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- Sustainably Sourced
Wood & Rope Outdoor Lounge Chair
- Flat Rate Delivery
Earn $55.92 $111.84 (10%) back (20%) back in Reward Dollars* on this item with your West Elm Credit Card.Learn More Apply Now
- Overview
Crafted of FSC®-certified wood our Wood & Rope Lounge Chair brings comfort and modern style to your outdoor living space.
- 22.8"w x 33.5"d x 28"h.
- Made from sustainably sourced wood certified to FSC® standards. Learn more.
- Teak wood frame in Washed Brown.
- Weather-resistant olefin rope in Gray & Dark Gray.
- Made in Indonesia.
- Details + Dimensions
- Overall product dimensions: 22.8"w x 33.5"d x 28"h.
- Interior seat width: 20.3".
- Seat depth: 22.4".
- Seat height: 14.2".
- Clearance from floor: 12.6".
- Number of boxes: 1.
- Shipping package: 36.8"w x 26"d x 31.8"h.
Assembly required.
Keep furniture dry when not in use; wipe spills clean with a dry cloth and avoid the use of harsh cleaners and abrasives. To extend the life of your cushions, keep them free of dirt and foliage. To prevent mildew, stand cushions on end and dry completely before storing. Cover with an outdoor cover (sold separately) or store indoors when not in use for long periods of time or during inclement weather. Store cushions separately from furniture to prevent possible transfer of moisture. Make sure furniture is completely dry before covering.
- Shipping + Returns
Shipping + Delivery
Please enter your zip code on the product page or in cart for a delivery date estimate based on your location. The shipping rate varies depending on your order total and shipping options. View Shipping Rates and Options.
Easy Returns
You can return eligible items within 30 days of receiving an order for a refund of the merchandise value. An original receipt or gift receipt is required. Prior purchases are not eligible for price adjustments.
How to return:
- Return to Stores: You can return most non-furniture items to your local west elm store for free (west elm outlet stores excluded).
- UPS: For items under 70 lbs, you can print a return label from our Returns Policy page and bring to a UPS location.
- For furniture and other oversized items that are not Made-to-Order, please contact our customer service department at 1.888.922.4119.
Items not eligible for return:
- Made-to-Order (MTO) items, including custom rugs, furniture and wall art
- Monogrammed items
- Mattresses
- Gift cards
- Final sale items (with prices ending in $.X7 or $.X9)
- Items damaged through normal wear and tear
Complete details
- For full details, please visit our Returns Policy page.
- For further assistance, please call our customer service department at 1.888.922.4119 or send an email to email@example.com.
- Return to Stores: You can return most non-furniture items to your local west elm store for free (west elm outlet stores excluded).


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PFLAG KC is hosting National Geographic's Gender Revolution
Sunday, April 22, 2018 3-5 PM.
Kansas City Center for Inclusion
3909 Main Street, KCMO
The viewing of the documentary will be followed by a question and answer session.
Please join us!
GENDER REVOLUTION Sunday April 22, 3-5
PFLAG KC is hosting National Geographic's Gender Revolution
About Lisa
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PFLAG-KC Contact Info
PO Box 12294
Overland Park, KS 66282
helpline: (816) 765-9818
Regional PFLAG chapters
PFLAG Lawrence-Topeka
1910 SW Sieben Ct.
Topeka, KS 66611
helpline (785) 235-3831
PFLAG St. Joseph
927 Faraon Street
St. Joseph, MO 64501
PFLAG St. Louis
P.O. Box 410114
St. Louis , MO 63141
helpline: (314) 821-3524
PFLAG Springfield
helpline: (417) 350-5300
PFLAG Meetings
PFLAG Kansas City general meetings are held at two locations:
* On the 2nd Sunday of each month at 3:00 pm at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Room 307, Prairie Village, KS. The meeting room is wheelchair accessible. (Everyone is also welcome to attend the Board meeting beginning at 1:30 pm.)
* On the 4th Sunday of each month at 3:00 pm at the Kansas City Center for Inclusion, 3909 Main St, Kansas City, MO.

subset: commoncrawl


text: a city, center of Gaisin Raion, Vinnitsa Oblast, Ukrainian SSR, situated on the Sob River (of the Iuzhnyi Bug River basin), 94 km southeast of Vinnitsa. Railroad station. Population, 23,700 (1970). The food industry is well developed in Gaisin and is represented by a meat combine, a sugar plant, a fruit cannery, a butter and cheese plant, and a distillery. There are also garment and furniture factories as well as a medical school. Gaisin arose in 1600 and became a city in 1795.


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This black slider from Samsung has Bluetooth, MP3 player, two-megapixel camera and 320x240 display. It's 1.4-inches thick and has the popular Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) that's found on most cellphones and media players released in Korea.
No word on a US launch, but the UI supports English as well as Chinese, Japanese and Korean, so importing may be a possibility.
Samsung touts 13.5mm-thick digital TV slider phone [Reg Hardware]


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Film and Photography at Fusse
(786) 282-2629
Whether you're looking to film a music video, instructional video or product presentations or demonstrations, Fusse Studios provides all of the elements to have a successful video or photo shoot. Whether you're shooting a video to display on the web or looking to create videos to feature your product or service, Fusse Studios has all your video location requirements covered. We offer a large seamless infinity wall which is a 33' x 13' Full Cove Cyclorama wall with 16ft ceilings with Vestial wire gallery lighting. If you require different lighting, you may bring your own equipment, or work with our Concierge Service Team to assist you in renting the equipment you need.
We are located in an emerging neighborhood in Miami called MIMO which offers amazing backdrops and locations for video or film shoots. We provide well lit professional makeup stations with director's chairs for your models, makeup artists and stylists to situate themselves. We also provide rolling clothes racks. We also offer a state-of-the-art high definition sound system if your video requires background sounds or music. We have multiple large flat screens to run videos or for gaming. In addition, we have an elevated DJ booth located above the entry lounge which offers a touch-screen Sony Vaio computer, an electronic keyboard, and controls for the projector, TV's and our high definition sound system.
Fusse Studios offers Concierge services to assist you when time is of the essence, and you need a few extra hands to help meet your schedule. Share your video equipment needs with us and the Fusse team will help coordinate everything with you.


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The McMinnville Wine & Food Classic is an annual event in Northwest Oregon.
Local wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, chefs, bakers and food vendors come to demonstrate their skills and serve their unique products, making the Classic one of the state's largest indoor wine and food festivals.
Our winter event (nicknamed "Sip") is a fundraiser for McMinnville's St. James Catholic School.
For more information about the McMinnville Wine & Food Classic, please click the link below to visit our website.
More info: macclassic.org/
This is a comprehensive list with links to annual Wine, Food, Spirits and Beer Festivals around the world. View all worldwide festivals.
If you are involved in an annual festival that has a permanent home page available on the Internet, you are welcome to enter the information here.
Submit your festival here.
LocalWineEvents.com is the #1 ranked website for consumers who ARE ACTIVELY seeking local wine & food events to attend.
2020 © LocalWineEvents.com. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Copyright Statement | Accessibility Statement


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School Bans Playing Cards
A primary school in England has taken the unusual step of banning playing cards. A letter to parents said:
We have taken the decision to ban all playing cards including Moshi Monsters cards from the school site.
Children have been bringing these collector cards into school and trying to swap cards during the day which has caused much upset and disruption on the playground.
These disagreements can then impact on learning within the classroom.
We are looking at the possibility of having a lunchtime club for children who enjoy these cards and I will get back to you with details in due course.
Read more from: The Argus.
The cards that apparently instigated the ban at Top Trumps "Moshi Monsters" trading cards, which can be used to play a variety of games. But the ban applies to all playing cards.
Weird, and a bit disturbing, but it's also good to see kids becoming enthused about playing cards!


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Order securely online NOW!
or by phone
8.30am - 4.30pm
01437 721195
Home > GUTTERING AND DOWNPIPES > FloPlast Niagara 'Ogee' Gutter
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Bar Code: 5055149910180Part Number: 368341Brand: FloPlast
FloPlast Niagara Ogee Gutter 90° External Corner.
Available in Black, White, Brown and Caramel guttering. This is also available in FloPlast Cast Iron Effect guttering.
This fitting suits FloPlast Niagara Ogee plastic guttering measuring 110mm across the open top and 80mm at the deepest point.
Please choose the required colour of FloPlast guttering from the drop-down box when adding to your cart.
Price includes VAT
looks good and easy to use system
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Installation & Technical Info


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The word "Presbyterian" actually describes the church's form of governance more than theology. Our church works within a larger network of churches to ensure accountability, share resources, and support the ministry of the global church.
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church is governed under the constitution of the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA). Also known as the Book of Order, the constitution provides for two groups of leaders to help oversee the work of the church: elders and deacons.
A Presbyterian church is governed according to the pattern of elders seen in the Old and New Testaments. The word "presbyter" is Greek for elder.
The office of elder is a distinctive mark of Presbyterianism: ordained non-clergy (non-pastors) who take part in local pastoral care and decision making at all levels. These Biblically-qualified elders are elected from the church family and, along with ministers, lead the church corporately.
At Markham Woods, elders make up our governing body, called the Session. Each elder serves a three-year term, with one third of the Session rotating out of service at the end of each year – also known as their "class."
The Diaconate (the fancy name for a group of deacons) is made up of individuals who are responsible for the care and nurture of the church family. Deacons are identified in the Bible as people called to sympathy, witness and service after the example of Jesus Christ and actively serve the church family for three years.
The office of deacon is important to the ongoing relationships and community in the life of our church family. Deacons visit the sick, hospitalized and homebound, and offer communion. They are present at regular worship services and memorial services to offer care and to pray for those in need.
We have a great staff, in place to help our church family share the truth of the Gospel, create an environment of worship, equip individuals to grow as disciples and share ways to humbly serve those in need.
However, because we work as a non-profit, many of our needs in the church cannot be met by staff alone. We have dozens of teams of volunteers that help make the church not only function but thrive. To learn more about how you can be a part of one of our volunteer teams, continue exploring the website, or contact the church office at email@example.com or 407-333-2030.
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church has been in the heart of suburban Lake Mary for almost 30 years, serving, teaching, and shaping lives. We started way back when with only a small house on property, and have grown now to a large piece of property on which we have built a beautiful sanctuary, spacious fellowship hall, refurbished student center, brand new office building, and brand new preschool. The Lord certainly provides!
Markham Woods Presbyterian Church 5210 Markham Woods Road Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Office: 407-333-2030 Fax: 407-333-3202
Facebook: Markham Woods Presbyterian Church
WORSHIP TIMES: SUNDAYS AT 9:00am AND 11:00am


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UCLA Math participates in NSF-sponsored graduate education program
UCLA professors have received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and implement a graduate education program to help train the next generation of scientific leaders to use "big data" analysis to tackle complex societal problems. Among the leaders of the new UCLA initiative is UCLA professor of mathematics and mechanical and aerospace engineering, Andrea Bertozzi. The initiative was conceived by Wei Wang, who is the Leonard Kleinrock Professor of Computer Science in the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, to address a need in graduate training that has arisen due to a "confluence of technologies that is transforming the biological, environmental and social sciences into data-intensive sciences.
To read the full UCLA Newsroom article, click here.


