text:
Fifth Third was a well run bank with a cult following. Now it is up on hard times. I have looked at it numerous times with an eye to buying it - but never purchased. I blogged about that here.
I was so blinded by the past glories of the company that I couldn't even make money shorting it.
The true believers however really drank the Kool-Aid. In 2000 it was priced it at 7 times tangible book plus excess capital.
So now I am back having a look at Fifth Third. Investor Relations didn't return my email (which is disappointing) but so far I have positives and negatives.
The biggest negative is location. It is big in tough states - having three of its state concentrations in three of the worst five states for property foreclosure.
The second biggest problem is an huge error of judgement on behalf of the management. They spent a large part of 2007 drinking the Kool-Aid themselves repurchasing $1.1 billion in shares at seemingly low prices during 2007 only to issue a billion in converts at even lower prices in 2008. They paid an average price above $40 a share and issued around $10.
There is a phrase for that. Its called believing your body odour is perfume.
But at the moment I want to accentuate the positive. There is plenty of positive - and some of it reflects well on management.
This post focuses on the origination of mortgages with negative amortisation features and high loan to valuation ratios.
Fifth Third and Negative Amortisation loans
The 2007 annual report includes the following paragraph:
The Bancorp does not originate mortgage loans that permit customers to defer principal payments or make payments that are less than the accruing interest
That tends to cheer you up in this environment.
The 2006 annual report was slightly different:
The Bancorp does not currently originate mortgage loans that permit principal payment deferral or payments that are less than the accruing interest.
The "does not currrently" line also appears in the 2005 annual report.
So sometime they stopped originating that sort of loan - and they did it years before the credit crisis broke. In other-words management did not lose their minds as all about them lost theirs.
High loan to valuation mortgages
Another indication of quality management was that they slowed origination of high loan to valuation mortgages much earlier than most of their competitors. They have a category for mortgages with a loan to valuation ratio above 80 percent and no mortgage insurance. Mortgage originations for this were as follows:
2004 1286 million
2005 1245 million
2006 679 million
2007 265 million
The company slowed its origination in this category from mid 2005 and slowed it dramatically before the credit crisis hit. That reflects very well on management. Very well indeed.
So given this - I could drink the Kool-Aid. If you dear reader see good reasons to stop me please let me know. I write this blog at least in part for the comments and emails - and I don't get enough of them.
Meanwhile: memo to IR - its good to return phone calls and emails.


text:
By Pam Benson
Some of the nation's biggest banks are at risk of a massive cyber attack next year that could potentially siphon funds from unsuspecting customers, according to a leading digital security firm.
The fraud campaign, known as Project Blitzkrieg, is a credible threat, the Internet security firm McAfee Labs concluded in a new report.
The malware has been lying dormant in U.S. financial systems and is scheduled to go active by the spring of 2013, McAfee researchers concluded.
The project "appears to be moving forward as planned," the report states.
People familiar with the study said some 30 financial institutions are targets of the campaign.
CNNMoney: Not a single bank is malware-free
They include Fidelity, E*Trade, Charles Schwab, PayPal, Citibank, Wachovia, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Navy Federal Credit Union and others.
Information about the intended cyber attack was discovered in September by the Internet security firm RSA during the course of monitoring a web chat room that the company says was run by a Russian hacker known as vorVzakone.
According to the report, the Russian was believed to be using the chat room to recruit fellow hackers to steal assets from bank accounts as part of a criminal enterprise.
At the time, there were doubts about the credibility of the threat, with some experts suggesting it was part of a Russian law enforcement sting.
"Our researchers have been poring into this and what they have found, they actually found somewhere between 300 to 500 devices in the U.S. that have actually been infected with the particular malware that this individual is talking about," said Pat Calhoun, a senior vice president at McAfee.
"That, combined with some additional research we're doing, has led us to believe this is true. This is actually a real operation that this individual is planning to launch sometime before spring 2013."
The McAfee report states, "The targets are U.S. banks, with the victims dispersed across various U.S. cities, according to the telemetry data. Thus this group will likely remain focused on U.S. banks and making fraudulent transactions."
Calhoun said that McAfee has access to the malware and, through reverse engineering, has learned much about its capability and targets.
"We see the IP addresses and names of banks and so on or references to URLs."
Calhoun said the behavior of the Trojan suggests it is a variant of a previous known strain called Gozi. RSA labeled this latest version, Gozi Prinimalka.
But it's a tedious task dissecting the malware, and the company is still trying to figure out how it would create fraudulent bank transactions, Calhoun said.
Based on their analysis, the McAfee researchers believe the plan is to attack a small group of bank customers.
"This strategy is necessary if the attackers hope to succeed in transferring several million dollars over the course of the project," the report states. "A limited number of infections reduces the malware's footprint and makes it hard for network defenses to detect its activities."
But Calhoun said the fact the malware has been detected allows for a defense to be mounted.
"Since we know about it, we will be able to protect against it," Calhoun said. "We're working very closely with law enforcement and a lot of the potential targets to make sure they understand this and know how to behave or how to protect themselves against it."
Wells Fargo, the only financial institution to respond to questions about preparations it might be taking to thwart the potential attack, said it was watching for the threat.
"Security is core to our mission and safeguarding our customers' information is at the foundation of all we do," Wells Fargo said in a statement. "We constantly monitor the environment, assess potential threats, and take action as warranted."
The Department of Homeland Security, which takes the lead for the government on cyber security issues, had no comment on the McAfee report or Project Blitzkrieg.
This protocol is designed to protect communication in a secure manner using TCP/IP. It is a set of security extensions developed by IETF, and it provides security and authentication at the IP layer by using cryptography. To protect the content, the data is transformed using encryption techniques. There are two main types of transformation that form the basis of IPsec: the Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP). These two protocols provide data integrity, data origin authentication, and anti-replay service. These protocols can be used alone or in combination to provide the desired set of security services for the Internet Protocol (IP) layer.'.."`
http://calaguastourpackage.comThe latest write-up from our very own web site
Security measures
Jon Corzine invented project blitzkrieg while at MF Global,
Website is definitely down.
WF On-phone support: "..hmm... let me check into your account..."
me: "Don't give me that. This isn't the first time you've heard of this today."
WF On-phone support: "Heh heh. Yeah. I can't get into my account either since Tuesday."
I'm thinking.... RUN RUN RUN
And here it is, today the wells fargo website is down for the 3rd day.
Here's something that's really funny HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa thinks he is.
I've got the answer!!!!!!!.........How come no one has thought of this before?!!!!!!!!.............It's...........It's..............."Tax breaks for the rich to fund cyber warfare!!!!!!!!!!!" Hahahahahahaaha
Looks like the virus already has infected your Caps Lock!!!!!!!!!!!! Idiot!!!!!!! Hahahahahahahha
Okay so they know this might happen, you don't think the banks would be smart eonough to make back up copies of people funds, so if they are lost or corrupted they can simply reset with the right data. I mean its a stretch that such a low technology would be used in a common sense fashion, I think they want to crash again and screw the recovery up even more then the republicans. This is a job for Super Bernake, send him in there and all will be okay, blah blah blah
You don't need to have an online account to have it cleaned, hackers get into bank data. They will move money from your savings to your checking account and transfer the amount in small increment under 10k to get under the radar. Banks do not have to notify the FBI if the amount is under 10k. The banks like to keep quiet. Meanwhile customers wreck their brains trying to figure where someone could have hacked them.
All the hacker need is your account number and routing number no need for password and all that security we customers have to jump thru to make transaction. My son's accounts were cleaned out that way. Transfers were made from his bank to an other bank under a bogus name. The receiving bank under our laws are responsible to return the transfers before they get debited or not. As a customer the law covers you, as a business account it's an other story, money may be gone forever if the fraudulent transactions are not discovered in time.Keep an eye on your accounts.
I know... why banks? Because that's where the money is. Keeping all of this in mind, my bank has tried for years to talk me into online banking. I don't think so.
You know, if people actually took security a little more serious and actually stopped using online banking all together until they all started using one-time token passwords, online banking would be almost 100% secure.
With one-time tokens, it doesn't matter if you know my username/password. As long as you are not in control of my physical dongle, you will never get in. Sadly there's video games that offer this cheap security to login, but something like major banking and it's nowhere to be found.
It's because of the infrastructure demand behind the dongle. The security empire and data processing capability that would be necessary to give each customer of a large major bank would be enormous.
... although, they are posting multi-billion dollar quarters

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Gov. Rick Perry today appointed to the University of Houston System Board of Regents three new members: Spencer D. Armour III of Midland; Roger Fleming Welder of Victoria; and Houstonian Welcome W. Wilson Jr., who replaces his father, Welcome W. Wilson Sr., whose term is expiring.
"With their diverse business backgrounds, considerable talents and strong leadership abilities, I am confident that each of these appointees will make outstanding contributions to our board and to the University of Houston System," said UH System Chancellor and UH President Renu Khator.
