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Q: When was the Interagency Trade Enforcement Center (ITEC) established?
A: On February 28, 2012, the President signed Executive Order 13601 establishing ITEC to enhance enforcement of U.S. trade rights and domestic trade laws.
Q: What is ITEC's mission?
A: ITEC is charged with fighting for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses by bringing a more aggressive "whole-of-government" approach to addressing unfair trade practices around the world. ITEC will be supported by the Departments of Agriculture, Homeland Security, Justice, State, and the Treasury, as well as the intelligence community. The personnel from these agencies will enhance U.S. trade enforcement capabilities and facilitate increased engagement with foreign trade partners at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and elsewhere through the creation of an expanded team of language-proficient researchers, subject matter experts, and economic analysts. ITEC is designed to help leverage and mobilize resources and expertise across the federal government to develop trade enforcement actions that will address unfair foreign trade practices and barriers that could otherwise imperil our nation's export promotion and job recovery efforts.
Q: How is ITEC different from existing trade enforcement programs?
A: ITEC is unique in that it constitutes a more dedicated "whole-of-government" approach to addressing unfair trade practices and trade barriers. This new approach will provide a primary forum within the federal government to bring together experts from executive departments and agencies to coordinate trade enforcement. ITEC will permit a sustained focus on particular issues not possible previously.
Q: Doesn't the U.S. government already have the capacity to address unfair trade practices and trade barriers?
A: A priority of the Administration is to better leverage the government's trade enforcement activities by focusing its existing resources to address unfair trade practices and foreign trade barriers more effectively. ITEC will link, leverage and align both existing and new resources more efficiently across the executive branch and with stakeholders. The key here is efficiency. ITEC's goal is to build upon existing capacity to give U.S. companies, workers and producers every chance to compete on a level playing field in today's global marketplace.
Q: How many people will be working at ITEC at any given time?
A: By October 2012, ITEC had more than a dozen full-time and part-time staff and that number should increase substantially by the end of FY13. These figures are subject to change as issues, priorities and available funding change.
Q: How do you determine the issues for priority attention and action?
A: The Director and Deputy Director, along with the various offices within USTR, and in cooperation with other agencies will examine various trade issues and will establish priority projects for investigation. As is currently the case, a variety of factors will be taken into account in setting those priorities, including economic impact of the issue, systemic impact of resolution on international trading practices, ability to document and demonstrate the problem, available resources, and broad trade goals.
Q: Is ITEC's purpose to bring more trade remedies and WTO cases against Chinese products?
A: ITEC's purpose is to help ensure that all of our trading partners play by WTO rules and abide by their obligations, including commitments to maintain open markets on a non-discriminatory basis, and to follow rules-based procedures in a transparent way.
Q: What countries will ITEC be working on?
A: ITEC will be addressing trade enforcement issues originating in a variety of regions across the globe. It is USTR policy not to discuss publicly cases that it is developing to avoid giving advance notice to governments overseas.
Q: What will the role of ITEC be in administering domestic trade laws?
A: The Department of Commerce has statutory responsibility for administration of the antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) laws and will continue to administer them. The International Trade Commission (ITC) will continue to make injury determinations with regard to all AD/CVD investigations and sunset reviews. ITEC was not intended to duplicate the efforts that are assigned by statute to particular agencies. ITEC will be looking for areas where it can add value to the work already being done.
Q: What will the role of ITEC be in dealing with circumvention of antidumping and countervailing duty orders?