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猫路炉(l脙鹿)茅聛鈩?y脙隆o)莽鸥楼(zh脛芦)茅娄卢(m脟沤)氓艩鈥?l脙卢), 忙鈥斅?r脙卢)盲鹿鈥? ji脟鈥?猫娄鈥?ji脙聽n)盲潞潞(r脙漏n)氓驴茠(x脛芦n) Literally: Over a long distance, you learn about the strength of your horse; over a long period of time, you get to know what"s in a person"s heart. Moral: Character can be revealed by time. Usage: This can be used positively to praise a true friend, or negatively to criticize friends who could not stand a test.
猫鈥氣€?r脙虏u)氓艗鈥?b脛聛o)氓颅聬(zi)忙鈥扳€?d脟沤)莽鈥光€?g脟鈥檜) (meat+bun(2nd and 3rd)+hit+dog) Literally: To hit a dog with a meat-bun. Interpretation: Punishment gives less incentive than a reward. Moral: Don"t use the wrong method to approach a problem. Compare: You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.
盲赂鈥撁ぢ概犆︹€斅犆┡÷久ぢ衡€姑寂捗ヂ徛︹偓鈥⒚ε撯€懊ヂ科捗ぢ郝?(pinyin: sh脙卢 sh脙聽ng w脙潞 n脙隆n sh脙卢, zh脟聬 p脙聽 y脟鈥檜 x脛芦n r脙漏n) (world+on+without+difficult+circumstances, only+fear+have+heart+people) Literally: You must persevere to accomplish seemingly impossible tasks. Moral: Everything can be done with enough perseverance. Compare: Where there"s a will, there"s a way.
忙聽鈥樏モ偓鈥櫭捖⒚р€孤裁︹€⒙?(pinyin: sh脙鹿 d脟沤o h脙潞 s脜芦n s脙聽n) Literally: When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. Usage: When a leader loses power, his followers become disorganized. This proverb is often used to describe fair-weather friends.


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View all calendars is the default. Choose Select a calendar to view a specific calendar. Subscribe to calendar notifications by clicking on the Notify Me button and you will automatically be alerted of the latest events in our community.
November 26, 2018, 5:00 AM - December 23, 2018, 10:00 PM
Pay just one price and try any of our fitness classes during the "Holiday Hustle" fitness session.
Now is your chance to try one or many different classes you have wanted to take. Between land, water, yoga, and cycle there is something for everyone! Spots are first come first serve so get to class early. One price, unlimited classes!
Mini Session Fees are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. The session is 4 weeks long. Holiday Hustle starts on November 26!
December 1, 2018, 8:00 AM - December 31, 2018, 7:00 PM
Rock River Rapids season passes are on sale for $55 each!
December 21, 2018, 7:00 PM - December 22, 2018, 7:00 AM
Spend a fun filled night and morning at the OAC! Pizza and snacks will be provided during the evening and donuts and juice in the morning. Plan to stay up late playing dodge ball, knockout, video games and watching movies. Participants need to bring a sleeping bag and pillow. Grades 2- welcome. Registration deadline is December 19th.


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Fire-Rated Steel Windows & Doors
Optimum has revolutionized the construction industry by offering the most comprehensive line of fire-rated steel windows and doors. With fire-ratings ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, Optimum's Fire-Rated Windows are put through rigorous testing. Initially, a "heat test" is performed, where-in the window is exposed to temperatures up to 1600 degrees Fahrenheit. Fire-Rated Windows also endure the "Hose Stream Test", in which the glass holds fast even during this extreme change in temperature. When other windows made from materials such as aluminum, vinyl and wood are placed under these extreme conditions, they will poorly react in a Thermal Shock. Optimum Fire-Rated windows will hold their integrity.
- From 20 to 90 Minute Fire-Rating
- Produced in Cold-Rolled and Hot-Rolled Steel
- As Low as .42 U Value
- Energy Efficient (NFRC RATED)
- Self-Closing Mechanism on Operable Units
- Factory Glazed Finish
- Standard Powder Coat Paint Finish


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Tried and tested articles, innovations and optimised features
Keep up to date with this News section.
medi regularly publishes the latest news about medical devices for veins, oedema, back pain, wound therapy and joint problems. We have decades of expertise whenever we develop new products, optimise our tried and tested medical devices, or embrace new treatment concepts.
We always have an ear to the ground and keep in regular contact with doctors, clinicians, therapists and our end users to ensure we offer the latest innovative solutions.
Painful elbow
Helping painful elbows with supports
New knee support
The new knee support from medi
UCS™ Debridement
A Unique, Convenient and Safe system of caring for wounds and the skin


text: Stories. 12/14/2016 25 Traits of Great Leaders. How Many do you Have? 12/14/2016 The Power of Small Steps 12/15/2016 Change your Mind. Change your life. 12/14/2016 The Only Way Out is Through 12/12/2016 Lexi Morales as Director of Marketing 12/26/2016 BRIGHTCOACH TO LAUNCH INDIEGOGO CAMPAIGN 1/2/2017 Who do you want to become? The 6 Keys to Personal Transformation 1/2/2017 BrightCoach Launches IndieGoGo Crowdfunding Campaign


text: is there anyway to save images from an album on facebook, to your phone? with my motorola cliq i was able to at least save my own album pictures from my facebook to my SD card and send them via text. with the mytouch 4g i am not able to do this (unless there is a way i haven't figured out). i have tried to send via email, but nothing shows up in the attachment once the email has been sent. i find it bizarre that if you go into your "gallery" app you are able to view pictures from all albums via facebook for yourself AND your friends, but you can't save them to your SD card. this makes no sense to me. can someone help??


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Behind closed doors, it all came out. After consecutive losses by more than 20 points, the Gophers finally had been pushed to their tipping point.
Everything was aired aloud in a players-only meeting over the weekend. In the overflow came all the thoughts and frustrations, the dissatisfactions, the embarrassment. Above all, the decision was made to make a change and take on a new collective mindset: no excuses.
Though the players wouldn't share the specifics of the get-together leading into Tuesday night's potentially season-changing victory over No. 1 Indiana -- with Austin Hollins saying it was "just between us" -- the motivation was clear.
The Gophers had eight losses in their past 11 games as a once-promising season started to crumble, and Minnesota's highly touted NCAA tournament résumé was getting nudged closer and closer to the bubble. Minnesota was being viewed as a fraud or a flop publicly and was being suffocated by its mounting failures.
"It was just us getting tired of losing," Andre Hollins said. "We have to hold ourselves accountable, because we're the ones out there turning the ball over. It's nobody else's fault if we turn the ball over but our own."
Coach Tubby Smith said on Wednesday that he had encouraged his struggling players -- who he had called upon to find better leadership and get angrier about their current position -- to meet amongst themselves and speak bluntly.
"One of the things they needed to do is take ownership of what's going on," Smith said. "We all have the tendency to want to blame somebody when things are not going well, and I always tell them, 'Fellas, I haven't played a game since 1973 that was meaningful at all. Not that I'm telling you that I have nothing to do with it, but it's pretty important -- you guys are a pretty important part of this basketball team and it is your team.'"
And as the team talked, that anger and discontent rose.
"It was a little bit emotional," Austin Hollins said. "We definitely got everything out there that we needed to and we talked about it as a team. We talked about what we needed to do as a team moving forward and holding each other accountable."
Whereas in the past, a couple of players would do the bulk of the talking in such situations, Andre Hollins said this time, everyone got involved. There was open discussion, tossing around ideas, different perspectives. Players believe the session had something to do with Tuesday's victory that yielded a memorable court-storm at the Barn, and they hope the perspective gained can help the team finish strong.
The Gophers found out after a big victory two weeks ago against Wisconsin -- one that featured a postgame dance celebration -- that momentum swings quickly. They lost their next two games by 20-plus points before redeeming themselves against Indiana.
Now the challenge is carrying the positive feeling into the rest of the season. The Gophers finish the regular season with their easiest stretch, on paper, in conference play. It starts with a home game vs. Penn State on Saturday, followed by road games at bottom-half teams Nebraska and Purdue.
Minnesota's 15th-ranked RPI and No. 1 strength of schedule have been the team's saving grace, but sneaking into the NCAA tournament and heading there with momentum in tow are very different things. Tuesday's win -- and whatever adjustments the Gophers made to attain it -- is certainly a big step in the right direction.
"We were in a slump," Austin Hollins said. "We weren't playing to our potential. And with the team that we have, it's tough to see us not playing to our potential. So we wanted to come out and get back to the way we were playing at the beginning of the season. We didn't have any worries, our confidence was through the roof and we had to get back to that."