"These new board members join us at a crucial time in the life of the university and of higher education in Texas, as we continue to distinguish ourselves as a Tier One university during challenging economic times," Khator said.
The appointments are subject to confirmation by the Texas State Senate. Each of the appointees will serve through Aug. 31, 2017.
Armour is managing partner of Armada Gas and Oil. He is a past board member and past president of the Petroleum Club of Midland, and a past board member of Patterson-UTI Energy and the Midland Country Club. He is also a past board member of the Midland North Central Little League and a volunteer 7-on-7 coach at Midland Lee High School. Armour received a bachelor's degree from the University of Houston.
Welder is retired CEO of J.F. Welder Heirs, and current vice chair of the First Victoria National Bank board of directors. He is president of the Victoria ISD Education Foundation and Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust; vice chair of the Victoria College board of directors; board secretary of the Victoria Airport Commission; and treasurer, past board member and honorary director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Foundation. He is a board member of the Victoria Performing Arts Center, Victoria Symphony Endowment, and Victoria Rotary Club, director of Billy T. Cattan Recovery Outreach, and a member of the Caron Texas Advisory Board and Texas Christian University Institute of Ranch Management Advisory Board.
Welder also is president emeritus and a past board member of the Victoria Business and Education Coalition, and a past board member of the Victoria Economic Development Corporation, Texas A&M University College of Agriculture Development Council, and University of Houston at Victoria Presidents Advisory Council. He received a bachelor's degree from Texas Christian University.
Welcome Wilson Jr. is president and CEO of GSL Welcome Group. He is a board member of the Texas Business Hall of Fame, Houston Realty Business Coalition, Southwest TIRZ 20, Sharpstown Management District, and Houston Food Bank. He is also immediate past president of the Kinkaid School Alumni Organization, and a past member of the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation. Wilson attended the University of Denver.
"The governor has selected three outstanding individuals, and I am confident they have the vision to take the UH System to the next level of excellence," said Board of Regents Chair Nelda Blair. "These appointees have impressive track records of success, and I look forward to collaborating with them on behalf of the System."
Blair also praised the leadership and contributions of Carroll Ray, Jim Wise and Welcome W. Wilson Sr., whose board terms are expiring. "I'd like to express my personal thanks and gratitude to each of them for their exceptional service," she said. "Their service on the board may have concluded, but I know their commitment and passion for the UH System will continue."
For more information about the UH System Board of Regents, see: http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/regents/ .
The University of Houston System is a comprehensive system
of higher education institutions serving to further the intellectual capital
and economic strength of the Gulf Coast region. The UH System includes the
University of Houston, a nationally recognized Tier One public research
university; the University of Houston-Downtown, a four-year undergraduate
university expanding into graduate programs;
the University of Houston-Victoria, a four-year university with
undergraduate and master's level degree programs; and the University of
Houston- Clear Lake, an upper-division and master's level institution. The
system also includes two branch campuses, UH-Clear Lake Pearland and Lone Star
College-University Park, as well as two multi-institution teaching centers, UH
System Sugar Land and UH System Cinco Ranch. In addition, the System owns and
operates KUHF-FM, Houston's National Public Radio station; KUHA-FM, Houston's
24-hour classical music station; and KUHT-TV, the nation's first educational
television station. To learn more about the UH System, visit


text:
Prime miniature john hoWARd (the coward's) anti-liberty directives have been passed in the out-house without them even flushing the toilet.
But a challenge has been issued to some neo-liberal sin-ators to wipe their arse after the sedition diarrhea started running down the back of their legs.
Mr Speaker, did you flush the toilet after that big shit?
The out-house approved the counter-dissent measures after federal dictator-general philip duddock-ordered the sedition provisions must remain in the bill.
"I argue very strongly that they ought to continue in their present form," he said.
But why does he argue so strongly? At a time when corruption in public office is the worst it has ever been in the last 200 years of Australia's history.
That means his neo-liberal dictatorship will be able to hide their crimes and corruption and continue to flout the rule of law.
The stench alone would warrant his government's dismissal because he's seeking to prevent people telling the truth about his government's continued and unabated corruption and crimes against humanity.
Duddock: "Sedition has become a more relevant offence."
But Mr Speaker, more relevant if you're a corrupt war criminal who seeks to quell dissent!
Earlier this week the Sin-ate recommended the-sedition should be removed because they could undermine free speech.
But random stop, search and seizure, tracking and tagging, home detention, and preventive detention of citizenry won't?
Right you lying creep of a dictatorship?
Now the legislation is listed to be debated soon in the sin-nate.
By FREEDOM 30 November 05
Related dissent:
Media concerned despite anti-terrorism changes
One of Australia's biggest media organisations says amendments to the Federal Government's anti-terrorism bill do not go far enough.
DPP should lose the plot!
Another of john hoWARd (the coward's) 'demons' used as 'fodder' to introduce Anti-Terrorism legislation - based on some notion that this man is a threat. Yet his case and others has been endless and has not been heard since the introduction of the last Anti-terror laws!
Neo-Liberal MP's approve fascism with minor changes!
Federal dictator john hoWARd's neo-liberal MP's have approved changes to the industrial relations system (irrational relations), new counter-terrorism laws (draconian anti-liberty-laws), and the welfare-to-work [social services] package, (sick and desperate to work orders) but these are only minor changes to the draconian laws!
Scrap sedition laws, senators urge
A Senate report into the Federal Government's anti-terrorism bill has recommended sweeping changes to the legislation, including the scrapping of sedition offences and extra protection for minors.
At Aussie we'll raid you?
Australian Federal police have raided several Melbourne addresses while they say, they were investigating possible local links for Sri Lankan Authorities.
Scapegoat fights terrorist training charge
A Sydney man charged with training with a terrorist organisation is asking the Supreme Court to put a permanent stay on the charge.
Police Raids: Howard's Terror forum Monday 21/11
Public Forum Monday 7pm 21/11 at UTS with the lawyer of men arrested in recent 'anti-terror' raids. Come along to hear how the recent raids in Sydney and the broader "war on terror" is affecting local communities in Sydney, from para-military policing to racial profiling and discrimination. Share your ideas on how we can build community resistance to abuses of power by governments, police and security forces.
Lawyers urge open reporting of terrorism cases
As the first allegations against one of Sydney's terrorism suspects [scapegoats to bolster the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] are to be made public this morning, lawyers warn proceedings against those arrested in last week's raids must remain open to keep authorities accountable.[?]
Scapegoat to stand trial because police said: he lied?
Because police said Abdul Rakid Hasan lied to them 'twice' and now he has to prove that he didn't lie to them 'twice' by facing two charges one for each alleged lie?
Australia: Terrorist jihad propaganda
Residents in the far-north west of New South Wales say they are shocked by allegations terrorist training camps were briefly set up in their area and they should be shocked.
Australia: Things and places identified
A GROUP of Sydney men, targeted by prime meanster john hoWARd, (the coward) and accused of lots of 'things' on Australian soil, with war and greed, (where they happen to reside) and had 'specific eyes, (brown?), on places and seen specific sites, (looked at them?), as they toured? country NSW?
Terrified scapegoats 'kept in dark'
The lawyer representing nine men facing terrorism charges [scapegoats for the Coalition of the Killing's resource wars in the Middle East] says he must wait an unacceptably long time for police to provide a brief of evidence.
Dangerous handyman terror threat?
Defence barrister Phillip Boulten SC told the court his client's charges are based on the most marginal evidence. Mr Boulten argued there was no suggestion the material would be used for any terrorism related activity.
Guilty until proven innocent - justice in the `war on terror'
In the week in which PM John Howard's support as preferred prime minister dropped to a three-year low, the arrest of 17 people in Sydney and Melbourne on November 7-8, allegedly for planning a terrorist attack [scapegoats to bolster support and quell dissent for the Coalition of the Killing's resource wars in the Middle East], was exceedingly fortunate timing for the federal government.
With its unprecedented powers of secret arrest and detention without trial, the retrospective aspect of control orders, and extended definitions of sedition, the Federal Government's extraordinary new counter-terrorism legislation threatens our way of life no less than terrorism.
Prime Minister Guilty of Sedition
These proposed laws break internationally recognised treaties on human rights, overturn the fundamental principle of presumption of innocence, and seriously threaten free speech and protest.
Man shot by police in ASIO fishing raids
The incident at Green Valley only confirms the direct danger these officers present to the community at large. State Terrorism! At this time my friends do not trust the police or your government.
ASIO fishing expedition makes arrests
He says they have arrested six men alleged to be planning a terrorist attack in Australia. [He means 'scapegoats' to bolster support and to quell dissent for the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East.]
TK: Several hundred people gathered in Canberra City on 5 November 2005 as part of a nationwide series of weekend rallies on the themes: Defend Civil Liberties, Defend Muslims, Troops out of Iraq.
Brisbane to protest HoWARd at charity function
Australia: Brisbane activists and concerned citizens will protest John Howard at his attendance at a charity ball this Wednesday, November 9th. The man who banned the word 'hypocrite' in parliament will be attending a gala fundraising dinner event for Rosies this week in Brisbane.