A: Import Administration's Customs Unit and U.S. Customs and Border Protection will continue to take the lead on issues related to circumvention of antidumping and countervailing duty orders. Deliberate evasion of AD/CVD duties by providing false information in a customs declaration constitutes customs fraud, and is a breach of U.S. law, punishable by fine or imprisonment. In addition, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (NIPRCC) plans to step up enforcement of commercial fraud laws related to evasion of antidumping and countervailing duties.
Q: Will ITEC be involved in "self-initiation" of antidumping or countervailing duty cases?
A: Antidumping and countervailing duty investigations may be initiated as the result of a petition filed by a domestic interested party or at the Secretary of Commerce's own initiative. Self-initiation of such investigations has been a very rare occurrence. However, should the Secretary of Commerce request ITEC assistance in such a self-initiation, ITEC will provide support as appropriate.
Q: How will ITEC engage with the NIPRCC and the Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator (IPEC)?
A: The NIPRCC's focus is on the law enforcement response to IPR theft, primarily coordinating investigation and prosecution of IPR infringers under the criminal laws of the United States. The NIPRCC also is a key participant in international cooperation on criminal enforcement activities involving various other partner governments and international police organizations such as Interpol and Europol. ITEC's focus is enforcement of U.S. rights under trade agreements across a wide set of issues – including intellectual property. ITEC has and will continue to coordinate with the NIPRCC and the IPEC.
Q: Will ITEC serve a rapid response function, including with respect to identifying subsidies in overseas markets?
A: ITEC will be focusing on enforcement of U.S. rights under trade agreements which require some time to investigate, develop, and coordinate. However, to the extent ITEC becomes aware of issues requiring a rapid response through its monitoring or outreach functions, it will bring such issues to the attention of that part of USTR or another agency best positioned to take more immediate action.
Q: How will ITEC help small and medium-sized enterprises? What is the difference between what ITEC does and what the Trade Compliance Center at the Department of Commerce does?
A: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to continue to report their specific market access problems to the Trade Compliance Center (TCC) at the Department of Commerce. If the TCC is unable to resolve an issue, especially when it has noted a trend, the TCC will report the problem to ITEC. By leveraging the expertise of the TCC, ITEC will have a head start on dealing with trade issues that are affecting SMEs. Small and medium-sized enterprises may also work through their associations to bring industry-wide problems to the attention of ITEC.
Q: How will ITEC interact with other parts of USTR that may already be engaged in working on an issue of concern to certain companies or industries?
A: ITEC is in close contact with the various offices within USTR. USTR sector experts and negotiators are aware of ITEC activities and vice versa to ensure full coordination. Parties which have been working closely with USTR offices on issues of concern should continue to do so.
Q: What role will ITEC play in section 301 cases?
A: Interested persons may file petitions with USTR under section 301 of the Trade Act. Depending on the nature of the petition, ITEC may be involved in doing additional research during the 301 investigation phase. It is important to note that, although USTR can initiate a section 301 investigation itself, USTR does not need to do so in order to initiate WTO dispute settlement action. With regard to the majority of WTO dispute settlement actions, we anticipate that ITEC will be doing some of the same types of research that outside parties would typically do themselves in order to file a 301 petition.
Q: What role will ITEC play in section 201 cases?
A: Section 201 investigations will continue to be carried out by the International Trade Commission, which has statutory responsibility for implementing this section of U.S. trade law. Although it is a historically rare occurrence, the President or USTR can request the ITC to conduct a section 201 investigation. ITEC may have a role in providing information that can be used to inform the decision as to whether the President or USTR should make such a request.
Q: Will ITEC monitor the new free trade agreements to ensure that trading partners are not erecting new non-tariff barriers that would limit the benefits U.S. companies are supposed to gain from the agreements?
A: While ITEC will monitor certain issues, it does not have the staff to monitor every aspect of every FTA. ITEC continues to work with other offices within USTR to ensure compliance with FTAs and will continue to request that industry and companies bring problems to ITEC's attention.