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First snow day of the season!! The kids woke up at 8:00 and could not wait to get outside. They ran down the steps in time to catch dad before he went to work so he could get the snowboards down. This is the time we are glad we have a good sized hill in our front yard! They were in it all day playing with friends in the neighborhood. Little E wanted to join in the fun but he has such a bad cold and a little fever so he hung inside with Jackson and they had there own fun. They were so tired tonight everyone fell asleep quick. Good thing C has and early hockey game! Happy weekend to everyone.
FOR SALE - http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220778122779
8 years ago


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Posted in North Dakota April 03, 2016
North Dakota Is Number One At All Of These Things
Let's be honest: North Dakota is the best state. People elsewhere may say otherwise, but we can prove it with cold, hard facts. The Peace Garden state is top of the ranks in a lot of statistics, like these 13 things.
I think it's settled – North Dakota is the greatest state ever. I feel so lucky to live here!


text:
Echo Chamber: Trent Reznor Gives Pretty Much the Best Reddit AMA Answer of All Time
Photo by Rob Sheridan
"Sorry, the wifi on our yacht is having issues, we can't get your full question to load. Try sending me an email at firstname.lastname@example.com"
-- Trent Reznor, replying to a question that involved "As millionaires, why did you sign up with a record label to promote your new album?" during How to destroy angels_' Reddit AMA.


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Holkham Private Garden Tours
Sunday 18 May 2014
11am, 1pm and 3pm
Spring Tours of the Private Gardens at Holkham Hall
Join Jonathan Taylor, Deputy Landscape Manager, to enjoy a wonderful opportunity to view the private gardens at Holkham Hall, which are normally closed to the public. See the spectacular arboretum with its many unusual and rare specimen trees, the magnolia trees and the Tulip Tree resplendent at this time of year, the new foliage emerging on the acers and the carpet of bluebells in a variety of colours.
View the intricate patterns of the formal parterres on the terraces surrounding Holkham Hall, designed by leading landscape gardener W.A. Nesfield in the 19th century. His work can also be found at Kew Gardens. There will be time to take in the idyllic atmosphere of the shell garden with its tree ferns and newly renovated shell house, the internal walls of which are beautifully decorated with an array of different shell patterns.
To book contact our ticket office tel: 01328 713111 or email: email@example.com
Holkham Hall, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk NR23 1AB
More Information
Price: Adult Ł8; Child (5-16 yrs) Ł3
Location: Ticket Office, Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk
Organising an Event?
Submit it to our website by clicking
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31/01/2020 to 02/02/2020
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20/03/2020 to 13/04/2020
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text:
Luxury Buildings Push Elevators to New Heights
As skyscrapers push the boundaries of height, technological advances in the elevator industry are providing faster, smoother rides to building residents – and adding a little glamor to their trip. Rendering: Williams New York
This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.
... I think this place to country to howl ... what ... Rachel still drinking hundred has risen to the challenge ... elevators ... technological in the in the ... history of providing faster smoother ride for team building resident ... for their child ... Trump International Hotel ... Tower Chicago ... these elevator manufacturer Koning for free ... the so-called ... squeaking have to constantly monitor this deal people they carry a loaded cards ... the one thousand three hundred and ninety eight but Tom Hilton ... Dubai harbors we are hoping to and and and posted to the hallway ... elevator and moral teaching sixth year in a conventional steel products to them ... using old ... relic ... a material could improve my carbon fiber for Saudi Arabia's chatted power to hold the elevators and reached a record high of two thousand one hundred and sixty five p ... m the building is completed ... German elevated manufactured this crop is developing a hero with elevator system driven by voters allowing cars to travel cook vertically ... horizontally ... with the ability to move up down sideways thirty or more alligators ... consider this ... building though you according to Karl Otto chill caught the global high rates high manager Casey ... the company can sometimes ... feel elevators that read twenty ... as Mr Chalco said he expects more mixed use buildings in Fiji ... elevators to create a system for fifty thousand people living and working landfill ...


text:
Art and design play significant roles in daily life. Whether it's small things — the colors and typefaces on food packaging, say — or big things like the sizes and shapes of the interior and exterior spaces where we live and work, it's nearly impossible to go even one whole day without seeing an artifact of art or design.
Although it isn't always necessary to graduate from art and design school if you want a job in a creative field, programs that lead to art and design degrees can go a long way toward turning your passion for creative work into an employable skill. Here's some data from the National Center for Education Statistics, showing how many art and design schools there are in each of eight U.S. regions:
|No. of institutions with art and design degree programs
|No. of institutions offering art and design degrees online
|Far West (CA. OR, WA, NV, AK, HI)
|Rocky Mountains (ID, MT, UT, WY, CO)
|Southwest (AZ, NM, TX, OK)
|Plains (MO, KS, IA, NE, MN, ND, SD)
|Southeast (AR, LA, MS, AL, FL, GA, SC, NC, TN, KY, VA, WV)
|Great Lakes (IL, IN, OH, MI, WI)
|Mideast (PA, NY, NJ, DE, MD, D.C.)
|New England (CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, ME)
|Total (all 50 states)
Entry-level art and design degrees
Aspiring artists and designers can find art degree programs at variety of points on the academic spectrum. Here's some detail about types of undergraduate degrees available on campus and online at graphic design schools and art academies around the country:
- Associate degrees - Photography, filmmaking, interior design, illustration, graphic design, screenwriting, acting, graphic communications and game design are just a few of the art and design specialties available as associate degrees, where students spend approximately two years studying their art, practicing their skill and taking in some general education core courses. Very few professions require art and design degrees at the associate level, but they can be a great option if you're new to an artistic discipline and want to spend some dedicated time practicing while you earn credits toward a bachelor's.
- Bachelor's degrees - It's often the case that an impressive portfolio is more important to employers of artists and designers than any specific level of academic achievement. Most bachelor's degrees at art and design schools, however — particularly Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs in studio art, graphic design, digital arts, communication design and other subjects that allow students ample opportunity to create new work — can help you build your portfolio while also working your way to the minimum expected level of education in most professional circles.
- Non-degree study - Some art and graphic design schools offer undergraduate certificate programs that concentrate students' attention squarely on coursework that's directly relevant to their chosen discipline. Certificate programs typically consist of between 15 and 20 required credit hours, take between six months and a year to complete and can be found in such disciplines as graphic design, web design, digital arts, illustration, photography, sculpting, painting, printmaking, ceramics, arts entrepreneurship and more.
Students who are comfortable enough with the digital environment can earn an art degree or attend graphic design school online, provided they can acquire and use any tools or other pieces of technology necessary to complete the assignments virtually. If you're thinking about a career change to a creative field but don't want to take too much time out of your schedule to learn and practice, an online art degree might be right for you.
Advanced-degree art and design programs
Students whose hunger for knowledge and creative development isn't satisfied by a bachelor's degree can take their study up a notch. Here's a rundown of some of what you can expect from advanced programs of study in the arts:
- Master's degree programs - A graduate degree is essential if you have any plans to teach at a college or university, and the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is the go-to study plan for artists and designers at the graduate level. The list of available subjects, which includes studio art, general design, industrial design, fashion design, painting, theater arts, dance and more, is as broad if not broader than that available for undergraduates. MFA programs typically take two or three years, contain ample time for workshops and directed studio work and lead up to a juried gallery exhibition or other substantial thesis project.
- Doctorate programs - Doctoral degree programs in the studio arts are relatively uncommon, but several institutions have taken their exploration of the discipline of design to new scholarly heights with Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Design (DDes) degrees for designers and design scholars who hope to contribute to their discipline by conducting research and producing original scholarship. Doctoral design degrees typically take three or four years and culminate in the production and defense of a massive, in-depth research project.
- Graduate certificates - Graduate certificates for art and design students come in two primary types: those that focus on studio work and technical practice to help students build a portfolio and those that aim to impart peripheral skills such as archiving, historic preservation, marketing, teaching and others that add depth to an arts graduate's CV. Some institutions may offer non-degree graduate study in the form of a brief residency as a visiting part of an active MFA program.
There are some graphic design schools that offer graduate study via digital distance education, although most MFA programs and virtually all doctoral programs require at least some residency from their enrolled students. Certain graduate certificates may be earned entirely online.
Q&A with an expert
Why would you encourage someone to consider an art or design degree?
We are moving into an economy that is going to pay for creative ideas and creative thinking. Getting a degree where you are taught to think differently is exactly what will be in high demand in the coming years.
What are the most common educational paths for students hoping to establish a career in an art or design profession?
If you want a career in art or design, always be learning about running your own business. Creatives are even more poised to work as freelancers and that involves business skills as well.
What's some advice you might have for a student who's just started thinking about enrolling in an art or design program?
Remember it's not just about creating art, it's about learning to think like an artist. That creative thinking is so valuable and extends far beyond the art you produce.
What would have been helpful to know about the professional world of art and design when you were pursuing your own education?
The fine art field can seem like the lottery, but success in this field is how you define it. Some think living off of your art is success, however I know many artists that have a fan base and work a "real job."
Are there certain art and design degrees that offer better career prospects than others?
The world is constantly changing. Ten years ago it was art and design for print, now the market is looking for UX designers. If you work hard, have talent and the drive to succeed, you will find a job. As I mentioned previously, the hot job now is in UX and gaming, but in 4 years that can change.
Types of art and design careers
The actual range of career titles where you might make use of your design or art degree can be pretty surprising. Here's a table of salary and job outlook data for a few of those careers, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
|Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
|Designers, All Other
|Set and Exhibit Designers
|Interior Designers
|Multimedia Artists and Animators
|Librarians, Curators, and Archivists
|Graphic Designers
|Artists and Related Workers, All Other
|Art and Design Workers
|Fashion Designers
|Art Directors
|Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Common misconceptions about art and design degrees
Most people, artists included, can't even come up with a consensus definition for exactly what art is, so it's understandable that there are a few misconceptions out there about art degrees. Here are a few common ones — make sure you don't start on your quest for the perfect graphic design school with any of these mistaken ideas in mind:
Misconception: Graduates with art degrees all end up working in fast food.
- Fact: We had to address this one first — you know you've heard it. It may be true that studying art in college doesn't prepare you explicitly for a specific job field after graduation, but there are tons of people out there working in fields they didn't study in school. If you're creative — and you are, if you're studying art, right? — you'll be able to find your way to a decent job with any degree.
Misconception: Art and design degrees are too expensive to be a good investment.
- Fact: Small, private arts colleges do typically come with a substantial price tag, but those aren't the only places on Earth where dedicated artists can study, practice and improve their craft. Two of the most important elements of an art degree program are the concentrated studio time and the expert guidance you can get from professors and more experienced students, and those things are no less available at state universities and other public institutions than they are in the ivory towers of prestigious (and expensive) private academies.
Misconception: You have to be a weirdo to get an art or design degree.
- Fact: You certainly can get an art degree if you're a weirdo, but it's not a prerequisite. Artists and designers tend to have somewhat strong personalities and creative ways of looking at the world, which may have an influence on how they're seen by people who are prone to making snap judgments, but broad suggestions based on stereotypes are almost always inaccurate. If you like art, whoever you are, maybe you're cut out for an art degree.
How can I enroll in an online art and design degree program?
Individual institutions set their own policies for admission and enrollment, so the best way to discover the next steps on the road to the art degree of your dreams is to get in touch with a school that sounds right for you. We've included some listings below to get you started, so pick out a school or two and get in touch for more information.
- College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, accessed May 20, 2016, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
- School pages, accessed May 26, 2016: Associate in Fine Arts, St. Louis Community College, http://www.stlcc.edu/Programs/Degrees/AFA/index.html; Associate of Fine Arts, New York Film Academy, https://www.nyfa.edu/afa/; Illustration Degree Online, Sessions College for Professional Design, http://www.sessions.edu/degree-programs/illustration; Associate Degree in Interior Design, Penn Foster College, http://www.pennfoster.edu/programs-and-degrees/home-and-garden/interior-design-associate-degree; Online Graphic Design Associate of Science Degree, https://www.aionline.edu/graphic-design-associates/; Communication Design (BFA), Parsons School of Design, http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/bfa-communication-design/; BFA in Graphic Design, Central Washington University, http://www.cwu.edu/art/bfa-graphic-design; BFA in Studio Art, Florida Atlantic University, http://www.fau.edu/vaah/bfa_sa.php; BFA in Digital Arts, Chapman University, http://www.chapman.edu/dodge/programs/undergraduate/bfa-digital-arts.aspx; Certificate of Studio Art, University of Wisconsin - Madison, https://art.wisc.edu/docs/WebDispenser/art-documents/ganser/art_cert_wrksht_jan12_2016.pdf?sfvrsn=0; Undergraduate Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship, Arizona State University, http://herbergerinstitute.asu.edu/institute/initiatives/arts_entrepreneurship_certificate/; Online Undergraduate Certificate Programs, Sessions College for Professional Design, http://www.sessions.edu/undergraduate-certificates; MFA Curriculum, University of Michigan, http://stamps.umich.edu/graduate-programs/mfa_curriculum; Design, School of Visual Arts, http://www.sva.edu/graduate/mfa-design/curriculum; Curriculum, Design, California College of the Arts, https://www.cca.edu/academics/graduate/design/curriculum; Design and Technology (MFA), The New School, http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/mfa-design-technology/?show=program-curriculum; Fine Arts Doctoral Program: PhD, Illinois Institute of Technology Institute of Design, https://www.id.iit.edu/phd/; Doctoral Degrees, School of Design, Carnegie Mellon University, http://design.cmu.edu/programs/phd; Doctor of Design, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/#/academic-programs/doctoral-programs/ddes/curriculum.html; PhD, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University, http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/#/academic-programs/doctoral-programs/phd/curriculum.html; Post-Baccalaureate and Professional Certificates, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, http://www.saic.edu/academics/post-baccalaureateandprofessionalcertificates/; Graphic and Digital Design, Certificate Programs, The New School, http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/graphic-digital-design-certificate-programs/; The Business of Art and Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, https://www.mica.edu/Programs_of_Study/Graduate_Programs/The_Business_of_Art_and_Design_%28Online_MPS%29.html; Graduate Certificates, Miami University, http://miamioh.edu/cca/academics/departments/art/academics/graduate-studies/grad-certificates/index.html; Residency for Non-Degree Students, Fashion Institute of Technology, http://www.fitnyc.edu/bursar/residency/non-degree-students.php;
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed May 20, 2016: Craft and Fine Artists, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/craft-and-fine-artists.htm; Web Developers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm; Graphic designers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Arts-and-Design/Graphic-designers.htm; Multimedia Artists and Animators, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm; Art Directors, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm; Fashion Designers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/fashion-designers.htm; Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/curators-museum-technicians-and-conservators.htm;
- May 2014 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, accessed May 20, 2016, http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm


text:
Those of you who are reading this in Eastern Iowa: Go to the Cajun Fest in the Amanas this weekend, and be sure to go early enough to see Marce Lacouture at noon.
There was a time when I resisted the Cajun Fest. It wasn't the strange juxtaposition of Cajun and Amana. My resistance was a response to the tackiness of the whole thing, with garish plywood alligators and Mardi Gras everywhere, though we are solidly in Easter season, thank you very much. And it was the way they treated musicians—overworking them a bit while making them stand in line to buy their own (bad "Cajun") food. Not very hospitable.
But after a few years I came to know people at the Fest. Some were Iowans who were seriously grooving on the music, like Richard and Diane Luther. This Cedar Rapids couple has learned to dance Cajun in the past few years and is generous souls who have taught hundreds of other Iowans how to waltz, two-step, and jitterbug. Others were Louisiana ex-pats, like Preston and his impressive entourage. They circle their RVs in the campground, taking turns cooking meals that dazzle. Crawfish pies, gumbos with potato salad. And they rope you in to eat over there with generosity characteristic of Louisiana. I don't know which I like better, the food or the chance to speak Cajun French.
In recent years, I have known some of the musicians slightly or more than slightly; it would not be thinkable to skip out on their Iowa gig, plywood alligators or not.
This weekend's music lineup is just great. Rosie LeDet has a great voice and accordion style—it's hard to believe that she is shy if you see her on stage. Jamie Bergeron I don't know well, but I hear that his music makes the party. Roddie Romero is a great guitar electric player but also a fiddler and a dynamite accordeon player. He does everything from the most traditional of Cajun tunes to no-apologies, no-prisoners rock and roll. Jodi Hebert is teaching dance: just seeing her dance is a real treat.
Hadley J. Castille is a consummate professional who loves to meet people around the world; his band is great, too. You'll hear a little swing, a little blues in his fiddling, which has its roots in the pre-WWII, Texas-swing influenced string-band era. Mr. Hadley is a great fiddler and songwriter, too. Dennis Stroughmatt is the most amazing guy. He's a Midwesterner who has learned French, the fiddle, and the accordion. He long ago earned the label "Louisiana musician." Marce Lacouture has collected the Cajun music that never went to the dance-hall: danses rondes, children's songs, lullabies, women's songs, home music. Her voice makes me think of diamonds: strong, clear, timeless.
Naturally, I'm crushed that I can't be there; it's that darn sabbatical again. But do go, listen, meet the musicians, get raucous, dance, be sure to clap on 2 and 4, and have a great time. And let me know how it was.


text:
The suicide of the 25-year-old techie has triggered a discussion about the uncertainty in the IT industry which experiences frequent layoffs.
"These layoffs happen so frequently that there is a constant fear among employees of losing their jobs. Every time a client withdraws a project or the company is unable to get a new project, they fire people. How can the incapability of the company decide our future?" asks Deepak Patil, who had arranged the candle march but could not conduct it as they were denied permission. Several IT employees participated in the vigil.
"This (suicide of Gowda) was one unfortunate event, but are we going to wait for more such deaths to understand that the layoffs are affecting not only the professional lives but also the personal lives of employees," said Hrishikesh Kadam (27), who has been in the IT profession of past four years.
Shubham Pardhi, another IT employee, said uncertainty is not the only factor that dominates the sector. "They say that we have to work for eight hours but they give us work that takes nothing less than 10-12 hours. Also, a person is given job based on the process that these companies follow and not the skills that the person possesses," he added.