Police State Not Enough - Army On Its Way
The Military Minister has said that the Government intends to make it easier to call out the military onto Australian streets with shoot to kill powers This is another "anti-terrorist" measure" which has potentially frightening consequences for the right to dissent.
Anti-war rally report and photos
MELBOURNE: Rob Stary, president of the Criminal Defence Lawyers Association, was one of the main speakers who attacked the anti-terrorism laws as abhorrent to Australia's liberal democratic values.
Thousands flood streets to protest draconian laws
Thousands of people protested their concerns yesterday that new draconian Anti-Terror laws were an attack on dissent, not fit for a dog and any new sedition laws would strangle freedom of speech and target innocent people.
Australian Prime Minister Plays Terror Card
The Australian government is under intense pressure to water down proposed draconian laws that include provisions whereby peaceful anti-war protesters could be jailed for 7 years under the language that they support the opposition of the Australian military.
Anti-terrorism laws inquiry calls for submissions
After lobbying from the Australian Democrats, the Government has agreed to a three-week inquiry. Democrats leader Lyn Allison is expecting a strong response from the community. "I think it's going to generate a lot of interest, I think there will be a lot of submissions," Senator Allison said. But Senator Allison doubts if her party will support the legislation.
Govt yet to show proper need for anti-terrorism laws: former judge A former senior judge has criticised the Federal Government's anti-terrorism legislation, saying it establishes a "secret regime".
Nazi tones in John Howard's anti-terror laws, says Malcolm Fraser
FORMER Liberal prime minister Malcolm Fraser has suggested parts of the Howard Government's anti-terror package resemble measures taken by Adolf Hitler and says Kim Beazley's handling of opposition to the package should determine his leadership.
Arbitrary Detention and Magna Carta
Perhaps some rear-view vision may help you when considering the laws now being proposed regarding arbitrary detention. It is somewhat gratifying that international treaties are belatedly being cited as reasons to oppose this slide into dictatorship, but it is odd that no-one seems to remember what underpins our personal freedom here and the whole of our legal system.
Australia's 'Anti-Terrorism' Bill: the framework for a police state Over the past month, Prime Minister John Howard and the six Australian state premiers and two territory chief ministers have joined hands to draft draconian new laws that will erect the juridical scaffolding for a police-state. The Anti-Terrorism Bill 2005 is unprecedented in both its content and in the conspiratorial methods that have been employed to push it through the state and federal parliaments.
ASIO settle wrongful detention case out of court
On the first of November ASIO and the federal Government of Australia settled out of court with a couple whose house had been raided a couple weeks after the [US false flag] September 11 2001 attacks against the Pentagon and the World Trade Center towers in the USA.
The race that doesn't stop the nation
CANBERRA: And welcome to Canberra on the first Tuesday in November for the race that doesn't stop the nation. The Anti-Terrorism Cup. The final horses are being brought into the barriers, and we are almost ready for the start.
Constitution: Defending Against State Terror and Despots
Australia has no major laws that are not derivatives of English Law and all of our major laws rely on British court precedents for interpretation and implementation. These laws and our Constitutional Monarchy system create a situation where, even if Howard and all State Premiers vote unanimously on the Anti-Terrorist laws, and every ALP/Dem/Lib/Nat/Green party hack also votes unanimously on their laws, and even if such laws are given Royal Assent, those laws are still void.
Open Letter to Australian Senate
Every West Australian needs to take note of the proposed terror legislation that will be debated in the Senate next Tuesday. Our own Premier has sold us out, and the time has come for some serious and organised protest in WA to protect our democracy and civil liberties. Write to the Senate, to the papers, and to every political party. This is a fundamental issue that affects the future of our society.
$145,000 for false arrest in NSW
The lawyer - who has represented almost all Sydney's high-profile accused [alleged] terrorists, [scapegoats for the Coalition of the Killing's resource wars in the Middle East] including Mamdouh Habib - who was kidnapped and tortured and who successfully sued the state for wrongful arrest, malicious prosecution and false imprisonment.
Preventive Detention: A Shield or A Sword?
There is a consensus among educated Australians that Preventive Detention is inimical to the democratic evolution of our country. Many are those who argue that given the standards of our time preventive detention is an unnecessary evil.
What's the Difference Between CHINA and AUSTRALIA?
If John Howard's terror law comes into effect, what is the difference between China, and Australia? No rifle executions? I think it is time to approach the Governor General, to dissolve Parliament on the basis that the present Government is attempting to achieve Dictatorial Powers.
Cracks in terror solidarity
In remarks that are at odds with the Premier, Morris Iemma's determined support for the legislation, Mr Debus said yesterday: "I think I share the concern about the legislation with plenty of other people. I don't query that we need to have very tough responses to the threat of terrorism [actually though, the community do query it because the actual threat of terrorism is coming from the Government] and I don't query that the premiers have signed off on a framework last month.
Australian Prime Meanster 'tells' States?
Prime meanster john hoWARd's original pact with the states seems to have fallen into disarray because his new anti-liberty laws breach human rights obligations and the commonwealth constitution.
Anti-Terrorism Bill details draconian police-state plans
First and foremost, the legislation provides for extensive detention without charge or trial, on the flimsiest of pretexts. With no notice or legal hearing, any person can be thrown into secret "preventative detention" or placed, by a "control order," in isolation under house arrest.
Shoot to kill on the belief of reasonable grounds is a problem
Provisions in relation to use of force in s105.23 raise serious concerns. In particular subsection 105.23(2) specifically contemplates the use of lethal force against a detainee where an AFP member believes on reasonable grounds that this is necessary to protect life or to prevent serious injury to another person.
ASIO laws: Don't be silenced
The secrecy surrounding the proposed national anti-``terror'' legislation stands in stark contrast to previous ASIO and "anti-terror'' laws that have been subject to scrutiny by parliamentary committees and public hearings.
Brisbane Peace Convergence calls on Beattie to reject terror legislation changes The Brisbane Peace Convergence (BPC) are calling on Premier Peter Beattie to reject the Federal governments proposed amendments to anti-terror laws. The BPC consider the changes to pose a threat to fundamental rights in a democratic society, including life, liberty and democratic action.
How's this for sedition?
Edmund Burke, who declared the tyranny of bad laws, was a deep political thinker and a ferocious polemicist. In 1777, he wrote to the Sheriffs of Bristol that the true danger to freedom was when liberty was nibbled away, for expedience, and by parts.
Sydney Morning Herald Poll flawed
Sydney Morning Herald: "According to the latest Herald Poll, about three-quarters of voters think it is OK to lock up suspected terrorists [scapegoats for the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] without charge, put them under house arrest or shackle them with tracking devices."
The Howard Government wants to give police executing preventative detention orders the power to shoot to kill. This is shoot to kill madness.
New anti-terror laws and the Muslim community
On 8 September the Prime Minister introduced a 12-point plan outlining new anti-terror laws [draconian laws to bolster support for John Howard's resource wars in the Middle East] in a press release. Two weeks later he went to the Council of Australian Governments meeting with the proposals. They approved the measures by and large.
Secret agents brief Bracks on 'seditious' protest
Australia: Melbourne: Thursday 20 October, 2005: A phalanx of "secret agents" delivered a written briefing to Premier Steve Bracks at Parliament House today to tip him off to potential "seditious activities" at a planned demonstration for civil liberties on Saturday.
Shoot-to-kill bluff
AUSTRALIA: federal labor leader kim sleazley has predicted the federal dictatorship will fail in its push for a shoot-to-kill policy to be included in its counter-terrorism laws.
Sedition Laws Target Peaceful Civil Disobedience
The new Sedition Laws in the anti-terror bills clearly target people who call for acts of non-violent civil disobedience. Under the laws there is no defence for calling for change to any law by anything other than lawful means. Penalty is up to seven years jail.
Stanhope flags doubts on 'hasty' terrorism bill
ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope says he may refuse to sign off on parts of the Federal Government's hasty terrorism bill. Mr Stanhope published a draft of the controversial laws [draconian laws] on his website on Friday and has refused to take it down despite a directive from the Federal Government.
Despoja: Stanhope hero of the hour
Natasha Stott Despoja has described Mr Stanhope as the "hero of the hour". Senator Despoja says there is meant to be a vote on the draft legislation in the week beginning November 7.
Stanhope stands his ground
Stanhope: It is bizarre to think legislation of this significance can be rushed into Parliament without consulting a single Australian.
Anti-terrorism laws inquiry 'too short'
Australia: The Opposition says the inquiry effectively gives senators just one day to examine the bills. Labor's homeland security spokesman, Arch Bevis, says the inquiry will be unable to scrutinise whether the legislation provides a balance between security and civil rights.
Australia: Draconian laws draw rights watchdog's ire
Human Rights Watch has condemned Australia's proposed anti-terrorism laws as a "shocking departure" from its historical championing of the rights of the individual.
