infrequently but for whom an escort is unreasonable; for
example, municipal utility workers checking meters or railroad
workers handling secure cargo.
Providing clear and consistent guidelines for escorting of
roll-on roll-off cargo--that is large bulk cargo such as
automobiles or tractors--as well as guidelines for escorting
shipboard crew. In the absence of industry guidelines, the Port
of Tacoma is developing its own protocol for escorting in these
situations, but it is clearly in the best interest of everyone
if there is a template for all ports to adhere to.
Greater outreach. TWIC is a Federal mandate. We believe the
U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security should
take greater responsibility and have a much more active role in
the outreach efforts about this new requirement. They cannot
rely only on industry and the Federal contractor to get the
word out.
Long-term plans for enrollment centers. Most enrollment
centers, like ours in Tacoma, are in temporary locations or on
short-term leases. What is the long-term, on-going plan for
these centers? For example, enrollment centers need to have
adequate parking for trucks; and they need to be ADA-compliant.
They can't simply be located in a shopping mall.
Finally, we urge DHS to exempt TWIC card readers from the
cost-share requirement under the port security grant program.
In conclusion, the public ports of the United States share
the goal of Congress and the Federal agencies in ensuring the
security of our Nation's gateways while avoiding disruption of
the flow of international commerce. The Port of Tacoma and
other U.S. ports are committed to doing our part to comply. We
offer our concerns today not simply to criticize but to educate
and hopefully improve the system.
Thank you for your attention. I am happy to answer any
[The statement of Ms. Bowman follows:]
Prepared Statement of Stephanie Bowman
Good morning Madam Chairman and Members of the subcommittee. Thank
you for the opportunity to provide this subcommittee with an update on
the implementation of the Transportation Workers Identification Card
(TWIC).
The Port of Tacoma began TWIC implementation on November 7, 2007.
We were selected by the Department of Homeland Security as one of the
first five ports to adopt TWIC, and as of September 5, 2008, we've had
6,107 enrollments, of which 4,635 cards have been activated. However,
we conservatively estimate another 4,000 individuals--or 40 percent--
still need to enroll in our port area before the deadline in only 5
Last week, the Port of Tacoma participated in the Port Security
Caucus hosted by the American Association of Port Authorities. At this
meeting, port security directors from around the country exchanged
information about their experiences with the TWIC enrollment process.
We are experiencing similar challenges as other ports, including:
Problems with fingerprint readers.--Specifically, there have
been problems with the software being unable to verify the
fingerprints of individuals when they come in to the enrollment
secure office environment, it's difficult to imagine how the
readers will work once exposed to the extreme weather of a
activation.--For example, some of my security officers have
been told to come to the enrollment center, and then are
admonished by staff when they show up without an appointment;
activate cards. We are concerned this situation will get
significantly worse the closer to the enrollment deadline. We
are unsure if the contractor is prepared to handle the surges
vendors and contractors.--While we and other ports have
conducted considerable outreach including signage, town hall
Looking forward, the Port of Tacoma along with other major U.S.
ports has identified a number of areas we urge DHS and the USCG to
address, including:
Providing clear, consistent guidelines for escorting of
roll-on, roll-off cargo--that's large bulk cargo such as
ship-board crew. In the absence of industry guidelines, the
Port of Tacoma is developing its own protocol for escorting in
these situations, but clearly it's in the best interest of
everyone if there is a template for all ports to adhere to.
Greater outreach. TWIC is a Federal mandate; we believe the
U.S. Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security should
the outreach efforts about the new requirement. They cannot
word out about this mandate.
centers, like ours in Tacoma, are in temporary locations or are
on short-term leases. What is the long-term, on-going plan for
adequate parking for trucks and they need to be ADA compliant;
Finally, we urge DHS to exempt the TWIC card readers from
the cost-share requirement under the port security grant
The public ports in the United States share the goal of Congress
and the Federal agencies in ensuring the security of our Nation's
gateways, while avoiding disruption of the flow of international
commerce. The Port of Tacoma and other U.S. ports are committed to
doing our part to comply. We offer our concerns not simply to criticize
but to educate and hopefully improve the system.
Thank you for your attention today; I'm happy to try and answer any
questions you may have.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Ms. Bowman.
Mr. Byrd for 5 minutes or less.
STATEMENT OF PHILIP L. BYRD, SR., PRESIDENT AND CEO, BULLDOG
HIWAY EXPRESS
Mr. Byrd. Good morning, Madam Chairwoman. Thank you for
inviting me to testify today on behalf of the American Trucking
Association on the subject of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential.
My name is Phil Byrd, and I am President and Chief
Executive Officer of Bulldog Hiway Express, a trucking company
that hauls container freight in and out of the seaports on the
East and Gulf Coast.
When I testified at a similar hearing 2 years ago, the TWIC
was a proposed rule. However, now that the TWIC is being
implemented, several concerns that I presented back then
continue to go unresolved. The most important concern is that
the overall goal of the TWIC is not being accomplished: one
background check, one credential that allows transportation
workers to comply with multiple screening requirements.
Unfortunately, today the main question on my drivers' minds and
those of other companies is: How many fingerprint background
checks do I have to go through to do my job transporting
America's freight?
To enter a port, a driver needs a TWIC. To transport
HAZMAT, a driver has to go through HAZMAT endorsement
background checks. To cross the border, a driver has to get a
Fast Card. To transport air cargo, go through another screening
process. To enter Florida ports, get a Florida Port Access
Card. And on and on. I think you get the picture. These
credentials add up to hundreds of dollars of cost to check the
same database over and over again.
Madam Chairwoman, we need a common-sense solution to this
problem. That is why I urge you and Members of this committee
to support the act, the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008. This bill
establishes a risk-based approach to best allocate security
Briefly, the bill authorizes the Secretary of Homeland
Security to establish a security sensitive material list, cargo
that could potentially be used as a weapon and represents a
high risk. Second, the bill requires only drivers transporting
security sensitive material to undergo fingerprint-based
background checks through the TWIC program. Third, it requires
TSA to continue conducting name-based background checks on all
HAZMAT-endorsed drivers, ensuring the continued screening of a
large portion of these drivers.
The bill is important because many trucking companies are
simply getting out of the transportation of HAZMAT to eliminate
the need of their drivers to undergo an inconvenient and
expensive screening to transport commodities such as nail
polish and soft drink syrup.
I urge you again to support the act, the SAFE Truckers Act.
I urge Members of the committee to require TSA to promptly
implement this mutual recognition as mandated by the 9/11
Commission Act.
Last, the failure to preempt State and local background
check credentials and access requirements for the ports is
another costly problem for companies such as mine. While my
drivers may obtain the TWIC, the final TWIC rule allows each
port to require additional credentials involving additional
fees. Again, my company does business at a number of ports in
several States. If each port requires its own credential, the
results will be crippling.
The multiple credentialing scenario is exactly what TWIC
was originally intended to prevent. When issuing the regulation
implementing the Maritime Transportation Act, the Coast Guard
claimed the need for national standards of security and claim
preemption. ATA believes the same approach should be embraced
in the implementation of the TWIC. The absence of a single,
universally accepted security access credential will result in
huge costs with no corresponding security benefit.
I know from a personal experience that the TWIC is
presently not in the most efficient, convenient or cost-
effective program. A consolidated background check process
under the TWIC, one process, one background check and one fee,
would be a vast improvement over the present enrollment.
To conclude, I urge the Members of this subcommittee to
support and act on the SAFE Truckers Act. I thank you for the
opportunity to testify today and look forward to any questions
that you may have.
[The statement of Mr. Byrd follows:]
Prepared Statement of Philip L. Byrd, Sr.
Madam Chairwoman and Members of the subcommittee, thank you for
inviting me testify today on the status of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential, also known as TWIC. My name is Phil Byrd and
I am President and CEO of Bulldog Hiway Express, a company based in
Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1959, Bulldog Hiway Express is
an intermodal motor carrier that moved the first container to come off
a vessel in the Port of Charleston. The company has approximately 200
power units, 350 trailers and 250 employee-drivers, many of whom will
be required to apply and get a TWIC in order to enter the various port
facilities where we operate in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida,
Georgia, and Virginia.
Today, I am also testifying on behalf of the American Trucking
Associations (ATA). ATA's membership includes more than 2,000 trucking
companies and industry suppliers of equipment and services. Directly
and through its affiliated organizations, ATA encompasses over 37,000
companies and every type and class of motor carrier operation. As an
ATA member, I serve as chairman of the association's Homeland Security
Policy Committee (HSPC) and as Vice Chairman of its Intermodal Motor
Carriers Conference (IMCC). Both the HSPC and the IMCC, and their
respective members, have been closely following the development of the
TWIC since its legislative inception through its present regulatory
implementation phase.
Madam Chairwoman, I urge this subcommittee and the Committee on
Homeland Security as a whole, to support the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008
and to ensure the following are achieved in the near future:
Require TSA to immediately recognize U.S. commercial drivers
who possess a TWIC as already compliant with the Hazardous
Materials Endorsement Security Threat Assessment program, as
allowed by statute and as TSA already does for Canadian and
Mexican commercial drivers;
Ensure that the TWIC is used as the single, universally
accepted security credential for transportation workers by
preempting other security and access control credentials
required of motor carriers that operate in multiple
jurisdictions.
Almost 2 years ago, on September 27, 2006, I had the honor of
testifying before the Small Business Committee of the U.S. House of
Representatives in a hearing focused on striking the right balance
between security and commerce at our Nation's ports. In large measure,
the hearing discussed the TWIC, which was not yet implemented. During
that hearing, I testified that security and commerce are not mutually
exclusive goals, not just at our ports, but throughout the entire
transportation system and supply chain. Enhancing security without
disrupting the flow of commerce can be achieved by implementing risk-
based programs in a cost-effective and coordinated manner. Although I
faced operational challenges in getting my TWIC (requiring multiple
visits to the enrollment center in Charleston and waiting a couple of
hours each time), the trucking industry believes the TWIC can be such a
program if implemented and utilized in an appropriate manner.
ATA has long supported the original concept of the TWIC: one
application/enrollment process, one fee, one security threat assessment
(STA), and a single credential that transportation workers may carry to
demonstrate compliance with multiple access control security
requirements. However, commercial drivers today continue to face
multiple security credentialing requirements. In addition to the TWIC,
drivers must undergo separate STAs for the HME, air cargo and facility
access, the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program for border crossings,
access to U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) facilities, and a myriad of
State and locally administered STA programs (i.e. Florida Unified Port
Access Card--FUPAC). The cost to drivers of these separate STA and
credentialing programs is more than $400 in fees, not including the
costs associated with drivers' lost wages while traveling to and from
enrollment centers, fuel costs, and the aggravation of providing
fingerprints multiple times for each program.
In January 2003, Admiral Loy, then the second-most senior official
at TSA, summed up the concept and the purpose of the TWIC, stating:
``A fourth initiative also underway is development of a Transportation
Worker Identification Credential or TWIC . . . The idea is to have
these [transportation] employees undergo only one standard criminal
background investigation . . . I've heard that there are some truck
drivers currently carrying up to 23 ID cards around their necks. I
wouldn't want to pay that chiropractor bill. Under the TWIC program
drivers and other transportation workers will only have one card to
deal with which would be acceptable across the United States.''\1\
\1\ Remarks of Admiral James M. Loy, Under Secretary of
Transportation for Security, Transportation Security Administration,
during Transportation Research Board 82nd Annual Meeting Chairman's
Luncheon, January 15, 2003.
Unfortunately, the TWIC program/concept has not lived up fully to its
promise and has become just another expensive, duplicative security
credential that truck drivers must obtain to access port facilities.
TWIC works, but the goal of universal acceptance of a single security
credential has been discarded by TSA.
tsa must establish immediate recognition of twic as compliant for hme
ATA believes that TSA should recognize drivers carrying a valid
TWIC as fully compliant with the security requirements for the HME
expressed in 49 CFR Parts 1570 and 1572. ATA arrives at such a
conclusion based on two key premises:
First, Congress already intended this result by granting TSA the
statutory authority to do so under Public Law 110-53 (H.R. 1,
Implementing the Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission). Section 1556
states in part, ``An individual who has a valid transportation employee
identification card issued by the Secretary under section 70105 of
title 46, United States Code, shall be deemed to have met the
background records check required under section 5103a of title 49,
United States Code.'' The intent behind this provision was to allow a
TWIC holder to walk into a State's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
office and be legally issued an HME, assuming the driver passes the
hazardous materials (hazmat) knowledge test, without requiring further
screening under the HME threat assessment program.\2\ Thus, a TWIC
holder should not be subjected to the duplicative STA requirement and
fees when applying for an HME.
\2\ ATA notes that States will still be the final arbiters of the
safety/skills-based portion of HME issuance.
Second, there is regulatory precedent for compliance with the HME
STA through enrollment in the TWIC credentialing program. In its Final
Rule on the TWIC, TSA states:
``The Secretary may apply TWIC requirements to individuals including
those ``not otherwise covered by this subsection''. TSA has exercised
the discretion by allowing Canadian and Mexican commercial drivers who
transport hazardous materials to obtain TWICs, which will allow them to
transport hazardous materials in the United States.''\3\
\3\ 72 Federal Register at 3511.
ATA supports TSA's solution to allow Canadian and Mexican commercial
drivers to be in compliance with the HME STA requirements provided they
have a TWIC. We strongly believe that U.S. commercial drivers should be
afforded the same flexibility for compliance with the HME STA
requirements. In essence, U.S. Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
holders who seek an HME on their license and who hold a TWIC should not
be required to undergo the HME STA.
I urge you to require TSA to make such a policy a reality in an
expedited manner.
ata supports the safe truckers act of 2008
Shortly after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Congress
passed the USA PATRIOT Act in an effort to better secure the United
States against future terrorist attacks. Among its numerous provisions
was a requirement that all drivers seeking, renewing, or transferring a
HME to their CDL had to undergo an STA. While the provision was no
doubt well-intentioned, it was enacted with little debate or
discussion. Unfortunately, it has resulted in a driver being subjected
to a costly and burdensome STA in order to be authorized to transport
such everyday hazmat as paint, perfume and soft drink concentrate
(which require an HME when transported above certain threshold
quantities). Requiring a STA of individuals that transport paint,
perfume and other everyday commodities was an unintended consequence of
legislation meant to protect against real risks to homeland security,
i.e., transportation of chemicals that could be used as weapons of mass
destruction.
On April 29, 2008, the ``Screening Applied Fairly and Equitably to
Truckers Act of 2008'' or the ``SAFE Truckers Act of 2008'' (H.R. 5915)
was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and referred to the
Committee on Homeland Security's Subcommittee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. The SAFE Truckers Act of 2008 represents an efficient
risk-based approach to security, an approach DHS and TSA leadership
embrace, by, among other things:
Directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a
list of Security Sensitive Materials, in consultation with the
Secretaries of Transportation, and Health and Human Services,
distinguishing between materials that could potentially be used
as a weapon and those that are not attractive to a terrorist,
(e.g., paint, adhesives, food additives);
Establishing the TWIC as the STA required to transport
Security Sensitive Materials, obviating the need to use the HME
as a security credential and returning it to its original
purpose of establishing an individual's fitness to safely
operate a commercial vehicle transporting hazmat;
Requiring DHS to periodically conduct name-based background
checks of all CDL holders with an HME, utilizing the integrated
and consolidated terrorism watch list; and,
Including a transition period for drivers who have already
undergone a STA under the present HME program before requiring
them to get a TWIC.
At a time when the public and private sectors alike have limited
resources, our security efforts must be focused on the most significant
risks. The imposition of burdensome, costly duplicative security
programs governing the transportation of hazmat, such as the hazmat
background check program, threatens to erode the industry's ability to
continue to deliver the goods that the consumer expects.
It is important to highlight the fact that although only drivers
transporting Security Sensitive Materials will be required to get a
TWIC and thus undergo a fingerprint-based STA, all HME holders,
regardless, will undergo a periodic name-based background check. By
determining what hazmat truly poses a significant risk and not
requiring a fingerprint-based threat assessment for drivers
transporting non-threatening hazmat commodities, Congress will be
eliminating many of the costs and burdens imposed by the USA PATRIOT
Act while still strongly promoting and protecting homeland security.
ATA fully supports the SAFE Truckers Act of 2008 and urges members
of this subcommittee to support and co-sponsor this legislation.
establishing federal preemption for the twic
The trucking industry believes that the TWIC should serve not only
as the one STA but also as a uniform, Nation-wide secure access control
credential. This means the States and thousands of local jurisdictions
should not be allowed, without demonstrating some compelling need, to
require additional security checks and/or credentials for individuals
that have a federally issued TWIC.
The TWIC Final Rule allows State authorities to impose additional
requirements for access to the ports, potentially allowing each port
authority to issue its own credential on top of the TWIC. The State of
Florida is already doing so at its seaports, through the FUPAC. In my
home State of South Carolina, the trucking industry has had to counter
several proposals to impose additional background check and
credentialing requirements for access to the South Carolina ports. The
regulations issued by the Coast Guard under the Maritime Transportation
Security Act (MTSA) properly claimed the need for national standards of
security and claimed preemption. ATA supported this eminently sensible
position. ATA is disappointed that TSA has not fully embraced this
approach, as the absence of national standards and a single universally
accepted security credential has amounted to a huge expenditure of
resources with no corresponding security benefit.
One rationale frequently proffered by States that require
additional checks of their State criminal history databases is that
their State databases are more comprehensive or fully populated. The
failure of States to upload criminal history information to the FBI's
national databases actually creates a security loophole rather than
bolstering security. For example, an individual may commit a
disqualifying offense in Florida that is only in the Florida database
but has not been uploaded into the FBI's database. That individual
would not be able to pass a Florida-specific STA but he/she could pass
a STA in South Carolina, because the check against the FBI's database
would not reveal the disqualifying offense in Florida. If the
disqualifying offense indicates that the individual is a threat in
Florida (which purportedly is the rationale for having a list of
disqualifying offenses), then that same individual is also a threat in
South Carolina. The failure to upload State data in a timely manner is
a security problem that needs to be addressed.
Other than the differences between the criminal history databases,
it is difficult to conceive of scenarios where a State's judgment on
security of the Nation's supply chain should supplant the Federal
Government's considered judgment. If such a scenario exists, however,
the State should request a waiver from preemption after demonstrating
some unique security concern that is not addressed by the Federal
There is an additional area of interest for Federal and State
governments to consider the TWIC as a coordinated credentialing access
process: Emergency response and relief operations. The trucking
industry is primarily responsible for transporting relief supplies into
areas affected by a natural disaster. Relief efforts required by
Hurricane Katrina, Gustav and most recently Ike serve as reminders of
the critical role that trucking plays in responding to these
emergencies. The timing of this hearing coincides with one of the most
active hurricane seasons in recent memory. Truck drivers transporting
and providing relief supplies face challenges in accessing disaster
areas due to differing Federal, State and local access control
policies. Such challenges were evident during our response to Katrina.
But the recent relief efforts in response to Gustav, though of a much
smaller scale, allowed DHS agencies to coordinate access protocols with
State and local officials. The standards established under the access
protocols recognized the TWIC as a valid access credential. If each
State and local government established separate access control
protocols, our industry's ability to respond and provide relief
supplies to areas affected by such disasters would be greatly
ATA urges Members of this subcommittee to preempt States from
establishing additional screening requirements where the Federal
Government has already set in place a program such as the TWIC.
The screening of individuals involved in the transportation of
goods is important to my company and to the trucking industry. Our
industry has long sought and supported a national, uniform process to
check a commercial driver's criminal history due to issues related to
cargo theft. However, as the leader of a trucking company, the present
STA environment of multiple checks does not bode well for my drivers'
morale and, worst yet, creates a significant challenge for retention
and recruitment of qualified drivers that may seek gainful employment
elsewhere to avoid such a costly and cumbersome work environment.
In order to bring some common-sense relief to our drivers while
still promoting supply chain security, I again urge Members of this
subcommittee to:
who possess a TWIC as compliant with the HME background check
program;
Support and co-sponsor the Safe Truckers Act of 2008; and,
preempting other security credentials required of motor
carriers that operate in multiple jurisdictions.
As addressed in this testimony, ATA supports background checks of
individuals in the trucking industry. However, ATA opposes the wasteful
expenditure of resources--both Government and private sector--that
comes with conducting multiple background checks of the same individual
against the same databases. Even with the very high cost of the TWIC,
at $132.50, it is a more cost-efficient scenario rather than paying
multiple fees and undergoing multiple enrollment and fingerprinting
processes. The trucking industry simply asks that these costs be
reasonable and part of an efficient, risk-based process. ATA supports
an approach that is good for security--and good for commerce.
Again, I thank you for inviting me to come here today and share
some thoughts on the TWIC program, and I look forward to answering any
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Mr. Byrd. I appreciate your
Now we have Mr. Golding for 5 minutes or less.
STATEMENT OF STEVE GOLDING, PRESIDENT, GOLDING BARGE LINE
Mr. Golding. Good morning, Madam Chairman. My name is Steve
Golding. I am President of Golding Barge Line in Vicksburg,
Mississippi. I am here representing the American Waterways
Operators. We are a national trade association of the tugboat
and barge industry in our country.
My business is a family-owned business. I would like to
take this opportunity, if I could, to introduce my wife, Melody
Golding, and my son, Austin Golding. I am proud to say as a
side note the photographs on the wall here were taken by Melody
Golding of the Hurricane Katrina devastation to the Mississippi
Gulf Coast, and they are on loan to the committee.
The main theme of my testimony is reducing the burden on
the inland mariner so that TWIC does not become a roadblock or
barrier to entry in our industry. Presently, we have a 30-day
interim work authority, and this doesn't match up with our work
schedule. When we hire our mariners, they go to the TWIC
center. Then within 5, 10, no more than 15 days, we dispatch
them to a vessel; and they are required to ride 28 days on
board. So, as you can see, the 30-day interim work period is
going to come up while they are on board. When they are on
board, they are perhaps 100, maybe 1,000 miles away from the
TWIC center; and they can't get off to go get the TWIC card.
We are allowed to apply for a waiver to 60 days with the
Coast Guard. I can see that under present system we will
constantly be applying for a 60-day waiver on our new hires. I
urgently request that this committee ask the Coast Guard to
grant us a 60-day blanket waiver so that we can put our crewmen
on board and they can work their normal hitch and then get
their TWIC card on their 14 days off.
The other item I want to mention is the second trip back to
the center. This time is very, very precious to our crewmen.
They work 28 days on, 14 days off. Oftentimes, they have to
drive 3 hours to a center, spend 2 hours to maybe get the TWIC
card, 3 hours back home. As you can see, that is a full day out
of a 14-day period that they have off. Oftentimes, they are not
successful in getting their TWIC card so that it requires a
third trip back.
I would think in today's technology that there could be a
secure way that we could facilitate getting these cards in the
hands of the mariner without requiring a second trip back. We
do it with passports. I don't see why we can't do it with a
TWIC card.
Post-April 15 concerns. We don't want to see the models
shrink. We don't want to see it contract. We want to see other
venues that we can get TWIC cards. I don't like asking my crew
members to drive 3 and 4 and 5 hours to get a TWIC card. I
would love to send them to the post office or the airport or
other Government Coast Guard offices, not make it a burden on
the working people of America to move our commerce but to
facilitate it so that it is easier in the future that our
crewmen can receive their TWIC credentials.
The last item I want to mention is card readers. I really
feel like this is an instrument that is more designed for a
busy, busy port facility.
We have six crew members on our boats. Every 14 days, three
get on, three get off. They are like a family. They spend 8
months of the year together on board. They spend 4 months of
the year home. They are together as a family unit more on the
boat than they are at home with their own family. They really
laugh at the idea that I may have to put a machine on board
that they would key in to come home.
This is their home. They eat together, sleep together, work
together. Most of them are kin to each other or close personal
friends. I don't think a card reader is designed for a small
inland towboat that doesn't interact with other communities and
stays as a self-contained unit as it moves up and down our
inland waterways moving our freight.
I really appreciate the opportunity to be here. This is my
first experience doing this, and it is a real honor, and I
appreciate your leadership and your guidance. Thank you.
[The statement of Mr. Golding follows:]
Prepared Statement of Steve Golding
Good morning, Madam Chairman. I am Steve Golding, President of
Golding Barge Line, headquartered in Vicksburg, Mississippi. I am
testifying this morning on behalf of The American Waterways Operators
(AWO), the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat, and
barge industry. Thank you for the opportunity to be here today and to
share with you our concerns about the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program.
Our fundamental message is this: Congress, the Department of
Homeland Security, and industry must work together to implement the
TWIC program in a way that ensures high standards of maritime security
without driving new employees away from our industry, imposing
unreasonable burdens on those currently working in this business, and
saddling American companies with costly requirements that add little
practical security value. We understand that TWIC is the law, and we
are doing everything we can to ensure that we are prepared to comply
fully by the April 15, 2009 deadline. However, there are significant
challenges ahead, and we will need the leadership and oversight of this
committee to meet them. This is not a Democratic or a Republican issue,
a labor issue or a management issue; it is an issue for all of us who
care about the health of our Nation's maritime transportation system
and the men and women who make their living in it.
Our concerns fall into three categories: (1) Reducing burdens on
mariners and ensuring that the TWIC program does not become a barrier
to entry into our industry; (2) ensuring TWIC compliance by the
regulatory deadlines--and taking steps now to meet the challenges of
the post-April 15 period; and (3) ensuring that electronic card readers
are not required on vessels with small crews, such as towing vessels.
I will discuss each of these concerns briefly, but first, let me
say a few words about my company and about our industry to give you
some context for our perspective. Golding Barge Line is a family-owned
company that specializes in the movement of refined petroleum products,
petrochemicals, and chemical products throughout the U.S. inland
waterway system. I have been in the barge business for more than 40
years, and it is truly a labor of love for me. We are blessed with an
extremely dedicated and loyal team of employees, and my wife Melody and
son Austin are both here with me today. We are passionate about our
people and the work we do together. The safety and security of our
employees are our paramount concerns.
Golding Barge Line is a proud member of The American Waterways
Operators, the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat, and
barge industry. AWO's 350 member companies span the spectrum from
medium-sized family owned companies like mine, to the largest publicly
traded companies in our business, to small but vital one- and two-boat
operations. Our industry is the largest segment of the U.S.-flag
domestic fleet, operating nearly 4,000 tugboats and towboats and over
27,000 dry and liquid cargo barges on the inland rivers, on the
Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts, on the Great Lakes, and in ports and
harbors around the country. Barges and towboats are a vital part of
America's transportation system, safely and efficiently moving over 800
million tons of cargo each year in the domestic commerce of the United
States. Our industry employs more than 30,000 American mariners as
crewmembers on our vessels, providing good, family wage jobs with
excellent opportunity for career advancement.
Our industry is serious about security. Less than 2 months after 9/
11, we began working with the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of
Engineers to develop a Model Vessel Security Plan for towing vessels, a
year before such plans were required by the Maritime Transportation
Security Act (MTSA) of 2002. When MTSA became law in November 2002, AWO
worked with the Coast Guard to transform the Model Vessel Security Plan
into one of the first Alternative Security Programs approved by the
Coast Guard. We work hard to transport our Nation's cargo safely and
securely, and we take pride in the fact that our American-owned,
American-crewed, American-built vessels are the ``eyes and ears on the
waterways'' for the Coast Guard. But, we are deeply concerned by the
burdens the TWIC program continues to impose on American workers and
American companies. Let me elaborate on those concerns briefly.
barrier to entry/burden on mariners
The process of applying for a TWIC is expensive and time-consuming.
When the process works as intended, it requires an applicant to make
two trips to an enrollment center that may be located many hours away--
one trip to apply for the card, and a second trip to pick it up. (And,
that's when the process works as intended. Unfortunately, it is not
unusual for an individual to have to make multiple trips to an
enrollment center because something did not work as it should have:
trouble with the fingerprint matching process, for example, or a
missing card despite an email notification that the card was ready for
pickup.) Our industry--and my home State of Mississippi--cannot afford
to see that burdensome process deter individuals from entering this
industry and missing out on the solid wages and potential for
advancement that the industry offers.
We had originally sought to address this concern by proposing a
modification to the interim work authority provision included in the
January 2007 Department of Homeland Security final rule that would have
allowed for 60 days of interim work authority after an electronically
initiated background check. We were disappointed that the
administration staunchly opposed such a provision.
But, AWO members are businesspeople and we take a practical
approach to solving problems. Over the last 6 months, we have tried to
find other means of achieving the same goal--to ensure high standards
of security while reducing the burdens the TWIC program places on
mariners. I am pleased to tell you that we have had some success in
doing that. We are currently working with the Coast Guard on amendments
to the AWO Alternative Security Program that clarify what it means to
``monitor'' a new hire who has not yet received his or her TWIC. We are
working with Lockheed Martin to help companies who can afford to do so
enter into ``trusted agent'' agreements that will allow them to operate
TWIC enrollment centers on their premises. These are small steps, but,
combined with other common-sense changes to the program, they will help
to make the program more workable for companies and mariners.
There are two outstanding issues that we have raised with TSA and
the Coast Guard on which we believe Congressional help is needed to
stimulate further progress.
First, under the current DHS regulations, an applicant who
completes the TWIC enrollment process and satisfies other prescribed
conditions is eligible for 30 days of interim work authority. With the
approval of the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP), this interim
work authority period may be extended to 60 days if TSA has not issued
the applicant his or her TWIC at the end of the initial 30-day period.
We have urged the Coast Guard to extend this interim work authority
period to a uniform 60 days, without requiring an applicant to seek
approval from the COTP.
We believe this change is necessary not only because of industry
experience with the TWIC enrollment process (unfortunately, card
processing times extending well beyond 30 days are the norm, not the
exception), but also because work schedules in our industry do not mesh
well with a 30-day interim work authority period. Many crewmembers in
our industry work schedules such as 28 days on/28 days off, 28 days on/
14 days off, or 30 days on/15 days off. Under the rules as currently
written, a new hire is likely to be in the midst of his or her first
trip on a boat when the 30-day interim work authority period expires.
Companies will routinely be required to request an extension of the
interim work authority period in order to allow the individual to
complete the trip (even if the TWIC has been processed and is ready for
pickup in less than 30 days). Granting an automatic 60 days of interim
work authority to new hires who meet the criteria prescribed by the
current regulations will allow a new employee time to complete his or
her initial trip, pick up the TWIC during his or her time off, and then
return to the vessel for the next hitch with TWIC in hand. We see this
as a common-sense change that will eliminate unnecessary burdens on
companies, mariners, and Coast Guard Captains of the Port, without
jeopardizing maritime security in any way. The Coast Guard has the
authority to make such a change, and we respectfully request that the
subcommittee urge the agency to take this action now.