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text:
Official Report (Hansard)
Session: 2011/2012
Date: 24 March 2010
PDF version of this report (73.86 kb)
Members present for all or part of the proceedings:
Mr Danny Kennedy (Chairperson)
Mrs Naomi Long (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms Martina Anderson
Mr Alex Attwood
Mr Tom Elliott
Mr Barry McElduff
Mr Stephen Moutray
Mr Jim Shannon
Mr Jimmy Spratt
Mr Francie Molloy ) Committee of the Regions
The Chairperson (Mr Kennedy):
Good afternoon, Mr Molloy. Is there any significance in your entering the room alone?
Mr Francie Molloy (Committee of the Regions):
I do not know whether I have been disowned. I am on my own, but we will try anyway.
The Chairperson:
Is there any indication of where Mr Bell is?
Mr Molloy:
The Chairperson:
Mr Molloy, you are welcome to the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. I expect that you know how this operates. You are here to brief the Committee on the work of the Committee of the Regions, of which you are a member, on European issues. We may be joined by Mr Bell. Please make your opening statement; then members may ask questions. The meeting is being recorded for Hansard for future use.
Mr Molloy:
Thank you for the invitation to make a presentation. I am on the wrong side of the table today, although I hope that people will not take advantage of that.
It is early for us to report on the Committee of the Regions (COR), as we have just been established for the beginning of the new term. The Committee of the Regions has been enhanced by the Lisbon Treaty and by its new five-year legislative term instead of the four-year term for which the previous Committee of the Regions sat. One of the main roles that has been enhanced is that of subsidiarity to try to ensure that the European Parliament will respond to the needs of regional Assemblies and local government, and to ensure that all decisions should be taken at the lowest level possible. Part of the role of the Committee of the Regions will be to ensure that that happens.
COR also has a responsibility to represent regional Assemblies or local government if they feel that they have been overruled by Europe and can take their case to the European Court of Justice. COR would have to do that in any situation.
Jonathan Bell and I attended the opening plenary session of the Committee of the Regions. The four main political parties are represented at local government and Assembly level for the first time. Rotation of COR's commissions means that there is representation from the Assembly or local government at all meetings, plenary sessions and committees.
At the opening session, the role of the Committee of the Regions and the commissions on which we sit was set out. I sit on the commission that specialises in the environment, and Mr Bell sits on the Commission for Territorial Cohesion (COTER). The role of the environment commission gives the Assembly the opportunity to deal with many issues that will come up in the next term, particularly waste management, local government and climate change, and that gives the Assembly an opportunity to make an input.
Unfortunately, there is no direct link with the Assembly. I welcome the opportunity to address the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister, and I hope that we will do that fairly regularly. There is no direct advisory committee to brief us on the work of Departments or to which we can report. A mechanism is needed through which the Assembly and Departments can raise issues with us, which we can then raise at the Committee of the Regions.
To some extent, the Committee of the Regions is a watchdog for what is coming down the line during the European Parliament's five-year term. As we discussed previously, legislation that goes through the European Parliament is advanced for five years; therefore, the issues that are coming up now will not come into the legislative process for another four or five years. The Welsh Assembly Government, for example, has commissioned a review of social housing, which recommends using funding from the European Parliament and the European Investment Bank. Housing and social development are funded through that. That is an example of Departments and Committees raising issues, and that is why a deliberate and definite link is needed.
This is an early report. We do not have much experience of the structure or workings of Europe, although plenty of paperwork is advanced, and we hope to develop that. We need guidance from the Committee, Departments and Ministers on the issues that they see coming up from the relevant Departments.
The Chairperson:
We have received an apology from Mr Bell. Apparently, there has been a misunderstanding, and it was indicated to him that the meeting had been rearranged. There has been a mix-up in his diary commitments, and he will not be attending today.
Mr Shannon:
If we had organised a camera and a TV crew, we might have heard from Mr Bell.
The Chairperson:
You may think that; I could not possibly comment.
Mr Molloy, thank you for your overview. What level of secretariat in the form of background papers and advice is provided to Northern Ireland members of the Committee of the Regions for participating in meetings? Is that conducted through your own party offices or is secretarial and back-up support provided by the Department?
Mr Molloy:
We receive no back-up support from the Assembly or from any Department, and we have received no communication from the Department or the Assembly other than notification. The Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA) has provided the most back-up and support, particularly to Mr Bell because he represents local government on COR. Ken Bishop attended the first plenary session with us, and he is one of the support staff at the Committee of the Regions.
In Europe, I rely on our Assembly PAs and party-support officers, who are largely associated with the MEP, Bairbre de Brún. We also rely on the staff in what is called the UK delegation, who give back-up and support to all members of the Committee of the Regions.
The Chairperson:
Are the views that you express party-based rather than an agreed position of all our representatives, either from local government or the Assembly? Are they party-political representations?
Mr Molloy:
Yes; although to a large extent they become personal positions during discussions in the Committee of the Regions. Some party members are attached to groups in the European Parliament; at present, however, we are independent of those groups. However, I believe that Jonathan Bell is attached to a party, and other members are attached to various European groupings.
At the moment, however, representations are purely party issues; there is no back-up, direction or advisory role from the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister on what action to take, and no joint approach. The UK delegation takes a joint approach to issues, and has its own structure with a chairperson and secretariat. We tie in with them, as we do with the Irish delegation, which provides a secretariat and back-up. That is a flexible arrangement in Europe, and people will provide support. However, nothing is in place with regard to direction or the needs of the Assembly and Departments.
The Chairperson:
Should an Assembly response be co-ordinated or are you content with the current arrangement?
Mr Molloy:
There should be an Assembly response. We need advice and support on issues that the Assembly and Departments want raised and on their response to issues that come before the Committee of the Regions.
Ms Anderson:
One would imagine that from the Minister of the Environment through to the Committee, for instance, there needs to be at least a report back and assistance given to our representatives on the four commissions so that there is co-ordination. Perhaps the Committee Clerk could remind us whether we picked up on that gap in the Committee's "Inquiry into Consideration of European Issues". If we did not do so in a focussed way, will there be an opportunity, because of what we are hearing today, to seek in the report's recommendations greater collaboration and co-ordination between members of the Committee of the Regions and Ministers?
The Chairperson:
That was not a recommendation and so did not form part of the inquiry report, although the Committee could action it as a consequence of what we hear today.
Mr Molloy:
Most Assembly Committees are covered by aspects of the commissions of the Committee of the Regions on which our four representatives sit. All Departments, therefore, need to be represented, which is why it is important that we get advice and support to carry that through.
Mr Elliott:
Thank you, Francie. The Chairperson mentioned secretariat support and Mr Molloy said that the Committee of the Regions will be a watchdog for what is coming down the line in the years ahead. How can that be developed for the benefit of this Committee or the Assembly, since you do not have the back-up to progress that?
Mr Molloy:
For us to be an effective watchdog, each Department needs to be aware of what is coming up in the Committee of the Regions, study the legislative process in Europe and what is being proposed, and raise issues with the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister. We could then raise the responses of Assembly Committees and Departments, and put them on the agenda of the Committee of the Regions.
Ken Bishop has been very active in raising local government issues, and we need the same back-up and support. He is doing that job full time for local government, and we need at least the same for the Assembly. That could be provided by the Committee for the Office of the First Minister and the deputy First Minister or through a mechanism representing all Departments so that their issues are identified and that we have departmental responses to what is best in the interests of the Assembly.
Mr Elliott:
It is important to avoid duplication when making our European engagement as efficient as possible. Should Committees and Departments raise issues with the Committee of the Regions?
Mr Molloy:
Yes. We can raise issues about decisions taken at Assembly or local government level with the Committee of the Regions; that is part of the subsidiarity role of the Committee of the Regions.
Mr Spratt:
Francie, I did not catch the name of the commission on which Jonathan Bell sits?
Mr Molloy:
I think that it is called COTER.
Mr Spratt:
What is that?
Mr Molloy:
It performs a governance role in the various structures of the Committee of the Regions and the European Commission.
Mr Spratt:
My next point has already been mentioned; however, it is important that folks receive support when they go out there, particularly before they attend briefings. During the evidence sessions, the Committee heard how important it was that we pick up on legislation. I assume that you receive a forward plan of what is coming up. I appreciate that it is early days and that you have been there only once, but I assume that you will have an idea of what legislation is in the pipeline that may affect Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. Does the Brussels office provide any support to you?
Mr Molloy:
Yes. The staff in the Brussels office have been very helpful; they have offered their new offices for our use at any time. The issues that those staff deal with are also addressed at the Committee of the Regions. We met them the last time that we were over to get reacquainted and to use their facilities.
The staff in Brussels are given directions from the Executive that they must co-ordinate. There should be a European sub-committee, either in the Executive or in the Committees, to co-ordinate the approaches of the Departments, Committees and Ministers. That would assist us in performing our role and in giving an initial response, because we would be able to see what was coming down the line and what effect it would have.
It is possible to amend to legislation through the UK delegation. We can suggest proposals and amendments to the delegation, and if those amendments are adopted, the delegation suggests them to the Committee of the Regions. That gives us a stronger voice in legislation. The relationship between the Committee of the Regions, the Assembly and the Commissioner is stronger now, and they hope to have the teeth to deliver results. However, those relationships need to be tested to the full.
Mr Shannon:
Thank you, Francie; it is good to see you. It is not often that we get the opportunity to question you as a witness. When this evidence session is over, will you return to your usual seat? How does this work?
Mr Molloy:
I do not have the leeway to do that yet.
Mr Shannon:
My colleague Jonathan Bell and I sit together on a council, and he has given me information on how the Committee of the Regions operates and, in particular, how it affects some of the areas that I represent. He has also brought to my attention the milk quotas and Europe's influence on the farming sector in Northern Ireland. When such issues arise, will you, as members of the Committee of the Regions, contact the farming bodies, such as Ulster Farmers' Union or the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers' Association (NIAPA), to ask their view on the needs of local farmers? I know that Jonathan has spoken on farmers' behalf; that is just one example of what could be done. Will you be in contact with farmers' unions to get a better picture of what they want to see coming from Europe?
Mr Molloy:
We can do that to some extent, but it would be difficult for one individual, or even Jonathan Bell and me, to have continuous contact with the 10 Departments, as we do not have the back-up or support on the broad range of subjects that will be coming up. The danger is that something would be missed. As others have said, we can concentrate on only so many things: if we try to cover everything, we could finish up losing it all. That is where the Departments have a responsibility to make representation to us. The reform of the common agricultural policy will be one of the big issues to come through the next session of the Assembly; therefore it is important that we have a link-in. My membership of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development helps, because the issues come up there and we get feedback. However, issues will arise in different ways across Departments, so we need to be advised on what our position should be and how we forward it.
In the commissions of the Committee of the Regions we can make amendments to proposals and to proposed legislation. However, we need to put forward proposals a fortnight in advance to get them as part of an amendment. We are, therefore, pre-planning all the time, looking at what is coming ahead of us and responding to it, but we need a broader structure to provide back-up and support.
During the committee's review on the European Parliament, we met representatives from Catalonia, who said that they had been able to change legislation because of their advance work. They were strong around the Committee of the Regions, but they said that it was not as powerful as they hoped it would be in future. There are opportunities, but we need a structure to give us advice.
Mr Shannon:
The common fisheries policy is something that, I hope, many members are interested in. Have you had any contact with the MEPs or with fishing organisations with a view to feeding into the change in policy, which will be introduced in 2013? Could each of you take on a different issue rather than have duplication? For instance, Jonathan could take one section and you could take another.
Mr Molloy:
That is one of the advantages of the new structure. This is the first time that we have had four members attending the European Committee of the Regions, so that is in an advanced stage. We are in four different commissions, and that is one of the processes that we worked out beforehand; it enables us to cover the most important issues as they come up. I am on the commission that specialises in the environment; it covers a wide range, from agriculture issues to the environment and waste management. The same applies to the various other commissions. However, we need Departments' views; that is where the gap is.
I have not had direct communication with the fishing industries, other than in the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department. We will, hopefully, tie in on that. It is something that we have to get our heads round.
Mrs Long:
I do not mean any disrespect, Francie, but my questions have been answered, and I do not want to replough the same furrow. You say that it would be helpful to have secretariat support and to get feedback from Committees and Departments before meetings as well as feedback when you return from Europe. Is that view shared by all four representatives? Have you discussed that or do you hope to discuss it in future? It seems a sensible proposition.
Mr Molloy:
We have discussed it among ourselves and with members from other Assemblies; representatives from the Welsh Assembly Government say the same. They have a structure for reporting; they also have a European officer who identifies and reports on issues. They are, therefore, in a stronger position.
The UK delegation has a broad secretariat that covers the three Assemblies, including the Scottish and the Welsh, and which represents the UK region, which gives them strong back-up and support. The gap is in this Assembly. It would probably be impossible to cover all the subjects that the Assembly will deal with; however, if we can identify the main subjects, and those that need support and back-up, we can put a structure together.
Mrs Long:
It would be useful if three or four priority areas were identified at which you could target your resources, which are limited as you have only four people. However, knowing in advance the three or four priority areas for the Assembly and Executive would allow you to focus on them more directly and to provide feedback. Would such information be more helpful and allow you to connect back in?
Mr Molloy:
Yes. Although we may have our own views on waste management and other issues, it is more helpful to have a Department's position and to link it in with that of the Assembly and Executive. We need support to maximise our position.
We have four members in four different commissions, which enables us to cover a wide range of issues that may come up in the Assembly; we could cover a broad remit if we had the right support. I sit on the environment commission and, therefore, I need feedback on issues relating to that commission, such as agriculture, waste management and local government. Everybody sits on the plenary session, which has a broad remit. However, we have identified four commissions on which to sit and have spread that out across four members, which enables us to cover all four commissions at any one time.
Mr McElduff:
How often does the Committee of the Regions meet in plenary and how often does your commission meet? Who are the representatives from the region apart from Francie Molloy and Jonathan Bell?
The Chairperson:
I understand that John Dallat is a member.
Mr Molloy:
John Dallat and Arnold Hatch are alternative members of the plenary sessions and full members of the commissions.
Plenary sessions are bi-monthly and the commissions meet approximately every six weeks. One problem, particularly with my commission, is that most meetings take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, with many meetings on Wednesdays; that makes travel arrangements difficult. However, it is about prioritising. For example, the most recent environment commission meeting was on a Tuesday, which is the same day as the plenary session here. If I am missing from this Committee you will know that it is because I am at the Committee of the Regions. It is very important that we prioritise, because the meetings are very regular.
Because there are no direct flights from Belfast we must leave here on Tuesday to get to a meeting on Wednesday and not come back until Thursday. That is quite a lengthy process. We need to maximise our membership and make the most of it. If there is nothing on the agenda for plenary meetings or if we cannot put anything on the agenda, there is no point in travelling. However, we aim to put issues on the agenda so that we can respond to issues from other commissions and other regions, but also so that the issues that we want included on the agenda can be identified at an early stage.
The Chairperson:
Thank you very much. We have no further questions at this point. Thank you for your presentation and for your answers.