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Padres announce 2014 Opening Night roster
SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Padres today announced a number of roster moves, finalizing their Opening Night roster. The club today selected infielder/outfielder Xavier Nady, placed right-handed pitchers Casey Kelly, Josh Johnson and Joe Wieland and outfielders Cameron Maybin and Carlos Quentin on the 15-day disabled list and optioned infielder/outfielder Kyle Blanks to Triple-A El Paso. Executive Vice President/General Manager Josh Byrnes made the announcements.
Quentin has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 25th, with a bone bruise in his left knee, Johnson with a right forearm strain and Maybin with a ruptured left biceps tendon. Kelly has been placed on the 15-day disabled list while recovering from Tommy John surgery performed on his right elbow in April 2013 while Wieland has been placed on the disabled list recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow performed on March 25, 2014. Luebke was placed on the 60-day disabled list on March 7, 2014 while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow.
With today's announcements, the Padres have set their Opening Night 25-man roster. The roster features nine right-handed pitchers, three left-handed pitchers, three catchers, five infielders and five outfielders. Six players are making their first appearance on a Major League team's Opening Night roster, including Robbie Erlin, Tommy Medica, Rene Rivera, Donn Roach, Alex Torres and Nick Vincent.

subset: commoncrawl


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Driving a Maserati presents two thrilling possibilities. First, there's seemingly endless dynamic power to explore, on and off the road. Second, Maserati performance offers you a uniquely accessible opportunity to develop as a driver, regardless of ability or experience.
Which is why we created the Master Maserati driving courses. These allow you to celebrate this potential in every Maserati vehicle. You can even drive the GranTurismo GT4 racing car and experience hot laps next to Andrea Bertolini, three-time GT1 world champion.
You also benefit from on-board, one-to-one encouragement and coaching from international championship-winning instructors. These really are opportunities without equal anywhere else in the world.
The environment itself has its own unique appeal. Our track is nestled deep in the tranquil Italian countryside, a short drive from Parma. And even amid of the rumble and roar of Maserati engines, the atmosphere is always relaxed and friendly.
We look forward to seeing you at the track – and welcoming you to the Maserati family.
Words are rarely enough to describe certain special experiences. Like a heart-pounding hot lap with a world champion at the wheel. Or taking your own place in the stripped-down, race-ready cockpit of the GranTurismo GT4 before pushing its limits on the track. Turn words into action for someone special – and make a gift of an unforgettable Master Maserati driving course.
Nothing bonds a team or rewards the talent in your business quite like the unbridled fun and excitement of a tailor-made Master Maserati driving course. The experience is also perfect for treating VIP clients. Whether taking on high-speed track challenges or developing all-terrain skills, the learning curves are steep but accessible and inspiring – all supported by first-class hospitality in the heart of beautiful Emilia-Romagna.


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With all of the recent talk about celebrities and bottled water, perhaps it comes as no surprise that teen heartthrob, Justin Bieber, has been frequently seen drinking Vitamin Water, which is rumored to be his favorite drink. Perhaps he will soon join the ranks of other celebrities featured in bottled water ads. Last year, during one of his concerts, one fan made it very clear to him how she feels about this possibility:
Bieber retains his composure in spite of being hit in the head with a full bottle of water. Still, the message is clear – this is what happens to celebrities who endorse bottled water. Bieber and Ellen fans – join us in our efforts to stop the madness! Let's put an end to the devastation of our planet by harmful plastic waste!.


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Personalized Rubber Stamps for Wedding Invitations
"This was a house warming gift for my sister. She loved it. The service was quick!"
"I love my amperstand stamp. I plan on using it for Chistmas cards. I received it so quickly. No procrasting now..."
"It far exceeded my expectations and MY HUSBAND LOVED IT. Need I say more?"
Save time during your busy day while getting creative with custom self-inking rubber stamps. Sending out numerous invitations, announcements or documents in the mail can take time, especially when you have to stamp each one of them. Whether you are planning to mail birth announcements, wedding invitations, holiday greetings or professional documents, an easier (not to mention more professional-looking and elegant) way to send your correspondence is with a custom self-inking stamp—a unique finishing touch that is sure to push the envelope.
Creating the Stamp
Shutterfly makes it easier than ever to create stationery that is truly you. From the card to the envelope, to custom mailing address labels and now rubber self-inking stamps, Shutterfly takes the cake when it comes to personalized stationery. It's easier than ever to upload your favorite memories and photographs for holiday greetings, wedding and birth announcements, moving notices, and birthday cards, to create greetings that are one-of-a-kind. Use the templates to select fonts, colors and messages for your stamp and you'll be set to finish each card, letter or greeting with your unique personalized touch.
Uses for a Personalized Stamp
Stamps make excellent gifts for just about everyone… especially for the favorite educator in your life (they work even better when paired with a special thank you card for teachers). You can use your own stamp to make tags for your belongings, or things you want to sell in a store or even at a yard sale. A stamp can encourage your little ones to utilize best practices, such as sending thank you cards and other mail to friends, relatives and loved ones. A self-inking stamp with your address can help you make tags for both your and your kids' belongings. Between school, sports and friends, it is easy to get personal items mixed up. Help keep your child's backpack or lunchbox separated from the rest with a custom tag (just in case it gets lost or misplaced).
Shutterfly makes it easier than ever to translate your unique style, memories and pictures into stylish stationery, decorations and gifts. A personalized self-inking rubber stamp will keep you organized and help you mail your letters in style.