Second--we talk plainly in Mississippi, so let me say this
plainly--it just doesn't seem right to us that a mariner should be
required to make a second trip to the TWIC enrollment center for the
purpose of picking up his or her TWIC, when passports and other secure
documents (such as Merchant Mariner's Documents) can be mailed back to
the holder. This ``second trip'' requirement doubles the burden on the
applicant, and doubles the number of customers that enrollment center
personnel have to deal with. (It's worth noting, too, that mariners who
are required to carry Coast Guard licenses or MMDs are actually forced
to make three trips--one to a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center to be
fingerprinted for their license or document, and two to the TWIC
enrollment center. It is just plain wrong that two agencies operating
under the same Federal department have not figured out a way to work
together to consolidate this process and save hard-working mariners an
extra trip.) When a TWIC costs $132.50 and gas costs $3.50 a gallon,
American companies and American mariners deserve a more efficient
process that is respectful of their time and their money. We urge this
subcommittee to make clear its expectation that DHS find a way to
eliminate the requirement that applicants make a second trip to the
enrollment center for the purpose of picking up their TWIC.
Despite the considerable burdens that the TWIC program places on
companies and mariners, our industry is committed to complying with the
law and doing everything we can to ensure that our people are ready to
work, TWIC in hand, by April 15, 2009. We appreciated DHS's realization
that the September 25 deadline was not achievable and its extension of
that deadline by 7 months to compensate for delays in initiating the
enrollment process. We are not here today to request another extension,
but we still have grave concerns about the ability of this very
imperfect system to accommodate all applicants required to have a TWIC
by April 15. We urge you to exercise your very important oversight
function to ensure that we do not find ourselves in a ``train wreck''
situation next April. The stakes for our Nation's commerce are simply
too high.
We ask, too, that you pay close attention to the rolling
implementation dates for TWIC compliance at facilities as they begin to
unfold this fall. We have seen little evidence of pre-planning and
consultation with stakeholders prior to the announcement of those
deadlines, and this troubles us greatly. We simply do not know whether
the port-by-port compliance targets set by the Coast Guard are
achievable.
We must also be mindful that the challenges will not go away after
April 15, 2009; new applicants will walk through our industry's doors
on a daily basis and will require a TWIC in order to make a living in
this industry. We have received mixed messages from TSA over the past 9
months about how the agency will ensure that sufficient Nation-wide
coverage continues to exist to make it as easy--and I use that word
guardedly--to get a TWIC in the spring of 2010 as in the fall of 2008.
While we were originally told that the number of fixed enrollment
centers would be consolidated after April 15, we are now told that all
existing enrollment centers will remain open, albeit perhaps with
reduced hours. While we do not doubt the good faith of those who have
made such promises, we are skeptical, as business people, that the
``business case'' will continue to exist to support indefinitely all of
the centers that now exist. This will be a huge problem for the young
person in Vicksburg or Paducah who finds him- or herself without a
nearby enrollment center and forced to travel to another State to apply
for a TWIC. We believe the solution is to look beyond the business
model of stand-alone enrollment centers and expand the venues where
TWIC enrollment can take place, from post offices to airports to
Departments of Motor Vehicles. We thank this subcommittee for including
provisions in the Coast Guard authorization bill that require DHS to
begin exploring this possibility, and we urge you to exercise your
oversight responsibility to see that this examination takes place
promptly and seriously. The time to begin thinking about the
sustainment phase of the TWIC program is now.
In May 2006, DHS published a sweeping proposal to require
electronic TWIC readers on all vessels subject to the MTSA security
plan requirements. The Department subsequently announced its decision
to rethink the card reader requirements and publish a separate notice
of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) on this topic. We see no added security
value in having card readers on vessels with small crews, such as
towing vessels. The card reader requirement was conceived with the
scenario of a busy public port in mind, with hundreds of longshoremen,
truckers, and other personnel pouring through the gates at shift
change. While we can see the value of an electronic reader under those
circumstances, the situation on a towing vessel is much different.
Typical crew sizes on a towing vessel range from 3 to 10, depending on
the type of operation; there are never more than a few crewmembers
seeking access to a vessel at any given time. We see no value to a card
reader in such circumstances.
The SAFE Port Act gives DHS the authority to limit the card reader
requirement to vessels with more than a threshold number of
crewmembers, to be determined by the Department. The congressionally
established Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC), a Federal advisory
committee to the Coast Guard, last year recommended that card readers
not be required on vessels with 14 or fewer crewmembers. We support
that recommendation and urge this subcommittee to make clear to the
agencies that Congress does not support a requirement for card readers
where they will not meaningfully improve maritime security. We also
urge that publication of the card reader NPRM not proceed until the
results of the congressionally mandated reader pilot program (in which
AWO member Magnolia Marine Transport Company is participating) are
available. Publishing the NPRM without waiting for the results of the
pilot program would be premature at best.
Madam Chairman and Chairman Thompson, thank you for the opportunity
to testify today. Thank you for listening to our industry's concerns
and for your leadership and oversight in helping to resolve them. We
are grateful for your work to resolve the serious problems that have
plagued the TWIC Help Desk and for the efforts of your staff to
intercede directly with TWIC applicants who fear they have become lost
in a faceless, bureaucratic system. We urge you to continue to exercise
your oversight and leadership to ensure that we achieve the TWIC
program's goal of enhanced maritime security without jeopardizing the
efficiency of our Nation's transportation system or imposing
unsustainable burdens on hard-working American mariners.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Mr. Golding, for being here today.
We appreciate it.
Now I will recognize Ms. Moskowitz for her 5 minutes or
less.
STATEMENT OF LAURA MOSKOWITZ, STAFF ATTORNEY, NATIONAL
EMPLOYMENT LAW PROJECT (NELP)
Ms. Moskowitz. Chairwoman Sanchez, thank you for this
opportunity to testify on the status of the TWIC program.
My name is Laura Moskowitz, and I am a staff attorney with
the National Employment Law Project. As part of our work to
improve the fairness of employment background checks, we have
been closely monitoring the TWIC program. We are especially
concerned that workers know about and access their TWIC waiver
and appeal rights so that they don't unfairly lose their jobs
when they are clearly not a terrorism security risk.
We work closely with the transportation unions to help port
workers navigate the TSA background checks, and we have helped
over 100 workers to successfully file appeals and waivers after
they have been denied by TSA. Our written testimony includes
several recommendations based on our experiences. I am going to
address two today.
First, it is clear that TSA and Lockheed Martin need to
take serious steps to bring the program into compliance with
the Maritime Transportation Security Act's requirements for
screening TWIC applicants, and this should happen before
workers fall through the cracks of the program with only 6
months left until the compliance deadline.
TSA has erroneously denied thousands of applicants because
the agency's review process relies solely on the FBI rap sheets
which are notoriously incomplete. The U.S. Attorney General
says that the FBI rap sheets are missing final disposition
information in 50 percent of all the cases. Most of that is
because the arrest information is not updated by the States to
reflect whether an arrest has been dismissed or successfully
prosecuted.
The FBI's rap sheets also routinely fail to list whether an
offense is a felony or a misdemeanor, and this critical
information that TSA needs to know in order to determine
whether an offense is disqualifying.
Rather than track down the correct information required by
the maritime law, like whether the person was actually
convicted of a felony within the 7-year period, TSA now issues
a denial requiring the worker to appeal their case. It is a
guilty-until-proven-innocent model that sends a message that
workers with a criminal record are not going to get a TWIC.
For example, take the case of Jeffrey Carmichael, a
longshore worker from southern California who was recently
denied based on a misdemeanor marijuana sales conviction, even
though the law is clear that only felonies are disqualifying.
Like thousands of people, his FBI rap sheet did not reflect
whether this offense was a felony or a misdemeanor. So, based
on TSA's current policy, he was denied his TWIC, which means
that he then had to travel to the courthouse, obtain
documentation from the clerk's office showing that this was a
misdemeanor, not a felony, and submit this information to TSA
to appeal his denial.
To TSA's credit, 99 percent of those who manage to appeal
their cases end up qualifying for the TWIC. This just goes to
show the serious problem with the FBI's records. Thousands more
who have been denied have not filed appeals, and most of these
workers should never have been denied in the first place if TSA
was doing even the minimum to track down the missing
information from the FBI rap sheets, like the FBI does, for
example, in the case of Federal gun checks under the Brady law,
where they are able to track down 65 percent of the missing
information within 3 business days.
It is not rocket science to fix this problem. Starting
right away, TSA should prioritize the old arrests that are
still showing up on FBI rap sheets to find out that missing
disposition information; and they can prioritize drug and
weapons offenses that often result in misdemeanor rather than
felony convictions. This can be as easy as looking at the State
records that are available publicly on-line or by picking up
the phone and calling the local courthouse.
Our second main concern is that TSA and Lockheed Martin
have failed to comply with the safeguards required by the civil
rights laws to ensure that thousands of port workers who don't
speak English as a first language can fairly access the TWIC.
The Chairwoman recognized this in her opening statement.
Again, TSA and Lockheed Martin have cut corners and shifted
the burden to workers to address this serious problem, rather
than developing an effective agency response. Their policy now
is to allow workers to bring family and friends to help
translate, which contradicts the Department of Justice's
guidelines that talk about how highly personal and technical
information, the kind that is solicited during the TWIC
enrollment process, should only be handled by qualified and
experienced translators, not family and friends. Like other
Federal programs, TSA and Lockheed Martin should be providing
interpretation services in the enrollment centers and the help
desk; and they should translate important documents like the
denial letter with its critical appeal and waiver right
In the written statement today, Lockheed Martin claims to
be providing translators, but we have seen no evidence of this,
certainly not of trained staff deployed to specific ports most
in need.
We also commend TSA for finally translating the disclosure
form into 12 languages, but this is simply not enough.
It is not too late for TSA and Lockheed Martin to make
these and other critical changes we described in our written
testimony. These reforms will go a long way to improve the
fairness of the process and enrollment in the program before
the April deadline. Thank you.
[The statement of Ms. Moskowitz follows:]
Prepared Statement of Laura Moskowitz
Chairwoman Sanchez and Members of the committee, thank you for this
opportunity to testify on the status of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC).
My name is Laura Moskowitz, and I am a Staff Attorney at the
National Employment Law Project (NELP), a non-profit research and
advocacy organization that promotes a more fair and effective system of
employment screening for criminal records. As part of our work to
improve the fairness and accuracy of employee background checks, we
have focused specifically on the TWIC program and its security threat
assessment, especially the critical waiver and appeal procedures.
Over the past year, NELP has helped over 100 TWIC applicants file
appeals and seek waivers after being initially denied by the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and has spoken with
hundreds of workers going through the TWIC application process. We have
worked closely with the transportation unions to provide information
and assistance about the TWIC application, appeal, and waiver process,
and have conducted TWIC information sessions for longshore workers and
port truck drivers across the country. We have visited the Lockheed
Martin enrollment centers, worked closely with TSA program and
adjudication staff, and participate in the TSA TWIC Stakeholder
Communications Committee meetings. Our ``Know Your Rights'' TWIC
materials are also featured on TSA's TWIC web site.
As the TWIC program nears its 1-year mark next month and the final
compliance date is only 6 months away, it is not too late for TSA and
Lockheed Martin to prioritize some key fixes that will become critical
as the compliance date nears and the number of applications grows. Our
testimony focuses on the following major problems facing TWIC
applicants and key recommendations for improvement.
Poor outreach and communication by TSA and Lockheed Martin
have resulted in workers failing to apply for TWICs, including
large numbers of eligible workers with criminal records, which
has contributed to low enrollment. To maximize enrollment on
the part of eligible workers, TSA and Lockheed Martin should
specifically tailor communications for workers with criminal
records, explain what the disqualifications are, assure workers
with criminal records that they qualify, and encourage them to
utilize the TWIC waiver process.
Due to inadequate screening, TSA is disqualifying large
numbers of workers whose criminal records do not make them
ineligible, in violation of the standards under the Maritime
Transportation Security Act (MTSA). Before issuing an initial
denial, TSA should marshal its resources to track down missing
information that is critical to the determination that someone
has a disqualifying felony conviction.
TSA is denying TWICs to large numbers of foreign-born U.S.
citizens and other qualified workers due to poor training by
Lockheed Martin of its ``Trusted Agents'' and poor
communication with applicants regarding necessary citizenship
and immigration documents. Lockheed Martin must more
effectively train its Trusted Agents to accept the necessary
documents during enrollment, and TSA must take far more
proactive steps to ensure that documents needed by foreign-born
applicants are brought to the enrollment center and sent to
TSA.
TSA and Lockheed Martin have not provided language-
appropriate services to the ports' diverse immigrant work
force, thus hindering their ability to obtain TWICs. TSA and
Lockheed Martin should make translations of vital documents
available and hire bilingual staff or use a language
interpretation telephone service at the enrollment centers and
Help Desk.
NELP submitted testimony before the full Homeland Security
Committee last October which featured many of the same recommendations,
yet these problems have only become more apparent over the past year.
i. the basics of the twic background check process
By way of background, we describe below the TWIC security threat
assessment process. We also note specific points where problems have
been identified by NELP, the National Maritime Security Advisory
Committee (NMSAC), and many of the transportation unions, before
describing in more detail our primary concerns with the TWIC process.
The Federal law sets forth specific TWIC disqualifying offenses,
which include especially serious ``permanent'' disqualifying offenses
(like espionage and treason) and more common ``interim'' disqualifying
crimes (like drug dealing and weapons possession). Both categories are
limited to felony convictions, not misdemeanors, and the ``interim''
disqualifications apply to offenses that date back 7 years from the
date of the application, or 5 years from when the individual was
released from incarceration (whichever is the more recent event).
1. TWIC Pre-Enrollment.--TSA created an optional pre-enrollment
process which allows the worker to enter his or her basic biographical
information with TSA before enrolling in-person at an enrollment
center. The pre-enrollment process is intended to help save time by
providing the individual with an appointment for the in-person
enrollment, but the complicated process for setting up a password on-
line has proven difficult for many applicants.
2. Enrollment at Designated Locations.--During enrollment, all
information relevant to TWIC eligibility is supposed to be collected,
including the fingerprints required to generate an FBI rap sheet and
documents pertaining to citizenship and immigration status. In
practice, there have been widespread problems with fingerprints being
rejected and necessary documents not being collected for transmission
to TSA.
3. Threat Assessment Determination.--Based on the background
information provided by the applicants and the resulting search of the
various criminal record, terrorist watch-list and immigration status
databases, TSA will issue an initial threat assessment determination.
According to TSA, a web-based system first ``scores'' the application.
Then, the case is reviewed by at least four adjudicators (first two
contractors, then two TSA staff), resulting in the threat assessment
a. TWIC Approved and Card Production.--If TSA fails to identify any
disqualifying information, the individual is notified that he or she
qualifies for a TWIC, and card production begins. Lockheed Martin's
backlog in card production currently means that an applicant waits 6 to
8 weeks after approval before being notified by the enrollment center
that the card is ready to be picked up. There have been myriad problems
with card pick-up and activation, as described in detail in the July
2008 NMSAC report.\1\
\1\ National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC), TWIC
Working Group, ``Discussion Items'' Report (July 30, 2008), at page 8.
b. Initial Denials Subject to ``Appeal''.--When TSA determines that
the individual has or may have committed a disqualifying offense, or
when TSA cannot confirm citizenship/immigration status, the applicant
receives an initial denial letter. If the information reported by TSA
is incorrect and the individual is TWIC-eligible, the individual can
``appeal'' the case within 60 days by providing the official court or
citizenship/immigration documentation to correct the information.
c. Initial Denials Subject to ``Waiver''.--If the individual has a
disqualifying criminal offense, then he or she can seek a ``waiver'' of
the disqualification based on evidence of rehabilitation, a solid work
history and other relevant factors. Selected ``permanent''
disqualifying offenses are not subject to the waiver process.\2\ If the
waiver request is denied by TSA, the worker has the right to review of
the decision by an administrative law judge.
\2\ The offenses not subject to waiver include espionage, sedition,
treason, terrorism, or conspiracy to commit these crimes. (49 C.F.R.
1515.7, 1515.103(a)(1)-(4)). All the other ``permanent'' disqualifying
offenses are waivable.
ii. due to poor outreach and communication by tsa and lockheed martin,
workers are failing to apply for a twic, including large numbers of
eligible workers with criminal records
``Some individuals are told [by the TWIC Program Help Desk] that if
they have a permanent disqualifying offense on their records, they
cannot obtain TWICs.''--National Maritime Security Advisory Committee,
TWIC Working Group Discussion Items Report (July 30, 2008).
``Everyone down on the docks is saying if you have a criminal record,
don't even bother trying to apply for a TWIC.''--Statement recently
made by a longshore worker from Philadelphia helped by NELP to obtain a
waiver of a disqualifying offense.
As the above statements show, misinformation and inaccurate rumors
abound about the TWIC eligibility requirements. We have heard time and
time again from workers who believe that if they have had any brush
with the law, they need not apply for a TWIC. Many of them only have
misdemeanors, which are not disqualifying. Many of them have
convictions that are 20 or 30 years old and are no longer
disqualifying. Many of them do have disqualifying offenses, but they do
not realize that they can apply for a waiver and still obtain their
TWIC card. All are afraid to apply and often seriously consider looking
for work in other industries.
Based on our experience, it is clear that much of this confusion
and fear is due to TSA and Lockheed Martin's failure to get the word
out about the types of disqualifying offenses and the possibility of
obtaining a waiver of these disqualifying crimes. When we asked
Lockheed Martin representatives at the enrollment centers whether they
discussed the waiver with applicants who indicated that they had
disqualifying crimes, they responded that they did not. We have seen
only one TSA flyer that addresses the disqualifying criminal offenses,
and it conspicuously fails to emphasize the waiver process.
As NMSAC recently noted, ``[o]ther than providing updates on when
enrollment is beginning in certain ports, the [TWIC] communications
team is not particularly visible.''\3\ Last week, for the first time,
we saw two slides in a Lockheed Martin/Deloitte compliance presentation
that encouraged workers with criminal records to apply and use the
waiver process. However, to our knowledge, that material has not made
its way to workers on the front lines.
\3\ NMSAC ``Discussion Items'' Report, at page 2.
These workers with records have often worked for decades at the
port, along with generations of their family members, and they are the
least likely to do anything that would risk the safety and security of
the port and their livelihood. If they do not access the waiver
process, the Nation's ports risk losing some of their most experienced
and dedicated workers, and the workers risk losing some of the few good
jobs available for workers with criminal records.
To its credit, TSA has granted almost all of the waiver requests it
has received, thus proving the indispensable value of the waiver
process. We believe that TSA is thoroughly and fairly considering these
waiver applications. However, we are concerned that the total number of
waivers sought (809 as of September 5, 2008) is quite low compared to
the likely number of workers who have waivable disqualifying offenses
out of the estimated 1.5 million workers who will be screened by TSA.
Recommendation: TSA and Lockheed Martin should specifically tailor
communications for workers with criminal records, explain what
the disqualifications are, assure workers with criminal records
that they qualify for TWICs, and encourage them to utilize the
waiver process.
Promotion of the waiver process will increase enrollment by those
who fear applying and thus postpone it as long as possible or seek work
in other industries. In addition, providing basic information about the
disqualifying offenses will encourage workers with non-disqualifying
prior records to come forward and apply. The more workers see that
their colleagues at the ports with criminal records are successfully
obtaining TWICs, the more they will apply. To improve enrollment, there
is simply no substitute for aggressive and smart outreach, prioritizing
the large ports where a significant number of applicants has still not
applied. TSA and Lockheed Martin should distribute a ``know your
rights'' fact sheet that specifically describes the disqualifying
criminal offenses, the waiver process, and the key considerations that
argue in favor of a waiver. Facility and vessel owner-operators should
be provided with these outreach materials as well. The current outreach
teams should also engage local employers and media in targeted
communities to help get the word out. TSA should also urge the ports to
partner with local unions and non-profit organizations that can help
deserving workers prepare the TSA waiver application.
iii. due to inadequate screening, tsa is disqualifying large numbers of
workers whose criminal records do not make them ineligible for twics,
in violation of the standards under the maritime transportation
security act (mtsa)
Unfortunately, after applicants with criminal records make it
through the enrollment process, they still often face an uphill battle
to obtain their TWICs because TSA's flawed screening procedures
routinely result in erroneous denials of eligible workers. TSA's
cursory criminal history record review, which is limited to whatever
appears on the face of an applicant's FBI rap sheet, is not--as the law
requires--a true screening for disqualifying felony convictions.
For example, a longshore worker from Southern California was
recently denied due to a misdemeanor marijuana sales conviction. As is
commonly the case, the FBI rap sheet TSA used to make its determination
did not indicate whether this was a felony or misdemeanor. Rather than
taking steps to determine the degree of the offense by contacting the
State repository or local courthouse, TSA issued an initial denial. The
applicant then had to take off time from work, travel to the
courthouse, and obtain documentation from the clerk's office showing
that this was a misdemeanor in order to successfully appeal his denial.
As this example demonstrates, the FBI's rap sheets routinely lack
the critical information TSA needs by law to determine whether the
applicant has actually been convicted of a felony that meets the
definition of one of the disqualifying offenses, within the requisite
time period, and whether the person was released from incarceration
more than 5 years before applying. The flawed screening procedures set
up by TSA put the burden on applicants, thousands of whom are denied
even though they are actually eligible, forcing them to take time off
work, travel to courthouses, pay to obtain copies of official
documentation, and submit appeals to prove eligibility. The emotional
toll on workers is also significant; our clients who have been denied
suffer from worry, stress, and nightmares as they and their families
contemplate the loss of this job. The 99 percent success rate of
appeals based on criminal history information shows that TSA's initial
threat assessments are disqualifying an unacceptably high number of
qualified applicants.\4\
\4\ Under the hazmat program, which requires the same background
check as TWIC, literally 99 percent of the appeals filed were
successful as of October 2007. One-third of the over 10,000 successful
hazmat appeals were related to incorrect criminal records and the other
two-thirds were attributed to immigration status issues. We have heard
unofficially from TSA that under the TWIC program, the large majority
of appeals continue to be immigration-related, and that the success
rates on appeal continue to be in the 99 percent range.
Not only is the burden on the worker to fill the gaps in the FBI's
rap sheets, but far too many innocent workers fall through the cracks
of the system, either because they do not understand what they need to
do to prove their eligibility, they cannot afford to take time off work
and track down the official court records they need to appeal their
denials, or they think it is not worth the effort because they are
convinced they will be denied by TSA. Indeed, almost 2,000 workers who
received initial denials have simply not responded, thereby timing out
and losing their opportunity to obtain a TWIC card and keep their jobs.
More specifically, we have identified the following problems that
routinely result in erroneous denials:
Incomplete State Arrest Records.--Of special concern to TWIC
applicants, the FBI rap sheets are routinely incomplete. According to
the U.S. Attorney General, the FBI's rap sheets relied upon exclusively
by TSA are ``still missing final disposition information for
approximately 50 percent of its records.''\5\ Mostly, this includes
arrest information that is never updated electronically by the States
to reflect whether the charges have been dropped, dismissed, or
successfully prosecuted. Regardless of the law's requirement that
workers be disqualified only for convictions or outstanding charges
open for prosecution, it is TSA's policy (49 C.F.R. Section
1572.103(d)) to automatically deny the TWIC to all those whose arrest
information has not been updated unless official court documentation of
the disposition is provided by the applicant within 60 days.
\5\ U.S. Attorney General, The Attorney General's Report on
Criminal History Background Checks (June 2006), at page 3 (available at
http://www.usdoj.gov/olp/ag_bgchecks_report.pdf).
In 15 States (out of 39 that reported data in response to a
national survey), more than one-third of the arrests in the past 5
years have no final dispositions reported in the State criminal record
repository, which means that the FBI's records are similarly incomplete
for those States.\6\ That includes large port States like Florida,
where 40 percent of the arrests in the State's system do not include
the final disposition. Only nine States have more than 90 percent of
the arrests in their databases updated to reflect the final outcome of
\6\ Bureau of Justice Statistics, Survey of State Criminal History
Information Systems, 2003 (2006), at Table 1.
Early Incarceration Release Dates.--Under the MTSA, workers may not
be denied a TWIC based on an interim disqualifying offense that took
place more than 7 years before the application or more than 5 years
since the individual was released from incarceration. However, many
States do not report the date when the individual was actually released
from incarceration, thus that information does not appear on the FBI's
rap sheet. As a result, large numbers of workers who have been released
for good behavior before their minimum sentence expired are incorrectly
denied because TSA believes they have been incarcerated within the 5-
year period based on the original sentence entered on the rap sheet.
Incomplete Information on Expungements and Convictions Overturned
on Appeal.--The FBI rap sheets frequently fail to include subsequent
events beyond the initial arrest and/or conviction that affect
applicants' eligibility, such as the expungement of a conviction or the
reversal of a conviction on appeal.
Non-Felony Offenses.--In addition, as discussed in the example, the
FBI's rap sheets often do not distinguish between felonies,
misdemeanors, and lesser categories of offenses, which is significant
because the TWIC disqualifying offenses are expressly limited to
felonies. Instead, the FBI rap sheet generally reports the offense
without characterizing the severity of the crime.
Rap Sheet Items That Trigger Initial Denials But Are Not Actually
Charges or Convictions.--Entries appear on the FBI rap sheet each time
an individual is fingerprinted for a criminal justice purpose and that
fingerprint is submitted to the FBI. This includes temporary detention
of individuals crossing the border who are questioned by Immigration
and Customs Enforcement officers, as well as fingerprinting done by
correctional institutions when the person enters custody. These items
often show up as open, pending charges on FBI rap sheets, triggering an
initial denial and causing the worker to demonstrate that there was no
criminal prosecution associated with the entry.
Recommendation: Before issuing an initial denial, TSA should marshal
its resources to track down missing information that is
critical to the determination that someone has a disqualifying
felony conviction.
TSA and its contractors should take several significant steps to
produce a determination that is based on accurate information and in
compliance with the MTSA standards.
a. Track Down Missing Arrest Dispositions.--In order to correct the
serious contravention of the law's requirement that only convictions
and charges that are genuinely open for prosecution are disqualifying,
TSA should prioritize tracking down missing dispositions for old
arrests before issuing an initial denial. For example, any case that
has been pending in the court system for more than 1 or 2 years without
a disposition is far more likely to have been dismissed.
As is the practice of the FBI in reviewing gun checks under the
Brady Act, TSA should designate staff to locate missing disposition
information.\7\ For the Federal gun checks required by the Brady Act,
the FBI is able to track down 65 percent of the missing dispositions
within 3 days rather than simply denying the license based on old
arrest information.\8\ TSA staff is able to access state court records
to research waiver applications. Staff should similarly be directed to
investigate the dispositions of old arrests, using existing State and
local court contacts, the States' and courts' on-line criminal history
record information, or by telephoning the courts. These verification
procedures should be incorporated into the current review process,
which now includes four levels of review by TSA and contractor
adjudicators.
\7\ The Brady Act and implementing regulations (28 C.F.R. Part 25)
created a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), a
special unit that performs ``instant'' criminal background checks for
Federal firearms licensees. Under the law, (18 U.S.C. 922(t)(B)(ii)),
NICS is required to research the record and attempt to locate missing
disposition information within 3 business days.
\8\ The Attorney General's Report on Criminal History Background
Checks, at page 108.
b. Identify Misdemeanors, Non-Conviction Data, and Incarceration
Release Dates.--Again, to comply with the MTSA standards, TSA should
develop contacts with each State criminal history repository and
investigate the offense levels of potentially disqualifying criminal
offenses before issuing an initial denial. TSA should prioritize cases
like drug offenses, weapons charges, and robberies, which will
routinely result in non-felony convictions. Similarly, in all cases
where an applicant has indicated on the enrollment form that he or she
has been released from incarceration more than 5 years before the date
of the TWIC application, TSA should verify the release date with State
corrections authorities instead of simply denying the application based
on the original sentence imposed. Finally, where temporary border
detentions and entry of custody data appear on the rap sheet, TSA
should confirm whether these items were actually associated with any
type of prosecution before issuing a denial.
iv. tsa is denying large numbers of u.s. citizens and other qualified
workers due to poor training by lockheed martin of its ``trusted
agents'' and poor communication with applicants regarding necessary
citizenship and immigration documents
It has become increasingly apparent that foreign-born applicants,
including military dependents born on bases abroad and other U.S.
citizens, are being denied in large numbers even though they are TWIC-
eligible. Indeed, about two-thirds of all appeals are based on
citizenship or immigration status issues. In our experience, these
denials are due to Lockheed Martin's failure to properly train its
trusted agents to collect items that prove citizenship and immigration
status, such as U.S. passports, naturalization certificates, green
cards, visas, and employment authorization documents.
For example, two U.S. Coast Guard-licensed merchant mariners, one
born on a military base abroad and the other a naturalized U.S. citizen
originally from Poland, recently applied for their TWIC cards. They
brought their U.S. passports with them to the enrollment center, but
their passports were not collected by the Lockheed Martin trusted agent
for inclusion in the electronic package sent to TSA. Both were
subsequently denied based on TSA's failure to determine their
citizenship, even though each has maintained a U.S. Coast Guard-issued
license (which requires U.S. citizenship) and has sailed into harm's
way in support of military operations during their seagoing careers.
One is a former Navy reservist.
We have helped numerous workers from all over the country who found
themselves similarly denied after bringing these documents to the
enrollment center, only to have the trusted agents refuse to accept
them because the applicants had already submitted identity-establishing
documents such as a driver's license and social security card. When
these applications reach the TSA adjudication office they often result
in initial denials because TSA cannot complete this part of the
background check without the additional documents. The applicants must
then file an appeal and (re)submit this documentation to TSA. Large
numbers of foreign-born workers are finding themselves in this
situation, driving up the number of appeals sent to the adjudication
office and placing an unfair burden and stigma on foreign-born workers.
TSA also tells us that applicants fail to bring the necessary
documents to the enrollment centers. However, TSA and Lockheed Martin
communication materials detailing what documents are required have not
made it clear that specific documents, such as a U.S. passport or
naturalization certificate, are required, rather than optional, for
foreign-born applicants in order for TSA to conduct this part of the
background check.
Although TSA's adjudication office is quick to rectify these
situations when workers respond and provide the appropriate
documentation, it is not acceptable or proper under the law to deny at
the outset so many qualified foreign-born applicants. In addition, as
discussed in more detail below, these applicants often have the hardest
time navigating the application and appeal process due to language
Recommendation: Lockheed Martin must more effectively train its Trusted
Agents to accept the necessary documents during enrollment, and
TSA must take more proactive steps to ensure that documents
needed by foreign-born applicants are brought to the enrollment
center and properly scanned and sent to TSA.