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How far is it possible that one of the most successful western games will be a trilogy? Even though Rockstar games are still in two minds, there is a gleam of hope that we can well see Red Dead 3 in a distant future.
Talking about distant future is not a joke. GTA projects are first in line for Rockstar that is why we can expect Red Dead Redemption 2 somewhere in 2019. Thus, third part is not going to be released any earlier than 2022.
This aspect is rather mysterious so far. As we know second part is going to develop the story of John Marston. So there is no reason to stop it. It would be logical to make his adventures a trilogy and retire him after. If the series will not be taken to an ending.
Hardly can we make any predictions on Red Dead 3 platforms. Technological progress will inevitably bring its changes to this aspect. Nevertheless, we can expect this game to be released for Xbox and PS as well as PC. Whatever upgrades they will have in 2022.
What are the main characteristics of Red Dead series? Open world and cool cowboy staff. Hardly will it be changed in the third part. Along with new weapons and vehicles we can hope to see technological progress. As it happens in games of this type the third part usually changes environment. So it is likely that we will see the main character in new area with new opportunities to get rich again.
It depends on the game direction what people we are going to meet in an anticipated part. If it sticks to original plot, we are inevitably going to play as John and deal with someone else from parts 1 and 2. While complete change of scenario may bring unexpected protagonists who may relate to John's fate or start an absolutely new path.
To make your anticipation not so boring and to give an opportunity to brainstorm ideas about Red Dead 3 some most memorable moments from released part.
No doubts you are going to play the same old third person shooter. However there is probability that we can expect more RPG traits similar to Witcher style. Perhaps it will make Red Dead 3 more interesting for those who are tired of typical approach. If the game will really have technological progress, we are going to have new weapons and new ways to complete missions. It is also expected that dialogues will be more true to life. There is an opportunity that they will include user oriented style similar to Mass Effect.


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Specification Table
|240v Mains
Diameter (mm):
|1 Year
IP Rating:
Product Has 3 Reviews in Total
Showing 1-10 Most Recent Reviews
John Young
Verified Buyer: Yes
Very pleased with this spotlight, it has a nice mirrored finish which gives it a modern look. Wiring up the unit is very simple; the connector is fixed in place and labelled clearly. The only issu...
Jed Patel
Verified Buyer: Yes
Very easy to fit
Benton IP44 3 Way Round Plate LED Spotlight Fitting Description
To give your home the modern styling you've been seeking, you've got to have some great-looking lighting accessories and fittings, so start off the rejuvenation with this stunning Benton IP44 3-Way Round Plate LED Spotlight Fitting from Mirrorstone.
This fitting will protrude 115mm into your room when affixed to your wall or ceiling and its base has a diameter of 190mm meaning it's a compact yet perfectly-formed chrome spotlight that will be disarmingly unobtrusive and eye-catching!
This spotlight fitting is endowed with a high IP Rating so it will be ideal for use in damp areas like the bathroom or kitchen – completely untroubled by solid objects of 1mm or more or water splashing from any direction.
Its lighting heads are fully adjustable, able to swivel and pivot on their joints – all the better to enable you to achieve the perfect placement for your light. You'll need to purchase three GU10 LED bulbs to go with this fitting.
Fortunately, you'll be able to buy them as part of the same order, which will be a lot more convenient and cost-effective than ordering them separately. Simply click in the drop-down menu to indicate which of the two colour temperatures you require and we'll make sure you receive them in your order.
If you haven't yet switched over from halogen lighting to LED, you might not be completely sure about which is the best one to opt for. No worries, because we've made a short video that explains the different applications for the various colour temperatures:
EasiLight: A World Of Colour In Your Hands
Add some colour to your room with our exclusive EasiLight RGB bulbs. Compatible with selected fittings, simply pop in the bulb and control using a remote – gone are the days of switches.
Innovate your home with this smart technology and control your lighting from the push of a button. This intelligent range can emit up to 16 million colours using Wi-Fi, dim or brighten to your chosen aesthetic and can even be paired with your Amazon Alexa smart-home device. Still with the low cost, tough durability and long life-span of LEDs, have the added bonus of wowing your guests with this truly unique and mesmerising lighting.
Connect your bulb with Wi-Fi Bridge Box to control the speed, brightness and other bulb functions via your smartphone, or opt for a 4 Zone Wallplate when you have multiple bulbs to control. Don't forget to purchase your Remote Holder to ensure it never escapes. For more options, simply search 'Easilight' in our search bar for the entire range!
Please note that when purchasing the RGB bulbs with this fitting, you will need a minimum of one remote to control your bulbs. So, if you're purchasing a single fitting, you will need to pick the option with remote, whereas if you're purchasing multiple fittings, only one of them needs to be purchased with a remote.
The Many Benefits Of LED Lighting
And a choice of colour temperatures isn't the only feature of LEDs that marks them as superior to their halogen predecessors, because they're also a lot more energy-efficient and long-lasting as well. Indeed, with a power consumption that's about 1/10th of that required by halogens, and lasting between 10 and 20 times as long, LED bulbs will save you a considerable amount of money too!
And that's not all because when you purchase this fitting with the bulbs, it will be shipped to you completely free of any postage charges as your order will exceed £40.00 in value.
Don't forget to apply the latest of our promotional discount codes to the contents of your shopping cart, as you'll miss out on a 10 to 20% discount on this and many other items if you do.
Bring A Little LED Light Into Your Home
Installing this Benton spotlight fitting will brighten the décor of one of your rooms, but why stop there? Take a look at our huge selection of differently designed LED ceiling spotlight fittings and transform your entire home!
If you're a fan of the Benton design aesthetic, you should give careful consideration to others from the range, especially for living spaces like your lounge. The sleek, modern lines of the Benton Single GU10 Spotlight Fitting will be an amazing accompaniment to those of the featured 3-Way model, giving your room a cohesive and perfectly co-ordinated look that you'll love.
The Benton design is also available in an IP20 3-Way model, as well as a Quad Bar, so you'll be able to illuminate virtually any room whatever its dimensions.
And, if you'd like to achieve a completely different look, perhaps in your bedroom, take a look at the lovely 3-Way Floral GU10 LED Spotlight Fitting. Its attractive and neutral distressed white finish will perfectly complement any colour scheme you can imagine, giving your room a bright and airy feel.
Our Contact Details And Customer Service Policies
When you purchase one of our LED lighting products, you'll have 14-days from the date of your order to return it if it doesn't quite tick all your boxes. Simply give us a call, arrange to return it ensuring that it's in its original packaging and we'll be happy to provide you with a replacement or a refund.
Please bear in mind that as this is a special order item, we'll have to charge you a 15% restocking fee if you do decide that you don't wish to keep it. Obviously, we don't like having to do this, so if you're unsure about any aspect of a forthcoming purchase, please don't hesitate to contact one of our customer service advisors. You can reach them by dialling 0116 321 4120 and they'll be glad to help you in any way possible.
Or, if you'd prefer, you can post a question on our Facebook or Twitter social media pages, as well as sending an email to: email@example.com. All of these are checked and updated daily, so your enquiry will receive a very swift response.
As this Benton IP44 3-Way Spotlight Fitting is a special order product, please be aware that you may be required to wait between 3 and 5 days' extra for it to be delivered to you.
This superb LED light fitting comes complete with a 12-month manufacturer's replacement warranty, so you'll have extra peace-of-mind going forward.