Dissent Isn't Taken Lightly Down Under
Historian Michael Foley said during times of war pacifists often get mugged. As a nonviolent activist working to end the war in Iraq and the corporate war profiteering that comes with it, September 2005 has been the most surreal time of my life and I definitely feel like I got mugged by Australian Attorney General Phillip Ruddock and the Australian government.
Australia: Rattling the cage
Recently, the federal government announced a controversial new 'counter-terrorism' package. Civil libertarians were quick to raise the spectre of a police state . Yet Muslim groups argued that the new security regime is already having an impact on the democratic freedoms and everyday safety of their communities.
Hand picked alleged Australian Muslim leaders are being used to cut their own throats the same as the hand picked Indigenous mob have been used by the John HoWARd Government to screw ATSIC.
Anti-terrorism laws put rights at risk: Fraser
Former prime minister Malcolm Fraser says Australians could be treated unfairly under the Government's anti-terrorism [draconian] laws unless a human rights act is introduced.
Stop the war on civil liberties!
Prime Minister John Howard is using the "war on terror" to promote widespread fear about "terrorists" and "terrorism" in Australia. This is despite the fact that the biggest act of terror being committed today is being carried out by foreign troops, including Australia's, in occupied Iraq.
Spots and Stripes
It is well known that John Howard, infamous lackey and liar, is devoid of anything that could be remotely regarded as masculine or manly; the draconian measures he has implemented to 'secure' Australia against the terrorist bogeyman are astounding.
They know where you live
Twenty-four hours after the country's leaders agreed to draconian counter-terrorism laws this week, the Attorney-General, Philip Ruddock, was playing down media claims that ASIO believed there were 800 would-be suicide bombers living in Australia.
When Terrorism Outlaws Democracy
On September 27, 2005, Australian democracy surrendered to terrorism. On that day, a coalition of willing federal and state leaders agreed to anti-terrorism legislation that will enable police persecution of the Muslim community and threaten dissidents with imprisonment. In a country without a Bill of Rights, the prospect of more draconian Terror Laws delivers ultimate control through fear. Australia, with its history of penal colonies, racism and detention centers, is now set to become a police state.
Evans: moderate threat
Evans doubts reports that 800 potential terrorists are living in Australia.
No! Your Rights Australia
You have the right to not remain silent.
800 people deemed a potential security risk?
As reported in the Australian today, ASIO has apparently identified up to 800 people deemed a potential security risk. Ruddock says the draconian COAG measures "deal with people who pose a risk to the safety and security of the Australian community." Hmmm, like detained and deported US peace activist Scott Parkin perhaps? What is this broad definition of a "Terrorist"?
Democrat Will Oppose Anti-Terrorism Laws
NSW Democrat MLC, Dr Arthur Chesterfield-Evans, has accused the Premier, Mr Morris Iemma, of selling out to John Howard after agreeing to new 'Anti-Terrorism' laws yesterday. Dr Chesterfield-Evans said the proposed laws agreed to by Morris Iemma will not work.
Mein Kampf by John Howard
Months before Bali Au warships were seen invading Iraqi territorial waters in deliberate provocations under American protection. It was obvious that Howard had decided before Bali to join in an illegal and aggressive invasion of Iraq and in fact , when that happened, it was led by Au stormtroopers BEFORE the ultimatum given Baghdad had even run out!
Collection of Terrorists Meet to Take Away Our Rights
Tomorrow (27th of September) the State Premiers and the Federal Government are meeting to conspire to strip Australians of their rights. Welcome to the brave new world of electronic tagging and "preventative" detention.
Tell Your State Premier: Don't Do Ruddock's Dirty Work
Over the past several years, the Howard government has passed a series of dangerous new laws. These laws have undermined our basic legal and democratic rights.
Australian government unveils legal framework for police state
In the lead-up to his September 27 "counter-terrorism summit" with the eight Australian state and territory leaders, Prime Minister John Howard last week unveiled a package of legislation that goes well beyond the already deep inroads made into essential civil liberties under the fraudulent banner of the "war on terrorism..."
Australia: Counter-liberty plans unveiled
AUSTRALIA: VIC: BLACK Hawk helicopters and fighter jets will patrol Melbourne's skies during the Commonwealth Games next March, as part of counter-terror measures outlined today.
John H.o.W.A.R.d line roars at Fascism Week
AUSTRALIA: Parody: (Rooters) - While Attorney General Phillip Duddock helped wrap up a US protester for Prime Meanster, John HoWARd during Australia's Fascism Week after a 5 day detention debut and the removal of Mr Scott Parkin a peace activist who was deported back to Houston, Texas. The h.o.W.A.R.d fascism line, adding a dash of despotism to a week of largely draconian styles.
Parkin charged $11,700 for detention and removal
Los Angeles Friday, 16 September, 2005 : American peace activist Scott Parkin arrived back in the US today, escorted by 2 Australian immigration officials. He is expected to arrive in Houson, Texas on a Continental Airlines flight at around 3pm AEST.
Government out of control on security: Wilkie
Australia: Canberra Thursday, 15 September, 2005 : Former intelligence analyst Andrew Wilkie today staunchly defended US peace activist and teacher, Scott Parkin, saying that the government's national security agenda is out of control.
Australia, USA, Iraq: Scott Parkin
The rapid and widespread response to the detention of US peace and global justice activist, Scott Parkin, has been heartening and effective on many levels. Actions have taken place in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and outside several Australian Consulates in the United States.
Peace Activist Agrees to be removed but challenges security review
Australia's fascist ideal: Proof
Philip Ruddock, Federal Attorney General to Australian, hopes to eclipse the neo-cons of the US in the race toward the fascist ideal of social uniformity and control (oppression).
Anti-War Extremists Loyal to Scott
What can I say to someone like Scott Parkin? Sorry mate, to get a PEACE prize in this country you need to be drop dead sexy, go-tees are out - you gotta go. Peace Prize.
US Peace Activist to be Deported
Scott Parkin, a Texas based peace activist was detained by Federal police at approximately midday Saturday. He was en route to give a workshop about the progress and success of the peace movement in the US and companies profiting from the Iraq war.
Howard government threatens academic freedom
As Peter McGregor noted in GLW #639, I recently resigned in protest from a committee of the federal government's National Health and Medical Research Committee (NHMRC) and called for a boycott by academics of government committees generally.
'Different times' call for bill of rights, says QC'
To ensure no future government can erode basic human rights. Lex Lasry, QC, gave last night's key note address at the University of Western Australia's annual Day of Ideas.
Australia: a little dab will do ya .....
Reflections on the phoney, hypocritical "values" debate being promoted by the federal government, as part of its proscriptive program to emasculate our democracy.
Government warned Terror Laws "inherently dangerous, draconian and open to misuse" John North, Law Council of Australia: "In times of fear, it is easy for governments to impose ever (more) draconian laws."
Fishing expedition pays off
A man whose home was targeted by ASIO in fishing raids this year is facing fraud charges along with a co-accused who is linked to firearms offences.
The Terrorism of ASIO Laws
Wanda Fish asks Australian Senators to reject Howard's proposal to strengthen laws that already erode our basic legal rights. This legislation has the potential to turn ASIO agents into terrorists who can kidnap and detain innocent Australians simply because they "might know something".
Terrorgraph not quiet on 'Aussie militant' probe
AFP refuses to comment on investigation into militant video: hoWARd's abc.
Phillip Duddock's 'accent' heard in militant broadcast
Australian/Arab television has broadcast a video showing a masked militant with an apparent Australian accent criticising British Prime Minister tony bliar over Iraq.
HICKS: Not a Happy Birthday!
AUSTRALIA/CUBA/US :David Hicks, the Australian imprisoned at the US Base of Guantanamo Bay, will be 30 years old this coming Monday August 7, 2005.
GetUp! Stand Up! Stand Up For Your Rights!
Because of you, something exciting happened in our democracy last week. From every corner of the country, more than 20,000 emails were sent to the Coalition Senators. Our message was simple: now you have control of the Senate, we will be holding you to account. Thousands of you added personal messages to your representatives about the issues you care about.
Australia: We're Living In A War Zone
Prime Minister john hoWARd and his cronies have now placed us in a war-zone moving defence capabilities to Australia's south-east coast.
All the alleged terrorists are Muslims
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) commissioner mick keelty, a well know propagandist and liar, now claims that 60 Islamic extremists are operating in Australia and they are not news to the police and intelligence agencies.
All the wicked witches in Pakistan?
Pakistani authorities say 800 suspected militants [scapegoates and patsies] have been arrested in raids following the deadly London [false flag operation] bombings, as Islamic groups protest a move to expel 1,400 foreign students.
It's just not cricket: Khan
The perception in the West remained that somehow Islam was connected to militarism and terrorism, that all Muslims believe that all suicide bombers go straight to heaven. No one mentioned that before [false flag operations of] 9/11 70 per cent of suicide bombings in the world were committed by the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, who were Hindus.