TSA recently tripled the number of staff handling appeals due to
the high volume of immigration appeals. We commend TSA for directing
additional staff where needed to keep the appeals moving efficiently,
and for their interest in trying to find ways to communicate better to
foreign-born applicants regarding the documents needed.
TSA should revise its materials on the documentation required for
TWIC to make clear that foreign-born applicants have different
requirements, and ensure that this information is consistently
communicated so that the information TSA needs to conduct this part of
the background check is coming in on the front end, in order to reduce
the number of denials and the burden on workers to fix these problems
on the back end. In addition, Lockheed Martin must continue to train
its trusted agents to collect the necessary citizenship and immigration
status materials.
v. tsa and lockheed martin have not provided language-appropriate
services to the ports' diverse immigrant workforce, thus hindering
their ability to obtain twics
TSA and Lockheed Martin have not complied with Federal laws
designed to provide meaningful access to the ethnically diverse TWIC
applicants whose limited-English proficiency (LEP) requires translation
and interpretive services to navigate the enrollment, appeal and waiver
processes. Indeed, the only materials available in a language other
than English are the pre-enrollment and outreach materials online in
Spanish. TSA has just translated its disclosure form into 12 languages
(it has yet to be deployed by Lockheed Martin), but no translation of
vital documents such as denial letters has been made available, nor
have any interpreters been provided to assist workers during the
enrollment process.
Today's work force employed in the Nation's ports and with the
trucking firms they do business with is more diverse than ever before,
representing large numbers of workers born in Spanish-speaking
countries (Mexico and Central America), South Asian-speaking countries
(India, Bangladesh) and Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos) in
particular. For example, consider the ethnic diversity of the West
Coast port truck drivers. In the Port of Seattle, 54 percent of the
drivers are foreign born, and 44 percent speak a language other than
English at home (most commonly Spanish, Punjabi and languages from
Ethiopia).\9\ In the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports, almost 90
percent of the truck drivers were born outside the United States,
mostly in Spanish-speaking countries.\10\ In the Port of Oakland, 93
typically from Southeast Asian, South Asian and Latin American
countries.\11\
\9\ Port Jobs, ``Big Rig, Short Haul: A Study of Port Truckers in
Seattle'' (2007), at pages 19-20 (available at http://www.portjobs.org/
bigrig_shorthaul.pdf).
\10\ Kristen Monaco & Lisa Grobar, ``A Study of Drayage at the
Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach'' (California State University Long
Beach, December 2004), at page 15.
\11\ East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, ``Taking the Low
Road: How Independent Contracting at the Port of Oakland Endangers
Public Health, Truck Drivers, & Economic Growth'' (September 2007), at
page 25 (available at http://www.workingeastbay.org/downloads/
Coalition%20Port%20Trucking%20Report.pdf).
The lack of language-appropriate services has created serious
barriers for LEP applicants. For example, when the Oakland enrollment
center opened last fall, a Chinese-speaking applicant had to wait for
hours for someone to translate for him--finally, some Chinese and
English-speaking applicants arrived and helped him. In addition, an
employer from Florida who contacted NELP for assistance had to help his
Spanish-speaking drivers through the entire application, denial and
appeal process because no translation or interpretation was available.
At significant time and expense, a union in Long Beach now helps
numerous Spanish-speaking port truck drivers navigate the application,
appeal, and waiver process, particularly because so many of the drivers
there were born in Latin America and were being turned down, as
discussed in the previous section.
None of these applicants should have to rely on the goodwill of
others to help them obtain a Government license that is critical to
maintaining their livelihood. Pursuant to Executive Order 13166, each
Federal agency is required to ``prepare a plan to improve access to its
federally conducted programs and activities by eligible LEP
persons.''\12\ Unfortunately, despite reaffirmation of this Executive
Order under the current administration,\13\ the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) has not yet prepared such a plan. While the DHS plan is
under development, the agency's activities should be in compliance with
the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) LEP guidance, which sets forth the
criteria by which recipients of Federal funding (such as contractor
Lockheed Martin) will be evaluated for their compliance with Title VI
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964's prohibition on national origin
discrimination.''\14\ The DOJ directive also applies the Title VI
standards to Federal agencies.''\15\
\12\ Executive Order 13166, ``Improving Access to Services for
Persons with Limited English Proficiency'' (August 11, 2000), at page
\13\ Letter of Ralph J. Boyd, Jr., Assistant Attorney General, U.S.
Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division (July 8, 2002).
\14\ U.S. Department of Justice, ``Guidance to Federal Financial
Assistance Recipients Regarding Title VI Prohibition Against National
Origin Discrimination Affecting Limited English Proficient Persons,''
67 Fed. Reg. 41455 (June 18, 2002).
\15\ The guidance states: ``Pursuant to Executive Order 13166, the
meaningful access requirement of the Title VI regulations and the four-
factor analysis set for the in the DOJ LEP Guidance are to additionally
apply to the program and activities of Federal agencies[.]'' Id. at
41459 n.4.
Where, as here, there is a significant number of LEP persons whose
lives will be affected by a program, the DOJ guidance recommends
providing both oral interpretation services and written translation of
vital documents.\16\ Recognizing the impropriety of family and friends
serving as interpreters--TSA's chosen route--DOJ recommends that
competent interpreter services be provided free of charge to persons
with limited-English proficiency.\17\ According to the DOJ guidance,
``when particular languages are encountered often, hiring bilingual
staff offers one of the best, and often most economical options.''\18\
Where necessary due to more limited demand and to save costs, the DOJ
guidance also recommends contracting with professional interpreters and
using telephone interpretation lines provided by AT&T and other major
contractors.\19\
\16\ Id. at 41459-60.
\17\ The DOJ guidance contains an entire section on the use of
family members and friends as interpreters, cautioning that they are
often ``not competent to provide quality and accurate interpretations.
Issues of confidentiality, privacy, or conflict of interest may arise.
LEP individuals may feel uncomfortable revealing or describing
sensitive, confidential, or potentially embarrassing medical, law
enforcement . . . family, or financial information to a family member,
friend, or member of the local community.'' 67 Fed. Reg. at 41462
(emphasis added). These concerns are especially relevant to the TWIC
enrollment process, where applicants are asked for specific information
about their criminal history, immigration status, and mental health--
all of which are sensitive, confidential and potentially embarrassing
to reveal to family and friends.
\18\ 67 Fed. Reg. at 41461.
\19\ Id. at 41462.
With respect to written translation, the DOJ guidance recommends
that ``vital'' written material be translated where each LEP language
group constitutes 5 percent of the population served or 1,000 people,
whichever is less.\20\ Given the large numbers of foreign-born workers
employed in many of the Nation's largest ports, the TWIC materials
clearly rise to the level of DOJ's recommended thresholds for multiple
languages, not just Spanish.
Recommendation: TSA and Lockheed Martin should make translations of
vital documents available and hire bilingual staff or use a
language interpretation telephone service at the enrollment
centers and Help Desk.
Oral Interpretation.--In the case of Spanish and the languages most
commonly spoken by port workers, an adequate number of staff employed
at the enrollment centers should be bilingual in those languages. In
the case of languages spoken often by workers at certain ports and not
others (including Southeast Asian and South Asian languages), Lockheed
Martin could move specialized personnel to various ports as the
enrollment process rolls out in different locations and contract with a
telephone interpretation service for less-common languages. The TWIC
Help Desk should also contract with a telephone interpretation service
so that it can adequately respond to questions from LEP applicants.
Translation of ``Vital'' TWIC Documents.--The TWIC program should
include written translation of critical documents, including the TWIC
disclosure forms (this is in progress), the form consenting to the FBI
criminal background check, and the initial denial letter, which
includes the critical description of TWIC appeal and waiver rights. In
the interim, at the very minimum, all initial denials should include a
``tag line'' in multiple languages directing the individual to call a
dedicated number to obtain a translation of the letter in the
appropriate language.
vi. to properly monitor the program's effectiveness, tsa should report
additional data on the status of the security threat assessment,
waivers and appeals
Finally, we urge TSA to provide additional data in the TWIC
Dashboard or another format to better assess the effectiveness of key
features of the TWIC process. Specifically, TSA should include: (1)
Denials broken down by immigration status, criminal record, and other;
(2) denials broken down by type of criminal offense; (3) the success
rate of appeals based on immigration status, criminal record, and
other; and (4) the number of appeals and waivers that are pending. This
information, if provided monthly, will go a long way to monitor the
effectiveness of the TWIC process heading into this critical period of
enrollment.
Thank you again for the opportunity to testify on this important
issue as we reach the 1-year mark and still have an opportunity to
improve the program from an applicant's perspective. We look forward to
working with TSA and the committee to ensure a more fair and effective
TWIC process.
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Ms. Moskowitz.
I wish there were more Members of the committee here today
because there are so many questions, and I am glad that all of
you are before us today because this really is an important
topic.
I want to begin by talking to Mr. Golding. Welcome, if it
is your first time here. We are very glad that you are before
us today.
Mr. Golding. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Ms. Sanchez. So enlighten me a little bit, because I am a
little confused with your testimony, not because you didn't do
a good job but because I don't have a lot of background in
barges and cargo.
Explain to me--I am trying to put in my mind this 28. I
understand people work 28 days, and there are 14 days off. So
are you telling me that they have to get a TWIC card each time
they go onto your boat? Are you telling me that--I am trying to
understand. Is it just a one-time deal when they are trying to
get their TWIC card that cuts into----
Mr. Golding. Yes ma'am.
Ms. Sanchez. Are these people who have worked for you for a
long time or are they just crew that come off of the roster or
what have you, the union roster or whatever it might be, to
come over and work? I am trying to figure out how you end up,
past the initial phase, how you keep ending up with crew that
continues to need to go to TWIC.
Mr. Golding. This is just new hires that we bring on board
as a new, green deckhand or pilot. They are new in the
industry, new on our vessels. When we hire them, we send them
to the TWIC center; and within 15 days we dispatch them to a
boat.
Ms. Sanchez. So if they haven't gotten their TWIC card
within those 15 days they have got a waiver from the Coast
Guard for 30 days.
Mr. Golding. They have an automatic 30-day interim work
authority. We have to, at that point, request the Coast Guard
to give us 60 days. The captain of the port, we can make a
request for a 60-day waiver.
We are going to be doing it on all our new hires, because
they are going to be on the boat when their TWIC card comes in
the majority of the time. They are not going get it before they
catch the first boat. So if they are out for 28 days and their
card comes in, they are not going to be available to go get it.
We are going to have to request a 60-day waiver.
That is the reason I was asking for a blanket waiver of 60
days, so it matches up with our industry's work schedule. Most
companies work either 28 or 30 days on, and the new hires are
the only ones that would be involved in this.
Ms. Sanchez. So--again, to educate me a little bit. So you
get a new hire in. You send them over to the TWIC station. They
put in all their information. They get on the boat. They go and
do their thing. They are out of port, I am assuming.
Mr. Golding. Right.
Ms. Sanchez. And day 20 the TWIC card comes into the port
they left from, but they don't have it wherever it is they are.
Mr. Golding. That's right.
Ms. Sanchez. So they are out for 28 days. Are they going to
other ports?
Mr. Golding. They may never stop. They may drop off their
barges in St. Louis, turn around and head back to New Orleans.
While they are notified, maybe via the Internet, that their
TWIC card is available to be picked up, they are unable to
physically do it because they are on the boat for 28 days, and
maybe it comes while they are on the boat. So we have to ask
for a blanket 60-day waiver so that they can get it on their 14
days that they are going to be off. It doesn't match up with
our day schedule for new hires.
Ms. Sanchez. How often do you have new hires?
Mr. Golding. In our industry, the new hires is a high
turnover rate. A lot of times their visions of what it is like
working on the river doesn't really match up with reality. So
we do have a high turnover in our initial job entry level. Once
they make a few trips, we know then whether they are going to
be with us long-term.
But with the new hires is the only problem. Because as the
TWIC card comes in they are on the boat for 28 days, and they
are not allowed to get off. So they are going to be in
violation of the 30-day interim work authority unless we ask
for a 60-day waiver, and we will be doing it constantly on our
new hires the way the system is set up now.
Ms. Sanchez. Okay. Now talk to me about the reader problem
that you said, because you have the crew, once you get a crew
together they are going out mostly together.
Mr. Golding. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Sanchez. So in your opinion the reader--the card reader
would be where?
Mr. Golding. It is my understanding it would have to be
installed on the vessel. As crew members come aboard they would
have to key in to accept their entry into the vessel.
Ms. Sanchez. So your belief is that for a six-member crew
vessel you have got to put a reader, a card reader on that.
Mr. Golding. That is my understanding, that the rule would
require vessels to have card readers. As I said, this is home
to these men and women. They live together for 8 months out of
the year. We would like to keep the same crews on the same
boats for a lot of operational reasons. Some operators have
larger crews, larger boats, perhaps have 8-, 10-member crews.
But it is the same problem that they are all going to face, is
the environment is not conducive to a lot of this type
equipment as it is.
But they are home. I mean, they are family for the majority
of the year. It just seems a waste of time, money and effort to
put a reader on a boat. It is almost like having a reader at
your home and key in before you go in your living room. This is
the way these guys feel about it, and I wanted to bring that
message to you.
Ms. Sanchez. Ms. Marks, is that your understanding, that a
six-crew boat of his type going up an inland river would
require a reader, a card reader on the vessel?
Ms. Marks. Madam Chairwoman, I would have to ask you to ask
either the Coast Guard or TSA. We have nothing to do with the
card readers or that rule.
Ms. Sanchez. We will ask them. Okay. Thank you on that.
Ms. Bowman--I am sorry. I have a lot of notes up here--what
do you think it is costing you to make all this extra effort to
ensure that those who work on the port, whether they are
truckers or longshore people or administrators, what does it
cost you? What have you budgeted for the year to make a
propaganda campaign to get people in, to put signs up, and are
you being reimbursed for that at all?
Ms. Bowman. That is an excellent question. Thank you. I
don't have an exact figure for you, but maybe I could outline
some of the activities that we are doing.
First of all, the Port of Tacoma is paying for the TWIC
card for all of its employees, although we only have 250
employees, so it is not a huge expense, but it is a line item
Ms. Sanchez. This is for your administrators, people who
actually go to work and are part of the port system.
Ms. Bowman. Correct. We also operate some of our own
terminals, and so on those terminals we pay for our employees
to get their TWIC cards.
In terms of--I wouldn't necessarily call it a propaganda
campaign but the advertisement, we have, similar to what was
mentioned earlier, banners at all of the terminal gates, no
TWIC, no entry, that sort of a thing. Our security director
meets monthly with the terminal operators to talk about TWIC
enrollments. None of those costs have really been added up, but
it is a considerable amount of time.
I mean, the ports are at the front line of this process. We
want more than anybody else to make sure that this works. But
we haven't been reimbursed for staff time, for example, for
those sorts of things.
The issue that I brought up earlier regarding the reader
cards and reimbursement for that through the Port Security
Grant Program is allowing us to apply for TWIC implementation
money. That is great. We really appreciate that. But there is
also a 25 percent cost-share required. We feel that this is a
Federal mandate; and, if it is being mandated, why are we
requiring to put up 25 percent?
Ms. Sanchez. Excuse me. Did we waive that?
It is a DHS requirement. Thank you.
You said that you began with this in November 2007 and that
you believe you have about 40 percent of the people who would
require TWIC cards for your port are still not in the program,
having applied for it, basically; and the deadline is, of
course, April 2009. Do you think that there is adequate
capacity between now and April to get in those 40 percent of
the people or do you think there is going to be a problem for
Ms. Bowman. I think there is going to be a problem at the
enrollment centers in terms of a surge. I guess the example
that I would use is what happened when passports became
required and there was an enormous backup.
I guess I would also use that example for what could
possibly happen with DHS and the Coast Guard of getting the
word out early about this requirement. Industry is doing
everything they can, and we complement our labor partners in
getting the word out to their workers as well, but we really
feel that the Federal agencies need to take a greater and more
active role in getting the word out about this.
It is not just an advertisement in a shipping journal.
Truckers aren't reading shipping journals. So whether it is an
advertisement in the newspaper, an ad on TV, those sorts of
things that really get the word out about this. Because nobody
wants to see it get to February and the system start to crash
because there is too many people.
Ms. Sanchez. What about the on-going--after April 9, let us
say we get the majority of the people--I don't know. They told
me earlier in the last panel it was going to be 100 percent.
But let us say that they get the majority of the people and get
them their TWIC card. But then you have the on-going issue of
new people coming or new hires, whether it is a trucker, it is
a longshoreman, it is somebody in your own administration. What
do you see the footprint being after April 2009 at your port as
far as access to be able to get new hires and others through
the process?
Ms. Bowman. Well, again, that is an excellent question. We
haven't heard any information from the agencies about what
their long-term enrollment plan is, whether the enrollment
center will be in its current location, whether that will be a
permanent location, and we are anxious to find out.
For example, at our port, we are expanding our terminals.
We currently have 200 or--excuse me--2 million TEUs. In the
next 5 years, we will be able to go up to 6 million TEUs. That
is a considerable number of new port employees coming on-line.
Again, we don't know if that enrollment center is going to
be there long-term or not. So it is a question that we have as
well. I am sorry I am not able to answer it.
Ms. Sanchez. Okay. Talk to me about this whole issue of
escorting foreign ship crew members. This also goes back to an
issue that I think some in maritime have asked about. Why is it
that a foreign crew member doesn't need a TWIC and can come on
to our port but those who are on ships need to get a TWIC? So
can you explain what your issue is with respect to escorting a
foreign ship?
Ms. Bowman. It is not just--just to clarify, it is not just
the foreign ship workers. For example, at our port, we have
roll-on roll-off vehicles. We are a major port for automobile
imports from KIA. So we have workers that actually have to go
up onto the ship and drive the automobiles off the ship into
the holding area. We don't know whether they are required to
have TWICs or not at this point.
But we have heard from the Port of Seattle, our neighbor 35
miles north, they have cruise ships. Cruise ship employees, are
they required to have--and these are just the entertainment
workers, hospitality workers, those sorts. Right now, there
seems to be no requirement for them to have a TWIC to work on
board. Do they need to have a secure area to get on and off the
ship, or are they now going to have to be required to go
through the public access but they are not going to have a TWIC
to get back on the board? So those are the issues that people
are facing; and, again, we are just looking for guidance moving
Mr. Byrd, you are representing the Trucking Association,
Mr. Byrd. Yes, ma'am.
Ms. Sanchez. Mr. Byrd, you were talking about your company.
I have a couple of questions with respect to your company,
because I am trying to figure out what some of your concerns
were, and then I have a broader overall thing.
With your company, do you have independent contractors or
do you actually have employees and you are worried about your
employees and their work as they come into the port?
Mr. Byrd. Yes ma'am. We have about 90 percent of our work
force is company employees and about 10 percent is independent
contractors. We have a number of issues, a number of concerns.
As I spoke in my opening remarks, we talked about the
duplication of credentialing.
Ms. Sanchez. This is a major problem.
Mr. Byrd. It is.
Ms. Sanchez. We all realize it here on this committee. Just
the fact we even have something like Florida where they have
their own TWIC card and then we have our TWIC card and then you
have the HAZMAT card. If I am--especially if I am an
independent trucker which isn't making any money and they have
got to get four cards in order to even go into any kind of a
port to have some kind of a haul I think that that is
outrageous.
Mr. Byrd. It has been excessive. Further on that point, one
of the things that we have issue with is, of course, the
duplication of background check and database credentialing for
the hazardous endorsement criteria to move hazardous material
throughout the country. We have a concern about the requirement
for nonsensitive, nondangerous hazardous materials, such as I
mentioned in the opening remarks; and, at the same time, we go
through the same background check to get a hazardous
endorsement on a CDL license that we go through for the TWIC.
On subsection B of section 1556 of the 9/11 Commission Act
it requires--part of the requirement was to have the TWIC to
satisfy the need for hazardous material endorsement. It is
ironic that truckers coming into our country from Canada and
Mexico, they have that privilege, that convenience, and
American truckers don't have it. We feel that is an injustice
to our drivers and our industry.
Ms. Sanchez. I have a broader question. Do you believe that
truckers should be required to have this TWIC card? I ask that
because there are a lot of people out there, especially with
the independents, who believe this is a move, if you will, by
Congress or people to actually crack down on people who don't
have documents to be in this. In other words that we are just
really trying to clean up the trucking industry. Do you think
there is a real need for the truckers who go on to the ports to
be an actual part of the TWIC program?
Mr. Byrd. Madam Chair, I would think that there is a need
for a security background check to enter into sensitive, secure
areas of both seaports and airports and other DOE facilities,
DOD facilities, or what have you. We appreciate--as an
industry, we appreciate the fact that we are trying to make our
borders and our ports and our commerce safe from terrorism.
That is a good thing. We just think that a sensible, logical
approach would be more in-line.
For example, we have drivers that extend throughout the
country. Drivers that live in the center part of the country
and have to travel literally hundreds of miles in order just to
enroll for TWIC, the cost of the card is $130.50, but that
doesn't take into account the fact that when I stop a truck
from generating revenue it is like a manufacturing facility
stopping a production line. When I stop the revenue on that
truck I not only stop the revenue for my company but I also
stopped the earning ability of that driver. For him or her have
to travel hundreds of miles to enroll and then again hundreds
of miles perhaps to accept and take delivery of the card is a
bit burdensome.
I can tell you from my own experience, because I am a TWIC
cardholder, it didn't take 2 weeks to get my card. It took more
like 2 to 3 months. That is what we are seeing. So we are
concerned about that.
In Charleston, for example, our date of implementation is
December 1, as is Savannah; and we are concerned, frankly,
about the ability of getting these cards. We would hope that
the program might be in some way expanded so that a driver that
lives in the center part of the country inland may be able to
go into the Department of Motor Vehicles, for example, and go
through the same qualifying criteria in a more convenient
But, to answer your question, we don't have any issue
complying with the requirements. We just would like to see it
in its original form: One card, one credential, one cost.
Ms. Sanchez. Great. Thank you.
Ms. Marks, recently, my staff went on a tour of the Port of
Los Angeles Long Beach. I, unfortunately, couldn't be there
that day, although I have gone many, many times.
But in particular they were looking at this whole issue of
TWIC. They went over to the enrollment center on Terminal
Island, for example. It was brought to their attention that the
disclosure forms given to enrollees were only in English and
that bilingual staff was prohibited from providing a verbal
translation. Has there been any progress at Terminal Island?
I ask this because when I look at California, I represent
the city of Anaheim, and its elementary school district has
kids who come to school where the main language in the home
that they come from is one of 93 different languages. So do you
know what is going on over there in the port?
Ms. Marks. Yes, Madam Chairwoman. That is an excellent
question, and our trusted agents that are bilingual at many of
our port facilities have been restricted from doing unofficial
translations. We have been informed by TSA that the 12
languages and the new disclosure forms will be available. We
anticipate receiving them sometime hopefully this week. We will
then not only send them not only to our 149 locations in our
mobile enrollments, but we will also provide refresher trainer
for our over 700 trusted agents who will need to make sure they
are available for people
Ms. Sanchez. You said there are six languages.
Ms. Marks. Twelve languages.
Ms. Sanchez. Twelve languages that you are going to
provide. You think it is going to come back in the next week or
so to you?
Ms. Marks. We believe so. As I believe the program
director, Maureen Fanguy, said this morning, they were just
approved, and we have been informed they will be coming to us,
and we will expedite them out as well as provide refresher
Ms. Sanchez. Ms. Moskowitz, you were talking about--can you
elaborate or go back to the testimony you gave about family
members translating? Was that encouraged; was that just word-
of-mouth, you have got to bring somebody who is going to
translate for you because it is not available, and you are
going to be wasting your time? How did that standard come to
Ms. Moskowitz. My understanding is that TSA made a policy
decision that they were going to allow applicants to bring
friends and family members, really the person of their choice,
to help translate. In fact, on the current disclosure form,
there is a signature area on the bottom where the helper needs
to sign under penalty of perjury that they have actually
provided information correctly. So that was--my understanding
is that is a policy decision.
Irrespective, as I mentioned in my testimony of Department
of Justice guidelines, it talks specifically about how friends
and family members are not appropriate for this type of
service, providing this kind of translation or interpretation.
Ms. Sanchez. Well, I would tend to agree with that. I mean,
I know Spanish, and I can read and write it, and I have pretty
good grammar in it, but there is no way I would pass myself off
as an official translator, especially when it comes to perjury,
you know, ability to disclose what criminal record somebody
might have. I think it is a very big issue for to us take a
look at and continue to ensure that TSA provides the
translators.
Ms. Marks, in the people that you have from Lockheed who
are at some of these centers, do you have any who are under--
who are official translators or who have the credentials as
official translators?
Ms. Marks. We have trusted agents at the facilities who are
bilingual. I cannot answer for you if they fit the official
definition of translator, but I will be happy to get back to
that for the written--to submit.
Ms. Sanchez. I definitely would like that, and I think we
need to ask TSA whether they have credentialed translators and
how many they have on staff with respect to these areas.
I am very concerned about this FBI database and the fact
that--about half of what States have been doing doesn't get
translated onto this database. I know this to be a fact because
we have had plenty of case issues going through my office, not
in this particular arena, but with respect to other issues,
where, in fact, arrests or things that should have been purged
because people were underaged at the time or what have you
never show up on the official FBI transcripts or database. In
fact, they are considered felons or what have you.
Ms. Moskowitz, how many waivers for disqualifying offenses
are denied based on incomplete information?
Ms. Moskowitz. Let me just explain. The waiver process is
available for people who actually have a disqualifying offense.
What we were referring to was the appeal process just to
clarify that.
Ms. Sanchez. Sorry. The appeal process.
Ms. Moskowitz. In the appeal situation, that is where the
worker has an opportunity to say, I actually am eligible; TSA
doesn't have all the information based on the FBI RAP sheet
that they looked at.
Ms. Sanchez. But, as you say it, you are guilty or you are
not getting your TWIC card unless you go and do the footwork to
come back and to tell us that you are clear?
Ms. Moskowitz. Exactly. Yeah. So we know--based on some of
our most recent TWIC dashboard, there were about 16,000
denials, and we understand about a third of those are criminal-
record-related. So thousands of workers have been denied based
on their criminal records as they appear on the FBI RAP sheet.
We know that, as I mentioned, the 99 percent success rate on
appeal show that these are workers who were needlessly denied.
If there was a better screening process that went beyond the
surface of the FBI RAP sheet, these workers would not be
required to go to the courthouses, locate this information and
submit an appeal to TSA.
Ms. Sanchez. How do these workers know they are to come to
somebody like you to help them with the appeal? Because, I
mean, that is a pretty scary process, actually to--to actually
bring up old things that are on your RAP sheet or what have
you, and to go through the process, and to go to the courts and
get information, and go through the appeals process. How do
people know? I mean, are you advertising? Does TSA tell them
Ms. Moskowitz. Most of them will because we have done a lot
of outreach with the transportation unions. So a lot of the
union members know we are available to help. But there isn't
any kind of instruction across the country, nor could we,
frankly, handle all the workers that are being needlessly
denied. It is very daunting--I can tell you from talking with
hundreds of workers going through this bit, they are very
worried and stressed out and having nightmares, as are their
families, at the prospect of losing this job because they don't
know how to navigate the system, how they prove that they are
eligible. We know that at least 2,000 of them have not
appealed, and they have just timed out.
Ms. Sanchez. Those that don't--2,000 of them out of how
many?
Ms. Moskowitz. Out of 16,000--about 16,000 initial denials
that we have seen so far.
Ms. Sanchez. Because some people may not know to turn to
you or may just throw up their hands or may think there is a
problem. Okay.
Back to Ms. Marks. Ms. Fanguy said she thought there would
be 1.2 million workers under the TWIC card by April 2009. Right
now you have 500,000 who are enrolled, a little bit under
400,000 who have received the card. So that means you need to
issue--get through the process and issue about 800,000 cards
between now and April. Are you set up to do that, really?
Ms. Marks. We are really set up to do that. If you look at
our capacity, the capacity is there. We have over 700 trusted
agents ready. If you look at even our system where people can
pre-enroll and get an appointment, we have appointments at
every port available, some are full this week. Obviously we
have some impacts on the gulf and in Texas as we speak. But
every single one of those 149 ports has capacity available and
will take appointments today and next week.
Ms. Sanchez. What if everybody doesn't show up until the
last month?
Ms. Marks. Well, that is why we are trying desperately----
Ms. Sanchez. No, no, no. What happens if they don't show
up--and I ask this because I have workers telling me some of
you applied for the card 8 months ago, and it is only going to
be good for a year, a year-and-a-half, or 2 years, or whatever
the amount is, and they are going to have to pay their amount--
yet they haven't even used it yet, really, except to flash it
somewhere. They said then they are going to have to pay--so
everybody I am talking to is telling me they are going to wait
until the last day, because, you know, why should I pay $130
today when I can pay $130 on March 31, and then my card is good
for another 2 years, rather than having 6 months of not even
needing it?
Ms. Marks. Well, first, the card is valid for 5 years. The
$132.50 covers a credential for 5 years, and that credential
starts at the time that the card is actually printed at the TSA
facility in Kentucky. So please allow me to clarify that, that
it is good for 5 years, not 2.
We have been trying and working with all types of
stakeholders to encourage people to enroll now. One of the
reasons is, as Ms. Moskowitz said, if someone is going to get
denied, we hope they come in early so they have the ability to
appeal before they need to come into compliance. But we have
the ability to extend hours at every port. We have the ability
to extend locations, similar to how we put a new location at
Terminal Island. We have added mobile enrollment stations.
Eighteen percent of the population to date have enrolled at
mobile enrollment stations at stakeholder locations, and we
have got another several hundred of those planned.
We are ready for the surge, but in all honesty, if everyone
comes on the last day, we cannot handle 800,000 people in a
Ms. Sanchez. Okay. I have a little vignette here I want to
ask you about. This is about technical missteps which seem to
be significant problems within the program. It seems that there
is a Texas tankerman that applied for TWIC last November in
Beaumont. He was informed within a few weeks that his TWIC was
ready to pick up. He returned to the enrollment center in early
December, but Lockheed Martin could not activate the card due
to an unspecified glitch. A few weeks later he returned and
faced the same problem again. Last month, after his seventh
attempt to pick up the card, Lockheed Martin informed him that
the same problem existed with respect to activating his card.
He asked for a supervisor, but they said that that wouldn't be
So unspecified glitches, what are those, and how often do
they come up, and why has this guy had to go seven times and
still doesn't have a card?