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Building condition reports are written statements on a property's individual elements, usually accompanied by photographs. Such reports record the standard of condition of the premises – a bit like a 'health check'.
Rory Crosbie, South Island Director for Prendos New Zealand limited, has often conducted condition reports which are prepared for various reasons, such as maintenance management, pre-development, lease negotiation, defect analysis and pre-purchase. When it comes to preparing condition reports for maintenance management type work, condition reviews at predetermined planned intervals over the life of the maintenance plan is required.
On large urban development projects, interim inspections of the surrounding properties may be required too. This ensures the activities being completed, as part of the development works, are not having an adverse effect on the surrounding built environment. It is sound business practice to record the building's condition at the beginning of a lease prior to a property purchase.
Preparing a stock condition survey for clients with large property portfolios is also a recommendation. Lawyers advocating on defective building legal advice also need to understand the condition of the building in dispute. Condition assessments in this instance extend to an analysis on defects, damage and cause of damage.
Rory says having a professional Building Surveyor conduct a condition report on a defective building provides the legal advisers an expert opinion on the general condition of a building, and reasons for failure.
NZIBS training is gives its members comprehensive knowledge, assuring clients of quality, he says.
Need more information on Building Surveying services? Please call us on 0800 773 636


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Invention-minded students, faculty and staff at the University of Washington Bothell are invited to apply for $100,000 Amazon Catalyst grants to help get the innovation started. The money comes from Seattle's online retailer Amazon in partnership with CoMotion, the UW innovation hub. Applications are taken quarterly and the next deadline is March 26.
The Amazon Catalyst Fund chose the University of Washington Bothell's Tyler Folsom as one of its first fellows to support his work developing self-driving bicycles. Now the fund welcomes the next round of applications from faculty, staff or students passionate about innovations with global impact.
Office of Advancement and External Relations:
19128 112th Ave NE, Suite 102
Bothell, WA 98011
Maria Lamarca Anderson
Director of Communications
206-960-3851 (mobile)
425-352-5461 (desk)
Our communications team works to uncover and tell UW Bothell's best stories that support our mission and brand.
Share your story


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Managing Director
Quick Look
- Title: Managing Director
- Type: Advertised selection
- Salary: Attractive Salary + Bonus and Benefits
- Location: Cornwall
- Contact: Peter Fenton
- Reference: W/B454
This vacancy is now complete
Looking for active jobs?
Exceptional opportunity to take leadership of estates in Cornwall and Kent with a portfolio of business ventures. A thriving multi-million pound operation comprising a diverse collection of rural, residential and commercial assets supporting a range of quintessentially English product offerings (www.tregothnan.co.uk).
The Position
- Optimise the performance of all elements of the estates. Identify opportunities for business and profit enhancement both at home and abroad. Devise and drive through strategy to achieve agreed goals.
- Develop team capability, enhancing skills and performance. Deliver and lead best practice people management, ensuring the estate's position as a regional employer of choice.
- Promote sustainable growth, building on their strong brand and exercising financial rigor. Propose compelling investment plans to maximise RoI.
The Candidate
- Financially focussed general manager with inclusive but clear management style. Experienced business leader; strong affinity with the countryside and community.
- Accomplished commercial skills in wider business areas, ideally including property, leisure and retail. Management of multi-site activities is a pre-requisite.
- Talented diplomat; character and personality to deal with wide-ranging responsibilities effectively with good grace, patience and humour.
When applying, please ensure you quote reference B454 and indicate on which website you saw the advertisement (www.exec-appointments.com B454/EA or www.thesundaytimes.co.uk B454/T or indeed directly through the Hanover Fox website W/B454).
Read our Success Stories
Find out how our candidates got on:
Interested in other opportunities?
We welcome direct speculative approaches from potential candidates. If you would like to submit your CV it will be reviewed by a member of the team and kept on our database.


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"Remains Of Ancient Race Of Job Creators Found In Rust Belt" recently proclaimed the headline on the ever trenchant The Onion website. The article described the ruins of America's industrial heartland as if they were the remains of an ancient civilization that, amazingly, once provided high paying jobs to all its inhabitants.
As to how the ancient cities of employment fell into ruin, scholars have argued the job creators may have exhausted their resources or, perhaps, been killed off by a competing race of foreign job creators.
"The remaining local population has its own mythology to explain the job-creating race's disappearance," Decker said. "Legend has it that they never died out, but rather entered a state of deep slumber from which they will one day awaken, bringing increased employment with them."
"And perhaps it's best to let the locals hold on to this belief," Decker added. "It's really the only thing they have left."
The bittersweet humor, of course, comes from the fact that America's manufacturing prowess led the world until just a generation ago when a combination of forces -- industrial automation, cheaper foreign goods, the stagnating competitiveness of American companies, anti-unionism, free trade agreements, stricter environmental regulations, etc. -- caused millions of blue collar jobs to disappear. In the wake of deindustrialization, workers at the bottom of the labor ladder have seen their opportunities for living wage employment shrink dramatically.
Alarmingly, the forces that decimated American manufacturing are now working their way through white collar jobs as well.
Technology, of course, has been eliminating service jobs for years. Americans now do increasingly amounts of unpaid "shadow work," a term coined by the Austrian philosopher and social critic Ivan Illich, in their day-to-day activities that once would have been handled by actual workers. ATMs have reduced the need for bank tellers; word processors replaced stenographers; self-service checkout lines have displaced cashiers and baggers at brick-and-mortar stores; travel websites and airport check-in kiosks have reduced the number of agents needed; DVD rental by mail has eliminated video stores altogether. We accept this shifting of responsibility because it often leads to lower costs or greater convenience.
But as the pace of technology improves, the range of jobs being eliminated has exploded. In their new book, Race Against the Machine: How the Digital Revolution is Accelerating Innovation, Driving Productivity, and Irreversibly Transforming Employment and the Economy (2011), MIT researchers Erik Brynjolfsson and Andrew P. McAfee examine technology's role in the jobless recovery over the past two years. They note that rapidly growing productivity among American workers and record corporate profits in 2010 and 2011 have failed to translate into new job; instead, companies increased spending on equipment and software by 26 percent since 2009.
With increasingly sophisticated software able to perform tasks once thought to be distinctively human -- such as understanding speech, translating from one language to another and recognizing patterns -- automation is rapidly eliminating jobs in call centers, marketing and sales. As the capabilities of computers increase, almost no industry will be immune. With Google's robotic cars now logging thousands of miles each year unassisted, the days of that quintessentially human occupation of truck driving may be numbered.
In short, virtually any "process" job that involves repetitive steps is likely to disappear eventually. The key to success in this new environment, the authors argue, is to focus on jobs that require intuition and creativity — traits that computers perform poorly. Whether the US education system is up for preparing students to tap those necessary skills is a topic for another blog entry . . . .


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The information about the trip is starting to come in. Lennart has taken the time to collect this. If you have problem reading this ask for help.
It is possible to make a one-day-tour to Vasa, leaving at 09.00, six hours to see our finnish twin city, and be back in Umea at 23.00. This tour is on Monday and Tuesday.
The ferry will cost 350 skr.
The other days you can go for a night in Vasa, and the price will be 875 Skr including hotel and ferry.
The scedule and prices is for summer 2014.
A sugestion from the Travel Agency: Lind Tour
Day 1 Umea – Hemavan.
Start 09.00. Road E 12 to Lycksele – Hemavan. Stop for lunch and scenery.
Dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 Hemavan – Mo i Rana – Saltfjel – Arjeplog.
After breakfast we leave for Norway, cross the border after about 1 hour, and stop for a while in Mo i Rana. Lunch at the Artic Center, look at the exhibision of midnighet sun, art and life up north. We´ll travel on E6 over Saltfjel and back to Sweden. Dinner and night at Arjeplog.
Day 3
After breakfast we´ll visit Silver Museum, a place with many stories to tell, and a fantastic collection of handcraft from the lappish people.
Road 363 back to Umea, with stop for lunch and wievs of Vindel River.
Prel price per person: 2.980 Skr
Bustour with "fika", 2 nights at hotel part in doubelroom, included breakfast and dinner, 3 lunches, entre fee at the Polar Center, entre and guide at the Silver Museum.
The price is for 30 people
Abba The Museum adult 195 skr
7-15 50
0-6 free
Wasa adult 130
0-18 free
The Royal castle adult 150
7-17 75
Skansen adult 160
6-15 60
Stockholm tour
We have the pleasure to give you an offert for the first tour in Stockholm.
5/7 depart from Umea 13.00 you´ll be in Stockholm about 21.30-22.00
Included stop for dinner, time to move your legs and coffebreak.
5-7/7 two nights at Clarion Hotel Amaranten on Kungsholmen.
Bustransports in Stockholm for sightseeing .
7/7 13.00 Departure from the Hotel, some stops on the road.
7/7 First Hotel Stadt in Harnosand
8/7 The bus leaves for Umea, several stops on the road
Costs: 2980 Skr/pers
Included: Bus, 3 nights at hotels incl breakfast.(part in doubleroom)
Singelroom + 1270 Skr