Lawyer dismisses ASIO fishing raids as PR stunt
Fascist federal Police (AFP) and ASIO officers conducted more raids in Melbourne and Sydney yesterday but the publicity surrounding the raids has been dismissed as a public relations exercise by the Melbourne lawyer for an accused terrorist.
Howard off to US, UK - part 5
PART-5- PRIME minister john hoWARd will meet US president george w buSHIT, British prime minister tony blair and queen 'imperialism' herself during a 10-day visit to the United States and the UK next month.
hoWARd, ruddock, ellison, keelty and news ltd plotted chaos
AUSTRALIA/CUBA: Government and corporate propaganda agencies 'believe' they have foiled an attack on the Melbourne Stock Exchange by a radical Islamic network linked to a covert group, which has carried out surveillance on key Sydney sites.
Houses raided over 'possible' political attack plans?
ASIO have raided a number of properties in Melbourne on a 'fishing expedition' in relation to a 'possible' political scare campaign by the hoWARd government, playing on the fears of all Australians... again!
Is this our most dangerous Newspaper?
The Daily Terrorist should be managed with manacles and flown into Siberia via a jumbo jet tomorrow amid fears government fascists may attempt to use them again on someone else.
This forum will bring together legal representatives and victims of counter-terror, along with justice campaigners and organisations in order to share strategies for achieving justice for these men and the many other like them.
The Canterbury-Bankstown Peace Group & the Justice for Hicks & Habib Campaign welcome the statement by Amnesty International Secretary General Irene Khan, condemning the US Administration for condoning torture and the suppression of 'human rights' in their 'war on terror'.
Murdoch's war on truth in war reporting
People who remain to be convinced that cross-media laws are important to maintaining the fabric of our democracy need look no further than today's page one of The Daily Telegraph.
Chomsky signs on for justice
Noam Chomsky has signed the Justice for Jack campaign petition which calls on the Australian Attorney General Philip Ruddock and Director of Public Prosecutions to "drop any charges reliant on records of interviews conducted under duress without the presence of a lawyer."
If he'd been given his passport he'd be a free man
A Sydney man [scapegoat in the Coalition of the Killings resource wars in the Middle East] has been found not guilty of preparing for a terrorist attack on a Commonwealth building [ruling class propaganda.]
Trial by unrelated video clips
Should alleged terrorist suspects [scapegoats for the resource wars in the Middle East] be shown on television side-by side-'terrorist training camp film clips' gathered by the government and media archives to give the wrong impression of accused people facing trial?
Accused Australian Citizen 'denied passport in 2002'?
AN AUSTRALIAN CITIZEN who was refused a passport by DFAT in mid-2002 became frustrated at the government for treating him differently.
Court should be told Gov't using 'Jack'!
A Melbourne court should have been told a man accused of working for Al Qaeda is being used by the fascist Australian Government as a pawn in their leverage to win support for their illegal and degrading activities.
Noble Cause Torture?
AUSTRALIA: The Labor Party has decided not to support a Senate inquiry into new allegations made by Mamdouh Habib that the Australian Government cooperated with Egyptian intelligence authorities who he insists tortured him.
New account adds weight to interrogation claims
Australia/Cuba/Iraq: The fascist Federal Government is under further pressure today because Australians were involved in the interrogation of tortured Iraqi prisoners.
Australian senate accused govt of war crimes
Did you hear the one about David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib having a Barbeque in Afghanistan with Bin Laden? Yeah it was reported on Channel Seven's Sunrise this morning! But they don't know if it was a sheep or a goat, but sources say it was most likely a goat.
DPP to appeal innocent man's bail
The Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will seek to have an innocent Melbourne man Joseph 'Jack' Thomas, returned to isolation in custody?
Fascist Australian Govt torture exposed
The fascist Federal Government has been exposed for the torture of Australian Mamdouh Habib and the US Government's allegations against him (if they were true) would have been made under duress.
Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?
Lawyer blames police for Habib break-in
John HoWARd, Alexander Downer, Phillip Ruddock, Robert Hill, to name just a few....HOW DO YOU PLEAD?
No reason for Habib to sell story: Beazley?
Federal Agreement Leader Kim Beazley is a well-paid loser. A loser who supposed to be defending our democratic rights by standing up to the HoWARd Government's fascism.
Australia: a presumption of guilt......
KAREN PERCY: Two of Australia's leading barristers have seized on the return of Guantanamo Bay detainee, Mamdouh Habib, to launch an unprecedented attack on the Federal Attorney General, Philip Ruddock.
Aust Community criticises Govt for 'crimes'!
Australia: The Law Council of Australia is warning that the Federal Government must learn from its mistakes over Guantanamo Bay? Now that's a mistake!
Australian Govt Guilty of Crimes: Community
Australia: The community says federal fascists who allowed the torture of its citizenry including Mamdouh Habib may be arrested when the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal address the War Crimes Indictment set out by the community.
What they did to Habib
Mamdouh Habib was the victim of atrocities fit for a concentration camp, including being tied to the ground while a prostitute menstruated on him, his lawyer said yesterday.
Innocent witch verballed by federal fascists!
Shame on the federal fascists. The wicked old witch is dead! A Melbourne Magistrates Court has heard that a 31-year-old innocent Victorian man was facing terrorism charges?
Innocent Victorian man held in custody for Xmas?!
Lawyers have argued the case against Mr Thomas was weak and based on a statement he made in Pakistan without a lawyer present and therefore unlawful.
Innocent Melbourne man makes second bail bid
Rubish, just plain propaganda, fear-mongering, draconian nonsence from the HoWARd goverment's war agenda stink tank.
MPs to review spy agency powers
Australian spy agency ASIO'S controversial powers to detain and question suspected terrorists [scapegoats for HoWARd's resource wars] will be re-examined by a parliamentary committee. Parliament passed the new counter-terrorism powers in July last year.
Goulburn Jail breaches UN standards
NSW: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon has called on Justice Minister John Hatzistergos to bring Goulburn Jail's Maximum Security Wing into line with United Nations standards, after a prison inmate's covert survey of his fellow inmates revealed problems with rehabilitation programs and basic amenities.
Lodhi toilet paper: crap!
He is facing nine charges and is accused of planning a major terrorist attack on Sydney defence sites and the electricity grid using downloads off the internet and having 100 rolls of toilet paper to wipe his arse after low level bombs and farts.
Community seeks more power to interrogate ASIO suspects
Greens Senator Bob Brown does not think increased police powers are necessary. "We have enormous powers for surveillance, apprehension or punishment of people who are engaged in or intending to engage in or thinking about being engaged in terrorist acts in this country," he said.
Greens warn of 'politicised' terror trials
AUSTRALIA/CUBA?: The Australian Greens say they are concerned that new anti-terrorism laws being debated in the Senate allow for the "political black-banning" of defence lawyers at terrorism trials.
Melbourne man charged over ASIO links
ASIO a know Australian terrorist organization is verballing the community again...about allegations that a man, while living overseas, received funds from Al Qaeda and had close association with the members of the terrorist group.
A court has been told Joseph Thomas is a sleeper? ZZZ! Melbourne Australia: A court has been told that Osama bin Laden asked a Melbourne man to become a "sleeper" in Australia before undertaking activities for the Al Qaeda network? Munchkins: "Ding Dong! The Witch is dead. Which old Witch? The Wicked Witch! Ding Dong! The Wicked Witch is dead."
AFP: The unlikely CRIMINAL
It was born of a bombing and it made its name after a far more devastating act of terrorism. But for most of the 25 years in between, little was known about the Australian Federal Police force or the work it did.
Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes
Complaint to Australian law officers about Australian Federal Government complicity in war crimes.
There is no justification for torture
In the weeks since the abuses at Abu Ghraib prison were revealed, evidence continues to seep out of similar mistreatment of prisoners in other US military detention centers in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
Howard rejects spy agency overhaul
Prime Minister John Howard has played down the need for a major overhaul of Australia's spy agencies as a result of an inquiry by former intelligence officer Phillip Flood.
Mamdouh Habib: Taunted and Tortured!
Four Corners [Walls]: Terrorist - or Taunted by the Australian Defence Force who sacked him as a cleaning contractor? Who is Mamdouh Habib? And why was he harassed by the Australian Federal Police? Then tagged and labelled as a spy? Why was he vilified by the community? When he fled to Pakistan how did he end up being tortured in Egypt? And how did he end up at Guantanamo prison camp reserved for the men America calls "the worst of the worst.
He was an undercover agent for the blues
He was my journalist, he was working undercover. The fellow knew all of the moves.... He really had me romping, bare footing stomping. He just kept igniting my fuse....
Up there Khasali: Innocent man new bail laws
The New South Wales Supreme Court has asked innocent man Bilal Khazal to increase to amount of surety offered, before the bail is formally continued.
Young men terrorised, tortured, and threatened with charges for no crime by Australia mate the lucky country. Lucky if you're not used for Howard's FEDERAL ELECTION and George Dubya's WAR ON LIBERTY! Who shot liberty? IGNORANCE!