Ms. Marks. I can't answer the specific, but I can commit to
you to look into that. We have enrolled successfully over
500,000 people. We have had some human errors as we have a
population of over 700 trusted agents doing this,
geographically dispersed, locally hired. Anytime an issue has
been raised to us by a stakeholder, by an enrollee, by a Member
of Congress, we have looked into it, and we have taken rapid
action. Anywhere where we can eliminate human error, we try to
build checks into the technology and into the system.
One prime example, which you mentioned earlier, was people
not being--not using their passports as their first credential
in terms of enrolling. We have retrained all of our trusted
agents to ensure that they do use passports as the first
document to be enrolled now.
But we are learning as we go along. We have made tremendous
progress, and I would be happy to take a look at that
individual case.
Ms. Sanchez. There are several cases that have been brought
to our attention that need help. Ms. Marks, what about Mr.
Byrd's request that there may be--that maybe centers or some
sort of thing might be put in middle America, because his
people have to drive hundreds of miles to go try to get a TWIC
Ms. Marks. We are happy to evaluate any potential locations
for enrollment centers, as well as we have proposed to the TSA
and are working together on actually I believe it was Mr.
Byrd's request for is there a way that people can receive these
and not have to come back a second time. We have heard that
from Members and, I believe, from yourself over the past year
since we started enrollment, and we are trying to evaluate is
there a way with the secure card to be able to facilitate that
Ms. Sanchez. So let me just get for testimony on the record
here, Ms. Fanguy, the program manager for TSA and homeland
security on this program has said she believes by April 2009,
the deadline, there will be about 1.2 million people that
should have TWIC cards, and you said here to me today that you
believe you will be able to handle issuing TWIC cards--
considering you have issued a little under 400,000 at this
date, that you would be able to handle issuing 800,000 TWIC
cards by April 2009?
Ms. Marks. That is correct. We have the capacity and the
personnel to do it. We just need the remaining 800,000 to come
in and enroll. We encourage you and all the Members to
encourage your local communities to do that as soon as
Does my staff have any question, or want an answer that you
all--oh, Mr. Green.
Mr. Green. Thank you, Madam Chair.
Ms. Sanchez. Just in time.
Mr. Green. Thank you. Thank you.
Ms. Sanchez. Mr. Green of Texas.
Mr. Green. Thank you. I was listening to your melodious
voice in the back and got carried away. I thank all of you for
appearing today.
Let me start with something the Chairwoman was visiting
with you about with reference to the 5 years. The time that the
card starts is from the moment it is printed, and it is good
for 5 years; is that correct? This being the case, why would a
person wait--why would a person immediately go out, secure a
card that really cannot be read, and lose the opportunity to
extend that period of time? What is the inducement to get the
card right away?
Ms. Marks. Well, the length of the card has nothing to do
with the card reader. The Coast Guard, starting October 15 in
New England, will be basically enforcing compliance with hand-
held readers. So starting October 15, the Coast Guard has
announced different zones coming into compliance between
October 15 and April 15 where people will need to show their
TWIC credential, which can be read with a hand-held reader.
Mr. Green. Okay. Now, when we started this process, it was
to be bifurcated. Were we to get the cards up first and then
the readers come on-line, or were we to have cards and readers
coming on-line at the same time? When did the process become
bifurcated?
Ms. Marks. Sir, I am afraid I can't answer that, being the
contractor on the TWIC cards. I would have to ask you to ask
either TSA or the Coast Guard.
Mr. Green. For edification purposes, we have had
representatives here from TSA and other agencies, and they
always talked until--just recently, not too long ago, maybe the
last 8 months is my recollection, about card and reader
together. In fact, we were given assurances about when the
program would be up and running. I mention this to you because
I am trying to understand the value of initiating the card,
putting it on-line without having the reader for the card. What
was the value in doing this?
Ms. Marks. Sir, again, I would have to defer to TSA.
Mr. Green. Does anyone else have information on what you
perceive to be the value in doing this to be?
Okay. With reference to the appeals process, the indication
to us is by way of intelligence from staff, 7,311 appeals
requested, 4,734 appeals granted. If you know--and I apologize
if I am asking the wrong people what I perceive to be the right
questions--if you know, does ``granted'' mean that the appeals
were actually granted in the sense that the persons were given
the opportunity to acquire the card and move on with the
process, or does it mean that these persons were given the
opportunity to continue with their appeal?
Ms. Moskowitz. I think I can answer that question. When the
appeals are granted, the TWIC card is approved, and that begins
card production.
Mr. Green. In terms of the number of appeals granted, the
Chairwoman mentioned this, you have this information deficit
within certain files. That granted appeal can be as a result of
the card seeker having gone out, acquired certain intelligence,
and accorded this intelligence to the agency or TSA so that
they can make a fair determination about the person's record.
Through no fault of the person, the record wasn't complete. Is
that a fair statement?
Ms. Moskowitz. That is exactly correct.
Mr. Green. This part of the process can be costly to the
person who actually has to prove now that he or she is a
legitimate person, notwithstanding some allegations that may
not be understood, but the legitimacy has to be proven. I would
assume that this means you will have to bring certified records
to someone, that they won't just take your word for it, you
will have to go someplace and acquire records that have been
certified. I assume that there is a cost associated with
getting records certified in Texas. We do have a cost if you
want records certified. I would also assume that there may have
to be some research involved. There are times that you have to
pay for the research that is involved.
So that $132.50 that you start paying can go up, depending
on how much research, how--what the cost is of the
certification of documents and a number of documents that will
have to be certified. Is that a fair statement?
Ms. Moskowitz. That is an extremely correct statement, and
I would add that the costs can range from days taken off work,
traveling to local courthouses, doing research, obtaining
copies of State criminal history records, which can cost
between $40 and $60 depending on the State, in addition to the
court certification costs for the folks who are getting the
records certified from the clerks' offices, and then there is
an issue of a number of workers who don't know where to turn
and don't know how to do this research, as the Chairwoman
recognized, are paying attorneys. I have heard rates of
attorneys charging $10,000 to research this information that is
missing from the FBI database.
Mr. Green. Have you found--and I don't want to stereotype,
but have you found any segment of the population to be more
vulnerable to this than another, or is this pervasive, and it
could happen to anyone; or do you find that may be happening to
some more than others? If so, define ``some'' for me.
Ms. Moskowitz. What I can say based on our experience
working on criminal record base to employment and licensing in
general and the clients who we have seen, there is a
disproportionate impact based on race, African Americans and
Latinos who are disproportionately impacted by any kind of
criminal record screening policy.
Mr. Green. Does anyone else have some intelligence that you
would like to share on these points? Anyone else? I don't mean
to deprive others with the opportunity to share.
With reference to the card lasting for 5 years, I know that
this was something that was decided on and that you have
accepted, but is there a reason why a card should last 5 years
as opposed to 10? Five years at the inception of this program
seems to cause a degree of consternation in terms of people
trying to save money. To some of us $132.50 is not a lot of
money, but to many others it really is a lot of money, and
those are the people that I really represent, if the truth be
told, those that have a problem with the $132.50. So is there
some rationale for the 5-year, or is it arbitrary and
capricious?
Mr. Byrd. Your Honor, I don't have a reason or a rationale
for the 5 years, but I can tell you that we share the concern
that you mentioned a moment ago about the fact that the card--
me and my company, we attempted to early enroll, and a large
portion of my workforce has their TWIC card already issued to
them, and that card is--the meter is ticking on that card, as I
understand, and we are losing part of the validity of that 5-
year process.
Mr. Green. Absolutely.
Now, back here, ma'am. You said that the Coast Guard will
start a process of utilizing hand-held readers; is that
Ms. Marks. That is correct.
Mr. Green. Are you saying that the pilot has already been
implemented, the reader is in place?
Ms. Marks. No, sir. These are mobile--that have nothing to
do with the card reader pilot. These are literally hand-held
readers to do spot checks until the card reader, as I
understand, but I would recommend you ask the Coast Guard.
Mr. Green. Because I am asking you this--the question is in
this sense: Are you saying that the Coast Guard will have a
device that we will call a reader that will now be able to scan
what we are calling the card and check the biometrics in the
card? Because that is ultimately where we are going. We want a
card with biometric, and we have got a reader that can scan so
that we can connect the card bearer to the card with more than
a visual.
Ms. Marks. That is what I have been led to believe, sir.
Again, I would ask you to talk to the Coast Guard.
Mr. Green. I think I should, and I don't want to hold you
to what the Coast Guard should tell me.
Ms. Sanchez. Mr. Green, just for amplification, that was
asked of the earlier panel which had the rear admiral, and that
is what they are seeking to do; however, they have not. They
don't have a hand-held at this point. It is coming.
Mr. Green. I understand. Madam Chairwoman, as you recall,
it has been coming for some time. It seems that is just
metamorphosed now into a different type of device, because
initially we did not hear about the hand-held that was to be
something more, and now it is something less, and all of this
is moving in some circle, it seems.
Finally, Madam Chairwoman, and I thank you for the time, I
want to ask somewhat of a general question. The time--it seems
that we were having a situation where the wait time on the
phone was 20 minutes and 62 seconds, and I am told now that it
is down to 27 seconds, and that is due to Chairman Thompson
having contacted TSA. Just tell me, has that wait time changed?
I am told that it is 27 seconds now. If it is more than that,
maybe I need to ask the Chairman if he will make another call.
Ms. Marks. Sir, I can answer that since we provide the help
desk. It does average under 30 seconds on a given day, and that
is every day as we speak. We take about 10,000 calls in a given
Mr. Green. Someone else had a hand up. Yes, sir.
Mr. Golding. Yes, sir, Mr. Green, Madam Chairman, I do want
to make one point clear. There have been improvements in this
program. The wait times are shorter for our mariner going to
the facilities. The help desk lines are quicker. The personnel
are more knowledgeable now at the centers now that they have
been at it a while, and our cards are coming faster. So I think
there are genuine improvements to the program.
Where we are still seeing problems, particularly as in the
fingerprinting, our older people for some reason--and females,
those two groups of people are having more trouble with the
sensitivity of the scanner fingerprints. Also computer
glitches, and I know that entails a lot, but that seems to
require multiple trips back at times, which causes a lot of
Addressing one other point with you, Madam Chairman,
regarding the readers on board the boat, I do think that is the
intention, because one of our companies in Mississippi, it is a
member of our organization, is waiting for the pilot program of
the readers to be sent to them so they can put them on board.
So I do think that is the intent is to put readers on board our
There is a tremendous problem going on right now in
miscommunication in the port facilities. They have earlier
compliance dates than we do on board. We are April 15. Some of
the Coast Guard offices have told our mariners that you have
got to have your TWIC card on an earlier date if you are going
to go into New Orleans or if you are going to go into one of
these port facilities or other requirements. I think some real
work in the communication needs to be done, because the Coast
Guard officers have told us themselves you must have an earlier
date if you are going into that port. Well, we are April 15,
down the line for the mariners. So I see that as a
communication problem that is going on right now that does need
clarification. Thank you.
Mr. Green. You have caused me to think of something as you
were talking. Is the TWIC card portable; meaning, can you go
from one port to another and use a card? That is the way it was
supposed to be.
Mr. Golding. Yes, sir.
Mr. Green. But let me ask you this in terms of portability.
Do you find that some ports may have a different twist or tweak
and require a little something more than the card, and as a
result the card does not become the means by which you can
enter?
Mr. Golding. I am not in and out of the port facilities. We
are on and off our vessels. I would have to yield to one of the
port operators.
Mr. Green. I believe Mr. Byrd has a desire to respond.
Mr. Golding. If I could address one thing in relation to
the card that you just brought to mind. When I picked up my
card last week, I was told at the center, don't put it in your
wallet; the credit cards will deactivate the chip. If that is
the case, there may be hundreds of thousands of cards out there
that are deactivated, if that is the case. This young man just
happened to tell me as I was on the way out the door, don't put
it in your wallet. So I just present that for question.
Mr. Green. I can tell you that I had an experience
recently, I went to this big convention out in a place called
Colorado, I need not say more about it, and my card was a
magnetic card for my room in my hotel. I placed it in with my
other cards. That is exactly what happened to me. Exactly what
happened. The cards in my wallet somehow deactivated the card
that was to get me in my room. So I found myself late at night
trying to get somebody to help me--I can imagine what it is
going to be like for a worker who is trying to get--access his
job, and now he has got to go through line A and fill out form
C. Thank you for that. I will remember that. Yes, sir.
Mr. Byrd. Mr. Green, I was just going to respond to the
fact that we do enter and access the ports on the land side. So
what we are experiencing is exactly what you indicated, is the
fact that we are being asked to present and go through
duplicate credentialing and background checks in order to have
access to the ports at this time. As I mentioned, I think
before you entered into the room this morning, from the
trucking industry perspective, we have a concern in the fact
that we are having to go through duplicate background checks,
fingerprint-based criminal history background checks for U.S.
American truck drivers for their hazardous material
endorsement, whereas Mexican and Canadian drivers don't have to
do that. The TWIC represents that process for them, but not the
U.S. drivers.
Mr. Green. The TWIC card is the sole card needed for
persons who are from without the country, and from those who
are within the country you need two cards?
Mr. Byrd. You have to go through two background checks.
Mr. Green. Okay. That is news to me. I appreciate you
sharing that information.
Finally, 14 TWIC centers are down in Texas; is this
Ms. Marks. Two of the fourteen reopened today, sir, but we
are--we, just like everyone in the community, are trying to
bring, obviously, power in the TWIC enrollments in terms of
mobile deployments up as quick as we can.
Mr. Green. What does ``down'' mean? Explain that to me so I
can better understand.
Ms. Marks. I can use an example. In Galveston, the facility
that we were in was significantly damaged by Hurricane Ike. So
we have ensured that the equipment was safe, we have ensured
our personnel are safe. We are clearly concerned with that. Now
we are putting work-around plans in place to figure out where
can we set up a mobile station again that will allow us to
start enrollments again in some of the places impacted by
Hurricane Ike.
Mr. Green. Okay. We have two that have gone back on-line.
So we only have 12 down?
Mr. Green. Any anticipated time that the others will be
back on-line?
Ms. Marks. It varies by location. Again, we hope to open
one of our Houston facilities up again as soon as we get power.
We are prepared today, and we believe that power may come as
soon as Monday.
Mr. Green. Thank you.
Madam Chairwoman, thank you for being so generous with the
Ms. Sanchez. Thank you, Mr. Green.
I have a couple of ending questions for Ms. Marks. The
first one is--well, first I will just say to Mr. Green, you may
have put that card, that magnetic card, actually not against
your other credit cards, but usually it is your phone that
deactivates it. If your phone was anywhere near, that always
manages to demagnetize a card.
Mr. Green. It was.
Ms. Sanchez. It is usually the phone.
But to Ms. Marks on that issue, I have noted that when I
have seen biometric cards, they are not really the type of
card--or the information is not put on the card in the sense of
what we are talking about as far as credit cards or as far as
key--room keys. Do you believe that the TWIC card can be
demagnetized by a phone or by some other means?
Ms. Marks. Madam Chairwoman, thank you for asking and
giving me the opportunity to address that. It cannot be. But
clearly I have some refresher training I need to do in some of
my enrollment locations immediately if that is the guidance
that is being given out. The chip contained on it is not
magnetic. We store data in a different way. Again, that is not
the issue. Thank you.
Ms. Sanchez. That has been my experience when I have seen
the types of chips. That is why I ask.
The last question is about your contract with TSA for the
project. I know that you have a performance-based bonus, which
is the award--called an award fee pool. Are you familiar with
what I am talking about?
Ms. Marks. We have an award fee plan, and that is what we
get measured against.
Ms. Sanchez. So you were given one bonus so far on March
31, 2008, totaling almost $400,000, but you haven't been
awarded a second performance bonus.
What improvements are your teams working on to meet mutual
goals with TSA?
Ms. Marks. Allow me again--it is not a bonus. This is an
award fee. This is our ability--assuming we hit acceptable
quality levels, the ability for us to earn some of that award
fee. It has penalties that go with it as well. For one example,
when we were not hitting the help desk call time, we were
actually penalized of other amounts that we would have earned.
That, again, is a contractual relationship between us and TSA
that we had to give back as well. So they work both ways.
We have eight defined acceptable quality levels that we get
measured against. When we achieve those levels, we then can
start earning the award fee. If we achieve 100 percent of
those--and it is staggered in between--we can do that. The
first award fee period, the majority--half the award fee was on
opening enrollment stations on schedule, which we did. As we
move on through the program, we are now in the second period,
the second 6-month period. During that second 6-month period,
it will all be based on items such as wait time, customer
satisfaction, all objective measurements that TSA measures us
Ms. Sanchez. Great.
I thank all of you for your testimony before our committee
today, and I am sure that some of the Members who were not able
to make the subcommittee hearing may ask in writing some
questions of you all, and I hope you will get back to us and
answer those questions in a quick manner.
The committee is now--I think there might have to be some
official things I have to say. Hold on a moment. Actually, no.
So hearing no further business, this subcommittee stands
[Whereupon, at 12:53 p.m., the subcommittee was adjourned.]
A P P E N D I X
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Rear Admiral James Watson,
Director, Prevention Policy for Marine Safety, Security and
Stewardship, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Question 1. To what extent is the Coast Guard enforcing the TWIC
requirements, including verifying the TWIC holder's identity, at port
facilities where the program has been implemented? Has the Coast Guard
encountered any challenges to enforcing the TWIC requirements?
Answer. The Coast Guard began phasing in Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) implementation at port facilities by
Captain of the Port (COTP) Zones beginning on October 15, 2008, and
continuing through April 15, 2009. Once the TWIC compliance
requirements are established, the Coast Guard will begin enforcing the
requirements in the COTP Zones. Coast Guard personnel will verify TWIC
compliance during announced facility inspections and unannounced
security spot checks. The Coast Guard will also conduct random TWIC
compliance inspections as directed by the COTP based upon risk and
resource allocation. The Coast Guard has not, as of yet, encountered
any challenges to enforcing the TWIC requirements.
Question 2. Why does an applicant for a Coast Guard license or
Merchant Mariner's Document who has gone through the TWIC enrollment
process need to also travel to a Coast Guard Regional Exam Center to be
fingerprinted? Why can't the two agencies that exist within the same
Federal Department share data so a mariner doesn't have to make a third
trip to a Government office to get the credential he or she needs to
earn a living?
Answer. Consolidation of Coast Guard-issued mariner qualification
credentials was proposed in a Supplemental Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking in conjunction with the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) Final Rulemaking on January 25, 2007. The proposal
acknowledges the need to reduce the burden on mariners who now must
apply for and carry a TWIC as well as mariner qualification
credentials. The proposed Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) would
consolidate the Merchant Mariner's Document, license, Certificate of
Registry, and endorsements required by the International Convention on
Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
(STCW), 1978, as amended.
The proposed consolidation proposal includes provisions for the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to supply the Coast Guard
with information collected during TWIC enrollment so the Coast Guard
can eliminate appearance requirements for mariners applying for new
and/or renewal credentials. It also proposed to reduce the fees that
some mariners must pay for their credentials by eliminating the need to
pay for more than one credential. These proposed changes, if
implemented would decrease the number of appearance requires for
Question 3. The January 2007 TWIC rules allow for 30 days of
interim work authority for new hires that have completed the TWIC
enrollment process but have not yet received their TWIC. This can be
extended to 60 days with the approval of the Coast Guard Captain of the
Port. Given that many mariners report that it's taken much longer than
30 days to get a TWIC, and given that work schedules in the many
sectors of the maritime industry require individuals to be on a boat
for 30 days or more, wouldn't it make sense to extend this period to a
blanket 60 days, without requiring companies or mariners to jump
through the hoop of requesting COTP approval?
Answer. In accordance with the regulation (33 CFR 105.257), certain
newly hired employees may be granted entry to secure areas of the
facility for up to 30 consecutive calendar days prior to receiving
their Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) provided
all of the requirements are met, and provided that the new hire is
accompanied by an individual with a TWIC. If the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) does not act upon a TWIC application
within 30 days, the cognizant Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP)
may further extend access to secure areas for an additional 30 days.
Any deviation from this process would require a change to the existing
Question 4. There is the distinct possibility that Lockheed Martin
and TSA will be overwhelmed by a flood of applicants within the next
couple of months and that applicants will be face to wait a significant
amount of time before they can attain a TWIC card. Will the Coast Guard
modify the enforcement dates if TSA and Lockheed Martin are unable to
process application requests in a timely manner?
Answer. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
Final Rule, published on January 25, 2007, stated the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) could not guarantee processing of an
individual's application and issuance of his/her TWIC in less than 30
days. The TSA is currently overseeing 149 TWIC enrollment centers
across the country. To date, the majority of these enrollment centers
have extra capacity to facilitate additional enrollments and
activations prior to compliance beginning in a particular COTP Zone.
It is unlikely that enforcement dates would be changed. We announce
compliance dates in both a press release and in the Federal Register
prior to the compliance date when enforcement begins. By regulation,
announcements must be made 90 days prior to the compliance date;
however we have been announcing as far out as 120 days whenever
possible. Leading up to the compliance date, we increase outreach
efforts to those areas to make every attempt to notify individuals that
TWIC compliance is coming and individuals with a need should obtain a
TWIC. Lead outreach initiatives to date have encouraged maritime
stakeholders, port partners and potential applicants to apply for their
TWIC as early as possible.
Question 5. Two months ago, the National Maritime Security Advisory
Committee (NMSAC) submitted 17 pages of comments and concerns to the
Coast Guard regarding the TWIC program.
Why hasn't the Coast Guard responded to the input?
Answer. The Coast Guard provided responses to questions submitted
by the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC) on
Question 6. How much money is the Coast Guard going to request next
year for hand-held readers?
Answer. On September 18, 2008, the Coast Guard awarded a 48-month
contract to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in
the amount of $2,274,377 to provide training, warranty, help-desk
support and the acquisition of up to 300 hand-held Transportation
Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) readers. Future year funding
needs will be assessed after the hand-held readers are deployed and
evaluated.
Question 7. It is my understanding that in the aftermath of
Hurricane Gustav, the Captain of the Port of New Orleans issued a memo
stating that TWIC holders should be classified as high-priority
personnel and should be allowed onto the port. This was the first time
that the TWIC card had been used in such a way. Will this become
standard operating procedure in the future?
Answer. TWIC was used as a valid identification credential for
individuals who were critical components to the re-establishment of
commerce and re-vitalization of the Port of New Orleans as identified
by the Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP). This action is an option
for future COTPs to assist critical industry and maritime personnel if
re-entry into hurricane-impacted ports becomes hindered. Currently FEMA
is looking at utilizing FIPS-201 interoperable credentials, among other
identity credentials, to support incident management and response. TWIC
is being considered as part of these discussions.
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Maurine Fanguy, Acting
Director, Maritime and Surface Credentialing, Transportation Security
Administration, Department of Homeland Security
Question 1. What is your plan for the post-April 15, 2009 period?
How will you ensure that everyone who needs to get a TWIC after
that date can do so at least as conveniently as today?
enrollment process was developed to support workers both pre- and post-
April 15, 2009. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
established 149 enrollment centers across the United States and in U.S.
territories to serve workers in maritime areas. TSA will continue to
operate centers to support workers in maritime areas, taking into
account feedback from local security partners. It is anticipated that
the number of enrollment centers will not change, however, based on a
hub-and-spoke concept, there may be adjustments to hours and resources
at outlying enrollment centers that are underutilized or where maritime
operations are seasonal in nature. This will allow for a more efficient
use of resources while still accommodating the individual workers.
Question 2. Why should an applicant for a TWIC have to return to
the enrollment center to pick up his or her card when a passport can be
mailed back to the applicant? This seems like a significant burden on
working Americans that can and should be eliminated.
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
established the enrollment and activation process based on national
credentialing and security standards that included a requirement for
workers to biometrically verify their identity at card pick-up. This is
an important security step in the process and completes the ``chain of
trust'' in the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
model. The two-step process was included in the TWIC final rule and the
burden to workers was included in the regulatory evaluation. TSA will
continue to work with Government credentialing and security standards
experts to identify areas for improvement, but there is no plan to
change the process at this time.
Question 3. Given that the TWIC card reader pilot must be completed
and results analyzed before TSA can initiate the second rulemaking,
when do you expect to start the pilot? What are the estimated time
frames for issuing the second rule?
Answer. The Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006
(SAFE Port Act) requires the Department of Homeland Security to issue
final reader regulations no later than 2 years following commencement
of the pilot programs. Those final rules must be consistent with the
findings of the pilot program. The Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) started working with pilot test participants and
developing plans shortly after the SAFE Port Act was enacted. A plan
for a three-phase test was approved in December 2007. The first phase
of that plan included conducting technical tests of the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential readers in a controlled environment.
The first of those tests began on August 20, 2008. On October 7, 2008
the first test results were made available to the pilot test
participants and to the public. These, and other, reader tests will
continue throughout the pilot. TSA expects to conduct field reader
tests at pilot participant vessels and facilities during calendar year
The Coast Guard expects to issue an Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (ANPRM) before the end of the year. An NPRM would follow,
incorporating comments received on the ANPRM and any available pilot
data. We expect to hold public meetings during the comment periods for
both the ANPRM and the NPRM. A final rule would be issued once the
pilot program is completed, as per the SAFE Port Act, taking the
results of the pilot and all comments received into consideration.
Question 4. TSA originally estimated that the TWIC enrollment
contract would cost about $70 million. Since the enrollment population
is greater than originally expected, to what extent has the total
contract cost increased?
Answer. The enrollment portion of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) enrollment services contract is
transaction-based, and our contractor is paid $43.25 per enrollment.
The price per enrollment does not change based on the number of
enrollments. Furthermore, neither the contract ceiling nor the base
period estimated expenditure will change as a result of the potential
increase in the population estimate. The base period estimated
expenditure would accommodate the potential rise in the population
estimate from 850,000 to 1.2 million workers; at $43.25 per enrollment,
this rise equates to an increase from $36,762,500 to $51.9 million; the
remainder of the base period estimated ceiling would then be available
for other activities associated with system maintenance and
enhancements.
Question 5. Is the TWIC enrollment contractor meeting all
performance metrics stipulated in the contract? If not, what metrics
are not being met and why? How has help desk performance and
fingerprint reject metrics changed over time?
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) awarded
Lockheed Martin a performance-based contract that includes Acceptable
Quality Levels (AQLs) directly tied to the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program's enrollment objectives.
Lockheed Martin is currently exceeding all AQLs in accordance with the
Lockheed Martin did not initially meet the AQL for help desk
response times of 3 minutes. A corrective action plan was requested, in
accordance with the Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan (QASP),
which Lockheed Martin provided and implemented. As a result of these
corrective actions, Lockheed is reporting an average response time of 2
minutes or less, which exceeds the AQL.
The fingerprint rejection rate has consistently improved and is
currently less than 1 percent. The fingerprint reject AQL in the
contract is 2 percent.
Question 6. What is TSA's official position on expanding the TWIC
program to other modes of transportation beyond the maritime sector?
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration does not
currently have plans to expand the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential beyond the maritime sector.
Question 7. One of the more controversial TWIC issues has always
been the encryption of fingerprint data. There's been a lot of
discussion about whether encryption would create additional processing
time, increase processing failures and drive up the cost. Despite all
these concerns, DHS decided to go ahead and encrypt the card data. But
now we're finding out that this system may not work. A recent report
from the National Maritime Security Advisory Committee's TWIC Working
Group states:
``It has been discovered that the encryption of the fingerprints on
certain cards was not performed properly which causes the decryption to
fail. No one will know the extent of the problem until those cards that
have been issued are tested.''
Can you talk to me about the extent of the encryption problem and
when will it be fixed? What will happen to the malfunctioning TWIC
cards? Who will pay the additional cost to fix it?
Answer. The incorrect encipherment of the ANSI 378 biometrics
template stored within the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) card application is an extremely rare card issuance
event. According to information provided as recently as October 8,
2008, from the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) prime
contractor, less than 100 records in 600,000 were found to have an
incorrect encipherment. All were identified and corrected, and new
cards were ordered for the impacted workers. TSA and the TWIC prime
contractor have taken steps to reduce this type of fault even further
and, as already stated, are replacing the impacted cards at a cost to
be borne by the program.
Question 8. TSA contractors known as ``Trusted Agents'' enroll
transportation workers who sign up for the TWIC. These people are on
the front lines of the TWIC system. They schedule applicant meetings,
answer their questions, troubleshoot any problems, verify applicants'
personal information and take fingerprints. It's important that they be
well-trained and fully qualified, because their errors can cost someone
a job or even allow a terrorist to slip through the cracks.
Unfortunately, a number of the problems we hear about with the TWIC are
associated with trusted agents. Some of these trusted agents can't find
the TWIC cards when applicants come to pick them up. They can't find
people in the computer system or they don't collect or scan immigration
documents properly.
What kind of training are these people getting? What are the
qualification requirements for trusted agents? Can you assure this
committee that no one working as a trusted agent--or performing trusted
agent duties--has done so while working through a temporary placement
company?
Answer. During the initial contract startup, the Transportation
Security Administration (TSA) provided Lockheed Martin with a
comprehensive Trusted Agent Training Package and conducted the initial
training in support of the initial deployment. The Lockheed Martin
training program is based on this initial TSA training package and
Lockheed Martin continues to conduct training for all Trusted Agents.
In addition, Lockheed Martin is conducting refresher training across
the enrollment sites and provides periodic training updates. Lockheed
Martin does contract with other companies to support the need for
Trusted Agents; the contract does not restrict Lockheed Martin from
using temporary placement companies to support the Trusted Agent
requirements. All Trusted Agents, however, must successfully complete
the Security Threat Assessment necessary to receive a Transportation
Worker Identification Credential and must successfully complete the
additional TSA Security process required of all TSA contractors. All
Trusted Agents must follow the training guidelines and direction
provided by Lockheed Martin. Lockheed Martin has established Area
Coordinators, Field Coordinators, and Trusted Agent Supervisors to
support the management of the Trusted Agents staffing the 149
enrollment sites.
Question 9. It's really common for Americans to move from one part
of the country to another. That's especially true for workers who are
required to have a TWIC. Mariners can leave from one port, spend months
at sea, and return to a completely different port. In fact, I'm aware
of a seafarer who applied for a TWIC in Florida but subsequently moved
to the Great Lakes area. TSA says he's got to go back to Florida to
pick up his TWIC even though he doesn't live there or even work there.
He asked for the paperwork to be transferred, but the answer was no. He
asked for the TWIC to be sent by FedEx, but the answer was no. He
offered to pay for the FedEx fee, but the answer was no. What are
people in this situation supposed to do? If we can mail a passport to
somebody, why can't you mail out a TWIC?