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2016 has turned out to be a good year for Hollywood:). This year we did see some huge blockbusters like Batman v Superman, The Jungle Book, Captain America: Civil War, X-Men: Apocalypse etc. With still 4 months left, 2016 still has things to offer:). This is my first post on 2016 movies I liked,I will keep on adding new posts as and when I watch some good 2016 movies:). Lets begin with some 2016 movies I have seen and feel are worth watching this year:).
The Jungle Book:-
Genre:- Adventure
Director:- Jon Favreau.
Bore Meter:- Visually brilliant and very entertaining:). No chance of getting bored:).
My Rating:-
Zootopia is the best animation movie i have seen so far this year. In this movie,in a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy. The best thing about this movie is its story:). It has a very original and very refreshing script. It deals with the raging subject of stereotyping, racism and set prejudices and manages to convey its message in a very fun way:).Also the characters are very relatable. Overall, Zootopia is a very good movie with original script and is total fun to watch:).
Genre:- Animation.
Directors:- Byron Howard,Rich Moore,Jared Bush.
Bore Meter:- Good story and entertaining:). Won't get bored:).
My Rating:-
Deadpool is a good fun superhero movie from the world of Marvel:). Here, a former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool. Though the movie doesn't have much to offer in terms of story, the movie works very well thanks to its central character. The director and the lead actor, Ryan Reynolds, brings a lot of enthusiasm into the movie. The script is also very funny, filled with outrageous dialogues and Ryan Reynolds makes the character his own giving the movie a lot of energy. Overall, Deadpool may not be a movie with a great story, but the director and Reynolds make the movie a lot of fun to watch:).
Genre:- Action, Comedy.
Director:- Tim Miller.
Stars:- Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin.
Bore Meter:- Good pace and fun movie:). Won't get bored:).
My Rating:-
Kung Fu Panda 3:-
Genre:- Animation.
Directors:- Alessandro Carloni, Jennifer Yuh Nelson.
Bore Meter:- Total fun movie:). Won't get bored:).
My Rating:-
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice:-
Genre:- Action, Adventure.
Director:- Zack Snyder.
Stars:- Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Amy Adams.
Bore Meter:- Watchable movie. Won't get bored:).
My Rating:-


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What is Extra Virgin Olive Oil? The best Extra Virgin Olive Oil is unrefined, meaning that absolutely no chemical or heat is used to extract the oil from the fruit. This means that the oil is unaltered, allowing it to retain its strong olive scent, and deep greenish golden color. The best Extra Virgin Olive Oil are produced by equally great trees. The Olea europaea - the botanical name for the small, ever green Olive tree - can grow up to 20 feet with thin branches and 2 1/4 inches long, acute, smooth leaves. The bark is pale grey and the flowers numerous, small and creamy white in color. The oil filled, single seed, fleshy inside of the drupe dark purple Olive fruit is about 3/4 inch long, is the the source of the best Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Olive trees were part of human life, as shown by some of the oldest recorded manuscripts. It was mentioned in holy texts such as the Bible, where the oil is used to symbolize goodness, purity, while the Olive tree is symbolizes peace and happiness. The oil is still used in many religions for appointments/anointments. Historically the Olive tree grows abundantly in Asia Minor and Mediterranean countries, but is is also cultivated in and Syria, Chile, Peru, and South Australia. Only the very best Extra Olive Oil is trusted by many personal and industrial manufactures!


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Payrolls Preview: Unemployment Rate Expected To Drop (But Blame The Weather & Calendar If Not)
Posted by Tyler Durden on December 2, 2016 2:25 am
Tags: BLS, Business, Chicago PMI, Conference Board, Dallas Fed, Department of Labor, East Coast, Economy, FLORIDA, goldman sachs, Government, Kansas City Fed, Labor, Labour law, New York Fed, Payroll Data, Philly Fed, Recession, Richmond Fed, Seasonality, Social justice, South Carolina, unemployment, Unemployment in the United States, Unemployment Insurance, US Federal Reserve, white house
Categories: BLS Business Chicago PMI Conference Board Dallas Fed Department of Labor east coast Economy Florida goldman sachs Government Kansas City Fed Labor Labour law New York Fed Payroll Data Philly Fed Recession Richmond Fed Seasonality Social justice South Carolina unemployment Unemployment in the United States Unemployment Insurance US Federal Reserve white house
A series of stronger than expected data in recent days pushed Goldman Sachs to up their payrolls growth expectation to 200k (above the 180k expectations), but they note that while the unemployment rate is likely to drop (to 4.8%), average hourly earnings may disappoint. Of course, they add, any non-narrative-confirming misses on the data can likely be explained away by "weather effects and residual seasonality."
As Goldman details, we forecast that nonfarm payroll growth increased to 200k in November, after an increase of 161k in October. We have revised up our forecast from 180k previously reflecting stronger data this week. Labor market indicators were stronger on balance last month, including improvements in reported job availability, the ADP report, and the employment components of service-sector surveys. In addition, we see a likely boost from positive weather effects and possible residual seasonality.
Arguing for a stronger report:
Job availability. The Conference Board labor differential—the difference between the percent of respondents saying jobs are plentiful and those saying jobs are hard to get—rose to +5.2, reversing a small decline in October. This measure has risen by about ten points over the last year.
Service sector surveys. The employment components of service sector surveys mostly improved in November. The Richmond Fed (+7pt to +13), Dallas Fed (+6.5pt to +9.2), and New York Fed (+2.2pt to +10.9, after our seasonal adjustment) measures of service sector employment all strengthened. The Philly Fed non-manufacturing employment index edged down (-0.7pt to +15.6) but remains at levels consistent with expansion. Service sector employment increased 142k in October and has increased 161k on average over the last six months.
ADP. The payroll processing firm ADP reported a 216k gain in private payroll employment in November, up from a downwardly revised 119k increase in October. While this is a significant beat, the new methodology ADP introduced last month creates some additional uncertainty around the translation of this upside ADP surprise into the outlook for tomorrow's nonfarm payroll report.
Some rebound from Hurricane-related weakness. In October, employment in the three sectors that we find are most sensitive to weather-related swings – retail, construction, and leisure and hospitality – increased by 20k, which is a smaller gain than the 6-month (33k) and 12-month (73k) average changes through September. Among East Coast states, employment in these sectors declined by a total of 16k in October, relative to an average monthly increase of 15k over the prior six months (Exhibit 1). Some of the biggest declines were in Florida and South Carolina, the states most impacted by Hurricane Matthew.
Seasonals. Since the recession, November payroll growth has surprised consensus expectations roughly 2/3 of the time, with an average surprise of +27k.
Exhibit 1: Some Potential Upside from East Coast States Impacted by Hurricane-related Weakness
Source: Department of Labor, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research
Neutral Factors:
Temporary election-related hiring. Election-related hiring typically shows up to some degree in the government and marketing research and opinion polling categories in the non-seasonally adjusted payroll data. However, the BLS makes a special adjustment to these changes to remove the effects of the election and in prior election years those categories did not spike on a seasonally adjusted basis in November. Therefore, it is unlikely we will see any direct election effect in the seasonally adjusted series.
Jobless claims: Initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits moved slightly higher, with the four-week moving average edging up to 253k in the November survey week. Initial claims were affected by technical factors including temporary auto plant shutdowns and weather-related effects from Hurricane Matthew, but we do not detect a significant change in the underlying trend which continues to show low layoff activity in the economy.
Job cuts: Announced layoffs reported by Challenger, Gray & Christmas after our seasonal adjustment increased by 4k to 32k in November, but remain close to cycle-lows.
Arguing for a weaker report:
Online job ads. The Conference Board's Help Wanted Online (HWOL) report reversed last month's gains, and stands 15% lower than levels last year. However, we put limited weight on this indicator at the moment in light of research by Fed economists that argued that the HWOL ad count has been depressed by higher prices for online job ads.
Manufacturing sector surveys. The employment components of manufacturing surveys were mixed in November. The ISM manufacturing (-0.6pt to 52.3), Chicago PMI, Empire State (-6.2pt to -10.9), and Kansas City Fed (-6pt to +1) employment indexes all declined, while the Dallas Fed (+4.3pt to +4.5), Richmond Fed (+2pt to +5), and Philly Fed (+1.4pt to -2.4) measures edged up. Manufacturing employment declined by 9k in the October report, and has declined by 7k on average over the last six months.
We expect the unemployment rate to edge down to 4.8% in the November report from an unrounded 4.876% in October. Last month, the household survey showed a 43k decline in employment but the unemployment rate edged down to 4.9% due to a decline in labor force participation. The broader U6 unemployment rate dropped to a new post-crisis low of 9.5% as the number of involuntary part-time and marginally attached workers both declined.
We expect average hourly earnings to increase 0.1% month-over-month, or 2.7% from a year ago, after rising to a new cycle high of 2.8% year-on-year in October. A modest retracement of last month's gains and negative calendar effects are likely to contribute to a softer number. Our wage tracker, which captures the broader trend in wage growth across four major indicators, stands at 2.6% year-over-year as of Q3.
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Finally, we look forward to seeing The White House spokesperson basking in the afterglow of their track record compared to president-elect Trump's likely tweeted response.