Ul-Haque 'the man who wants to become a doctor'
The taskforce is investigating French man Willie Brigitte, who was tipped back home for a visa breach. Allegedly the Un-Australian Newspaper claimed he also attended training camps before his six-month stay in Sydney. Police have not alleged Mr Ul-Haque knew Brigitte. The Un-Australian just mentioned it because they are 'you guessed it' up John Howard's butt and they like the USA want 'you guessed it' our Federal Government. Well Yankee go home!
Brain injury for suspicion 'inhumane'
Faheem Khalid Lodhi refused bail by a Sydney court and remanded until June in hell at the (HARM-U) High Risk Management Unit at Goulburn. While he is in there he will receive a brain injury and is likely to self-harm due to the gross violation of living standards.
Keelty foresees more terrorism
Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Mick Keelty says terrorist groups will continue to find new ways to threaten countries.
Daily Terror rolled-over for Howard's war games
The DAILY TERROR is suspected of being the source of the news this morning that Willie Brigitte is a terrorist and that Sydney faces a bomb attack.
Lawyer claims Al Qaeda suspect's evidence tainted!
Before returning to Australia last year, Thomas was arrested and held in custody for five months by Pakistani authorities before being released without charge.
Man terrorised by ASIO remanded in 'AA' isolation!
A Victorian man has been remanded in custody after being charged with terrorism offences, including having links to Al Qaeda?
Ruddock foreshadows new terrorism laws
The new laws will allow police to access emails and mobile phone SMS messages, enable wider use of surveillance devices, and protect sensitive national security information during terrorism trials.
Islamic movement denies links to Al Qaeda
The Islamic Youth Movement has denied having any links to Al Qaeda and says it is considering legal action against the Four Corners program. In a statement released early this morning, the group rejects allegations it is helping coordinate any kind of terrorist network inside Australia and says it is being unfairly targeted.
2nd Renaissance -10 The War on Witches [150]
In 1484, Pope Innocent VIII issued a Papal Bull that became the rationale for establishing the Inquisition in Germany. The following excerpt from the Bull sets out the official view of the danger of witches to the community. The Bull and this this passage provided the sole excuse for the torture and cruel executions that were, ultimately, to be the fate of up to fifty percent of the population of some villages.
Govt, police 'let off the hook' Haneef inquiry
11 years ago


text:
Executive Board Members & Supervisory Board.
Dr. Peter Stadelmann.
Chairman of the Executive Board (CEO) / Chief Financial Officer.
"Our employees are the most important key to the success of our customers. Our principle of "Entrepreneur in the Enterprise" enables and expects responsible and sustainable thinking and acting from every single individual. Our cooperation is based on partnership, reliability and mutual understanding."
Born in 1965, Dr. Peter Stadelmann is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RATIONAL AG.
Following his degree in economics, Dr. Stadelmann completed his post doc in business management. He then joined the Malik Management Centre in St. Gallen, Switzerland where he held various managerial positions over his 20 years at the organisation. Between 2006 and 2012, he held the position of CEO over the entire Malik corporate group.
Dr. Peter Stadelmann has been a member of the RATIONAL Executive Board since 2012. He was appointed to the position of CEO in January 2014.
Peter Wiedemann.
Chief Technical Officer.
"Our aim is that we develop our products and services together with our customers. Our customer-centric organisation forms the powerful basis for RATIONAL's unique innovative drive."
Born in 1959, Peter Wiedemann is the Chief Technical Officer and member of the Executive Board of RATIONAL AG.
After gaining his mechanical engineering degree in 1988 Peter Wiedemann launched his professional career by joining RATIONAL as an engineer in 1988. He was appointed as a product manager just two years later. He was then massively involved in setting up the US subsidiary and took over as Chief Technical Officer in January 1996. In September 1999, he was appointed this responsibility as a member of the Executive Board.
Markus Paschmann.
Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.
"There is hardly any other company that consistently puts the customer's needs first. This is why our products are not only customised to the individual user but also to the particular country".
Born in 1966, Markus Paschmann is the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer (CSO) and member of the Executive Board of RATIONAL AG.
After graduating in industrial engineering, Markus Paschmann launched his career at Siemens AG. He then joined the Harting Technologiegruppe to manage the Electronics Global Business Unit and was CEO. In 2006, he joined the Executive Board of Sick AG. Since December 2013, Mr. Markus Paschmann has been the Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at RATIONAL AG responsible for marketing and sales.
Members of the Supervisory Board:
- Walter Kurtz, Chairman of the Supervisory Board
- Dr. Hans Maerz, Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board
- Erich Baumgärtner, Member of the Supervisory Board
- Dr. Gerd Lintz, Member of the Supervisory Board
- Werner Schwind, Member of the Supervisory Board
- Dr.-Ing. Georg Sick, Member of the Supervisory Board
- Dr. Johannes Würbser, Member of the Supervisory Board
Find out more about RATIONAL:
We would be delighted to answer any questions about our products and RATIONAL.+44 1582 480388 Callback service Contact us
If you have any application questions, you can call upon the experience of our RATIONAL master chefs 365 days a year.
VarioCookingCenter®+44 7017 343287
SelfCookingCenter® and CombiMaster® Plus+44 7743 389863 Contact us
You will find your RATIONAL dealer in its vicinity when you either type in your postal code or your city.
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Are you Setting the Right Objectives for Sales Training?
Many Sales Executives are under the impression that they are not getting the results they have expected from sales training. This webinar will discuss how setting the right objectives for sales training is a corner stone to improve this situation.
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The Sales Experts Channel
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Steve Bistritz, The Selling to Senior Executives Expert
Why do executives test and screen professional salespeople? How can salespeople learn to circumvent that process and develop trusted advisor level relationships with those executives?
In this webinar, your sales teams will learn why executives screen and test salespeople and how they can prepare for those critical initial meetings with client executives.
The webinar is based on 10 years of empirical research with more than 500 global CXO-level executives that revealed why some salespeople gain trusted advisor status while others get the ejector seat.
In addition, we'll explore what senior executives told us about their relationships with professional salespeople, including how they should align with the relevant executive in the client organization to win those critical key deals.
Most importantly, you will learn the important steps your sales teams should take to become trusted advisors of C-Suite executives
You will learn how to:
1. Develop an understanding of the screening processes that executives use to test salespeople
2. Approach executives so as to circumvent the inevitable roadblocks, using proven techniques
3. Become perceived as a credible resource to executives, based on your understanding of their key business executives
4. Ultimately become perceived as a trusted advisor to senior executives in the client organization
Watch now
Top Tech and Technique to Sell More & Stress Less
Aug 27 2020
43 mins
Merit Kahn, The Sales Mindset Expert and Julie Holmes, Technology & Innovation Strategist
Which is worse... great sales technology with lousy technique or great sales technique without the power of technology? Answer... both will keep you playing small when it comes to big sales.
Imagine if you had a state-of-the-art automated email follow-up strategy but said "I'll be in your area... is Tuesday or Thursday better?" That old school sales tactic wouldn't work despite a great technology structure. And, if you knew exactly what to say to get more qualified referrals but didn't make use of the tech tools to track the results, you'd be missing out on easy business.
These days to be successful in sales takes tech and technique... think of this presentation as the peanut butter meets chocolate solution.
Enter Merit Kahn and Julie Holmes. Two sales experts from two different worlds. Merit has been working with sales professionals on technique since 1998 and Julie is like a human resource of sales tech tools. In their weekly podcast, The Smarter Sales Show, they share the tech and technique to sell more and stress less. This presentation wraps up season one and summarizes 12 weeks of their top tips!
You will Learn:
1. Tech and technique solutions to save time when prospecting
2. Tech and technique solutions to get more referral business
3. Tech and technique solutions to organize your sales process and deal flow
4. Merit & Julie's favorite tips from 11 Smarter Sales Show podcast episodes
Watch now
Your Blindspots Are Killing Your Coaching and Leadership
Aug 26 2020
46 mins
Mark Sellers, The Business Results Expert
If you're a sales leader, you need to know that your blindspots are killing your coaching and leadership.
Blindspots prevent you from connecting and inspiring people to be their best. Performance and
business results suffer. Learn how to spot and manage your blindspots to become a greater leader and coach.
You will learn:
1. what Blindspots are
2. why they're killing coaching and leadership
3. where Blindspots come from
Watch now
How To Maximize LinkedIn For Growth
Aug 26 2020
46 mins
Diane Helbig, The No Selling Sales Expert
LinkedIn is a key resource for lead generation, prospecting research, and content marketing. While it's not a great place for cold calling, it is valuable for relationship building. In this session we explore some of the mistakes small business owners and salespeople are making and the impact those mistakes are having on their growth. We also review effective tactics to connect with prospects and gain sales meetings.
You will learn:
1.How to maximize your profile for greater connections
2.How to use content effectively
3.How to do prospecting research and outreach
4.Little known ways to find opportunities and engage with your connections
5.Connection best practices
Watch now
Demos that Don't Suck!