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has
received a number of requests by workers to pick up their
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) at a different
enrollment location other than the site where they initially enrolled.
We have identified the requests for those individuals who are now at
the October compliance ports, and Lockheed Martin is sending the TWIC
cards to the requested location. In addition, we are working with
Lockheed Martin on a solution that will allow the capability for
transportation workers to request a change in the pick-up location.
This solution is expected to be implemented in the near future. In the
meantime, we will continue to support the requests with a priority
going to those individuals where the compliance date has been
announced.
Unlike a passport that can be mailed directly to the individual, it
is necessary for the individual worker to return to an enrollment site
to activate his/her TWIC and to ensure the TWIC is working properly.
TSA established the enrollment and activation process based on national
trust'' in the TWIC model. The two-step process was included in the
TWIC final rule and the burden to workers was included in the
regulatory evaluation. TSA will continue to work with Government
credentialing and security standards experts to identify areas for
improvement, but there is no plan to change the process at this time.
Question 10. It is my understanding that many workers are unfairly
denied a TWIC by TSA based on inaccurate and unreliable criminal
history information because 50 percent of the FBI's records are
incomplete. What steps are being taken to clean up these databases and
what role does TSA have in ensuring that the information that this
information is accurate?
Answer. No person has been unfairly denied a Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) based on inaccurate or unreliable
information. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) affords
all TWIC applicants the opportunity to correct criminal records that
are inaccurate or that have not been updated before a decision is made
to either issue or deny a TWIC. In the case of a potential criminal
disqualification, TSA sends the applicant a letter stating that he or
she may not be eligible for a TWIC and lists the criminal record on
which we are relying. We invite the applicant to appeal this initial
determination and notify us if the criminal record is inaccurate within
60 days (or more if the applicant requests an extension of time to
reply). It is only after an applicant is given every opportunity to
utilize our redress process that TSA makes a determination as to
whether or not an applicant is eligible for a TWIC. TSA is able to
grant the overwhelming majority of appeals because applicants provide
us with corrected criminal records that show the applicant to be
eligible for a TWIC.
TSA has no role in the maintenance of or standards concerning the
national repository for criminal history records criminal history. The
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), through the Criminal Justice
Information Service (CJIS), maintains and has established submission
guidelines for the States and Federal law enforcement agencies to
follow. TSA staff has participated in working group meetings led by the
Compact Council (the national independent authority that sets policy in
this area) to discuss how the CJIS data may be improved.
Question 11a. Currently, workers who do not speak English as their
first language are having problems filling out the paperwork and
submitting this information at the TWIC enrollment centers because of
the absence of any meaningful policy to provide translated multi-
lingual services and interpreters, even at the ports with the largest
immigrant populations.
Please tell me what specific analysis TSA has done to determine the
need for multilingual services, beyond allowing workers to bring
friends and family members to help translate.
Answer. When the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
conducted economic and related analyses for the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) rulemaking, we discovered that there
is very little data available on the people who enter maritime
facilities and vessels. This view was generally articulated by all of
the security partners who participated in the rulemaking process. As a
result, the TSA has no specific numbers on TWIC applicants who may be
considered to have limited English Proficiency (LEP).
Question 11b. Are you aware that the Department of Justice's
guidance on complying with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
strongly cautions against allowing non-qualified personnel, like family
and friends, to translate especially in cases, like the TWIC program,
which involve disclosures of sensitive personnel information, like
criminal records and immigration status, and highly technical rules and
policies?
It is my understanding that TSA and Lockheed Martin are relying on
families and friends to translate information and I would like to know
if the current system is in compliance with Title VI.
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration is aware of the
Department of Justice (DOJ) guidance on this issue. Section 2 of the
Executive Order, entitled ``Federally Conducted Programs and
Activities'' provides that each Federal agency must work to ensure that
persons with limited English proficiency (LEP) have meaningful access
to the agency's programs and activities. The DOJ Guidance on the
Executive Order discusses a variety of tools that agencies may use to
meet the spirit of the Order, including translating important documents
and permitting LEP persons to use their own interpreters. For the
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, we have
incorporated both of these suggested tools in the enrollment process.
The TWIC Program provides communications materials in Spanish and
English. Our pre-enrollment web site is offered in Spanish and English,
as well as our help desk services. The TWIC Disclosure Form has been
translated into 13 languages based on input from our security partners
and ``field-testing'' and these have been placed on the web site. Also,
as indicated on the disclosure form, TWIC applicants who are not
proficient in English may bring a translator to enrollment to assist in
completing the process. We continue to research other ways to assist
individuals who have limited English proficiency, and work closely with
our security partner groups such as the National Employment Law Project
(NELP) and our TWIC Stakeholder Communications Committee (TSCC) to
gather recommendations and feedback.
Question 12a. It is my understanding that TSA does not know how
many truckers will be required to attain a TWIC and that the Agency has
only recently increased its outreach to the trucking population.
Why doesn't TSA have this information?
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) originally
conducted population estimates by working with academia, industry
security partners, trade associations, labor unions, and other
Government agencies to develop an initial population estimate for all
maritime transportation workers, including truckers, who may require a
Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Nearly 700,000
trucking companies operate in the United States and provide short-haul,
long-haul, and drayage services and meet pre-planned, as well as just-
in-time delivery requirements. The fluidity and mobility of the
trucking industry add to the complexity of developing population
estimates for truckers who require a TWIC.
Question 12b. Are you confident that 100 percent of the truckers in
this country are aware of the fact that they will have to get a TWIC
card if they transport cargo to and from maritime facilities?
Answer. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has worked
closely with the Coast Guard to ensure that truck drivers are aware of
the TWIC requirement and are prepared prior to compliance. In New
England, Coast Guard, in coordination with terminal operators,
conducted pre-compliance checks to ensure that truck drivers were
informed and ready for the new requirement. When compliance went into
effect on October 15, 2008, TSA and Coast Guard received positive
reports about trucker readiness from field personnel. Nearly all truck
drivers presented a TWIC for entry to the terminals. TSA will continue
to work closely with Coast Guard to conduct pre-compliance activities
at all ports to ensure awareness and readiness.
TSA has conducted extensive outreach to maritime transportation
workers, including truckers who transport cargo to and from maritime
facilities. In addition, the Transportation Worker Identification
Credential (TWIC) Final Rule requires that owners and operators inform
their workers of the need for a TWIC. Coast Guard Captain of the Ports
have also conducted extensive local outreach to facility owners and
operators, Area Maritime Security Committees, and regional trucking
companies, to ensure this traditionally non-maritime population is
aware of TWIC.
TSA's communication campaign has included multiple outreach
efforts, including:
A national TWIC Stakeholder Communications Committee (TSCC)
that includes representatives from trucking-related industry
associations and labor unions, such as the American Trucking
Associations (ATA), Intermodal Association of North America
(IANA), Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA),
AFL-CIO, and the Teamsters. This group meets approximately
every month to review progress and answer stakeholder
E-mail communication with over 7,000 industry security
partners on a nearly weekly basis.
Attendance at national and local security partner meetings,
conferences, and workshops, including trucking-specific
meetings sponsored by industry associations and State trucking
Participation in locally sponsored TWIC working groups that
include trucking companies and drivers.
Advertising in trucking trade publications.
Local media events with locally known industry members and
elected representatives to promote TWIC enrollment and
Satellite radio call-in programs.
Press releases tailored to drive local media attention.
Port-specific outreach brochures and flyers.
Industry-specific promotional materials, including specific
flyers for trucking, rail, mariner populations.
United States Coast Guard local exercises to promote
enrollment and compliance-readiness through spot checks at
access control points.
Question 13. Railroad personnel will also be required to attain
TWICs and it is my understanding that many of these men and women are
unaware of this obligation.
What outreach have you done with this community?
Have you spoken with all of the labor organizations representing
this large segment of the transportation population?
Answer. The Coast Guard and the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) have met on numerous occasions with the American
Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA), which represents
over 500 shortline operators across the country, and the American
Association of Railroads (AAR), which represents all Class I freight
railroads in the United States. The Coast Guard and TSA have attended
national and regional meetings with railroad operators and security
personnel, to discuss the requirements of the Transportation Worker
Identification Credential (TWIC) program, and provided maps of all
facilities regulated by the Coast Guard pursuant to the Maritime
Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA) in North America to
facilitate their planning. Both the AAR and ASLRRA have been proactive
in ensuring the railroad operators are aware of the TWIC program and
their responsibility to ensure that personnel who need unescorted
access to secure areas of certain facilities must possess a TWIC. It is
important to note that railroad employees are not specifically required
by law or regulation to obtain a TWIC due to their occupation alone. As
with other forms of transportation, such as trucking, the TWIC
regulations impact all individuals who require unescorted access to
secure areas of facilities or vessels which are regulated under MTSA.
Currently, there are over 3,200 maritime facilities regulated pursuant
to MTSA and over 10,000 vessels.
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Stephen M. Lord, Acting
Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, Government Accounting
Question 1. One of the challenges you reference in your testimony
is the rate of enrollment, do you think that Department will be able to
successfully overcome this challenge and meet the April 15 deadline?
Answer. While about 498,000 enrollments (41 percent) out of an
Assuming current enrollment rates of about 45,000 workers per month,
and as highlighted in the testimony, TSA could experience an enrollee
shortfall of several hundred thousand workers by the April 15, 2009
enrollment deadline. While it is difficult to predict whether TSA will
successfully overcome this enrollment challenge, and whether additional
resources will be devoted to help address this enrollment issue, we
will continue to monitor enrollment trends as part of our on-going TWIC
Question 2. Your written testimony references TSA's inability to
successfully predict the number of TWIC applicants. What went wrong?
Why was TSA unable to successfully identify the number of individuals
who would be required to obtain a TWIC?
Answer. According to the TWIC program director, it is difficult to
estimate how many individuals will enroll in the program as no
association, port owner, or Government agency previously tracked this
information. It is difficult to estimate the numbers of some types of
workers requiring TWICs at individual facilities, such as truckers,
since they operate independently and are sometimes engaged in
transporting activities at several ports. We are encouraged that TSA
and its contractor are taking additional steps to update enrollment
estimates for the Ports of Houston, New York, Baton Rouge, Los Angeles,
and Long Beach.
Question 3. The second challenge you reference is technology and
the testing needed to ensure that the readers will be fully
operational. What steps should TSA take to maximize the lessons learned
from the testing that is currently on-going in South Carolina?
Answer. As highlighted in the hearing, we believe that TSA should
carefully test the TWIC technology before fully deploying it. We are
encouraged that TSA is conducting tests of the TWIC technology to
ensure that it can operate effectively in the harsh maritime
environment and in a variety of vessels and port facilities. TWIC's
economic impact on commerce is also being evaluated. As part of our
current review, we will review TSA's testing and assessment of
biometric card readers and other access control technologies in the
maritime environment. A primary objective of the tests is to assess the
effect that using TWIC for biometric verification of identity,
credential authentication, and validation would have on the flow of
commerce. According to TSA's plans, it will need to develop and
promulgate a second rule to govern the use of these readers by ports
and vessels. It will also need to establish a reader conformance
testing program to support future acquisitions. To accomplish these
objectives, TSA will need to carefully structure its tests to ensure
that it will be able to collect the needed data to support these future
decisions and activities. For example, to assess the effect on the flow
of commerce, TSA will need to compare entrance processes and times,
e.g., the number of seconds per transaction, using TWIC readers with
baseline conditions that do not currently use TWIC readers.
Question 4. TSA is going to begin TWIC enforcement before the fixed
readers are in place. Why do you think it has taken so long for the
Department to test the reader technology and rollout a complete program
instead of giant flash-pass?
Answer. Our current and prior work has identified a number of
program challenges related to testing and the program roll-out.
According to the program documentation we reviewed, the pilot tests
will end in late 2009. However, we have not assessed whether this is a
reasonable amount of time for completing these tests. Our final report
will provide an update on the results of these tests, and the time
taken to complete these tests.
Question 5. TSA has not yet established an end date for the reader
pilot test. How long should this pilot last and what should TSA do with
the information that it gains from the pilot?
Answer. TSA's TWIC program schedule indicates that the pilot tests
will be completed in late 2009. At the hearing, the Coast Guard
representative indicated that the draft rule would be issued soon after
the hearing, that is, before the results of the pilot tests are
available. It is important that the technology be fully tested before
it is deployed, and that the results of the tests be used to help
inform the development of the second rule. We will continue to monitor
this issue as part of our on-going TWIC review.
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Judith Marks, President,
Transportation and Security Solutions, Lockheed Martin Corporation
Question 1. How much money has Lockheed Martin spent on outreach,
enrollment, screening, and other activities?
Answer. Response was not provided at the time of publication.
How will you ensure that everyone who needs to get a TWIC after that
date can do so at least as conveniently as today?
Question 3. It is my understanding that TSA is currently
considering whether or not it should give your company an award fee for
the work it has done these past months. Do you believe that Lockheed
Martin has earned this fee and if so, why?
Question 4. One of the issues raised today is the requirement to
return to the Lockheed Martin enrollment center to pick up the TWIC
cards. Many folks have argued that if the State Department can mail
passports then the Homeland Security Department should be able to mail
TWIC cards instead of requiring a second trip to the enrollment
facility. Do you support the concept of mailing the TWIC cards to the
applicants?
Question 5. It is my understanding that TWIC applicants have to
pick up their TWIC cards at the place in which they enrolled. What
happens if they move? Why can't Lockheed Martin send their card to the
enrollment center that is closest to their new home?
Question 6. This morning we learned that Lockheed Martin has not
made the application process available to workers who do not speak
English as their first language, even though many ports, and especially
the truck drivers who work there, have limited English proficiency.
That includes the failure to hire qualified bilingual staff, especially
in major ports with large immigrant populations, translate educational
materials into critical languages, and other safeguards required of
Government contractors under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Please tell us what specific analysis you have done to determine your
obligations under Title VI at the various ports and what steps you have
taken to provide multilingual services?
Question 7. We have heard from several witnesses about serious
problems with the training of Lockheed Martin's ``trusted agents'' and
the failure to collect all the proper citizenship and immigration
paperwork so workers are not denied their TWIC. What type of training
is provided to your employees?
Question 8. Fourteen TWIC enrollment centers were closed because of
the destruction wrought by Hurricane Ike. What steps have been taken to
bring these centers back on-line?
Question 9. In the short history of your firm's involvement with
TWIC, there have been significant concerns raised about process and
delays. Your firm underestimated the level of support that would be
required for workers to complete the TWIC enrollment process. Can you
assure me that you will devote the necessary resources to assist the
projected 1.5 million transportation workers who will need these cards?
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Stephanie Bowman, Manager,
Federal Government Affairs, Port of Tacoma
Question 1. In your written testimony, you reference problems with
the fingerprint readers at the enrollment centers. Please provide us
with more information about this issue.
Question 2. Every time I talk with my constituents about the TWIC
program, I hear about a lack of communication. What is happening at
your port?
Question 3. According to your written testimony, the Port of Tacoma
has developed is own guidelines for escorting personnel. What guidance
has the Department given you with regards to this issue?
Question 4. What guidance has TSA given your port with regards to
TWIC enrollment after the initial phase is completed?
Question 5. How much money and how long will it cost to install
readers at your port?
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Philip L. Byrd, Sr., President
and CEO, Bulldog Hiway Express
Question 1. In your written testimony, you stress the need for the
Federal TWIC to be the one-and-only transportation security ID. Why is
this important? Why shouldn't individual States be allowed to have
their own ID?
Question 2. How many different types of background checks do your
drivers currently undergo?
Answer. At Bulldog Hiway Express our drivers are subject to the
following background checks:
HME for the CDL
Individual sea port I.D. pass background checks.
This constitutes approximately 12 port I.D.'s for my company.
Question 3. It is my understanding that there has been limited
outreach to the trucking community with regards to the upcoming TWIC
enforcement deadline. What type of outreach has been done in South
Carolina?
Answer. I personally feel that the outreach to the community has
been adequate concerning the upcoming enforcement deadlines.
Question 4. On average, how many times have your drivers had to go
to their respective TWIC enrollment centers?
Answer. On average our drivers have had to make 2 trips to the
enrollment center, and one trip to our office for pre-enrollment. We
still have several drivers that have not received their TWIC card that
date back to the first quarter of 2008.
Question 5. On average, how long has it taken your drivers to
attain a TWIC?
Answer. On average it has taken 2.5 months for our drivers to
attain a TWIC.
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Steve Golding, President,
Golding Barge Line
Question 1. What are the biggest problems your employees/members
are experiencing with TWIC enrollment?
Answer. Our employees are experiencing some fingerprint reader
difficulty. This is particularly true with our older mariners. Several
of our employees have been told that they could not pick up their TWIC
cards because the office that they went to was experiencing ``computer
glitches''. Overall the TWIC enrollment process has improved from what
it was 6 months ago.
Question 2. How long, in your experience, does it take from the
time a mariner applies for a TWIC to the time he or she is notified
that the TWIC is ready for pickup?
Answer. The time that a mariner applies for a TWIC card until they
actually are notified that the card is ready for pick-up has greatly
improved. It is now down to about a 2-week average time.
Question 3. Can you describe the changes your company has had to
make to deal with the TWIC requirements? How have they affected your
employees? Tell us about the typical Golding Barge employee who needs a
TWIC and what this requirement has meant to him or her.
Answer. The TWIC process is another obstacle to a new prospective
employee choosing a career in the barge industry. Oftentimes we have to
ask them to travel 2-6 hours round-trip from their home to the nearest
enrollment center to apply, and then ask them to return for a second
trip to pick up their card. It becomes another barrier to their entry
into our industry. Most of the time the applicant needs a job as fast
as he can find it. By adding this traveling and returning to the center
to pick up the card, we have made it harder for us to attract new
hires. We desperately need to alleviate the second trip back to a TWIC
center to pick up the cards. There has to be a secure way to get these
cards back to the mariner like a passport is done.
We need to create more venues to allow a new hire to more
conveniently enroll for a TWIC card. It is not uncommon for a new hire
to have a 6-hour round-trip drive to the nearest TWIC center to get his
or her card. We desperately need to be able to apply for these cards in
post offices, airports, and Coast Guard offices so that we do not put
up more obstacles toward our prospective new employees choosing our
We need the Coast Guard to be able to extend the interim work
authority from 30 days to 60 days without having to get this approval
from the ``Captain of the Port'' on each individual case. When we have
a new employee and put him on the boat, he is gone for a 30-day period.
He will normally get a notice that his new card is ready to be picked
up between his 10th and 20th day on the boat. He may be 1,000 miles
away from the TWIC center that he enrolled in and in the middle of his
30-day hitch. We do not let our mariners get off the boat during their
30-day hitch unless it is an absolute emergency. We will constantly be
applying for a 60-day interim work authority on our new hires so that
he or she can pick up their TWIC card on their ``days off'' after their
first 30-day hitch. The work schedule of 30 days on and 15 days off
just do not match up for only a 30-day work authority. We desperately
need the 60 days to be made automatic on all new hires so that we do
not have to keep going to the captain of the port and requesting the
60-day authority.
Question 4. Why do you think that card readers aren't necessary on
towing vessels?
Answer. Card readers have no place and serve absolutely no purpose
on an inland towboat. We only carry a crew of six on our boats and
every 2 weeks we only have 3 mariners getting off for crew change, and
three getting on. This crew change is all the interchange of people
that are coming and going on our vessels. Our crews are all very close
friends, or they are related. They live with each other on-board for 8
months out of the year and are only at home for 4 months out of the
year. They know each other better than they know their own families. In
most cases, they are more like family than co-workers. All of my crew
members feel as thought it would be like having to go through a card
reader to come into your own home. The boat is home to my crews and we
want it to feel that way. These readers were designed for busy port
facilities where dozens of people are coming and going each day. The
crews on our towing vessels live together for 8 months out of the year
and need no reader to come back to their homes after being off for 2
weeks vacation.
Questions From Hon. Loretta Sanchez for Laura Moskowitz, Staff
Attorney, National Employment Law Project (NELP)
Question 1a. In your written testimony, you talk about how workers
are unfairly denied a TWIC by TSA based on inaccurate and unreliable
criminal history information because 50 percent of the FBI's records
are incomplete. That happens mostly because the States fail to update
the status of arrest records to let the FBI know if there has in fact
been a conviction.
Why is this a problem for workers applying for a TWIC card and what
can TSA do right away to fix it?
Question 1b. What steps should the FBI take to fix its databases?
Question 2. According to your written testimony, many workers with
criminal records are afraid to apply for a TWIC, which may have
something to do with the low enrollment rates. In your experience
providing training to workers and helping in various ports, what is the
most important thing that TSA and Lockheed Martin can do right away to
get at this serious problem?
Question 3a. We heard today, that even U.S. citizens are having a
hard time navigating the process with Lockheed Martin's ``trusted
agents'' and with TSA to prove that they are qualified for a TWIC.
How often does this happen in your experience?
Question 3b. What should Lockheed Martin and TSA do right away to
ensure that all eligible workers in this situation are not denied the
TWIC and made to jump through so many hoops that they are discouraged
from applying or appealing?
Question 4. Many non-native English speakers are struggling to fill
out the TWIC paperwork and many of these individuals are having to rely
on their friends and family to translate for them. In your experience,
how often is this happening and where is this occurring?
Question 5. Over the past several months, you have helped many
transportation workers track down missing paperwork so that they can
appeal an initial disqualification. On average, how much time does it
take and how much does it cost to track down this information?
Question 6. In your testimony, you highlight the current flaws with
the administration's databases and watchlists--flaws that have made it
more difficult for a former Navy reservist--a U.S. citizen--to obtain a
TWIC card. What should the administration do to fix us this problem?
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Internet Connections and Services for Schools
ICT Technician Support for Schools and Academies
ICT Managed Services for Schools
ICT Installation for Schools
ICT Consultation for Schools
We are a family ran business based in Leicestershire, founded by James and Sarah Crowhurst in 2014. In 2016 we became a Limited company and now we employ several staff. The company has grown over the years to support several schools in Leicestershire, plus supply equipment to schools all across the country. We pride ourselves on coming from an educational background, therefore we fully understand the needs of schools and the issues they face around ICT.
James Crowhurst
James has been working with ICT in schools since 1999 and has helped many schools by supporting their ICT infrastructure. James has also helped many schools grow and evolve their ICT to keep up with modern changes in computing. James became a qualified HLTA in 2008 and has taught Computing in primary schools since then. He also helps schools develop their curriculum to meet the new computing curriculum requirements. He also runs training sessions (for teachers, Teaching Assistants and ITT trainee teachers) helping to develop confidence in others.
Sarah Crowhurst
Sarah has been working in schools since 2003 and qualified as a primary school teacher in 2006. In 2012, Sarah became an ICT coordinator for her school and has helped trial and develop many new ICT initiatives. These include helping her school to incorporate Google and Chromebooks and, more recently, she trailed using Apple iPad Pro's as a sole teaching device. Sarah has ran many code clubs over the years which are often over subscribed. She often runs training sessions (for teachers, teaching assistants and ITT trainee teachers) helping to develop confidence in using devices and software.
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Jawbone introduces new ‘Mini Jambox’ Bluetooth speaker for $179
Cody Lee on September 4, 2013
First there was the Jambox. Then there was the larger, aptly-named Big Jambox. And today Jawbone announced the Mini Jambox. The mini is the company’s third entry into the portable Bluetooth space, helping round out the Jambox line.
But don’t let the ‘Mini’ name fool you. It’s actually not that much smaller than the original Jambox, with virtually the same height and width. In fact, the only dimension you’ll notice a difference in is depth—they’ve shaved about 1/3 of it off…
Still, the Mini’s smaller size makes a big difference: Jawbone advertises it as pocketable. And, despite the compact casing, the company says you’ll still enjoy major sound from the speaker’s two internal drivers, and the same 10-hour battery life.
From Jawbone’s press release:
“Jawbone’s rich history of expertise in design, technology, hardware and software has allowed us to deliver a speaker that’s smaller, lighter and louder than ever before,” said Yves Behar, chief creative officer for Jawbone. “Its unibody aluminum chassis is a complete redesign of our iconic JAMBOX and our most avant-garde speaker design yet, allowing us to pack even more sound and technology into a significantly smaller and more portable package.”
Inside its compact nine-ounce package, an airtight enclosure features two neodymium drivers and a passive bass radiator to produce the highest-quality sound for its size. Using advanced digital signal processing technology, MINI JAMBOX is optimized to play all types of audio content and all genres of music with the fullest sound possible – movies, games, voice, and music from hip hop to classical. A built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers up to 10 hours of continuous playback and 75 hours of standby time on a single charge.”
Additionally, Jawbone says that it’s also launching an all-new mobile app for iOS and Android. Not only does the app allow you to tweak your Jambox settings on the go, but it also let’s you add and stream playlists from Rdio, Spotify and other services.
The Mini Jambox is available for pre-order today, in 9 cool colors, for $179.99 from Jawbone’s website. And it will be available at other major retailers later this month. I love the way it looks, but I’m going to wait to hear how it sounds before I commit.
What do you think of the Mini?
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Posts Tagged ‘Google Pixel 3 XL’
Google Pixel 3 XL Running Android Q Spotted On Geekbench
With the smartphone cycle for 2018 almost coming to an end, all that we can look forward to as of now is software updates. Possibly the biggest software update in the mobile industry is that of the Android OS. Each year, users wait for the lates version of their beloved OS to see what changes it brings. And now, a Google Pixel 3 XL running on Android Q has been spotted on Geekbench.
Android Pie was announced back in June this year and starting rolling out to devices only around October. Even almost a month after the rollout started, few devices run the latest Android version. In fact, most of the new phones do not run Android 9 Pie out of the box, which is also very [...]
Google Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL Price And Availability In India
The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones were launched at an event held a few days back. The flagship devices have some new features, certain design changes which cannot be called great and other updates. Along with the Pixel devices, Google also launched the Pixel Slate, Google Home Hub and the Pixel Stand. However, only the Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Stand will be available in India as of now.
Pre-order the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL here
Pixel 3 & 3 XL Specifications
The Pixel 3 has a 5.5 inch FHD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio and a pixel density of 443 ppi. The 3 XL has a bigger, 6.3 inch FHD+ display with an 18:5:9 aspect ratio and a pixel [...]
Google Camera App APK Available For Download
It has just been a few hours since the Pixel 3 and 3 XL launch and we are seeing the Google Camera app APK popping up on the internet. The APK won’t have all the features that a Pixel 3 device can utilise and most devices haven’t been listed in the Google Camera Port list yet.
The first thing that one notices is the redesigned UI. Swiping right opens up options for slow motion, Panorama, Photo Sphere, Portrait, AR Stickers, Lens and Settings. Instead of appearing as a list, it now appears as round icons on the bottom half of the screen. The bottom half also has the Camera, Video and More options. This looks much cleaner and makes it easier [...]
Google Pixel 3 And Pixel 3 XL Launched
Google has launched the highly anticipated Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices at the Made By Google event today. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are exactly what we saw in the numerous leaks leading up the the event. However, they do carry features and improvements which we did not know.
The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL devices sport a familiar design with a matt finish back and rounded edges. The rear of the device houses the single camera lens, LED flash and fingerprint sensor. The front of the Pixel 3 XL is a bit different, with a huge notch, which Google claims provides more screen real estate to users.
They feature Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the screen for [...]
Google Pixel 3 XL Goes On Sale Before Official Launch
There have been multiple instances where the upcoming Google Pixel 3 XL has leaked online. The device is set to launch officially on 9th October at a NYC event. Previously a leaker who goes by the name of Rozetked shared a hands on video of the Pixel 3 on Youtube. And now a Hong Kong based retailer is selling the Pixel 3 XL even before its official launch. The alleged Pixel 3 XL was available for HK$15,880 or around Rs 1,50,000. Engadget, got their hands on one such unit and have tested the device thoroughly.
Google Pixel 3 XL Via Rozetked
The reporters at Engadget state that the Pixel 3 XL is a solid and well-built [...]
‘Top Shot’ Leaked For Google Pixel 3
With just a few days to go for the Launch Event, yet another leaks reveals more about the Google Pixel 3. While extensive leaks have already covered the vital specs of the device, this new leak shows off some features of the device. They were spotted in what seems to be a catalogue for Google devices. The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will feature a ‘Top Shot’ feature and a ‘face down’ feature. Also spotted in the same leak is the upcoming Google Home Hub device.
Also Read: New Leak Shows Off Sand Pink Pixel 3 And Pixel 3 XL
The new Top Shot feature in the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL lets you capture the perfect shot every time, according to [...]
Google Pixel 3 XL Detailed Unboxing Video Surfaces, Tells It All
There have been multiple instances when the upcoming Google Pixel 3 XL has leaked. The device will be the latest flagship offering from Google. An earlier leak covered extensive hands-on images of the device. Earlier, the non-released device was up for grabs on the black market for 2000$. And a famous Russian leaker got his hands on one unit. Now, he has made a video demonstrating a hands-on experience with the phone.
The device has a massive 6.7 inch screen along with a notch and thin bezels. It is powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset with the Adreno 630 GPU. Details about the RAM and storage are still unclear. Though, Google might go with 8GB of RAM [...]
Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL Leak, Showcasing A New Feature
The past few months have been filled with leaks about the Google Pixel 3 and the Google Pixel 3 XL. So much so that we have reached a point where the only thing which is unknown is the price at which these devices will be sold. A few weeks back, a conspiracy theory hinted that these leaks might be fake and the we might encounter an entirely different device.
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The Google Pixel 3 XL Might Not Be What We Expected: Possible Surprise From Google
Over the past month, we saw a series of leaks which seem to have set the entire Google Pixel 3 XL device bare before us. The leaked devices went through tests, photoshoots and even elaborate unboxing videos. Numbers regarding the performance, design and features of the device are all over the internet. But, two recent events have us thinking that the Pixel 3 XL might not be anything close to what we’ve seen in the leaks.
To know about all the Pixel 3 leaks till date: Google Pixel 3 & Pixel 3 XL -All You Need To Know
No Bezels, No Notch:
The first incident which hints at such a possibility is a video on YouTube. We know that a YouTube video cannot be a trusted [...]
Google Pixel 3XL Spotted With A Notch In White Colour
Google launched the Nexus 6P smartphone on 29th September 2015. Despite the fact that the Nexus line of smartphones did well in the market, Google pulled the plug on the lineup. The very first device in this lineup was the Google Nexus One, manufactured by HTC. After the discontinuation of Nexus, Google launched the Pixel smartphones. The Pixel devices replaced the Nexus devices to become the premium flagship smartphone offered by Google. However, Google still relies on other manufacturers to provide the hardware for the smartphones. The Google Pixel, first in the Pixel line of devices, launched on 20th October 2016 was manufactured by HTC as was the Pixel 2. However, the bigger [...]