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Professor Lebbeus Woods | 05.31.1940 - 10.30.2012
POSTED ON: November 7, 2012
The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture and The Cooper Union mourn the loss of a great teacher, a great and ethical artist, a visionary architect and dear friend to The Cooper Union across four decades. Professor Lebbeus Woods, who passed away on 30 October, was someone who explored architecture to the very limits of its being, and whose ethical compass and staunch resistance to the consumerist spectacle was an inspiration and guide to us all. His loss to the school, as well as the profession of architecture, is irreplaceable.
Professor Woods believed passionately in the power of architecture to reflect as well as transform; to provoke and disrupt as well as make community. Through an extraordinary corpus of exquisitely crafted drawings, three-dimensional installations, including his path-breaking exhibition at the School of Architecture in 2002 titled "The Storm," and over the last four years, through a supremely intelligent blog, Lebbeus constructed buildings, places, worlds, even galaxies of singular vision and reflection that have had a tremendous impact on the study and practice of architecture.
At the School of Architecture, Professor Woods will be most remembered as a patient and inspiring teacher who loved the school and his students. He challenged students to join him in questioning the conventions of architecture through studio projects such as "Airborne Laboratory for Living," (1987), "Einstein's House"(1989), "Cities of Night" (2000), "The Proto-Urban Campus: Columbia University Campus Extension" (2008), "Cube, Cylinder, Pyramid, Cone" (2009, 2010), and "Four Ideal Houses" (2011, 2012). In addition, seminars addressed "Radical Space" (2006), "Knots" (2010) and "Blogging Architecture" (2011). Studio critiques were exploratory conversations that engaged students across years and fellow faculty alike. He spoke with joy and genuine excitement about how much he continued to learn from his students; how he admired their spirit and was inspired by their passion and idealism.
Professor Woods held his midterm reviews for his Architectonics studio at the School on the Thursday before the Storm. He was characteristically engaging, probing, generous, and kind. He will be long remembered and forever missed by us all.
Jamshed Bharucha, President Anthony Vidler, Dean Elizabeth O'Donnell, Associate Dean
Please view the following links to read more responses to and thoughts on the passing of Lebbeus Woods:
"Lebbeus Woods Leaves a Legacy of Thought Archived Online," Architects' Newspaper
"Wolf D. Prix on Lebbeus Woods," archdaily.com
"Lebbeus Woods, Architect Who Bucked Convention, Dies at 72," New York Times
"Lebbeus Woods: 1940-2012," Architectural Record
"Lebbeus Woods, radical architect, dies at 72," Los Angeles Times
"Why the Unbuilt Visions of Architect Lebbeus Woods Matter," ArtInfo
"Object of the Day: Centricity Series," The Cooper Hewitt
"Remembering Radical, Theoretical Architect Lebbeus Woods," Hyperallergic
"Sir Peter Cook remembers the visionary life of architecture's maverick." The Architect's Newspaper


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Sigma Theta Tau International Mission
The mission of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International (STTI) is to support the learning, knowledge, and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide. To learn more, please visit our chapter site.
Society Vision
Our vision is to create a global community of nurses who lead in using knowledge, scholarship, service and learning to improve the health of the world's people. Read more about STTI.
Chapter Region
The honor society's chapters are separated into 6 global regions. The North American region is further divided into 15 geographic regions. To learn more about the organization's regions, visit the STTI web site.
Headquarters Information
Chapter-specific questions should be directed to the chapter's contact person listed in the chapter directory. If you have questions about your membership, renewals or benefits, please contact STTI headquarters.
Honor Society of Nursing
Sigma Theta Tau International
550 W. North Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
888.634.7575 (US/Canada toll-free)
+1.317.634.8171 (International)
As always, please make sure to keep your contact information current on the Sigma
Theta Tau International website, www.nursingsociety.org. Emails are the quickest and easiest way to communicate with our members,
so please make sure we have a current email address for you!