Aug 26 2020
26 mins
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert and Peter Cohan
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert on the Sales Experts Channel, will talk with Peter Cohan about best practices for doing a demo that doesn't suck (and for the record, most demos suck)!
You will learn:
• 5 Key Indicators of Successful Demos according to a recent study by GONG.io
• The #1 leading indicator of successful demo is pre-demo discovery (duh!)
• The #2 leading indicator is a "crisp review" of the customers situation
• Indicators 3 through 5 will be reviewed in the webinar!
Watch now
Improve Your Win Rates: Closing Approaches for Professional Services
Aug 24 2020
43 mins
Amy Franko, The Strategic Sales Expert
Developing your skills with closing keeps opportunities from getting stuck in your pipeline, and it maximizes your efforts for long-term client growth. Sellers and business developers often treat closing as a linear action, and it only becomes part of the strategy after a big RFP presentation has taken place, or the proposal is presented.
Closing business isn't a final step in the sales process. In many ways it's the start. The start of the client experience. The start of long-term value being created together.
In this talk, Amy Franko will offer fresh ideas on your mindset and approaches with closing business. She'll share strategies that have helped her to earn new business, and translate those wins into long-term clients.
You will learn:
1. A fresh way to think about your approach to closing business
2. How to strategize throughout your sales process
3. Practical ways to improve your win rates and build long-term clients
Watch now
How to Attract, Recruit & Hire Stellar Sales Teams
Aug 20 2020
40 mins
Carole Mahoney, The Sales Coach Expert
Is hiring stellar salespeople crucial to your bounce back from the pandemic? Have you made sales hires in the past that didn't work out? Does the cost of a failed sales hire have you wondering how to increase the likelihood of success?
In this 45 minutes webinar, we will dive deep into how you can increase the likelihood of a successful sales hire by over 90% by learning:
How to create an ideal seller profile
Best practices to attract your best fit seller in ads and recruiting
How to dissect resumes and conduct interviews.
Watch now
Verbal Branding and Simplicity Modelling for differentiation
Aug 19 2020
30 mins
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert and Stephen Melanson
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert on the Sales Experts Channel, will talk with Stephen Melanson, Speaker/Consultant at Melanson Consulting.
You will Learn:
1. How and why to simplify your message
2. What is "verbal branding" and how can you use this approach to make your presentations more memorable
3. Why to target memory vs. just saying things well or communicating well.
Watch now
Digital Selling – The Future Promise of Artificial Intelligence
Aug 12 2020
21 mins
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert and Jamie Shanks
Chad Burmeister, the AI for Sales Expert on the Sales Experts Channel, will talk with Jamie Shanks, Founder of Sales for Life, about the future of AI in Digital Sales.
You will Learn:
1. How Jamie has thrived, after going through serious adversity early in his company lifecycle
2. Jamie's perspectives of where Digital Selling is going, and how AI plays a major role
3. What are the keys to focus on the rest of 2020
Watch now
Win More Sales by Selling to the Customer Buying Journey
Aug 11 2020
49 mins
Mark Sellers, The Business Results Expert
Selling is hard enough – don't make it harder by ignoring your customer's buying journey. Sales strategies that take into consideration how customers go through their buying journey will lead to winning more sales.
Join Mark Sellers as he shares proven strategies used by his clients for over 20 years that have helped them win more sales by aligning strategies to how customers buy. If you master these strategies you too will win more sales.
You will learn:
1. You will learn the 3 critical stages of the customer's buying journey and the critical selling activities you should do at each stage
2.You will learn The questions to ask to know if the customer has passed the pivotal stage in the buying journey
3.You will learn the big mistakes to avoid when selling to the customer buying journey
Watch now
3 Strategies to Land 5X Deals
Aug 11 2020
34 mins
Lisa Magnuson, The Landing 7-Figure Deals Expert
You will learn:
•The 3 strategies required to land 5X deals
•Why the 5+ relationship plan is at the heart of winning big contracts
•What are the essential elements of the 5+ account strategy sessions?
•About the 5+ month sales roadmap: what to do and when
Target audience:
•B2B Sales leaders: managers, directors, sales VP's
•Account team members: enterprise account executives/account managers who are typically involved with large, complex RFP's
•RFP support team members
•Internal partners: Marketing, technical experts, SME's, executive team members and others who add value to large opportunity RFP's
Watch now
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Title: Are you Setting the Right Objectives for Sales Training?
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47 mins


text:
Winery Insurance
Winery Insurance
Your winery is unique because of the product and service you deliver . . . each and every day. It's the same for us. We must provide the best coverage, at the best rates and – at the same time understand your business and respond to your needs.
WE'VE BEEN AROUND YOUR MARKET: As an independent insurance company, we've been around for over 75 years. We have over 30 years of experience working with wineries and we have access to many qualified insurance carriers who can offer you the best prices and the best coverage for your type of contracting operation.
DISCOUNTS, DISCOUNTS: Of course there are discounts available to wineries. If you're not getting all your entitled discounts within your present policy, you should be. Talk to us.
OPTIONS and MORE OPTIONS: We have plenty of options available to suit your particular situation and operation. We can provide at least 4 competitive bids from major insurance companies. Let us shop around so you can compare. Talk to us.
A WINERY INSURANCE ASSESSMENT TOOL: We know that your time is extremely valuable so we have developed an ultra-efficient and simple assessment tool to collect the facts we need for a quote. We call it an assessment checklist but it's also a best practices tool and we use it with insurance companies to get you the very best rates possible. We'll give you a copy.
You can call me at (503) 357-7111, x-7716
Send me an e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Get a quote online by clicking here and I will get back to you right away.


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Planning the perfect vacation is something that crosses your mind while you work, and the last thing you picture in your perfect vacation is rain. But, it's nice to know that your vacation is "insured" and you can get your money back if some clouds decide to "shower" you with love. I wish you all a lot of sun on your next big trip!
If It's Not Sunny In Philadelphia, It's Free!
Looking to book a trip through Priceline? Do it now, and you can be eligible for their Sunshine Guaranteed offer . Here are the details on this "rain or shine" promotion:
What's it good for? By booking your summer vacation package (for departure between July 1st, 2008 and September 7th, 2008) now, you can get in on this deal! Get your trip to over 100 vacation destinations finalized before July 17th, and be sure that it is between 3-8 days long (travel dates included.) You must also be sure to book at least 12 days in advance.
What's the Guarantee? If it rains more than ½ inch total accumulation on each of at least half the days of your vacation, your trip is free! So if you are vacationing for 3 days, you must have rainfall on 2 days. If you are traveling for 8 days, it must rain on 4. (Get it?) Your cost of airfare, hotel stay, rental car, attractions booked through Priceline, and all taxes and fees are included in the refund.
Who keeps track of the weather? Priceline, of course. And while you can use your own rain gauge or a trusty meteorologist to keep score, Priceline will keep tabs on the rainfall (provided by the National Weather Service) for your destination. Rainfall will be updated periodically via a special link, and if the moisture measures up, your refund will be automatically sent to you.
Is Seattle included? Were you going anyway? I wouldn't make a special trip in hopes of getting something for free (it's been a wacky year, after all.) But if you're headed somewhere special and can't decide on an online booking provider, this may be the way to go. Getting rained out is no fun, but even a week stuck in a hotel can be relaxing if it's free!
For a complete list of destinations (which include Seattle, Key West, Toronto, and Philadelphia – plus too many to mention), visit Priceline's guarantee page. (And try not to be too disturbed by Shatner's karate chop.)
Like this article? Pin it!
Disclaimer: The links and mentions on this site may be affiliate links. But they do not affect the actual opinions and recommendations of the authors.
Wise Bread is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Mouse Print already blogged about it last Monday: http://www.mouseprint.org/?p=457 Their conclusion: don't count on a free trip.
Mouse Print and GTwise pretty much confirmed my sentiment that this is not something you would gamble on if you weren't already traveling anyway. My point was to give you an option if you were faced with making the decision of which of the many online travel bookies to go with. My last travel purchase was basically the same price at Priceline, expedia, travelocity, etc. etc... this guarantee, however, would be enough to turn the tables on an already very level playing field. My job is simply to report the details and give vacationers another interesting option in the world of online price guarantees.
If you're just looking to get a free trip, consider visiting a timeshare pitch.
seattle gets less annual rainfall than most major cities in the US. i don't live there, but it bothers me that the good people of the pacific northwest get a lot of crap for supposedly having so much rain
I could understand you being bothered, but when I've been there, it always WAS raining. Of course, this is ideal for me, because Nebraska seems dry much of the time, and I love a good rain!
Also, I think that the "rainy" reputation of Seattle is brought about by the type of precipitation. It drizzles much of the time, over an extended period, although the accumulation is less than other cities (New York). I bet if all the rain fell at one time, it wouldn't be as noticeable.
Thanks for the comments!