Google Pixel 3 XL Renders Reveal A Thick Chin, A Notch And Colourful Power Buttons
With a few major smartphone launches of 2018 done and dusted, we are now looking forward to three more. Samsung will launch the Galaxy Note9 in August followed by Apple hosting its annual launch event in September. In October, Google will launch the Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL. The Pixel 3 XL has been in the news recently and new renders of the device reveal its design and the possible colour variants it’ll be available in.
Rumours of the Pixel 3 devices sporting a notch revved up after the first developer’s preview of Android P rolled out. Many believed that Google adding support for a notch is a hint at the fact that its own smartphone lineup will adopt the [...]
Google Pixel 3 XL With A Notch Leaked In Live Images
Google will launch its next generation of Pixel devices in October this year. In this year’s first Android P developer’s preview, Google introduced the support for different types of notches. This gave rise to speculations that the upcoming Google Pixel devices would also have a notch, just like many other Android devices in 2018. New images of a Pixel 3 XL prototype seemingly confirm those speculations as the smartphone is sporting a notch in the images.
Two images, one of the front and one of the back of the Pixel 3 XL have been leaked online. The front of the smartphone looks eerily similar to other Android smartphones like the OnePlus 6 and Huawei P20 Pro. The [...]
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Flanders lineup announced
Tour of Flanders News
Michal Golas
Gianni Moscon
Luke Rowe
Ian Stannard
See more details +
Team Sky will head to the Tour of Flanders with a strong lineup as the Classics season builds momentum.
The second Monument of the year (April 1) is one of the biggest one-day races in the world, routinely drawing huge Belgian crowds.
Team Sky head into the 264.7-kilometre test with a strong seven man squad: Michal Golas, Christian Knees, Michal Kwiatkowski, Gianni Moscon, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Dylan van Baarle.
Michal Kwiatkowski returns to the cobbles following a strong start to the season that includes overall victories at Volta ao Algarve and Tirreno-Adriatico.
Dylan van Baarle has finished sixth and fourth in the last two editions of ‘De Ronde’, while Gianni Moscon was the team’s best placed rider in Flanders 12 months ago.
Brits Ian Stannard and Luke Rowe both pack plenty of firepower, with Michal Golas and Christian Knees completing the squad with a wealth of experience.
Servais Knaven
It’s a tough battle but that’s why it’s so beautiful if you can win it.
“It’s one of the biggest races of the year so of course everyone is really up for it," explained Sport Director Servais Knaven.
“We’re going to do a bit of a recon tomorrow (Friday). The guys know the roads but it helps you get in the zone and we can also check out some parts of the course that have changed a bit. The riders are really ready for it and most of them having been racing in Belgium already in the last week. We also get Kwiato in and he’ll do his first race on the cobbles this year. Everyone is really excited.
“We have a very strong lineup. If you look at Gianni, Kwiato, Dylan, Luke, Ian and then the super helpers Christian and Michal – I think we have a really good team who can ride well and protect the leaders on the flat and between the climbs. Then we have a few cards to play in the pre-final and the final.
“It is a difficult race and it’s not easy to win. Let’s see how it plays out on Sunday and where the race is decided. It could be a bit earlier over Kwaremont, Paterberg, Koppenberg. But we’ve also seen a lot that the final two climbs have been decisive. Then it’s all about the legs so we’ll see how it is when we get there.
“But I have a good feeling. The guys are ready and we’ll go for the win. But so will everyone else! It’s a tough battle but that’s why it’s so beautiful if you can win it.”
Knees retires from racing to take new Grenadiers role
Thanks Froomey
Ian Stannard forced to retire
Carapaz excited heading into third week
News Vuelta a Espana
Brailsford full of praise for Tao and Giro approach
News Giro d'Italia
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Home » Science » Nikola Tesla – Biography, Inventions
Nikola Tesla – Biography, Inventions
Posted on September 8, 2015 Author Editor 1
In 1884, a poor Serbian outsider named Nikola Tesla touched base in the United States. Though he was poor in this present world’s merchandise, he was rich in thoughts that ended in lightning up the United States and the whole world. He was a Serbian American innovator, electrical architect, mechanical engineer, physicist, and a futurist.
“The present is theirs; the future, for which I really worked, is mine.” –Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla’s Appearance
As indicated by Hugo Gernsback, Tesla had a striking physical appearance more than six feet tall with profound set eyes and a stately way. His impressions of Tesla, were of a man invested with striking physical and mental freshness, prepared to astonish the world with more creations as he became more established. A long lasting single guy, he drove a fairly detached presence, dedicating his full energies to science.
Tesla’s Writings
Tesla composed numerous self-portraying articles for the noticeable journal Electrical Experimenter, gathered in the book, My Inventions. Tesla was skilled with extraordinary forces of perception and outstanding memory from ahead of schedule youth on. He found himself able to completely build, create and flawless his inventions totally in his brain before conferring them to paper.
Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison
Tesla arrived the United States with minimal garments on his back and a letter of prologue to a celebrated international inventor and business magnate Thomas Edison, whose DC-based electrical works were quick turning into the standard in the nation. Edison employed Tesla, and the two men were soon living up to expectations eagerly close by one another, making upgrades to Edison’s developments.On the other hand, a while later, the two went separate ways because of a clashing business-experimental relationship.
Tesla Electric Company
His fortunes changed in 1887, when he found himself able to discover enthusiasm for his AC electrical framework and financing for his new Tesla Electric Company. Setting straight to work, Tesla had effectively documented a few licenses for AC-based creations.
The Wardenclyffe Project
Having become obsessed to the remote transmission of energy, around 1900 Nikola set to take a shot at his boldest venture yet: to construct a worldwide, wireless communication system, remote correspondence framework—to be transmitted through a substantial electrical tower—for sharing data and giving free power all through the world. This project was called the wardenclyffe project.
However, Tesla had no real option except to abandon the project when the man who was financially supporting the project and Thomas Edison started to make their own radio technologies. The Wardenclyffe staff was laid off in 1906 and by 1915 the site had fallen into dispossession.
Legacy and Death
Tesla was eminent for his accomplishments and ability to entertain, inevitably winning him a notoriety in pop culture as a model “mad scientist”. His licenses earned him a lot of cash, quite a bit of which was utilized to fund his own tasks with fluctuating degrees of progress. However, In 1895 Tesla’s New York lab burned, annihilating years of notes and hardware.
But after going through a mental meltdown, Tesla in the end came back to work, principally as an advisor. As time went on, his thoughts turned out to be logically more amazing as well as illogical.Tesla died in his room on January 7, 1943.
Nikola Tesla Changed the World Through His Inventions
There is no doubt in the fact that the creations of Nikola Tesla changed the world. Let’s see what Nikola Tesla — a man who kicked the bucket broke and alone — has really given to the world. Following are the top 5 inventions of Nikola Tesla:
Alternating Current (AC):
This is where it all began. The alternating current made magnetic poles that turned around themselves without mechanical guide, as DC engines obliged, and brought on an armature (the spinning piece of any electromechanical gadget) to spin around the engine.
Nikola Tesla is known as the man who electrified the world. Obviously he didn’t concoct light itself, however he did design how light can be saddled and conveyed.
Electromagnetic and ionizing radiation was intensely looked into in the late 1800s, yet Tesla scrutinized the whole range.
The Supreme Court toppled Marconi’s patent in 1943, when it was demonstrated that Tesla developed the radio years past to Marconi. Radio signs are simply one more recurrence that needs a transmitter and recipient, which Tesla likewise showed in 1893.
J.P. Morgan supported Tesla to fabricate a tower that would utilize the common frequencies of our universe to transmit information, including an extensive variety of data imparted through pictures, voice messages, and content. This spoke to the world’s first wireless communication.
Electromagnetic and ionizing radiation was intensely scrutinized in the late 1800s, yet Tesla inquired about the whole range.Tesla played a very important role in this transformation invention.
This innovation was a characteristic outcropping of radio. It was demonstrated in 1898 but wasn’t used widely at that time. Afterwards, it was used by the Germans to control the radio tanks and now we see how much of an important invention it was.
Tesla’s excessively upgraded exploratory personality drove him to the thought that every living being is just determined by outer driving forces. He said that, “I have by every thought and act of mine, demonstrated, and does so daily, to my absolute satisfaction that I am an automaton endowed with power of movement, which merely responds to external stimuli.” He saw a future filled with intelligent autos, robotic human friendlies, and the utilization of sensors, and self-governing systems.
His creation in 1930 succumbed to the monetary emergency and the world war that took after. Nevertheless, this development has in a broad sense changed the scene of what we now underestimate: mechanical fans, family appliances and so much more.
Tesla’s invention of the laser may be one of the best samples of the great and insidiousness bound up together inside of the brain of man. Lasers have changed surgical applications in an unquestionably valuable way, and they have offered ascent to quite a bit of our current computerized media.
Nikola Tesla was a standout among the most commended identities in the American press, in this century. As indicated by Life Magazine’s exceptional issue of September, 1997, Tesla is among the 100 most well-known individuals of the most recent 1,000 years. He is one of the considerable men who redirect the surge of mankind’s history. His disclosures, creations and vision had across the board acknowledgment by people in general, mainstream researchers and American press.
Category: Science Tag: AC, Alternating Current, Electric Motors, Laser, Light, Nikola Tesla, Nikola Tesla's Appearance, Radio, Remote Control, Robotics, Tesla Electric Company, Tesla's Writings, The Wardenclyffe Project, X-Rays1 Comment
Top 10 Greatest Scientists Who Changed The World
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Home › news-and-events › may-15-2009 ›
Oct 30, 2014 Emergency Relief
IncrediTek’s CEO, Adam Pattisall, is Awarded the Maryland Small Business Award for Entrepreneurial Success
BelCamp, MD – May 15, 2009 – Adam Pattisall, President and Chief Executive Officer of IncrediTek, Inc., was awarded the Maryland Small Business Administration’s 2009 award for Entrepreneurial Success. Mr. Pattisall won this award in a category where hundreds of nominations were being considered.
In recognition of the small business community’s contributions to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. This year, National Small Business Week was May 17-23, 2009.
The highlight of the National Small Business Week is the presentation of the awards spotlighting the outstanding contributions of small business persons and advocates at the district, state and national levels. This year, there are eleven award categories for the 25th Anniversary of the Maryland SBA awards and IncrediTek’s, Adam Pattisall, stood out to earn the award for Entrepreneurial Success.
“It is an honor and privilege to be acknowledged by the Maryland Small Business Administration. Every person on our team works hard, day in and day out, so it is really nice to be noticed,” said Adam Pattisall, President and CEO of IncrediTek. “As a Service run organization, it takes more than experience, it takes being responsive and flexible to every need and demand our customers put on us, do it right and they’ll keep coming back,” Pattisall continued.
The 2009 winners must meet strict qualifying criteria set forth by the U.S. Small Business Administration in order to be considered. The Maryland Small Business Week Awards Program has been nationally recognized as a premier event of Small Business Week. 2009 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Program.
Headquartered in BelCamp, Maryland, IncrediTek, Inc is a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOB) that is a Value Added Reseller and provides program management, asset management, engineering, installation, provisioning, commissioning, and maintenance support services to the telecommunications and high-tech industries. IncrediTek maintains a professional, highly trained, and disciplined force of engineers and installers that they deploy nationwide.
The following information outlines the criteria put in place by the Small Business Administration to be considered for the Entrepreneurial Success Award won by IncrediTek.
Entrpreneurial Success Award:
Individuals meeting the following two criteria may be nominated: They must own and operate businesses initially launched as small businesses according to SBA size standards and subsequently developed into large businesses; and they must have received SBA assistance to help the businesses grow.
Evaluation Criteria:
Staying power — a substantiated history as an established business; including:
Number of years in business.
Sustained expansion, addition of territories, growth in square footage occupied.
Steady growth in net worth as evidenced by total assets less total liabilities on fiscal year end annual balance sheets over three years.
Growth in number of employees — a benchmark to judge the impact of the business on the job market.
Sustained over a minimum of three years.
Increase over the three years must be in excesses of growth in Gross National Product.
Increase in sales and/or unit volume — an indication of continued growth over the last three years.
Consistent growth in net income as evidenced by fiscal year annual profit-and-loss statements for a minimum of three years.
Current and past financial performance — financial reports substantiate an improved financial position
Profit-and-loss statements for the last three years, reflecting sustained upward growth.
Balance sheets for the last three years, showing consistent increase in net worth and/or partners’ return.
SBA Assistance – documentation of the type(s) and amount(s) of SBA assistance received by the business and the year(s) in which they were received.
Innovativeness of product or service offered — an illustration of the creativity and imagination of the nominee.
Specific description of uniqueness of product or service.
Explanation of how product or service fits a niche not being adequately addressed by the competition.
Response to adversity — examples of problems faced in the nominee’s business and the methods used to solve them, including:
Specific description of financial, physical, legal or other crisis.
Substantiation of the threat to the continuity of the business.
Defined actions taken by the nominee to resolve the crisis.
Contributions to community-oriented projects — evidence of the use of his/her personal time and resources, including:
Listing of specific contributions of money, time, or resources to charitable causes.
Membership in council’s, boards and clubs providing support and services to the community.
Director of Program Management
Phone / 443-528-8709
sales@increditek.com
1205 Belmar Drive
Belcamp , MD 21017
mediarelations@increditek.com
Customer Portal >
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‘Kill Switch’ Teaser Trailer: Dan Stevens Stars in Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Thriller — Watch
First-time director Tim Smit's "Kill Switch" hits theaters on June 16.
Graham Winfrey
Saban Films
Dan Stevens is everywhere these days. The star of this year’s “Colossal” and “Beauty and the Beast” will appear next in “Kill Switch,” the sci-fi action film from first-time feature director Tim Smit. In the movie, Stevens stars as Will Porter, a pilot who battles to save his family (and the planet) after an experiment for unlimited energy goes drastically wrong. Charity Wakefield and Bérénice Marlohe (“Skyfall”) co-star.
‘The Big Sick’ Trailer: Kumail Nanjiani and Ray Romano Grapple with Family Illness in Sundance Crowdpleaser — Watch
Smit is a visual effects supervisor who also did the visual effects for “Kill Switch,” which looks at times like a cross between “District 9” and a video game movie. Saban Films acquired the North American distribution rights to the movie out of the Berlin Film Festival when it was still called “Redivider.” The movie is based on a short film of Smit’s called “What’s in the Box?”
Co-written by Charlie Kindinger and Omid Nooshin, “Kill Switch” was produced by Patrick Chu of FilmNation Entertainment alongside CTM Films’ Sander Verdonk and Denis Wigman. Smit also served as a producer.
Stevens landed breakout roles in Adam Wingard’s 2014 thriller “The Guest” and Tom McCarthy’s “The Cobbler” with Adam Sandler before moving to studio titles like Twentieth Century Fox’s “Night at the Museum 3.”
READ MORE: ‘Seven Samurai’: How Akira Kurosawa’s Masterpiece Continues to Influence Filmmakers Today — Watch
“Kill Switch” hits theaters on June 16. To watch the trailer for the film, check out the video below.
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Festivals newsletter here.
This Article is related to: Film and tagged Berlin Film Festival, Dan Stevens, Saban Films
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The kids from ENA
ENA is Cuba’s secondary school conservatory.
Thanks to the dedication of Camilo Moriera, a new generation of Cuban musicians is being introduced to jazz.
The tune arranged and conducted by Camilo is a Cuban classic “Son de la Loma.” It translates “They’re from the hills”
Makes me homesick.
We’ve featured Camilo’s work on these pages.
Camilo’s Jazz on the Tube sponsored trip to New York City
jazzonthetube.com/camilo-moreira-in-the-bronx/
Jazz on the Tube visits Camilo in Havana
jazzonthetube.com/visiting-with-camilo/
Camilo Moreira -Jazz Educator in Havana
jazzonthetube.com/camilo-moreira-jazz-educator-havana/
– Ken McCarthy
P.S. Our unique programming is made possible by help from people like you. Learn how you can contribute to our efforts here: Support Jazz on the Tube
Go to Cuba with Jazz on the Tube as your guide:
Nosotros La Musica
Made in 1964 and loosely translates to “We Are the Music”
Written and directed by Rogelio Paris (1936-2016)
This film was his first major project and he made it when only 28.
Paris worked as a documentary maker at the Cuban Film Institute (ICAIC) and was also a permanent professor of Filmmaking at the Faculty of Cinema, Radio and Television of the Institute of Higher Art
This single film could be the basis of an entire University course in Cuban music.
A rare panorama of Cuban music and dance from the 1960s. Featuring legendary Cuban musicians as well as vibrant spontaneous performances, We Are the Music captures the mood and vitality of Havana during a golden period.
Note: If you’re a jazz hound and nothing else will do for you, fast forward to 22:00.
You can now watch this video – and all Spanish language videos – with English subtitles. It’s free!
Click here for instructions on how to turn on English subtitles.
The cats in Havana – 1977
The year: 1977.
The place: La Habana, Cuba.
President Jimmy Carter thawed the freeze between the United States and Cuba a bit by allowing a boatload of American musicians to travel to Havana to perform with Cuban musicians, the first such officially sanctioned visit since 1961.
Check out the young, very serious and (very thin) Arturo Sandoval and Paquito D’Rivera.
Smoking hot!
Dizzy Gillespie, leader and trumpet
Arturo Sandoval, trumpet
Stan Getz, saxophone
Paquito D’Rivera, saxophone
David Amram, french horn
Ronnie Jones, guitar
Ben Brown, bass
Oscar Valdes, chekeres
Los Papinesm, congas
Mickey Roker, drums
If anyone knows other musicians not listed, please let me know.
Also, if anyone knows where the rest of the tape is, I’m all ears.
Interview with Gilberto Valdés Zequeira – in his 90th year
Jazz on the Tube brought Gilberto (left) and his friend
David Amram together again in Havana after a 40 year absence
Interview with Gilberto Valdés Zequeira
http://www.jazzonthetube.com/audio/gilbertovaldeszequeira.mp3
Download the mp3 here
Gilberto Valdés Zequeira was born in Havana on August 16, 1928.
As a kid he listened to Chano Pozo’s rehearsals in the Colon neighborhood of Havana.
His vocal group had a weekly gig at the San Souci night club in Havana and he appeared on Cuba’s pioneering television channel twice a week in the 1950s.
Roy Haynes introduced him to American jazz drumming and gave him his first set of drumsticks.
He performed with his old friend Bebo Valdés when the two of them found themselves in Europe in the early 1960s.
He spent time as the #2 man at Egrem.
He was Dizzy Gillespie’s host when Dizzy visited Havana in 1977.
He introduced Irakere to Columbia Records and toured the world with them as their manager.
He helped save Cuba’s most important jazz club La Zorra y el Cuervo from being turned into a pizzeria.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of Gilberto’s remarkable life.
Click here to learn more about Gilberto.
Havana’s top nightclub Sans Souci (1958)
Bobby Carcassés y Afrojazz Blues con Montuno
The latest album from Bobby Carcassés: “Blues con Montuno”
The last time I was in Cuba, I had the great good fortune to spend time with Bobby Carcassés.
A man of vast skills and accomplishments, he is, in many ways, the lynch pin of the Cuban jazz scene and has been for many years.
Born on August 29, 1938, he is an incredibly youthful soon-to-be-80-year-old. (We should all have as much energy!)
Here are three full tracks (with Bobby’s permission) along with a short bio.
You can get Blues con Montuno here
http://www.jazzonthetube.com/audio/caravana.mp3
Bobby started his music career as an opera singer, but switched to popular music working as a vocalist at the legendary Tropicana nightclub and dancing professionally as well.
As a sideline, in 1960, he was Cuba’s champion long distance jumper.
Along the way Bobby also picked up the trumpet, the bass, the congas and the drums.
In 1980, he organized the first “Jazz Plaza Festival”, better known now as the Havana Jazz Festival, which I can tell you without hesitation is today one of the great music festivals on earth.
Rumbibop
http://www.jazzonthetube.com/audio/rumbibop.mp3
Over the years, Bobby’s been a mentor to countless young Cuban jazz musicians – multiple generations worth – and remains a tireless promoter of the music.
He continues to perform, record, create events to help showcase other musicians – and paint. (He just had a gallery show in Havana.)
Son de la Loma
http://www.jazzonthetube.com/audio/sondelaloma.mp3
– Ken McCarthy Jazz on the Tube
P.S. Fans: Please write to Downbeat and Jazz Times and ask them to review this and other major albums from Cuba.
Cuba has a globally important jazz scene.
It would be good as a matter of policy for US jazz publications to recognize that due to the vagaries of history, Cuba lacks a well funded jazz music promotion machine and is unlikely to have one anytime soon.
In the meantime, American fans and readers of these magazines worldwide are being deprived of a wealth of great and important music.
Gandinga, Mondongo y Sandunga in Madrid
Filmed at Café Central in Madrid.
I haven’t been to Madrid in Spain yet, but it looks like it’s a good place to enjoy Cuban music.
Not long ago, we featured Chicas de Habana who are based there.
Here’s another young Cuban group in Madrid having fun with Gandinga, Mondongo y Sandunga, the classic Frank Emilio composition.
“Having fun” is a lesson some North American musicians could learn from their Cuban brothers and sisters.
Enough with the long faces. Music can be profound and fun at the same time.
Luis Guerra, piano
Yuvisney Aguilar, timbales
Reinier “El Negrón”, contrabajo
Juan Viera, congas
Michael Olivera, bongó
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De Sangosse UK saves £240,000 with Exchequer system
De Sangosse UK, a subsidiary of Europe’s leading manufacturer and distributor of complex agricultural chemicals, has saved more than £240,000 by using Advanced Exchequer’s accounting system. These cost savings have been achieved as a result of streamlined processes and improvements to stock control, inventory management and management reporting.
De Sangosse is headquartered in France and operates 11 subsidiaries around the world including its office in the UK. The company develops crop protection, plant nutrition and pest control chemicals and has an annual worldwide turnover of £238m. The UK division supplies the group’s products via a network of retailers and distributors and holds stock with a value of £3m in 12 warehouse locations.
Exchequer’s stock control functionality provides De Sangosse UK’s finance team with complete visibility of stock levels at all locations, facilitating accurate order fulfilment and production planning. The automation of core stock control processes alone has saved the company the equivalent of employing one member of staff per year since the system was implemented.
Related post: 12 million jobs to be impacted by the digital revolution
Keith French, Financial Director, De Sangosse UK comments: “We work with high volumes of stock and need to supply warehouses with highly detailed consignment information. Exchequer enables us to produce reports which identify numbers of pallets, boxes and individual units. This is key to efficient and accurate warehouse picking and ensuring our customers receive correct orders as quickly as possible while minimising waste.
“Exchequer’s reporting functionality is invaluable to us. User defined fields enable us to drill-down into our financial data to analyse every aspect of the business. We can produce management reports in a matter of minutes and also import this information into Excel. The reports are used by the finance and management teams in the UK and are also shared with the senior management team at our head office in France.
“Producing the same reports manually would take us many hours. Automated report production frees up our time to concentrate on more strategic activities such as budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, consolidations and financial modelling.”
Related post: Personalising your ERP workspace
De Sangosse UK’s accounts team rely on Exchequer to maintain the company’s general, sales and purchase ledgers to improve cash flow and use the system to raise all sales invoices. Automated processes enable the team to produce these efficiently and accurately, ensuring customers receive invoices as quickly as possible following a sale. Exchequer also allows the team to maintain up-to-date aged debtor records to keep track of overdue accounts and speed-up credit collection procedures.
“Exchequer makes life so much easier. I would recommend the solution to any other business, especially from a stock control and reporting perspective. As an organisation Exchequer listen to their customers and incorporate feedback into their product development and this too is very valuable to us,” concludes French.
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Sorry, this property has Sold, to receive details on similar properties please fill in our Mailing List
Perryfields Farm
Inkberrow, Worcestershire, England, WR7 4HU.
A superb and well established equestrian holding.
The Farmhouse – 5 Beds, 2 Baths, Hall, Sitting room, Dining room, Study, Kitchen/breakfast room, Double Garage.
Barn Conversion – 3 Beds (en-suite), Dining Hall, Sitting room, Kitchen/breakfast room, office, orangery.
Annexe – Kitchenette, Hall, en-suite bedroom
Two Cottages each includes: Kitchen, Sitting room, 2 Bedrooms, Family bathroom.
19 Stables (scope for more), Tack & Feed room, Wash box, Manege, Horse walker.
Modern Farm Buildings, Grain store, Attached Dutch barn, American barn, Fertiliser barn, hard standing.
In all about 84 acres, majority pastureland with some arable.
8 Bath/Shower rooms
Horse Walker
*Approx Distances*: Worcester 12m | Stratford-upon-Avon 13m | M5 (J6) 10m | Birmingham 35m | Cheltenham 25m *Situation* Located at the end of a long driveway on the edge of the picturesque village of Inkberrow, Perryfields Farm enjoys wonderful views to the west across the valley to the village and its church and to the south over rolling farmland to Bredon Hill. An extensive network of local footpaths and bridleways provide excellent access across the surrounding countryside. Inkberrow itself benefits from a very lively community and offers two public houses, post office and shop, a village hall and a Primary school. More extensive shopping and amenities can be found in the nearby town of Stratford-upon-Avon and the City of Worcester and slightly further afield in the Spa town of Cheltenham. Its glorious setting in East Worcestershire makes it easily accessible to the national motorway network and to the whole country. *Perryfields Farm House* The agriculturally tied farmhouse was constructed in 1991 and is surrounded by its own garden with post and rail fencing and benefits from views to Bredon Hill. The accommodation includes a good living room with a brick fireplace and patio doors leading outside. Double doors lead through to a dining room. There is a good sized kitchen with breakfast area which in turn leads to a double garage and store room. *Perryfields Barn* Converted in 2006/7 this delightful red brick barn enjoys a courtyard to the front and rear. It has been finished to a high standard including granite work surfaces and an Aga in the kitchen. Of particular note are the fine exposed beams and striking dining hall with high ceilings and tiled floors. *The Cottages* Originating from the 1890’s and originally the main farmhouse, the cottages were extended in the 1970’s and now provide good staff accommodation. Enjoying the stunning views over farmland to Bredon Hill in the distance, they could once again become a single residence subject to the necessary consents. Both dwellings have gravelled driveways and gardens, mostly laid to lawn. *Annexe* The holding benefits from a separate apartment with studio room, bathroom and kitchenette. This area would make ideal staff accommodation. *Yard and farm buildings* The stable yard consists of 11 loose boxes, tack room and wash box in 3 brick buildings surrounding a concrete yard. Adjacent to this is the wooden yard consisting of a further 8 loose boxes around a concrete hard standing. There are currently three large modern multi-purpose agricultural barns. All are of steel framed construction with concrete floors. In their current form the buildings offer very good agricultural storage, further to this they offer enormous potential for additional stabling or an Indoor School subject to any necessary consents. *Farmland* The farmland is a mixture of arable and pasture with good road access to all parts. The soil type is mainly that of Whimple 3 described as fine loamy or fine silty over clayey soils and is classified as Grade III on the land classification series. *Approximate Gross Internal Floor Area* Farm House: 213 sq m / 2,296 sq ft Barn Conversion: 210 sq m / 2,259 sq ft Cottages: 173 sq m / 1,864 sq ft Stable Yard: 146 sq m / 1,576 sq ft Loose Boxes: 104 sq m / 1,120 sq ft Converted Barn: 128 sq m / 1,379 sq ft Outbuildings: 1,732 sq m / 18,645 sq ft Total: 2,706 sq m / 29,139 sq ft *Services* Mains water and electricity. Private drainage. LPG fired boilers to the farmhouse and converted barn. *Timber and Mineral Rights* The timber and mineral rights in so far as they are owned are included in the sale. *Tenure* It should be noted that part of the land is subject to a Farm Business Tenancy. The buildings, yard and remaining land are sold freehold with vacant possession. A more detailed breakdown of the land subject to the tenancy can be found in the land schedule. *Single Farm Payment* The Single Farm Payment Entitlements are included with the sale of the vacant possession land. Further information can be obtained from the vendors agent. *Easements, Wayleaves and Rights of Way* The property is offered as appropriate with rights of way either public or private, wayleaves, easements and other rights of way whether these are specifically referred to or not. *Local Authority* Wychavon District Council, Tel 01386 565000. *Directions (Postcode WR7 4HU)* From Worcester head eastwards on the A422 Stratford Road, pass through the villages of Spetchley, Broughton Hackett and Upton Snodsbury and continue into Inkberrow. At the heart of the village is the Village Green. Turn right here, past the two pubs and church. Continue down the hill and 100 yards after the church on your right hand side is the turning to Perryfields Farm. Continue along the driveway to the centre of the farm.
Viewing: Strictly by prior appoint with the joint vendor’s agent Jackson Equestrian 01743 491979.
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Justia Lawyer Directory Domestic Violence Mississippi Marshall County Attorneys
Marshall County Domestic Violence Lawyers
Compare top rated Mississippi attorneys serving Marshall County.
Find Marshall County Domestic Violence Lawyers by City
Red Banks
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense Domestic Violence Restraining Orders Victims Rights
Amy Kathryn Pietrowski
DeSoto County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 7 years of experience
(662) 372-1622 7028 Flower Creek
Southaven, MS 38671
Free ConsultationOffers Video ChatDomestic Violence, Criminal, Divorce and Family
Mississippi College School of Law
Attorney Amy Pietrowski overcame personal hardship, abuse and poverty to become a leading courtroom advocate for clients in Mississippi and Tennessee.
A native of Michigan, Pietrowski was only 2 years old when she was placed in foster care. She endured a turbulent childhood and in disobedience, rebelled by joining the Marine Corps. The trajectory of her life changed when she joined the U.S. Marine Corps at age 18.
Pietrowski was one of only 2,200 women serving in the Marine Corps during the first Persian Gulf War. She completed boot camp at Parris Island in Port Royal, South Carolina, followed by her Military...
Philip A. Stroud
DeSoto County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 24 years of experience
(662) 536-5656 5779 Getwell Rd
Building C1
Domestic Violence, Criminal, DUI and Personal Injury
Cumberland School of Law, Samford University
Serving the Southaven, Mississippi community and the Memphis Metro Area, the personal injury attorneys at The Stroud Law Firm will help you get the compensation that you deserve. If you have been injured in a car or truck accident, been a victim of medical malpractice, or need representation for a criminal offense such as public intoxication or driving under the influence, the lawyers at The Stroud Law Firm will use their experience to get you big firm results while providing small firm personality and dedication. For more information, call (662) 536-5656.
Jeffrey Douglas Odom
DeSoto County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 14 years of experience
(901) 634-6093 2375 Memphis St., Ste., 200
Hernando, MS 38632
Domestic Violence, Criminal, Divorce and Family
Robert E. Hayes Jr.
5740 Getwell Rd., Bldg. 9, Ste. A
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal, DUI and Workers' Comp
Robbie Hayes founded Hayes Law Firm, PLLC in January, 2014 after being a being a partner at Rozier Hayes, PLLC since 2009. Hayes Law Firm, PLLC handles cases involving criminal law and general civil litigation.
Brandon Lyle Flechas
(662) 536-5656 5779 Getwell Road, Building C1
Anna K. Robbins
Union County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 5 years of experience
(662) 845-4477 P.O. Box 84
113 E. Bankhead st.
New Albany, MS 38652
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal, Divorce and Family
Anna is focused on providing high-quality general legal counsel in a variety of areas, including divorce, child custody, estate planning and probate, land issues, real estate closings, juvenile law, criminal law, elder law, family law, and business formation.
Mary Elizabeth Milek
Lafayette County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 25 years of experience
(662) 234-3927 2086 Old Taylor Road, Suite 1021
Oxford, MS 38655-1144
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Divorce, Estate Planning and Family
Kerry M Bryson
Lee County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 7 years of experience
(877) 717-5718 125 Robins Street
Tupelo, MS 38804
Kerry M. Bryson is a graduate of University of Mississippi School of Law. He was formerly a Network Engineer and Information Technology Systems Administrator for law firms and owned computer service companies. He leverages his broad legal training and technology skills to bring efficiency and savings to his clients. Mr. Bryson obtained a degree in philosophy from the University of Mississippi. He focused on the study of logical systems. He obtained his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer status through self-study. He has a passion for finding more efficient methods for accomplishing tasks, and he is skilled at comprehending complicated systems....
Claimed Lawyer ProfileOffers Video ChatQ&AResponsive Law
Kevin Stewart
(800) 360-3847 781 Liberty Road
Flowood, MS 39232
Free ConsultationOffers Video ChatRankin County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 15 years of experience
2005 - JD Degree - Mississippi College School of Law
2001 - BSBA - University of Southern Mississippi
I am a lifelong resident of Mississippi and grew up in the capital city. Once I received my law degree in 2005, I begin working with Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to successfully represent individuals charged with criminal offenses throughout Mississippi. The individuals charged ranges from simple misdemeanor traffic offenses to felony murder charges. Regardless of the severity of the offense, I will fight for a successful resolution to your case.
I have been admitted...
Vic Carmody Jr
Free ConsultationOffers Video ChatRankin County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 41 years of experience
Domestic Violence, Cannabis Law, Criminal and DUI
I grew up in Flora Mississippi,
after graduation, I attended Mississippi State University before joining the US Army and serving in the Vietnam conflict. as a 2nd Lieutenant with Bravo Company 2/7th in 1st Air Cavalry Division (Custer's Cavalry) before being reassigned as the Commanding Officer of a nuclear weapons in northern Germany. I was then promoted to Captain in a Green Special Forces Unit and finished my military service as a Military Police Captain.
I started my first responder service with the City of Jackson Mississippi rising from a Patrolman,Sergeant and finished my public service as a Lieutenant.
For over...
Lance Mixon
Domestic Violence, Criminal and DUI
I defend misdemeanor or felony crimes in all parts of Mississippi. Handle trials, negotiated plea deals, suppression motions, appeals of all types of criminal law cases in MS. Domestic violence attorney, DUI attorney (felony and misdemeanor), sex crimes, probation violations, expunements, vehicular homicide due to drunken driving or drugged driving. Appeared in various trial courts in more than (70) counties, and have handled appeals in the MS Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
Member & State Delegate for National College for DUI Defense (NCDD). Lawyer ratings: Selected as “Rising Star” for the Mid-South region in the area of Criminal Defense by...
Jim Lloyd Davis III
(877) 576-7279 1904 24th Ave
Gulfport, MS 39501
Free ConsultationHarrison County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 37 years of experience
• Third generation lawyer
• 35+ years of criminal defense experience handling 1,000’s of felony and misdemeanor cases in State and Federal courts in South Mississippi, including:
>Initial Appearance,
>Bond settings and reduction,
> Preliminary and definition hearings,
>Arraignments,
>Pretrial Motions,
>Bench and jury trial,
Dianne Herman Ellis
Jackson County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 12 years of experience
(228) 215-0037 1145 Robinson Avenue
Ocean Springs, MS 39564
We are a South Mississippi law firm serving the needs of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas. We represent clients in all of the courts of Harrison, Jackson, and Hancock counties, with the surrounding counties upon request. We represent our clients in Chancery, Circuit, County, Youth, Justice, and Municipal Courts, as well as in the Federal Court systems. Our practice is limited to Family Law, including Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support, Modifications of Child Custody, Paternity, Youth Court actions, Adoptions, and other family matters, and to Criminal Defense. including felony defense, DUI, drug crimes,...
Devin Whitt
(601) 607-5055 774 Avery Blvd N
#A
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Free ConsultationOffers Video ChatMadison County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 18 years of experience
Are you being threatened by a spouse relating to a divorce or child custody matter? Have you recently been arrested and now face significant jail time, loss of driving privileges or other significant fines? Please be aware that you have rights. We are a Jackson, Mississippi area family law and criminal defense firm dedicated to providing each and every client experienced, aggressive representation at a reasonable prices.
When you retain out firm, you ensure that your case will be thoroughly reviewed and it will given the personal,critical attention necessary to meet your objectives. We believe...
Rufus Alldredge Jr
(228) 863-0123 1921 22nd Ave
Domestic Violence, Criminal, DUI and White Collar Crime
I represent and defend people against government. Usually this means representing and defending people on misdemeanor and felony charges. Representation also extends to asset seizures and forfeitures. I also help people maintain professional or technical licenses, their job and their livelihood.
I was formerly a partner in an established Mississippi Gulf Coast corporate law firm. The call of the court room led me to the District Attorney’s office for the Second Circuit Court District where I served as an Assistant District Attorney, principally in Harrison County. As a felony prosecutor, I handled high profile cases of every type including drugs, crimes...
Keri Temple Haralson
Rankin County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 15 years of experience
(601) 824-9768 106 Town Square
Brandon, MS 39042
DISCLAIMER This site is intended to provide you with information about our firm and practice. Use of this, however, does not create an attorney-client relationship. Any decision with respect to legal services is important and should not be based solely upon this, or any other, advertisement. Information and/or any materials provided herein, are solely for the purpose of information. Attorney Keri Haralson Carroll is only admitted to practice law in the State of Mississippi. This shall not be construed as an attempt to certify or designate attorney as an expert in any particular area of the law in the...
Rankin County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 35 years of experience
(601) 825-6455 CRIMINAL DEFENSE / PERSONAL INJURY
202 E. Government St.
Domestic Violence, Appeals, Criminal and DUI
Attorney James L. Kelly, is dedicated to fairness and justice. As an experienced and highly respected lawyer, Mr. Kelly zealously defends individuals suspected or charged with committing misdemeanor or felony crimes. This firm also serves clients in the areas of wrongful death, personal injury, child custody, wills, and estates. We practice before all courts in the State of Mississippi, with special emphasis in Rankin, Madison and Hinds counties.
Mississippi State University, B.B.A., 1983
University of Mississippi, Law Center, J.D., 1986
1987 – Mississippi; U.S. District Court, Northern and Southern Districts of Mississippi; Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
2010 – United States Supreme...
Timothy James Evans
Forrest County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 19 years of experience
(601) 255-5085 606 Adeline Street, Suite 1A
Hattiesburg, MS 39404
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Animal, Criminal and Divorce
Hello. My name is Tim Evans, and I'm a native of Quitman, Mississippi. I attended the University of Mississippi on a Naval ROTC scholarship and served as a commissioned officer in the Navy for three years. I taught middle school and high school before attending and graduating from Mississippi College School of Law. After law school, I served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable William H. Myers, presiding judge for the Court of Appeals of the State of Mississippi. I moved to Hattiesburg in 2003 to begin private practice, and I have had a wide range...
Hancock County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 14 years of experience
(228) 342-8128 305 Reese St.
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal, DUI and Traffic Tickets
Loyola University New Orleans and University of Mississippi
R.L. “Ed” Edwards is a graduate of Southern Illinois University, having earned a degree in Workforce Education and Development cum laude. In December of 2005, Ed completed his legal training at Loyola University of New Orleans School of Law receiving a Juris Doctor degree.
Admitted to the Mississippi Bar in 2006, Ed started his own law firm in Hancock County, Mississippi. While in the solo practice of law from 2006 to 2009, Ed was able to work at refining his skills in the litigation of personal injury claims, domestic and family law issues, and criminal defense.
Ed...
Francis Springer
Madison County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 9 years of experience
Madison, MS 39130-1280
Jon Powell
(601) 706-2915 1084 Flynt Drive
Domestic Violence, Divorce, Family and Juvenile
Author of the book "Divorce in Mississippi", Jon has extensive trial experience in all matters concerning divorce, family law, estates, guardianships and conservatorships and real estate related issues. Jon's 23 years of experience and practical common sense approach in representing clients and seeking solutions to their problems makes Jon different from other lawyers in his desire to efficiently get the client what they want instead of seeking for more ways to bill the client.
Jad Jamal Khalaf
Hinds County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 5 years of experience
(601) 688-8888 500 N. State Street
Jackson, MS 39201
Free ConsultationOffers Video ChatDomestic Violence, Criminal, Insurance Claims and Personal Injury
Jad Jamal Khalaf is co-founder and managing partner at Khalaf & Nguyen, PLLC law firm in the capital city of Jackson, Mississippi. Khalaf & Nguyen represents clients throughout the state of Mississippi and specializes in the areas of CAR WRECKS, 18 WHEELER ACCIDENTS, PERSONAL INJURY, CRIMINAL DEFENSE, and IMMIGRATION LAW. Attorney Khalaf advocates for his clients’ best interest. He understands the need to provide quality legal representation, treat clients with respect, and maintain legal integrity. The team at Khalaf & Nguyen law firm stands ready to provide one-on-one personal client service. Call Khalaf & Nguyen...
Amanda Glover Evans
Harrison County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 15 years of experience
(228) 697-9921 179 Lameuse Street
Biloxi, MS 39530
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and reared on the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi, MS, Amanda is a native Mississippian. After graduating Ole Miss Law School, Amanda began her legal career in Oxford, MS as the Director of a Statewide project while providing legal representation to low to moderate income taxpayers against the IRS. Given that Amanda grew up in Biloxi, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, in 2006 and 2007, she secured a grant to provide legal representation for Mississippians in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. From 2007 to 2011, she was an an Adjunct Professor at the...
Steven N Eckert
Steven obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering at Mississippi State University. During his undergraduate studies, Steven completed Mississippi State’s cooperative education program with Union Carbide Corporation. Following the completion of his undergraduate studies, Steven went to work for Union Carbide as a production engineer at their Texas City, Texas and St. Charles, Louisiana manufacturing facilities. He began law school during the evenings at Loyola University’s School of Law in New Orleans. Steven received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Loyola University School of Law in 2003. Following law school, Steven began his legal...
Lindsey B. Abdalla
Pike County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney
(601) 276-3131 701 S Laurel Street
Summit, MS 39666
Domestic Violence, Divorce, Family and Personal Injury
Delilah Alford Shandy
Pike County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 22 years of experience
(601) 684-7030 2009 Shawnee Dr
McComb, MS 39648
Alonzo Holmes Sturgeon III
Wilkinson County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 31 years of experience
(601) 888-6152 Post Office Box 1175
503A Commercial Row
Woodville, MS 39669
Domestic Violence, Collections, Divorce and Family
Holmes Sturgeon has practiced law throughout the counties of Southwest Mississippi since 1989. He is originally from Woodville, Mississippi, which is where he maintains his primary office.
Mr. Sturgeon graduated with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in biology.He lettered in track there and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. Mr. Sturgeon was also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa honor society. He graduated from law school from Ole Miss in December of 1988, and was admitted to the Mississippi Bar in March of 1989. He also currently serves as the County Prosecutor for Wilkinson...
Stanley Keith Smith
Harrison County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney
(228) 265-8808 1818 20th Avenue
Attorney Stan Smith has been practicing law for 17 years. His areas of practice include criminal defense (all misdemeanor, felony, and capital crimes), personal injury (including car and truck accidents), family law, and wills. Stan is admitted to all Mississippi courts, (Municipal, County, Justice, State, Circuit, and Appellate courts including the Mississippi Court of Appeals and the Mississippi Supreme Court, as well as the Federal District Court of Mississippi). Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance from University of Southern Mississippi. (Hattiesburg, MS) MBA in Finance from Mississippi State University. (Starkville, MS) Juris Doctor...
Ammie T Nguyen
Hinds County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer with 5 years of experience
Free ConsultationDomestic Violence, Criminal, DUI and Personal Injury
Tanya Hasbrouck
Jackson County, MS Domestic Violence Lawyer
(228) 769-8200 3106 Canty Street
Pascagoula, MS 39567
Registered Nurse, Former Prosecutor
Charles Bruce Brown
Oktibbeha County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 30 years of experience
(662) 324-9180 102 East Main Street
Starkville, MS 39759
Charles Bruce Brown is a third generation attorney who has been representing clients throughout Mississippi since 1990, in virtually all aspects of law. A graduate, with honors from Ole Miss, he is extremely knowledgeable in the law and aggressive in Court.
Joseph Turney
Marion County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney with 17 years of experience
Columbia, MS 39429
Consider my office in Columbia @ (601)731-2098 for all your legal needs. As a 38 year old Christian, I am married 17 years with three children, a son and two daughters. I was raised in Marion County on a farm in the Improve-Blue Springs Community attending Bassfield schools for ten years and East Marion for two to graduate. I then served active duty in the U. S. Army. Thereafter, after trade school at PRCC, I worked in the heating and air conditioning trade until I was injured and returned to school. With the support of my wife I successfully attended PRCC...
L. Joe Beard
Greene County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney
501 Lafayette Ave.
Leakesville, MS 39451-1177
Domestic Violence, Business, Divorce and Family
Jeffrey B. McGuire
Madison County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney
(601) 853-2223 855 S Pear Orchard Rd
Domestic Violence, Criminal and Family
Kelley M. Berry
Copiah County, MS Domestic Violence Attorney
336 West Gallatin St.
Hazlehurst, MS 39083
Domestic Violence Lawyers in Nearby Cities
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Japanese bullet train operator calls time on controversial safety drill
Open-access content 31st October 2018
West Japan Railway introduced the controversial training exercise in 2016 after a component had fallen off a high-speed train the previous year. The aluminum part struck the train's body as it passed through a tunnel in southwest Japan and injured one passenger. Investigators blamed the incident on loose bolts and poor inspections.
The shinkansen train (or bullet train) operator said the drills were designed to improve carriage inspections and safety awareness following the incident. The exercises were designed so the workers could "feel" the strength of the winds generated by the speeding trains.
However, West Japan Railway Workers Union, which represents the employees, argued the training programme was dangerous and unnecessary and that it had repeatedly tried to stop it.
The union said that last year it had called on the rail firm to end the exercises eight times.
The BBC reported that members had told the union of their fears of injury from debris and concerns about dust exposure.
The safety drills required groups of trainees, donning hard hats and goggles, to enter a tunnel and squat in a narrow maintenance ditch between the two sets of tracks, which are located a metre away on either side, while the trains sped past. Around 240 employees participated in the exercises, which could last up to 20 minutes, before the rail firm revised its training.
West Japan Railway denied it had stopped the exercise because of union pressure. Starting in November, trainee mechanics will watch the shinkansen trains speed by from outside the tunnel, behind a trackside fence.
The shinkansen network, which runs the length of the Japanese mainland, from Kyushu in the south to Hokkaido in the north, has operated since 1964 without an accident-related fatality.
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by Craig Benson
Victory at Ibrox? Not for the last time...
Lekovic returned to the starting line up in place of Melly but other than that it was as you were from the previous week for Killie's trip to sunny Govan.
The home team's multi-million pound signings were not finding Killie's scrappy squad of chancers and scoundrels the same pushovers they were earlier in the season and Bobby Williamson's boys made Walter Smith's millionaires pay dearly for their disrespect.
A careless pass was picked up by The Legend Dylan Kerr, who proceeded to tear up the left flank, changing pace as he went, leaving Charlie Miller looking like Peter Reid trying to catch Diego Maradona. That's right: Dylan Kerr as Maradona. My adulation knows no bounds.
His cross was not in any way shape or form dealt with by the home defence, and when the ball dropped to Jim McIntyre, he turned and shot so fast you could hear the sonic boom in Mauchline. The ball zoomed past stand-in goalie Dibble (not the one from Top Cat, although he might as well have been), and into the net to give us a 1-0 lead.
Jimmy Mac got booked for his celebrations. I thought it was a salute. John Rowbotham saw it as cupping the ear. Either way, the Gers weren't singing.
HALF TIME: Rangers 0 - 1 Kilmarnock
Desperate times for the home side, as they rolled the dice and brought on a thin Fat Sally to give everyone a laugh at his own brand of comedy football.
They weren't long in finding an equaliser. Laudrup woke from his slumber and ran straight at our back line who, not wanting to give away a penalty, did their best to try and bump him out of danger. Laudrup, however, just about managed to get his cross in, and, while we had been drawn out to deal with the Dane, Gordon Durie was loitering with intent at the back post slammed home from an unmarked position to level things out. 1-1.
Rangers were getting more and more into the game. The Killie defence were now being tested time and again. They would bend, but refused to break. Although, Lekovic did have to be on his toes for some long range efforts, which is what we were reducing them to by that point.
The more we denied them, the more frustrated they became. So much so, that when Burke put on the style and left a couple of them looking foolish, in came Craig Moore and introduced the lad to the Ibrox turf.
The free kick was correctly awarded, but then for some reason, Alan McLaren decided to hit Burke with the ball as he lay prone on the deck. A show of petulance you'd expect from your average 5 year old. But... well, actually... it's what you'd expect from them too, when 'It's Only Killie' come to town, and you're getting nowhere fast. Yellow card for primary one footballer Alan McLaren.
What would ultimately prove to be the winner came from the penalty spot. McGowne picked up the ball from a Rangers player's inability to control a ball. He passed to Wright who lobbed the ball forward toward the box. McIntyre and Joakim Bjorklund were have a wee jockey (see what I did there?) for position when out came Dibble to flatten McIntyre. Penalty, no question.
When the radio commentator said penalty at Ibrox, how many of you thought they 'got their pen'? Be honest.
Just the penalty mind you. No even a yellow card. This is Ibrox, and we're diddy team after all... Bunion stepped up, and with their goalie going down quicker than President Trump's approval rating, Wright simply stroked the ball, into the other half of the net. 2-1 to Ayrshire's Blue and White.
That wasn't the end of it though. You know how I mentioned that many radio listeners thought a 'penalty at Ibrox' would would be for Rangers? Well, guess what. They had what they thought was a shout for one right at the death. However, as you will see from the pictures, was nothing more than a perfectly timed tackle by the king of Perfectly Timed Tackles Dylan Kerr...
Lekovic, MacPherson, Kerr, Monty, McGowne, Reilly, Bagan, Henry, Wright, McIntyre, Burke
Subs: McKee & Mitchell for Bagan & Burke
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Media/Entertainment > Features
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Keep Your Powder Dry
Wargaming the British Civil Wars in 15mm, home of the English Civil War travelogue. Showcasing dreadful painting and mediocre prose.
- 26 December
Having been asked the tricksy question,
What is it: The English Civil War, The British Civil Wars or the Wars of the Three Kingdoms?
Pictures from Holly Holy Day 2020, Nantwich's annual celebration of the battle
I will attempt to answer it...
I must point out that all are valid terms, but some are possibly more valid than others (to bastardise some Orwell).
We'll start with...
The English Civil War (ECW), probably the most widely known and used term to describe the series of conflicts that occurred in the British Isles during the reign of Charles I. Has it's problems, it wasn't confined to England, and it wasn't just a war singular. But in the common vernacular, widely understood.
The British Civil Wars (BCW) a much more accurate term than ECW: British including all of the nations that existed in the British Isles. Some take issue with the word 'British' arguing that Britain (a name that is oft used to refer to the modern United Kingdom) didn't exist. British in this context is a geographical name, not a political term (Great Britain is the name of the largest island in the British Isles). Wars (plural) is much better as there were many separate conflicts. My preferred term.
The Wars of the Three Kingdoms is the in vogue term for the series of conflicts. Personally not a fan as it sounds like a scene from a Peter Jackson corruption of Tolkien. Not to be confused with the Wars of the Three Kingdoms that took place in the third century in what is now modern day China. The separate kingdoms of Ireland, England and Scotland just so happened to have the same person as their king, they were very separate countries and seen as foreign to one another. But what about Wales? (long story made short): Wales had been subsumed by England in the thirteenth century and politically when the word England was used, it included Wales in the equation.
By the end of Victoria's reign, the historian S.R.Gardiner called the period of conflicts the Great Civil War. Marxists and socio-political historians refer to the period as the English Revolution
Those are the general names for the conflicts that arose in the British Isles from 1639 until the Restoration. The period can, more accurately, be broken down into it's separate conflicts. I must point out that each of these definitions are massively simplified, but to do each justice would be several PhD's worth of writing.
The Bishops Wars 1639-1640 - two Anglo Scottish wars that were a Scottish reaction to Charles I's attempt to reform the Scottish church.
The Confederate War 1641-1652, also known as the Irish Uprising, and the Eleven Years War. Started as a combination of Irish resentment against the Protestant settlers and a desire to protect the religious freedom to practice Catholicism. A conflict that waxed and waned, before being brutally put down by Cromwell and the New Model Army in 1652.
The First Civil War 1642-1646, the bit that can accurately be called the English Civil War; much beloved by the Victorians who lapped up the cavaliers versus roundheads imagery. Included lots of fighting in Scotland too between Montrose and the Covenanters.
The Second Civil War 1648, an imprisoned Charles I secretly negotiated with the Scots to provide an army to restore him to power (in return Presbyterianism would be imposed in England). Main conflict was the Preston campaign, but a number of Royalist risings took place across England and Wales. As a consequence of these machinations Charles probably sealed his own fate and booked himself a date with an executioner.
The Third Civil War 1649-1652 With Charles's execution, Scotland proclaimed Prince Charles, King. Charles II tried to reclaim the English throne by starting Royalist risings first in Ireland, and then in Scotland. Culminated in the defeat of the Royalist cause at Worcester.
But that wasn't an end to it, there were a number of risings that whilst had a large local impact, never gained any national traction during the period 1652-1659.
ephemera Introducing Research
johnpreece 26 December 2020 at 21:04
Very useful thanks. Anyone googling for books would do well to be aware of 'The Great Rebellion' as well. Seasons best wishes.
Stuart 27 December 2020 at 13:00
Awesome account and we will endeavour to join in again this year, COVID-19 permitting !
Dex McHenry 27 December 2020 at 13:12
There is an interesting discussion of this in the introduction to 'The Civil Wars, A Military History of England, Scotland and Ireland 1638-1660,' Ed. Kenyon and Ohlmeyer. The 'Puritan Revolution' is also mentioned in passing.
nundanket 27 December 2020 at 17:55
A good summary of the terms. For me the best catch all is ‘Wars of the Kingdoms’.
Radar 28 December 2020 at 09:57
So many names, yet possibly the most inappropriate is the one that is used. As with all things, I blame the Victorians
Scots Command
Regular readers (hello both of you) will know that I am always on the lookout for suitable commanders to augment my armies. This time my attention turned to Naismith whose figures match nicely heightwise with PP. Naismith horses are a little 'esoteric' so they were ditched and replacement PP horses sourced. All these figures come from just two packs - the Montrose character pack (EC14 Montrose, Leslie and Dundee), and the EC06 mounted Scots officer pack. Those tempted to purchase from Naismith should check the status of the company on internet forums, as service can be sporadic at times. As of 03/01/2021 the Naismith-Roundway website has gone, and the domain is available to purchase. I fear that these ranges may now have disappeared. The Army of Montrose First up Montrose and the Royal standard. Montrose is accompanied by a PP Parliamentarian ensign. Flag as always from Maverick Models. John Scrymgeour, Earl of Dundee is also from the same pack. A third figure was rejected as
Captain Thomas Sandford's Company of Firelocks
Captain Thomas Sandford (sometimes Sanford) most probably raised his independent Company of Firelocks in Shropshire, for service in Ireland. Thomas was described as a 'colourful character': which seems fairly accurate, as evidenced by his correspondence. One of his letters, addressed to the garrison at Hawarden, began: "Behold the messenger of death, Sanford and his firelocks, who neither use to give, nor take quarter" He had previously been a quartermaster serving with the Earl of Northumberland's Regiment of Foot during the First Bishops' War. When originally raised the company had a strength of about 60 men. They arrived in Dublin in 1642 and served under Ormonde, where they helped lead the assault on the Confederate forces at Kilrush. Of the men who went to Ireland 50 men returned to Chester in 1643. Once back in England they fought for the King at Hawarden* and Beeston Castles. At Beeston legend has it that Sandford and eight of his men famously scaled
Sir Gervase Lucas’ Regiment of Foot
Regular readers (hello both of you) will recognise the name Sir Gervase Lucas, we've already 'met' his Regiment of Horse . Just as his Regiment of Horse were based at Belvoir* Castle, so were his Regiment of Foot. Being based at the Castle, they didn't get out much: they fought in and around the castle; venturing out to fight at Cotes Bridge; Newark; were besieged at Belvoir Castle; they left Belvoir Castle to reinforce Lichfield and were certainly present when Lichfield fell, although it isn't certain if they were besieged in the Close. Sir Gervase had helped escort King Charles from the battlefield at Naseby to safety, and after the Civil Wars would be rewarded by Charles II by being made Governor of Bombay, with a salary of £2 a day (and an initial sweetener of £1500). Sadly he didn't get to enjoy this job for long, as he died within a year of taking it up. No known coat colours are recorded, so pure conjecture gave them blue coats. A handful of headswaps, mo
Happy 3rd Bloggiversary
Who'd have thunk it, another year of KeepYourPowderDry? Due to Covid restrictions there was no party this year, so here's a pic from a previous works do - a goats and goblins theme (the accounts department do like their fancy dress). Regular readers will notice that the Saturday boy wasn't invited as his mum wouldn't let him out after the state he'd left the downstairs loo in , after the last works 'do'. First off there are quite a few people I need to say thank you to: everyone who has visited and read my posts, I still find it bemusing that so many people are interested in my nonsense; also, those of you who have taken the time to write kind words about the blog; a special thank you to all the fellow bloggers who link to this site from their own blogs. This year has seen KeepYourPowderDry pass an enormous milestone - visitor numbers have just eased past 126,000 hits! Which is really quite staggering when I didn't really expect anyone to read what I'
The Lochaber Highlanders
Here's the final unit of highlanders from the current batch of figures for the Army of Montrose. More will follow, eventually. When I recovered from the psychological trauma of having to paint tartan. The Lochaber Highlanders were a subset of Cameron Highlanders, traditionally fiercely loyal to the crown they are perhaps best known for their modern association with the Lochaber axe which their valley lends it's name to: the Lochaber axe is a traditional Scottish halberd that may or may not originate from Lochaber. The Lochaber men's loyalty to the Stuarts would be the last acts of the suppression of the Jacobite 1745 Rising. We don't know much about the Lochabermen as an entity in their own right (their exploits with the 1745 Rising are quite well documented) as they were raised by their Clan Chief Allan Cameron of Lochiel and their exploits are possibly subsumed into the general Clan Cameron history. They are believed to have fought at Tippermuir and Inverlochy, wher
Coat Colours Part 1: Parliamentarian Regiments of Foot
- 06 May
Newly reformatted so hopefully all aligns properly - any issues please let me know! Blogger also keeps doing strange things with links, if they send you off to the Blogger interface, again, please let me know. When I first started my Civil War gaming project I relied upon the many ECW coat colour tables on wargaming websites. As my project has progressed, my library has got bigger, my research has gone back to primary sources rather than relying upon second and third hand sources; and I have noticed quite a few errors in these lists for wargamers. I have also noticed the same errors appearing in multiple lists. As a result of continually seeing 'the London Trained Bands and their Auxiliaries wore red coats' (there is no evidence supporting this at all, the evidence, whilst not explicit suggests that the London Trained Bands wore civilian clothes - some of the Auxiliaries might have been issued with blue winter coats) I decided to write m
Coat Colours Part 2: Royalist Regiments of Foot
Continuing my therapeutic blogging (write rather than rant) antidote to incorrect English Civil War coat colour tables for wargamers, I give you the Royalist Regiments of Foot Part 1 Parliamentarian coat colours Part 3 Scots coat colours Part 4 Dragoons, Horse and the New Model Army coat colours and information about the Trained Bands Same rules apply here, as they did with the Parliamentarian coat colours: Regiments often got renamed when command passed to a new colonel - these regiments are listed under their first name e.g. Jacob Astley's Regiment was originally Richard Fielding's Regiment. Coat colour notes refer to contemporaneous references and some of the deductions made by Reid, Spring, Peachey and Prince. You will also notice that some regiments have several coat colours listed. Where there is some question around a coat colour I have tried to give an explanation or provide notes. Don't forget the golden rule of ECW coat colours: there was no uniform
The King's Lifeguard Regiment of Foot
Regular readers (hello both of you) will no doubt have been wondering why some 'wargamer favourites' haven't made an appearance on this blog yet - the King's Lifeguard, Hesilrigge's lobsters and so on... Well wait and wonder no more. I will spare you the long boring story why they have only just made it to the the painting table over three years after they were originally purchased. Here they are now, and expect a return to Royalist and Parliamentarian units for the next few months. Don't be confused by the the grand title of this Regiment of Foot - they were just that, a regular Regiment of Foot. The actual lifeguarding bit is down to the Gentlemen Pensioners (not to be confused with the King's Lifeguard of Horse, who were a different unit altogether, although WargamerFacts™ insists that the two cavalry units are one and the same). In the the modern British Army this Regiment would have the words "King's..." or "King's Own..." at
The Clan Maclean
I can put off painting tartan for only so long, so time to grasp the nettle and get down to it. So here are the next clan of marauding men from the Highlands. Led by their Clan Chief, Sir Lachlan Maclean 1st Baron Morven, they fought at Inverlochy; Auldearn; and Kilsyth. They were present at the loss of Mull (Leslie came to the Island with a strong force of horse and foot in search of eight Irishmen, who were sheltering on Mull: seven were caught and executed, the eighth fleeing) and the defence of Duart Castle. Sir Lachlan died in 1650 and the Chiefdom passed to his son Sir Hector Maclean. Hector was commissioned as colonel of foot of a Regiment to be raised from Argyll and Bute highlanders; they joined the army at Stirling in 1651 and fought at Inverkeithing. The Clan lost 500 men at Inverkeithing, as well as Sir Hector. It was during this battle that seven brothers died protecting their Clan Chief. Each brother crying "Another for Hector" as they stepped forward to prote
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KELOLAND man with COVID-19 claims Sioux Falls hospital ran out of bed space, hospital responds
by: Brady Mallory
Posted: Sep 28, 2020 / 06:04 PM CDT / Updated: Oct 26, 2020 / 08:56 AM CDT
A KELOLAND man was shocked to discover he had COVID-19, and was just as surprised when, as he claims, a Sioux Falls hospital didn’t have room for him. As cases rise, we’ve heard some concerns about hospitals transferring patients due to lack of room.