Oh, c'mon. Don't you remember a couple winters ago when it rained for 90 days straight? It's rainy here. Love it, live with it, embrace it.


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JaVale McGee belives his triple-double is 'totally different' than Ricky Davis'
"I got a triple-double," McGee said. "Who can say they got a triple-double? I'm not really worried about it."
McGee said, if anything, he was upset that some tried to discredit his accomplishment by comparing it to other failed triple-double quests — such as the one eight years ago by Ricky Davis, who was a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers when he attempted to rebound his own miss on his basket in order to get a triple-double in a win against Utah. Davis finished with 26 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It wasn't as bad as Andray Blatche or Ricky Davis. It was close, however.
This week, JaVale McGee got a triple-double. Sadly, the young post showed too much emotion when he achieved his statistical feat, especially since his Washington Wizards were getting blown out by the Chicago Bulls.
Clearly, there's a problem with the working environment of the Wizards. Their young building blocks like Blatche and McGee seem overly concerned with 'getting there's'.
They seem to be suffering from what Pat Riley calls me-disease, spending too much time on individual goals like minutes, points, blocks and rebounds.
While winning, the only number that should matter in basketball, is an afterthought.
Worst of all, McGee is defiant. He doesn't see the error of his ways. And he won't admit to getting carried away or lost in the moment.
With players like Blatche and McGee, the Wizards will be hard pressed to turn things around.
–Oly Sandor.
Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.


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Brazil nightclub fire prompts regional reaction
Brazilian authorities inspected and shuttered night spots around the country on Thursday as part of a crackdown on unsafe public spaces after a deadly nightclub fire left 235 people dead and shocked the nation. Officials in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Mexico followed Brazil's example and tightened scrutiny on their own nightclubs.
The action comes just a week before Carnival celebrations get under way across Brazil and much of Latin America, with revelers set to pack streets and popular venues.
Inspectors in the Amazon city of Manaus have ordered the temporary closure of some 58 bars, nightclubs and other public buildings, the city's Em Tempo newspaper reported. Owners of the affected night spots staged a protest Thursday outside City Hall to denounce what they said were arbitrary closures, the newspaper said.
It added that fire code irregularities have been found even inside Manaus City Hall, including faulty emergency lighting and nonfunctional fire extinguishers.
In Rio de Janeiro, officials said they were studying the possible closure of some of the dozens of cultural centers operated by state and local governments, including theaters, libraries and museums said to hold expired licenses. Nine out of 10 municipal theaters in Rio have expired fire inspection certificates, the O Globo daily reported on Thursday. It also said two nightclubs in the Rio neighborhood of Barra de Tijuca have been closed.
The legal status of the Kiss nightclub in the southern Brazilian city of Santa Maria has come under intense scrutiny since Sunday's blaze, with firefighters and top officials insisting they had carried out inspections in accordance with the law. But the police inspector leading the investigation into the tragedy has said the club was so blatantly hazardous that "any child" could have seen it should not have been operating.
Police have said the blaze likely started when a band performing at the club lit a flare, which ignited flammable soundproofing foam on the ceiling. That initial error was compounded by the near-total lack of emergency infrastructure such as a fire alarms or sprinkler systems, police have said. The club also had only one working door and a faulty fire extinguisher.
The tragedy prompted action in several Latin American countries.
Mexico City's government launched a round of detailed inspections of bars and nightclubs, with plans to visit some 4,000 locations over the next four months to check smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and other safety requirements, said Macarena Quiroz Arroyo, a spokeswoman for the Department of Civil Protection. She said the city regularly inspects entertainment venues but will carry out more minute evaluations than in the past.
"What happened in Brazil is a warning for the whole world," Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera told reporters this week. "In Mexico City, with its nightlife and many places where large crowds gather, it's essential that we get to work in order to be sure" that conditions are safe.
The city is also letting businesses voluntarily request inspections to make sure all necessary safety measures are in place, rather than being subject to spot inspections based on complaints to authorities. Businesses will have 30 days to fix any problems, rather than being subject to immediate closure as frequently happens under spot checks.
Civil Protection officials in the Pacific resort of Acapulco on Thursday were about halfway through an inspection of the 90 or so biggest bars and clubs along its famous beach and high-end Diamond Zone neighborhood ahead of a holiday long weekend expected to bring thousands of vacationers, department head Efrain Valdez Ramirez said.
He said inspectors had so far found only minor violations. Similar inspections were taking place across Mexico, including in the state of Tamaulipas on the Texas border, local media reported.
Venezuela's government announced new inspections of nightclubs and other venues and outlawed fireworks at public events held indoors. Interior Minister Nestor Reverol said on television that after the Brazil tragedy, the government wanted to take "all preventive measures to keep that from happening in the country."
For its part, Nicaragua was banning the use of fireworks or other incendiary devices in nightclubs and other enclosed spaces, police spokesman Francisco Diaz said Wednesday.
Brazilian authorities have detained the co-owners of the Kiss nightclub and two members of the band performing when the fire started.
Jader Marques, an attorney representing one of the co-owners, insisted his "client's responsibility is having trusted too much in the inspectors and in those responsible for the construction."
"Hindsight is 20-20," he said, emphasizing that public officials had signed off on the club.
Marques denied reports that overcrowding helped compound Sunday's tragedy, insisting there were only 600 to 700 people in the club at any one time/ The band's guitarist told media that the space was packed with an estimated 1,200 to 1,300 people, and police have given the same estimate. Capacity for the 615-square-meter (6,650-square-foot) nightspot stood at less than 700.
Marques insisted that any higher tallies of people at the club that night were due to club-goers cycling in and out.
Since the tragedy, victim families and local townspeople have repeatedly called for those responsible to be punished. On Wednesday, a young tagger sprayed oversized white graffiti reading "justice for all" on the facade of the club as onlookers cheered and police watched from below, Brazilian media reported. He then escaped over neighboring roofs, the reports said.
More than 100 people remain hospitalized, dozens of them in critical condition.


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Jason Momoa, one of the tallest cast members, if not the tallest, of the Game of Thrones showed up with his girlfriend Lisa Bonet at a fundraiser in Venice, CA a few days ago. The shortest member of the Game of Thrones cast spent the Memorial Day weekend in New York with his girlfriend and his dog. Here's Peter Dinklage with a bandana holding back his hair in Manhattan yesterday.
Dinklage and Momoa, while holding the two extreme height positions on the show, also do the same where dialogue is concerned. Tyrion by his own revelation is erudite and articulate, a sharp mind to make up for his lack of stature, physical that is. Meanwhile, Khal Drogo doesn't do much more than grunt on the show, although this week he had a big speech that… well… I thought it was a little overacted. Still, it's HOT the way he feels about his wife. Like a perv, I wish they would have sex more. But there are so many goddamn characters on this show, and so much to keep track of, getting down with the khaleesi might be 45 seconds that would be better served elsewhere.
Unfortunately, at least this week, Tyrion didn't get any of that. They were too busy blowing sh-t up at King's Landing with all the politicking and intrigue. I've not read the books but I'm worried for Ned Stark. You don't live long by honour in these parts, especially not when you're surrounded by manipulative bitches and two faced whores. Oh hi Hollywood! No wonder I love this show. Littlefinger is currently my favourite character.
Have you ever, ever hated a face on first sight the way you hate Joffrey? Imagine being that kid's mother. Oh hi, we'd like to cast your son to play the role of incest prince with sociopathic leanings. We think he looks perfect for the part.
Because he does.
I want a direwolf.
I would totally liveblog or tweet during Game of Thrones but I'm too busy taking notes and trying to keep up.
Are you watching?
You really should be watching.
Also attached – Jason Momoa is the new Conan the Barbarian. In theatres in August. You probably won't have to think much during this one. Ever since the Daily Show called it "Bonin' the Barbarian" when referencing Arnold Schwarzenegger's housekeeper scandal though, I can't think of the title and not laugh.
Photos from Wenn.com and Jose Perez/Splashnewsonline.com


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Sunday marks one of the greatest annual sports events: the Puppy Bowl!
In its ninth year, Animal Planet's Puppy Bowl features about 10 dogs on the field at a time as they sniff, play, and let's be honest, pee, with the ultimate goal of carrying the football into the end zone.
"It looks deceptively simple, but there's a huge production team behind it," executive producer Melinda Toporoff told TVGuide.com. "We have almost 72 hours of footage to go through and cull it down to almost two hours. We craft a story around the players that seem to, whether they realize it or not, make a touchdown or if they seem active or are crazy cute. There are about 60 puppies that participate in four different batches."
Check out celebs with their pets
Some of this year's new twists include slow-motion replays with the "Cute Cam," more snout-to-lens shots and the puppy hot tub, where puppy players can cool down after tearing up the field. Fan favorites, like the Water Bowl Cam, tailgating fans and the hamster-steered blimp, will also return, along with the Bissel Kitten Halftime Show.
Watch our behind-the-scenes video for more puppy cuteness!
Puppy Bowl airs on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET on Animal Planet.