State health officials say there is no need to transfer people out of state because we still have the room here in South Dakota hospitals and they have no information about hospitals doing so. However, John Bjorkman says that’s not what happened to him.
Bjorkman considers himself an active person. Right now, though, walking across his hospital room is a big accomplishment.
“It’s not like me to lay around at all,” Bjorkman said.
Bjorkman found out he had COVID a few weeks ago.
“It almost burns the side of your lung. The air part that’s coming down. It just burns, it hurts,” Bjorkman said.
He went to the Avera Hospital in DeSmet, but wasn’t getting better. He says staff called a specialist in Sioux Falls about transferring him here, and says he heard the doctor say this:
“I heard him saying, ‘well, we have no beds here in Sioux Falls. No beds,'” Bjorkman said.
Bjorkman is now in the ICU at a hospital in Marshall, Minnesota, where he got Remdesivir and plasma treatments.
“It was pretty scary. I’ll tell you that. If I wouldn’t have got that, Brady, I don’t know if I’d be here right now,” Bjorkman said.
Vice president of Avera Medical Group Clinical Quality, Dr. David Basel, says, as a whole, the system is not overcapacity. He says bed availability depends on the day or even the hour.
“Every day it’s a complex balance between patients coming in and patients coming out. Sometimes there’s an hour or two before the bed opens up that we put someone there, so it’s not uncommon,” Basel said.
Basel also points out Avera’s network and bed capacity covers a lot of ground in multiple states.
“That’s not an uncommon occurrence that we have a patient would go from one side of the border to another side of the border. It’s more about what’s available at the hospital and the level of care provided there,” Basel said.
We also asked Sanford Health about claims local hospitals are turning patients away due to running out of beds.
“No, it’s not true. We’re prioritizing patients based on need. We always have the feeling people would have the best care as close to home as possible. So, we may prioritize, so if there are several locations sending patients to Sioux Falls, we’ll maybe take the patients with the greatest need first,” Dr. Mike Wilde, VP Medical Officer for Sanford Health, said.
Bjorkman is hopeful he’ll recover soon, and says he’s getting great care in Minnesota. However, he’s still troubled by not being able to get into a hospital bed in South Dakota.
“It disappointed me a little. I’ll be honest. You know, you hear the secretary of health talk, ‘Oh, we have 1,043 beds. 260 of them are ICU capable.‘ Well, where are they? If they’re in the state of South Dakota, where are they and what good are they if you can’t treat the person once he gets in?” Bjorkman said.
Avera official explains the pandemic plan for hospitalization
Taking a look at current DOC coronavirus numbers
by KELOLAND News / Jan 19, 2021
We took a look at the numbers at all 9 state-run facilities and today, just two inmates and three staff members have active cases.
More than 2,300 inmates and 180 staff members have tested positive for the virus. Six inmates with the virus have died.
Study shows SD children hospitalized with COVID-19 increased 1,248% in 6 months
by Angela Kennecke / Jan 19, 2021
While South Dakota's oldest residents are at the highest risk of being hospitalized with COVID-19, many children have also found themselves in hospital beds. In fact, a new national report says South Dakota has had a higher rate of children hospitalized with the virus than many other states. In this edition of COVID-19 Beyond the Numbers, we're taking a look at the study, one of the cases and where the numbers are today.
In December, we introduced you to two and a half-year-old Henry Fruechte. He was one of the first children with Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome treated at Avera McKennan Hospital.
South Dakotans over age of 80 get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
by Tom Hanson / Jan 19, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations have moved beyond front line health workers in South Dakota. Seniors over the age of 80 and people with high risk medical conditions are now being vaccinated.
Ginny and Kenneth Bashore of Sioux Falls are among the first wave of octogenarians in South Dakota to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Ginny says they signed up right away and were anxious to begin the vaccination process.
Keep Reading - Coronavirus
Latest # of cases
Your Guide To
KELOLAND News is covering the Coronavirus outbreak. We have created a guide to everything you need to know to prepare. We also have the latest stories from across the globe feeding into this page.
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An Garda Síochána
DPD pauses deliveries from UK to Ireland due to Brexit
If you’re expecting a package to be delivered from the UK, you may have to wait a little longer.
Parcel delivery company DPD has said that it is pausing its delivery services from the UK to all European countries, including the Republic of Ireland, due to difficulties posed by Brexit.
In a statement, DPD said that the pause in its operation “will be as short as possible” and intends to resume delivery services to European countries next Wednesday (13 January). An update will be issued next Tuesday.
Items posted from Ireland for delivery worldwide in December still in transit, says An Post
DPD said that while the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement in the recent Brexit deal was “very welcome”, there have still been “significant changes” in the way the company delivers parcels internationally.
According to DPD, up to one in five parcels have incorrect or incomplete data attached and will have to be returned to customers so that the required data can be provided.
As well as that, delays and congestions at UK ports and more rigid more requirements for channel crossings have contributed to the need to pause international deliveries.
“It's been a challenging few days for our international operation and our teams have been working round the clock to process your data for parcels bound for Europe and the Republic of Ireland,” the DPD statement read.
“It has now become evident that we have an increased burden with the new, more complex processes, and additional customs data we require from you for your parcels destined to Europe. This has placed extra pressure on our turnaround and transit times.”
“In view of this unprecedented set of circumstances we believe that it is only right to pause and review our road service into Europe, including the Republic of Ireland,” the statement adds.
“We will use this short pause to validate the data we have in our system, reduce the delay and give you the opportunity to give us the correct data we need in order that we can export, from next week, successfully.”
More information on the impact of Brexit on DPD services can be found here.
Brexit,
Online Shopping,
DPD.
Boris Johnson's dad has applied for French citizenship
Paddy McKenna
UK and EU finally agree post-Brexit trade deal
Brexit-backing billionaire moves new vehicle production to France
Oli Dugmore
Amazon warns Irish customers about new post-Brexit charges
Joe Biden says Northern Ireland border must remain open post-Brexit
QUIZ: Can you name all the European Union countries that use the euro?
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America's Worship of (All-too-human) Superheroes
Vanity Fair has an interesting essay written by Julian Sancton called "Why America Worships Superheroes."
Currently superheroes are big. Nytimes film critic A. O. Scott calls it the "superhero surge." Why the surge?
For one reason, says Sancton, we humans can relate to them. Sancton writes: "the heroes themselves have become more, well, complex. The films still pit good against evil, but with character actors like Robert Downey Jr. and Heath Ledger taking more risks, good has gotten more ambiguous and evil more unsettling."
Further, just as we are struggling economically and politically and globally, so are our superheroes. "Hancock’s a drunk, Tony Stark’s a war-profiteer, and Bruce Wayne’s a rich jerk. Wouldn’t you be messed up if you were fighting, respectively, L.A. crime, the Taliban, and Al Qaeda in clown makeup?"
And then there's Hellboy. "Hellboy’s inner demon is that he’s an outer demon. O.K., that’s not quite as easy to relate to, but he’s nonetheless an irritable, cynical hero, and audiences like that."
Superheroes portray the ethos of the time. When Superman arrived to help us the world was simpler and black and white. Good was good and evil was evil. Now, there's a lot more ambiguity and complexity. And this I believe is true. As we Jesus-followers like to say it's a post-Christian world that we live in. The spiritual "air we breathe" is highly polluted.
But what about the whole superhero thing anyway, in itself? Sancton's observation is that we need them. Quoting Hellboy's director Guillermo del Toro: "There is still a longing for mythos, for a spiritual Pantheon. And in an era where we have enshrined materialism to such a degree and we have killed off every conceit that seems to be weak and based on religion—New Age, all those types of things—the only sort of acceptable mythology, I think, is superhero mythology.”
In short - superheroes are our gods and goddesses. It's not that people actually believe Hellboy exists or that the Joker is around the corner and we'd better hope the psychologically struggling Batman sees the bat-signal we throw up and is in an emotional state to respond to it. It's that most of us, arguably all, have this deep, inner need for someone or something more to come to our rescue. For me, it's the Jesus-story, with the main difference being Jesus actually came to deliver the oppressed. Perhaps, as C.S. Lewis thought, the superhero stories, and even his own Narnia books and his friend Tolkien's trilogy, were reflections of a hope God placed in each of us and responded to in history.
Posted by John Piippo at 12:00 AM
Michael Moore's "Gustav Proof" That God Exists
My MCCC Courses
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D'Souza on Pascal's Wager: Part II
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Oxford U. Re-examines the Shroud of Turin
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I Ate a Big Brownie Today!
My Wife Linda's Birthday Is Today!
Don't Pay Full Price for College Textbooks
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What LibreOffice Impress Needs To Rock
Across the course of my career I have given, and continue to give, a lot of presentations at conferences all over the world. In the vast majority of them I have used LibreOffice because I like and support the project and I like my presentations being in an open format that can be used across different Operating Systems.
At times I have also used Keynote and Powerpoint and there are a few small things that LibreOffice is missing to be the perfect presentation tool. I thought I would share these here with a hope that these features will be built and thus turn LibreOffice Impress into the most perfect presentation tool on the planet. Naturally, if these features do get built, I will write a follow up post lavishing praise on the LibreOffice team. If anyone from the LibreOffice team wants to focus on these I am more than happy to provide feedback and input!
One the most fantastic elements of both Keynote and Powerpoint are the smart guides. These are guidelines that appear when you move an object around to help you to align things (such as centering an object or making sure multiple objects are the same width/height from each other).
This feature is invaluable and the absence of it in Impress is notable and at times frustrating. I think a lot of people would move over to LibreOffice if this was available and switched on by default.
Moving objects is slow and clunky in LibreOffice. Moving an object doesn’t smoothly move pixel by pixel but instead jerkily moves as I drag my mouse. It seems that the object moves in 5/10 pixel increments. This means positioning objects is less precise and feels slow and clunky.
Likewise, selections (e.g. selecting multiple objects) and reordering slides has the same chunkiness.
If this was refined it would make the whole app feel far more pleasurable to use.
Embeddable Windows
There has been times when giving a presentation when I have wanted to embed a window in a presentation to save me breaking out of a presentation to show the audience something. Breaking out of a presentation ruins the magic…we want to stay in full presentation mode where possible!
As an example, I might want to show the audience a web page. I would like to therefore embed Chrome/Firefox into my presentation.
I might also want to show a feature using a command line tool. I would like to embed the terminal into my presentation, potentially on the left side of the slide with some content to the right of it. This would be invaluable for teaching programming for example. I might also want to embed a text editor.
Importantly, embedded windows would preferably have no window borders and an option to remove the menu so it looks fully integrated. This would be a tremendous feature that neither Keynote or Powerpoint have.
Nested Section Slides
Many presentations have multiple sections. If you have a lot of slides like I do it can be handy to be able to break slides in sections (with the appropriate slides nested under a main slide for each section). This is a standard feature in Keynote. This makes it easy to jump to different sections when editing. What would be really ideal is if there is also a hotkey that can jump between the different sections – this provides a great opportunity then to jump between different logical pieces of a presentation.
When putting together a deck for Bad Voltage Live I wanted to play a slide with an embedded audio clip in it and configure what happens before or after the audio plays. For example, I would like the audio to play and then automatically transition to the next slide when the audio is finished. Or, I want to load a slide with an embedded audio clip and then require another click to start playing the audio. From what I can tell, these features are missing in LibreOffice.
Those are the main things for me. So, LibreOffice community, think you can get these integrated into the app? Kudos can be yours!
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She said yes: A sky-high SF proposal
by: Alexa Mae Asperin
Posted: Dec 5, 2020 / 11:30 AM PST / Updated: Dec 11, 2020 / 05:43 PM PST
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A lucky woman in San Francisco got the surprise of a lifetime Friday.
It was a message in the sky – short and sweet – asking for forever.
Photos show the sweet proposal that took to the San Francisco skies.
In skywriting, a plane had spelled out “NASTYA MARRY ME.”
Tigran Arutyunyan, the mastermind behind the proposal, told KRON4 Nastya is the nickname for his now-fiancée, Anastasiya Markelova.
She said yes – and now she’s got the ring to prove it!
(All photos courtesy Tigran Arutyunyan)
A Tale Ahead Photography
Correction: KRON4 had previously published a story describing this incident as “apparent hate speech” after several reported seeing the word “nasty” written in the skies. It was this marriage proposal, in the process of being written. KRON4 also spoke with the skywriter who crafted the message, Torrey Ward, and he clarified that the wind and overall weather play a factor in these messages.
More Bay Area Stories
by Rob Fladeboe / Jan 19, 2021
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- KRON4 is learning more about the order to halt COVID-19 vaccinations using a suspect batch of the Moderna vaccine.
At least 300,000 vaccinations have been put on hold because some people have sought medical for possible severe allergic reactions.
by Erica Pieschke / Jan 19, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) - A suspect is in custody after barricading himself in a house and assaulting an 81-year-old man on Monday, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
Around 3:27 p.m., police responded to a call about a man with a gun in the 800 block of 26th Avenue.
How San Francisco is preparing for Inauguration Day
by Dan Kerman / Jan 19, 2021
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) - While much of the focus has been on protecting the Nation's Capital and State Capitals as Joe Biden is inaugurated on Wednesday, San Francisco is also taking steps to prepare for Inauguration Day.
"At SFPD, we have canceled discretionary days off of our officers. And we will have additional police and all necessary resources deployed to respond to all routine calls for service, as well as spontaneous events in the event that they occur," SF police Chief Bill Scott said.
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LIVE: Trump leaves office with legacy of chaos
‘Pence Fly’ bobblehead unveiled
Posted: Oct 8, 2020 / 02:09 PM PDT / Updated: Oct 8, 2020 / 02:31 PM PDT
MILWAUKEE (KRON) – The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum announced on Thursday that they will be producing a bobblehead depicting Vice President Mike Pence with a fly on his head.
The figurine stems from a moment that went viral in last night’s Vice Presidential debate between Pence and Democratic nominee Kamala Harris.
The incident went unmentioned onstage, but as the insect took up residence on Pence’s white hair, the social media firestorm was immediate — and intense.
It easily created more, well, buzz than nearly anything else that occurred.
Pence had spent much of the night shaking his head in response to Harris’ answers. But the vice president didn’t appear to notice the fly’s arrival. Despite his talking and normal body movements, the hot stage lights and those virus-fighting barriers, the fly was unperturbed.
Fly on Pence’s head generates buzz in VP debate
Watch: Fly lands on Pence’s head during VP debate
It finally flew away on its own.
The bobble head also incorporates the plexiglass barrier and includes a removable mini fly swatter.
The company started producing bobbleheads of political candidates back in 1960 with President John F. Kennedy. Since then, all 45 US Presidents have been made into bobbleheads, with this being Pence’s second appearance.
Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris have also been made into bobbleheads by the company.
The bobblehead can be purchased at the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame’s website.
by Keely Sugden, Nexstar Media Wire / Jan 19, 2021
DENVER (KDVR) -- A ten day string of palindromes, a date that reads the same forward as backward, begins on Wednesday.
Jan. 2 (1-2-21) was the first of 22 palindrome dates for this year. This only happens twice a century and occurred in 2011, according to the Farmer's Almanac.
Garth Brooks set to perform at Biden inauguration
by Russell Falcon, Nexstar Media Wire / Jan 18, 2021
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KXAN) -- President-elect Joe Biden's star-studded January 20 inauguration just got a little more starry.
Country music icon Garth Brooks announced Monday he'll help ring in the Biden presidency with a performance at the Washington, D.C., ceremony on Wednesday.
Post Malone donates 10,000 pairs of Crocs to frontline medical workers across the country
by Darcie Loreno, Nexstar Media Wire / Jan 15, 2021
(WJW) -- Rapper Post Malone has donated 10,000 pairs of his sold-out Crocs to hospital caregivers and staff all over the country who are working on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
People reports that Malone, 25, and Crocs partnered with the nonprofit, Musicians On Call, to give Malone's Duet Max Clog II shoes to workers in 70 facilities across the country.
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Jessica Biel may or may not an anti-vaxxer?
In Mindy Kaling’s book Why Not Me? she writes about being at a very famous people party where a very famous popstar got offended when she made a joke about anti-vaxxers as there were several people there who were anti-vaxxers. She has never revealed who that was but I wondered back in 2015 whether it could possibly have been Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel.
If you need to get caught up, Anna Merlan first posted about Jessica “lobbying California lawmakers alongside anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy” yesterday. The Daily Beast then followed up on the story, which went viral, which is why Jessica was trending on social media last night. She was trending just as she and Justin stepped out for dinner last night in New York.
First thing this morning she posted a statement on Instagram:
A post shared by Jessica Biel (@jessicabiel) on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:32am PDT
So… does this make it all go away? Are we all good now? Well…
Jessica may have “clarified” but here’s some further clarification, per The Daily Beast:
… vaccination advocates say that the bill will have minimal impact on those with valid reasons for exemption, citing medical authorities like the bill’s prominent co-sponsors: the California Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics, California.
“The children who need medical exemptions will not have a problem getting them if SB 276 becomes law,” said Leah Russin, executive director of Vaccinate California, another co-sponsor of the bill. “People who are on immuno-suppressant drugs will not have a problem getting a medical exemption—and in fact, the people who truly need medical exemptions desperately need everyone else to be vaccinated. That’s why they support this bill. Medical advice should be coming from medical professionals.”
Exactly. For f-ck’s sake, the people who need the exemptions actually NEED everyone else to be vaccinated!
You know what makes me crazy about Jessica’s statement? This sentence:
“I support children getting vaccinations and I also support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians.”
On the surface, this reads like she’s not an anti-vaxxer. But here’s the problem: she’s making it sound like “children getting vaccinations” and “families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians” is mutually exclusive.
Children getting vaccinated are actually members of families who are making educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians!!!
There is no such thing as vaccinations on one side and those who are making educated medical decisions alongside their physicals on the other side - BOTH ARE THE SAME SIDE. Jessica presenting it as otherwise is STILL IRRESPONSIBLE.
Also? In the middle of this kind of public relations sh-t storm over vaccinations, if she’d vaccinated her own kid? Basic PR 101 would have you just come right out and say it in the statement. That’s the quickest way to put out the fire. Like… calm down everyone, I vaccinated my son and I don’t regret it, I’m just here to xyz, and whatever.
The fact that she uses language as vague as “I support children getting vaccinations” without specificity is, to me, a dead giveaway.
But then again, are you surprised? She’s not the first celebrity to undermine science – hi Gwyneth Paltrow! – and she won’t be the last. That’s the problem, they all huddle together and make each other stupid. Which is why they don’t listen to anyone else, why none of the social media dragging ever makes a difference. Celebrities care the most about other celebrities. And even though the general public shouldn’t listen to celebrities, shouldn’t take health advice from celebrities, they do, whether you like it or not, whether it’s right or not, the fact is it’s already happened, has been happening, continues to happen. And since it’s already happened, the solution isn’t just to yell at people to stop listening to celebrities, because clearly it hasn’t gotten us anywhere. Maybe the solution is to get the few celebrities who are actually informed to yell at the ones who aren’t. Why? Again, because celebrities care the most about other celebrities. You yelling at Jessica Biel with your 500 followers on Twitter isn’t going to make her listen.
So that got me thinking about celebrities who have come out in favour of vaccinations. And the first name that popped in my head: Olivia Wilde.
Otis had his shots and handled it like a boss. So grateful to have access to vaccines that protect him and others. #DontHateVaccinate
— olivia wilde (@oliviawilde) August 29, 2014
But, as usual, there’s gossip here. Remember when Justin and Jessica broke up for a few months before getting back together, and then engaged, and then eventually married? During the break, he was linked to Olivia Wilde.
OK so, obviously, not Olivia Wilde. Is there a celebrity who can yell at Jessica and Justin Timberlake? I nominate John Oliver who advocated in favour of child vaccination while sharing the experience of his son Hudson, born premature. Here’s the video if you haven’t seen it before.
I’m telling you – regular people don’t have an effect on celebrities because they think they are above us. They are, however, very aware of their own position on the celebrity fame scale and it matters to them what other celebrities think of them. That’s what we need here: a celebrity-on-celebrity policing system. Imagine if Beyoncé was the sheriff?
TAGS: Baby and Bump Obsession Dumbass Jessica Biel Justin Timberlake Olivia Wilde Top Reads
Did House Cambridge get political?
Posted by Lainey on June 13, 2019 15:52:02
Intro for June 12, 2019
As I predicted last year, Justin Timberlake just confirmed he and Jessica Biel have welcomed second child, Phinneas
Olivia Wilde gave prophetic monologue in 2012 about her relationships only lasting seven years
Olivia Wilde and Harry Styles's relationship timeline disputed by "heartbroken" Jason Sudeikis
Outfits of the Week: Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in denim, 20 Years Later
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Home News Legal LDEA Wants Lawmakers to Make Drug Offenses Non-Bailable
LDEA Wants Lawmakers to Make Drug Offenses Non-Bailable
Abednego Davis
Participants at the community and security sector engagement under the theme, “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia, Justice, and Security for the Liberian People.”
At a one-day community and security sector engagement on the influx of illegal drugs into the country, a senior officer at the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA) on Friday, November 16, appealed to the National Legislature to make illegal drug offenses non-bailable.
Martin M. Tumoe, LDEA chief training officer said unless lawmakers amend the drug law to make it a non-bailable offense, the country runs the risk of failing in its fight against illegal drugs operations in the country.
Tumoe’s assertion was in response to criticisms at the community and security sector engagement under the theme, “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Liberia, Justice, and Security for the Liberian People.”
The gathering met at the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, in Sinkor. It was organized by a non-governmental organization, Platform for Democracy and Peace.
Tumoe believes that for the government to strengthen the rule of law, especially against illegal drugs offenders, the crime must be non-bailable.
“If the lawmakers were to make drug offenses a non-baliable crime like rape, armed robbery and murder, it would help in the prosecution of people charged with drug offenses,” the chief of trainer told a gathering of community leaders and residents.
He maintained that the agency was committed to eradicate illegal drugs and their dealers throughout the country, “but, the crime is bailable, which poses a serious challenge to our efforts to prosecute offenders.”
According to Tumoe, since the crime is bailable, “we are finding it difficult to succeed in prosecuting those suspected of a drug offense whenever there is an arrest, because the accused’s lawyer would immediately file a criminal bond for their subsequent release by the court.”
“The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) charges the individual, but the court will release that person because their lawyer files a criminal bond so that they cannot go to jail to wait for their trial,” Tumoe said. Tumoe failed to say how many cases his agency has forwarded to court for prosecution in which those accused were released because their lawyers filed bonds to release them.
He meanwhile recommended to the communities to take up these issues with their lawmakers to ensure that an amendment is made on the drug law. “This will help every one of us to succeed in the fight against drug-related offenses,” Tumoe said.
Tumoe also called on the community to counsel people involved in illegal drug use. “This would also help us in minimizing the use of drugs in our country,” he said.
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Elections Reform
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Will Supreme Court Nullify Gbarpulu Senatorial Election Results?
Dahn, Richard November 19, 2018 At 5:29 am
This is the future of Liberia and it’s citizens. This is a strong call from an expert. There should be strong laws for illegal drugs entering the country with heavy jail terms and non bailable.
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True Nationalist on Democracy Under Attack in U.S.
James Davis on Democracy Under Attack in U.S.
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Public aren't supporting nurses, they're abusing them: caller shames guideline flouters
By Seán Hickey
This caller believes that the police need to be given stricter powers so the public don't put key workers at risk.
Basil was calling from Brixton and told Richard Spurr that the public are disrespecting nurses by continuing to leave their houses for non-essential journeys.
He told Richard that people need to be more considerate of healthcare workers when they leave their house, pointing out that we have lost discipline in our children who are roaming the streets as though there's no crisis.
Basil also noted that "the police want to do a good job but the government aren't letting them", insisting that there's a need for the police to come down harder on people not obeying social distancing rules.
"We are not respecting the nurses" he said. NHS workers are "putting their lives on the limb" for the British public and the Brixton man thinks that the public must become more compassionate to these key workers and go above and beyond to stay home during this time.
Basil thinks there needs to be stricter coronavirus measures to protect key workers. Picture: PA
"It's not only young people" Basil insisted. He told Richard that he spotted adults flouting rules for reasons that he saw pointless.
"Is a newspaper really important to a nurses life?" he argued. Richard was told by the caller that "we should have been on lockdown three weeks ago" in order to give the UK public a better chance to get used to lockdown, rather than making unnecessary journeys and risking the lives of workers.
Basil believes that the police "should have got pretty heavy with people to show some respect" to key workers in the beginning of the lockdown. He thinks that through this method it would have led to people adapting to strict measures quicker.
"We are not supporting the people that are looking after us" Basil claimed. When speaking about social distancing rules and the government guidelines for coronavirus, he said that the public are abusing the rules and "it's the nurses that are paying for it".
More Hot Topics
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How to Form a Five-Person Bowling Team
Photo courtesy PBA LLC
Jef Goodger
Jef Goodger is a bowling enthusiast who works as a writer, commentator, and producer for Xtra Frames, the Professional Bowlers Association streaming service. His writings feature on various websites, such as Pinterest.
A five-man bowling team is the most common team size in league bowling, and putting the right five people in the right spots in the lineup goes a long way in helping your team win. There’s a strategy to putting together a team (much the same way baseball lineups are devised with specific goals in mind). Whether a three-, four- or five-person team, arranging your teammates in the optimum order can help you maximize your victories over the course of the season.
It’s important to note these tips are not steadfast rules, but rather what appears to be the consensus among the majority of five-person bowling teams. In a scratch league, bowling in a strategic order is especially important, as you have no handicap to help your score. If you’re by far the worst bowler on your team, but you’re in the fifth position, you will almost definitely be going against their best bowler, and thus you will almost always lose. Not ideal.
With handicaps, things are a little more even as you’re essentially competing against yourself. That is, you’re trying to be more above your average than your opponent is above his. Still, the basic strategy applies.
A Typical Lineup
In most cases, the best bowler on your team should bowl fifth. Your next best bowler should bowl fourth. Your third best bowler should bowl first. Your fourth-best should bowl third, and your bowler with the lowest average should bowl second. See the table below for a less confusing explanation of this lineup.
This is your lead-off bowler. This person gets you started every week and is, at the minimum, an adequate bowler. As the first bowler, he can set the tone for the night by instilling confidence in his teammates or intimidating their opponents. Typically, his average is the third highest on the team and is trusted to lead off because of his ability to consistently bowl strikes or, when he doesn’t throw strikes, pick up spares.
The best first bowler is someone who doesn’t leave a lot of open frames and can get each night started with a strike or spare, setting his entire team on the right track.
Second Position
The second bowler is typically the least experienced or simply the bowler with the lowest average. Bowling second puts as little pressure as possible on this bowler, as he can rely on his teammates to pick up the bulk of the scores.
This can be a valuable spot in the lineup, as a lot of bowlers in the second position struggle with consistency, leaving a bowler who can consistently bowl at or above his average open to win a lot of games and points for his team.
Third Position
Much like the second position, this bowler will likely have less experience (or merely a lower average) than his teammates, and his spot in the middle of the lineup takes a lot of pressure off him.
Also, like the second position, this can be a valuable spot in the lineup if your third bowler can consistently improve over the course of the season.
Fourth Position
Commonly referred to as the set-up man, this guy can bowl in the clutch, regularly throw a hooks tenth and could likely be an anchor if necessary. The set-up man should not leave a lot of frames open, picking up strikes or spares almost every frame.
The best set-up man is someone who can perform well no matter how the third bowler is doing, setting up the anchor to close out the victory.
Fifth Position
The anchor is generally the best bowler on the team. When you need a strike, or series of strikes, at the end of the night, which team member do you trust the most to do it? It should be this guy.
The best anchors are not only good bowlers statistically but can perform well under pressure and in competitive environments. This is important as they’ll be bowling against the other teams’ top bowlers every week.
A Typical Five-Person Bowling Lineup
Lineup Order Average Rank
1st Bowler 3rd Highest Average
2nd Bowler Lowest Average
3rd Bowler 4th Highest Average
4th Bowler 2nd Highest Average
5th Bowler Highest Average
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Top 10 Reasons to Join a Bowling League
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Applying for a Bowling Sponsorship
How to Pick Up Spares - Lefties
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liverpoolLoad mobile navigation
Liverpool FC News
Jurgen Klopp sends message to growing Liverpool US fan base
Jurgen Klopp knows the game is growing
Kristian WalshEditor
Jurgen Klopp waves to the crowd at Fenway Park (Image: Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Sign up to receive the best LFC opinion direct to your inbox
Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to Liverpool's burgeoning support from the United States, believing the next generation have an obvious choice when looking for a club to follow.
The scenes during the Reds' pre-season trip to the US – with successful trips to South Bend and Boston done, with New York to come – has once more shown the passion and desire of North American fans when their heroes fly across the Atlantic.
It is the second successive season Liverpool have used the US as their chosen destination to move their preparations for the new campaign on to the next level.
Speaking after his side lost 2-1 to Sevilla at Fenway Park, Klopp said: “On our website, we have a lot of news. If I was a kid at home, to be 100 per cent honest, five, six, seven, eight years old, which team would you support? There are not a lot of alternatives. Other clubs probably don't want to hear that. But that's how we see it, so it's all good.”
Liverpool will support Yasser Larouci after Joris Gnagnon tackle - and showed that at Fenway Park
The German coach was also complimentary about the current health of the game in the US, with the women's side just crowned world champions, and the men's World Cup taking place there (plus Canada and New Mexico) in 2026.
“The game is ready to conquer the US,” he added. “In 2026 you have the World Cup again. Until then, the MLS will continue making big steps, women's football rules the world pretty much which is impressive, so you mention the number of people who have desire for sports in general, you already have people for the big ones, and plus soccer.
“It will take a while for American clubs to be as big as Liverpool is, in between now and then, you're very welcome to be an LFC supporter.”
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